News In Brief

Diablo Canyon reactor start-up could be delayed

The start-up of the Diablo Canyon nuclear plant, authorized Friday, could be delayed if opponents can convince an appeals panel that the $4.9 billion facility is not safe.

Joel Reynolds, a Los Angeles lawyer for the San Luis Obispo Mothers for Peace , said he will ask the US District Court of Appeals in Washington, D.C., early this week for an emergency order halting the plant's start-up.

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission reinstated a low-power license to Pacific Gas & Electric Co., authorizing the utility, which owns the plant on the scenic central California coast, to operate it at up to 5 percent of capacity. The license is effective April 19.