Bill > AB2647

This bill amends existing California law to allow for the development of advanced nuclear reactors by exempting them from certain prohibitions that currently apply to nuclear fission thermal powerplants, specifically those related to the reprocessing of fuel rods and the disposal of high-level nuclear waste. The State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission (Energy Commission) previously had strict requirements for these processes before certifying any new nuclear powerplants. However, this bill introduces a new section that defines "advanced nuclear reactor" as a system with enhanced safety features and other technological advancements, and requires the Energy Commission to verify that the owner or operator of such a reactor has made a legally binding commitment to ensure that all construction, repair, and maintenance work is performed by a "skilled and trained workforce." This workforce is defined as one where all workers are either registered apprentices or skilled journeypersons, with at least 60% of skilled journeypersons being graduates of an approved apprenticeship program. The bill also outlines penalties for contractors and subcontractors who fail to comply with these workforce requirements, though these penalties can be reduced or waived under certain circumstances, and it provides an exception if a project labor agreement is in place that mandates the use of a skilled and trained workforce.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

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