New Jersey Lifts 40-Year Ban on Building New Nuclear Power Plants

The new law allows for permits to be approved based on Nuclear Regulatory Commission-compliant waste storage.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 2:52am

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A highly structured abstract painting in soft blues, greens, and grays, featuring sweeping geometric arcs, concentric circles, and precise botanical spirals, conceptually representing the complex forces and concepts of nuclear power.New Jersey's embrace of next-generation nuclear energy aims to harness the power of the atom to meet the state's growing electricity demands.Salem Today

New Jersey has ended a 40-year moratorium on building new nuclear power plants, with Governor Mikie Sherrill signing legislation that will allow for permits to be approved based on Nuclear Regulatory Commission-compliant waste storage. The move aims to boost the state's nuclear energy capacity, which currently accounts for over 50% of its electricity generation.

Why it matters

Nuclear power has long been a contentious issue, with concerns over safety and radioactive waste disposal. By updating its permitting framework, New Jersey hopes to pave the way for new advanced nuclear facilities that can help meet the state's energy needs and transition to cleaner power sources.

The details

The new law overrides a previous restriction in the Coastal Area Facility Review Act that had blocked new permits for nuclear power plant construction and operation. The state says the updated regulations align with NRC standards for safe waste storage, which have a 100% effective safety record in the U.S.

  • The moratorium has been in place for 40 years in New Jersey.
  • The new law was signed by Governor Mikie Sherrill on April 9, 2026.

The players

Mikie Sherrill

The Governor of New Jersey who signed the legislation ending the 40-year moratorium on new nuclear power plants.

Cory Booker

A Democratic U.S. Senator from New Jersey who voiced support for the new nuclear power legislation.

Sierra Club New Jersey Chapter

An environmental organization that has historically opposed the construction of new nuclear power plants in the state.

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What they’re saying

“For costs to come down, we need more energy supply. New Jersey is well-positioned to be a leader in next-generation nuclear energy to help bring that supply, and we are open for business.”

— Mikie Sherrill, Governor of New Jersey

“Nuclear power can play a critical role in keeping energy affordable, and this bill will allow our state to utilize this energy source by updating the permitting framework to safely build and maintain new nuclear facilities.”

— Cory Booker, U.S. Senator

What’s next

The new law will allow for permit applications to be submitted and reviewed by state regulators for potential new nuclear power plant construction projects.

The takeaway

New Jersey's decision to lift its long-standing ban on new nuclear power plants reflects a broader shift in attitudes towards nuclear energy as a potential solution for meeting clean energy goals and addressing rising electricity costs. However, environmental groups like the Sierra Club remain skeptical about the safety and sustainability of nuclear power.