San Luis Obispo Assemblymember introduces a pro-nuclear energy bill

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. -- San Luis Obispo Assemblymember Jordan Cunningham introduced a stand-alone legislation to count nuclear energy as emission-free under California's Renewable Portfolio Standard on Monday.

Assemblymember Cunningham gave the following statement:

“The state currently produces 55% of its energy from emission-free sources, if you include large-scale hydro power and nuclear power. However, under the state’s discriminatory Renewable Portfolio Standards, neither nuclear nor large-scale hydro power can be counted towards meeting our 2030 climate goals even though they are carbon-emission free. Future generations deserve an all-of-the-above approach to fighting climate change. There is no reason why clean and emission-free nuclear power should be excluded from the state’s push towards an emission-free grid.”

Assemblymember Jordan Cunningham, The 35th Assembly District

According to the press release sent by Cunningham's office, California climate change laws currently do not allow all types of carbon emission-free sources of power to be counted towards emission goals. Instead, the state law effectively picks "winners and losers" in the renewable energy market by excluding nuclear and large-scale hydro projects from its renewable portfolio standard.

This new bill is similar to Cunningham's ACA 18 from 2019, AB 2898 would not require a two-thirds vote of the Legislature.

AB 2898 will be eligible to be heard in the committee in late March.