Publication Date
12-4-2022
Document Type
Student Project
First Advisor
Kuehl, Colin
Degree Name
B.S. (Bachelor of Science)
Department
Other
Abstract
Despite the mature underlying technology behind nuclear energy production, public support varies widely among the American public and has often changed over time. This paper seeks to analyze patterns in Americans’ attitudes towards nuclear energy using aggregate polling data from previously collected national public surveys. Standard demographics such as age, education, and political affiliation are utilized in cross-sectional comparisons against public opinion. Males, conservatives and Republicans were found to have strong positive responses towards nuclear energy. Furthermore, time-series data indicates nuclear energy fell out of favor in the early 1980s. It was later favored again in the early 2000s. This attitudinal shift was presumably because of increasing concern over carbon emissions.
Recommended Citation
Kirchman, Eric J., "American Attitudes Toward Nuclear Energy" (2022). Honors Capstones. 1443.
https://huskiecommons.lib.niu.edu/studentengagement-honorscapstones/1443
