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Writer's pictureCapitol Times

Nuclear plant's life extended by California governor


Photo Credit: Gage Skidmore

Governor Gavin Newsom announced on Friday that the state's last working nuclear power plant would be extended by five to 10 years to ensure reliable power supplies.


There has been a decades-long debate about seismic safety at Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant, but a proposal to extend its operation beyond 2025 gave it new urgency. While critics warned that Newsom's plan would gut state environmental protections, they portrayed it as a huge financial giveaway to plant operator Pacific Gas & Electric.


The draft proposal includes PG&E's potential forgivable loan of up to $1.4 billion and requires state agencies to act quickly so that the reactors can keep working.


Located midway between Los Angeles and San Francisco, the seaside plant produces 9% of the state's electricity. In response to climate change, its continued operation beyond 2025 is critical for ensuring statewide energy system reliability.



13 August 2022

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