SAN CLEMENTE, Calif -   The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is launching a pilot study of cancer risks in people living near six U.S. nuclear power plants, including the San Onofre generating station in Southern California.

   That plant has been offline since Jan. 31 to repair corroded steam generator tubes.

   The $2 million study announced Tuesday will look at multiple types of cancer in populations around plants in California, Connecticut, Illinois, Michigan, New Jersey and Tennessee and near a uranium fuel producer in Tennessee. It also will specifically examine cancers in children living near the facilities.

   The study aims to address public concerns about radiation released by the plants. It's expected to begin in the next three months and could pave the way for a future study of all 65 U.S. nuclear plants.