Economic Opportunities and Impacts of Decommissioning
On October 17, 2019, the DCDEP will host a public workshop covering the topic of potential economic impacts of decommissioning and possible economic development opportunities. It is recognized that the closure of DCPP will have economic impacts to San Luis Obispo County. Diablo Canyon has been a major economic engine in the region for more than 30 years and the closure of the plant will create economics impacts, but may also provide opportunities for economic development. Legislation passed by the State of California required the preparation of economic report(s) in order to better understand the potential impacts and opportunities surrounding the closure of the DCPP. At a meeting held during the third quarter of 2019, those report(s) will be presented to the DCDEP. A list of recommendations to PG&E and the CPUC regarding economic impacts/development will be prepared and included in the 2019 Vision Document and be forwarded to the CPUC for inclusion as an additional supplemental filing to the 2018 Triennial Report.
On June 28, 2019, Senator Bill Monning (D-Carmel) hosted a public forum with UC Berkeley and the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to present the Economic Impact Assessment for Diablo Canyon.
The Diablo Canyon Power Plant has been an important part of the local economy for decades and the region needs reliable data and information to prepare for its safe closure,” said Senator Monning. “Information from this report will give the county and schools the tools to plan ahead to mitigate any negative impacts of the power plant’s closure.
The Economic Impact Assessment is a result of Senate Bill (SB) 968, authored by Monning, which required the report to assess the regional economic impact that would result from closure of the Diablo Canyon Power Plant by Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E). According to the Economic Impact Assessment, Diablo Canyon employs about 1,500 personnel who have an average annual salary of $150,000. The power plant is the second largest employer in San Luis Obispo County. A copy of the report can be found at the California Public Utilities Commission website.