California State Senator Bill Monning and Assemblymember Jordan Cunningham, who represent districts containing Diablo Canyon Power Plant (DCPP), have announced that they are moving forward with legislation to reinstate the remaining goals of the DCPP Joint Proposal Agreement, which was revised by the California Public Utilities Commission (PUC) earlier this year.
IBEW Local 1245, PG&E and numerous other stakeholders meticulously negotiated the Joint Proposal Agreement last year on behalf of the DCPP workers and the plant’s neighboring communities. The agreement included a Basic Retention Package for Diablo Canyon’s highly skilled and experienced workers, who will play an essential role in ensuring a smooth and safe shutdown of the plant. It also outlined an Integrated Resource Plan, guaranteeing that all replacement power that comes as a result of the eventual closing of DCPP in 2024/2025 would be greenhouse-gas-free. Additionally, the agreement factored in funding for the surrounding communities to mitigate the inevitable loss of tax revenue when the plant goes offline.
However, the PUC announced in January that it had revised the Agreement, significantly reducing the Basic Retention Package and altering several other components of the agreement. That PUC decision is the impetus for Senate Bill 1090, which is intended to restore the three key components of the original Joint Proposal Agreement. IBEW Local 1245 has been actively involved in the development of SB 1090, and will continue to advocate for its passage in the State Legislature.
“This legislation corrects the opportunity missed by the PUC for California to be a leader in taking care of workers, communities and the environment, while transitioning to a new energy future,” said IBEW 1245 Senior Assistant Business Manager Bob Dean.