DANA POINT ---- The Nuclear Regulatory Commission will hold a public workshop and hearing Thursday to discuss new environmental regulations for relicensing existing nuclear power plants.

The meeting, at the Doubletree Guest Suites, 34402 Pacific Coast Highway, in Dana Point, will include an explanation of the relicensing process as it would apply to the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station. The workshop is scheduled to start at 5 p.m., followed by the meeting from 7 to 10 p.m.

The commission has released a 606-page draft generic environmental impact statement that will determine what kinds of environmental effects plant owners must address if they wish to continue operating a nuclear plant after its current license expires.

Anti-nuclear groups are demanding that issues such as earthquake safety and a long-term disposal site for spent nuclear fuel be considered.