While the General Assembly remains gridlocked regarding the future of nuclear energy, a clear majority of voters support nuclear energy in the Commonwealth.
When voters learn more about nuclear energy, support increases.
Before exploring the benefits of nuclear, our survey found that 55% of voters had a favorable opinion of nuclear power plants. After voters learned more information, support grew to 70%.
Informed support grew among both Republicans and Democrats.
Across demographics, voters support energy independence.
Voters are divided along party lines about which energy-related issue to prioritize, however, independents are overwhelmingly concerned about cost.
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Two issues driving innovation in the energy sector — human-caused climate change and energy affordability — reflect partisan divides.
Information regarding the lack of carbon emissions from nuclear power plants leads respondents to be more likely to support future development.
Republicans and Democrats both hold positive views of low-emission energy sources.
Voters favor the lower energy costs associated with nuclear.
With electricity bills increasing across the country, the idea of lower energy costs is appealing to voters.
The size of a small modular reactor is very popular among voters.
The current regulatory environment for nuclear waste makes voters more likely to support the development of nuclear energy in Virginia.
With safeguards already place for how to dispose of nuclear waste, Virginians are more likely to support the development of nuclear energy in the Commonwealth.
Voters indicate an increased ‘peace of mind’ when considering nuclear’s historical track record of safety and reliability.
When the efficiency of nuclear energy is compared to coal, support for nuclear increases.
