Bonnie and the team at BRHQ want to alert our fellow Californians to a very important vote in the State Legislature coming up tomorrow, August 31st. If you are so moved, we urge you to contact your representatives by tomorrow afternoon to express your strong disagreement with this last-minute, dangerous reversal of plans to shut down our state’s only still-operating nuclear power plant.

Governor Gavin Newsom at the 11th hour has proposed a plan to extend the operation of Diablo Canyon, California’s last remaining nuclear power plant that was scheduled to fully retire in 2025. The CA legislature will vote on this bill on Wednesday, August 31st during their afternoon session. The timing is critical that we get as many people in California to call and tell their legislators to Vote NO on SB 846.
Find your legislators here: https://findyourrep.legislature.ca.gov

Please CALL both of your state representatives today and tomorrow and urge them to Vote NO on SB 846. 
Sample script: “My name is ___________. I am calling to ask the Senator (or Assemblymember) to oppose SB 846, the bill that would keep Diablo Canyon operating past its scheduled closure date in 2025. Vote NO on SB 846.”

To read a “Floor Alert” issued by Union of Concerned Scientists, NRDC, Environmental Working Group, Mothers for Peace and other organizations on Diablo Canyon and analysis on where SB 846 stands right now, please visit:
https://bit.ly/3KAtsZy

Below is a statement by Juliet Christian-Smith, Union of Concerned Scientists:

“This last-minute legislation would give new life to an aging nuclear power plant that is badly in need of seismic upgrades and other repairs to ensure safe operation. By waiving important environmental reviews and not designating funds to address seismic safety, the bill ignores the plant’s environmental impacts and vulnerability to earthquakes. Safety cannot take a back seat in our quest to keep the lights on and reduce global warming emissions.

“The risks of extending the operation of Diablo Canyon are significant, and an earthquake-induced accident could, by our estimate, cause more than 10,000 cancer deaths and over $100 billion in damages.

“The bill calls for a $1.4 billion loan to Pacific Gas & Electric on top of authorizing increased energy prices. These costs will be expensive for California taxpayers and ratepayers, particularly if Diablo Canyon is found ineligible for federal subsidies aimed at helping utilities keep nuclear power plants open.

“Introducing a final version of this bill 76 hours before the end of the legislative session without the benefit of adequate public review or a robust analysis of alternatives is misguided. The Union of Concerned Scientists remains committed to replacing the power generated by Diablo with renewable energy, energy storage, and other cost-effective alternatives that are a safer choice for all Californians.”

For background on Diablo Canyon and how this newly proposed legislation came forth, please read:
https://www.fresnobee.com/news/business/article265060299.html

Photo credit: Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant, San Luis Obispo County. (Joe Johnston / The Tribune of San Luis Obispo / Associated Press)