Michele Siekerka, president and chief executive officer of the New Jersey Business and Industry Association, was named on Apr. 17 to serve on Governor Mikie Sherrill’s newly established Nuclear Task Force.
The task force aims to prepare New Jersey for the potential benefits of new nuclear power while maintaining public safety and transparency. This move comes after Governor Sherrill lifted a permitting barrier that had effectively stopped new nuclear projects in the state.
According to the official website, the New Jersey Business and Industry Association serves as the nation’s largest statewide employer association, representing private-sector employers across various sectors throughout New Jersey. The association advances competitive excellence and financial success for its members by providing advocacy, practical information, cost-saving benefits, and fostering partnerships among businesses, government entities, and academic institutions according to the organization.
Prior to joining NJBIA in 2014, Siekerka served as a deputy commissioner with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. In her statement about joining the task force she said: “I look forward to working with this impressive collective and thank Governor Sherrill for once again providing the business community a seat at the table as we all work together to find comprehensive solutions to close the gap between energy supply and demand in New Jersey.”
The Nuclear Task Force will focus on five main areas: financing; supply chains and technology development; workforce growth and training; regulatory and permitting framework; as well as public trust and confidence. Other members include officials from state agencies such as Elizabeth Noll (Senior Strategist for Energy), Christine Guhl-Sadovy (President of NJ Board of Public Utilities), Colin Emerle (Senior Counsel), Ed Potosnak (Department of Environmental Protection), Evan Weiss (Economic Development Authority CEO), General Yvonne Mays (Department of Military Affairs), Aaron Binder (State Treasurer), Charles McFeaters (PSEG Nuclear President & Chief Nuclear Officer), Patrick O’Brien (Holtec Director of Government Affairs & Communications), Joseph Egan (NJ State Electrical Workers Construction Division Association President), Mike Hellstrom (LIUNA Vice President & Eastern Region Manager), Marion Abdou (Former Commissioner at NJ Board of Public Utilities) and Dr. Matthew McKinzie (Natural Resources Defense Council).
Looking ahead, Siekerka’s participation is expected to help ensure that business interests are represented in shaping policy around nuclear energy expansion in New Jersey.
