California Governor Newsom Signs Bills to Advance Nuclear Energy Development
Governor Gavin Newsom has signed two bills into law aimed at boosting clean energy through the development of nuclear energy sources in California. Senate Bill 925, authored by Senator Jerry McNerney, D-Pleasanton, mandates the state to create a plan for developing nuclear fusion energy facilities. This report, due by December 31, 2029, will outline strategies for expanding fusion research, commercialization, regulatory frameworks, permitting, licensing, and assessing fusion energy levels needed to meet California's long-term renewable energy and greenhouse gas emission goals. The California Energy Commission will oversee this report and will require additional staff, costing approximately $1.1 million for five new members and $500,000 for contract work, plus an annual $2 million for nine new staff members to form a permitting unit for fusion energy projects. Additionally, Assembly Bill 2647, introduced by Assemblymember Lisa Calderon, D-Whittier, directs the California Energy Commission to evaluate the ro...