The Sundesert Nuclear Power Plant Collection documents SDG&E's attempt to build the Sundesert nuclear power facility, as well as the California State Resources Conservation and Development Commission's actions in response to that proposal. The collection dates from 1974-1980, with the bulk of documents generated in 1976 and 1977, the months and years immediately following the plant's formal proposal. The collection consists of legal documents, state and federal government records, correspondence, and research files. It has been divided into three major series: State and Local Government Records, Federal Government Records, and Research and Development Files and Publications.

The 1970s proved a pivotal period in California's history with nuclear power. The climate between nuclear power advocates and environmentalists was confrontational. While voters failed to pass a 1972 proposal placing a 5-year moratorium on nuclear plant construction, conservation and environmental groups worked throughout the decade to stop construction of several proposed plants, especially along the coast and near fault lines.

10.17 Linear Feet

The copyright interests in these materials have not been transferred to San Diego State University. Copyright resides with the creators of materials contained in the collection or their heirs. The nature of historical archival and manuscript collections is such that copyright status may be difficult or even impossible to determine.  Requests for permission to publish must be submitted to the Head of Special Collections, San Diego State University, Library and Information Access. When granted, permission is given on behalf of Special Collections as the owner of the physical item and is not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder(s), which must also be obtained in order to publish. Materials from our collections are made available for use in research, teaching, and private study. The user must assume full responsibility for any use of the materials, including but not limited to, infringement of copyright and publication rights of reproduced materials.

This collection is open for research.