A legislative panel approved legislation Thursday that would direct the state’s energy regulators to begin soliciting bids for new nuclear power plants in the state.
The Assembly’s utilities committee approved the legislation in a unanimous vote despite concerns from some that it would saddle ratepayers with further cost increases at a time when high energy prices are already squeezing households.
“Advanced nuclear technology has the potential to strengthen our energy infrastructure, support good-paying jobs, and provide a stable source of power that can meet future needs,” said Assemblyman Wayne DeAngelo (D-Mercer), the panel’s chair and the bill’s sponsor.
The bill, which has not been heard in the Senate since its introduction two weeks ago, would create a subsidy structure to aid the construction of at least 1,100 megawatts of nuclear electricity generation…