Dispute Continues Over Safety, Financing of California's Last Nuclear Plant Despite Extended Operations Approval

Despite PG&E's assertion of the Diablo Canyon Nuclear Plant's safety, delay in critical testing of reactor safety and unresolved financing issues, including a past felony conviction, fuel ongoing controversy.

The future of Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant, California's last nuclear power plant, remains uncertain despite approval to extend operations till 2030. The power plant, which supplies up to 9% of California's electricity, continues to face safety and financial issues that fuel ongoing debates.
Environmentalists contend that California has enough power without the reactors, claiming that their operation could obstruct the growth of new clean energy sources. They also warn about safety risks due to postponed testing on one of the reactors, a claim contested by the operator, Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E).
PG&E has previously faced a felony conviction due to failures in gas pipeline inspection, leading to a 2010 explosion that destroyed a neighborhood and killed eight individuals. This conviction prompts questions about the company's eligibility for government funding for the plant's extension.
Despite PG&E's attempts to assure the plant’s safety, delays in reactor testing raise concerns. The company was scheduled to initiate testing for embrittlement on a vessel last month, but informed legislators that it couldn't remove samples as they didn't possess the right equipment. Testing could be rescheduled for the next refueling period, potentially delaying it by another two years.
The plant's long-term operation hinges on overcoming state and federal regulatory obstacles. Simultaneously, disagreements continue over the actual cost burden on ratepayers to maintain the plant’s operation. An anti-nuclear group, the Alliance for Nuclear Responsibility, alleges that PG&E didn't disclose its felony conviction before receiving conditional approval for $1.1 billion in federal funding for the extension.