Nuclear Power Less Popular Than Other Energy Strategies

PRINCETON, NJ — John McCain has ramped up his longstanding call for building more nuclear power plants — 45 new ones by 2030 — drawing the sharpest distinction between himself and Barack Obama on energy policy, but also, to some degree, throwing the political dice.

According to a July USA Today/Gallup poll, the impact of a candidate’s favoring greater use of nuclear power is mixed. Forty-seven percent of Americans say they are more likely to back a candidate who favors expanding nuclear power, while 41% say they are less likely to back such a candidate. But on a relative basis, the nuclear option is near the bottom of a list of possible solutions to the energy situation.

Gallup