Most Americans agree that nuclear power has a role in the nation’s energy future, but they want a better plan for the waste left over.

A survey conducted by YouGov for Berkeley-based Deep Isolation found that 81% of U.S. adults believe finding a permanent solution for high-level radioactive waste disposal should be a national priority. Meanwhile, only 28% support keeping spent fuel stored at reactor sites for decades.

Looking Underground for Answers

Deep Isolation’s commercial pilot project demonstrating its underground nuclear waste disposal; Photo: Deep Isolation

The April 2026 survey polled 1,000 adults and showed that 61% support using nuclear power. But 69% worry that the country still lacks a permanent waste strategy.

About 74% support underground disposal methods that cut down on moving waste over long distances. After reviewing factual details, 65% supported deep borehole disposal.

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“This research comes at an important time as policymakers and industry leaders work to advance a long-term strategy for managing spent nuclear fuel,” Todd Abrajano, President and CEO of the U.S. Nuclear Industry Council (USNIC), said. “The strong public support reflected in this survey aligns with growing interest in state-led approaches, including the Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus initiative, that combine innovation with durable waste management solutions.”

Abrajano added, “As the U.S. looks to expand nuclear energy to meet rising electricity demand, we must pursue practical, science-based pathways that address the back end of the fuel cycle. Deep Isolation’s findings show Americans recognize the importance of advancing long-term waste management solutions to support the next generation of nuclear energy.”

Putting Faith in Science

When deciding how to handle waste, people place far more trust in technical experts than in government bodies alone. The survey found that 68% of respondents trust scientists and engineers to help guide waste decisions, compared to 37% who trust the government on its own.

“The results of the YouGov survey demonstrate that Americans recognize the importance of addressing the nuclear waste challenge and are looking for practical, science-based solutions to permanent waste disposal,” said Chris Parker, Chief Commercialization Officer at Deep Isolation. “The survey also reinforces that transparent communication and trusted technical expertise play a critical role in building public confidence as the United States evaluates long-term disposal options.”