It could be a big policy change.
The governor is saying he may be open to extending the life of the Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant, which is currently set to shut down by 2025.
There has been a push for years to close the plant over safety concerns. Facing a number of expensive upgrades to meet environmental guidelines, PG&E agreed to a timeline to shut down the plant. The state has been pushing for its closure.
But, a spokesman for Governor Gavin Newsom says the governor wants to insure the state has the power it needs while it transitions to renewable energy.
The announcement comes as the Biden Administration has announced a $6 billion fund to help nuclear power plants to stay open during the transition to green energy.
The governor’s office says it makes sense to apply for some of the funds. But, Democratic Congressman Salud Carbajal, who represents San Luis Obispo, says the state shouldn’t act unilaterally.
He says the community was involved in the decision to close the facility, and should be a part of any change in policy.
