Poll: 83 Percent Support Nuclear Power As A Reliable Energy Source

A new poll released today by the Pennsylvania Energy Alliance shows 83 percent of Pennsylvanians agree nuclear power is a reliable source of energy and 90 percent believe the use of nuclear power is an important part of meeting U.S. electricity needs.
The poll of 800 Pennsylvania residents found that 90 percent of respondents – half of whom live near one of the state’s five nuclear power plants – believe the use of nuclear power is an important part of meeting the United States’ electricity needs.
A similar poll conducted in 2008 found 82 percent support for this. The new poll also found 84 percent of respondents agree the use of nuclear power will lead to greater energy independence, an increase of 11 percent over 2008’s findings.
“It’s encouraging to see that more and more people are recognizing the benefits of nuclear power as a clean, safe and reliable source of energy,” said PA Energy Alliance Chairman Karen Walsh. “This summer’s oppressive heat wave underscored the need for Pennsylvania to have a reliable source of electricity to meet our energy demands.
Other notable results from the Susquehanna Polling & Research poll include:
-- 83 percent of respondents agree that nuclear is a reliable source of energy
-- 79 percent of respondents support allowing existing nuclear plants to extend their operating licenses
-- 69 percent agree that nuclear power is a safe method of generating electricity
-- 67 percent would classify nuclear as a clean energy source as it produces carbon emission-free energy and emits no greenhouse gases
-- 69 percent support the construction of new nuclear power plants in the state
-- 92 percent say it is important to educate youth about the benefits of nuclear energy
“This survey clearly shows Pennsylvania’s support for nuclear power and its importance to the future energy needs of our Commonwealth,” said Walsh.