While nuclear energy is surging in popularity across the country, there are still states that maintain moratoriums on the construction of new nuclear. Now that raises some questions: What is a moratorium? Where are moratoriums? How do we stop them? Well, I’ll tell you.
What is a nuclear moratorium?
A nuclear moratorium is a state-imposed ban or restriction on building new nuclear capacity, but this can take different forms depending on the state.
Some states may require legislative approval or consent from voters before construction can begin. Others might want to ensure that a federally demonstrable technology or method for high-level waste disposal exists, or is operational, before approving a new nuclear facility. Environmental and safety considerations can also play a role.
Where are moratoriums now?
There are eight states with moratoriums right now. Those states are California, Hawaii, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Vermont. On top of that, there are three states—Connecticut, New Jersey, and New York—who have partially lifted their moratoriums or hold unique exceptions.
But before we get more into the states, let’s look back to why moratoriums were put into place.
Why were moratoriums put into place?
One of the primary catalysts was a sharp decline in public confidence following the event at Three Mile Island in 1979. In the aftermath, several states moved to halt new nuclear development and public support for nuclear energy fell.
Economic and financial risk intensified these concerns. By the late 1970s, moratoriums gave states leverage to limit financial exposure while markets stabilized.
Uncertainty surrounding permanent high-level waste disposal also played a central role. The absence of an operational federal geological repository left states concerned about the long-term management of used fuel. Although the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 and its subsequent 1987 amendment mandated the study of Yucca Mountain as a permanent solution, state and local skepticism persisted. The 2002 federal designation of Yucca Mountain as the sole repository site did not resolve these concerns, and funding was withdrawn by Congress in 2011 due to continued state opposition. Today, the project remains untouched, and the U.S. still lacks a permanent waste site, but the country’s interim storage solution continues to be safe, secure and regulated by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
Why are states reconsidering now?
The U.S. is undergoing an unprecedented surge in energy demand from artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing and electrification. With that, states are recognizing nuclear energy’s vital role in delivering safe, reliable and clean electricity—from the large reactors that have powered communities for decades to innovative advanced designs expanding future deployment opportunities.
The clean energy goals of most states require reliable, around-the-clock power, that nuclear can provide.
At the federal level, energy independence and national security considerations are elevating the role of nuclear energy in strengthening domestic energy supply and reducing reliance on imports. Capitalizing on nuclear energy creates economic opportunity and employment, which is a huge motivator for states looking to support their residents.
Where are we seeing changes?
Several states have taken action on nuclear moratoriums in recent months.
Illinois had a busy start to 2026 with the signing of legislation lifting the state’s moratorium on new nuclear construction, and Governor Pritzker’s issuance of an Executive Order calling for the development of at least two gigawatts of new nuclear capacity. Construction is expected to begin by 2033.
In April, New Jersey removed their de facto moratorium and signed into law legislation withdrawing the condition that new nuclear projects be contingent on a federal solution for permanent high-level waste disposal. Now, to gain project approval, developers only need to provide a method for on-site interim storage or disposal. Through this new law, Governor Sherrill also issued an Executive Order establishing a nuclear energy task force.
Connecticut is continuing to work on implementing its 2025 law, which allows communities to opt-in to hosting advanced reactor facilities through a vote.
And the Massachusetts legislature is currently considering legislation that would repeal their existing restrictions on new nuclear construction.
As people learn more about nuclear and see its incredible values, and as our energy needs continue to surge, we can expect to see more action on these moratoriums. As a clean energy lover, these changes can’t come soon enough.
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