San Diego, December 11, 2025
The San Diego County Board of Supervisors has unanimously approved a proposal to explore partnerships aimed at relocating the spent nuclear fuel stored at the decommissioned San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station. The plan, introduced by Supervisor Jim Desmond, will involve collaboration with national laboratories, Southern California Edison, and regulatory agencies to find viable solutions for the 1,400 metric tons of spent fuel onsite. County staff will present options within 90 days, addressing safety and environmental concerns from the surrounding communities.
San Diego County Supervisors Approve Plan to Relocate San Onofre’s Spent Nuclear Fuel
San Diego, CA – The San Diego County Board of Supervisors has unanimously approved a proposal to explore partnerships with national laboratories to address the spent nuclear fuel stored at the decommissioned San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS). This decision aims to find solutions for the 1,400 metric tons of spent nuclear fuel currently stored on-site.
Details of the Proposal
The motion, introduced by Supervisor Jim Desmond, directs county staff to present partnership and policy options within 90 days. These options will include potential costs and funding sources. The plan also involves collaboration with entities such as Southern California Edison, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and the Department of Energy.
Background on San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station
Located near the Orange County border, SONGS operated for 45 years before ceasing operations in June 2013 due to issues with its steam generators. Since its closure, the plant has stored spent nuclear fuel on-site, raising safety and environmental concerns among local communities and officials.
Previous Efforts and Legislative Actions
In 2015, the San Diego County Board of Supervisors urged the federal government to remove the spent fuel from the coastline, citing potential health risks and environmental hazards. Additionally, in February 2025, U.S. Representatives Mike Levin, Darrell Issa, and Young Kim reintroduced the bipartisan Spent Fuel Prioritization Act to prioritize the removal of spent nuclear fuel from decommissioned sites like SONGS. This legislation aims to address the risks posed by the stored fuel to nearby communities and the environment.
Next Steps
The county staff is expected to report back with partnership and policy options within the next 90 days, outlining potential solutions for the spent nuclear fuel at SONGS.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station?
The San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS) was a nuclear power plant located near the Orange County border in San Diego County, California. It operated for 45 years before ceasing operations in June 2013 due to issues with its steam generators. Since its closure, the plant has stored spent nuclear fuel on-site, raising safety and environmental concerns among local communities and officials.
What is the spent nuclear fuel stored at SONGS?
The spent nuclear fuel stored at SONGS consists of 1,400 metric tons of radioactive material that remains after the nuclear reactors have been used to generate electricity. This fuel is currently stored on-site in dry cask storage systems, which are designed to contain the radiation and prevent environmental contamination.
What is the Spent Fuel Prioritization Act?
The Spent Fuel Prioritization Act is bipartisan legislation reintroduced in February 2025 by U.S. Representatives Mike Levin, Darrell Issa, and Young Kim. The act aims to prioritize the removal of spent nuclear fuel from decommissioned nuclear sites, such as SONGS, to mitigate risks posed to nearby communities and the environment. The legislation seeks to address the challenges associated with the long-term storage of nuclear waste in populated and seismically active areas.
What are the next steps following the Board of Supervisors’ approval?
Following the unanimous approval of the proposal by the San Diego County Board of Supervisors, county staff is expected to present partnership and policy options within 90 days. These options will include potential costs and funding sources, and the plan involves collaboration with entities such as Southern California Edison, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and the Department of Energy to find solutions for the spent nuclear fuel stored at SONGS.
Key Features of the Proposal
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Proposal Approval | The San Diego County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a proposal to explore partnerships with national laboratories to address the spent nuclear fuel at SONGS. |
| Collaboration | The plan involves collaboration with entities such as Southern California Edison, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and the Department of Energy. |
| Timeline | County staff is directed to present partnership and policy options within 90 days, including potential costs and funding sources. |
| Background | SONGS operated for 45 years before ceasing operations in June 2013 due to issues with its steam generators. Since its closure, the plant has stored spent nuclear fuel on-site, raising safety and environmental concerns among local communities and officials. |
| Legislative Action | In February 2025, the Spent Fuel Prioritization Act was reintroduced to prioritize the removal of spent nuclear fuel from decommissioned sites like SONGS. |
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