Power.​

Perception. ​

Progress.


AxAdvocacy Research and Strategy to Redefine Nuclear Before the Headlines Do.

Old Perceptions, New Power: Why the Moment for Nuclear Is Now


Nuclear power is reemerging as a cornerstone of America’s clean energy future, but its public image is still tied to its misunderstood history.


While the technology has evolved, perception still lags behind. Polling shows there is room to move public opinion - a signal that with the right message, nuclear can be reframed as essential, safe, and local.


Our team looked deeper into public sentiment to help lead the narrative shift before outdated fears define the debate again.

Methodology
National online survey of N=1,000 registered voters
Margin of Error: ±3.1%
Fielded: October 23-27, 2025

Tracking the Conversation

Coverage of nuclear power has accelerated in recent months, trending to neutral to positive, with growing attention, national security, and energy resilience.


Across top-tier outlets including the New York Times, Bloomberg, Reuters, and CNBC, the tone reflects a shift: from legacy skepticism to a recognition that modern nuclear is essential infrastructure in the clean energy transition.



Still, concerns persist around cost and safety, underscoring the need for credible, consistent messaging to sustain momentum and broaden support.


Negative Coverage – 0%

Virtually no recent coverage around risk or opposition

Neutral Coverage – 77%

Reporting framed on policy, research, and developments

Positive Coverage – 23%

Stories focused on innovation, energy security, and U.S. competitiveness

66%

of respondents have heard little to nothing about the expansion of new nuclear energy.

More Noise Than Knowledge

Energy demands are surging, and the path to decarbonization is narrowing. Nuclear is one of the few reliable, zero-emission sources that can meet growing needs, yet skepticism remains.



Headlines focus on legacy fears: safety, waste, and cost overruns as large corporations turn nuclear as the solution to their growth demands. But modern reactors, advanced technology, and new federal investments have changed the equation. The public conversation just hasn’t caught up yet, which can be a positive for those looking to define the issue and move the needle.


Where Perception Lags Progress

When asked about building nuclear power facilities in or near their community, 49% oppose, while 29% support and the rest remain unsure.


Yet despite this hesitation, a vast majority of voters say they’ve heard much about nuclear power’s recent growth, showing that attitudes are being shaped by outdated narratives, not current facts. Decades-old fears about safety and waste still dominate, even as modern nuclear technology has become cleaner, safer, and more efficient.


This is a narrative problem, not a technology one. With focused education, local engagement, and visible community benefits, there’s room to reshape how people view nuclear.


There is an opportunity to reframe nuclear as next-generation energy that powers reliability, jobs, and progress, not fear.

Rewriting the Story

90% of voters believe local concerns should be addressed before a nuclear project moves forward.


That overwhelming consensus isn’t opposition, it’s an invitation. People want to understand how projects will impact their community, and they expect transparency, accountability, and a real voice in the process.


Engaging early builds credibility and turns potential critics into partners. Leading with education and dialogue helps raise awareness, strengthen trust, and bring communities on board before the past sentiment can creep in.

Public Opinion is Fluid

When presented with competing views on nuclear power, the public remains open, and undecided.


Polling shows:

29% say nuclear is needed to meet the nation’s growing energy demands

22% believe we already produce enough energy from other sources

25% say both

20% say neither

3% don’t know


These results reveal a public still forming its opinion. Voters are not rejecting nuclear, but unsure where it fits.

Opportunity: Position nuclear as the energy that powers what’s next, essential to meeting AI-driven demand, strengthening reliability, and ensuring America’s long-term energy security.

The narrative is already writing itself. 

Decide how you want the story to be told.

Lead Early. Win Local.

To win hearts and headlines, the strategy must focus on:


  • Education: Define nuclear’s role in clean energy before others do.
  • Local Trust-Building: Pair data with visible community benefit.
  • Awareness: Position nuclear as necessary to innovation.
  • Rapid Response: Counter misinformation quickly with credibility and consistency.


With coordinated messaging and proactive outreach, we can turn uncertainty into acceptance to help power America’s energy future.

Get In Touch

Contact - Nuclear Power