California's Last Nuclear Plant Wins 20-Year License Extension

Diablo Canyon Power Plant to Remain Open Until 2045 After Debate Over Safety and Climate Goals

Apr. 3, 2026 at 7:07pm

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A photorealistic studio still life featuring a polished, chrome-plated model of a nuclear reactor core floating on a clean, white background, representing the complex balance of energy, safety, and environmental concerns surrounding the Diablo Canyon nuclear power plant.A gleaming model of a nuclear reactor core symbolizes the complex debate over the future of California's last operating nuclear power plant.Santa Cruz Today

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has granted a 20-year license renewal for California's last nuclear power plant, Diablo Canyon, ensuring it will remain open until at least 2045. The decision comes after years of debate over the plant's safety, its role in the state's climate goals, and its ability to provide reliable power during extreme weather events.

Why it matters

Diablo Canyon provides around 9% of California's electricity, enough to power nearly 4 million people. Its continued operation is seen as critical for maintaining grid reliability and supporting the state's transition to clean energy, even as concerns remain about earthquake risks and the plant's environmental impact.

The details

PG&E, the plant's owner, had originally planned to shut down Diablo Canyon by 2025 when its license expired. However, after extreme heat waves in 2020 and 2021 strained the grid, state leaders moved to keep the plant operating longer. The state approved a $1.4 billion loan to PG&E to cover upgrade and relicensing costs, and the NRC has now granted the 20-year extension.

  • In 2022, a state law was signed directing PG&E to pursue a license extension for Diablo Canyon.
  • On Thursday, April 3, 2026, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission granted Diablo Canyon a 20-year license renewal, until 2045.

The players

PG&E

The utility company that owns and operates the Diablo Canyon Power Plant.

Gavin Newsom

The Governor of California who supported keeping Diablo Canyon open longer to maintain grid reliability.

Nuclear Regulatory Commission

The federal agency that granted the 20-year license extension for Diablo Canyon.

Haakon Williams

The executive director of the Committee to Bridge the Gap, an anti-nuclear group that opposes the Diablo Canyon extension.

John Grubb

The interim president and CEO of the Bay Area Council, whose membership includes large companies that support keeping Diablo Canyon open.

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What they’re saying

“As California advances its clean energy and reliability goals, Diablo Canyon remains a stabilizing force on a dynamic grid. It provides a steady source of carbon-free power during a period of rapid transition, supporting climate objectives while ensuring that the lights stay on at homes and businesses across the state.”

— Jeremy Groom, Acting Director of Nuclear Reactor Regulation, Nuclear Regulatory Commission

“We're disappointed and concerned. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission was always more beholden to industry than it should be. This shouldn't be received as an assurance of the plant's safety.”

— Haakon Williams, Executive Director, Committee to Bridge the Gap

“At a time when California is trying to grow its economy, bring down costs and lead on climate, we cannot afford to lose power that is clean, stable and always available. This facility does something incredibly important. It keeps the lights on when demand is high, when renewables aren't enough and when reliability matters most. That's not theoretical. That's essential infrastructure.”

— John Grubb, Interim President and CEO, Bay Area Council

What’s next

To operate beyond 2030, PG&E will still need approval from the state legislature, setting up what could be another political fight over the plant's future.

The takeaway

The decision to extend Diablo Canyon's license highlights the ongoing debate over nuclear power's role in California's clean energy transition. While the plant provides reliable, carbon-free electricity, concerns remain about its safety and environmental impact. The state's ability to maintain grid stability as it moves away from fossil fuels will be a key factor in determining Diablo Canyon's long-term future.