This story was originally published byGrist.
AGallup surveyreleased in late April found that 55 percent of U.S. adults support the use of nuclear power.
Nuclear energy has historically been a source of immense controversy.
Indian Point nuclear power plant in New York State.Photo: Kena Betancur (Getty Images)
Several government nuclear programs have also left behindtoxic wastethat placedisproportionate burdens on Indigenous communities.
Gallup has tracked several swings in public opinion since first asking about nuclear in 1994.
But in 2016, the survey found a majority opposition to nuclear powerfor the first time.
As he puts it, conservative states tend to have a much more supportive environment for nuclear energy policies.
And last February, West Virginiarepealedthe states ban on construction of nuclear power plants.
Meanwhile, states that have placed restrictions on the construction of new nuclear power facilities are largely Democratically controlled.
Those 12 statesincludeDemocratic strongholds like California, Connecticut, and Massachusetts.
Democratic support for nuclear power jumped up 7 percent this year, up from 39 percent in 2022.
In Congress, nuclear power has enjoyed somerare moments of bipartisan support.
Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle have joined forces to pass a few successfulpro-nuclearlaws.
The 2021 bipartisan infrastructure law injected $6 billion toward maintaining existing nuclear power plants.
The climate spending law also allocates millions in investments for advanced nuclear research and demonstration.
Bowen credits Democratic lawmakers newfound openness to nuclear power to the increasing urgency of addressing climate change.
This article originally appeared inGristathttps://grist.org/energy/us-support-for-nuclear-power-soars-to-highest-level-in-a-decade/.
Grist is a nonprofit, independent media organization dedicated to telling stories of climate solutions and a just future.
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For now, the facility will use AI to comply with regulations.
