A nuclear expert from the Federal Government recommended that Diablo Canyon nuclear plant be shut down until regulators can figure out whether the reactors can withstand potentially powerful earthquakes in the area. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission and PGE claim that the plant, which supplies 3 million people a year with electricity, is safe. However, controversy remains over whether the NRC accurately estimated the amount of ground movement nearby quakes could trigger.
Especially in light of the Fukushima catastrophe, it is important to make sure existing nuclear plants are prepared to withstand natural disasters. Despite the loss of electricity caused by shutting down plants, making sure a nuclear meltdown does not occur during the next big earthquake is arguably more important. Still, even an expert can be wrong, especially when his findings contradict extensive studies by the NRC.
Very interesting point about Fukushima, however, it was the tsunami that triggered that accident. Do you think an earthquake alone would be able to replicate the same damage?
I agree that we need to check for safety but i also think that we should just do away with this plant. There are so many other renewable resources that dont produce the kind of waste that nuclear does.