San Diego, CA, December 10, 2025
The San Diego County Board of Supervisors has unanimously approved a collaborative proposal to address the 1,400 metric tons of spent nuclear fuel at the decommissioned San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station. Supervisor Jim Desmond emphasized the need for urgent action following recent seismic activity. The proposal includes a partnership with national laboratories and aims to explore possible relocation options within 90 days. Community and environmental concerns regarding safety highlight the importance of timely resolution.
County Moves Forward with San Onofre Nuclear Waste Relocation Plan
San Diego County Board Approves Collaborative Approach
San Diego, CA – The San Diego County Board of Supervisors has unanimously approved a proposal to collaborate with national laboratories to address the spent nuclear fuel stored at the decommissioned San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS). This critical initiative aims to find solutions for the 1,400 metric tons of spent nuclear fuel currently stored along the coastline, emphasizing a proactive approach to local safety and community concerns.
Details of the Proposal
Supervisor Jim Desmond introduced the motion, directing county staff to present partnership and policy options within 90 days. The plan includes potential costs and funding sources, and calls for collaboration with entities such as Southern California Edison, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and the Department of Energy. Desmond emphasized the urgency of relocating the waste, citing recent seismic activity in the region as a safety concern.
Background on San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station
Located in northwest San Diego County near the Orange County border, SONGS operated for 45 years before ceasing operations in June 2013 due to equipment issues. Since then, the site has been in the process of decommissioning, with the spent nuclear fuel remaining on-site. The federal government has yet to establish a permanent repository for such waste, leading to ongoing storage challenges and community concerns.
Previous Efforts and Legislative Actions
In February 2025, U.S. Representatives Mike Levin, Darrell Issa, and Young Kim reintroduced the bipartisan Spent Fuel Prioritization Act. This legislation aims to prioritize the removal of spent nuclear fuel from decommissioned sites like SONGS, considering factors such as population density and seismic risk. Despite these efforts, a permanent solution for the waste remains pending, highlighting the continued need for local action.
Community and Environmental Concerns
Local communities and environmental groups have expressed concerns about the safety and environmental risks associated with the prolonged storage of nuclear waste along the coastline. Proposals have been made to relocate the waste to more secure inland facilities. However, these plans have faced challenges due to regulatory and logistical hurdles that complicate solutions for efficient waste management.
Next Steps
The county’s approval marks a significant step forward in addressing the spent nuclear fuel issue at SONGS. The proposed partnerships and policy options are expected to be presented within the next three months, with the goal of developing a comprehensive plan for the safe relocation of the waste—a vital task for both the safety of our communities and the integrity of the environment.
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 in northwest San Diego County, California, that operated for 45 years before ceasing operations in June 2013 due to equipment issues.
What is the current status of the spent nuclear fuel at SONGS?
As of December 2025, approximately 1,400 metric tons of spent nuclear fuel remain stored along the coastline at the decommissioned SONGS site.
What actions have been taken to address the spent nuclear fuel issue?
In December 2025, the San Diego County Board of Supervisors approved a proposal to collaborate with national laboratories to develop solutions for the spent nuclear fuel stored at SONGS. This includes presenting partnership and policy options within 90 days.
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 sites like SONGS, considering factors such as population density and seismic risk.
What are the environmental concerns associated with the storage of nuclear waste at SONGS?
Local communities and environmental groups have expressed concerns about the safety and environmental risks of prolonged nuclear waste storage along the coastline, including potential impacts from seismic activity and environmental contamination.
Key Features of the San Onofre Nuclear Waste Relocation Plan
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Proposal Approval | San Diego County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a plan to collaborate with national laboratories to address spent nuclear fuel at SONGS. |
| Collaboration Partners | Southern California Edison, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and Department of Energy. |
| Timeline | County staff to present partnership and policy options within 90 days, including costs and funding sources. |
| Legislative Action | Reintroduction of the Spent Fuel Prioritization Act in February 2025 to expedite waste removal from decommissioned sites. |
| Community Concerns | Environmental groups advocate for relocating waste to secure inland facilities due to safety and environmental risks. |
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