Spent Nuclear Fuel is accumulating at Diablo Canyon.

How long will it remain there and where will it go?

The Diablo Canyon Decommissioning Engagement Panel, in cooperation with the Pacific Gas and Electric Company, will host an in-person and virtual public meeting to address this topic.

When: Wednesday September 18, 2024
6:00pm – 9:00pm (PT)
Where: Grover Beach City Hall
154 S. Eighth Street, Grover Beach, CA
Online: See link below

Agenda topics will include:

• An overview of spent nuclear fuel storage in the US.
• The current status of spent nuclear fuel storage at Diablo Canyon and implications of extended operations.
• A presentation on current activities to establish a consolidated interim storage facility and a permanent national repository for spent nuclear fuel.
• Examples of spent nuclear fuel storage projects in Finland and Canada.

Members of the public will have the opportunity to comment.

Speakers will include:

• Steve Nesbit, LMNT Consulting; Past President of the American Nuclear Society
• Al Bates, Director Nuclear Fuel and Decommissioning, PG&E
• Paul Murray, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Office of Spent Fuel and High Level Waste Disposition, US Department of Energy
• Pasi Tuohimaa – Communications Manager, Posiva Oy
• Jason Donev, Professor, University of Calgary
• Gordon Edwards, President, Canadian Coalition for Nuclear Responsibility
• Manuel Camargo, Principal Manager for Strategic Planning/SONGS Decommissioning, Southern California Edison

View the Public Meeting Agenda and Resource Materials

Preregister to Attend the Public Meeting Online

Submit Comments or Questions to the Engagement Panel

The Diablo Canyon Decommissioning Engagement Panel, in cooperation with Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), will host an in-person and virtual public meeting on Wednesday, May 22, 2024 from 6:00pm – 9:00pm (PT). The meeting is being held to discuss repurposing opportunities of Parcel P, the site on which Diablo Canyon Power Plant (DCPP) and its ancillary facilities are located.

Date: Wednesday May 22, 2024
Time: 6:00pm – 9:00pm (PT)
Location: Atascadero City Hall 
6500 Palma Avenue, Atascadero, CA

Agenda topics will include:

• PG&E’s perspective on reuse of Parcel P, including options, restrictions, regulatory requirements and implications of continued operations.
• A presentation from San Luis Obispo County on repurposing concepts identified in the Draft Environmental Impact Report for Diablo Decommissioning.
• A discussion of offshore wind projects, transmission interconnection possibilities and onshore infrastructure requirements.
• A briefing from the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development on the Parcel P repurposing analysis and funding.

Members of the public will also have the opportunity to offer public comment.

Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) and the Diablo Canyon Decommissioning Engagement Panel (DCDEP) today announced the appointment of two new members to the DCDEP, and the reappointment of one member.

The panel provides community input to PG&E for the eventual site-specific plan for the future decommissioning of Diablo Canyon Power Plant (DCPP) and spent fuel management upon decommissioning. All operating nuclear power plants in the U.S. have a plan for eventual decommissioning efforts of their facilities.

The new appointees – David Houghton and Linda Vanasupa — will begin their three-year terms in May of 2024. Dena Bellman has been reappointed. Additionally, Tom Jones, PG&E’s Senior Director of Regulatory, Environmental, and Repurposing, will now serve as the PG&E representative on the panel and Susan Strachan, SLO County’s Decommissioning Manager, will serve as an Ex-Officio representing the County.

Background of David Houghton

David is a consulting engineer and a member of the adjunct faculty at Cal Poly where he teaches courses on mechanical and electrical systems for buildings with a focus on energy use, utility interactions, zero-net-energy buildings, and real-world lessons from three decades of engineering experience. He also teaches courses on transportation engineering, computer programming for engineering applications, and a graduate-level course on airport planning and design. He currently sits on the City of San Luis Obispo Planning Commission.

Background of Linda Vanasupa

Linda is a Professor Emeritus of materials engineering at Cal Poly and has been a resident of San Luis Obispo since 1991. Her career work has been in pursuit of a just transition to a regenerative planetary co-existence. During her tenure at Cal Poly, she co-led community-engaged initiatives on sustainability. She is also a Distinguished Academic Partner to Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering in the Boston area, where she continues her collaborations in socially-just engineering.

DCDEP members will now include:

• Dena Bellman, Pismo Beach
• Gerry Finn, Paso Robles
• David Houghton, San Luis Obispo
• Jessica Kendrick, Atascadero
• Patrick Lemieux, San Luis Obispo
• Michael Lucas, Morro Bay
• Linda Seeley, Los Osos
• G. Bruce Severance, Grover Beach
• Frances Romero, GuadalupeInternal
• Kara Woodruff, San Luis Obispo
• Linda Vanasupa, San Luis Obispo
• Chuck Anders, (Facilitator)
• Scott Lathrop, San Luis Obispo (Ex Officio)
• Susan Strachan, San Luis Obispo County (Ex Officio)
• Tom Jones, Atascadero (PG&E)

As part of a highly competitive process, currently seated panel members, PG&E representatives and a representative of the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) conducted in-depth reviews of applications from community members who broadly reflect the diverse community viewpoints in proximity to DCPP. Since its creation in 2018, nearly 300 community members have submitted applications for panel membership.

“The selection committee was very impressed with the quality and qualifications of those who applied, and we thank those who have previously served on the Panel, devoting countless, volunteer hours to this important process,” Chuck Anders, DCDEP facilitator, said. 

About the Panel:

The Diablo Canyon Decommissioning Engagement Panel was created to foster open and frequent dialogue between members of the local community and PG&E on matters related to DCPP decommissioning. Panelists are local community members from across the Central Coast who were selected to broadly represent diverse community viewpoints. The Panel meets periodically on matters related to DCPP decommissioning and the future use of DCPP lands and facilities.

While Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) is pursuing the steps to continue operating Diablo Canyon Power Plant (DCPP) until 2030 as directed by the state, PG&E will continue to provide opportunities for community input regarding future decommissioning plans and potential future uses of the Diablo Canyon site. In keeping with PG&E’s commitment to involve the community in the eventual decommissioning of DCPP, the utility and the Diablo Canyon Decommissioning Engagement Panel (Panel) announced jointly today that applications are now being accepted to join the Panel.

New members are sought to join this local, non-regulatory stakeholder group who have been providing community input to PG&E since 2018 regarding ongoing decommissioning planning activities. There are several positions subject for appointment or reappointment consistent with the Panel’s Charter. The 30-day application period ends March 5.

Members of the community who are interested in participating on the Panel can obtain more information on how to apply at pge.com/diablocanyon or diablocanyonpanel.org.

Current Panel members not seeking reappointment, including one PG&E representative, and one California Public Utilities Commission representative will select candidates who broadly reflect the diverse stakeholder viewpoints in proximity to DCPP.

The Panel public meetings will continue to provide members of the Panel and the community with opportunities to learn about the technical aspects of the decommissioning process and provide input. This forum will also provide opportunities to engage with PG&E on the potential future use of the lands that surround DCPP and potential repurposing of its facilities. Public meetings occur regularly throughout the year and are open to the public to receive additional community feedback.

Eligibility requirements: consistent with the Panel’s Charter, elected officials, current PG&E employees and their immediate family members will not be considered eligible for community membership on the Panel.

Thank you for your interest in receiving updates from the Diablo Canyon Decommissioning Engagement Panel. As you are likely aware, there have recently been changes in the direction of the future of the Diablo Canyon Power Plant. PG&E is still working with San Luis Obispo County and other stakeholders on plans to decommission the plant at an appropriate time, but also working with relevant stakeholders to extend operations at the power plant under the state’s direction in Senate Bill 846, signed into law in September of 2022. 

The Diablo Canyon Decommissioning Engagement Panel (DCDEP) will continue to keep you updated on decommissioning related activities, including engagement panel meetings, land use activities, facility repurposing proposals and San Luis Obispo County’s decommissioning Environmental Impact Report process, in which we expect there to be opportunities for public input in the summer and fall of 2024.

Visit the DCDEP Website for Decommissioning Related Information

The Diablo Canyon Decommissioning Engagement Panel (DCDEP) in cooperation with Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) will host an in-person and virtual public meeting on Wednesday, December 13, from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM to discuss the current status of spent fuel storage at Diablo Canyon Power Plant (DCPP) and recent efforts of communities throughout the country to encourage Congress and the Federal Government to explore solutions to this impending crisis.

Date: Wednesday December 13, 2023
Public Meeting: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Katcho Achadjian Government Center
1055 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, CA

The following agenda topics will be discussed:

• Status of Spent Fuel Storage at DCPP
• Role of the Diablo Canyon Independent Safety Committee in the Oversight of Spent Fuel Storage
• Historical Context of Spent Fuel Storage at a National Level
• Spent Fuel Working Group’s Activities to Address Permanent and Interim Storage at a National Level
• Department of Energy’s Community Engagement for Consent-Based Siting for Interim Storage
• Spent Fuel Storage Issues and Concerns
• DCDEP Strategic Vision Update

Members of the public will also have the opportunity to offer pubic comment.

View Public Meeting Agenda

Preregister to Attend the Public Meeting Online

Please visit the Diablo Canyon Decommissioning Engagement Panel website at DiabloCanyonPanel.org for updated meeting schedules and decommissioning related information.

The Diablo Canyon Decommissioning Engagement Panel in cooperation with Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) will host an in-person and virtual public meeting Wednesday, September 20, from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM to discuss the status of the lands surrounding the Diablo Canyon Power Plant.

While PG&E is currently seeking relicensing of the Diablo Canyon Power Plant to address the energy needs of the state as directed by SB 846, activities are moving forward to pursue the reuse of the 12,000 acres of coastal lands and 14 miles of coastline surrounding the power plant and to assess the eventual repurposing of Parcel P where the power plant is located:

• The California Natural Resources Agency released the Diablo Canyon Power Plant Land Conservation and Economic Development Plan in May of this year.
  
  
• The 2023-2024 State Budget authorized $5 million for the development of conservation easements on the lands surrounding the Diablo Canyon Power Plant and $5 million to assess the reuse of Parcel P and the feasibility of pursuing any reuses identified.

The public meeting will include presentations from the California Natural Resource Agency, State Coastal Conservancy and Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development.

Date: Wednesday September 20, 2023
Public Meeting: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: San Luis Obispo County Government Center
1055 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, CA

View Public Meeting Agenda

Preregister to Attend the Public Meeting Online

Please visit the Diablo Canyon Decommissioning Engagement Panel website at DiabloCanyonPanel.org for updated meeting schedules and decommissioning related information.

The Diablo Canyon Decommissioning Engagement Panel in cooperation with Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) will host an in-person and virtual public meeting Wednesday, August 9, from 6:00 PM – 8:25 PM (PT) to discuss the County of San Luis Obispo’s recently released Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) on decommissioning related activities at Diablo Canyon Power Plant (DCPP).

While PG&E is currently seeking relicensing of DCPP to address the energy needs of the state as directed by SB 846, they are also continuing to plan for the eventual decommissioning of the power plant. The DEIR is an important step in the decommissioning process.

