Overview

Oyster Creek, the oldest nuclear power plant in the country, is located in the fastest-growing region in the state. The plant is a detriment to the public health, safety and environment of communities throughout New Jersey.

Ignoring public opinion and motivated by profits, Exelon Corporation has applied to the federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for a 20-year license extension. Unfortunately, the NRC has rubberstamped every single license extension application in the country.

NJPIRG is actively working with a coalition of local, state and national organizations, including the Rutgers Environmental Law Clinic, to intervene in Oyster Creek’s license extension proceeding. Recently, Representatives Saxton, Smith, Holt, Andrews, Pascrell, and Pallone signed a letter questioning the NRC’s ability to ensure the plant’s safety. Download a PDF of the letter.

For the first time in the history of nuclear power, we have the opportunity to stop the relicensing process. The NRC has agreed to hear about safety concerns from a coalition of local, state and national organizations. New Jersey’s Department of Environmental Protection is the first ever to file a petition opposing the relicensing of a nuclear plant. And recently, New Jersey congressmen have sent a letter to the NRC calling for a review of findings on the plant's safety.

Despite overwhelming local opposition to a license extension for the plant, Gov. Corzine has not yet called for Oyster Creek's closure. If this opportunity is missed, an aging nuclear plant will bind New Jerseyans for another two decades. Corzine must stand up for our welfare and call for the plant's retirement, paving the way to a secure and healthy future for generations to come. More.