The U.S. government has approved the construction of the first nuclear reactors to be built in the country since 1978.
In a hearing, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) approved the construction of two nuclear reactors at an existing plant in the southern state of Georgia.
The reactors are expected to cost $14 billion and could begin operating as soon as 2016.
The NRC last approved construction of a nuclear plant in 1978, a year before a partial meltdown at the Three Mile Island nuclear plant in Pennsylvania raised fears of a radiation release.
NRC Chairman Gregory Jaczko voted against the February 9 decision, saying last year's disaster at Japan's Fukushima nuclear plant showed the need for greater caution.
Compiled from agency reports
In a hearing, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) approved the construction of two nuclear reactors at an existing plant in the southern state of Georgia.
The reactors are expected to cost $14 billion and could begin operating as soon as 2016.
The NRC last approved construction of a nuclear plant in 1978, a year before a partial meltdown at the Three Mile Island nuclear plant in Pennsylvania raised fears of a radiation release.
NRC Chairman Gregory Jaczko voted against the February 9 decision, saying last year's disaster at Japan's Fukushima nuclear plant showed the need for greater caution.
Compiled from agency reports
