Gov. Mikie Sherrill Signed Law to Boost Nuclear Power in South Jersey New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill signed a landmark law on Wednesday at the Salem nuclear plant, aiming to streamline the development of new nuclear energy projects in the state. The legislation, which modifies outdated regulations tied to radioactive waste disposal, seeks to position New Jersey as a leader in the so-called “nuclear renaissance” while addressing soaring energy costs and rising demand. Sherrill emphasized that the law would enable the state to harness its existing infrastructure and workforce to expand nuclear power, which she believes could lower utility bills for residents. The law targets a regulatory barrier that had previously blocked new nuclear permits by requiring an outdated standard for radioactive waste management, a requirement Sherrill described as rooted in 1970s technology. “It’s a textbook example of the kind of inefficient government I ran to change,” she said during the signing ceremony at the Salem County plant. The new framework allows for modernized waste disposal protocols, which Sherrill argued are essential to align with current technological capabilities and environmental safety standards. Support for the law came from bipartisan lawmakers, including Assembly member Cody Miller, a Gloucester County Democrat and prime sponsor of the bill. Miller highlighted the need for additional energy generation to address the state’s energy crunch, noting that nuclear power is “safe, clean, and reliable.” He argued that expanding nuclear capacity is critical to securing New Jersey’s energy future amid the growing demands from artificial intelligence and data centers. However, the law faced criticism from environmental advocates.#pseg #gov_mikie_sherrill #saLEM_nuclear_plant #new_jersey_dept_enviro #sierra_club_new_jersey
