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California Coastal Commission Approves Diablo Canyon Operations Through 2030

Officials frame the extension as insurance against rare extreme-heat outages.

A PG&E power substation is seen on Second Street in downtown San Rafael, Calif. on Friday, Jan. 17, 2020.
Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant protests organized by Abalone Alliance Demonstrators gather near the plant, planning a blockade Photos dated 9/18-23/1981
Isabelle Boemeke at a photo shoot at Diablo Canyon on Aug. 5, 2025.
Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant protests organized by Abalone Alliance, a group that formed to oppose the project, in 1981. The plant has long been a symbol of resistance to nuclear power.

Overview

  • Thursday’s state Coastal Commission vote clears a key hurdle for Pacific Gas & Electric to keep California’s last nuclear plant running at least through 2030.
  • California previously advanced nearly $1.4 billion under SB 846 to support the extension, but an August state report forecasts only about $741 million in federal reimbursement, leaving a potential shortfall of roughly $600 million.
  • Critics highlight new PG&E revenue streams in SB 846, including more than $100 million annually in management fees and additional charges, as they question costs and political influence.
  • State analyses show the grid meets planning standards without Diablo Canyon in most scenarios, though officials point to narrow-hour shortfalls during extreme events, including September deficits of about 1,700 megawatts.
  • PG&E has asked federal regulators for license extensions that could allow operation to 2045, though the governor’s office says its focus remains on running the plant only through 2030.