New Jersey Launches "Nuclear NJ," a New Website to Power Up the Public Conversation on Nuclear Energy
| For Immediate Release: | Contact: Alonza Robertson |
| Date: 10/1/2026 | 609-913-6237 |
NJBPU, NJDEP, and NJEDA partner on new digital hub to educate residents and ratepayers as the state charts its nuclear future
TRENTON, N.J. — October 1, 2026 — The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU), the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), and the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) today launched Nuclear NJ, a new website designed to educate stakeholders about nuclear energy in New Jersey and the path the state is charting to expand generation capacity, strengthen reliability, reinforce public safety, and address affordability.
The centralized site, nj.gov/nuclear, will provide educational resources, updates, and information on interagency coordination as New Jersey evaluates the role nuclear energy can play in meeting future electricity needs. It brings together fact sheets, explainers, and other materials on cost and ratepayer protections, reliability and grid needs, public safety, community engagement, nuclear-waste management, emergency preparedness, and the state’s existing nuclear energy track record.
New Jersey’s operating nuclear facilities have supplied carbon-free electricity for decades while operating under stringent, independent oversight by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, along with applicable state environmental, public health, security, and emergency planning requirements. That record reflects a durable framework of federal licensing and inspection, continuous operational monitoring, emergency preparedness, environmental review, and public transparency.
As New Jersey considers potential new nuclear generation, no project would move forward outside those rigorous safeguards. Any proposal would be subject to multiple layers of review and permitting, including NRC safety and security requirements, state environmental standards, emergency planning requirements, public comment opportunities, and applicable consumer and ratepayer protections. The State’s approach will continue to prioritize the protection of workers, nearby communities, the environment, and the public.
“A reliable power system comes down to balance – meeting demand every hour at a reasonable cost while protecting the health, safety, and economic well-being of New Jerseyans,” said Ben Hertz-Shargel, President of the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities. “As New Jersey looks at new nuclear generation, people deserve clear, accessible information about the data, safety requirements, consumer protections, and tradeoffs behind those decisions. Nuclear NJ helps make that possible so residents, municipal leaders, and other stakeholders can engage directly with the facts. Transparent analysis, strong public safety protections, and informed participation are essential to better outcomes for New Jersey.”
“Through DEP’s Operation FAST– Facilitated Approvals for Sustainable Transformation– we are implementing achievable efficiencies that fulfill the Governor’s pledge to make New Jersey more affordable and government more efficient without compromising public safety or our tradition of strong environmental protections,” said Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Ed Potosnak. “Transparency is a pillar of the Sherrill Administration. The launch of this website complements DEP’s work to engage the public and stakeholders as we implement permitting reforms across the agency, including deploying our FAST Team to efficiently advance clean energy projects that can help build needed infrastructure and deliver ratepayer relief while meeting all applicable environmental, public health, security, and public safety requirements.”
“Governor Sherrill is addressing utility rates head-on, and by advancing nuclear generation in New Jersey, she will help attract new investment and bring down costs for families and businesses,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Evan Weiss. “Nuclear NJ will be a one-stop shop for New Jerseyans to better understand how this sector can support affordability, reliability, public safety, environmental responsibility, and economic opportunity for communities across the state.”
Since taking office in January 2026, Governor Sherrill has made responsibly expanding New Jersey’s nuclear capacity a cornerstone of her administration’s affordability, reliability, and public safety agenda.
In April, she signed legislation ending the state’s decades-old de facto moratorium on new nuclear construction, clearing the way for NJDEP to review proposed projects using safe, secure, NRC-compliant spent-fuel storage methods. The legislation also launched a Nuclear Task Force to guide financing, supply chains, workforce development, regulatory alignment, public engagement, and coordination around public safety, security, and environmental protections.
The Power NJ Act further establishes a competitive procurement process for at least 1,100 megawatts of new nuclear generation, reflecting the State’s interest in reliable, around-the-clock clean power as electricity needs grow. Nuclear energy is one component of a broader strategy to maintain a dependable electricity supply as New Jersey expands solar, energy storage, demand-side resources, and other clean energy technologies.
Under the Act, the Board’s role extends beyond procuring generation capacity. NJBPU will evaluate whether proposed projects serve the public interest and satisfy affordability, reliability, financing, consumer protection, and public safety requirements. In conducting that review, the Board will consider whether projects provide a meaningful benefit to New Jersey customers, whether their financing structure protects ratepayers, and whether developers have met applicable federal and state public safety, security, environmental, and public engagement obligations.
The Act includes important ratepayer safeguards: projects must demonstrate a net benefit to customers, secure federal financing, and proceed through required public-comment and hearing processes before final approval. Ratepayers are not expected to fund construction before a facility is built and producing electricity, and the law includes protections intended to prevent customers from bearing construction cost overruns.
These safeguards are designed to ensure that any potential nuclear project receives serious regulatory scrutiny – and that New Jersey’s pursuit of reliable, carbon-free power does not come at the expense of affordability, transparency, environmental stewardship, or public safety.
Stakeholders are encouraged to visit nj.gov/nuclear to explore fact sheets, learn about the feasibility study process, subscribe for updates, and find opportunities to weigh in as New Jersey shapes its nuclear future.
About the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities
The NJBPU is a state agency and regulatory authority mandated to ensure safe, adequate, and proper utility services at reasonable rates for New Jersey customers. Critical services regulated by the NJBPU include natural gas, electricity, water, wastewater, telecommunications, and cable television. The Board has general oversight and responsibility for monitoring utility services, responding to consumer complaints, and investigating utility incidents. To find out more, visit www.nj.gov/bpu/.
About the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
The NJDEP is dedicated to protecting New Jersey’s environment and public health. The agency prioritizes addressing climate change, protecting New Jersey’s water, revitalizing its communities and managing and promoting its natural and historic resources. For the most recent information, follow the DEP on X @NewJerseyDEP, Facebook @newjerseydep, Instagram @nj.dep, LinkedIn @newjerseydep, and Bluesky @dep.nj.gov, or visit www.nj.gov/dep.
About the New Jersey Economic Development Authority
The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) serves as the State's principal agency for driving economic growth. It focuses on creating inclusive, sustainable development, building strong communities, creating jobs, and ensuring a fairer economy for New Jersey.
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