Becerra avoids backing nuclear energy in bid to govern power-starved California
Xavier Becerra, the front-runner to be the next governor of California, has declined to spell out a clear stance on nuclear power, even as momentum grows within his Democratic Party and around the country to embrace the carbon-free energy source.
TL;DR
- Xavier Becerra, a leading candidate for California governor, has avoided a clear stance on nuclear power.
- Momentum is growing nationally and within the Democratic Party to embrace nuclear energy as a carbon-free source.
- California has a moratorium on licensing and constructing new nuclear reactors, in place since 1976.
- High electricity prices and demand for AI development are straining California's power grid, leading to reliance on fossil fuels.
- Other states and major tech firms are turning to nuclear energy for reliable, carbon-free power.
- Becerra's opponent, Steve Hilton, favors building new nuclear plants, while Becerra has only indicated support for extending the Diablo Canyon plant's operations with a focus on safety.
- Traditional Democratic concerns in California regarding nuclear power include public health, radioactive waste, and earthquake risks.
- A bill is progressing in the California legislature that would require studies on the role of advanced nuclear technologies, potentially paving the way for revising the moratorium.
- The first major decision for the next governor will be the fate of the Diablo Canyon Power Plant, with both candidates supporting its extension.
- The long-term decision on lifting the state's nuclear power moratorium remains a significant challenge for the next governor.