461 U.S. 190 (1983)
In Pac. Gas & Elec.
Does the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 preempt California's law imposing a moratorium on the construction of new nuclear power plants based on waste disposal concerns?
Federal law preempts state law when Congress expresses a clear intent to occupy a field exclusively, or when state law conflicts with federal law to the extent that compliance with both is impossible, or when state law stands as an obstacle to the objectives of Congress.
The Supreme Court held that California's law was not preempted by the Atomic Energy Act. The Court found that the state's decision did not interfere with the federal government's control over nuclear safety but was a legitimate exercise of the state's authority to address the economic aspects of nuclear power.
This case is significant for law students as it illustrates the nuanced application of the federal preemption doctrine. By understanding this decision, students gain insight into how courts delineate federal-state boundaries in regulatory frameworks, particularly in areas with extensive federal oversight like nuclear energy. It's a vital precedent for cases involving the interplay between state autonomy and federal regulatory schemes.