Cities ask state to require PG&E to address impacts of nuclear plant closure
–A coalition of six cities including San Luis Obispo, Arroyo Grande, Atascadero, Morro Bay, Paso Robles, and Pismo Beach are asking the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to require Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E ) to address the needs of local communities in the proposed application to close Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant.
In June, PG&E announced that it would not seek to renew its license for the plant, with the intention to completely close it in 2025. The planned closure is contingent upon the approval of the CPUC.
According to a statement released by Christine Dietrick, city attorney of City of San Luis Obispo, the cities are not opposing the proposed closure, but is advocating for PG&E to support the orderly transition and regional economic stability for the surrounding region.
“As a result, the six cities came together to form a Coalition of Cities to ensure that final approvals related to the closure will mitigate the adverse effects the shutter will have on the county’s economy, environment and emergency preparedness and response,” the statement says. “The Coalition of Cities is asking the CPUC and PG&E to ensure the continued safe operation of the plant; foster creative solutions to lessen the negative impacts associated with the long-term storage of nuclear waste at the site; investigate and support implementation of job creation and economic diversification strategies; develop a plan to address the potential long-term impacts of closing a nuclear facility; and explore options for the future use of existing facilities, protection of land and marine resources, cultural resources, historic sites and desalinated water.”
“The members of the Coalition of Cities represent key stakeholders in the closure of the Diablo Canyon Power Plant as it is the largest private employer in county and has an annual economic impact to the region of approximately $1 billion. The Coalition of Cities has continuing appreciation for employees who have safely operated the Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant.”
The mayors of each of the six cities – Jan Marx of San Luis Obispo; Shelly Higginbotham of Pismo Beach; Steven W. Martin of Paso Robles; Tom O’Malley of Atascadero; Jamie Irons of Morro Bay; and Mayor Pro Tem Barbara Harmon of Arroyo Grande, issued a statement stressing the need for PG&E to help their communities adapt to the closure:
“Today’s filing marks an important action for our communities, as we have a long-term, vested interest in the safety of Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant, as well as future uses of land and other resources, such as desalinated water,” the mayors statement said. “We must have a voice in the process to ensure that these issues, along with the short- and long-term economic impacts, are addressed in a fair and equitable way. These are critical issues for our communities now and for many years to come. The Coalition of Cities looks forward to working collectively and closely with PG&E to best represent the interests of our communities.”
According to PG&E’s filing, the CPUC is scheduled to consider the application this fall with a final decision by June 2017. While PG&E did briefly meet with the City of San Luis Obispo this week, the Coalition of Cities decided to pursue the filing with the CPUC to ensure that local communities are considered in this process.
PG&E spokesman Blair Jones issued comment on the cities’ action: “PG&E has long been a part of the local region. We value this community and our place in it. That’s why the Joint Proposal includes proposed payments that are designed to support the community in successfully transitioning over the next nine years to a future without the plant in operation. This is an important issue for all of us, and PG&E is committed to continuing our dialogue with local stakeholders as the Joint Proposal moves through the CPUC review process.”
See related story:
Senator calls for assessment of Diablo Power Plant closure
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