The public meeting will include presentations from the County of San Luis Obispo, California Coastal Commission and State Lands Commission and provide information on how the public can participate in the DEIR process.

Additionally, an open house will be held from 4:00 PM – 5:50 PM and 8:25 PM – 9:00 PM, before and following the public meeting, so members of the public may ask questions of representatives from the presenting agencies and PG&E.

Date: Wednesday August 9, 2023
Public Meeting: 6:00 PM – 8:25 PM
Open House: 4:00 PM – 5:50 PM and 8:25 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: San Luis Obispo County Government Center
1055 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, CA

View Public Meeting Agenda

Preregister to Attend the Public Meeting Online

The County of San Luis Obispo released the Draft EIR Notice of Availability on July 28, 2023. Click here for additional information and a link to view the draft EIR.

Please visit the Diablo Canyon Decommissioning Engagement Panel website at DiabloCanyonPanel.org for updated meeting schedules and decommissioning related information.

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has issued a proposed decision on the 2021 Nuclear Decommissioning Cost Triennial Proceeding (NDCTP). The proposed decision was issued by Administrative Law Judge Amin Nojan on July 31, 2023. Until and unless the Commission hears the item and votes to approve it, the proposed decision has no legal effect.

While PG&E is currently seeking relicensing of Diablo Canyon Power Plant (DCPP) to help meet the energy needs of the state as directed by SB 846, they are also continuing to plan for the eventual decommissioning of the power plant. Every three years, PG&E is required to file a NDCTP application with the CPUC. The 2021 application was filed on December 14, 2021. The CPUC held two public hearings on January 26, 2023 to provide an opportunity for the public to offer comments about PG&E’s requests related to the Diablo Canyon Power Plant and Humboldt Bay Power Plant.

The proposed decision adopts and approves a Settlement Agreement, dated December 16, 2022 between Pacific Gas and Electric Company, The Utility Reform Network, the Public Advocates Office at the California Public Utilities Commission, Alliance for Nuclear Responsibility, County of San Luis Obispo, Northern Chumash Tribal Council, DHK Associates, and Women’s Energy Matters. The proposed decision finds that the Settlement Agreement between the parties is reasonable in light of the record of this proceeding, is consistent with the law, and is in the public interest. The decision grants the Joint Motion for Adoption of Settlement Agreement and resolves the remaining disputed issues, approving PG&E’s 2021 NDCTP Application.

The CPUC has opened a 20-day public comment period that closes on August 17, 2023. The Commission could vote on the proposed decision, at the earliest, at its August 31, 2023 Business Meeting. To confirm when the item will be heard and learn how to submit comments, please see the CPUC Business Meeting agenda, which is posted on the CPUC website 10 days before each Business Meeting.

Click here to view the full proposed decision and supporting documents on the CPUC website.

The NRC will host an in-person public meeting at the San Luis Obispo County Government Center, 1055 Monterey Street, on May 3, 2023 from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM (PT) to provide an overview of the NRC license renewal process for the Diablo Canyon Power Plant. The NRC will also present the end of cycle assessment of safety performance at Diablo Canyon, Units 1 and 2, for calendar year 2022. Members of the public can also participate in the meeting online.  

This is an information meeting with a question and answer session. The purpose of this meeting is for the NRC staff to meet directly with individuals to discuss regulatory and technical issues. Attendees will have an opportunity to ask questions of the NRC staff or make comments about the issues discussed throughout the meeting; however, the NRC is not actively soliciting comments towards regulatory decisions at this meeting.

View NRC Public Meeting Information Webpage

View Public Meeting Announcement and Agenda

Register to Participate Online

Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) and the Diablo Canyon Decommissioning Engagement Panel (DCDEP) today announced the appointment of four new members to the DCDEP, and the reappointment of two members.

The four new appointees – Ernest ‘Gerry’ Finn, Jessica Kendrick, Patrick Lemieux, and Frances Romero — will begin their terms on May 1, 2023. Kara Woodruff and Bob Pavlik have been reappointed.

The Panel provides community input to PG&E as the company prepares a site-specific plan for the future decommissioning of Diablo Canyon Power Plant (DCPP) and spent fuel management. As part of a highly competitive process, currently seated panel members not seeking reappointment and PG&E representatives conducted in-depth reviews of applications from community members, who broadly reflect the diverse community viewpoints in proximity to DCPP.

“The Panel has proven to be invaluable to the DCPP decommissioning activity planning and process. The diversity of the Panel members ensures PG&E hears from all voices in the community as to the future of DCPP lands and facilities,” Vice President of Business and Technical Services Maureen Zawalick said. “PG&E is currently on two paths of pursuing continued operations as directed by the state to ensure electric viability for all Californians, while planning for the eventual decommissioning of DCPP. PG&E looks forward to working with the previous Panel members and the new Panel members to continue this important work.” 

DCDEP members will now include:

• Ernest ‘Gerry’ Finn
• Jessica Kendrick
• Patrick Lemieux
• Frances Romero
• Robert Pavlik, San Luis Obispo
• Kara Woodruff, San Luis Obispo
• William Almas, San Luis Obispo
• Dena Bellman, Pismo Beach
• Michael Lucas, Morro Bay
• Linda Seeley, Los Osos
• G. Bruce Severance, Grover Beach
• Chuck Anders, (Facilitator)
• Scott Lathrop, San Luis Obispo (Ex Officio)
• Trevor Keith, San Luis Obispo County (Ex Officio)
• Maureen Zawalick, San Luis Obispo (PG&E)

Background of Ernest ‘Gerry’ Finn

Gerry has lived in Paso Robles since 2000. Since then, he has served on the San Luis Obispo County Grand Jury, Paso Robles Airport Advisory Committee, Cuesta College Curriculum Advisory Committee, and the “California in 2050” Panel. Gerry earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and a Master of Engineering, both from UC Berkeley. His work experience has been gained on programs and projects in the United States – from Alaska to New Jersey – as well as other countries, e.g., France, England, Greece, Saudi Arabia, Korea, Mexico, Brazil, and Canada. He has prior nuclear program experience that includes two major projects – one in France and one at the Department of Energy’s Hanford Site in Washington – and others in New Mexico, Idaho, and Nevada.

