Nuclear Power in California: 2005 Status Report

This consultant report provides background and factual information on California’s nuclear power plants and key nuclear power issues such as nuclear waste storage,disposal, and transportation. The report reviews the federal and state regulatory framework for nuclear power and the various agencies that oversee nuclear power plants and related issues. The report examines the costs and benefits of continuing to operate California’s aging nuclear power plants. Financial, safety, and security issues are key considerations in assessing the going-forward costs and benefits associated with nuclear power. Storing and disposing spent nuclear fuel is a major challenge for nuclear power plant operators; thus, the report reviews the status of federal efforts to develop a federal geologic repository at Yucca Mountain as well as utilities’ interim nuclear storage options. In considering the future role of nuclear power in California, policymakers must consider certain trade-offs such as whether nuclear power can be part of the solution to curbing greenhouse gas emissions despite potential safety or security risks. Finally, the report offers some preliminary findings for policymakers to consider.

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