"As Japan wrestles with its nuclear crisis, the U.S. nuclear industry is seeing a partial meltdown in public support as Americans wonder whether such tragedy could strike here.

At least three recent polls, including one by USA TODAY, show support is eroding for President Obama's call to expand nuclear power. Fewer than half of U.S. adults now favor the idea, a sharp drop from surveys before a March 11 earthquake and tsunami damaged nuclear reactors in Japan and released radiation.

Thirty-nine percent say they support increased use of nuclear power, down from 47% in October, according to a poll of 1,004 adults taken March 17-20 poll by the Pew Research Center for the People & the Press. Last March, a Gallup poll found 62% favored more nuclear power."

Wendy Koch reports for USA TODAY March 29, 2011.
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SEE ALSO:

"U.S. Public Support For More Nuclear Power Slips" (Reuters) [3]

"Companies Have Clout, Resources To Lobby in D.C." (USA TODAY) [4]

"Lobbyists’ Long Effort to Revive Nuclear Industry Faces New Test" (New York Times) [5]

"Environmental Groups Question Obama's Support for Nuclear Industry" (ABC News Radio) [6]