9th District Lawmakers Introduce Bills Backing Micro-Modular Reactors

TRENTON, NJ — New Jersey’s 9th Legislative District lawmakers have introduced a pair of energy bills they say are aimed at rising utility costs across the state.

Sen. Carmen Amato Jr., Assemblyman Brian Rumpf and Assemblyman Gregory Myhre announced the legislation on Oct. 30. The measures are S-4878/A-5727 and S-4849/A-5726.

According to the announcement, the bills would amend the existing Power NJ Act and repurpose funding from New Jersey’s commitment to the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, or RGGI. The stated goal is to provide further financing for emerging technologies in the energy sector. The announcement says the legislation is the first of its kind in New Jersey.

Most notably, the proposal is intended to create incentives for development of Micro-Modular Reactors, or MMRs, within the state. In a joint statement included with the announcement, the 9th District delegation tied the proposal to broader concerns about affordability and energy supply.

“Energy costs are a key contributor to the severe cost-of-living crisis New Jerseyans face due to the empty promises of failed state energy policies, particularly offshore wind projects which proved to be unviable. It’s time for a ‘sustainability first’ approach to energy policies which embrace proven technologies that will meet demand and prevent further cost increases for ratepayers,” the lawmakers said.

The delegation also pointed to Oyster Creek Nuclear Generating Station in Lacey Township as part of its argument for expanding nuclear-related energy options.

“Our state used to be an exporter of electricity when the Oyster Creek Nuclear Generating Station in Lacey Township was operating. Now, New Jersey is forced to import energy from other states to meet existing demands, resulting in higher utility costs,” the lawmakers said.

The statement describes MMRs as a promising technology and a possible way to support the state’s future power needs.

“MMRs are among the most promising technologies of the 21st century alongside traditional Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). After careful research, we believe MMRs are essential toward energy independence by serving as a viable option for our state's growing energy demands,” the lawmakers said.

The delegation said MMRs could be deployed quickly and serve as a supplemental energy source.

“MMRs are distinctive as they can be assembled, deployed, and activated within a matter of months. Additionally, MMRs can produce an estimated 20 megawatts of electricity, which is enough to power over 15,000 households. While this technology cannot match the output of our state’s existing power plants in Salem County, they can provide a strong supplementary source of clean energy generation for our communities,” they said.