Sacramento - MORE nuclear for California please!
Packed room in the Assembly Natural Resources Committee hearing, first day back after Spring Recess
April 6, 2026 - One week after Diablo Canyon’s license extension is signed, Mothers for Nuclear is back in Sacramento advocating for MORE nuclear for California.
California is one of nine states with a moratorium again new nuclear. The primary cited reason is not having a “solution” to waste storage and disposal.
There is a bill that would allow only micro reactors to operate in the state. The idea is that a microreactor could be delivered into California, then operate for it’s lifespan, cranking out reliable and emission-free electricity in applications that would rival diesel generators, and then be removed back to It’s state of origin. This would not create more used fuel for the state or really affect the whole wast storage conversation at all.
But could nuclear waste be stored in state? Theoretically. Do we want it to be? That’s a whole separate conversation. But that’s where the Natural Resources Committee questioning led, regardless of applicability.
Heather with Cristina Talacko and Jeff Donovan, GLOW Strategies
How do we shift this conversation to put this somewhat terrifying but absolutely well-managed waste stream into perspective with all the waste from other sources of power. Nuclear absolutely comes out on top.
We start by having conversations with those who are skeptical, like we used to be. And by sharing openly with media that can help reach wider audiences. We chatted with Politico PRO on the lawn and Sierra Club in the hallway. We missed a chance to connect with the Union of Concerned Scientists representative who offered opposing comments. Isaac Bryan chair of the Natural Resources Committee was traveling before the hearing, but we met Caleb in the office and he asked about the six unit plant for Diablo Canyon! (It’s an idea…)
In honor of Easter, Assemblymember Gallagher who introduced the bill said: Let’s get more eggs in our basket! And we agree.
