Adam Neuman, the Business Manager of IBEW Local 94, talked about how he first learned the trade by working in a power plant three decades ago, how he had worked in all three units at the Salem Nuclear Generating Station — and how proud he was to represent the more than 600 union workers at the plant now.
Assemblyman Wayne DeAngelo (D-Hamilton) pointed out that union workers standing in the back of the presentation, saying they are ready to go on a moment’s notice.
PSEG Chair Ralph LaRossa thanked former State Sen. President Steve Sweeney, an ironworker, for his decades-long support of the facility — and shared a tale about his own father, an immigrant who put his kids through school by working in the garment district.
State Sen. Paul Sarlo (D-Wood-Ridge), who as a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from NJIT and serves as the Chief Operating Officer for Sanzari, noted the efforts of union labor on the biggest projects in the state.
Dan Cosner, the president of the South Jersey Building Trades, got a shout out.
Yes, the event Wednesday morning in Alloway Township featuring a few hundred key business leaders and government officials was called so Gov. Mikie Sherrill could sign a bill easing permitting restrictions around nuclear facilities — a first step in creating some of the energy generation the state so desperately needs.
But it also was about the union jobs that go with it.
Sherrill made that point at the end of her remarks. After noting how the Salem plant provides 1,600 local jobs — and up to 1,000 contracting jobs during refueling shifts — she noted one in particular: Gary Emerle.
Emerle, a welder, has worked at the plant for 46 years.
He is a month away from retirement, but his impact on the site and the industry will remain strong. One of his sons, Justin, works alongside him at the plant. Another, Colin, works alongside Sherrill as a lawyer and senior counsel on energy issues. In fact, Colin Emerle worked on the first draft of the bill the governor signed Wednesday.
Sherrill offered a personal anecdote to the crowd.
“Gary, you should know that Colin keeps a photo of you in our office in Trenton,” she said. “It’s a picture of you alone inside the reactor in a yellow radiation suit repairing one of the pipes that carries 400,000 gallons of water in an hour for cooling.
“He lights up when he talks about you. He is so proud. We all want to thank you.”
Those in attendance gave thanks back to the governor.
Neuman connected the thread between policy and people.
“We have over 600 men and women working, operating and maintaining this facility, providing safe, clean, efficient, carbon-free power,” he said. “Yes, we are putting out the lion’s share of the power inside of New Jersey right now.”
Neuman said the energy needs of the state are a challenge — but also an opportunity.
“One of my takeaways always is, how many jobs do we have associated with it?” he asked, noting how three generations of his family have worked at the facility.
“This was always my ticket to the middle class,” he said.
Increasing nuclear power opportunities in the state will do for many more and then some, Neuman said.
“It’s all about keeping New Jersey productive, affordable and a place you want to live,” he said.
Sarlo, who serves as Senate Budget Chair, said he is ready to do whatever is needed, crediting Sherrill for leading a push to cut through red tape and keep an open mind to new sources of clean energy.
“By her actions today, we are sending a strong message, that New Jersey is available and ready and is willing to look at opportunities to expand nuclear in the future,” he said. “It is a great first step.”
That message was more than just a bill signing.
LaRossa, who gave Sherrill a tour of the facility, noted she was the first governor to tour the containment area at the facility.
“Your willingness to walk up 30 feet of stairs and go in there and take a look at what was going on, means so much to so many people,” he said. “It goes a long way when leaders show up and be part of the solution.”
