Isakson, Chambliss Praise NRC Renewal of Operating Licenses for Vogtle Nuclear Power Plant

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Isakson, Chambliss Praise NRC Renewal of Operating Licenses for Vogtle Nuclear Power Plant

U.S. Senators Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., and Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga., today praised the decision by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to renew the operating licenses for the Vogtle Electric Generating Plant, Units 1 and 2, in Waynesboro, Ga., for an additional 20 years. The new licenses will expire on Jan. 16, 2047, and Feb. 9, 2049, respectively.

"I'm pleased the Nuclear Regulatory Commission has renewed the operating licenses for these units," Isakson said. "We need to develop all forms of renewable resources, especially nuclear energy, as part of the solution to address greenhouse gases. If we don't revitalize, enhance and encourage technologies such as nuclear energy, we will never be able to reach the goals that we seek."

"If we are to meet the growing energy needs of Georgia and of our nation in keeping with America's national security interests, nuclear power is going to have to be a part of the equation," said Chambliss. "I'm pleased Vogtle's operating licenses for these units have been renewed. The power they generate is safe, reliable, and emissions free and environmentally responsible."

The decision to renew the licenses comes after thorough safety and environmental reviews of the application submitted June 27, 2007, by the plant's operator, Southern Nuclear Operating Company.

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