Gov. Newsom signs bills to advance nuclear fusion research and assess new nuclear plants in California

Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 925 and Assembly Bill 2647, expanding California's focus on advanced nuclear energy. SB 925 obligates the California Energy Commission to produce a comprehensive fusion development plan, covering research expansion, commercialization pathways, permitting, licensing, and alignment with long-term renewable targets, with a deadline of Dec. 31, 2029. AB 2647 tasks the commission with assessing how additional nuclear facilities could support critical infrastructure and rising electricity demand while helping achieve the state's 100% zero-carbon electricity goal by 2045.

The bills allocate roughly $1.1 million for new staff and $500,000 for contracts, plus $2 million annually for a permitting unit. Proponents cite fusion’s low waste and safety advantages, while critics argue the technology remains decades away from commercial use.