Public opinion and nuclear power before and after Three Mile Island
Public support for nuclear power did not erode after the accident at Three Mile Island. A review of over 40 state and national polls indicates that a majority of Americans still believe that safety problems can be solved, although they would prefer to use solar energy and coal. An analysis of the surveys reveals that the majority saw a reactor accident as a likely occurrence and was critical of how the accident was handled. Harris and Cambridge polls show major trends developing during the 1970s: a moderate gain in opposition and a continued majority support for new plant construction. The polls also reveal that fully a third would prefer not to make a decision at the time if given a choice. The relationship between public concerns for safety is evident in the poll trends. Three Mile Island heightened public awareness of the safety issue, but the public continues to find the risk acceptable. (DCK)
- OSTI ID:
- 5354975
- Journal Information:
- Resources; (United States), Journal Name: Resources; (United States) Vol. 64; ISSN RESUB
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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220900 -- Nuclear Reactor Technology-- Reactor Safety
29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
290600* -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Nuclear Energy
ACCIDENTS
INFORMATION
NUCLEAR POWER
POWER
PUBLIC INFORMATION
PUBLIC OPINION
PUBLIC RELATIONS
REACTOR ACCIDENTS
REACTOR SAFETY
RISK ASSESSMENT
SAFETY