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Ann S. Bisconti, PhD Bisconti Research, Inc. ann@bisconti

Why Public Opinion about Nuclear Energy is Changing. Ann S. Bisconti, PhD Bisconti Research, Inc. ann@bisconti.com. Buzz: Nuclear Energy is “Cool”. So Nuclear Energy is Cool. This is a big change What’s behind the change? How do people feel about building new nuclear power plants?.

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Ann S. Bisconti, PhD Bisconti Research, Inc. ann@bisconti

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  1. Why Public Opinion about Nuclear Energy is Changing Ann S. Bisconti, PhD Bisconti Research, Inc. ann@bisconti.com

  2. Buzz: Nuclear Energy is “Cool”

  3. So Nuclear Energy is Cool • This is a big change • What’s behind the change? • How do people feel about building new nuclear power plants?

  4. Public Opinion Surveys • 23-year trends, latest Sept 2006 • National random samples of 1,000 U.S. adults age 18+ • Interviewed by phone • Margin of error plus or minus three percentage points

  5. Favor 68 Oppose 49 46 29 Changing Attitudes68% Now Favor Use of Nuclear Energy

  6. % High Safety Rating (5-7) % Low Safety Rating (1-3) 60 50 32 22 Changing Perceptions of Nuclear Power Plant Safety

  7. All Regions Favor Use of Nuclear Energy Midwest 70% West 66% Northeast 70% South 67%

  8. All Subgroups Favor Use of Nuclear Energy

  9. What’s Behind the Change?

  10. Changing Times Energy Supply Energy Demand Oil and Gas Costs Climate Change/ Clean Air Geopolitical Consequences

  11. High Awareness of Hearing About Nuclear Energy Topics in Past Year

  12. Buzz About New Nuclear Power

  13. Buzz About New Nuclear Power

  14. Nuclear Industry Communicating More Actively

  15. Workforce Engaged

  16. What about New Nuclear Power Plants?

  17. NEI Poll, September 2006:Public Support for Nuclear Power Plants Definitely build 63% Prepare to build 76% Renew licenses 83%

  18. 3 National Polls in 2006: 61-63% Favor Building More Nuclear Power Plants or Using More Nuclear Energy

  19. Majorities Said New Reactor Acceptable at Nearest Plant Site

  20. National Survey in 2005 of Nuclear Power Plant Neighbors • Residents within 10-mile radius of plants • 18 adults at each of the 64 sites • 1,152 total • Electric company employees excluded

  21. 87% of Plant Neighbors Have Favorable Impression of Plant

  22. 76% of Plant Neighbors Said New Reactor Acceptable at Nearest Plant Site

  23. Determinants of Support • Perception of need: energy for quality of life, less dependence on fossil fuels, global warming • Perception of nuclear energy’s benefits to meet the need • For plant neighbors: familiarity • For everyone: safety first

  24. Electric Companies Planning for the Future • Americans like planning for the future • They like an energy mix • There is growing support for nuclear energy • Steps toward about 30 new reactors • Preparing now for when she’s 10

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