NRC Approves Diablo Canyon License Extension to 2045, Shifting Decision to California Legislature
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) approved a 20-year operating license renewal for the Diablo Canyon Power Plant, authorizing operations for the two units until the mid-2040s. State law, however, currently limits operations to 2029 and 2030 unless the state legislature authorizes a further extension.
The federal approval allows Unit 1 to operate until November 2, 2044 and Unit 2 to operate until August 26, 2045. The approval completes the federal licensing process initiated under 2022 legislation to extend operations beyond planned retirement dates. Currently, Unit 1 is authorized to stay open until 2029 and Unit 2 is authorized to stay open until 2030.
Federal Review Finds No New Environmental or Safety Impacts
The NRC’s environmental and safety reviews concluded that continued operations would not result in “new or significantly different environmental impacts” beyond those previously analyzed. The agency also determined that the plant can continue to operate safely under existing design parameters, including seismic conditions.
The renewal is based on continued operation of existing infrastructure rather than new development, reinforcing the agency’s conclusion that the extension represents a continuation of previously assessed activities rather than a material expansion.
Plant Received State Approvals Prior to Federal Action
The federal decision follows a series of state-level approvals required for relicensing. These included permits from the California Coastal Commission, the California Public Utilities Commission, and the State Lands Commission. In February 2026, the Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board granted approval of a water quality permit, clearing the way for the NRC decision.
Pacific Gas and Electric Company submitted its license renewal application in November 2023, after SB 846 extended the life of the power plant’s two units by five years to 2029 and 2030.
Legislature Will Determine Long-Term Operations
Despite federal approval, California retains decisive authority over whether Diablo Canyon operates beyond 2030. The NRC controls reactor licensing and safety determinations, but state law governs whether the plant may continue operating under those licenses.
The approval could renew legislative debate over the role of nuclear power in achieving California’s statutory target of 100% clean electricity by 2045.
Diablo Canyon is California’s largest single source of electricity, supplying roughly 10% of total in-state generation and about 16% of zero-carbon power in 2024, according to data cited in the approval process.
Governor Gavin Newsom supported the NRC decision, stating it aligns with California’s clean energy and economic objectives. “Today, I welcome the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s approval as we continue California’s clean energy transition, creating good-paying jobs, fighting climate change and cementing the Golden State as a global powerhouse,” he said.