September 18, 2025

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WE NEED YOUR HELP: Contact your representatives today and demand a responsible solution for San Onofre’s nuclear waste.

SLF supports aggressive renewable energy expansion as the preferred path forward and seeks strategic action for the waste at San Onofre.

Join the Paddle Out for San Onofre!

SoCal, we need you NOW! Join SLF on Saturday, October 11, 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM at San Clemente State Beach South of the Pier for a powerful paddle-out to take a stand against 3.6 million pounds of radioactive waste stored just feet from the surf.

Bring your surfboard, paddle board, kayak, canoe or just yourself! Join alongside families, kids, food, and speakers. Be a part of the movement!

SD Climate Week– Free Screening!

As part of San Diego Climate Week (Oct 1–8), SLF is proud to sponsor and participate in this community-powered movement for climate action. Join us for a free screening of SOS: The San Onofre Syndrome at La Paloma Theatre, Encinitas on Sunday, October 5 @ 4:30–7:30 PM. 

Learn about the risks, connect with the community, and become part of the movement pushing for real solutions.

National "SUN DAY" on Sunday 9/21

A nation-wide environmental day titled “SUN DAY” happens this Sunday,  September 21, with local activities celebrating and advancing solar energy, inspired by the original Earth Day. Led by famed environmentalist Bill McKibben, communities will host local events to highlight clean energy solutions, with e-bike parades, green lights in windows of solar-powered homes, big concerts, and ceremonies showing that renewable energy is practical, cost-effective, and essential for a sustainable future.

Globally, solar and wind are now the cheapest sources of new electricity. China is installing solar capacity at a record pace, and the United States has rapidly increased its solar and wind generation, providing reliable power while cutting reliance on fossil fuels. Even rural communities are embracing renewable projects for economic and environmental benefits. SUN DAY is an opportunity to support this unstoppable clean-energy transition and demonstrate that a safer, healthier world is within reach.

Photo by Adirondack Explorer

San Onofre Nuclear Waste Storage Faces Safety Gaps

San Onofre's decommissioning is over 80% complete, but 73 radioactive waste canisters stored in coastal concrete silos present ongoing significant risks.

The spent fuel facility lacks an on-site crane to remove canisters for maintenance, requiring untested off-site equipment. The thin-walled containers face major environmental threats from tsunamis, flooding, and other extreme weather. Clogged cooling vents can compromise safety, which could lead to disaster.

At an August 28 meeting, Southern California Edison said the Department of Energy may pilot an experimental ultrasonic test to detect structural canister flaws through surrounding concrete. This is still an unproven technology at this scale.

Public pressure remains essential to secure permanent protection for the densely populated coastline with nine million people living within a 50-mile radius.

Supershear Earthquakes in CA?

Scientists warn of possible supershear earthquakes. These are rare quakes that travel faster than normal seismic waves, sending shockwaves that can cause much stronger shaking than typical earthquakes. Similar events around the world in places like Fukushima and Indonesia have triggered devastating damage.

Quake faults near major population centers, like our own Cristianitos at San Onofre, could produce supershear ruptures. This increases the risk to nearby communities and critical facilities like nuclear plants. Experts stress the need to update building codes, develop hazard models, and early warning systems to prepare for this seismic threat.

China Leads in Clean Energy

China is reshaping the global energy landscape with massive investments in solar, wind, and battery technology. These efforts have cut costs by 60–90%, making renewable energy cheaper than fossil fuels in most markets. In 2024, China met 84% of its new electricity demand with solar and wind, reducing coal use even as overall power demand grew. By exporting panels, turbines, and batteries, China is helping countries like Mexico, Bangladesh, and Malaysia transition to low-carbon electricity.

The country’s clean-energy sector now contributes nearly $2 trillion to its economy and grows three times faster than overall GDP, proving that climate action can go hand in hand with economic growth.

Portugal has increased their clean renewable energy sources from 17% to 75% in 10 years.  We can do the same!

Follow Us!

Join our growing community of supporters standing up for the coast and demanding action on the nuclear waste at San Onofre. Follow us, engage with posts, and help make your voice heard in the movement for real change.

Show Up & Speak Out

Share our message, attend events, and help grow awareness in your community.

Contact Your County Supervisor

Demand stronger oversight of waste storage in your region.

Back Your Local Leadership

Support Larry Agran’s initiative for an independent study to move the waste.

Support Federal Legislation

Back Rep. Mike Levin’s push in Congress for long-term nuclear waste solutions.

Join the Movement!

Partner with SLF in our grassroots campaign for safety and accountability.

Find a template to contact your reps here.

Or email us at admin@samuellawrencefoundation.org to get involved.

SLF is not an anti-nuclear organization. Our community strongly advocates for safe, common-sense containment of spent nuclear waste, with an objective of maintaining the health of our environment and all its inhabitants

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