On March 31, 2026, six New England governors signed a joint statement backing advanced nuclear energy for their region. The governors of Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont made the bipartisan commitment together. They want to meet rising electricity demand while keeping consumer prices stable.
Six New England governors united to back advanced nuclear energy, balancing rising demand with stable consumer prices.
The governors said they’re focused on two main goals. First, they want to keep existing nuclear plants running. Second, they want to deploy new advanced nuclear reactors across willing states and communities.
One key part of the plan gives municipalities veto power. Towns and cities can choose whether to host a new nuclear facility through a local approval process. Connecticut’s Public Act 25-173 already gives communities this opt-in power. The plan also reaffirms the potential of Connecticut’s Millstone site, with local input playing a central role.
Connecticut committed $5 million in bond funding to support site readiness. The state’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, known as DEEP, created the Advanced Nuclear Reactor Site Readiness Funding Program. That money supports early planning, technical analysis, and community engagement.
Connecticut launched statewide public engagement in December 2025 and has already held two public workshops, with more planned for spring 2026.
New Hampshire’s governor signed an executive order directing the state to work with the U.S. Department of Energy on a nuclear roadmap. That roadmap is expected within six to 24 months.
New Hampshire lawmakers are also considering bills to enable utility ownership of advanced reactors.
Massachusetts joined the regional effort as well. All six states plan to work together with federal agencies, industry partners, and other stakeholders.
The governors said they’re also exploring innovative financing options. These include federal funding opportunities and public-private partnerships. They want to make sure any new projects protect consumers while helping grow local economies.
Nuclear energy is part of a broader energy strategy for the region. New Hampshire already relies heavily on nuclear power, with approximately 57% of its electricity generation coming from nuclear energy. Connecticut is also home to Electric Boat, which leads modular construction of advanced nuclear submarines. The governors said it’s one important pillar in a diverse mix of energy sources meant to support health, safety, and economic growth across New England.
References
- https://www.publicpower.org/periodical/article/new-england-governors-direct-agencies-explore-advanced-nuclear-energy-support-continued-operation
- https://portal.ct.gov/governor/news/press-releases/2026/03-2026/new-england-governors-announce-commitment-to-explore-advanced-nuclear-energy
- https://www.world-nuclear-news.org/articles/new-hampshire-to-assess-deployment-of-advanced-reactors
- https://www.mass.gov/news/new-england-governors-announce-commitment-to-explore-advanced-nuclear-energy
- https://www.nhpr.org/nh-news/2026-03-31/utility-owned-generation-nh-legislature-nuclear-fossil-fuels
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_zmsov9xfA
