Save California’s Last Nuclear Plant!

As California struggles with electricity supply during intense weather conditions induced by climate change, Diablo Canyon, California’s last nuclear power plant, is expected to prematurely shut down in 2025. Reactors of similar design around the country are getting their 60 and 80-year licenses, while Diablo is being forced by anti-nuclear politicians to close early at age 40!

The past intense heat waves that plagued the entire western coast left California without enough electricity to power our homes. The blackouts have made policymakers keep natural gas plants that were supposed to shut down later this year, running for longer, a decision that jeopardizes California’s status as a climate leader. In fact, if Diablo closes, they will have to keep fossil fuels around for much longer, as every nuclear plant closure in the country has been replaced by fossil fuels that provide the same steady power.

But why should we care? 

We are in a climate emergency. We need all the clean electricity we can get! Diablo Canyon alone produces about 15% of California’s clean electricity and supplies enough electricity for 3 million people to get all of their power from Diablo.

If the state government does not allow Diablo Canyon to be relicensed, it will be shut down with more than half its life (at least!) left to go, and will be replaced with fossil fuels.  

What can we do about it? 

Sign this petition! We need to show our support and show our legislators that we need action now. The California law already recognizes nuclear energy as clean and it is included in SB100, the nation’s signature clean energy law. 

Governor Newsom can and must take direct action to ensure that California’s single largest source of carbon-free electricity continues operation for at least an additional 20 years.