The proposal lacks majority support, and "strong" opponents outnumber "strong" supporters by 13 points. But overall 42 percent favor more nuclear plants, up from the mid-20s in the early 1980s and a low of 19 percent in May 1986, just after Chernobyl.
Indeed opposition to nuclear power has declined slightly from its level in a poll in April, just before George W. Bush released an energy plan that urges nuclear plant construction. Opposition lost seven points, to 52 percent; support gained a scant five points.
The change occurred almost entirely among Republicans, suggesting they were rallying behind Bush: Their support for nuclear plants rose from 50 percent in April to 63 percent now. There's been no meaningful change among Democrats or independents.
Support For Nuclear Plants |
| NOW | APRIL |
| All | 42% | 37% |
Republicans | 63% | 50% |
| Democrats | 31% | 30% |
| Independents | 36% | 34% |
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Republicans More Favorable
While 42 percent support building nuclear plants, fewer, 19 percent, support it strongly— a third of Republicans, 17 percent of independents and 11 percent of Democrats. Across the spectrum, 32 percent oppose it strongly - 43 percent of Democrats, 34 percent of independents and 18 percent of Republicans.
In addition to the shift among Republicans, different questions on nuclear power can produce somewhat different results, also suggesting that not all opinions on the subject are firmly held.
This poll asked, "In general, would you favor or oppose building more nuclear power plants at this time?" A separate ABC/Post poll measured support for a variety of steps, including nuclear power, "to address the country's energy needs." That approach found higher "strong" support for building nuclear plants, 29 percent, albeit similar overall support, 46 percent.
Bringing up the issue of energy needs may have made a difference. But nuclear power nonetheless was comparatively unpopular, ranking last in public support.
Different Types of Power Sources |
| TYPE | SUPPORT | SUPPORT “STRONGLY” |
| More fuel-efficient vehicles | 90% | 80% |
More solar/wind power | 63% | 50% |
| More conservation by businesses | 90% | 79% |
| More conservation by consumers | 90% | 78% |
| More oil/gas drilling | 67% | 49% |
| More coal mining | 54% | 33% |
| More nuclear plants | 46% | 29% |
| |
Methodology
This ABC News/Washington Post poll was conducted by telephone June 1-3, 2001, among a random national sample of 689 adults. The results have a 3.5-point error margin. Field work by ICR- International Communications Research of Media, Pa.
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