National Guard members will no longer be assigned to secure the Indian Point Nuclear Power Plant, according to an announcement by the governor?s office.

Entergy, which operates the plant, says the change is not cause for panic. The company says it is confident the move will not compromise safety at Indian Point because the National Guard isn't part of the plant's mandatory security requirements.

Nearby residents say the National Guard represents a feeling of reassurance.

"I think they should stay there,? says Peter Melomo, of Cortlandt. ?I'm not thrilled with [the decision]."

A spokesman for Gov. David Paterson says the troops are being removed as ?part of a broader re-evaluation of how best to use New York's National Guard strength to protect the state."