California Assemblyman Jordan Cunningham introduced a bill in August that would qualify nuclear power as a renewable energy source.  Now he plans to follow up with a bill that could keep Diablo Canyon Power Plant operational.

Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) has already announced their plans to shut down Diablo Canyon Power Plant by 2025, but these bills would:

• Classify nuclear power as a renewable energy source, under the CA Renewable Portfolio Standard.
• Mandate the California’s Public Utility Commission to not approve a PG&E bankruptcy or settlement plan that does not include plans to continue operation of the Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant.
• Mandate that no less than $1 billion of the proceeds of any sale of the Diablo Canyon Power Plant shall be earmarked to pay fire victims.
• Mandate that no less than $300 million of any proceeds of the Diablo Canyon Power Plant sale be spent on hardening the electrical grid to help prevent catastrophic wildfires.

“Californians deserve an all-of-the-above approach to fighting climate change. Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant, an emission-free source of electricity that supplies the state with nine percent of its power, needs to be a part of the answer,” Cunningham said.

Cunningham plans to introduce the bill when the legislative year starts in January.