FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Native Nuclear Leads Sovereign Dialogue as California Reconsiders Nuclear Moratorium

San Luis Obispo, California — As California lawmakers consider legislation that would create an advanced nuclear exception to the state’s long-standing moratorium, Native Nuclear is stepping forward to ensure Tribal Nations are central to the conversation.

Assembly Bill 2647 proposes allowing advanced nuclear reactor technologies to be evaluated under updated state policy. The bill reflects a broader shift in how California is addressing grid reliability, clean energy goals, and long-term infrastructure planning.

For Native communities, the stakes are larger than policy.

Energy decisions shape land use, economic opportunity, workforce development, and generational stability. Native Nuclear was founded to ensure Tribal Nations are empowered to lead these conversations from the beginning, shaping energy decisions to align with their tribal priorities. 

“Energy sovereignty is about protecting our land and our people while ensuring we are not left behind in shaping the future,” said Scott Lathrop, founder and CEO of Native Nuclear. “Our role is to make sure Native communities have the information, access, and leadership position necessary to evaluate these developments on their own terms.”

Native Nuclear serves as a bridge between utility partners, policymakers, and Tribal leadership — facilitating connections and translating complex regulatory, technical, and economic information into clear, accessible dialogue. As California reexamines its nuclear policy, Native Nuclear is:

• Advancing conversations between utilities and Tribal leaders

• Providing policy and regulatory context

• Supporting sovereign environmental evaluation

• Creating pathways for economic participation and workforce development

• Ensuring cultural and land stewardship priorities remain central

The organization does not advocate for the innate support of any energy technology. Instead, it advances informed decision-making grounded in sovereignty.

“For too long, infrastructure conversations have moved forward without Native voices fully represented,” Lathrop added. “Native Nuclear exists to change that. If advanced nuclear is part of California’s future, Tribal Nations must help shape how and where it develops.”

California’s evolving energy landscape presents both opportunity and responsibility. Energy infrastructure decisions often last 40 to 60 years. Native Nuclear believes Tribal leadership must have both clarity and leverage at this moment of transition.

By positioning itself as a trusted intermediary between utilities and Native communities, Native Nuclear is helping build a framework where economic opportunity, environmental protection, and sovereignty can coexist.

The energy future is being defined now. Native Nuclear intends to ensure Native Nations help define it.

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About Native Nuclear

Native Nuclear, headquartered in San Luis Obispo, California, advances sovereign energy dialogue between Tribal Nations and utility partners. The organization works to ensure Native communities have access to transparent information, policy insight, and leadership pathways as energy infrastructure evolves.

For more information, visit: Calderon Legislation Seeks to Modernize California's Nuclear Moratorium to Mitigate Climate Change.