Background of Jessica Kendrick

Jessica Kendrick is a long-time resident of San Luis Obispo County and an Assistant Vice President of Renewables for “tk1sc, a member of WSP,” a global professional services firm. Jessica is a licensed professional electrical engineer and has over fifteen years’ experience in renewable energy design and decarbonization efforts. She is well versed in distribution planning and utility interconnection, and therefore focuses on a holistic approach to sustainable infrastructure. She has been a technical lead for many Fortune 1000 customers, including commercial clients located in San Luis Obispo County. She is excited to generate conversation around energy policy and its role in the built environment.

Background of Patrick Lemieux

Patrick Lemieux has lived on the Central Coast for over 15 years and is a San Luis Obispo resident. Patrick works at Cal Poly as a Bentley Professor of Mechanical Engineering. Patrick was previously on the Panel and resigned in 2022 to take a one-year academic fellowship at the Munich University of Applied Sciences. He began his career as an engineer at AlliedSignal Aerospace (now called Honeywell International) and at Exponent Inc (formerly Failure Analysis Associates). Patrick’s interests include exploring using the desalination facilities at DCPP to supplement community water sources, effectively integrating offshore wind energy, ensuring safe storage of spent nuclear fuels, and providing good stewardship to protect the DCPP lands for future generations.

Background of Frances Romero

Frances Romero is a 26-year resident of Guadalupe and is a Senior Planner with TW Land Planning & Development with experience in land use, government relations and community outreach. Frances was the first woman Mayor of Guadalupe and has served on the Santa Barbara County Park Commission, the Guadalupe Planning Commission, and was the Executive Director of the Dunes Center who developed the plan that saved the organization from financial insolvency. Currently, Frances serves as an Advisory Committee Member to The Ascend Fund, a Citizen’s Oversight Committee Member for the Guadalupe Union School District and an Honorary Commander Emeritus with the Combined Space Operations Center at Vandenberg Space Force Base.

In keeping with Pacific Gas and Electric Company’s (PG&E) commitment to involve the community in the decommissioning of Diablo Canyon Power Plant (DCPP), the utility and the Diablo Canyon Decommissioning Engagement Panel (Panel) want to remind you that applications are now being accepted to join the Panel.

New members are sought to join this local, non-regulatory stakeholder group consisting of up to 11 members who have been providing community input to PG&E since 2018 regarding ongoing decommissioning planning activities. The 30-day application period ends March 7.

Members of the community who are interested in participating on the Panel can obtain more information on how to apply at diablocanyonpanel.org or pge.com/engagementpanel.

PG&E representatives along with Panel members not seeking reappointment will select candidates who broadly reflect the diverse stakeholder viewpoints in proximity to DCPP.

The Panel public meetings will continue to provide members of the Panel with opportunities to learn about the technical aspects of the decommissioning process and provide input. This forum will also provide opportunities to engage with PG&E on the potential future use of the lands that surround DCPP and potential repurposing of its facilities. Public meetings occur on a quarterly basis and are open to the public to receive additional community feedback.

• 9 AM: Welcome 
• 9:30 AM – 12: 15 PM: Session 1 
• Overview of Land Conservation and Economic Development Plan Requirement 
• Public Comment on Session 1
• 12:15 PM – 12:45 PM: Break  
• 12:45 PM – 3:30 PM: Session 2 
• Overview of State Regulatory Actions Needed to Extend Operations of the Diablo Canyon Power Plant 
• Public Comment on Session 2 

Every three years, PG&E is required to file a Nuclear Decommissioning Cost Triennial Proceeding (NDCTP) application with the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). The 2021 application was filed on December 14, 2021 and includes updated cost estimates for decommissioning activities related to Diablo Canyon and Humboldt Bay power plants.

The CPUC will hold two public hearings to provide an opportunity for the public to offer comment about PG&E’s requests related to the Diablo Canyon Power Plant and Humboldt Bay Power Plant. Your participation in the hearings can help the CPUC make an informed decision on PG&E’s 2021 NDCTP application.

The January 26th hearing will be an online only meeting and the January 31st hearing will be held in-person only.

January 26 at 6 p.m. (Virtual Only)
Webcast: adminmonitor.com/ca/cpuc/ (Phone number: 1-800-857-1917 / Passcode: 1767567#)

January 31 at 6 p.m. (In Person Only) – San Luis Obispo County Government Center, 1055 Monterey Street, Room D170, San Luis Obispo, CA 93408 

Written public comments may also be provided at any time during the proceeding in the “Public Comments” tab of the Docket Card for A.21-12-007, available at: apps.cpuc.ca.gov/c/A2112007. 

For more information about the public hearings, visit the CPUC website at: https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/events-and-meetings/a2112007-pph-2023-01-26.

To view the 2021 NDCTP filing documents go to https://pgera.azurewebsites.net/Regulation/search and select “Nuclear Decom Cost Tri 2021 [A.21-12-000]” in the “Case:” dropdown box and click the “Search” button.

The Diablo Canyon Decommissioning Engagement Panel (DCDEP) invites you to an informational online public meeting on Wednesday, December 14, 2022 beginning at 6:00 PM. This will be an online only meeting to update the community on the status and proposed schedule for the continued operation of the Diablo Canyon Power Plant (DCPP) and implications on decommissioning activities, such as, repurposing, land use, and environmental permitting.

