New Law Cuts Red Tape on New Nuclear Power Generation in NJ

By Jim Pytell, Managing Editor On Apr 8, 2026

Gov. Mikie Sherrill today signed an NJBIA-supported bill into law that paves the way for additional nuclear power generation in New Jersey by modifying an outdated permitting  restriction, and instead requiring new nuclear projects to use modern, safe, and cutting-edge storage methods.

For decades, New Jersey had operated under a statutory restriction that acted as a de facto moratorium, prohibiting the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) from approving certain permits for new nuclear facilities.

“One of the outdated laws required any new projects to point to a method of disposal that quite literally does not exist,” Sherrill said at the bill signing at the Salem Nuclear Generating Station. “It was written in the 1970s and tied to a technological requirement that made sense then, but not today.”

She called it a textbook example of the kind of inefficient government that she campaigned to change.

The new bill requires projects to use modern, safe, cutting-edge storage methods that have been used in more than 35 states for the last 40 years with a 100% safety record, according to Sherrill.

Nuclear power already plays a big role in the state’s power generation, and the Salem site, which includes three nuclear power plants, remains one of the biggest nuclear generating sites in the country, providing nearly half of all electricity produced in New Jersey. Nuclear power also accounts for more than 80% of the state’s clean carbon-free power.

The site helps power 3 million homes, provides 1,600 local jobs and employs 1,000 contractors, contributing $1.2 billion in economic impact to the state.

Without the complex, Sherrill said that New Jerseyans would collectively be paying $400 million more for electricity every year.

As electricity costs continue to rise in the state, driven primarily by an unprecedented increase in demand in the face of limited supply, new power generation is key.

“For costs to come down, we need more energy supply,” Sherrill said, adding that New Jersey is well-positioned to be a leader in next-generation nuclear energy to help provide that supply.

“Our regional power grid is under strain from surging demand and limited new supply,” New Jersey Business & Industry President & CEO Michele Siekerka said. “Expanding nuclear power is part of a long-term, comprehensive solution for closing the gap between supply and demand that has driven up utility costs for businesses and residents.”

Sherrill also announced the formation of a Nuclear Task Force, established under Executive Order 2, which will begin its work of advancing the state’s pursuit of new nuclear energy.

The task force will convene leaders from government, industry, the environment, and labor to explore opportunities, organizing its work across five focus areas including: financing, supply chains and technology development, workforce growth and training, regulatory and permitting framework, and public trust and confidence. The task force’s goal is to ensure that the state is ready to capture the benefits of new nuclear power, while maintaining the highest standards of public safety and transparency.

“By lifting outdated barriers and bringing together leaders across government, industry, and labor, we’re setting the stage for our state to pursue new advanced nuclear power. This will help New Jersey secure a stronger, cleaner, more affordable, and reliable energy future – while keeping the state at the forefront of innovation, job creation, and economic growth,” Sherrill said.

Initial Members of the Nuclear Task Force Include: 

• Elizabeth Noll, Senior Strategist for Energy, Office of the Governor, Co-Chair  

• President Christine Guhl-Sadovy, President of the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, Co-Chair  

• Colin Emerle, Senior Counsel, Office of the Governor, Counsel to Task Force  

• Commissioner Ed Potosnak, Department of Environmental Protection  

• Evan Weiss, CEO Economic Development Authority   

• General Yvonne Mays, Department of Military Affairs  

• Aaron Binder, State Treasurer  

• Charles McFeaters, President and Chief Nuclear Officer, PSEG Nuclear  

• Patrick O’Brien, Director of Government Affairs and Communications, Holtec  

• Michele Siekerka, President and CEO, NJBIA  

• Joseph Egan, New Jersey State Electrical Workers Construction Division Association President  

• Mike Hellstrom, Vice President and Eastern Region Manager, LIUNA  

• Marion Abdou, Former Commissioner at the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities  

• Dr. Matthew McKinzie, Senior Director, Data & Policy Analysis, Natural Resources Defense Council

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