Senator McNerney urges Senate to back statewide fusion roadmap

Sen. McNerney introduced SB 9 25, asking the California Energy Commission to develop a statewide roadmap for the development of fusion energy in California and to evaluate steps to make the state a national hub for fusion innovation. "Developing a roadmap will help make fusion, make California the fusion capital of our country," McNerney said, calling the proposal an economic opportunity the state should not let pass.

Sen. Jones and other supporters framed the bill as part of California's clean-energy portfolio. "If California is ever gonna make its green energy goals and reduce carbon emissions, this has to be a part of that portfolio," Jones said in floor remarks urging an aye vote. McNerney noted caucus and cross‑aisle interest and closed by emphasizing potential job and industry growth.

The measure was placed for a roll-call vote after floor remarks. The presentation emphasized the bill's nonprescriptive approach — asking an expert state agency to create a plan rather than setting direct mandates — and proponents said it would align state research, workforce, and infrastructure planning with a nascent national and global industry. Opponents did not mount extended debate on the floor record provided.