Statement from SACE on Judge Arrington
Atlanta, Ga. – Today, Fulton County Superior Court Judge Arrington held a hearing on the lawsuit we filed earlier this year against Governor Perdue and the Georgia Public Service Commission that could prevent Georgia ratepayers from having to prepay for building the two proposed new nuclear reactors at Plant Vogtle near Augusta. The matters scheduled to be heard today before the Court have great significance to all Georgians and, frankly, to Georgia Power Co. and the shareholders of its parent company, Southern Company.
Southern Alliance for Clean Energy is eager to move forward with a full hearing on these important energy policy issues. However, Judge Arrington indicated that he owns publicly traded stock in Southern Company. While we have no reason to believe that the Court could not hear this matter in an impartial and appropriate manner, out of an abundance of caution and to avoid the potential for the appearance of any impropriety, Southern Alliance for Clean Energy respectfully requested that Judge Arrington recuse himself and that the matter be reassigned to another Judge at the earliest possible opportunity. Judge Arrington has graciously complied with our request for recusal.
Southern Alliance for Clean Energy has been a leading voice for energy reform to protect the quality of life and treasured places in the Southeast for more than twenty years. We sincerely appreciate the widespread support we have received from Georgia families and small businesses throughout the State, as well as from interested parties across the country. We look forward to a full and robust hearing on these important issues that will shape energy policy for generations to come. # # # Southern Alliance for Clean Energy is a nonprofit organization that promotes responsible energy choices that create global warming solutions and ensure clean, safe, and healthy communities throughout the Southeast.