While the Nuclear Regulatory Commission is proceeding with the “safety evaluation report” for a 20-year license extension for the Diablo Canyon nuclear plant next month, regulators stated they would “appropriately coordinate” a final decision with new seismic studies. This apparently signals a slight change of policy for the commission. “Prior to finalizing a decision regarding license renewal, the staff will supplement the safety evaluation report as necessary, considering any relevant new information from the seismic studies,” wrote Brian Holian, NRC license renewal director, to Diablo Canyon’s owner Pacific Gas & Electric, May 31. PG&E asked federal regulators to include information from seismic studies underway in its relicensing plans April 12. The utility, at the same time, did not request “any delay in the schedule for this licensing hearing process,” noted PG&E attorney David Repka. Holian’s letter indicates a shift in tone after the Fukushima Daiichi meltdowns. Before, staff indicated that it was not necessary to include seismic data review in relicensing Diablo. The California Public Utilities Commission authorized the utility to spend up to $16.75 million on new seismic studies last year. The state government has a budget for $500,000 for a geologist to review those data. PG&E is seeking 20-year license extensions to the original 40-year licenses for both reactors at the 2,060 MW facility. Southern California Edison is asking the CPUC to allow it to spend $64 million on similar seismic studies for the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station. The utility, though, has not filed with federal regulators for a license extension.