April 8, 2026

Governor Sherrill Signs Legislation Lifting 40 Year Nuclear Moratorium, Launches Nuclear Task Force at Salem Nuclear Power Plant

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 “By lifting outdated barriers and bringing together leaders across government, industry, and labor, we’re setting the stage for our state to pursue new advanced nuclear power.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

“Expanding the energy supply is one of the more impactful steps we can take to help bring utility costs under control,” said Senate President Nicholas Scutari. “As energy expenses increase and the demand for affordable electricity grows, it’s important that we have all options on the table. Nuclear power is a clean, reliable source of power that can improve energy security and affordability.”

“I look forward to working with Governor Sherrill as we continue to tackle New Jersey’s energy crisis and am excited that we are moving closer to building more nuclear generation in our State because it has proven to be a stable and reliable carbon neutral energy source that will help us bridge the gap between what we generate and use,” said Assemblyman Wayne DeAngelo.

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 (CAFRA) blocks new permits for the construction and operation of new nuclear energy facilities by requiring an approved method by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for radioactive waste disposal, an outdated standard that cannot be met. This legislation resolves the issue by allowing the DEP Commissioner to approve permits based on safe, NRC-compliant waste storage. By recognizing storage methods that have a 100 percent 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 (see initial list of members below), established under Executive Order 2, 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 across 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.

Governor Sherrill toured key areas of the Salem Nuclear Power Plant, as well as met with IBEW workers that manage the refueling of the site. Together with the Hope Creek facility, these two sites produce more than 40 percent of New Jersey’s electricity and supplies roughly 80 percent of the state’s pollution-free power. According to a 2020 analysis by the Brattle Group, an economic consulting firm, these nuclear plants save New Jersey consumers more than $400 million a year compared to the alternative sources of electricity and help diversify the state’s power supply. Nuclear energy plants also provide unparalleled efficiency with minimal land use – sites consistently operate at 90-95 percent capacity, and the Salem and Hope Creek sites measure 740 acres combined.

What They’re Saying 

"Amid a historic rise in energy costs, I am proud to support legislation that will help lower costs for New Jerseyans while advancing safe, innovative ways to generate clean energy,” said Senator Cory Booker. “Nuclear power can play a critical role in keeping energy affordable, and this bill will allow our state to utilize this energy source by updating the permitting framework to safely build and maintain new nuclear facilities."

"New Jersey families are facing sky-high utility bills," said Senator Andy Kim. "Governor Sherrill just removed an outdated barrier to new nuclear energy, and that means more reliable power and lower costs for families who need a break."

“Electricity bills in New Jersey have been too high for too long. I’m pleased to see that Governor Sherrill is continuing to focus on bringing these costs down, and today’s action on nuclear energy is an important step to making sure that our state has the capacity to produce clean, reliable, and affordable electricity,” said Representative Donald Norcross. 

"Our regional power grid is under strain from surging demand and limited new supply," said New Jersey Business & Industry President & CEO Michele Siekerka. "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."

"We applaud Governor Sherrill for her leadership in addressing one of New Jersey’s biggest challenges–access to clean, reliable, and affordable energy. Through this legislation and the assembled task force, Governor Sherrill shows a commitment to leaving no stone unturned.  We need to explore all options so we can arrive at the best solutions. Members of LIUNA are proud to build and maintain New Jersey energy infrastructure, and we are eager to work collaboratively to help improve in-state generation, lower costs, and in the process create good-paying union jobs,” said LIUNA Vice President and Eastern Regional Manager Mike Hellstrom. 

"Today’s action by Governor Mikie Sherrill to lift New Jersey’s de facto 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. Just as importantly, it positions New Jersey to meet the growing energy demands of a rapidly evolving economy – one increasingly driven by advanced manufacturing, data infrastructure, and the expansion of technologies that depend on consistent, affordable electricity. Investing in a balanced energy mix that includes nuclear is essential to sustaining economic growth, supporting innovation, and ensuring our state remains competitive for decades to come." said Michael Egenton, EVP, Government Relations, New Jersey Chamber of Commerce.

"Time and again during her first month in office, Governor Sherrill has taken bold steps to expand power generation in New Jersey. This bill removes the red tape and says New Jersey is open for business for nuclear energy and IBEW applauds the governor's continued leadership because we know more power means lower bills for New Jersey residents,” said Joseph Egan, New Jersey State Electrical Workers Construction Division Association President.  

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