Regulators have indefinitely delayed a hearing to discuss safety concerns over new nuclear reactors proposed for a power plant in eastern Georgia.

The Atomic Safety and Licensing Board canceled a Sept. 17 hearing over whether a coalition of environmental groups should be allowed to raise what they believe are safety problems with Westinghouse Electric Co.'s AP1000 reactor design.

Two of those reactors would power the proposed expansion of Plant Vogtle near Waynesboro.

Board officials say the environmental groups recently lost their lawyer in the case and intend to submit additional arguments. The panel has given the environmental groups until Sept. 22 to find a new lawyer and resolve other issues.

Safety regulators have not yet decided whether to formally investigate the concerns raised by the environmental groups.

Tags: East Georgia, Waynesboro, Plant Vogtle, Atomic Safety and Licensing Board, nuclear power plant