Amended IN Senate April 08, 2025 Amended IN Senate March 24, 2025 CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20252026 REGULAR SESSION Senate Bill No. 327Introduced by Senator McNerneyFebruary 11, 2025An act to add Section 25604 to the Public Resources Code, relating to energy. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGESTSB 327, as amended, McNerney. Fusion energy data centers.Existing law requires the State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission to carry out technical assessment studies on all forms of energy and energy-related problems in order to influence federal research and development priorities and to be informed on future energy options and their impacts, including, among other things, advanced nuclear powerplant concepts, fusion, and fuel cells.This bill would require the commission to initiate an agreement with the United States Department of Energy for the establishment of a fusion energy data center, as specified.Digest Key Vote: MAJORITY Appropriation: NO Fiscal Committee: YES Local Program: NO Bill TextThe people of the State of California do enact as follows:SECTION 1. (a) The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:(1) The 2021 Senate Bill 100 Joint Agency Report published by the State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission pursuant to the 100 Percent Clean Energy Act of 2018 (Chapter 312 of the Statutes of 2018) established a target of requiring renewable energy and zero-carbon resources to supply 100 percent of electric retail sales to end-use customers by 2045.(2) When successfully commercialized, fusion energy will provide nearly limitless clean, safe, and reliable energy that can be utilized for dispatchable baseload electricity without producing air pollution, harmful emissions, or long-lasting nuclear waste and could play an important role in meeting Californias zero-carbon targets, thereby contributing to Californias broader climate goals, including those of the California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 (Division 25.5 (commencing with Section 38500) of the Health and Safety Code).(3) California has the largest fusion economy in the United Sates, States, hosting one-third of United States fusion energy startup companies, supporting more than 20,000 jobs at national laboratories, national user facilities, the University of California system, the California State University system, and other academic institutions, and leveraging billions of dollars in public and private investments. This position presents a unique opportunity for California to lead the way in advancing fusion energy innovation.(4) The United States Department of Energys Decadal Fusion Energy Strategy calls for closing science and technology gaps to a commercially relevant fusion pilot plant. In July 2024, the department published a request for information soliciting input for a Fusion Energy Public-Private Consortium Framework with the goal of accelerating fusion energy research, development, demonstration, and deployment by amplifying federal funding with state, local government, private, and philanthropic funding sources to meet the goal of delivering the worlds first fusion pilot plant in the 2030s.(b) It is the intent of the Legislature to foster collaboration between public and private research organizations to promote the development of fusion energy in California, with the ultimate goal of positioning the state as the global leader in fusion energy.SEC. 2. Section 25604 is added to the Public Resources Code, to read:25604. The commission shall initiate an agreement with the United States Department of Energy for the establishment of a fusion energy data center that meets all of the following criteria:(a) Allows public and private researchers to access a supercomputer in order to conduct fusion energy research projects.(b) Accepts data from public and private researchers and establishes data standards for submittal.(c) Requires data to be publicly available, subject to security protections, intellectual property rights, and data rights.(d) Is located at an established site dedicated to fusion energy research.(e) Provides access to storage and management of large datasets.(f) Provides an ample energy supply and the ability to scale up energy supply capacity.(g) Provides access to ignition data and mechanisms fusion energy research data and mechanisms for outside entities to access ignition fusion energy research data.(h) Is able to leverage federal matching funds, if available.
Amended IN Senate April 08, 2025 Amended IN Senate March 24, 2025 CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20252026 REGULAR SESSION Senate Bill No. 327Introduced by Senator McNerneyFebruary 11, 2025An act to add Section 25604 to the Public Resources Code, relating to energy. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGESTSB 327, as amended, McNerney. Fusion energy data centers.Existing law requires the State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission to carry out technical assessment studies on all forms of energy and energy-related problems in order to influence federal research and development priorities and to be informed on future energy options and their impacts, including, among other things, advanced nuclear powerplant concepts, fusion, and fuel cells.This bill would require the commission to initiate an agreement with the United States Department of Energy for the establishment of a fusion energy data center, as specified.Digest Key Vote: MAJORITY Appropriation: NO Fiscal Committee: YES Local Program: NO
Amended IN Senate April 08, 2025 Amended IN Senate March 24, 2025
Amended IN Senate April 08, 2025
Amended IN Senate March 24, 2025
CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20252026 REGULAR SESSION
Senate Bill
No. 327
Introduced by Senator McNerneyFebruary 11, 2025
Introduced by Senator McNerney
February 11, 2025
An act to add Section 25604 to the Public Resources Code, relating to energy.
LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
## LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
SB 327, as amended, McNerney. Fusion energy data centers.
Existing law requires the State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission to carry out technical assessment studies on all forms of energy and energy-related problems in order to influence federal research and development priorities and to be informed on future energy options and their impacts, including, among other things, advanced nuclear powerplant concepts, fusion, and fuel cells.This bill would require the commission to initiate an agreement with the United States Department of Energy for the establishment of a fusion energy data center, as specified.
Existing law requires the State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission to carry out technical assessment studies on all forms of energy and energy-related problems in order to influence federal research and development priorities and to be informed on future energy options and their impacts, including, among other things, advanced nuclear powerplant concepts, fusion, and fuel cells.
This bill would require the commission to initiate an agreement with the United States Department of Energy for the establishment of a fusion energy data center, as specified.
## Digest Key
## Bill Text
The people of the State of California do enact as follows:SECTION 1. (a) The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:(1) The 2021 Senate Bill 100 Joint Agency Report published by the State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission pursuant to the 100 Percent Clean Energy Act of 2018 (Chapter 312 of the Statutes of 2018) established a target of requiring renewable energy and zero-carbon resources to supply 100 percent of electric retail sales to end-use customers by 2045.(2) When successfully commercialized, fusion energy will provide nearly limitless clean, safe, and reliable energy that can be utilized for dispatchable baseload electricity without producing air pollution, harmful emissions, or long-lasting nuclear waste and could play an important role in meeting Californias zero-carbon targets, thereby contributing to Californias broader climate goals, including those of the California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 (Division 25.5 (commencing with Section 38500) of the Health and Safety Code).(3) California has the largest fusion economy in the United Sates, States, hosting one-third of United States fusion energy startup companies, supporting more than 20,000 jobs at national laboratories, national user facilities, the University of California system, the California State University system, and other academic institutions, and leveraging billions of dollars in public and private investments. This position presents a unique opportunity for California to lead the way in advancing fusion energy innovation.(4) The United States Department of Energys Decadal Fusion Energy Strategy calls for closing science and technology gaps to a commercially relevant fusion pilot plant. In July 2024, the department published a request for information soliciting input for a Fusion Energy Public-Private Consortium Framework with the goal of accelerating fusion energy research, development, demonstration, and deployment by amplifying federal funding with state, local government, private, and philanthropic funding sources to meet the goal of delivering the worlds first fusion pilot plant in the 2030s.(b) It is the intent of the Legislature to foster collaboration between public and private research organizations to promote the development of fusion energy in California, with the ultimate goal of positioning the state as the global leader in fusion energy.SEC. 2. Section 25604 is added to the Public Resources Code, to read:25604. The commission shall initiate an agreement with the United States Department of Energy for the establishment of a fusion energy data center that meets all of the following criteria:(a) Allows public and private researchers to access a supercomputer in order to conduct fusion energy research projects.(b) Accepts data from public and private researchers and establishes data standards for submittal.(c) Requires data to be publicly available, subject to security protections, intellectual property rights, and data rights.(d) Is located at an established site dedicated to fusion energy research.(e) Provides access to storage and management of large datasets.(f) Provides an ample energy supply and the ability to scale up energy supply capacity.(g) Provides access to ignition data and mechanisms fusion energy research data and mechanisms for outside entities to access ignition fusion energy research data.(h) Is able to leverage federal matching funds, if available.
