State panel to debate nuclear power

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State lawmakers are set Tuesday to discuss whether nuclear power should play a larger part in California’s future, but the issue is already creating political fission at the Capitol.

The state Senate Energy, Utilities and Communications Committee will hold a hearing Tuesday morning to hear from experts. Others scheduled to testify include representatives of Southern California Edison, co-owner of the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station, and PG&E, operator of the Diablo Canyon Power Plant.

Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Pacoima), chairman of the committee, noted that California already gets 15% of its electricity from nuclear power, although tough restrictions mean no nuclear power plant has been constructed in more than three decades in California.

‘Nuclear energy has seemed to have had a resurgence in terms of conversation,’ Padilla said. ‘I’m not shy about having that conversation.’

Padilla said he is neutral on the issue of whether new nuclear plants should be allowed in California, adding that ‘a hearing is a first step in responsibly considering that.’

However, David Weisman of the Alliance for Nuclear Responsibility complained that the hearing lineup appeared stacked in favor of those who support expanded nuclear power in California and that opposition groups like his own are not on the agenda.

‘Essentially what they are doing here is re-creating a private nuclear-industry promotional forum that was held in La Jolla last year,’ Weisman said of the senate hearing. ‘It’s entirely one-sided.’

Padilla said some environmental groups were invited to participate but turned down the invitation. He said there is an open comment section of the hearing in which opponents of nuclear power can testify.

Weisman noted that the electric utilities are big campaign donors at the Capitol. Although Padilla recently returned a $35,000 check from PG&E that arrived a day after the gas pipeline explosion in San Bruno, records show he previously was given $9,000 in campaign contributions from PG&E and six of its executives during the last two years, and $8,850 from Southern California Edison, Edison International and 22 of their executives.

A Padilla aide denied the senator was influenced by the contributions to hold the hearing.

-- Patrick McGreevy