State Senator Joe Pennacchio has urged New Jersey officials to investigate the possibility of recommissioning or replacing the Oyster Creek Nuclear Power Plant in Lacey Township. The plant, previously owned by Exelon and now by Holtec International, was shut down in 2018 with approval from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), a year ahead of schedule. At the time, Exelon faced requirements to update environmental standards, including building an $800 million cooling tower. Instead, the company chose to close the facility.
Pennacchio raised concerns about state spending on renewable energy projects compared to support for nuclear energy. He questioned why “hundreds of millions of dollars in ratepayer subsidies will be spent on offshore windmills and yet no consideration was given to Exelon to retrofit that plant – a plant that was generating up to 10% of New Jersey’s electricity.”
He referenced state subsidies for other green energy initiatives that have not delivered expected results. “The State gave away a billion dollars in subsidies and tax credits to the Orsted project and now it is defunct,” said Pennacchio. “New Jersey citizens have never seen an ounce of electricity produced from it.”
Pennacchio also pointed out costs associated with additional wind projects: “Other projects in Paulsboro, NJ and the New Jersey Wind Port in Salem County have also cost taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars,” he continued. “The EDA is currently exploring ‘other uses’ for the Salem County port projects meaning that the $600 million project is also defunct. Just another waste of money on these green environmental schemes.”
Citing recent developments elsewhere, Pennacchio noted NRC approval allowing Michigan’s Palisades Nuclear Plant—also owned by Holtec—to restart operations. He stated: “Certainly, if Michigan can restart a decommissioned power plant, we should minimally look into it at Oyster Creek. If not re-starting Oyster Creek, let’s take advantage of the transmission infrastructure and create a new modern safe nuclear replacement.”
The senator has contacted state agencies including the Economic Development Authority (EDA), Board of Public Utilities (BPU), and Governor Phil Murphy seeking discussions about possible actions at Oyster Creek. He is working on legislation aimed at bringing stakeholders together to evaluate options for the site.
A letter sent by Pennacchio to BPU President Christine Guhl-Sadovy outlining his position is available online.
