By Nadia Lopez

WHAT THE BILL WOULD DO 

SB 846, authored by Republican Assemblymember Jordan Cunningham of San Luis Obispo and Democratic state Sen. Bill Dodd of Napa, would keep the Diablo Canyon nuclear power plant open until 2030 and give its operator, Pacific Gas & Electric, a $1.4 billion loan to do so. The plant is currently scheduled to shut down in 2025. The contentious measure mirrors draft legislation Newsom proposed on Aug. 12, with a few key differences: Newsom wanted to extend the life of the plant for ten years, which received widespread opposition from legislators. The bill also includes stronger protections for ratepayers, and the loan would be allocated in increments. Lawmakers will have to approve spending of state funds in excess of $600 million. The state has a Sept. 6 deadline to apply for federal funding. 

WHO SUPPORTS IT 

Newsom, ​​U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein and the California Independent System Operator, which operates the state’s power grid were supporters. They say the plant is critical to California’s efforts to provide a steady power supply as it builds its renewable energy sources, cuts greenhouse gases and reduces reliance on fossil fuels. 

WHO IS OPPOSED

Some energy experts and environmental groups, including the Natural Resources Defense Council and the Union of Concerned Scientists, were opposed. They raised concerns about spent nuclear waste and safety issues due to the plant’s proximity to seismic fault lines. They also say the plant’s extension could delay much-needed investments in renewable energy. 

WHY IT MATTERS

Facing extreme heat, prolonged drought and wildfires, California has increasingly faced challenges in providing reliable electricity. Diablo Canyon provides about 10% of the state’s power. So far the state’s investments in solar and wind have lagged behind its goals.

GOVERNOR’S CALL ✅

As expected, Newsom announced on Sept. 2 that he was signing the bill. “Climate change is causing unprecedented stress on California’s energy system and I appreciate the Legislature’s action to maintain energy reliability as the State accelerates the transition to clean energy,” he said in a signing statement. “Senate Bill 846 facilitates the actions necessary to keep the option of (Diablo Canyon) as a statewide reliability asset beyond the current 2024-2025 retirement dates of the plant’s two units.”