Public Policy & Engagement

Gov. Mikie Sherrill signed legislation that lifted the state’s de facto moratorium on new nuclear construction projects. (Photo: Office of Governor)

New Jersey has become the latest state to lift a moratorium on the construction of new nuclear power plants, with Gov. Mikie Sherrill signing new legislation Wednesday with the state’s two nuclear power plants serving as the backdrop.

The legislation, S. 3870/A. 4528, allows the commissioner of the state’s Department of Environmental Protection to approve permits for the construction and operation of new nuclear facilities “based on safe, [Nuclear Regulatory Commission]–compliant waste storage.” Prior to this bill, New Jersey law practically banned such construction, because the state’s Coastal Area Facility Review Act required an approved method from the NRC for radioactive waste disposal that was outdated and could not be met.

The security drills held at commercial nuclear power plants as part of the Force-on-Force (FOF) inspection program will no longer be led by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

The commissioners on Friday approved recommendations presented earlier in the year by NRC staff to significantly overhaul the security program. This includes phasing out NRC-led drills by 2028. Following the phaseout, drills will be led by the licensee, with the NRC observing.

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has sunset its aircraft impact assessment rule for 2027, as NRC staff have addressed several of the public comments considered “significant and adverse” that prompted the agency this past winter to temporarily delay the sunsetting move.

The final rule, which was published in the Federal Register on Wednesday, addressed some of the more contentious concerns raised by the public. It sets a conditional sunset date of April 8, 2027, “unless the NRC determines that the cessation deadline should be extended to a date not more than 5 years in the future after offering the public an opportunity to provide input on the costs and benefits of this section and considering that input.”