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S 4689

Relates to reporting information regarding step therapy override requests and determinations; repealer

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Cordell Cleare

New Jersey directs BPU, DEP and NJEDA to study the feasibility of a statewide advanced reactor program (incl. SMRs), with an 18-month report on sites, costs, safety, and design.

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Bill Summary · S 4689

Summary of S.4689 (New Jersey)

Overview

S.4689 is a bill introduced in the 221st New Jersey Legislature that directs the Board of Public Utilities (BPU), in collaboration with the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA), to conduct a statewide feasibility study on developing advanced nuclear reactors, including small modular reactors (SMRs). The bill requires a detailed report to the Governor and Legislature within 18 months of enactment, outlining recommendations for a statewide program to deploy advanced reactors.

Key Provisions

  • Definitions

    • "Advanced reactor" includes reactors with significant improvements over 2020-era designs, featuring enhancements such as greater inherent safety, lower waste yields, improved fuel/material performance, higher tolerance to loss of cooling, enhanced reliability, increased proliferation resistance, better thermal efficiency, reduced environmental impacts, and modular deployment capabilities.
    • "Small modular reactor" (SMR) is an advanced reactor with:
    • 50 to 300 MW electric capacity
    • Potential modular design
    • Ability to be constructed/operated individually or in combination at a site
    • Licensed by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC)

  • Study and Report

    • The BPU, in consultation with DEP and NJEDA, must conduct a statewide feasibility study and prepare a written report within 18 months of the act’s effective date.
    • The report must assess the feasibility and need for a statewide program to deploy advanced reactors, including SMRs, and must be submitted to the Governor and Legislature.

  • Study Scope (specific tasks)

    1. Identify suitable locations for deploying advanced reactors, including former industrial sites and retired fossil-fuel facilities.
    2. Consult with NRC regarding regulatory and permitting requirements.
    3. Examine economic viability and potential cost-saving mechanisms (federal programs, private investments, State funding opportunities).
    4. Consider safety and environmental impacts, including compliance, emergency preparedness, biohazard waste management, cybersecurity, and water usage.
    5. Evaluate integration with existing energy infrastructure and cost-recovery mechanisms for upgrades or non-wire alternatives.
    6. Hold at least three public stakeholder sessions to gauge public perception, environmental impacts, and stakeholder value.
    7. Provide a recommendation on the feasibility, need for, and design of a statewide deployment program.
    8. Publish findings on the BPU’s website.

  • Funding

    • The board may secure funding from federal/state grants, private investments, and public-private partnerships to carry out the act.

  • Effective Date and Sunset

    • The act takes effect immediately.
    • It expires 30 days after the board submits the required report.

Affected Parties

  • Board of Public Utilities (BPU)
  • Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)
  • New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA)
  • The General Assembly and Governor (receiving the study report)
  • Public stakeholders and communities where reactors might be sited
  • Nuclear regulators (NRC) for regulatory coordination

Procedural / Timeline Highlights

  • Introduced: June 30, 2025
  • Current Status: Referred to Insurance (as per the provided status)
  • Timeline: 18-month deadline to produce the report from enactment
  • Public Involvement: Minimum of three public stakeholder sessions required
  • Publication: Findings must be published on the BPU website

Legislative Context

  • Related bills include A.5517 (companion) and other prior-session counterparts (e.g., S.8798, S.2800, A.2327).
  • Primary sponsors: Sen. John J. Burzichelli, Sen. Nicholas P. Scutari, with Sen. Cordell Cleare listed as a primary sponsor.

Bottom Line

S.4689 establishes a structured, multi-agency feasibility assessment of statewide advanced reactor deployment, with emphasis on SMRs. It sets clear study components, requires public input, and aims to inform future policy and potential program design for deploying advanced nuclear technology in New Jersey.

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

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