A new poll suggests growing support for nuclear energy in the U.S., especially among women.
Gallup News reports that 61% of Americans, overall, favor nuclear energy development—with 51% of female respondents saying they “strongly” or “somewhat” favor more nuclear energy production.
In August 2024, the Pew Research Center polled American attitudes on nuclear energy, finding that a majority—56%—of Americans support new development opportunities. It also found that women were less likely to support nuclear power, with only 44% of female respondents expressing support.
Women, sadly, have previously bought the fearmongering about nuclear energy not being safe or practical. But this is not the case. As I noted at IWF/RealClearEnergy last fall:
Understandably, women are concerned about the safety protocols and safe storage of nuclear waste (or used nuclear fuel). In the last 60 years, there have only been three significant accidents at nuclear plants worldwide. American nuclear power plants are among the safest in the world and are built to minimize accidental radiation release and meltdowns. Additionally, reactor operators undergo rigorous training and must be federally licensed to supervise these plants. Our Energy Department reports that U.S. facilities pose the least harm to people and the environment due to “safety procedures, robust training programs and stringent federal regulation.”
This 7% positive swing in support of nuclear energy by women should be celebrated.
Surging support for nuclear energy by women reflects the growing popularity of this energy source. Gallup further explained, “When Gallup first asked this question in 1994, 57% of Americans favored and 37% opposed using nuclear energy. By 2001, when the question was next asked, views were evenly divided — yet from 2004 through 2015, public support for the use of nuclear power again outpaced opposition, including a high of 62% in 2010.”
The surge in support for nuclear energy, Gallup adds, is attributed to growing acceptance of nuclear energy to power data centers—particularly those for AI—from financial institutions and technological companies like Google, Microsoft, Meta, and Amazon.
Energy Secretary Chris Wright, who used to be a board advisor to small modular reactor (SMR) startup Oklo, stated his agency intends to catalyze the commercial production of nuclear energy these next four years.
Nuclear energy is the most reliable, cleanest energy source out there, producing near-zero emissions. Facilities operate nearly 93% of the year and are the least land-intensive power plant facilities.
The Independent Women’s Center for Energy and Conservation is actively working to demystify nuclear energy and make women fall in love with it.
To learn how to get more women to support nuclear energy, go HERE.