The people of the State of California do enact as follows:
## The people of the State of California do enact as follows:
SECTION 1. (a) The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:(1) The 2021 Senate Bill 100 Joint Agency Report published by the State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission pursuant to the 100 Percent Clean Energy Act of 2018 (Chapter 312 of the Statutes of 2018) established a target of requiring renewable energy and zero-carbon resources to supply 100 percent of electric retail sales to end-use customers by 2045.(2) When successfully commercialized, fusion energy will provide nearly limitless clean, safe, and reliable energy that can be utilized for dispatchable baseload electricity without producing air pollution, harmful emissions, or long-lasting nuclear waste and could play an important role in meeting Californias zero-carbon targets, thereby contributing to Californias broader climate goals, including those of the California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 (Division 25.5 (commencing with Section 38500) of the Health and Safety Code).(3) California has the largest fusion economy in the United Sates, States, hosting one-third of United States fusion energy startup companies, supporting more than 20,000 jobs at national laboratories, national user facilities, the University of California system, the California State University system, and other academic institutions, and leveraging billions of dollars in public and private investments. This position presents a unique opportunity for California to lead the way in advancing fusion energy innovation.(4) The United States Department of Energys Decadal Fusion Energy Strategy calls for closing science and technology gaps to a commercially relevant fusion pilot plant. In July 2024, the department published a request for information soliciting input for a Fusion Energy Public-Private Consortium Framework with the goal of accelerating fusion energy research, development, demonstration, and deployment by amplifying federal funding with state, local government, private, and philanthropic funding sources to meet the goal of delivering the worlds first fusion pilot plant in the 2030s.(b) It is the intent of the Legislature to foster collaboration between public and private research organizations to promote the development of fusion energy in California, with the ultimate goal of positioning the state as the global leader in fusion energy.
SECTION 1. (a) The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:(1) The 2021 Senate Bill 100 Joint Agency Report published by the State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission pursuant to the 100 Percent Clean Energy Act of 2018 (Chapter 312 of the Statutes of 2018) established a target of requiring renewable energy and zero-carbon resources to supply 100 percent of electric retail sales to end-use customers by 2045.(2) When successfully commercialized, fusion energy will provide nearly limitless clean, safe, and reliable energy that can be utilized for dispatchable baseload electricity without producing air pollution, harmful emissions, or long-lasting nuclear waste and could play an important role in meeting Californias zero-carbon targets, thereby contributing to Californias broader climate goals, including those of the California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 (Division 25.5 (commencing with Section 38500) of the Health and Safety Code).(3) California has the largest fusion economy in the United Sates, States, hosting one-third of United States fusion energy startup companies, supporting more than 20,000 jobs at national laboratories, national user facilities, the University of California system, the California State University system, and other academic institutions, and leveraging billions of dollars in public and private investments. This position presents a unique opportunity for California to lead the way in advancing fusion energy innovation.(4) The United States Department of Energys Decadal Fusion Energy Strategy calls for closing science and technology gaps to a commercially relevant fusion pilot plant. In July 2024, the department published a request for information soliciting input for a Fusion Energy Public-Private Consortium Framework with the goal of accelerating fusion energy research, development, demonstration, and deployment by amplifying federal funding with state, local government, private, and philanthropic funding sources to meet the goal of delivering the worlds first fusion pilot plant in the 2030s.(b) It is the intent of the Legislature to foster collaboration between public and private research organizations to promote the development of fusion energy in California, with the ultimate goal of positioning the state as the global leader in fusion energy.
SECTION 1. (a) The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:
### SECTION 1.
(1) The 2021 Senate Bill 100 Joint Agency Report published by the State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission pursuant to the 100 Percent Clean Energy Act of 2018 (Chapter 312 of the Statutes of 2018) established a target of requiring renewable energy and zero-carbon resources to supply 100 percent of electric retail sales to end-use customers by 2045.
(2) When successfully commercialized, fusion energy will provide nearly limitless clean, safe, and reliable energy that can be utilized for dispatchable baseload electricity without producing air pollution, harmful emissions, or long-lasting nuclear waste and could play an important role in meeting Californias zero-carbon targets, thereby contributing to Californias broader climate goals, including those of the California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 (Division 25.5 (commencing with Section 38500) of the Health and Safety Code).
(3) California has the largest fusion economy in the United Sates, States, hosting one-third of United States fusion energy startup companies, supporting more than 20,000 jobs at national laboratories, national user facilities, the University of California system, the California State University system, and other academic institutions, and leveraging billions of dollars in public and private investments. This position presents a unique opportunity for California to lead the way in advancing fusion energy innovation.
