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Bill > S4811
NJ S4811
NJ S4811Requires BPU, DCA, and DEP to establish expedited approval and permitting procedures for artificial intelligence data centers powered by small modular nuclear reactors.
summary
Introduced
11/06/2025
11/06/2025
In Committee
11/06/2025
11/06/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/12/2026
01/12/2026
Introduced Session
2024-2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill would require the Board of Public Utilities, the Department of Community Affairs, and the Department of Environmental Protection to adopt rules and regulations to establish expedited approval and permitting procedures for projects to develop artificial intelligence (AI) data centers that are powered by on-site small modular reactors (SMRs). The bill would stipulate that the purpose of the rules and regulations would be to encourage and expedite the construction of new AI data centers that are powered by on-site SMRs in the State, as well as the construction and use of SMRs at existing AI data centers. The bill would require the rules and regulations to be adopted no later than 12 months after the bill's effective date. Finally, the bill would establish certain minimum contents for the rules and regulations, including that they establish provisions expedited site approval processes for use by all relevant State agencies and model expedited approval processes for use by local governments.
AI Summary
This bill requires the Board of Public Utilities (BPU), Department of Community Affairs (DCA), and Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to establish expedited approval and permitting procedures for artificial intelligence (AI) data centers powered by small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs) within 12 months of the bill's enactment. The bill defines key terms such as "advanced reactor" (a nuclear reactor with significant technological improvements) and "small modular reactor" (an advanced reactor with electrical generating capacity between 50 and 300 megawatts that can be constructed and operated individually or in combination). The proposed regulations must create streamlined processes for site approvals across state agencies and local governments, including expedited construction plan reviews, utility interconnection procedures, and environmental permits covering areas like wetlands, coastal facilities, water supply, and water pollution control. The goal is to encourage and accelerate the development of AI data centers using on-site small modular nuclear reactors in New Jersey, facilitating faster project implementation by reducing bureaucratic barriers and standardizing approval processes across different governmental entities.
Committee Categories
Agriculture and Natural Resources
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Environment and Energy Committee (on 11/06/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/S4811 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/S5000/4811_I1.HTM |
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