California bills consider new nuclear power plant and plan for the future of fusion

On Wednesday, California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed two bills that could shape the future of nuclear fission and fusion energy in the state. One bill directs the state to conduct a formal assessment of whether new nuclear plants and advanced nuclear technologies could help meet California's clean-energy goals and support critical infrastructure. The other establishes a state fusion energy strategic planning process and directs development of a regulatory framework for fusion energy.

Time to consider nuclear: Assembly Bill 2647 requires the California Energy Commission to prepare an assessment of the potential role for advanced nuclear technologies in the state by January 1, 2028, including whether new nuclear power plants in California could help the state achieve its goal of transitioning fully to renewable and zero-carbon electricity by 2045.

As enacted, the bill instructs the commission to make a comprehensive assessment considering cost, reliability, workforce benefits, emission impact, fuel cycle, public health, and potential siting for new nuclear power. According to the governor's press release, the assessment will be conducted with public input.

The California legislature established a moratorium on new nuclear power plants in 1976. When first introduced in February, A.B. 2647 proposed amendments to clarify that the state's moratorium does not include advanced nuclear reactors.

According to an assembly floor analysis from August, Assemblymember Lisa Calderon, the bill's author, said this bill marks a historic step by mandating that California consider nuclear energy's role in filling statewide electricity needs.

"Advanced nuclear technology could help meet California's long-term electricity needs," said Calderon. "Fifty years ago, California made a choice based on the technologies and needs of that era. Today, we face an entirely different reality. Our grid needs firm, clean power. Our families and businesses need affordable electricity. A.B. 2647 gives us the information to make a new choice, based on the technologies and needs of our century."

A framework for fusion energy: Newsom signed Senate Bill 925, which requires the State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission to develop a strategic plan for the development of fusion energy in California to be submitted by December 31, 2029.

Specifically, the plan should develop a strategy for the expansion and development of fusion research, development, and commercialization in California; develop a regulatory framework for fusion energy; and assess how fusion energy at scale could support the state's long-term goals.

Existing law authorizes the commission to certify certain sites as environmental leadership development projects, offering streamlining benefits. S.B. 925 expands the types of facilities eligible for this certification to include "a discretionary project, as described, for the manufacture, production, or assembly of specialized products, components, or systems that are integral to fusion energy."

Fusion is a priority sector under the 2025 California Jobs First Economic Blueprint, and the state has a resolution to support fusion energy with the goal of siting a fusion pilot plant by the 2040s, though S.B. 925 specifies that it "does not create a technology set-aside, mandatory minimum, or mandate procurement of fusion energy by load-serving entities."

"California has made substantial progress toward its climate goals. But fusion energy has the potential to provide nearly limitless clean, safe, and reliable power, while creating an economic ecosystem that will rival Silicon Valley," said California state Sen. Jerry McNerney, who introduced the bill. "S.B. 925 lays the groundwork for widespread adoption of fusion energy in the state and will help ensure that California is a fusion technology leader in the coming decades."

California's role in national fusion policy: Two U.S. House representatives from California, Zoe Lofgren and Jay Obernolte, recently introduced a bill aiming to implement recommendations from a bipartisan report on scaling fusion energy, including providing $10 billion for fusion research, facilities, and milestone programs.