CLINTON - Public comments for and against a second nuclear reactor in Clinton were offered Wednesday at a hearing sponsored by the federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

A crowd of about 100 people attended the meeting, far fewer than the estimated 300 who came to a similar public comment session in April 2005.

Exelon Generating Co. is seeking an early site permit for a possible second reactor at the Clinton Power Station east of Clinton. Approval of the permit would not authorize construction of a new plant, but it would give plant owners a 20-year window to make a decision on a new reactor.

Several local residents offered comments in support of the plant, based on the economic benefit a second unit could bring to the area.

Joe Alexander said the existing plant has not affected the county's good quality of life. Wildlife, including deer and fish, are abundant at Clinton Lake, a cooling lake for the power plant, said Alexander.

"It's unrealistic to say that nuclear energy is not a clean, efficient source of energy," said Alexander.

Clinton environmental science teacher Karen Lowery said the unresolved storage for nuclear waste is an issue that cannot be ignored. The storage issue, combined with the potential hazards of transporting waste through the country, makes an early site permit a bad proposition, said Lowery.

"I think nuclear waste is the No. 1 reason we can't support another reactor here in Clinton, Illinois," said the science teacher.

Other opponents came from as far away as Chicago to voice their concerns for the permit.

The NRC is expected to release its ruling on the permit in the next several months.