Does proximity matter? Plant location, public awareness, and support for nuclear energy

•We model the influence of geographic proximity to nuclear power plants on attitudes toward nuclear energy.•Resident proximity to nuclear plants leads to increased levels of awareness of the presence of nuclear generating sites.•Resident proximity to nuclear plants has no impact on overall attitudes toward the use and perceived safety of nuclear energy.

Does geographic proximity to nuclear power plants influence public attitudes toward nuclear energy? Utilizing a statewide survey of North Carolina residents, this research considers whether proximity to a nuclear facility – measured by residence in a 10 or 50 mile Emergency Planning Zone – influences citizen awareness, support, and perceptions of safety concerning nuclear energy. The results suggest that while geographic proximity to generating sites does lead to increased levels of awareness, it does not appear to impact overall attitudes toward the use and perceived safety of nuclear energy.