The future of California’s only nuclear power plant is up in the air. Diablo Canyon is currently set to stop operating in 2030.

Governor Gavin Newsom recently addressed the plant’s future at a press conference in Oakland.

“Well, we just finished the process that unfolded over the course of the last 4 or 5 years, just to extend its life,” Newsom said. “That will be the baton that I will pass on to the next administration. So that will be the determination of the next administration.”

The Federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission has already approved operations through 2045.

All that’s needed to extend the operations for 15 more years is state approval, which the Diablo Canyon 2045 Coalition was hoping to receive this year.

The coalition said in a statement:

“If they passed the extension this year, it would avoid costly and unnecessary fallback energy procurements and save up to $1.3 billion in the first year, according to MIT, and every year it’s operating after that.”

California lawmakers recently signed a letter in support of letting the power plant extend operations into 2045. Among them is District 3 supervisor for the San Luis Obispo Board of Supervisors, Dawn Ortiz-Legg.

Ortiz-Legg said it was frustrating to hear the announcement just days after the letter was signed.

“My first reaction was, this is going to cost more money,” Ortiz-Legg said. “Time is money, you know, and California families are facing some of the highest energy prices. It’s really important that we get this done. We need the reliable, clean energy.”

Others are relieved that the decision has been delayed at least until the next Governor is appointed. Linda Seeley is the vice president of the San Luis Obispo Mothers for Peace. She said the non-profit is concerned with the dangers posed by Diablo Canyon.

“We’re pleased that Governor Newsom has decided not to pursue the extension of Diablo Canyon until 2045,” Seeley said. “We think it’s a smart decision on his part.”

Jane Swanson, also with the group, said she understands the economic benefits of keeping the plant open, but she’s more concerned about the safety of the plant.

“There’s nothing wrong with being concerned about the economic welfare of the Central Coast,” Swanson said. “I’m all for it. However, there’s more than one factor going on here. Because if you have a prosperous economy and lots of household jobs and a radioactive release from Diablo Canyon, you have nothing left.”

KSBY reached out to PG&E for comment on the Governor’s remarks.

“We continue to support the state’s policymakers as they evaluate this critical asset for California,” one representative said in a statement.