(4) The United States Department of Energys Decadal Fusion Energy Strategy calls for closing science and technology gaps to a commercially relevant fusion pilot plant. In July 2024, the department published a request for information soliciting input for a Fusion Energy Public-Private Consortium Framework with the goal of accelerating fusion energy research, development, demonstration, and deployment by amplifying federal funding with state, local government, private, and philanthropic funding sources to meet the goal of delivering the worlds first fusion pilot plant in the 2030s.
(b) It is the intent of the Legislature to foster collaboration between public and private research organizations to promote the development of fusion energy in California, with the ultimate goal of positioning the state as the global leader in fusion energy.
SEC. 2. Section 25604 is added to the Public Resources Code, to read:25604. The commission shall initiate an agreement with the United States Department of Energy for the establishment of a fusion energy data center that meets all of the following criteria:(a) Allows public and private researchers to access a supercomputer in order to conduct fusion energy research projects.(b) Accepts data from public and private researchers and establishes data standards for submittal.(c) Requires data to be publicly available, subject to security protections, intellectual property rights, and data rights.(d) Is located at an established site dedicated to fusion energy research.(e) Provides access to storage and management of large datasets.(f) Provides an ample energy supply and the ability to scale up energy supply capacity.(g) Provides access to ignition data and mechanisms fusion energy research data and mechanisms for outside entities to access ignition fusion energy research data.(h) Is able to leverage federal matching funds, if available.
SEC. 2. Section 25604 is added to the Public Resources Code, to read:
### SEC. 2.
25604. The commission shall initiate an agreement with the United States Department of Energy for the establishment of a fusion energy data center that meets all of the following criteria:(a) Allows public and private researchers to access a supercomputer in order to conduct fusion energy research projects.(b) Accepts data from public and private researchers and establishes data standards for submittal.(c) Requires data to be publicly available, subject to security protections, intellectual property rights, and data rights.(d) Is located at an established site dedicated to fusion energy research.(e) Provides access to storage and management of large datasets.(f) Provides an ample energy supply and the ability to scale up energy supply capacity.(g) Provides access to ignition data and mechanisms fusion energy research data and mechanisms for outside entities to access ignition fusion energy research data.(h) Is able to leverage federal matching funds, if available.
25604. The commission shall initiate an agreement with the United States Department of Energy for the establishment of a fusion energy data center that meets all of the following criteria:(a) Allows public and private researchers to access a supercomputer in order to conduct fusion energy research projects.(b) Accepts data from public and private researchers and establishes data standards for submittal.(c) Requires data to be publicly available, subject to security protections, intellectual property rights, and data rights.(d) Is located at an established site dedicated to fusion energy research.(e) Provides access to storage and management of large datasets.(f) Provides an ample energy supply and the ability to scale up energy supply capacity.(g) Provides access to ignition data and mechanisms fusion energy research data and mechanisms for outside entities to access ignition fusion energy research data.(h) Is able to leverage federal matching funds, if available.
25604. The commission shall initiate an agreement with the United States Department of Energy for the establishment of a fusion energy data center that meets all of the following criteria:(a) Allows public and private researchers to access a supercomputer in order to conduct fusion energy research projects.(b) Accepts data from public and private researchers and establishes data standards for submittal.(c) Requires data to be publicly available, subject to security protections, intellectual property rights, and data rights.(d) Is located at an established site dedicated to fusion energy research.(e) Provides access to storage and management of large datasets.(f) Provides an ample energy supply and the ability to scale up energy supply capacity.(g) Provides access to ignition data and mechanisms fusion energy research data and mechanisms for outside entities to access ignition fusion energy research data.(h) Is able to leverage federal matching funds, if available.
25604. The commission shall initiate an agreement with the United States Department of Energy for the establishment of a fusion energy data center that meets all of the following criteria:
(a) Allows public and private researchers to access a supercomputer in order to conduct fusion energy research projects.
(b) Accepts data from public and private researchers and establishes data standards for submittal.
(c) Requires data to be publicly available, subject to security protections, intellectual property rights, and data rights.
(d) Is located at an established site dedicated to fusion energy research.
(e) Provides access to storage and management of large datasets.
(f) Provides an ample energy supply and the ability to scale up energy supply capacity.
(g) Provides access to ignition data and mechanisms fusion energy research data and mechanisms for outside entities to access ignition fusion energy research data.
(h) Is able to leverage federal matching funds, if available.