Should California financially contribute to the nuclear fusion industry?

"Supporters of the potential of nuclear fusion are pushing California officials to shell out money for the, thus far elusive, energy source. A new study from the San Diego Regional EDC predicts fusion has the potential to support more than 40,000 jobs and inject as much as $125 billion into California's economy in the next decade. Critics argue taxpayer money should not be used in the effort, saying private industry should take the risk."

"There's a long-running joke in the energy industry that commercial fusion is always 30 years away. At the same time, there are plenty of local supporters. Fusion is having its Silicon Valley moment, Mike Campbell, mechanical and aerospace engineering professor at UC San Diego, said. What happens in the next three to five years will decide whether California owns the industry or watches it leave."

"Economists James Hamilton, UC San Diego NO: I agree that fusion could solve many of our problems and that important progress has been made. I disagree that the California state government is the right institution to play a leading role in the effort. When I look at the mismanagement of California's electric grid, water reservoirs needing repair, and the high-speed rail debacle, I conclude that the state has neither the institutional expertise nor the political discipline to direct needed fusion research."

Supporters urge California to invest in nuclear fusion, citing a San Diego Regional EDC study forecasting over 40,000 jobs and up to $125 billion in economic impact within a decade. Critics argue that taxpayer funds should not shoulder the risk and that private industry should lead commercialization. Local advocates describe fusion as experiencing a Silicon Valley moment, with near-term developments shaping whether the industry locates in California. Economists caution that state government lacks the institutional expertise and political discipline to manage such a complex, long-term technological effort given recent public infrastructure mismanagement.

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