Energy Insights

THE U.S. NUCLEAR ENERGY DEBATE

The Energy Insights newsletter for April focuses on nuclear energy. Keep in mind, the objective of this newsletter is to provide public opinion surrounding relevant energy topics—not to take sides on an issue. 

On March 11, 2011 a magnitude 9.0 earthquake occurred off Japan’s northeast coast.  Not only did the earthquake cause massive devastation, it also unleashed a powerful tsunami that ravaged entire towns along Japan’s Pacific coastline and claimed thousands of lives.

These events also led to a nuclear crisis at the Fukushima Nuclear I power complex, about 150 miles northeast of Tokyo.  The crippled plant has become the site of hydrogen explosions, high levels of radiation, thousands of gallons of contaminated water being dumped into the ocean, a 12.5 mile exclusion zone, and four decommissioned light water, boiling water reactors (BWRs).  The situation in Japan continues to be precarious and has had far-reaching implications on opinions toward nuclear energy in the U.S.  Currently, over half (57%) of U.S. adults approve of using nuclear energy to produce electric power. This support is grounded on the perception that the benefits of nuclear power outweigh the risks (47%) and that U.S. plants currently in operation are safe (69%).  Moreover, Americans report that nuclear energy is likely to produce reliable (52%) and affordable (46%) electricity, clean air (43%), energy independence (42%), economic growth (39%), and job creation (38%).

This generally positive façade, however, veils substantial concerns over nuclear power’s future in the U.S.

Support for nuclear energy remains high, but it is not without reservation.  Many Americans (44%) are now more fearful of a nuclear accident happening in the U.S., and six-in-ten (62%) registered voters are very (25%) or somewhat (37%) concerned that the U.S. could experience a nuclear crisis similar to the one in Japan.  Many are also beginning to question the necessity of nuclear power.  Forty-six (46%) percent of U.S. adults believe nuclear power is necessary to help solve the country’s current energy problems; yet forty-eight (48%) percent believe the dangers of nuclear power are too great to utilize, even if would help solve the country’s energy problems. 

Support for nuclear power also wanes in the context of expansion.  Four-in-ten (43%) approve of building more nuclear power plants in the U.S. to generate electricity, while half (50%) oppose development. Local opposition, characterized by NIMBY (Not In My Back Yard) arguments are also prevalent; over half (58%) of registered voters oppose the building of nuclear power plants in their towns or cities. Additionally, many Americans are skeptical about government and emergency responder readiness in the event of a nuclear crisis.  Many (58%) believe the Federal government is not prepared to deal with a major nuclear accident, and individuals currently living in close proximity to nuclear power plants believe that local police and fire forces, emergency services and hospitals are not prepared (58%) to handle the repercussions of damage to a nuclear reactor.

Furthermore, nuclear power is at risk from a policy perspective.  Over half (57%) of U.S. adults see cutting subsidies to build new nuclear power plants as an acceptable way to help reduce the federal budget deficit.

Heightened public hesitation around nuclear power subsided after nuclear accidents in Chernobyl and Three Mile Island abated.  However, the situation in Japan has once again propelled nuclear energy into the spotlight and opened it up for criticism and legislation.  The nuclear energy industry may be facing an uphill regulatory battle if they do not address public concerns as nuclear energy opponents are sure to take advantage of the changing climate.