Existing law prohibits the Energy Commission from certifying nuclear fission thermal powerplants, except for specified ones, and sets conditions for land use related to nuclear fuel rod processing and high-level nuclear waste disposal. This bill would exempt small modular reactors from these provisions. Additionally, the bill would require the Public Utilities Commission to adopt a plan by January 1, 2028, to increase electricity procurement from nuclear facilities and phase out procurement from natural gas facilities, aligning with the state’s goal for 100% renewable and zero-carbon electricity by 2045.