Despite the nuclear disaster in Japan, there should not be any safety concerns for two new nuclear reactors planned at Plant Vogtle near Augusta. That's what Southern Company's top official told a U.S. Chamber of Commerce gathering in Washington Wednesday.

CEO Thomas Fanning says it's wise to review the nation's other nuclear plants, especially in earthquake-prone areas. But no one should worry over the nation's first new reactors in 30 years, slated for east Georgia.

"The site for our new units is not in a seismic sensitive area. And we're going to use the newest technology employing a completely different approach to nuclear safety."

The new Vogtle reactors already have $8 billion in loan guarantees from the government.

Fanning says he's confident federal regulatory officials will license the project by the end of the year.

Tags: East Georgia, Southern Company, Plant Vogtle, nuclear safety, Nuclear plants, U.S. Chamber of Commerce