SR 18 New Jersey Senate · 2026-2027 Regular Session

Urges states in PJM Interconnection region to require data centers to obtain electricity from new zero- or low-emission sources of energy.

SR 18 is a non-binding Senate resolution urging states within the PJM Interconnection region (including New Jersey and 12 other states plus D.C.) to require data centers to source electricity from new zero- or low-emission energy sources. It does not create new regulations but calls on state governments to adopt policies addressing data centers' growing energy demands, which currently consume about 4% of U.S. electricity and are projected to reach 9% by 2030. The resolution cites concerns about grid strain, noting data centers use 10-50x more energy than typical offices and could double demand by 2030. It emphasizes clean energy sources like solar and wind as scalable solutions to support grid reliability and climate goals.

Bill status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Jan 2026

Committee Review

Senate Passage

Mar 2026

General Assembly Passage

Governor

Introduced Jan 13, 2026 Last action Mar 23, 2026

Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

Technical Review Of Prefiled Bill → Introduced · 3 edits · Jan 13, 2026

MINOR

SR 18 transitioned from a technical review version back to an introduced status pending technical review by Legislative Counsel. A new STATEMENT section was added providing justification for the resolution, citing data center electricity consumption growth (from 4% to a projected 9% of US electricity by 2030) and grid reliability concerns in the PJM Interconnection region. The co-sponsorship line was removed during this transition.

SCOPE

A new STATEMENT section was added explaining the rationale for the resolution: data centers consume about 4% of US electricity (projected to reach 9% by 2030), regional grids are becoming less reliable due to increased demand, and clean energy sources are needed to support data center growth in the PJM region.

TECHNICAL

Bill status changed from 'As reported by the Senate Environment and Energy Committee with technical review' to 'Introduced Pending Technical Review by Legislative Counsel,' indicating a procedural reset in the legislative process.

The co-sponsorship line naming Senators McKnight and Ruiz was removed, likely as part of the procedural transition back to introduced status.

Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate by voice vote (no roll call recorded).

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Mar 23, 2026

Introduced

Filed with Secretary of State

lower

Mar 23, 2026

Upper · Passed

Resolution Passed Senate (22-15)

upper

Jan 13, 2026

Introduced

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Environment and Energy Committee

upper

2 primary · 2 co-sponsors