California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed legislation intended to open the way for the state’s nuclear power plant to run an additional five years, a move that he said was needed to ward off possible blackouts as the state transitions to renewable sources.
FILE - One of Pacific Gas & Electric's Diablo Canyon Power Plant's nuclear reactors in Avila Beach, Calif., is viewed Nov. 3, 2008. California legislators and Gov. California Gov. Gavin Newsom and a group of legislators reached a late-hour compromise bill released late Sunday, Aug.
His endorsement came one day after the plan was approved in a lopsided vote in the state Assembly and Senate, and despite criticism from environmentalists that the plant was dangerous and should be shut down as scheduled by 2025. Newsom has no direct authority over the twin-domed plant, which sits on a bluff above the Pacific midway between Los Angeles and San Francisco. PG
&E must obtain approval for a longer run from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, which oversees plant safety, as well as a string of state agencies.&E will qualify for a share of $6 billion the Biden administration set aside to rescue nuclear plants at risk of closing. The state could back out of the deal if the reactors don’t qualify for federal dollars.
Newsom's plan also restarted a long-running debate over seismic safety at the site. Construction at Diablo Canyon began in the 1960s. Critics say potential shaking from nearby earthquake faults not recognized when the design was first approved — one nearby fault was not discovered until 2008 — could damage equipment and release radiation. PGAlso unknown is how much it will cost to update the plant for a longer run.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Gov. Newsom Quashes Bill To Provide More Funding For Black StudentsThe governor promises to target money next year for the lowest performing student group.
Read more »
California Gov. Newsom signs executive order to increase electricity supply as state braces for major heatwaveCalifornia Gov. Gavin Newsom signed an executive order that will allow the state to procure more electricity as its power grid braces for a historic heatwave.
Read more »
Trust run by Newsom's in-laws gave money to DeSantis this yearThe parents of California Gov. Gavin Newsom's wife donated re-election funds to one of their son-in-law's biggest political rivals, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.
Read more »
Gov. Wolf starts the process of issuing pardons for lower-level marijuana convictionsPennsylvanians with minor, nonviolent marijuana criminal convictions are eligible to be pardoned under a joint effort from Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf and Lt. Gov. John Fetterman.
Read more »
California governor signs bill to keep last reactors runningCalifornia Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom signed legislation Friday intended to open the way for the state’s last operating nuclear power plant to run an additional five years, a move that he said was needed to ward off possible blackouts as the state transitions to solar and other renewable sources. Newsom has no direct authority over the twin-domed plant, which sits on a bluff above the Pacific midway between Los Angeles and San Francisco. PG&E must obtain approval for a longer run from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, which oversees plant safety, as well as a string of state agencies.
Read more »
California gun bill fails on tactical error in LegislatureGun-control advocates could have had one more victory in their very successful California legislative session. But a risky move supported by Gov. Gavin Newsom backfired on a bill to impose
Read more »