Energy: nuclear facilities.

Summary

This bill creates an exemption for nuclear microreactors from California's existing restrictions on nuclear power plant development. Currently, California law prohibits the certification and construction of nuclear fission thermal power plants unless specific conditions are met regarding nuclear waste disposal technology and fuel rod processing capabilities. By exempting nuclear microreactors (small-scale nuclear reactors) from these prohibitions, the bill would allow these smaller nuclear facilities to be developed and operated in California without meeting the stringent requirements that apply to traditional, larger nuclear power plants. This change could potentially enable the deployment of small modular nuclear technology in the state as an alternative energy source.

Votes

Historical import. Session: 20252026