CAL.Regulation
California opens CEQA-streamlined certification to fusion component plants and orders a fusion plan
Governor Gavin Newsom signed SB 925 (Ch. 831, Stats. 2026) on September 30, 2026. It lets developers of facilities that manufacture, produce or assemble components integral to fusion energy apply to the Energy Commission for certification as environmental leadership development projects, with CEQA streamlining, under Public Resources Code 25545. It also requires the commission to deliver a fusion energy strategic plan, including a licensing and permitting roadmap, to the Legislature by December 31, 2029.
Enrolled text (California Legislative Information) → · Office of Governor Gavin Newsom, Neutron Bytes
Key points
- Facilities making components integral to fusion energy can now seek environmental leadership development project certification under Public Resources Code 25545 (Ch. 831, Stats. 2026).California Legislative Information
- Certified projects get CEQA streamlining, and the Energy Commission certification stands in for other agency permits, except as specified.California Legislative Information
- The Energy Commission must submit a fusion energy strategic plan to the Legislature by December 31, 2029, after public comment on a draft.California Legislative InformationNeutron Bytes
- The plan must cover research, commercialization, a regulatory framework and a licensing and permitting roadmap for fusion facilities.California Legislative InformationNeutron Bytes
- Senator Jerry McNerney wrote the bill, which takes effect January 1, 2027.California Legislative InformationOffice of Governor Gavin Newsom
Sources3 articles across 3 outlets
California Legislative Information
Neutron Bytes
Office of Governor Gavin Newsom