In a major step toward boosting new nuclear power in New Jersey, Gov. Mikie Sherrill signed legislation April 8 to remove a key permitting hurdle that has created a de facto moratorium on new nuclear power for decades and launching the state’s nuclear task force at the Salem Nuclear Power Plant.

After becoming governor, Sherrill said she is considering all forms of energy including nuclear to address the energy crisis in New Jersey where electricity costs have surged as much as 20% since June 2025. As a gubernatorial candidate, Sherrill expressed interest in expanding nuclear energy as a form of clean power, with a particular focus on small modular reactors.

The Salem Nuclear Power Plant is located in Lower Alloways Township. Construction began in 1968 and it consists of two pressurized water reactors. The first unit opened in 1977 and the second in 1981. Each reactor produces roughly 1,170 MW.

“For costs to come down, we need more energy supply. New Jersey is well-positioned to be a leader in next-generation nuclear energy to help bring that supply, and we are open for business,” said Sherrill who toured the Salem Nuclear Power Plant.

“By lifting outdated barriers and bringing together leaders across government, industry, and labor, we’re setting the stage for our state to pursue new advanced nuclear power.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.”

This bill lifts New Jersey’s de facto moratorium on new nuclear plant construction, opening the door for new large-scale baseload electricity. Currently, the Coastal Area Facility Review Act blocks new permits for the construction and operation of new nuclear energy facilities by requiring an approved method by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission for radioactive waste disposal, an obsolete standard that cannot be met.

This legislation resolves the issue by allowing the Department of Environmental Protection commissioner to approve permits based on safe, NRC-compliant waste storage. By recognizing storage methods that have a 100% effective safety record in the U.S., this bill clears the path for new nuclear energy development in the state.

With the moratorium lifted, the newly formed Nuclear Task Force will begin its work of advancing the state’s pursuit of new nuclear energy. It will convene leaders from government, industry, the environment, and labor to explore opportunities, organizing its work in five focus areas: 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 New Jersey is ready to capture the benefits of new nuclear power, while maintaining the highest standards of public safety and transparency.

Sherrill toured key areas of the Salem Nuclear Power Plant and met with IBEW workers who manage the refueling of the site. Together with the Hope Creek facility, these two sites produce more than 40% of New Jersey’s electricity and supplies roughly 80 percent of the state’s pollution-free power.

According to a 2020 analysis by the economic consulting firm Brattle Group, these nuclear plants save New Jersey consumers more than $400 million a year compared with the alternative sources of electricity and help diversify the state’s power supply.

Nuclear energy plants also provide efficiency with minimal land use – sites consistently operate at 90%-95% capacity. The Salem and Hope Creek sites measure 740 acres combined.

Business and industry representatives applauded Sherrill’s action.

“Our regional power grid is under strain from surging demand and limited new supply,” said New Jersey Business & Industry Association President and CEO Michele Siekerka and one of the initial members of the nuclear task force. “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.”

Michael Egenton, executive vice president, government relations, New Jersey Chamber of Commerce, said Sherrill’s action to lift the moratorium on new nuclear energy development and modernize outdated regulations “is a decisive step toward a stronger, more resilient energy future. By removing unnecessary red tape while maintaining rigorous safety standards, this legislation opens the door to reliable, large-scale, emissions-free power that will help stabilize and ultimately lower energy costs for residents and businesses.”

Christina M. Renna, president and CEO, Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey, believes the legislation will be an economic plus for South Jersey.

“The PSEG Nuclear facilities in Salem County have long served as the economic backbone of South Jersey, generating thousands of good-paying, stable jobs and providing critical tax revenues that support our local communities,” Renna said. “In a county that has been historically underserved, these plants represent exactly the kind of anchor investment that sustains families and businesses across South Jersey.”