The online meeting will include presentations by PG&E, the California Energy Commission and the Diablo Canyon Independent Safety Committee. The Engagement Panel is encouraging members of the community to submit questions and concerns through the Panel’s public comment form prior to the meeting so that the presenters can address issues of concern to the community. There will be no public comment during the online meeting. Click HERE to submit a comment or question.

In preparation for the meeting, PG&E has prepared a brief summary of SB 846 and the status of activities relating to the extended operation of DCPP. Click HERE to view PG&E Summary of SB 846.

View Meeting Agenda

Register/View Online Meeting

The Diablo Canyon Decommissioning Engagement Panel (DCDEP) invites you to participate in a public meeting on Wednesday, August 24, 2022, between 6:00 PM – 9:30 PM at the SLO County Government Center in San Luis Obispo.  Community members can also participate virtually via Zoom.  

This Engagement Panel meeting will summarize the presentations made by the Governor’s office, the California Energy Commission (CEC) and the California Independent System Operator (CAISO) on August 12, 2022, as well as provide a forum to identify any additional, outstanding issues and challenges associated with the continued operation of Diablo Canyon Power Plant beyond the scheduled closure dates of reactors Unit 1 in 2024 and Unit 2 in 2025. The Engagement Panel encourages community members to participate in the meeting and provide input.  Local community members will be given priority in the public comment process.

How to Participate:

Members of the public can attend the meeting in-person or register to attend online via a Zoom webinar at the link below. In addition to the live Zoom webinar, the meeting will be broadcast on SLO-SPAN and local access Channel 21. Those who wish to attend the meeting in-person may come to the County Government Center at 1055 Monterey St. in San Luis Obispo.

View Meeting Agenda

Register/View Online Meeting

The California Energy Commission (CEC) will host an online workshop with participation of the Office of Governor Gavin Newsom and the California Independent System Operator (California ISO), to provide an update on electric reliability needs in the face of climate change, supply chain delays and other factors affecting the online dates of new generation and energy storage projects, and a discussion of the role that the Diablo Canyon Power Plant could have in supporting mid-term electric reliability and California’s clean energy transition.

The workshop will also explore actions that are needed to preserve the option of extending, for a limited term, the operating license of the Diablo Canyon Power Plant.

Click here to view the Notice of Joint-Agency Workshop and information about how the public can participate in the online workshop.

The NRC will host an in-person public meeting at the San Luis Obispo County Government Center, 1055 Monterey Street, on July 21, 2022 from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM (PT) to review and receive public comment on the Post Shutdown Decommissioning Activities Report (PSDAR) for the Diablo Canyon Power Plant (DCPP).  The public meeting was originally scheduled for March 19, 2020 and was postponed due to concerns with coronavirus. Members of the public can also participate in the meeting online.  

The PSDAR, along with the Site-Specific Decommissioning Cost Estimate (SSDCE) and the Irradiated Fuel Management Plan (IFMP), provide an overview of PG&E’s planned decommissioning activities, schedule, projected costs, and environmental impacts for the decommissioning of Diablo Canyon Power Plant. The NRC is required to hold a public meeting to receive public comment on the above documents as part of the decommissioning process. Public comments must be received by October 19, 2022 to be assured that it is considered. 

View NRC Public Meeting Information

View Federal Register Notice

View Information on the NRC Decommissioning Process

Links to Documents

• PSDAR
• SSDCE (Part 1)
• SSDCE (Part 2)
• IFMP

The Diablo Canyon Decommissioning Engagement Panel (DCDEP) will hold a public meeting on Wednesday, May 25, from 6:00pm-9:30pm (PT). The public meeting will be held at the County Government Center in San Luis Obispo and via Zoom. The in-person meeting will also include an open house from 5:00pm – 6:00pm, where members of the public can view exhibits and talk with Panel members and PG&E representatives.

The meeting agenda topics include:

• An in-depth presentation from PG&E on the new system selected to transfer and store all remaining spent fuel at DCPP; dry storage vendor Orano USA will also present.
• Review of, and respond to, public comments and questions about the new system.
• A briefing from the California Energy Commission on the selection process of the new spent fuel storage system.

This is the second in a series of public meetings addressing the new spent fuel storage system at DCPP.   The purpose of this meeting is to have a follow up discussion on the new storage system and respond to questions and comments solicited during April’s public meeting. A community open house that will include tours of the Diablo Canyon Independent Spent Fuel Storage Installation will be held in June.

How to Participate:

Members of the public can attend the meeting in-person or register to attend online via a Zoom webinar at the link below. In addition to the live Zoom webinar, the meeting will be broadcast on SLO-SPAN and local access Channel 21. Those who wish to attend the open house and meeting in-person may come to the County Government Center at 1055 Monterey St. in San Luis Obispo.

View Meeting Agenda
Register/View Online Meeting

Information about decommissioning DCPP is available on the independent Engagement Panel website and also the recently updated PG&E decommissioning website, which includes interactive maps and a special YouTube channel for virtual access to decommissioning information.

The NRC will be hosting an in-person public meeting at the San Luis Obispo County Government Center, 1055 Monterey Street, on May 4, 2022 from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM (PT) to discuss proposed changes to their regulations related to the decommissioning of production and utilization facilities.  Members of the public can also participate online.

