While the vast majority of Americans do not hold a degree in physics, they fully understand that fusion energy may very well hold the key to the nation’s future security, while overseas competition for that technology is placing our role as the world’s super power at increasing risk. As a result, nearly 40% of voters suggested applying all available national resources to this challenge, similar to the effort for Manhattan Project of World War II that allowed the United States to win the race to develop the atomic bomb.
In a national poll conducted by McLaughlin Associates, three-in-five voters are concerned that another country, such as China or Russia, will achieve fusion power capabilities before the United States. With an overwhelming number stating that the United States should be the global leader in fusion power, nearly 60% of those polled said Washington should commit significant research dollars to compete with Chinese efforts currently well under way to develop that powerful technology.
The survey of some 1,000 people across the country has a 3.1% margin of error and was commissioned by Gatestone Institute Board of Governors member Lawrence Kadish.
John McLaughlin, CEO and Partner of McLaughlin & Associates, stated, “What is particularly insightful about these results is that while the majority of our citizens are unfamiliar with the profoundly different physics of fusion versus fission, they immediately recognize the geo-political power of fusion’s role. They told our pollsters that the nation that masters the ability to harness fusion energy will have a power that could change the geo-political balance in a manner not seen in generations.”
Three-in-four voters are more favorable to developing nuclear fusion reactors to generate more affordable electricity once aware that they do not produce fission’s problematic radioactivity.
The poll was conducted at a time when President Donald J. Trump has established the National Energy Dominance Council, described as a cornerstone in the Trump Administration’s pursuit of unleashing American energy. The Council will be chaired by Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum and Secretary of Energy Chris Wright, and is tasked with meeting the Trump Administration’s mission to lower energy prices, meet the rising demand for affordable energy, and strengthen economic security.
McLaughlin noted, “The President’s energy initiative couldn’t come at a better time as the vast majority of American voters who engaged in this survey clearly want fusion energy included in the arsenal now being considered by the White House. That historic `Manhattan Project’ model is one many would recommend.
Survey Data by the Numbers
Questions posed included the following:
Are you more or less favorable to developing nuclear fusion reactors to generate more affordable electricity knowing they do not produce radioactivity: 77% Favorable. 7%, Less Favorable.
Are you more or less concerned that another country like China or Russia might achieve fusion power capabilities before the United States: 62% Concerned. 29%, Not Concerned.
Do you want the U.S. government to commit significant research dollars to compete with the Chinese efforts to develop nuclear fusion: 59% Yes. 16%, No.
Is it important that the U.S. is the global leader in fusion energy technology: 85% Yes. 8% no. (Of that 85% – 50% say very important.)
Should the United States pursue nuclear fusion as an energy source and take the lead in its development: 79% Yes. 6%. No.
Find the smartest
McLaughlin noted, “Just how important is this to Americans who were surveyed? Three-in-four voters believe our nation should be actively recruiting international fusion scientists and engineers who represent the best and brightest in this field. It is clearly that important to our citizens who recognize the urgency, the threat, and the need to bring all resources to bear to unleash the enormous potential of fusion power.”
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