ASSEMBLY TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND UTILITIES COMMITTEE
STATEMENT TO
ASSEMBLY, No. 5517
with committee amendments
STATE OF NEW JERSEY
DATED: MAY 5, 2025
The Assembly Telecommunications and Utilities Committee reports favorably and with committee amendments Assembly Bill No. 5517.
As amended and reported, this bill directs the Board of Public Utilities (board), in consultation with the Department of Environmental Protection and the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, to study, prepare, and submit, to the Governor and the Legislature, within 18 months of the effective date of this bill, a written report concerning the feasibility of developing small modular reactors (SMRs) throughout the State and the feasibility of, need for, and design of a pilot program in the State for developing SMRs Statewide.
In conducting the study, the board is directed to: (1) determine suitable locations for deploying SMRs, including former industrial sites and retired fossil fuel generation facilities; (2) consult the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission for regulatory and permitting requirements; (3) examine the economic viability and potential cost-saving mechanisms available for SMRs, including any federal programs, private investments, and State funding opportunities; (4) consider safety precautions and environmental impacts, including, but not limited to, emergency preparedness, biohazard waste management, and water usage; (5) evaluate the ability to integrate SMRs with existing energy infrastructure; (6) conduct a minimum of three public hearings in order to assess public perception, environmental impact, and stakeholder value in Statewide development of SMRs; (7) provide a recommendation on the feasibility of, need for, and design of a pilot program in the State for deploying SMRs Statewide; and (8) publish its findings on the board’s Internet website.
COMMITTEE AMENDMENTS:
The committee amendments remove the $5 million appropriation from the General Fund and make technical changes to the bill.