The Bexar County Omnibus Survey, conducted by UTSA’s Center for Public Opinion Research (CPOR), found that 65% of residents support nuclear energy, compared to a national average of about 60%. Only 17% said they opposed it, with safety being the most common concern.
Posted on October 6, 2025 by Raul Trey Lopez
Results from the Bexar County Omnibus Survey, conducted by UTSA’s Center for Public Opinion Research (CPOR), found that 65% of residents support nuclear energy, compared to a national average of about 60%.
UTSA researchers said the findings indicate growing confidence in nuclear power as a clean and reliable energy source. The results also align with national policy trends that emphasize energy security and reduced carbon emissions.
The nuclear energy questions were developed in partnership with UTSA’s CONsortium on Nuclear sECurity Technologies (CONNECT), a program that links students and faculty with the U.S. Department of Energy to promote nuclear research and workforce development.
CONNECT focuses on both the technical and policy aspects of nuclear energy, with an emphasis on safety and public engagement.
“In addition to the cross-disciplinary mentoring and training, we’ve become really excited about the advancement of nuclear energy from not just the technical aspects but also the policy advancements and public engagement side,” said Elizabeth Sooby, project director of CONNECT and associate dean for research in the College of Sciences.
The survey asked residents about their understanding of nuclear energy, its role in the national power supply, and their personal views and concerns. The questions were designed to gauge both support levels and the factors influencing public opinion.
According to Bryan Gervais, CPOR director, the survey also demonstrates the university’s effort to provide local data that informs research and policy decisions. By maintaining a panel of Bexar County residents, UTSA can generate reliable insights into regional attitudes without relying on costly national survey firms.
UTSA officials said the results reinforce the university’s growing role in nuclear research and education. The findings will help guide future projects focused on safety, technology, and community engagement.
“These questions are just the tip of the iceberg and it’s exciting to see that our local community is interested in nuclear energy while cautiously concerned about all the things we are tackling in our research efforts here [with regard to] the safety and security of these empowering technologies,” Sooby said.
— Raul Trey Lopez
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