On April 8, Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey (CCSNJ) President and CEO Christina Renna attended the bill signing for S3870/A452, legislation that removes a key permitting barrier to nuclear energy development and launches the state’s new Nuclear Task Force.

The bill lifts New Jersey’s de facto moratorium on new nuclear plant construction, opening the door for the development of new large-scale baseload electricity generation. Currently, the Coastal Area Facility Review Act (CAFRA) effectively blocks new permits for the construction and operation of nuclear energy facilities by requiring an approved method by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for permanent radioactive waste disposal—an outdated standard that cannot currently be met.

This legislation resolves that issue by allowing the Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to approve permits based on safe, NRC-compliant waste storage methods. By recognizing storage approaches with a 100 percent effective safety record in the United States, the bill removes a significant regulatory obstacle and clears the path for potential new nuclear energy development in New Jersey.

With the moratorium lifted, the newly formed Nuclear Task Force (see initial list of members below), established under Executive Order 2, will begin its work to advance the state’s exploration of new nuclear energy opportunities. The Task Force will focus on ensuring New Jersey is positioned to capture the benefits of next-generation nuclear power while maintaining the highest standards of public safety and transparency.

Initial Members of the Nuclear Task Force:

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

Following the bill signing, Christina Renna released the following statement:

"The Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey (CCSNJ) commends Governor Sherrill for signing S-3870/A-4528 into law today. This legislation, which modernizes CAFRA permit review requirements for nuclear energy facilities, is a significant and welcome step forward for our region and for the entire state of New Jersey.

Our nuclear facilities deliver safe, reliable, high-capacity and carbon-free energy at a time when New Jersey faces a growing gap between electricity supply and demand. As our state works to lower utility costs and strengthen energy independence, nuclear power must be a central part of that solution. By removing outdated regulatory barriers, this legislation creates the conditions necessary for responsible nuclear expansion, adding the desperately needed energy generation capacity our grid requires while continuing to support one of South Jersey’s most vital industries.

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. 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.

We thank Governor Sherrill, and the bill’s sponsors, for their leadership and vision. CCSNJ looks forward to continuing to champion nuclear energy as a driver of economic growth, energy security, and a stronger future for our region."

Please reach out to Hilary Chebra, Director, Government Affairs at hchebra@chambersnj.com if you have any questions.