The NRC is proposing to amend its regulations related to the decommissioning of production and utilization facilities.  Major provisions of the proposed rule include changes in the areas of: emergency preparedness, physical security, cyber security, drug and alcohol testing, certified fuel handler training, decommissioning funding assurance, offsite and onsite financial protection requirements and indemnity agreements, environmental considerations, records retention requirements, low-level waste transportation time, spent fuel management planning, NRC’s backfit rule, foreign ownership, control, or domination, and scope of the license termination plan requirement. 

The purpose of the public meeting is for the NRC to engage with the public regarding the issues discussed in the proposed rule and to facilitate stakeholders providing formal comments.

View NRC Meeting Announcement

View Information on the Proposed Rulemaking

View NRC Presentation on Proposed Rulemaking

How to Participate:

The public can attend the public meeting in person at the San Luis Obispo County Government Center at 1055 Monterey Street or participate online by visiting the NRC Meeting Information Page.

In keeping with Pacific Gas and Electric Company’s (PG&E) commitment to involve the community in the decommissioning of Diablo Canyon Power Plant (DCPP), the utility and the Diablo Canyon Decommissioning Engagement Panel (Panel) announced jointly today that applications are now being accepted to join the Panel.

New members are sought to join this local, non-regulatory stakeholder group consisting of up to 11 members who have been providing community input to PG&E since 2018 regarding ongoing decommissioning planning activities. There are up to four positions subject for appointment or reappointment consistent with the Panel’s Charter. The 30-day application period ends March 8.

Members of the community who are interested in participating on the Panel can obtain more information on how to apply at diablocanyonpanel.org or pge.com/engagementpanel.

PG&E representatives along with Panel members not seeking reappointment will select candidates who broadly reflect the diverse stakeholder viewpoints in proximity to DCPP.

The Panel public meetings will continue to provide members of the Panel with opportunities to learn about the technical aspects of the decommissioning process and provide input. This forum will also provide opportunities to engage with PG&E on the potential future use of the lands that surround DCPP and potential repurposing of its facilities. Public meetings occur on a quarterly basis (virtual during COVID-19) and are open to the public to receive additional community feedback.

On December 14, 2021, PG&E filed the 2021 Nuclear Decommissioning Cost Triennial Proceeding (NDCTP) with California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC).  This cost estimate must be updated and filed with the CPUC every three years.

The updated 2021 Decommissioning Cost Estimate for DCPP is $4.1B (2020$), which is a cost savings of $300M compared to the approved settlement for the 2018 NDCTP. A key highlight of the revised cost estimate is transferring all spent nuclear fuel (SNF) to dry cast storage at the Independent Spent Fuel Storage Installation (ISFSI) after 3.25-years of cooling in the spent fuel pools (contingent upon necessary regulatory approvals).  The Diablo Canyon Decommissioning Engagement Panel’s Strategic Vision document was also included in the 2021 filing.

To view the 2021 NDCTP filing documents go to https://pgera.azurewebsites.net/Regulation/search and select “Nuclear Decom Cost Tri 2021 {A.21-12-000]” in the dropdown box.

Interested parties will have 30 days to file a response or protest PG&E’s application and, in turn, PG&E will have 10 days from the end of the 30-day period to file a reply to parties.  The CPUC administrative law judge (ALJ) will announce and hold a prehearing conference and issue a scoping memo to identified parties/intervenors with the determined issues, procedural schedule and the need for hearings. The CPUC has 18 months to issue its Proposed Decision, after which a 20-day public comment period will follow. The CPUC commissioners will vote on a final decision no sooner than 30 days from when the Proposed Decision is issued.

• Tuesday November 9, 2021 at 10:00 AM
• Tuesday November 9, 2021 at 6:00 PM
• Wednesday December 1, 2021 at 10:00 AM
• Wednesday December 1, 2021 at 6:00 PM
• Saturday December 4, 2021 at 2:00 PM

This decision approves PG&E’s request to review PG&E’s updated nuclear DCEs and determine the necessary customer contributions to fully fund the nuclear decommissioning trusts to the level needed to decommission PG&E’s nuclear plants. This decision determines an adjusted 2018 DCPP DCE of $3,899,145,000 ($2017) and a resulting annual revenue requirement of $112.5 million recovered over eight years (2021-2028) are reasonable. This decision also approves the agreement that reductions attributable to repurposing and other issues related to the post-2022 revenue requirement will be revisited in the 2021 NDCTP and that the reductions agreed to for this cycle will not harm PG&E’s ability to fully restore the Diablo Canyon site at the end of decommissioning as required by federal, state or local regulators and found reasonable and prudent in future NDCTPs.

 

Additionally, in connection with the approval of the reasonableness of DCPP DCE, trust contribution and related annual revenue requirement for this proceeding, the decision determines it reasonable for PG&E to withdraw $187.8 million from the Nuclear Decommissioning Trust to support pre-shutdown decommissioning planning activities, subject to reasonableness review in the appropriate NDCTP. Further, the costs to renew the license for the Diablo Canyon Independent Spent Fuel Storage Installation and to perform studies to determine which California Native American Tribe(s) is traditionally and culturally affiliated with Diablo Canyon lands are deemed included in the $187.8 million of decommissioning planning costs.

The Diablo Canyon Decommissioning Engagement Panel (DCDEP) will hold a virtual public meeting on Wednesday, May 26, at 6:00pm. The meeting will be held via Zoom and the group is slated to discuss spent nuclear fuel management, PG&E’s application to obtain a Coastal Development Permit (CDP) – which is required to perform decommissioning activities in a coastal zone, and receive an update on decommissioning planning. The meeting will also include introductions of two new panel members.

Dr. Peter Lam, Administrative Judge Emeritus of the U.S. Nuclear regulatory Commission and member of the Diablo Canyon Independent Safety Committee, will participate in the discussion on spent fuel management.

