A national survey conducted by the pollster that President Donald Trump trusts, McLaughlin & Associates, finds that the vast majority of American voters want our nation to safeguard its future by conquering the challenge of fusion energy.
As opposed to fission, which has powered nuclear reactors for nearly 75 years, fusion creates no radioactivity while harnessing the power of the atom to produce energy that could meet virtually all of our nation's increasing demand for electricity during the remaining decades of this century and beyond.
The challenge is to sustain this fusion process in massive magnetic cylinders, requiring a concentration of America's scientific and industrial leadership on a scale not seen since the "Manhattan Project" to build the atom bomb before enemies did during World War II.
McLaughlin & Associates' poll revealed that, while many Americans may not follow the physics of fusion energy, they certainly understand its potential clean, inexpensive and limitless availability. Equally important, they are deeply concerned about the serious consequences for our national security were a hostile nation to succeed in conquering this challenge before the United States does.
With some 1,000 voters responding from a broad section of the country, the survey has a statistical margin of error of 3.1%. So when three-in-five voters are concerned that a regime such as China could achieve fusion power before the United States, it is an issue that cuts across politics and geography. In addition, some 60% of voters want Washington to invest strategically in American-based fusion energy research in the face of significant Chinese funding of this potent technology. It is a "Manhattan Project" moment for our current generation of leaders.
Responses to poll questions 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 such as 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.
In releasing the poll, John McLaughlin, CEO and Partner of McLaughlin & Associates, stated, "[Voters] 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."
As the sponsor of the poll, I have authorized the data to be forwarded to Trump's National Energy Dominance Council (NEDC). The NEDC's leadership, including Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum and Secretary of Energy Chris Wright, should have all the relevant data before them that takes the pulse of the American voter. As the NEDC is responsible for providing the Administration with the means to lower energy costs, anticipate the spike in energy demands, and how best to protect national security, these survey results provide a public policy roadmap towards fusion power.
In producing his report, McLaughlin noted, "The President's energy initiative could not 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."
Lawrence Kadish serves on the Board of Governors of Gatestone Institute.
