Thursday, February 9, 2012         

Isakson, Chambliss Praise Nuclear Regulatory Commission Vote to Issue Construction License for Plant Vogtle Expansion
New Units Will Provide Clean, Affordable Energy for 500,000 Georgia Families, Businesses

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., and Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga., today praised the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s vote to issue a Combined Construction and Operating License to Southern Company, clearing the way for construction to begin on the nation’s first two new nuclear units in 30 years. The new nuclear units are being built at Georgia Power’s Plant Vogtle, near Waynesboro, Ga.

The new Vogtle units will provide clean, safe and affordable electricity for more than 500,000 homes and businesses across Georgia. In addition, it will create 5,000 on-site jobs, including 3,500 craft labor jobs during the peak of construction and 800 permanent jobs.

“This is an historic day for our state and for our nation. I am thrilled by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s decision to allow construction at Plant Vogtle to begin because it will create clean, safe and affordable energy for Georgia’s families and small business, and it will create thousands of jobs in our state,” said Isakson. “Energy security for our country is one of my top goals for 2012, and the development of nuclear energy at home is the key to achieving energy independence.”

“I commend and congratulate Southern Company and Georgia Power on the approval of the necessary permits for the new nuclear units at Plant Vogtle, and that full construction will begin,” said Chambliss. “An energy independent America is a safe America, and nuclear energy is a vital source of reliable, secure domestic energy. Not only is this great news for our country, but I am grateful Georgia will have the 5,000 on site jobs and 800 permanent jobs created by this project.”  

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