Biden Allocates $1.1 Billion to Keep California’s Nuclear Power Plant Operating

 California's last operating nuclear power plant was given another funding boost Nov. 21 as operators seek to keep it running for another eight years. The U.S. Energy Department awarded the Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant, located near San Luis Obispo, $1.1 billion from the Civil Nuclear Credit Program funded by an infrastructure bill passed by Congress in 2021.

Politicians Applaud the Funding

• The funding will help extend the life of the once-doomed power plant

Gov. Newsom signed legislation Sept. 1 to reverse plans to terminate the plant

• The bill was essential to prevent rolling blackouts and increased electricity prices in California, according to author Sen. Bill Dodd (D-Napa).
• It allows Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) to continue operating the plant until 2030.

Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.)

• She welcomed the news, saying the short-term extension is necessary if California is to meet its ambitious clean-energy goals while continuing to deliver reliable power
• This is especially critical as California's electric grid has faced increasing challenges from climate-fueled extreme weather events."

Last month, PG&E applied for a new operating license from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission

• Several environmental groups objected to the permit renewal
• A radiological accident at the earthquake-vulnerable reactors could present catastrophic public health, economic, and environmental impacts
• Following the announcement of the funding, the Samuel Lawrence Foundation was disappointed that the federal funding allocation was given to the project

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