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Bill

CA

Bill

A 5517

Directs BPU to study feasibility of developing advanced reactors Statewide.**

2024-2025 Regular Session Introduced by Carmen Amato and 14 co-sponsors

New Jersey orders feasibility study on advanced nuclear reactors statewide to support state decarbonization goals while maintaining baseload power capacity.

Passed Assembly (Passed Both Houses) (71-1-0)
#publicutil
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Bill Summary · A 5517

Legislative bill overview

Assembly Bill A5517 directs New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to conduct a comprehensive feasibility study on developing advanced nuclear reactors throughout the state. The bill passed both chambers with overwhelming bipartisan support (37-0 in Senate, 71-1 in Assembly) and has been sent for final approval.

Why is this important

New Jersey currently hosts three operating nuclear plants that provide significant baseload electricity and employ thousands of workers. As the state pursues aggressive carbon reduction goals under its Global Warming Response Act, this study could inform whether advanced reactor technology—potentially smaller, safer, and producing less waste than traditional reactors—represents a viable path toward decarbonization while maintaining energy independence and local jobs.

Potential points of contention

  • Nuclear waste disposal: The study must address long-term storage and federal repository availability, as advanced reactors still produce radioactive waste requiring permanent management solutions
  • Construction costs and timeline: Advanced reactors are largely unproven at commercial scale; the feasibility study must honestly assess whether projected costs and timelines are realistic or underestimated
  • Community opposition: Historical resistance to nuclear facilities in New Jersey persists; the study's recommendations could face public backlash regardless of technical feasibility
  • Stranded asset risk: If natural gas infrastructure investments continue while awaiting reactor deployment (potentially 15+ years), existing plants may become economically obsolete

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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