Ninth Circuit Rejects Green Groups’ Challenge to Diablo Canyon

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission did not violate agency standards by denying a hearing request from environmental groups and allowing Pacific Gas & Electric Co. to continuously extend its removal schedule for a safety surveillance program at the Diablo Canyon Nuclear Plant, the Ninth Circuit ruled.

A panel of judges for the US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit rejected on Friday arguments from San Luis Obispo Mothers for Peace and Friends of the Earth.

The environmental advocates had challenged the NRC’s decision to deny their request for an administrative hearing, which centered on concerns about a 2023 change to ...