Power positions: Pro and con on nuclear

“If you’re going to take coal out of the mix, then you’re left with two options for diversity: that’s nuclear and natural gas. We’re expecting the economy to get better, it’s already showing signs. Manufacturers will be ramping up, there will be more demand on the grid, (so) I think nuclear will have to be an option.”

Con: Colleen Kiernan, director of Georgia Sierra Club:

“The electric utility industry is going through an incredible evolution, and by 2023 the idea that we need 'baseload' power will be an antiquated idea. Solar, wind and energy efficiency are more resilient and reliable than coal or nuclear and they are also cleaner, cheaper and safer.”