SAN FRANCISCO — April 23, 2025 — At San Francisco’s Exploratorium—a fitting venue rich in scientific legacy—an urgent and inspiring panel convened to discuss the role of nuclear energy in California’s energy future. Billed as the only nuclear-focused event during SF Climate Week, the gathering featured leaders pushing to reframe the narrative around nuclear power: from outdated fears to a central pillar of climate action.

Moderated by Charles Oppenheimer, whose own transformation from nuclear skepticism to advocacy underscores the theme of change, the panel explored the past, present, and possible future of nuclear energy in California. Charles, the grandson of J. Robert Oppenheimer, reflected on his family’s complex legacy and the surprising turn that led him to see nuclear energy not as a threat, but as a climate solution.

The discussion opened with Paris Ortiz-Wines, Global Director of Stand Up for Nuclear, who detailed the grassroots campaign that helped save Diablo Canyon—California’s last nuclear power plant. Once slated for closure, Diablo Canyon now has a lifeline through 2030 thanks to a diverse coalition of climate scientists, labor unions, and citizen advocates. “It’s no longer acceptable to be blindly anti-nuclear,” she said. “We lead with facts, not fear.”

Scott Lathrop, founder of Native Nuclear and a tribal leader, brought a powerful perspective on community and legacy. Contrary to conventional narratives, Scott sees nuclear waste not as a liability but a future asset. “It’s a battery,” he said. “If we see spent fuel as a resource, we align with our tribal philosophy—maximizing what we take from the Earth.”

Dr. Leslie Dewan, nuclear engineer and founder of a pioneering advanced reactor startup, looked ahead to the next generation of nuclear technology. From small modular reactors to new fuel types, Leslie emphasized how innovation could decentralize and democratize nuclear power. “We can mass manufacture safe, well-inspected reactors and ship them where they’re needed,” she said. “This isn’t science fiction—it’s in motion now.”

Despite its progressive reputation, California has a legal moratorium on building new nuclear power plants. That’s beginning to shift. A new bill in the state legislature would allow reactors up to 300 MW—a modest but symbolic move. The panelists agreed: to truly decarbonize, California must lift its nuclear moratorium and embrace an “all of the above” energy strategy.

The event wasn’t just a policy discussion. It was a call to action.

Audience members were urged to participate, whether by contacting legislators, supporting a potential ballot initiative, or simply educating others. “California can’t hit its climate goals without nuclear,” Charles said plainly. “We need a citizens’ movement, like what saved Diablo, to build a better energy future.”

As the conversation moved into Q&A and informal networking, one thing was clear: this wasn’t a nostalgic look at atomic history—it was the blueprint for a new, cleaner chapter.

To get involved in California’s pro-nuclear movement or join the coalition’s weekly calls, visit standupfornuclear.org or follow @standupfornuclear on social media.