On April 8, the state of New Jersey lifted its de facto ban on new nuclear energy projects within the state. Currently, as the growth rate of electricity demand outpaces the rate of new supply additions, New Jersey has become one of the regions in the United States with the fastest-rising electricity bills.
On that day, Governor Miki Sherrill signed a bill removing a licensing requirement. This requirement had effectively hindered nuclear power development for decades by mandating a radioactive waste disposal method that was simply unattainable. The Governor's office stated that, instead, the state will now allow the issuance of radioactive waste storage permits that comply with federal nuclear regulatory standards.
This move paves the way for the construction of nuclear energy in New Jersey. Miki Sherrill, who took office as governor in January of this year, campaigned on a promise to lower utility bills. She stated: "To lower costs, we need more energy supply. New Jersey is uniquely positioned to lead in nuclear energy supply with next-generation nuclear power, and we welcome collaboration."
Furthermore, the Governor's office established a working group tasked with exploring the potential for building new nuclear energy facilities in New Jersey. The group includes members from various state government departments, as well as the utility company PSE&G, nuclear power plant component manufacturer Holtec, labor unions, and environmental organizations.
It is reported that New Jersey is one of 13 states in the Mid-Atlantic and Midwest regions of the United States connected to the regional power grid, which has been under strain from significant electricity demand from data centers. However, over the past decade, the net addition of new electricity supply in the region has declined.
