HomeMy WebLinkAbout8-22-2022 Mayors Letter on Diablo Canyon License Extension
August 22, 2022
The Honorable Gavin Newsom
Governor of California
1021 O Street, Suite 9000
Sacramento, CA 95814
Re: Diablo Canyon Power Plant Operating Extension
Dear Governor Newsom:
Thank you to you and your team for taking the time to reach out to the Central Coast
region cities (Cities) regarding the proposed legislation to assist PG&E with the process
of extending the operating permit for Diablo Canyon Power Plant (DCPP).
In 2018, cities in San Luis Obispo County joined together to create a unified voice for our
region in the wake of the announcement that DCPP was closing. As a region we stood
up and fought for our communities. Our efforts led to the passing of SB 1090 (Monning,
2018) which protected the interests of cities by providing funding to help our communities
transition to a post-DCPP future.
We have since strengthened our coalition by adding additional cities. The potential
extension of the operations at DCPP is a regional issue that goes beyond San Luis Obispo
County. As a region we strongly believe that together we rise. Based on the draft
legislation and the conversation with your staff, the Cities would like to share the following
requests to include in any legislation should the state advance legislation to explore the
extension of DCPP operations:
1. Ensuring that the DCPP is safe is the number one priority of the Cities. All entities
regulating the safety of DCPP should continue to work to ensure the safe
operation of DCPP for the duration of the operational period.
2. The extension of the license for DCPP should be of a limited-term and should be
tied to making sure that the state has enough renewable energy online to replace
DCPP when the license expires. It is not in the best interest of the people to extend
operations for 5-10 years to then realize that the state needs more time and have
to go through this process again. Nevertheless, the term should not be indefinite
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and should provide a reasonable timeline to account for any potential unavoidable
disruptions related to delivering renewable energy resources.
3. We urge the Governor’s Office to partner with our region and invest in renewable
energy opportunities now and remove regulatory barriers that hinder the
deployment of renewable energy such as wind, solar, geothermal, battery storage,
etc. A “Marshal Plan” for renewable energy in California is needed to reduce
impediments to renewable investment and development.
Efforts to extend the life of DCPP should not hinder future investments in
renewable energy or other projects in the Central Coast region that could help
California and local communities in a post-DCPP future. These opportunities
include our Clean Tech Innovation Park Concept with Cal Poly as well as the
development of offshore wind in the Morro Bay Wind Energy Area.
4. Efforts have already commenced to create a dynamic vision for the use of “Parcel
P” at DCPP that is unanimously endorsed by the County of San Luis Obispo. The
Cities believe that the planning process should continue, especially with the
uncertainty over the exact closure date. The community has coordinated and
envisioned future uses that align with state priorities.
5. In its draft form the legislation is silent on the previous payments made to local
governments under the provisions of SB 1090. While the Cities appreciate that
the draft language does not contain any claw back provisions, explicit language
stating that the CPUC shall not attempt to claw back funds that were sent to local
governments as a result of SB 1090 is necessary to offer certainty to the Cities
moving forward.
6. The Cities would like to see a recognition that some of the SB 1090 funds allocated
for the planned closure of DCPP in 2025 have already been spent in preparation
for the 2025 closure date and that those funds previously allocated will be
insufficient if DCPP’s operations are extended beyond 2025 as the work done
planning for a 2025 closure will be obsolete in 2035. Should DCPP be extended,
we would suggest that the issues of compensating cities be reopened to provide
the necessary funding for the future.
7. The Diablo Canyon property is home to over 12,000 acres of pristine land along
the California coastline. Preserving these lands for generations is a priority and
efforts should be made immediately to ensure that the open space areas are
preserved in consultation with native peoples.
8. PG&E should be encouraged to use local labor where feasible to support the local
community that is being affected by the extension and ensure that there is an
equitable and smooth transition for skilled labor who support California’s energy
and economy.
9. The State and Federal government must find a safe solution for the long-term
storage of the spent fuel that is currently being stored at DCPP.
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Given the short timeframe for submitting comments, these comments could not reflect the
full consideration and input of the Cities respective City Councils. We as Mayors are
signing this letter as individuals. We appreciate you taking our concerns into
consideration.
Sincerely,
Caren Ray Russom, Mayor Heather Moreno, Mayor Jeff Lee, Mayor
City of Arroyo Grande City of Atascadero City of Grover Beach
Jenelle Osborne, Mayor John Headding, Mayor Ed Waage, Mayor
City of Lompoc City of Morro Bay City of Pismo Beach
Steve Martin, Mayor Erica A. Stewart, Mayor Alice Patino, Mayor
City of Paso Robles City of San Luis Obispo City of Santa Maria
C. Ana Matosantos, Cabinet Secretary, Office of Governor Newsom
Hazel Miranda, Legislative Deputy Secretary, Office of Governor Newsom
Karen Douglas, Senior Advisor for Energy, Office of Governor Newsom
Dee Dee Myers, Senior Advisor and Director, GO-Biz
Senator John Laird, Fax: (916) 651-4017
Senator Monique Limon, Fax: (805) 965-0701
Assembly Member Jordan Cunningham, Fax (916) 319-2135
Dave Mullinax, League of California Cities, dmullinax@cacities.org
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