What Americans Think About Nuclear Power
14 hours ago
- #nuclear power
- #energy policy
- #public opinion
- The U.S. government allows existing nuclear plants to operate, producing 19% of the nation's electricity, but approving new reactors or plants is extremely difficult.
- Two new reactors came online in 2023 and 2024, each taking over a decade to build, with construction costs and times driven largely by regulation.
- Public opinion in the U.S. shows a mixed view on nuclear power, with proponents outnumbering opponents 2:1 in 2010, but nuclear remains relatively unpopular compared to other energy sources.
- Americans hold scientifically illiterate fears about nuclear power, including concerns about environmental damage, long-term waste dangers, and catastrophic accidents, despite nuclear's strong safety record.
- Politicians are reluctant to ease nuclear regulations due to public fears and the strong preference for renewable energy alternatives, perpetuating the current regulatory status quo.
- Nuclear power's tail risks, though statistically low, are amplified in public perception by past disasters like Chernobyl and Fukushima, making it politically challenging to advocate for nuclear energy.