Governor Mikie Sherrill

Nuclear Task Force

Governor Sherrill’s Nuclear Task Force Works to Advance the State’s Pursuit of New Nuclear Energy
The Nuclear Task Force’s goal is to ensure that New Jersey is ready to capture the benefits of new nuclear power while maintaining the highest standards of public safety and transparency.

Members

  • Elizabeth Noll, Senior Strategist for Energy, Office of the Governor, Co-Chair  
  • President Ben Hertz-Shargel, President of the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, Co-Chair  
  • Colin Emerle, Senior Counsel, Office of the Governor, Counsel to Task Force  
  • Commissioner Ed Potosnak, Department of Environmental Protection  
  • Evan Weiss, CEO Economic Development Authority   
  • General Yvonne Mays, Department of Military Affairs  
  • Aaron Binder, State Treasurer  
  • Brian Lipman, Director, Office of the Ratepayer Advocate
  • Charles McFeaters, President and Chief Nuclear Officer, PSEG Nuclear  
  • Patrick O’Brien, Director of Government Affairs and Communications, Holtec  
  • Michele Siekerka, President and CEO NJBIA  
  • Joseph Egan, New Jersey State Electrical Workers Construction Division Association President  
  • Mike Hellstrom, Vice President and Eastern Region Manager, LIUNA  
  • Marion Abdou, Former Commissioner at the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities  
  • Dr. Matthew McKinzie, Senior Director, Data & Policy Analysis, Natural Resources Defense Council 

Subcommittees

  • Regulatory & Permitting Framework – Review regulatory and permitting requirements and identify opportunities to streamline the development of new nuclear generation
  • Financing & Deal Structure – Assess financing mechanisms and offtake models to support new nuclear development 
  • Supply Chain & Technology Development – Evaluate supply-chain needs and emerging technology opportunities 
  • Workforce Growth & Training – Identify workforce and training needs to build the skilled workforce necessary to support the industry 
  • Public Trust & Confidence – Develop strategies to engage and educate the public on advanced nuclear power and solicit community input 

Alignment with New Jersey’s Nuclear Planning Study

The Task Force will align with New Jersey’s Nuclear Planning Study (the Study), which is being conducted by the Board of Public Utilities in consultation with the Department of Environmental Protection and the Economic Development Authority. Task Force members are expected to provide input on assumptions, review study findings, and advise on the portions of the Study relevant to their respective areas of expertise, helping ensure the State’s broader nuclear planning efforts are coordinated and informed by a range of perspectives.

Kick Off Meeting on October 1, 2026

Governor Mikie Sherrill convened the first official meeting of New Jersey’s Nuclear Task Force on October 1, marking the next phase of the State’s work to lay the groundwork for new nuclear generation. At its first meeting, members reviewed a draft charter and discussed initial work plans for five subcommittees, which will help advance work across the major policy, technical, workforce, financial, and public engagement issues associated with potential new nuclear development in the State.

Governor Sherrill joined the meeting and emphasized that New Jersey needs more clean, reliable power to lower costs, meet growing demand, and support economic growth. With the State’s long-standing de facto moratorium on new nuclear development lifted earlier this year, the Administration is now focused on coordinated planning across government and with stakeholders to establish a clear pathway for future nuclear development.

The Task Force emphasized the importance of transparency and public engagement as its work moves forward.