Ga. leaders praise decision backing nuclear plant

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February 10, 2012

Anonymous Associated Press Fri Feb 10, 2012, 01:00 PM EST

ATLANTA — Gov. Nathan Deal said the decision by U.S. officials to allow the construction of a new nuclear power plant will mean more jobs for Georgia.

The Republican governor earlier asked the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission to approve Southern Co.’s request to build two more reactors at Plant Vogtle near Augusta. The commission approved the project in a 4-1 vote on Thursday.

Democratic Rep. John Barrow of Savannah said he supported the decision because it will bring jobs to the eastern part of the state.

Republican Rep. Phil Gingrey described nuclear energy as a “solid investment” with fewer price fluctuations than fossil fuels.

Environmental groups have promised a lawsuit. They have raised concerns about the reactor design and whether the NRC needed more time to study an accident in Japan.

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