SACRAMENTO – Following Governor Gavin Newsom’s announcement that the state will not take action this year on extending Diablo Canyon beyond 2030, Senator John Laird issued the following statement:

“Governor Newsom’s announcement Friday that he will not act this year on the extension of Diablo Canyon is not surprising. With three weeks remaining in the legislative session, more than 1,000 bills still moving, and critical issues such as wildfire liability requiring attention, there simply is not enough time for the Legislature to thoughtfully address the many important questions surrounding Diablo Canyon’s future. I had been meeting with many stakeholders in recent weeks to be ready in case this issue was brought up this year.

Important issues still remain regarding Diablo Canyon’s extension to 2030 – repayment of the remaining state loan with an expected unpaid balance of approximately $650 million, seismic and reactor safety, spent nuclear fuel storage, and continued revenues to local government and schools. These issues and many more would have to be decided in order to extend Diablo’s operation from 2030 to 2045.

I introduced SB 931 to address service and education cuts happening now. Some argued that SB 931 should be tied to Diablo’s extension beyond 2030, but I was opposed to that approach, for the reasons that have now become reality. I am glad we kept the unitary tax for the current operating period separate from the extension, allowing us to move forward with this important revenue measure this year.

In the meantime, we will continue meeting with stakeholders and residents of San Luis Obispo County, and we will be ready for future discussions about Diablo Canyon’s future. I look forward to having the opportunity in 2027, over a full nine-month legislative session, to thoughtfully consider Diablo Canyon’s future and ensure that the community is protected during any additional years of operation.

My position is that approving a further extension should rest on the ability to meet local and statewide concerns – whether it be affordability, local revenues, conservation of all Diablo Canyon Lands, protection of workers, and constant seismic safety review – among other issues.”