Momentum Builds for Nuclear as Americans Push for Clean Energy Solutions

Support for nuclear energy is climbing in the United States. Majorities favor coal-to-nuclear conversions and cite nuclear’s ability to generate electricity reliably, help the economy, and reduce pollution as reasons for their support. The latest survey from ecoAmerica shows backing across party lines and generations, with broad support for increased research and development in wind, solar, and nuclear energy. While concerns about health, safety, and waste remain in the majority, they have waned compared to previous years. Together, these findings point to growing momentum for moving away from fossil fuel power generation and expanding clean energy nationwide.

Majorities Support Converting Coal Plants to Nuclear Power

New data reveals that 73% of Americans support converting retired coal-fired power plants into nuclear power plants if they could provide cleaner and more reliable energy.¹ Support spans party lines, with 77% of Republicans, 77% of Democrats, and 71% of Independents in favor. Generational consensus is also clear, with 78% of adults aged 65+ supporting the idea, and 71% of young adults (aged 18–24) close behind.

Nuclear Power Wins Majority Support, Especially Among Republicans, Males, and Americans Over 65

Despite polarizing shifts in the political landscape, polling has shown steady majority support for nuclear power over the past eight years. In 2025, nearly three in five Americans (58%) strongly or somewhat support nuclear power, up 3 points from 2024 and 9 points since 2018. Across demographics, Republicans (68%), males (66%), and Americans over 65 (65%) are the top supporters.

Americans Support Nuclear for Reasons of Reliability, Economy, Pollution Reduction and Energy Independence

Support for nuclear power has grown for several key reasons. 74% of Americans, including 81% of Republicans, 71% of Democrats, and 72% of Independents, say nuclear plants generate electricity reliably, up 10 points since 2018. 72% recognize that nuclear power helps grow our economy while reducing pollution, and another 72% say it keeps America competitive and energy independent. Additionally, most Americans support keeping nuclear plants running until lower-cost renewables are available (73%) or as long as they remain cost-effective (71%). 69% back nuclear power because it does not emit pollutants that harm our health or climate. Across the board, strong consensus spans party lines.²

Americans Favor Wind, Solar, and Nuclear Over Oil and Coal

Nearly three-quarters of Americans (72%) say wind and solar should receive more research and development (R&D) funding from the United States, and close to three in five (58%) support more R&D funding for next-generation nuclear energy. 57% support R&D spending on natural gas (made up mainly of methane), while fewer back spending on oil (43%) or coal (36%). These results suggest growing public support for moving away from fossil fuels.

The data also show that Republicans and Democrats are least divided on support for nuclear R&D. 62% of Republicans and 58% of Democrats say the United States should invest more in next-generation nuclear R&D, which is only a 4-point gap. In comparison, party differences are larger for other polluting energy sources: 19 points for oil, 17 points for coal, and 12 points for gas.

Nuclear Energy Concerns Wane But Remain in the Majority

While overall concern about nuclear power remains high, fewer Americans report concerns about health and safety, waste disposal, security and weaponization, and overpopulation in 2025 versus 2018. Concern about the cost of nuclear energy remains, though lower than other issues, at 66% in 2025, compared with 65% in 2018.³

Health and safety and waste disposal remain Americans’ top nuclear concerns in 2025, at 75% and 73%, respectively. Over time, Democrats and Independents have shown declines in health and safety concerns, dropping 9 points and 10 points, respectively. Republican concern, while lower overall, has risen from 67% in 2018 to 72% in 2025.

Concern about waste disposal has decreased across all parties since 2018. The largest drop is among Democrats, down 15 points from 92% to 77%, followed by Independents (down 13 points) and Republicans (down 8 points).

¹ University of Michigan researchers rank the feasibility of converting 245 coal power plants in the U.S. into advanced nuclear reactors, providing insights for policymakers and utilities to meet decarbonization goals.
² See full toplines for data across demographics.
³ The new IEA report shows how technological innovation can lower nuclear costs and unlock new financing opportunities.

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Full data featured in this blog is available in the accompanying toplines.

Methodology
ecoAmerica designed and administered this survey, which was conducted online from August 3–11, 2025, using SurveyMonkey. The survey yielded a total of 1,003 complete adult responses and used the Census Bureau’s American Community Survey to weigh the national general population and reflect the demographic composition of the US. The sample was drawn from an online panel, and the respondents were screened to ensure that they were over the age of 18. The margin of error for the sample is +/-3%. In interpreting the survey results, it is important to note that all sample surveys are subject to possible sampling errors. Thus, the results of a survey may differ from the results that would be obtained if the entire population were interviewed. The size of the sampling error depends upon both the total number of respondents in the survey and the percentage distribution of the responses to a particular question. For example, if 50% of the respondents in a sample of 1,003 respondents answered “Yes” to a particular question, we can be 95% confident that the true percentage would fall within 3 points or range from 47% to 53%.

Suggested Citation
Ishaq, M., Speiser, M. (October 2025). American Climate Perspectives Survey 2025. Vol V. Momentum Builds for Nuclear as Americans Push for Clean Energy Solutions. ecoAmerica. Washington, DC.

© 2025 ecoAmerica. The contents of this report may be shared and used under a Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

ecoAmerica does not hold a formal position on nuclear energy.

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