In 2016, a member of the California State Lands Commission began advancing an effort to shutter the last remaining nuclear power plant in the state: Diablo Canyon.
Diablo is the single-largest source of electricity in California, providing nearly 10% of its power.
Four years later, the man who led the charge against Diablo Canyon was leading the state—Governor Gavin Newsom.
And the political environment surrounding nuclear had, at that time, completely and irrevocably shifted.
Facing pressure from scientists, celebrity activists, and multiple former U.S. energy secretaries—as well as devastating power blackouts…
The governor quickly changed his stance.
In fact, Governor Newsom has now become a vocal advocate for Diablo Canyon.
He has introduced legislation to keep it operating.
And he plans to get part of the $6 billion in federal funding available to ensure it does.