The debate over the Indian Point Nuclear Power Plant raged inside and outside a meeting at Continental Terrace in Cortlandt Manor Wednesday.

Plant owner Entergy has applied to have the licenses for Indian Point's units two and three renewed. Entergy officials contend the plants can continue to be operated safely for another 20 years, despite recent problems with emergency sirens and groundwater contamination.

Supporters of the plant said it provides numerous environmental benefits, such as clean air. Entergy spokesperson Jim Steets said Indian Point is not a public safety threat as many opponents have argued.

However, many in attendance had a very different opinion of the plant. Phillip Musegaas of the group Riverkeeper said the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is relying on an old impact statement concerning the environmental safety of the plant.

The role of the NRC in the public sessions is to listen to comments from people on both sides of the issue. Due to pressure from Congressional offices, the agency is also giving the public an additional 60 days to file petitions intervening in the license renewal process.