Runyan praised for helping get Lacey included in energy master plan

LACEY — The township’s hope to find a replacement for the Oyster Creek Generating Station, slated to shut down by the end of December 2019, was repeated during an Aug. 25 committee meeting.

The session was attended by Rep. Jon Runyan, R-N.J., who came to make a presentation to township resident Jackie Montogomery.

Montgomery is an Army Medic Specialist who completed a one-year tour in Iraq.

Following the presentation, Committeeman Dave Most brought up Runayn’s work toward having Lacey being included in the New Jersey Energy Master Plan, which was released by Gov. Chris Christie in June.

The committee is hoping to entice a power company to use the infrastructure present on land that is involved in an easement agreement with Exelon Nuclear, the owner of Oyster Creek, and JCP&L.

Most said that getting the township included in the state’s energy master plan was “important because while you would think the state is going to advocate for the town, the towns really have to advocate for themselves.’’

A passage appearing in the plan states “there are a number of good reasons to locate a new plant on the Lacey Township property, including the presence of a highly-skilled workforce, community support for such an initiative, and the existing electrical transmission infrastructure.”

“It only makes sense that we should replace Oyster Creek for another facility there,” Most added. He has worked at the nuclear plant for more then 20 years.

“Our township seal includes nuclear power, it is part of us,” Deputy Mayor Mark Dykoff said during the meeting.

Runyan said that regardless of the source of power, a new facility would go a long way to easing the economic and tax burden that the township and Ocean County will face when Oyster Creek closes.

“A planning process should commence on how the state is going replace Oyster Creek,” Runyan added noting that the loss of the nuclear plant’s energy contribution to the state’s electrical grid would have to be addressed.

“The infrastructure is already there. It is obviously something we have to look at,” Runyan said.

“I reached out to the governor’s office and spoke to (Department of Environmental Protection) Commissioner Bob Martin and there is a lot to work on but I think we got a foot in the door before it was slammed on us,” Runyan added.

Bob Vosseller: 732-557-5623; rvosseller@njpressmedia .com