Senate Approved Bill Would Create Opportunity to Expand Energy Supply with Nuclear Power
March 23, 2026, 4:14 pm | in
Senate Approved Bill Would Create Opportunity to Expand Energy Supply with Nuclear Power
TRENTON – With energy costs imposing a growing burden on consumers and the increasing demand for affordable electrical power, the Senate today approved a bill that would allow the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection to approve the construction and operation of safe nuclear power plants.
The legislation, S-3870, sponsored by Senate President Nick Scutari and Senator Paul Sarlo, would modify dated permitting requirements to allow nuclear generating facilities to be considered under the state’s environmental review process if the DEP commissioner finds that the proposed method for the storage and disposal of radioactive waste is safe and conforms to standards established by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
“Expanding the energy supply is one of the more impactful steps we can take to help bring utility costs under control,” said Senate President Scutari (D-Union/Somerset). “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.”
Unlike intermittent sources of power, like solar and wind, nuclear energy provides a steady stream of electricity and currently has the highest capacity of any energy generating technology.
In 2023, nuclear power produced about 42 percent of the total electricity in New Jersey, but overall nuclear energy contributions are declining in the aftermath of the closure of the Hope Creek plant.
“The regional power grid is experiencing a significant load growth, driven by rising electricity demand and constraints on new supplies entering the system,” said Senator Sarlo (Bergen). “This can be partially alleviated with the addition of modern nuclear facilities that are safer, more cost efficient and more environmentally sustainable than previous generations.”
Senator Sarlo also noted the employment and economic benefits of nuclear plants. The Salem and Hope Creek facilities employ 1,605 workers annually, plus another 500 on average through contracts for professional services.
