Americans Fear Nuclear Power Plants

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Among the most complete studies of what Americans think about climate change and solutions is the Associated Press and The Energy Policy Institute released a study titled “2024 AP-NORC/EPIC Energy Survey.” The poll covered 6,265 people over 18 between March 26 and April 10.

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Among the top-line results is that 78% of people think climate change is happening. Fifty-four percent believe that climate change is entirely or partly caused by human activity.

In the section on renewable energy, the question was asked, “Would you support, oppose, or neither support nor oppose each of these being built in your community?” Sixty-four percent said they would strongly or somewhat support fields of solar panels. Sixty percent said they would strongly or somewhat support wind turbines. Only 33% said they strongly or somewhat support a nuclear power plant. Thirty-four percent said they would strongly or somewhat oppose one.

Since new, safer, and smaller reactors than those used in the past are among the most powerful forms of alternative energy, the answer must be a disappointment for those who want to replace fossil fuel-based energy sources.

Fear Of Nuclear Power

Americans remain haunted by Three Mile Island. The incident caused a partial meltdown of a facility in Pennsylvania, and radioactive gases and radioactive iodine were released into the air.

Old reactors like the one at Three Mile Island can be replaced by what are known as Advanced Small Modular Reactors. According to The Department of Energy, “Advanced SMRs offer many advantages, such as relatively small physical footprints, reduced capital investment, ability to be sited in locations not possible for larger nuclear plants, and provisions for incremental power additions. SMRs also offer distinct safeguards, security and nonproliferation advantages.”

No matter how bad the climate crisis becomes, nuclear reactors are not likely to be a solution in the US.