California, Illinois Embrace Nuclear Power to Meet Energy Demands

State-level momentum reinforces the long-term investment case for the nuclear supply chain and NUKZ ETF.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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In a significant shift, California and Illinois are making moves to expand nuclear energy to meet growing power demands, particularly from the data center industry. California has approved extending the life of the Diablo Canyon Power Plant, while Illinois has repealed its nuclear construction moratorium and ordered the development of 2 GW of new nuclear capacity by 2033.

Why it matters

These state-level actions represent a major turnaround in sentiment toward nuclear power, which was previously viewed negatively in places like California. The growing embrace of nuclear as a carbon-free energy source to power data centers and meet clean energy mandates provides a clear fundamental tailwind for investments in the nuclear supply chain, as represented by the Range Nuclear Renaissance ETF (NUKZ).

The details

In California, the Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board approved permits to extend the life of the Diablo Canyon Power Plant through 2030. This plant currently provides around 10% of the state's electricity and 20% of its clean energy. The state is reconsidering its nuclear moratorium to accommodate the massive power needs of AI infrastructure. Meanwhile, Illinois has repealed its nuclear construction moratorium and ordered state agencies to establish a framework to deliver 2 GW of new nuclear capacity by 2033.

  • On February 18, 2026, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker issued an executive order directing state agencies to establish a framework for 2 GW of new nuclear capacity by 2033.
  • On January 1, 2026, Illinois fully repealed its nuclear construction moratorium.

The players

Diablo Canyon Power Plant

A nuclear power plant in California that provides around 10% of the state's electricity and 20% of its clean energy.

California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC)

The state agency that recently ordered utilities to procure 6 gigawatts (GW) of new non-fossil capacity by 2032, making nuclear a central part of the state's grid reliability strategy.

JB Pritzker

The Governor of Illinois who issued an executive order on February 18, 2026, directing state agencies to establish a framework to deliver 2 GW of new nuclear capacity by 2033.

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What’s next

Construction of the new 2 GW of nuclear capacity in Illinois is targeted to begin in 2033.

The takeaway

The growing embrace of nuclear power in key states like California and Illinois, driven by the need to meet clean energy mandates and power demands from the data center industry, provides a clear fundamental tailwind for investments in the nuclear supply chain and the Range Nuclear Renaissance ETF (NUKZ).