Overview
- Gov. Gavin Newsom said on Monday that he will not act this year to keep California’s only nuclear plant operating past its scheduled 2030 closure and he deferred the decision to his successor and state lawmakers.
- The federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission has already approved Diablo Canyon to operate through 2045, but state approval is required to authorize continued operations beyond the current closure plan.
- Plant operator PG&E has lobbied the Legislature for a state-level extension and its proposals have been linked in reporting to roughly $600 million in potential taxpayer costs and growing public opposition.
- More than 60 California elected officials sent a letter urging lawmakers to extend Diablo Canyon’s life, signaling organized political support that would now need action from the incoming administration or a future Legislature.
- The outcome will shape short- and medium-term energy planning in California by affecting grid capacity, potential public costs, and the timing of investments in replacement power, so lawmakers’ response is the key next step.