CLINTON - Economic benefits were touted by supporters, storage issues came from detractors. A Chicago resident even chimed in.

A hearing sponsored by the federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission regarding a second nuclear reactor in Clinton drew both sides of the issue.

A crowd of about 100 people attended the Wednesday meeting, much less 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 by federal regulators would not authorize construction of a new plant but 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, Alexander said.

"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, Lowery said.

"I think nuclear waste is the number one reason we can't support another reactor here in Clinton Illinois," Lowery said.

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

Linda Lewis said she lives near several Exelon plants in Northern Illinois.

"I am concerned because the power plants release fumes continuously that are radioactive," Lewis said.

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is expected to release its ruling on the permit in the next several months.

Edith Brady-Lunny can be reached at eblunny@mchsi.com.