The State : U.S. OKs 2nd Diablo Unit

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission, in a 4-1 vote, granted a low-power license for Unit 2 at the Diablo Canyon Nuclear power plant on the Central California coast near San Luis Obispo. Commissioner James Asselstine opposed the license, saying that the complicating effect of an earthquake on the emergency evacuation of the facility in the event of a nuclear accident has not been addressed to his satisfaction. Under a low-power license, Pacific Gas & Electric Co. can start up Unit 2 and operate it for testing at up to 5% of full capacity. PG&E; officials said the unit could be ready to produce commercial power by the end of this year or early in 1986.