NJ governor signs bill that opens door to potential new nuclear power projects

New Jersey is taking steps to generate more of its own power amid rising energy costs.

Gov. Mikie Sherrill signed a bill on Wednesday, April 8, that paves the way for potential new nuclear power in the state, lifting a 40-year moratorium that had blocked new plant construction.

The signing took place at a nuclear generating site in Salem County, which currently produces about 40% of the power generated in New Jersey.

“Because more power means more supply and lower costs for everyone,” Sherrill said.

The governor said the legislation removes outdated restrictions that prevented New Jersey from even considering new nuclear sites.

“This is that first step towards allowing additional nuclear generation — energy generation in the state of New Jersey,” Sherrill said.

Lawmakers behind the bill said it is part of a broader effort to lower utility costs in the state.

A recent report found New Jersey experienced the nation’s highest increase in energy costs last year, with bills rising by an average of $260.

“There is an increasing demand in the state of New Jersey for the need of power. We only generate two-thirds of what we use and it’s going to get worse,” the governor said. “The only way we are going to be able to address our energy crisis is by having more generation, more power in the state of New Jersey — that’s what we have to do. Nuclear is that power source where we can generate safe, reliable energy where we can lower costs,” the lawmaker said.

Sherrill declared a state of emergency over utility costs during her inauguration in January, signing executive orders aimed at expanding in-state power generation. Those efforts include increasing solar and battery storage in the short term and nuclear power in the long term.

“Because if we are really going to meet all of our energy needs we need an all of the above approach to energy,” Sherrill said.

With the moratorium now lifted, the governor also announced the launch of a nuclear task force. She said the group is expected to capture the benefits of new nuclear power, while maintaining public safety and transparency.

“There are federal requirements, construction — this is the long term game, part of a long term energy strategy that will take time. Not going to see power plants popping up — it’s going to take some time, but this is that first step,” Sherrill said.