Tea Party supports completion of Vogtle

MARIETTA – Georgia Tea Party Inc., a non-partisan advocacy group headquartered in Marietta, announced Tuesday it is supporting the continued construction and completion of the Alvin W. Vogtle Nuclear Generating Plant, also known as the Vogtle Nuclear Plant, in Burke County. Vogtle units 1 and 2 have been in operation since 1987 and 1989, respectively, and units 3 and 4 are scheduled to begin operations in 2021 and 2022, respectively.

GTPI officials said in a news release that developing a truly free market in electric power generation and distribution is desirable, but current technology makes that goal both expensive and impractical.

“While we are mindful of the principles of free market economics, we also acknowledge that the electric power industry, which is regulated by the elected Public Service Commission, has been successful in providing safe, reliable and affordable electricity in our state for a number of years,” J.D. Van Brink, chairman of Georgia Tea Party, said. “Electric power rates in Georgia are among the most competitive in the nation. These competitive rates make life more affordable for residential customers and help businesses compete here at home and in international markets.

“It is critical that we complete the construction of the only nuclear plant under construction in the United States. Nuclear power is a vital source for inexpensive, reliable electricity in Georgia. Finally, national security interests require that the U.S. remain a leader in nuclear power development. To allow another nation to take the lead would be a big mistake.”

Georgia Tea Party Inc. is a non-partisan 501(c)(4) nonprofit advocacy group. Its mission is to impact public policy by teaching the principles and spirit of individual liberty and constitutionally limited self-government.