Watch Video: New Jersey explores Miller's bill for new nuclear energy as utility bills rise

By Jim Vasil, Pix 11

Watch Here: https://pix11.com/video/new-jersey-explores-new-nuclear-energy-as-utility-bills-rise/10703844

TRENTON, N.J. (PIX11) – Could New Jersey be looking more into nuclear power?

“New Jersey needs an all-of-the-above energy approach,” said Assemblyman Cody Miller (D-NJ 4th District). “That includes nuclear, that includes natural gas, that includes solar, that includes wind, that includes hydrogen.”

Miller is among the first in his party to express interest in bolstering nuclear energy in New Jersey.

He’s authoring a bill that would direct the State Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to study the feasibility of small modular reactors statewide.

“Not only do we know that it can be done here in the State of New Jersey, but we have a company [Camden-based Holtec] that can build it that is a South Jersey company/ so the stars are kind of aligning with that.”

“Obviously that’s going to get bipartisan support, but the question is, is it too little too late?” said  Republican Assemblyman Paul Kanitra, who sits on a GOP energy task force that applauded Miller’s bill in a committee meeting on Monday.

Starting June 1st, utility bills will be hiked up to 20 percent for New Jersey ratepayers.

Lawmakers are looking for ways for New Jersey to create more of its own energy.

“The only plausible future to bring our rates down is to look at nuclear and look at natural gas and look at things from a cost-savings perspective,” said Kanitra (R-NJ 10th District). 

This comes as the Murphy administration signals interest in exploring new nuclear energy in the State.

On Tuesday, the BPU announced a request for information on new nuclear opportunities in the State.

Governor Murphy said in a statement, in part:

“As part of my administration’s all-of-the-above energy strategy, we continue to explore ways to bring online new sources of electricity generation and improve and expand our nuclear fleet to grow the supply of resources as the U.S. Faces increasing demand.”