Stevens & Lee Public Affairs Helps to Achieve Legislative Success for the Landmark POWER NJ Act

New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill signed the POWER NJ Act into law on July 13, 2026, launching a competitive statewide procurement framework for the development of new nuclear energy in the state while incorporating affordability and reliability measures for ratepayers. The landmark law lifts a 50-year moratorium on new projects for nuclear energy, which currently accounts for more than 40 percent of the Garden State’s total energy landscape. 

The provisions of the Act balance nuclear energy expansion with protections for consumers. New nuclear energy procurement efforts are led by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities and seek to add 1,100 megawatts of generation capacity to the Garden State’s grid.

Stevens & Lee Public Affairs is pleased to have helped advance the POWER NJ Act throughout every stage of the legislative process — from the early policy discussions and stakeholder engagement through committee consideration, legislative negotiations, final passage and Governor Sherrill’s signature. Led by Vice President Erick A. Ford, our team worked closely with the Governor’s Office, legislative leadership, utilities, energy developers and other industry stakeholders, building consensus around legislation designed to strengthen New Jersey’s long-term energy reliability and economic competitiveness. The firm is currently helping clients navigate the Act’s implementation, procurement opportunities and regulatory developments.

Erick combines nearly two decades of public sector leadership and private sector experience in the energy industry. He brings a keen understanding of the strategies and approaches to shaping and affecting policy through collaboration with trade groups, community groups, business and municipal stakeholders.