Columbia -- State regulators heard a request by utility provider South Carolina Electric & Gas Wednesday to make changes to two new nuclear reactors set for construction in Jenkinsville. The public service commission is considering SCE&G's request to modify plans previously approved by the commission.

Environmental group Friends of the Earth protested that request Wednesday. The group has previously claimed the proposed reactor design could be a safety hazard and may not be strong enough to withstand tornadoes, hurricanes and other potential disasters that could strike the facility.

SCE&G spokeswoman Rhonda O'Banion said the utility has modified its design and believes the proposed changes to the project are in the best interests of everyone.

"This will not shift those milestones that matter the most, and that is our commitment to completing the project on schedule...and staying within the budget," said O'Banion.

"They should not be allowed to have cost increases and delays," said Friends of the Earth spokesman Tom Clements

Friends of the Earth has challenged the $6.9 billion project in the state Supreme Court, but the court has yet to set a date for a hearing.