New Jersey amends coastal permit law so nuclear plant review turns on proposed waste storage
A law approved April 8, 2026 amends the Coastal Area Facility Review Act so that DEP may approve a nuclear generating facility only if it finds the proposed waste storage or disposal method safe and consistent with Nuclear Regulatory Commission standards. It took effect immediately.
P.L. 2026, c. 9 (S3870, which replaced A4528), approved April 8, 2026 and effective immediately, amends section 11 of the Coastal Area Facility Review Act, P.L. 1973, c. 185 (N.J.S.A. 13:19-11), which governs the permit review of nuclear electricity generating facilities in the coastal area. The amendment directs that such a facility not be approved unless the Department of Environmental Protection ("DEP") Commissioner finds that the proposed method for storing or disposing of radioactive waste is safe, conforms to Nuclear Regulatory Commission standards and will effectively remove danger to life and the environment from the waste.
P.L. 2026, c. 9 (S3870), approved April 8, 2026, amending N.J.S.A. 13:19-11