Support for nuclear energy in US approaches record high: Gallup poll

A growing number of Americans have expressed support for the use of nuclear energy as a power source in the US.

According to a new Gallup poll, 61 percent of US adults favor the use of nuclear power, a six-point increase from 2023 and just one point shy of the record high recorded in 2010. Of those in favor, 29 percent said they “strongly” support nuclear energy while 32 percent “somewhat” favor it. Conversely, 20 percent of Americans “somewhat” oppose nuclear power and 15 percent “strongly” oppose it.

The poll, conducted between March 3 and 16, comes as tech giants like Google, Microsoft, Meta, and Amazon have pledged to expand nuclear energy use. These companies are increasingly seeking larger, more reliable energy sources to meet the rising demand of artificial intelligence data centers.

The issue regarding nuclear energy shows clear partisan divides. 74 percent of Republicans and 64 percent of independents support nuclear energy, compared to just 46 percent of Democrats. Support among Republicans has increased by 12 percentage points since 2023, and among independents by 8. Since Gallup began tracking the issue in 1994, Democrat support has exceeded 50 percent only four times and has never gone above 54 percent.

Public opinion is more divided on other energy policies promoted by President Donald Trump, including fossil fuel expansion. Americans are split 50 percent to 46 percent on increasing offshore oil and gas drilling in US coastal areas. When it comes to fracking, 48 percent oppose it while 45 percent support it. A strong majority, 61 percent, oppose opening Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge for oil exploration.

The poll also shows declining concern over energy costs and availability. In 2022, 47 percent of Americans said they were worried a “great deal” about energy affordability amid rising gas prices. That number has since dropped to 35 percent.