A bill to offset the impacts from the planned closure of the Diablo Canyon Power Plant headed to Governor Jerry Brown’s desk for approval Monday afternoon.

Senate Bill 1090, written by State Senator Bill Monning (D-Carmel) and Assemblyman Jordan Cunningham (R-San Luis Obispo), requires the California Public Utilities Commission to approve an $85 million settlement to San Luis Obispo County, including several cities and school districts, following the retirement of the power plant.

“This bill gives us a fighting chance to transition smoothly to a post-Diablo future in our community and to our entire state,” said Assemblyman Jordan Cunningham.

The bill also requires full funding for a $350 million program designed to keep PG&E workers from leaving the closing plant for other jobs.

Diablo Canyon has provided an emissions-free energy supply to consumers, according to legislators, and has brought in an estimated $1 billion to the economy, including thousands of jobs.

“The closure of Diablo Canyon is a major hit to our community and will be felt for decades,” Cunningham said. “While we can’t fully replace the economic benefits and energy created by Diablo Canyon, this bipartisan bill will help cushion the blow for the Diablo workforce and our community.”

The governor has until Sept. 30 to sign or veto the bill.

http://www.ksby.com/story/38923963/bill-to-cushion-the-blow-of-diablo-closure-heads-to-governors-desk