Despite the post-Fukushima backlash, the United States may be on its way to building its next new nuclear reactors.

On August 9, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission issued this document, publicly announcing that it had completed its Final Safety Evaluation Report (FSER) for a limited work authorization (LWA) and Combined Licenses (COL) for the proposed Vogtle Units 3 and 4 reactors at the existing Southern Company nuclear plant of the same name in northeast Georgia.

Although Southern submitted its application to build two new reactors on March 28, 2008, it is still waiting for the green light. For now, this NRC document shows that the initial stages of approval are underway and that the final okay may not be far off.

With heightening debate on the future Entergy-run Vermont Yankee plant in New England and a pending lawsuit from the state, NRC approval of the Vogtle reactors could be a significant victory for the industry.

The NRC recently turned down Entergy’s requests regarding the future of Vermont Yankee. Read the full story: Another Shake For Vermont Yankee.

Photo Caption: The Indian Point nuclear power plant is seen August 3, 2002 in Buchanan, New York.