ML24317A024
| ML24317A024 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Diablo Canyon  |
| Issue date: | 11/09/2024 |
| From: | Public Commenter Public Commenter |
| To: | NRC/NMSS/DREFS |
| NRC/NMSS/DREFS | |
| References | |
| 89FR87433 | |
| Download: ML24317A024 (5) | |
Text
From:
Jeff Chambers <ceo@southcountychambers.com>
Sent:
Saturday, November 9, 2024 10:54 PM To:
DiabloCanyonEnvironmental.Resource
Subject:
[External_Sender] Submitted: ATTN: DCPP Draft Supplemental EIS Attachments:
PGE Nuclear Reg Commission letter.pdf
- Hello, Please find attached my letter of support regarding the draft environmental review of PG&Es license extension application for Diablo Canyon Power Plant (DCPP).
- Best, Jeff
- Regards, Jeff Chambers, CEO South County Chambers of Commerce PO Box 672, Arroyo Grande, CA 93421 ceo@southcountychambers.com (805) 574-1267 -direct (805) 489-1488 -office southcountychambers.com
Federal Register Notice:
89FR87433 Comment Number:
10 Mail Envelope Properties (DS7PR20MB48541ABB19E8065123720126B25F2)
Subject:
[External_Sender] Submitted: ATTN: DCPP Draft Supplemental EIS Sent Date:
11/9/2024 10:54:28 PM Received Date:
11/9/2024 10:55:02 PM From:
Jeff Chambers Created By:
ceo@southcountychambers.com Recipients:
"DiabloCanyonEnvironmental.Resource" <DiabloCanyonEnvironmental.Resource@nrc.gov>
Tracking Status: None Post Office:
DS7PR20MB4854.namprd20.prod.outlook.com Files Size Date & Time MESSAGE 490 11/9/2024 10:55:02 PM Outlook-small logo.png 17367 PGE Nuclear Reg Commission letter.pdf 103804 Options Priority:
Normal Return Notification:
No Reply Requested:
No Sensitivity:
Normal Expiration Date:
DiabloCanyonEnvironmental@nrc.gov Office of Administration, Mail Stop: TWFN-7-A60M U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Washington, DC 20555-0001 ATTN: DCPP Draft Supplemental EIS
Dear U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission,
As CEO of the South SLO County Chambers of Commerce, I am writing to express my strong support for initiatives that secure the continued operation of Diablo Canyon Power Plant (DCPP). In the face of mounting environmental challenges, energy reliability concerns, and economic pressures, maintaining DCPP is not only a strategic choice but an essential step for our community and state.
Clean Energy and Environmental Responsibility Climate change and environmental sustainability are priorities for our future, and clean nuclear energy must be a part of that solution. DCPP stands as the largest clean energy producer in California, contributing over 15% of the states clean energy. Losing this resource would have significant repercussionsas witnessed with the closure of San Onofre, which resulted in increased greenhouse gas emissions due to reliance on fossil fuels for energy replacement. The continuation of DCPP helps ensure we do not repeat this mistake and instead advance toward our climate goals.
Reliability and Energy Security Californias energy grid already faces challenges, with Flex alerts becoming increasingly common during peak demands. The loss of DCPP would mean forfeiting 9% of the states electricity supplyenough to power approximately 3 million residents. Replacing this output would require massive investments, such as nine square miles of solar panels, and still, it would be challenging to match DCPPs round-the-clock reliability. Maintaining DCPP ensures that our largest, most dependable clean power source remains operational, providing stability and safeguarding against future power shortages.
Safety and Public Trust DCPP has operated safely and reliably for nearly 40 years, under the stringent oversight of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), which maintains an exemplary safety record. Personally, I am confident in DCPPs safety protocols and security measures, which are among the most rigorous in the industry. For those concerned about seismic activity, it is important to note that DCPP is built on solid ground with robust safety enhancements, making it one of the safest places in the region during an earthquake.
Environmental Stewardship PG&Es stewardship of the DCPP land showcases their commitment to environmental care. The area is not
only maintained with precision but also provides access to hiking trails that allow residents to enjoy its natural beauty. The adjacent marine environment is thriving, evident from the abundance of sea life including sea lions, otters, and various bird species. These factors highlight that DCPPs presence harmonizes with local ecological health.
Affordability and Economic Benefits Electricity costs are a growing concern for working families, and with DCPPs efficient energy production, we can avoid exacerbating this issue. Unlike other clean energy sources that require substantial investment and lead to higher consumer costs, nuclear energy remains one of the most cost-effective clean options, especially as the significant capital expense of building DCPP has already been borne.
Furthermore, PG&E is the largest private employer in San Luis Obispo County, providing head-of-household, high-paying jobs that sustain local families. The plants operation fuels a network of local vendors and businesses, creating an economic multiplier effect that benefits the entire community. Recent refueling outages have shown the influx of temporary workers and the subsequent economic boost, a pattern set to continue in the near term with upcoming maintenance work.
Planning for a Sustainable Future Californias ambitious plans for clean energy and the electrification of transportation and household appliances will require an unprecedented increase in power supply. With goals to have 100% clean energy and pledges to triple nuclear capacity by 2050, DCPPs continued operation is vital. As technology advances and energy demands soar, we must prioritize reliable, clean, and safe sources like nuclear to meet our needs.
In conclusion, DCPP is more than just a power plant; it is a cornerstone of clean energy production, economic vitality, and environmental stewardship in our state. Ensuring its operation aligns with Californias long-term vision of sustainability and reliability. I urge all stakeholders to recognize the importance of keeping DCPP operational for the benefit of our community, state, and future generations.
Sincerely, Jeff Chambers CEO, South SLO County Chambers of Commerce