Newsom signs nuclear energy bills to boost clean energy

Gov. Gavin Newsom signed two bills into law this week that deal with the development of nuclear energy sources in California, pushing forward an effort to increase sources of clean energy in the last months of his term.

One, Senate Bill 925, authored by Sen. Jerry McNerney, D-Pleasanton, requires the state to formulate a plan to develop nuclear fusion energy development facilities. The report detailing the plan is due to the Legislature by Dec. 31, 2029, according to a legislative analysis of the bill.

That plan would have to include strategies for expanding and developing fusion research in the state, developing commercialization of fusion energy, creating a regulatory framework for fusion energy, permitting and licensing, and assessing the levels of fusion energy needed for California to meet its long-term renewable energy and greenhouse emissions goals.

“I’ve always been a big promoter of fusion energy because it has so many benefits,” McNerney told The Center Square on Friday. “The drawbacks, the waste and the risk of accidents is so low that it’s an ideal source. Of course, we have to develop the technology for that to happen.”

For the full report, click here.