Authorizes BPU to provide site approval for small modular reactors; authorizes operators of small modular reactors to store spent nuclear fuel on-site.

Summary

This bill authorizes the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to provide state site approval for small modular nuclear reactors (defined as nuclear fission reactors with a capacity of no more than 300 megawatts), but limits such approvals to municipalities that have previously hosted nuclear energy facilities. The legislation grants operators permission to store spent nuclear fuel on-site until a national repository is developed, preempts local municipal and county ordinances regarding site approval, and directs the BPU to develop financial incentives for small modular reactor construction within one year. While streamlining the state approval process through the BPU, the bill maintains that small modular reactors must still comply with federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission requirements, state construction codes, environmental regulations, and other applicable laws.

Bill history

1. Invalid Date · Senate
   Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Environment and Energy Committee
2. Invalid Date · Senate
   Reported from Senate Committee, 2nd Reading
3. Invalid Date · Senate
   Passed by the Senate (40-0)
4. Invalid Date · Assembly
   Received in the Assembly, Referred to Assembly Appropriations Committee
5. Invalid Date · Assembly
   Transferred to Assembly Budget Committee
6. Invalid Date · Assembly
   Reported out of Assembly Committee, 2nd Reading
7. Invalid Date · Assembly
   Substituted for A5334
8. Invalid Date · Assembly
   Passed Assembly (Passed Both Houses) (78-0-0)
9. Invalid Date · Assembly
   Approved P.L.2026, c.60.

Votes

Historical import. Session: 221