State Representative Calvin Smyre (D-Columbus) issued the following statement regarding Georgia Power’s recommendation to continue construction at Plant Vogtle, a nuclear energy electricity-generating facility near Waynesboro, Ga.:

“Georgia Power’s decision to recommend finishing the new units at Plant Vogtle takes a long-term view toward securing our state’s energy future. As a longtime advocate of nuclear power and renewable energy, I have full confidence that the Southern Company, Georgia Power and the project’s co-owners can and will complete the Plant Vogtle expansion project. While there have been financial hurdles to overcome, I think it would not be in the best interest of the state and ratepayers to abandon the project at this time.

“The Georgia Public Service Commission will make the final decision and have final authority, but finishing the new Vogtle nuclear units means we will get the proven benefits of nuclear energy for decades and generations to come. Georgia Power is a leader in renewable and nuclear energy, which covers the emission-free energy spectrum. Their decision to recommend completing the nuclear plant means clean, reliable energy will continue to serve millions of residents in Georgia.”