PG&E representatives will give an overview of the CDP application submitted to the County of San Luis Obispo on March 24. SLO County representatives will also discuss the CDP application and California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) process that are required for the decommissioning of Diablo Canyon.

The meeting enables members of the public to directly submit questions to the Panel and offer live public comment and input on decommissioning planning, including future plans for the DCPP site and surrounding lands. In addition to the live webinar, the meeting will be broadcast on SLOSPAN and local access Channel 21. 

View Meeting Agenda

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• William Almas, San Luis Obispo (new appointment beginning May 2021)
• Mariam Shah, Arroyo Grande (new appointment beginning May 2021)
• David M. Baldwin, Atascadero (reappointed)
• Dena Bellman, Pismo Beach (reappointed)
• Dr. Timothy Auran, Avila Beach area
• Sherri Danoff, Avila Beach
• Scott Lathrop, San Luis Obispo
• Patrick Lemieux, Morro Bay
• Charlene Rosales, San Luis Obispo
• Linda Seeley, Los Osos
• Kara Woodruff, San Luis Obispo
• Chuck Anders, (Facilitator)
• Trevor Keith, San Luis Obispo County (Ex Officio)
• Maureen Zawalick, San Luis Obispo (PG&E)

On March 29, 2021, PG&E submitted a land use application with the County of San Luis Obispo for a Coastal Development Permit (CDP) and Conditional Use Permit (CUP). A separate CDP application will be filed with the California Coastal Commission in about a year.  These permits are required by the Coastal Act of California; any demolition, construction, replacement or changes to the size of a structure in a coastal zone requires a permit.

The land use application package includes a detailed Project Description, an Environmental Impact Assessment, Alternatives Analysis, and several technical reports to support the application and to assist the County and the consultant it retains in preparation of an Environmental Impact Report pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act. The application submission reflects input from the community through the Diablo Canyon Decommissioning Engagement Panel’s Strategic Vision.

REACH announced the formation of a partnership of elected officials, labor, education and advocacy groups to drive action and protect community interests on the future use of Parcel P at Diablo Canyon. (See media release.)

The yak tityu tityu yak tiłhini Northern Chumash Tribe of San Luis Obispo County and Region, The Land Conservancy, and Cal Poly sign an agreement to partner to protect Diablo Canyon Lands. (See media release.)

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) officially extends their deadline to issue a ruling on the Diablo Canyon 2018 Nuclear Decommissioning Cost Triennial Proceeding (NDCTP) to September 13, 2021. (See CPUC order.)

The Diablo Canyon Decommissioning Engagement Panel meeting to review the anticipated CPUC ruling, which was  previously extended from December 13, 2020 to March 13, 2021 will be postponed until after the CPUC issues its ruling.  The DCDEP will hold a public meeting to receive information on the CPUC ruling and discuss the implications on decommissioning within 10 days of the issuance of the preliminary ruling.

New members are being sought to join the Diablo Canyon Decommissioning Engagement Panel consisting of 11 public members who have been providing community input to PG&E since 2018 on ongoing decommissioning planning activities. There are three positions open for appointment or reappointment and the 30-day application period runs through March 13.

The NRC will host an online meeting to discuss the Diablo Canyon ISFSI License Renewal Application on January 26, 2021 from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM (Pacific Time). 

The current license for the Diablo Canyon (DC) Independent Spent Fuel Storage Installation (ISFSI) expires in March 2024. Because the DC ISFSI is a site-specific license, NRC regulations require a license renewal application to be submitted at least two-years prior the expiration date. PG&E is planning to submit a license renewal application for the DC ISFSI in the fourth quarter of 2021. It is a common practice to hold a public presubmittal meeting with the NRC to notify them of the intent to submit a license renewal application.

The public is invited to observe this meeting and will have one or more opportunities to communicate with the NRC after the business portion of the meeting, but before the meeting is adjourned. 

Because this is a virtual meeting, the NRC requests that you inform the NRC’s meeting contact of your intention to attend (either in person or by telephone) by January 22, 2021.

View NRC Meeting Announcement

View NRC Meeting Summary and Presentation Slides

The Diablo Canyon Decommissioning Engagement Panel announced the following public meeting schedule for 2021.  The Public Panel meetings are held from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM and will take place online until such time that in-person meetings can be held safely under the California COVID-19 guidance.

• 1st Quarter, 2021 (within 2-weeks of CPUC ruling on the 2018 NDCTP) – 2018 NDCTP CPUC Ruling and Implications / Decommissioning Regulatory Process and Planning Update
• May 26, 2021 – Spent Nuclear Fuel Storage and Management Update
• August 11, 2021 – Facility Repurposing and Lands Update
• November 3, 2021- Strategic Vision Update / Project Application and the CEQA Process

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) voted to extend their deadline to issue a ruling on the Diablo Canyon 2018 Nuclear Decommissioning Cost Triennial Proceeding (NDCTP) to March 13, 2021 (see CPUC order).

The Diablo Canyon Decommissioning Engagement Panel meeting to review the anticipated CPUC ruling, which was  previously planned for early December, will be postponed until after the CPUC issues its ruling.

The purpose of this meeting between Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E, the licensee) and the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) staff, is to provide information to the NRC staff regarding a proposed license amendment request to revise the Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant, Units 1 and 2 licenses and technical specifications to reflect a permanently defueled condition.  The public is invited to attend the teleconference meeting and will have the opportunity to provide public comment.

 View Meeting Information

View PG&E Presentation Slides

On October 28, 2020, the Diablo Canyon Decommissioning Engagement Panel hosted a virtual public meeting to discuss water resources at the Diablo Canyon Power Plant and surrounding lands. Specific topics included the breakwater and marina, intertidal areas along the 14 miles of coastline and the desalinization facility.  The meeting was a virtual meeting where the public had the opportunity to submit questions to the Panel during the meeting and also present formal public comment.

