The Diablo Canyon power plant, which produces nearly 10 percent of the state’s electricity, is scheduled to close in 2025. Governor Newsom wants to keep the plant open because there may not be enough solar, wind, and other renewable energy to make up for the loss of Diablo Canyon, especially in late summer when extreme heat and wildfires strain the grid. Consequently, Diablo Canyon’s fate could affect all Californians.
Newsom will need legislative help to keep Diablo Canyon open, and its future will most likely depend on the outcome of Newsom’s five climate requests, which are currently pending in the Legislature. The governor is facing opposition to extending Diablo Canyon from some environmentalists and Assembly Democrats. Interestingly, those same groups support Newsom’s climate change package which would increase demand on the grid by increasing use of electric vehicles and equipment while at the same time reducing electricity that isn’t from a green source.
Senator John Laird (D-Santa Cruz), whose district includes Diablo Canyon, has questions about repercussions of the proposed extension, especially relative to the potential development of offshore wind power in the area. Optimistically, he said the governor seems willing to address his concerns.
Some lawmakers have been asking Newsom to call a “special session” of the legislature to buy time to continue the negotiations. A special session is a procedural maneuver allowing the legislature to meet on just one issue past the Constitutional deadline of August 31. This maneuver may not be practical though for this particular issue. This is because Pacific Gas & Electric has until September 6 to apply for federal funding to keep the plant open.
Consequently, a decision on the future of Diablo Canyon will likely be made soon.
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