Senator Michael Testa has expressed his views following Governor Phil Murphy’s recent announcement concerning nuclear energy in New Jersey. In a statement, Testa criticized the time taken by the Murphy administration to consider nuclear energy as part of the state’s clean energy strategy.
“While we welcome the long-overdue Request for Information (RFI) from the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities exploring the role of new nuclear energy in achieving the state’s clean energy and affordability goals, it is deeply concerning that it has taken Governor Phil Murphy and his administration eight years to reach this point,” Testa stated. He highlighted that New Jersey’s progress in energy innovation has been hindered due to a lack of recognition of nuclear energy’s importance.
Testa noted that despite Governor Murphy’s focus on climate targets, there had been little attention given to how nuclear power could contribute until now. “This inaction has come at a cost,” he said, mentioning rising electric rates partly caused by reliance on intermittent renewable sources without adequate firm generation support.
The senator welcomed the RFI as a positive development but lamented lost opportunities in reducing emissions and stabilizing rates. He emphasized that for New Jersey to manage costs effectively and protect ratepayers, prioritizing energy independence is crucial. This includes increasing local power production and decreasing dependence on imported energy.
Testa urged swift action based on the RFI findings to incorporate nuclear power into New Jersey’s clean energy plans. “We urge the Murphy administration to act swiftly and decisively based on the findings of this RFI and integrate nuclear energy as a cornerstone of New Jersey’s clean energy future—before more years are lost to political inertia.”
