Addis Calls for Independent Review of Seismic Safety Assessment at Diablo Canyon

SAN LUIS OBISPO - Assemblymember Dawn Addis (D-Morro Bay) delivered public comment today before the Diablo Canyon Independent Safety Committee following a presentation on the results of PG&E's embrittlement analysis of Diablo Canyon's Unit 1 reactor vessel.

PG&E staff concluded that embrittlement of the reactor vessel remains within acceptable limits, supporting its position that the reactor remains safe to operate for 60 years without seismic safety concerns.

"The simple truth is that there is a possibility of a catastrophic and irreversible radiological disaster," said Addis. "I am urging the Safety Committee to request a third-party investigation verifying the testing results. Accepting PG&E, Westinghouse, and NRC declarations of safety is not enough. Our community needs and deserves an unbiased, independent assessment of the embrittlement testing."

Addis also called for stronger safeguards and greater transparency as PG&E incorporates artificial intelligence into its operations, and pointed out the lack of communication, and coordination with local jurisdictions that affected residents in Cambria last week during a scheduled Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS).

"The lack of preparation, communication, and coordination that PG&E demonstrated left too many questions about PG&E's ability to safely lead us through a radiological emergency at Diablo that happens concurrently with a local PSPS or unplanned outage."

The Diablo Canyon Independent Safety Committee will continue to deliberate assessment findings, with a decision on whether to accept them later tonight.

Dawn Addis was elected to the California State Assembly in 2022 to represent the coastal 30th Assembly District, which includes San Luis Obispo, Monterey, and Santa Cruz Counties. She is the Chair of the Assembly Budget Subcommittee 1 on Health.

CONTACT: Alexis Garcia-Arrazola, (831) 649-2832