Bill > AB2647

This bill, by amending existing laws and adding new provisions, aims to facilitate the assessment and potential future development of advanced nuclear reactors in California. It exempts "advanced nuclear reactors," defined as nuclear fission or fusion energy systems with enhanced safety features and design improvements approved by the federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission after January 1, 2005, from current prohibitions that require demonstrated technology for fuel rod reprocessing and high-level nuclear waste disposal before a nuclear powerplant can be certified. However, before this exemption can apply, the bill mandates that the owner, operator, or developer of an advanced nuclear reactor must make a legally enforceable commitment to ensure that all construction, alteration, demolition, installation, repair, or maintenance work is performed by a "skilled and trained workforce," meaning workers who are either registered apprentices or skilled journeypersons, with specific percentages of journeypersons having completed approved apprenticeship programs. Furthermore, the bill requires the State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission (Energy Commission) to conduct a comprehensive assessment by July 1, 2027, evaluating the potential role of advanced nuclear technologies in supporting California's critical infrastructure and meeting its goal of 100 percent zero-carbon electricity by 2045, considering factors like system costs, reliability, emissions, waste management, and workforce development, and to consult with other relevant agencies and stakeholders.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB2647