Last California Nuclear Plant Can Run During Review, US Says (1)

The last nuclear power plant in California can keep running while regulators review owner PG&E Corp.’s application to extend its life.

The US Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s approval Thursday allows the two reactors at the Diablo Canyon plant to operate beyond their current license expiration dates in 2024 and 2025. PG&E had planned to retire the facility, but backtracked after California Governor Gavin Newsom urged the utility to keep it open to boost grid reliability.

“Diablo Canyon’s continued operation is in the public interest because of serious challenges to the reliability of California’s electricity grid,” the NRC said in ...