Energy policy attitude of the public

The polls conducted by the Allensbach Institut fur Demoskopie clearly indic ate that the majority of the public, notwithstanding the opt-out policy of the German federal government, are not against nuclear power. In fact. 40 p ercent of the population express themselves critical of the federal governm ent's nuclear power policy, while only 21 percent are in agreement with tha t policy. In the controversial discussion in 1999, the public assessment of nuclear power has even changed for the positive, at least trendwise, altho ugh nuclear power remains a power source not loved, but not rejected either . Only 30 percent plead in favor of discontinuing the generation of nuclear power altogether and shutting down existing nuclear power plants. Factors in favor of nuclear power. in the opinion of the public, are especially the possibilities it opens for resource conservation, arguments of price, and the greater independence of national energy supply. The public associates grave consequences with opting out of the use of nucl ear power, both positive and negative. Thus, the majority assume that the d iscontinuation of the use of nuclear power will result in higher electricit y charges and increased imports of electricity. At the same time, the major ity expect more support of alternative energies, a reduction of risks, and positive consequences for the environment. The public continues to be convi nced that opting out of nuclear power would be a measure benefitting: not h arming, the environment. However, there is little willingness to put up wit h anticipated negative consequences of opting out. In particular, higher el ectricity charges, the loss of jobs, and risks of the continuity of power s upply are considered unacceptable by the public. Should the political decis ion be taken to opt out of the use of nuclear power, the majority of the po pulation is in favor of making this a long term project instead of seeking to opt out in the shortest possible time.