Group will study potential environmental and economic development benefits of offshore wind development

DOVER, Del. – Governor John Carney on Monday signed an executive order establishing the Offshore Wind Working Group to study potential environmental and economic development benefits of offshore wind development to serve Delaware.

“We must look for ways to participate in the development of alternative energy sources,” said Governor Carney. “It’s the right decision for our environment, but the development of new sources of energy is also good for our economy, and for the creation of good-paying jobs. This new working group will help us explore the potential economic and environmental benefits of offshore wind development for Delaware.”

U.S. Senator Tom Carper, the ranking member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee and co-sponsor of the Incentivizing Offshore Wind Power Act, attended Monday’s executive order signing.

“I’m proud that Delaware is focusing on offshore wind, which has the potential to power every home, school and business in the First State with clean, renewable energy,” said Senator Carper. “Investing in new offshore wind projects spurs economic growth and has the potential to create good-paying jobs. I’m proud to be part of the effort to grow the offshore wind industry because making smart investments to move us closer to energy independence is a win-win-win for our economy, our security, our health and our planet.”

The working group will begin meeting next month and will review economic opportunities and environmental benefits of offshore wind development, and the costs and benefits of developing offshore wind. Working group members also will review laws and regulations governing the development of renewable energy, and recommend changes. Additionally, they will identify barriers and opportunities involved in developing offshore wind to benefit Delawareans.

By December 15, the working group will submit a report to the Governor that makes recommendations on short- and long-term strategies for developing wind power to serve Delaware, and plans to develop job opportunities in the offshore wind industry. The group also will draft any necessary legislation, including possible amendments to Delaware’s Renewable Energy Portfolio Standards Act.

Last week the nine northeast states that comprise the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), including Delaware, announced that they would continue the successful emissions reduction program through 2030. The states also announced improvements to the program that will reduce carbon dioxide emissions in the region from the electricity sector by an additional 30 percent between 2021 and 2030.

The additional reductions will help Delaware meet the goals of the U.S. Climate Alliance, which Delaware joined in June. The Alliance, a coalition of states, will uphold the goals of the Paris Agreement on climate change. Earlier this month, Governor Carney also sent a letter to U.S. Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke opposing the Trump Administration’s plans to move forward to allow oil and gas drilling in the Atlantic.

“We as a nation share the responsibility to ensure that energy decisions do not exacerbate the problems associated with climate change that are already being witnessed,” said Governor Carney, in the letter to Secretary Zinke. “The State of Delaware stands firm in its commitment to alternative energy development, and has prioritized working with neighboring states to develop a comprehensive strategy that will maximize the environmental and economic development benefits of adopting renewable energy.”

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Related news:
Governor Carney’s Statement on Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) Announcement on Emission Reductions
Governor Carney to Trump Administration: No Drilling in the Atlantic
Delaware Joins U.S. Climate Alliance to Uphold Goals of Paris Agreement
Governor Carney’s Statement on President Trump’s Order to Review Offshore Drilling Restrictions 

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