Yucca Mountain

In a survey of 1000 US adults conducted from March 14 to March 17, Ipsos Public Affairs found that the public is evenly divided over a nuclear waste repository at Yucca Mountain Nevada with 47% in favor and 47% opposed. This survey has a margin of error of +/- 3.1%.

WASHINGTON, DC (March 20, 2002) -- Reflecting the fact that the issues surrounding a nuclear waste repository at Yucca Mountain are under the radar screen for most Americans, initially over half of Americans (53%) say they do not know enough about the issue to give an opinion. Among those giving an opinion, 23% favor the repository and 24% oppose the repository at Yucca Mountain. After hearing three statements in favor of the proposal and three statements against, the public divides evenly with 47% in favor and 47% opposed. The opposition is somewhat stronger with 25% strongly opposed as compared to just 15% strongly in favor of the repository.

The uninformed electorate splits nearly evenly after hearing the statements for and against the Yucca Mountain repository (listed below). Respondents who did not know enough to give an opinion before the statements for and against the repository split evenly, 42% in favor and 46% opposed. Among those who express an initial opinion, 92% of supporters and 84% of opponents maintain their original opinion after hearing the statements about the repository.

The Yucca Mountain repository has the potential to become a highly divisive issue. There is an enormous gender gap on this issue with 58% of men supporting the Yucca Mountain repository and 56% of women opposing the Yucca Mountain repository. Race is also a major factor with 50% of whites compared to just 35% of minorities supporting the plan. Republicans (65% support, 29% oppose) are much more likely to support the Yucca Mountain repository than Democrats (36% support, 59% oppose) or Independents (29% support, 59% oppose).

Ground water contamination is a major concern for most Americans, but the government's assurances of safety balance this concern. In the end, both sides of the debate have strong arguments which appeal to their key constituencies.

The survey was conducted by Ipsos Public Affairs, the Washington, D.C.-based division of Ipsos-Reid, which is part of the world's fourth largest polling and market research organization, the Ipsos group, based in Paris. Ipsos Public Affairs conducts non partisan, objective strategic research initiatives for a diverse number of U.S. and international organizations. Ipsos Public Affairs has offices in Washington D.C., San Francisco, and Minneapolis.

To view the latest poll results and research from Ipsos Public Affairs please go to:

http://www.ipsos-reid.com/media/index.cfm

For more information on this release, please contact: Trent Ross Vice President Ipsos Public Affairs 415.274.8925 [email protected]