CRYSTAL RIVER (AP) — The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission staff will meet to discuss the Crystal River nuclear plant, which sits about 80 miles north of Tampa.

The meeting is scheduled for 1 p.m. Thursday and will include a question and answer session.

According to an NRC news release, the staff will talk about the plant’s safety during 2011, as well as the NRC’s oversight and inspection program.

Progress Energy, which operates the plant, is proposing construction of two new nuclear power reactors at Crystal River.

Several environmental groups are trying to block the licensing of the plants. They claim that Progress Energy and the NRC failed to adequately analyze the environmental impacts.

The utility and the NRC say the plants will be safe and not harm the environment.