Directs BPU and DEP to inventory areas previously sited for nuclear reactor facilities and solicit proposals for development, establishes expedited permitting for nuclear reactors.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Brian Rumpf

The bill inventories former nuclear sites and, within months, solicits private bids to develop reactors, while fast-tracking permits for such projects.

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Telecommunications and Utilities Committee

Summary of Bill A 4970 (Session 222, New Jersey)

Purpose and intent

A 4970 directs the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) and the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to identify and move forward with nuclear reactor development at locations previously sited for such facilities. The bill aims to accelerate planning, procurement, and permitting related to nuclear energy projects by prioritizing review processes and seeking private development contracts for identified sites.

Key provisions

Definitions:

“Board” = Board of Public Utilities.
“Department” = Department of Environmental Protection.
“Nuclear reactor” = an apparatus licensed by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission designed or used to sustain a nuclear fission chain reaction.

Inventory of sites:

Within nine months after enactment, the BPU and DEP must assess and inventory every location in New Jersey that has been previously sited for the development and operation of a nuclear reactor.

Procurement of development:

Within three months after completing the inventory, the BPU and DEP must solicit private contracts by public advertisement and bidding to develop nuclear reactor facilities at the identified locations.

Expedited permitting:

All State agencies and local government units must give the highest priority to the review and approval of any permits that impact the development or operation of a nuclear reactor in the state, effectively expediting permitting processes.

Regulatory framework:

The BPU and DEP are required to adopt rules and regulations as necessary to implement the act, under the Administrative Procedure Act.

Effective date:

The act takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Who/what is affected

State agencies and local governments are obligated to expedite permits for nuclear reactor projects.

NJBPU (Board of Public Utilities) and DEP are the principal implementers, responsible for inventorying sites and soliciting private development contracts.

Private developers would have a pathway to bid on previously identified sites for nuclear reactor facilities.

Residents and stakeholders in potential sites could experience expedited permitting timelines and increased activity related to nuclear energy development.

Procedural and timeline notes

Inventory deadline: within 9 months of enactment.

Procurement deadline: within 3 months after the inventory is completed.

Regulatory adoption: to be issued under the Administrative Procedure Act as needed.

Immediate effectiveness: the act takes effect as soon as enacted, marking an accelerated start to the process.

Observations

The bill emphasizes reviving previously identified nuclear sites and prioritizing rapid development if a bidder is selected, coupled with streamlined approvals.

It shifts some control toward private development through public bidding while assigning expedited permitting obligations to state and local authorities.