IN THE NEWS
California is rethinking nuclear — environmental groups should, too
The Hill | June 9, 2026
By Ethan Brown
In 2016, California announced plans to retire Diablo Canyon, the state’s last nuclear power plant. Coming from America’s most influential environmental rulemaker, the decision seemed to confirm nuclear power’s place outside the environmental mainstream.
A decade later, at the May 6 California gubernatorial debate, moderators revisited the question of whether the state should keep Diablo Canyon operating past 2030. This time, all seven candidates said yes.
With a changing climate and rising electric bills driving demand for abundant clean energy, nuclear has become hard to dismiss, especially as modern safety reforms have quelled many historical fears.
There's Growing Local Support for Extending Life of Diablo Canyon Nuclear Plant
KQED | May 18, 2026
By Keith Mizuguchi
Nuclear advocates are pushing to keep Diablo Canyon – California’s only running nuclear power plant – open even longer than planned. The plant passed its final hurdle to run until 2030 last month, but legislators are talking about extending that expiration date even further. And while lawmakers debate how long Diablo Canyon should stay open, local support for the nuclear plant is growing.
How the Diablo Canyon Power Plant won the hearts and minds of its neighbors
KCBX | May 18, 2026
By Kendra Hanna
The construction of the Diablo Canyon Power Plant began in 1968, kicking off decades of protests led by anti-nuclear and anti-war activists.
But on the Central Coast, the surrounding communities have come to accept — and even support — California's only operating nuclear power plant.
Now, as state lawmakers consider whether Diablo Canyon should stay open past its 2030 planned decommissioning date, hometown support for the plant comes at a critical time.
California Assembly leadership set up working group to consider nuclear power plant extension
Politico | May 14, 2026
By Noah Baustin
Why it matters: The formation of the working group is a tangible sign that the legislature may take up the issue of Diablo Canyon’s renewal this year. There is currently no extension bill in the legislature, but a coalition of business, labor, and energy groups are pushing lawmakers to pass the policy this session.
PRESS RELEASE:
Diablo Canyon 2045 Coalition Launches to Protect California’s Renewable Energy Transition & Lower Costs for Customers
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, April 23, 2026
Contact: Megan Gamble, 916-832-1884
The growing coalition of 25 organizations is asking California lawmakers to pass legislation this year to extend Diablo Canyon Power Plant to 2045
Sacramento, CA – Today, organizations representing clean energy, labor, business, and other thought leaders announce Diablo Canyon 2045, a broad and growing coalition of groups and individuals that have come together to urge lawmakers to keep Diablo Canyon Power Plant open until 2045.
NCPA Calls on California Legislature to Act in Wake of NRC Diablo Canyon License Renewals
Generation | April 6, 2026
By Paul Ciampoli
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has renewed the operating licenses of the Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant in California for an additional 20 years.
Pacific Gas & Electric Co.’s Diablo Canyon Units 1 and 2 are pressurized-water reactors in Avila Beach, California. Unit 1’s operating license will now expire on Nov. 2, 2044, and Unit 2’s will expire on Aug. 26, 2045….
California should extend Diablo Canyon nuclear plant’s lifespan to address state’s energy needs
San Francisco Chronicle | March 30, 2026
By John Grubb and Vidya Schalk
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul recently called for significantly increasing the amount of nuclear energy that flows into the state’s power grid. The announcement came barely a week after Illinois lifted its decades-old moratorium on new nuclear energy. The message from both states is clear: If you’re serious about cutting carbon emissions, making energy bills more affordable, and keeping the lights on, nuclear power must be part of the solution….
Diablo Canyon nuclear power plant takes big step toward extending life until 2030
San Luis Obispo Tribune | March 1, 2026
By Stephanie Zappelli
PG&E is one step closer to keeping Diablo Canyon nuclear power plant open until 2030. On Thursday, the Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board voted unanimously to approve a five-year permit that allows the power plant to release up to 2.76 billion gallons of wastewater per day into the Pacific Ocean….
City of San Luis Obispo approves Diablo Canyon letter to state legislature
KSBY | February 4, 2026
By Karson Wells
On Tuesday, the San Luis Obispo City Council voted unanimously to send a letter to the state legislature regarding extended operations at the Diablo Canyon Power Plant. The letter is similar to one drafted by the San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors and signed by the other six city councils in the county
San Luis Obispo council members decided to draft their own letter highlighting three main points: public safety and preparedness, fiscal mitigation, and long-term planning and land conservation…