enator Caballero Introduces Senate Bill 80 to Boost Fusion Energy in California
For Immediate Release
Wednesday, April 2, 2025
Contact: Elisa Rivera
Elisa.Rivera@sen.ca.gov (559) 264-3070
Senator Caballero Introduces Senate Bill 80 to Boost Fusion Energy in California
Sacramento, CA – Senator Anna M. Caballero (D-Merced) introduced Senate Bill 80, a proposal to establish regional fusion energy hubs in California. This bill would fast track the development of fusion energy, an innovative and clean energy source with the potential to provide unlimited power without creating long-lived nuclear waste.
Fusion energy, often called the "holy grail" of energy, is still in the research phase. SB 80 would provide grant funding and resources to help California’s scientists, engineers and companies bring fusion energy from the lab to real-world applications. Grant funds would support fusion hubs to serve as collaborative areas where researchers, businesses and local governments can work together to solve the challenges of creating fusion power plants.
“Fusion energy is key to our clean energy future,” said Senator Caballero. “This technology has the potential to provide California with carbon-free, reliable power while growing our economy and creating thousands of high-paying jobs.”
Fusion energy is created by combining atomic nuclei to release vast amounts of energy—a process similar to the reactions powering the sun. Unlike traditional nuclear energy, fusion produces no long-lived radioactive waste, making it a game-changer for clean energy.
California already leads the nation in fusion energy development, with over 20,000 people employed in the industry and billions of dollars invested in research. SB 80 would ensure California remains at the forefront of this cutting-edge technology by fostering collaboration, supporting innovation and building the workforce for a fusion-powered future.
For interviews or inquiries, please contact: Elisa Rivera at (559) 264-3070
Senator Anna M. Caballero represents the 14th Senate District, composed of majority portions of Merced, Fresno and Madera Counties. She is the Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee and a Member of the Middle Mile Advisory Committee among others.
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