ENERGY OPINIONS AFTER THE FLOOD

After Fukushima: American Attitudes About Nuclear Power Policy Questions
March 22, 2011 (Civil Society Institute/ORC International)

"In the midst of the unfolding Japanese nuclear reactor crisis…[a March 15-16 survey] shows that the Fukushima disaster is having a major impact on U.S. views about further expanding the use of nuclear power…

"…Over half (53 percent) of Americans would now support a moratorium on [U.S. new nuclear reactor construction]…if ‘increased energy efficiency and off the shelf renewable technologies such as wind and solar could meet our energy demands for the near term.’ …[T]wo thirds (67 percent) of Americans now say they would oppose 'the construction of a new nuclear reactor within 50 miles of [their] home.'"

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"…[58 percent of] Americans are now 'less supportive of expanding nuclear power in the United States' than they were a month ago. Only about one in seven Americans (14 percent) said their views had not been changed by the Japanese reactor crisis…73 percent of Americans do not 'think taxpayers should take on the risk for the construction of new nuclear power reactors…through billions of dollars in new federal loan guarantees…'

"…76 percent of Americans say they are… 'more supportive than … a month ago to using clean renewable energy resources – such as wind and solar – and increased energy efficiency as an alternative to more nuclear…' …46 percent…say they are now 'much more supportive' of relying on more clean energy and energy efficiency…74 percent of Americans would support “a shift of federal loan-guarantee support for energy away from nuclear reactors” in favor of wind and solar power."

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"…[73 percent of] Americans would favor Congress reviewing a 1957 law indemnifying nuclear power companies from most disaster clean-up costs…[and] would hold the companies “liable for all damages…” …52 percent…living within 50 miles of a nuclear reactor [24 percent of Americans] do NOT know “what to do in the event of nuclear reactor emergency,” such as 'the evacuation route and what other steps to take.'"

"…46 percent… would 'support more nuclear power reactors in the United States' and 44 percent now oppose new reactors…down by more than 25 percent from…March 2010…51 percent…would support 'a halt to the United States extending the operating lifespan of its oldest nuclear reactors.' …"