Congressman Jack Kingston - First District of Georgia

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has voted to approve the expansion of Plant Vogtle near Waynesboro, Georgia.  The decision clears the way for the nation’s first two nuclear reactors in more than 30 years to be constructed in the Peach State.

Congressman Jack Kingston (R-GA), an ardent supporter of the expansion and of nuclear energy, hailed the decision and the coming investment in Georgia’s infrastructure.

“This massive investment in our infrastructure will not only create 5,000 jobs but will bring more safe, clean, and affordable energy to Georgia,” said Kingston.  “It will help reduce our dependence on foreign energy sources and advance the all-of-the-above energy approach we need.”

The expansion is a joint undertaking of Georgia Power, Oglethorpe Power Corporation, the Municipal Electric Authority of Georgia and Dalton Utilities.  Together, they will invest $14.1 billion in the reactors which are expected to begin operating in 2016 and 2017.

Once complete, the new reactors will provide electricity to more than 500,000 home and businesses across Georgia.