For the second day in a row, Sen. John McCain
stirred things up Wednesday by saying if elected president, he would put the nation on track to build 45 nuclear reactors by 2030.
He said the ultimate goal should be to build 100 plants across the country.
Polls throughout the last couple of years show Americans are warming up to nuclear power.
A Zogby poll this month found that "Americans [are] more likely to support a nuclear power plant in their own community than coal, natural gas or oil plant. "
The poll found:
The preference for the construction of a nuclear power plant in their community is greater among older respondents -- 52% of those age 65 and older would most favor this type of electric power plant -- and is the most favored choice among all age groups with the exception of the youngest respondents. Among those age 18 to 24, 27% would favor the construction of a nuclear power plant in their community, compared to more than half (52%) who said they would be most likely to support a natural gas power plant where they live. Men (60%) were more than twice as likely as women (28%) to be most supportive of a nuclear power plant.
The construction of a nuclear power plant in their community also received the strongest support from those who live in wealthier households -- more than half (51%) of those with household incomes of $75,000 or more would favor a nuclear power plant, compared to 22% of those with less than $25,000 in household income.
Right now, 104 nuclear reactors generate one-fifth of the nation's electricity. Sen. Barack Obama has been supportive of nuclear energy, but he has not set a specific goal as McCain did.
(See Obama's statement about nuclear reactors during a debate.)
This week, Canada decided to build the first two reactors in 15 years. Almost half of Ontario's power comes from nuclear reactors.
See a Frontline story about why the French like nuclear power.
McCain will have a chance to see a lot of...
