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California Governor Newsom Signs Legislation to Boost Fusion Industry and Quantum Research Investment

California Governor Newsom Signs Legislation to Boost Fusion Industry and Quantum Research Investment

California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed legislation aimed at accelerating the state's fusion energy industry and announced significant investments in quantum research. This move positions California as a leader in emerging technologies, focusing on both fusion and quantum as priority sectors under the California Jobs First Economic Blueprint. The legislation includes measures to create a strategic plan for fusion energy development, expand research opportunities, develop a commercial fusion strategy, and advance fusion manufacturing. Additionally, it mandates a comprehensive assessment of new nuclear power plants to help the state achieve 100% zero-carbon electricity by 2045. The state is leveraging its research capabilities, skilled workforce, and innovation economy to develop, test, and scale these technologies. California already leads the nation in quantum-skill job postings and semiconductor manufacturing jobs, and is home to numerous Nobel-winning breakthroughs in quantum science and technology. ...
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Governor Newsom Suspends California's Summer-Blend Gasoline Requirement Amid Nationwide Price Spike

Governor Newsom Suspends California's Summer-Blend Gasoline Requirement Amid Nationwide Price Spike

Governor Gavin Newsom has taken action to address rising fuel costs in California by suspending the state’s seasonal summer-blend gasoline requirement. This directive allows for the immediate manufacturing, importation, distribution, and sale of winter-blend gasoline in California. The Governor's office attributes the nationwide gas and diesel price spike to President Trump’s war in Iran, stating that it has driven up global oil prices. This move is intended to provide immediate relief to Californians at the pump, as the war has reportedly cost Americans over $120 billion in extra fuel costs, with California households bearing an additional $428 each. In addition to suspending the fuel requirement, Governor Newsom has directed the California Energy Commission (CEC) to publish a regular public spot-market report for gasoline and diesel to increase transparency in fuel pricing. The CEC is also tasked with collecting information on renewable diesel and considering separate reporting of its prices to highlight...
AP NewsAP News
New California law bans officers from using gloves that deliver electric shocks

New California law bans officers from using gloves that deliver electric shocks

California Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed a law banning local, state and federal officers from using gloves that can deliver electric shocks to people
ReutersReuters
California governor signs PFAS pesticide tracking bill

California governor signs PFAS pesticide tracking bill

By Renee Hickman Sept 29 (Reuters) - Pesticides containing toxic "forever chemicals" will now be tracked by the state of California, the country's largest producer of agricultural products. 
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Governor Newsom Signs Bill for Full Compensation to California Wildfire Survivors

Governor Newsom Signs Bill for Full Compensation to California Wildfire Survivors

California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed Assembly Bill 2700, a legislative measure aimed at ensuring full compensation for Northern California wildfire survivors. This bill addresses the financial shortfalls experienced by victims of fires caused by Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) between 2015 and 2018, including the 2015 Butte Fire, the 2017 North Bay firestorm, and the 2018 Camp Fire. Previously, victims received partial compensation, with a $13.5 million settlement split among approximately 70,000 claimants after PG&E's 2019 bankruptcy. This settlement, comprising half cash and half stock, left victims $5 to $6 billion short, covering only about 70% of their claims before attorney fees. The new bill, initially introduced by Assembly member James Gallagher and later championed by Assembly member Joe Patterson, seeks to change the standard to 100% compensation, preventing families and businesses from bearing the financial consequences of utility-caused disasters.
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U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Approves Construction Permit for First Commercial Small Modular Reactor in Tennessee

U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Approves Construction Permit for First Commercial Small Modular Reactor in Tennessee

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has granted a construction permit to the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) for the nation's first commercial small modular reactor (SMR). This SMR, a 300-megawatt GE Vernova Hitachi boiling-water reactor, is slated for construction at TVA's Clinch River site in Roane County, Tennessee. The approval follows a 14-month review process by the NRC. Boiling-water reactors operate by using heat generated from nuclear fission to boil water within the reactor vessel, which then produces steam to power a turbine for electricity generation. This project aims to address the increasing regional demand for power. While the permit has been issued, TVA has not yet announced a construction start date, indicating ongoing negotiations with industry partners regarding cost sharing and financial accountability.
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Nuclear Regulatory Commission Approves Construction Permit for TVA's Small Modular Reactor

Nuclear Regulatory Commission Approves Construction Permit for TVA's Small Modular Reactor

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has granted a construction permit to the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) for the Clinch River Unit 1, a GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy BWRX-300 small modular reactor (SMR). This approval marks a significant milestone as it is the first construction permit for a commercial SMR in the United States and only the second advanced reactor construction permit ever issued in the nation. The decision was made four months ahead of schedule, with NRC Chairman Ho K. Nieh emphasizing the agency's ability to make rigorous and credible safety decisions efficiently. The TVA plans to build this 300-megawatt reactor at its Clinch River site near Oak Ridge, Tennessee, a location recognized as a hub for national nuclear research. While no construction date has been announced, TVA is currently negotiating with industry partners to ensure responsible cost sharing and financial accountability throughout the design and construction phases. The BWRX-300 SMR is designed to generate u...
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Constellation and Amazon Web Services Explore Small Modular Reactor Development at Calvert Cliffs

Constellation and Amazon Web Services Explore Small Modular Reactor Development at Calvert Cliffs

Constellation and Amazon Web Services Explore Small Modular Reactor Development at Calvert Cliffs
USA TodayUSA Today
Trump's new accord on 'super intelligence' includes spelling error

Trump's new accord on 'super intelligence' includes spelling error

The agreement, which was posted to the White House's social media account, has since been widely circulated with the spelling error.
AP NewsAP News
Newsom signs California law banning sales of single-use, battery-powered vapes

Newsom signs California law banning sales of single-use, battery-powered vapes

California Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed a law banning the sale of single-use, battery-powered vapes to combat plastic pollution
1Weather1Weather
California Boosts Wildfire Prevention Efforts

California Boosts Wildfire Prevention Efforts

California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a series of legislative measures aimed at enhancing wildfire prevention, response, and community resilience. The new laws expedite wildfire mitigation projects, streamline permitting processes, and expand tools for prescribed and cultural burning. The legislation also establishes the California Wildfire Preparedness Program to improve local coordination and introduces a Fire Innovation Unit within CAL FIRE to advance wildfire technology. These efforts build on the state’s historic investments in wildfire resilience, which include over $5 billion allocated since 2019 for forest health, community hardening, and emergency preparedness. Notable projects include fuel reduction in Los Angeles, prescribed burns in Humboldt County, and defensible space creation in Tuolumne County. The state has also allocated $25 million for a community wildfire mitigation program and $117 million for wildfire prevention projects through Greenhouse Gas Reduction Funds. [Source: Governor ...
USA TodayUSA Today
The 10 states with the most EV chargers as electric car sales rise

The 10 states with the most EV chargers as electric car sales rise

As high gas prices prompted consumers to take a second look at EVs, the number of public chargers in various states increased in the spring of 2026.