As electricity demand grows and pressure on the regional grid continues to mount, the Assembly Telecommunications and Utilities Committee advanced Bill A4528.
Sponsored by Assemblymen Cody Miller, Wayne P. DeAngelo and Jerry Walker, the legislation would modify certain permit review requirements under the Coastal Area Facility Review Act (CAFRA) to allow nuclear energy generation facilities to be considered for permits under New Jersey’s environmental review process.
The bill would also amend the current statute to allow the commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection to determine whether a nuclear energy generation facility’s method for storing or disposing of radioactive waste material meets safety standards established by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission and protects public health and the environment.
The bill’s statement said, “In New Jersey, overall nuclear energy contributions have declined following the permanent shutdown of the Oyster Creek single-reactor nuclear power plant in 2018, which was the nation’s oldest operating nuclear power reactor at the time.
“Newer advanced nuclear reactors, however, are designed to be even safer, more cost-efficient and more environmentally sustainable than previous generations of nuclear reactors.
“Advanced nuclear reactors provide firm baseload power that perfectly complements intermittent renewable energy resources while strengthening energy security and affordability and offering high-paying jobs and significant regional economic benefits.”
“As our state confronts rising energy demand and increasing costs for ratepayers, it is important that we keep every responsible energy option on the table,” said Assemblyman Miller (D-Atlantic, Camden, Gloucester).
“By allowing these projects to be considered while keeping in place strict environmental and safety standards, we are taking a responsible step toward strengthening reliability, supporting affordability for families and businesses, and ensuring our energy system is prepared to meet the needs of the future.”
New Jersey’s regional electric grid is experiencing significant load growth, driven by rising electricity demand and constraints on new supply entering the system. These pressures have contributed to record-high market-clearing capacity prices, which are ultimately passed on to ratepayers.
“Families and businesses across New Jersey are feeling the pressure of rising energy costs, and reliability must remain a top priority as we look toward the future of our energy system,” said Assemblyman Walker (D-Hudson).
“We need to explore all of our options when it comes to cost savings, so we can support the growth of our state’s economy and protect affordability for all who call our New Jersey home.”
Assembly Democrats have passed more than a dozen bills to address energy affordability in New Jersey, such as holding electric utilities and grid operators accountable for generation costs and providing direct financial relief during last summer’s price spike.