WASHINGTON, D.C.—In separate actions today, legislators in New Jersey today passed S2313 and A3724, companion bills that will ensure the continued operation of the Salem and Hope Creek nuclear power plants in that state. The two power stations support more than 5,000 jobs, produce enough electricity to power 3 million homes per day and provide more than 90 percent of the state’s zero-carbon electricity. The passage of these bills in New Jersey comes in the wake of similar actions taken by lawmakers in New York, Illinois and Connecticut who recognized the economic and environmental benefits of commercial nuclear energy in those states. Following is a statement from Maria Korsnick, the Nuclear Energy Institute’s president and chief executive officer.
“Today residents of New Jersey can look toward a future of secure electricity generation and cleaner air thanks to the action taken by legislators in Trenton. This is a remarkable moment for the people of New Jersey and for thousands of nuclear energy industry employees across the state. Gov. Phil Murphy, Senate President Steve Sweeney, Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin and members of both houses of the state legislature deserve immense credit for recognizing—in a timely fashion—the impact of the Salem and Hope Creek nuclear power plants and the important role they play in keeping the lights on while protecting New Jersey’s environment.
“The bills, now headed to the governor’s desk, preserve more than $800 million in annual economic activity across New Jersey, including 5,800 direct and indirect jobs at Salem and Hope Creek and thousands more jobs that the plants support across the state. New Jersey’s nuclear energy facilities are a critical economic engine, and electricity coming from Salem and Hope Creek comprise nearly half of the state’s fuel mix and 97 percent of its emission-free generation.
“Like New York, Illinois and Connecticut before them, the state’s leaders have made a wise investment in New Jersey’s clean energy future. Policymakers in Ohio and Pennsylvania now must follow suit and act expeditiously to preserve nuclear plants in their states.
“Today’s bill in Trenton levels the playing field for nuclear energy with other carbon-free energy sources. The clean energy benefits from this action are significant. Between them, the Salem and Hope Creek facilities prevent the emission of more than 14 million metric tons of carbon dioxide a year—the equivalent of taking 3 million cars off the state’s roads.
“All the better, today’s action also protects ratepayers. A recent study by the Brattle Group projected that if the plants closed, the state’s residents would see their electric bills increase by up to $400 million annually.
“Again, I commend the members of the New Jersey state legislature, and I urge Gov. Murphy to expeditiously sign this legislation into law.”