| This study analyzed if individuals perceive nuclear energy as a risk to environmental and public safety and determined how proximity, rurality, and political ideology influenced that perceived risk. This was a cross-sectional study that collected data through electronically disseminated surveys. The survey was distributed in May 2021 to Idaho residents within a 50- mile radius of INL. A total of 3,524 participants were included in the final analysis. Overall, the plurality of respondents agreed that nuclear energy may lead to more environmental pollution and contamination, contamination of water supplies, and new human health issues. Because Idaho is at the forefront of US nuclear energy, being home to INL with proposed projects on the horizon, the importance of understanding current and local perceptions of nuclear energy is necessary and will continue to be relevant, especially with the impending risks of climate change. |