Resources & Stats
May 2009
U.S., International Polls Show Strong Support for Nuclear
Recent public opinion research in the United States and internationally demonstrate high levels of public support for building new nuclear plants to meet future electricity needs. A nationwide survey in March by Bisconti Research Inc/GfK found seven out of 10 U.S. adults favor the use of nuclear energy to produce electricity, and 62 percent support building new nuclear power plants. More than 80 percent favor federal government initiatives such as tax credits and loan guarantees to support the increased use of nuclear, wind and solar energy, and a similar number favor recycling used nuclear fuel.
In a survey of more than 10,000 people in 20 countries conducted by Accenture, more than two-thirds of the respondents believe their countries should start using or increase their use of nuclear energy. More than four out of 10 see nuclear energy as a substitute for high-carbon fossil fuels.
Another U.S.-based phone survey by Gallup found that 59 percent of respondents strongly or somewhat favor the use of nuclear energy, the highest support ever found by Gallup. The percentage opposing nuclear energy was also at its lowest (37 percent) since Gallup began polling on the issue.
Uranium Fuel Bank Reaches Funding Milestone, Awaits IAEA Approval
The goal of an international nuclear fuel bank to ensure a supply of uranium fuel to developing countries met an important financial benchmark to move the program forward. The fuel bank proposal will go to the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for final approval.
Women in Nuclear Communicates Nuclear Energy’s Benefits
More than 50 U.S. Women in Nuclear members, including seven students, traveled to Washington, D.C., in March to tell their elected officials about the benefits of nuclear energy.
INL Celebrates 60 Years of Nuclear Research
The Idaho National Laboratory is celebrating its 60th anniversary with ceremonies to recognize its contributions to the world’s use of nuclear energy.