California Gov. Gavin Newsom has opened up to the possibility of extending the operation of the Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant, according to multiple reports, despite past opposition. That’s a positive development. We encourage the governor to resist ideological or special interest pressure to shutter the facility, which provided 6% of the state’s power last year.
Six years ago, Pacific Gas and Electric, which owns and operates the plant, agreed to close Diablo Canyon by 2025.
According to The Associated Press, PG&E stated at the time that the decision to close Diablo Canyon was made as part of an agreement with environmental and labor groups, with PG&E saying its decision was out of “recognition that California’s new energy policies will significantly reduce the need for Diablo Canyon’s electricity output.”
