Plant Vogtle has operated in Burke County since the late 1980s. It's a nuclear facility that helps provide energy for the Southeast.

Now, it's looking to expand.

"The projections for population growth in Georgia are tremendous over the next ten to 20 years," said Carol Boatright of Georgia Power. "So, we are looking at ways to generate electricity to meet demand."

Those who run Plant Vogtle say nuclear energy is the most cost effective way to meet that demand.

And, many people who live and work in Burke County welcome the expansion.

"I think it's a great idea and good for the community," said longtime Burke County resident, Dave Hanley. "Plant Vogtle has employed a lot of people."

The plant also provides 80-percent of the entire property tax base for the county.

Last year it provided $20 million for the school system and $3.6 million for the Fire and Rescue service.

And because of that, it's hard to find anyone in Burke County who opposes the expansion. But, there are some watchdog groups that say more nuclear energy isn't the answer for the future.

They say looking into alternative fuels is the better option for Georgia and would still provide jobs.

"When you're in a rural county like this and you have a lot of agriculture and forestry, you can take these products and make power out of that," said Sara Barczak, the Safe Energy Director for the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy. "And, that keeps jobs in the county and the state."

They also say that in the end, alternative fuels would be better for the environment.

"The nuclear plant, though sited in Burke County, has major implications for the entire region," said Barczak. "We don't have an answer to the nuclear waste problem. It's going to go in someone's backyard. Whose is it?

Representatives from Georgia Power say they are looking into solar and wind power, but at this point, they don't think using alternative energy would be cost effective.

But, keep in mind there is a long process everyone has to go through before these new nuclear reactors can be approved by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Approval alone will take until May 2008.

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission wants to hear from you if you have any comments or concerns about the new nuclear reactors.

They are taking comments through December 4th of this year.

You can contact the Commission by email at vogtle_EIS@nrc.gov

For those of you who'd like to make a comment by phone, the number is 1-800-368-5642 ext. 3053