New survey reveals bipartisan, generational support for nuclear energy, including repurposing coal plants and expanding R&D

Nearly three in five Americans (58 percent) now support nuclear power, with one in five (21 percent) strongly supportive, according to the eighth consecutive ecoAmerica Climate Perspectives Survey. The annual survey tracks shifting public attitudes toward energy, climate, and technology solutions. Support for nuclear power has grown steadily since 2018, when fewer than half of Americans (49 percent) expressed support.

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Americans across parties and ages support converting coal plants into nuclear power plants. Q: How much would you support or oppose converting retired coal-fired power plants into nuclear power plants, if it could help provide cleaner and more reliable energy? Showing total for "Strongly support" and "Somewhat support". 1,003 national respondents. +/-3% margin of error.

Strong Support for Converting Retired Coal Plants Into Nuclear Facilities

In a striking sign of momentum, nearly three-quarters of Americans (73 percent) say they support repurposing retired coal-fired power plants into nuclear facilities to deliver clean, reliable electricity. Support cuts across party lines, with a strong bipartisan consensus of 77 percent. Generationally, older adults (65+) lead the way at 78 percent support, with younger adults (18–24) close behind at 71 percent.

Rising Public Support for Nuclear Power

Public support for nuclear energy continues to rise nationwide. Nearly three in five Americans now favor nuclear power (58 percent), up from 49 percent in 2018. Support is particularly strong among Republicans (68 percent), males (66 percent), and older adults (65 percent).

Growing Support Across Motivations

Americans’ reasons for backing nuclear are broad and expanding. Reliability stands out as the top motivation, with 74 percent of respondents saying nuclear power generates electricity reliably. Other leading reasons include its ability to strengthen U.S. competitiveness, reduce pollution, and enhance energy independence. Support for these reasons has grown consistently since 2018, demonstrating durable bipartisan appeal.

Bipartisan Support for Nuclear R&D

Support for next-generation nuclear research and development remains strong, with nearly three in five Americans (58 percent) favoring increased federal investment. Among energy options, nuclear R&D shows the least partisan divide, underscoring common ground between Democrats and Republicans compared to more divisive sources like oil, coal, or natural gas.

Waning Concerns About Nuclear

Concerns about nuclear energy continue to decline across the political spectrum. While health and safety and waste disposal remain top issues, both have seen significant drops since 2018, particularly among Democrats and Independents. This downward trend suggests Americans are becoming more comfortable with nuclear as part of the clean energy transition.

“Public perception plays a major role in how energy technologies are chosen, but perception often deviates from scientific reality,” said Guido Nuñez-Mujica, director of data science for Anthropocene Institute. “That’s why we track perception: it should be informed by science, not shaped by scary movies, headlines, or PR from competing technologies. We conduct this survey every year to understand where public opinion stands so we can help align it with the facts and move toward evidence-based energy solutions.”

About Anthropocene Institute

Anthropocene Institute comprises scientists, engineers, communicators, marketers, thought leaders, and advocates — all pulling together toward a common goal: make the Earth abundant for all and sustainable for decades to come. For more information, visit www.anthropoceneinstitute.com.

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“Public perception plays a major role in how energy technologies are chosen, but perception often deviates from scientific reality,” said Guido Nuñez-Mujica, director of data science for Anthropocene Institute.