TOMS RIVER, NJ — State Senator Joe Pennacchio is calling for New Jersey officials to investigate the possibility of restarting or replacing the dormant Oyster Creek Nuclear Power Plant in Lacey Township, criticizing the state’s financial commitments to defunct offshore wind projects while overlooking existing nuclear infrastructure.
Oyster Creek, once responsible for generating up to 10% of New Jersey’s electricity, was shut down in 2018 after its then-owner, Exelon, opted not to invest an estimated $800 million in environmental upgrades, including a cooling tower required by updated standards. The plant is now owned by Holtec International.
Pennacchio pointed to the state’s previous billion-dollar investment in the Orsted offshore wind project, which was ultimately canceled without delivering electricity to residents. He also cited costly setbacks in other green energy initiatives, including the New Jersey Wind Port in Salem County and the Paulsboro port project, both of which are reportedly being reconsidered for alternative uses.
The senator referenced recent action by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) approving the restart of Michigan’s Palisades Nuclear Plant — also owned by Holtec — as a sign that reviving decommissioned facilities is possible.
Pennacchio said if restarting Oyster Creek proves unfeasible, the state should consider constructing a modern nuclear facility using the site’s existing transmission infrastructure. He has formally reached out to the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, Board of Public Utilities, and the Governor’s Office to initiate discussions, and is working on legislation to bring stakeholders together.
Key Points
- Senator Joe Pennacchio is pushing to explore recommissioning or replacing the Oyster Creek Nuclear Plant
- He criticized the state’s spending on failed offshore wind projects that produced no electricity
- Pennacchio referenced the restart of Michigan’s Palisades plant as a precedent for Oyster Creek
A state senator is urging New Jersey to revisit nuclear power as wind projects falter and infrastructure sits idle.