WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman Fred Upton, Chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, applauded today’s decision by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to approve the construction and operation of two new nuclear reactors at Georgia Power’s Plant Vogtle. The two reactors will join Vogtle’s two existing reactors near Waynesboro, Georgia, with Unit 3 expected to begin operating in 2016 and Unit 4 in 2017.
Chairman Upton made the following statement:
“Green lighting these two Georgia reactors is an important milestone as we seek to renew our nation’s commitment to nuclear power. Approving the construction and operation of these reactors will help to create 5,000 jobs at the site, including 800 permanent, good-paying jobs. Once complete, the two reactors will provide clean, safe, reliable, and affordable electricity for half a million Georgians for decades to come.
“Breaking ground on the two reactors will signify that we are taking a positive first step toward a nuclear renaissance. In the three decades since we last broke ground on a new nuclear plant, an entire manufacturing sector has shuttered with nuclear component-construction and manufacturing jobs migrating overseas. We can change that by flipping the switch from red to green on nuclear. There is no reason that we cannot stamp “Made in America" on the parts and components for reactors being built here at home and those in construction abroad.
“Nuclear power must be part of the conversation as we seek long term solutions to fortify our energy supply and grid reliability. Renewing our commitment to nuclear will power our nation’s homes and economy for decades to come."
