California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed legislation to accelerate the development of fusion energy and quantum technology in the state, paired with a new $30 million investment in cutting-edge quantum and deep-space research.
The announcement was made at a quantum lab at the University of California, Berkeley, where Newsom was joined by faculty and staff. The funding is intended to leverage public-private partnerships and cultivate a quantum start-up ecosystem, following 2025 legislation that launched Quantum California, a statewide initiative bringing together universities, national laboratories, private companies, investors, and policymakers.
"California has always been where big ideas become real-world breakthroughs. Today, we continue our work to grow quantum and fusion technologies in our state — creating a stronger framework and workforce to the infrastructure needed to support it," Newsom said. "Through cutting-edge research and continued investments, we are moving past what is possible, and instead shaping what comes next."
The two bills signed by the governor are AB 2647 by Assemblymember Lisa Calderon (D-Whittier), on nuclear power plant assessment, and SB 925 by Senator Jerry McNerney (D-Pleasanton), on fusion energy strategic planning and environmental review. Together they create a strategic plan for fusion energy development in California, expand fusion research and development opportunities, develop a commercial fusion strategy, advance fusion manufacturing, and require a comprehensive public-input assessment of the potential for new nuclear power plants to help the state reach 100% zero-carbon electricity by 2045.
"California has made substantial progress towards its climate goals. But fusion energy has the potential to provide nearly limitless clean, safe, and reliable power, while creating an economic ecosystem that will rival Silicon Valley," said Sen. Jerry McNerney (D-Pleasanton). "SB 925 lays the groundwork for widespread adoption of fusion energy in the state and will help ensure that California is a fusion technology leader in the coming decades."
"I appreciate the Governor's leadership in signing AB 2647. Advanced nuclear technology could help meet California's long-term electricity needs," said Assemblymember Lisa Calderon (D-Whittier). "Nuclear energy is the United States' largest source of clean power, supplying nearly 20% of the nation's electricity while avoiding over 470 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions."
California hosts both of the nation's premier fusion research centers: the DIII-D National Fusion Facility in San Diego and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory's National Ignition Facility, where researchers achieved the first laboratory fusion ignition in December 2022. The state also ranks first in the nation for quantum-skill job postings and semiconductor manufacturing jobs, and is home to more than 35 Nobel-winning breakthroughs in quantum science and technology.
According to the governor's office, California's annual GDP has grown by more than $1.18 trillion since Newsom took office, reaching $4.25 trillion in 2025, with first-quarter 2026 economic output reaching an annualized $4.4 trillion.