A bill advanced in the New Jersey Assembly aimed at expanding nuclear energy within the state.
New Jersey’s electricity costs are climbing. The grid is straining. And now lawmakers are considering a shift in how the state approaches energy solutions.
The Assembly Telecommunications and Utilities Committee advanced Bill A4528 this week. The legislation would open the door to nuclear energy generation facilities in New Jersey by streamlining the environmental review process.
The bill—sponsored by Assemblymen Cody Miller, Wayne P. DeAngelo, and Jerry Walker—changes permit rules under the Coastal Area Facility Review Act (CAFRA) to allow nuclear projects to be evaluated alongside traditional energy infrastructure.
Why It Matters
It’s no secret that New Jersey’s power grid is under pressure. Electricity demand is rising across the region, and the system is constrained by limited new power supply. These conditions have driven capacity market prices to record figures—costs that get passed directly to ratepayers. If you’ve noticed your electric bill spiking, this is part of the reason.
“Families and businesses across New Jersey are feeling the pressure of rising energy costs,” said Assemblyman Jerry Walker. “We need to explore all of our options when it comes to cost savings so we can support the growth of our state’s economy and protect affordability for all who call our New Jersey home.”
The bill acknowledges that traditional energy sources, on their own, may not be enough to meet New Jersey’s future demands without significant cost increases.
Is Nuclear Energy Dangerous?
For decades, nuclear energy has been controversial. Horror stories of nuclear meltdowns and explosions have scared many away from the energy source. But beyond the stigma, nuclear energy is improving—and it’s clean too.
New Jersey’s last operating nuclear plant, Oyster Creek in Lacey Township, shut down in 2018 after more than 60 years of operation. That closure removed a major source of reliable, emissions-free power from the grid.
Newer nuclear technology has changed the conversation. Advanced nuclear reactors are smaller, safer, and more flexible than previous generations. Perhaps the most beneficial part: new reactors provide consistent baseload power—electricity available 24/7 regardless of weather conditions—something wind and solar cannot guarantee alone.
“Nuclear power remains one of the most reliable sources of zero-emission electricity available today,” said Assemblyman DeAngelo. “This bill would remove an outdated barrier that has for too long prevented New Jersey from making meaningful progress towards our energy goals.”
What The Bill Tackles
A4528 would allow the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection to evaluate whether a nuclear facility’s radioactive waste storage and disposal methods meet federal safety standards and protect public health. Importantly, it doesn’t eliminate environmental review—it streamlines it to consider nuclear as a viable option within New Jersey’s energy portfolio.
The legislation reflects a broader shift in environmental policy. Many climate advocates now acknowledge that reaching net-zero emissions targets requires diversifying energy sources. Nuclear provides reliable, clean baseload power that complements intermittent renewables like solar and wind.
One energy source alone cannot fix the problem.
The Affordability Angle
For New Jerseyans—especially homeowners—the question is simple: Can nuclear energy lower electricity costs?
Newer reactors promise efficiency gains and lower operational costs than aging coal or natural gas plants. If operational costs decrease, those savings could theoretically reduce what you pay for electricity.
The Assembly has already passed more than a dozen bills addressing energy affordability, including measures holding utilities accountable for generation costs and the implementation of a Virtual Power Plant program. A4528 represents another attempt to tackle rising bills by expanding energy options.
The bill now moves on to debate, where affordability, environmental protection, and grid reliability will be at the forefront of the conversation.
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.