Bill Text: NJ A4901 | 2022-2023 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Directs BPU to study development of, and create pilot program for, construction of small modular nuclear reactor.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 2-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2022-12-05 - Introduced, Referred to Assembly Telecommunications and Utilities Committee [A4901 Detail]
Download: New_Jersey-2022-A4901-Introduced.html
Sponsored by:
Assemblywoman MARILYN PIPERNO
District 11 (Monmouth)
Assemblywoman KIM EULNER
District 11 (Monmouth)
SYNOPSIS
Directs BPU to study development of, and create pilot program for, construction of small modular nuclear reactor.
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
As introduced.
An Act concerning small modular nuclear reactors and supplementing P.L.1999, c.23 (C.48:3-51 et al.).
Be It Enacted by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. a. As used in this section, "small modular nuclear reactor" means a nuclear fission reactor that: (1) has a rated electric generating capacity of not more than 300 megawatts; (2) is capable of being constructed and operated either alone or in combination with one or more similar reactors if additional reactors are or become necessary at a single site; and (3) is required to be licensed by the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
b. (1) No later than 18 months after the effective date of this section, the board shall conduct a study concerning whether, and to what extent, the construction of small modular nuclear reactors in the State may replace a loss of generating capacity in the State resulting from the retirement or planned retirement of one or more existing electric generating facilities, which are located in New Jersey and which use coal or natural gas a fuel source.
In conducting the study required by this subsection, the board shall consider whether a small modular nuclear reactor may be constructed on the same site as an existing electric generating facility, and, if so, the potential opportunities for an electric power supplier or basic generation service provider to be able to (a) make use of any land and existing infrastructure or facilities already owned or under the control of the electric power supplier or basic generation service provider, or (b) create new employment opportunities for workers who have been, or would be, displaced as a result of the retirement of the existing electric generating facility.
(2) The board shall prepare and submit a written report to the Governor and, pursuant to section 2 of P.L.1991, c.164 (C.52:14-19.1), to the Legislature summarizing the study conducted pursuant to this subsection.
c. Following the conclusion of the study and the submittal of the report required pursuant to subsection b. of this section, the board shall adopt rules and regulations, pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), to establish a pilot program for the construction of a small modular nuclear reactor in the State.
2. This act shall take effect immediately.
STATEMENT
This bill directs the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to (1) study the development of small modular nuclear reactors, and (2) following the conclusion of the study, create a pilot program for the construction of a small modular nuclear reactor.
The study is to evaluate whether, and to what extent, the construction of small modular nuclear reactors in the State may replace a loss of generating capacity in the State resulting from the retirement or planned retirement of one or more existing electric generating facilities, which are located in New Jersey and which use coal or natural gas as a fuel source. The bill directs the BPU, in conducting the study, to consider whether a small modular nuclear reactor may be constructed on the same site as an existing electric generating facility, and, if so, the potential opportunities for an electric power supplier or basic generation service provider to be able to (a) make use of any land and existing infrastructure or facilities already owned or under the control of the electric power supplier or basic generation service provider, or (b) create new employment opportunities for workers who have been, or would be, displaced as a result of the retirement of the existing electric generating facility.
Following the conclusion of the study and the submittal of a report to the Governor and the Legislature, the bill directs the BPU to adopt rules and regulations to establish a pilot program for the construction of a small modular nuclear reactor in the State.
