A California-Led Strategy

The California Option

Evaluating long-term inland options for California's existing commercial spent nuclear fuel inventory while connecting that planning to innovation, infrastructure, workforce development, and federal partnership.

What Is It?

A California-led concept focused first on the commercial spent nuclear fuel inventory already located within California.

What It Is Not

It is not an import-first strategy. The starting point is California's own inventory and California's long-term responsibility.

Why Now?

DOE's NLIC initiative creates an opportunity to align existing challenges with future innovation and infrastructure investment.

The Starting Point

California already stores 291 commercial spent fuel canisters at four locations: SONGS, Diablo Canyon, Rancho Seco, and Humboldt Bay. The California Option begins by asking whether California should plan for its own inventory before considering any broader national role.

View The Challenge
California 291 commercial spent fuel canister map

Potential Benefits

Inland Planning

Evaluate long-term inland options for the inventory already here.

State Leadership

Position California to shape the conversation instead of waiting.

Innovation

Connect spent fuel planning to advanced nuclear, energy systems, and research.

Federal Partnership

Compete for future federal programs, partnerships, and infrastructure opportunities.

The Strategic Question

Should California evaluate a long-term, inland, innovation-focused pathway for managing its existing inventory while participating in the national NLIC conversation?

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