AB 1172: Nuclear Fusion Study

On February 16, 2023, Assembly Bill 1172 by Assemblywoman Lisa Calderon (D-Los Angeles) was introduced to study nuclear fusion. AB 1172 would add and repeal Chapter 16 (commencing with Section 25993) of Division 15 of the Public Resources Code.

Section 1 of the bill contains five legislative findings and declarations, including that advanced clean fusion energy can advance California’s progress towards its statutory renewable energy and climate mandates, and it presents an opportunity to further promote California’s workforce development within the renewable energy sector.

Section 2 of the bill would add Chapter 16, entitled “Advanced Clean Fusion Energy,” to the Public Resources Code. It would provide that, on or before June 1, 2025, the California Energy Commission, in consultation with the Public Utilities Commission, Independent System Operator, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, and other relevant stakeholders, must submit a study to the Legislature analyzing the feasibility of using commercially viable nuclear fusion to advance California’s progress towards its statutory renewable energy and climate mandates. In addition, AB 1172 would specify the requirements of the study.