New Jersey Energy: Lawmakers Propose Micro-Modular Reactor Incentives

The proposed legislation cites an estimated output of 20 megawatts per unit, a capacity the sponsors claim is sufficient to power more than 15,000 households.

New Jersey state senators and assembly members from the 9th Legislative District introduced two energy bills on October 30, 2026. The measures, designated S-4878/A-5727 and S-4849/A-5726, are designed to create financial incentives for the development of Micro-Modular Reactors, known as MMRs, within the state.

Sen. Carmen Amato Jr., Assemblyman Brian Rumpf, and Assemblyman Gregory Myhre announced the pair of bills, which would amend the existing Power NJ Act. The legislation seeks to redirect funding from New Jersey’s commitment to the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, or RGGI, toward emerging energy technologies. The delegation stated that the proposal is the first of its kind in New Jersey.

The lawmakers linked the bills to their efforts to address rising utility costs and the state’s current reliance on imported energy. They argued that previous state energy policies, particularly offshore wind projects, have not met expectations and have contributed to a cost-of-living crisis.

“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 in a joint statement.

The delegation pointed to the Oyster Creek Nuclear Generating Station in Lacey Township as a historical precedent for local nuclear power. They noted that New Jersey exported electricity while the station was operational but now imports energy from other states to meet current demands.

“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 described MMRs as a viable option for the state’s growing energy demands, noting that the units can be assembled, deployed, and activated within a matter of months. While acknowledging that the technology cannot match the output of existing power plants in Salem County, the delegation said MMRs can provide a supplementary source of clean energy generation.