Assemblyman Cunningham introduces bill that could keep Diablo Canyon open

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - Central Coast Assemblyman Jordan Cunningham introduced a new bill Wednesday that could keep Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant open.

The lawmaker introduced ACA 18, which would amend the California Constitution to define nuclear power as a renewable energy source.

“I think we need an 'all of the above' approach to fighting climate change, and we can't do it without nuclear power," Cunningham said in a video statement. 

The assemblyman’s office says the state’s climate change laws do not let all types of carbon emission- free power sources count in emissions goals.

According to Cunningham’s office, state law decides what sources are considered renewable energy. They say this excludes some sources like nuclear and large-scale hydro projects.

“Nuclear power is carbon emission free, it's abundant, and we've got a plant in our backyard that's been operating safely and perfectly for 30 years," he said. 

Diablo Canyon is the only nuclear plant in California, producing around 9 percent of the state's power.

“But it is slated for closure in 2025. Without Diablo’s power production, there is no viable path to a statewide carbon-free energy grid,” he said.

ACA 18 would prohibit the state legislature from leaving any form of renewable or zero-carbon energy out of its plans moving forward.

It also allows the state to count nuclear energy as part of its climate goals.

That move could give Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant a chance to stay open past 2025.

However, some don't think the bill will get far. 

“I really don't think it's going to work the way he's expecting," said Jane Swanson of San Luis Obispo Mothers for Peace, a nonprofit organization concerned with the dangers of this type of energy source.

"Nuclear is not a renewable form of energy by any stretch of the imagination just because nuclear fuel is not renewable. Tremendous amounts of carbon dioxide are put into the atmosphere during the mining, the milling, and the enrichment of the fuel," she said. 

Swanson says keeping Diablo Canyon open is not up to the state legislation.

“The decision to close Diablo Canyon was made by the plant owner, PG&E. And they want to close it because it's not economically viable or competitive with the newer sources of truly renewable energy.”

PG&E said it would review the legislation. 

"PG&E is deeply committed to helping the state reach its clean energy goals in a way that manages costs for our customers, ensures electric reliability and gas safety that they expect and deserve, and creates a model program for others to follow," Suzanne Hosn, a spokeswoman for the utility company said. "The Diablo Canyon joint proposal represented a significant milestone in planning to meet California's bold clean energy vision and PG&E will continue to focus on safely running Diablo Canyon to the end of its current licenses."

Assemblymember Cunningham said his proposal would make Diablo Canyon worth as much as $3.5 billion, opening the door for another business to buy it off PG&E, which is currently under bankruptcy.