81% of Americans Want Permanent Nuclear Waste Solution, Poll Finds

A YouGov survey commissioned by Deep Isolation Nuclear (OTCQB: DBHL) found 81% of Americans say finding a permanent disposal method for high-level radioactive waste should be a national priority. Only 28% support the current practice of storing spent fuel at reactor sites for decades.

The poll of 1,000 U.S. adults, fielded in April 2026, showed 61% back continued nuclear power use. Support for underground disposal methods that reduce long-distance waste transport hit 74%. After reviewing information on geologic disposal technologies, 65% favored deep borehole disposal specifically.

Todd Abrajano, president and CEO of the U.S. Nuclear Industry Council, said the timing matters "as policymakers and industry leaders work to advance a long-term strategy for managing spent nuclear fuel." He pointed to state-led approaches like the Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus initiative as aligning with the public's preference "to pursue practical, science-based pathways that address the back end of the fuel cycle."

The survey uncovered a trust gap. 68% of respondents said they trust scientists and engineers to help select the best waste solution. Only 37% expressed trust in government alone to make sound nuclear policy.

69% of respondents said they worry the U.S. still lacks a permanent disposal solution. That concern comes as policy attention on nuclear power as a low-carbon baseload source intensifies.

Deep Isolation is developing deep borehole disposal technology. In January 2026, it launched a full-scale Commercialization Pilot at Cameron, Texas, with partners including Halliburton (NYSE: HAL), Amentum (NYSE: AMTM), NAC International, and Occlusion Nuclear Solutions. The company holds over 100 patents. Its Universal Canister System was funded through a three-year U.S. Department of Energy ARPA-E project.

Chris Parker, Deep Isolation's chief commercialization officer, said the survey "demonstrates that Americans recognize the importance of addressing the nuclear waste challenge and are looking for practical, science-based solutions."

The research carries weight as the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and Congress weigh next steps on a consolidated interim storage facility and a permanent geologic repository. The federal government remains legally obligated under the Nuclear Waste Policy Act to take ownership of spent fuel. The Yucca Mountain project in Nevada stalled decades ago and no alternative site has been designated.

Deep Isolation's stock trades on the OTCQB market under ticker DBHL. The company has not yet reported commercial revenue from its borehole disposal solution.

Halliburton's Alpha Score is 49/100, a Mixed label in the Energy sector.

The full YouGov report is available through Deep Isolation's website.