Ann S. Bisconti, PhD Bisconti Research, Inc. Why Public Opinion about Nuclear Energy is Changing

BRi Buzz: Nuclear Energy is Cool

BRi So Nuclear Energy is Cool This is a big change Whats behind the change? How do people feel about building new nuclear power plants?

BRi 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

BRi Changing Attitudes 68% Now Favor Use of Nuclear Energy Changing Attitudes 68% Now Favor Use of Nuclear Energy Oppose Favor

BRi Changing Perceptions of Nuclear Power Plant Safety Changing Perceptions of Nuclear Power Plant Safety % Low Safety Rating (1-3) % High Safety Rating (5-7)

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

BRi All Subgroups Favor Use of Nuclear Energy

Whats Behind the Change?

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

BRi High Awareness of Hearing About Nuclear Energy Topics in Past Year

BRi Buzz About New Nuclear Power

BRi Buzz About New Nuclear Power

BRi Nuclear Industry Communicating More Actively

BRi Workforce Engaged

What about New Nuclear Power Plants?

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

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

BRi Majorities Said New Reactor Acceptable at Nearest Plant Site

BRi 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

BRi 87% of Plant Neighbors Have Favorable Impression of Plant

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

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

BRi 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 shes 10