Nuclear plants face hurdles in California

California's two nuclear plants faced hurdles this week. Southern California Edison's San Onofre generator may remain shut down for at least six weeks. "Unit 3 was offline for a 55-day refueling when microscopic cracks were found in water-heater sleeves attached to the pressurizers. The 30 heaters regulate the nuclear reactor's coolant to ensure the water inside the reactor's coil does not boil."

Further North, PG&E's Diablo Canyon facility faced a different obstacle...According to the LA Times, "The California Coastal Commission wants three miles of coastline north of the Diablo Canyon nuclear plant opened to beachgoers.

"The commission staff is recommending that plant owner Pacific Gas and Electric be required to provide public access within two years if the commission approves plans to build a storage facility for the plant's radioactive waste."

Riiiight...just what PG&E needs is the liability of beachgoers coming even closer to its nuclear reactors. Just what is the CCC thinking?