The Diablo Canyon Power Plant, located on California's Central Coast, has faced decades of protests since its 1963 proposal. Now, California is reconsidering its nuclear energy stance, evaluating whether to extend Diablo's operating life and lift the moratorium on new reactors. This shift reflects changing public sentiment among liberal lawmakers and environmental groups who once opposed nuclear power.

Governor Gavin Newsom and State Assemblymember Lisa Calderon support nuclear energy as essential for meeting California's 2045 clean energy targets. The California Legislature recently approved a bill to study partially lifting the nuclear ban, driven by concerns about relying solely on wind, solar, and geothermal sources. Lawmakers are less worried about spent fuel storage—long managed at plant sites—and more focused on achieving emissions reductions.

Nuclear opponents argue renewables and battery storage offer cheaper, safer alternatives. California currently generates 70% of its electricity from renewables, up from 49% in 2020, though it imports roughly 25% of its power from neighboring states. Despite progress, California's average power prices remain the highest in the nation except Hawaii.

Decisions here could influence other states and support national nuclear expansion efforts, including those by California-based startups developing new reactor designs.