Gallup: Americans Are Pro-Nuclear Power

According to a recent Gallup poll, a record share of American adults now supports the installation of nuclear power plants. A whopping 62% of respondents stated that they support more nuclear power, with a record 28% saying they “strongly favor” the technology.

The poll was conducted March 4 -7 following President Obama’s announcement of federal loan guarantees for nuclear power. Among those who listed a party preference, 74% of Republicans and 51% of Democrats support more nuclear power.

PACE has continually argued that the installation of more nuclear power makes a lot of sense for America’s energy future. Nuclear power offers a way to reduce carbon emissions while maintaining baseload power 24/7 at a predictable cost–especially in regions as the Southeast, where renewable energy sources like solar and wind are not expected to make a large contribution to the electricity supply. We can also have great confidence that the technology will work safely and as expected, since more than 100 nuclear reactors are working smoothly today in the United States.

Environmental activists such as Dr. Patrick Moore, co-founder of Greenpeace, have spoken out fervently on the benefits of nuclear power. At a May 20th, 2009, conference held by PACE, Moore explained to the audience why nuclear, along with clean coal and gas, should be a centerpiece of America’s energy future. Thankfully, according to this latest poll, the American public is starting to recognize that truth, as well.