S 3639 New Jersey Senate · 2026-2027 Regular Session

Requires BPU, DCA, and DEP to establish expedited approval and permitting procedures for artificial intelligence data centers powered by small modular nuclear reactors.

This bill requires New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities (BPU), Department of Community Affairs (DCA), and Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to create streamlined permitting processes for AI data centers powered by on-site small modular reactors (SMRs) within 12 months. It mandates expedited approvals for site selection, construction plans, electrical interconnection, and environmental permits (including wetlands, coastal, and water protection acts). The law directly affects AI data center developers and SMR manufacturers seeking to build or retrofit facilities using SMRs (defined as 50-300 MWe reactors requiring U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission licensing). The policy change focuses on accelerating project timelines without altering safety or environmental standards.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Feb 24, 2026 Last action Feb 24, 2026
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Feb 24, 2026
Introduced
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Economic Growth Committee
upper
0 primary · 0 co-sponsors

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