The Engagement Panel meeting on the storage and transportation of spent nuclear fuel at DCPP originally scheduled for October 28 was rescheduled to early 2021 so that information regarding PG&E’s recent request for proposal for an updated spent nuclear storage system would be available.  PG&E recently released a risk analysis, requested by the Engagement Panel, on the fuel handling and storage programs as DCPP. The risk analysis, conducted by the B. John Garrick Institute for Risk Sciences at UCLA, can be viewed HERE.

The Engagement Panel also plans to host an additional public meeting in late November or early December of this year immediately after the California Public Utilities Commission issues its anticipated ruling on the 2018 Nuclear Decommissioning Cost Triennial Proceeding. The purpose of this meeting will be to understand the ruling and its implications for our community.

View Meeting Agenda and Presentation Materials

View a Recording of the Virtual Public Meeting

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. — Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) and the Diablo Canyon Decommissioning Engagement Panel today announced the appointment of three new members to the Diablo Canyon Decommissioning Engagement Panel, and the reappointment of four members. The panel provides community input to PG&E as the company prepares a site-specific plan for the future decommissioning of Diablo Canyon Power Plant (DCPP).

Diablo Canyon Decommissioning Engagement Panel members include:

• Timothy Auran, Avila Beach area (new appointment)
• Patrick Lemieux, Morro Bay (new appointment)
• Charlene Rosales, San Luis Obispo (new appointment)
• Lauren Brown, San Luis Obispo (reappointed)
• Scott Lathrop, San Luis Obispo (reappointed)
• Linda Seeley, Los Osos (reappointed)
• Kara Woodruff, San Luis Obispo (reappointed)
• David M. Baldwin, Atascadero
• Dena Bellman, Pismo Beach
• Sherri Danoff, Avila Beach
• Alex Karlin, San Luis Obispo
• Trevor Keith, San Luis Obispo County (Ex Officio)
• Maureen Zawalick, San Luis Obispo, (PG&E)

Currently seated panel members and PG&E conducted an in-depth review of 50 applications from community members who broadly reflect the diverse community viewpoints in proximity to DCPP. The selection committee praised the quality and qualifications of those who applied.

“On behalf of the Panel, we sincerely appreciate the time and effort put forth by each candidate to apply, and we’re thrilled that so many experienced and talented community leaders offered to be a part of this important process.  We welcome these new members and feel confident that the diverse composition of the Panel will enable the group to capture the community’s collective vision related to the future decommissioning of Diablo Canyon,” said panel facilitator Chuck Anders.

The three new appointees to the panel fill roles previously held by Frank Mecham and Dr. Nancy O’Malley, as well as an additional role created by the conversion of Trevor Keith’s role on the Panel to that of an Ex Officio member. Said Anders, “We have benefitted from the many contributions of Frank Mecham and Nancy O’Malley on this panel, and we sincerely thank them for their insights and efforts.” 

Finally, Maureen Zawalick, who leads PG&E’s decommissioning program, will now represent the company on the panel, taking the seat previously held by Chief Nuclear Officer Jim Welsch.

About the Diablo Canyon Decommissioning Engagement Panel

The Engagement Panel is a forum to facilitate the two-way flow of information between local community members and PG&E on matters related to DCPP decommissioning. Since its inception in 2018, the Panel meets regularly to discuss decommissioning topics important to the community such as future use of the facility and lands surrounding the Diablo Canyon Power Plant. Visit the Panel’s website at DiabloCanyonPanel.org for information or to submit questions or comments to the Panel.

View Panel Member Profiles

On July 9, 2020, The Nuclear Regulatory Commission issued a report to Congress identifying best practices for establishment and operation of local community advisory boards associated with decommissioning activities at nuclear power plants.  The NRC conducted two webinars and eleven public meetings at communities addressing facility decommissioning, including San Luis Obispo.

View NRC Best Practices Report

On July 9, 2020, the Hourglass Project hosted an online webinar and released the REACH 2030 Action Plan for Central Coast Job Creation.  The plan was created by a coalition of buiness and civic leaders through a collaborative process.  It identifies four strategic priorities to drive job creation and includes an initiative to influence the transformation of Diablo Canyon.

View the REACH 2030 Action Plan

View the REACH 2030 Webinar  

On June 30, 2020, PG&E responded to a June 1st request from the CPUC to provide instructions to parties interested in Diablo Canyon land use and disposition.  PG&E’s response letter provides a description of the lands, instructions to interested parties and a public process for review of Diablo Canyon Land Disposition.

View CPUC Request

View PG&E Response 

On June 29, 2020, PG&E released a risk assessment of spent fuel handling and storage programs at Diablo Canyon conducted by the B. John Garrick Institute for Risk Sciences at UCLA.  This report was requested by the Engagement Panel to better understand the  risks associated with alternative decommissioning fuel handling and storage strategies at Diablo Canyon Power Plant.

On June 25, 2020, the Diablo Canyon Decommissioning Engagement Panel and PG&E announced the reopening of the Panel membership application process. Applications for Panel membership that were previously submitted this spring will be included.

View Press Announcement

Download Panel Membership Application

On June 24, 2020 the Engagement Panel held an online public meeting to discuss the  considerations and options for transporting non-radioactive materials and low-level radioactive wastes from DCPP.  The  B. John Garrick Institute for Risk Sciences at UCLA presented the results of their Transportation Risk Analysis plus presentations from SLO County, Caltrans, CHP and PG&E.

View Meeting Video and Transportation Risk Assessment