Governor Mikie Sherrill signed legislation on April 8, 2026, that ends a decades-old barrier to new nuclear energy development in New Jersey. She signed the bill at the Salem Nuclear Power Plant in Lower Alloways Creek.
The move opens the door for possible future nuclear projects while keeping strict safety rules in place.
The law, known as S3870/A4528, updates the Coastal Area Facility Review Act.
For the past 40 years, that act blocked new nuclear plant permits because it required a federally approved permanent site for radioactive waste disposal. No such national repository exists.
The new rule lets the state Department of Environmental Protection approve projects if the commissioner decides the proposed waste storage method is safe and meets Nuclear Regulatory Commission standards.
“For too long, outdated laws have kept us from even considering new nuclear facilities,” Sherrill said at the signing.
State leaders acted because electricity demand is rising fast across New Jersey. Power bills have climbed sharply in recent years, among the fastest increases in the country.
Officials say adding reliable, zero-emission baseload power from nuclear sources will help increase supply and ease pressure on rates over time. New Jersey’s existing nuclear plants already provide about 40 percent of the state’s electricity.
This action supports the energy strategy outlined in Governor Sherrill’s Fiscal Year 2027 budget, which she presented on March 10, 2026. The $60.7 billion budget emphasizes expanding power generation to lower electricity costs for residents. It highlights the need for more baseload energy sources, including nuclear, alongside solar, battery storage, and natural gas modernization.
The budget also calls for increased resources at the Department of Environmental Protection to speed up permitting for energy projects. Lifting the moratorium removes a key legal obstacle identified in the budget as necessary for long-term supply growth and affordability.
What this means for New Jersey residents
Right now, the change will not affect your monthly electric bill or the power you use at home. No new plants have been proposed or approved. The bill simply removes an outdated roadblock so ideas can move forward.
In the years ahead, successful new nuclear projects could bring more stable and affordable electricity. They could also create jobs in construction, operations, and related industries. The energy would be carbon-free, supporting the state’s climate goals without depending on weather like solar or wind does.
At the same time, all projects must still pass full federal and state safety reviews. The law does not weaken environmental protections.
Next steps ahead
Governor Sherrill also launched a new Nuclear Task Force on the same day. The group will study where new reactors might go, how to finance them, workforce needs, and the best use of advanced technologies such as small modular reactors. The task force will report back with recommendations.
For now, the change is about planning for the future rather than immediate construction. Residents can follow updates through the governor’s office or the Department of Environmental Protection.
