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Senate advances bill to enable siting of small modular reactors at existing nuclear sites
Summary
S.4423 would allow the BPU to site small modular reactors (SMRs) at existing or previously operated nuclear sites; the committee released the bill after mixed testimony on cost, waste storage and timeline considerations.
The committee released S.4423, a bill directing the Board of Public Utilities to consider small modular reactors (SMRs) as a pathway to carbon‑free generation and to prioritize siting at existing or former nuclear sites such as Oyster Creek and Salem/Hope Creek.
Supporters, including industry representatives and the New Jersey State Chamber of Commerce, said SMRs could help address generation shortfalls and preserve jobs, and urged the state to explore federal incentives and siting flexibility. Eric Ford of the New Jersey Energy Coalition described the bill as a constructive step while advocating further technical amendments.
Environmental and climate groups raised concerns about cost, long timelines, increased spent fuel volumes and reliance on federal policy; David Pringle (Empower New Jersey) and Doug O’Malley (Environment New Jersey) urged more near‑term solutions like renewables and storage. Committee discussion noted there are multiple SMR designs in development and the federal government has not settled on a single technology.
The committee voted to release the bill and encouraged sponsors to meet with stakeholders and the BPU to refine technical and siting language before floor consideration.
