Parks Plans Wind Transmission Line Informational Event

Displays Will Highlight Construction’s Potential Impact on Recreation

Residents will have an opportunity to learn about recreational impacts of US Wind’s proposal to bring power lines from its offshore wind project ashore at 3Rs Beach in Delaware Seashore State Park during a public engagement event March 12.

US Wind’s projects, MarWin and Momentum Wind, entail the installation of up to 121 turbines. In December, Gov. John Carney announced the start of formal negotiations with US Wind for the potential lease of state land at 3Rs Beach to deliver power from the turbines to the regional electrical grid. For the March 12 meeting:

  • The information session is only about potential lease to allow the underground cables at 3Rs, including the construction plan and what will be visible to park users after construction.
  • The meeting will not cover or take comment about the wind turbines themselves and other possible parts of transmission lines, which are subject to other federal state permitting processes that have had or will have future opportunity for public comment.

The US Wind Projects are currently going through a federal permitting process that is separate from any state process, and the federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management is currently considering input from a recent public comment process on the project’s environmental impact. Should the projects proceed, state environmental permits will also be required.

Shawn M. Garvin, Secretary of the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC), said the Department is committed to engaging the public to the greatest extent possible throughout the project’s development.

“US Wind’s proposal to bring transmission lines ashore in Delaware, along with Gov. Carney’s announcement about negotiating a potential lease, have generated considerable public interest,” Secretary Garvin said. “While the formal permitting process is ongoing, this public engagement event provides us an opportunity to share how this discrete portion of project will impact recreational aspects at the park.”

Ray Bivens, Director of DNREC’s Division of Parks and Recreation, said Parks staff will be available throughout the 4-hour event to answer questions. Visitors can arrive at any time during the event to browse the displays and ask questions.

“While the scope of this event is limited to sharing information about the impact of recreational activities at the park and, specifically, the parking lot where construction is anticipated to be taking place, we believe park visitors will benefit from the information being presented,” Director Bivens said.

Visitors will be able to browse informational posters showing the existing parking area that will be impacted, inground-infrastructure, impact during construction, the proposed construction area and any anticipated restrictions on recreational access during the construction period.

The timeline and Web addresses for related future public meetings, as well as how and where to sign up for public notices and press releases, will also be available.

The public engagement event will take place from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 12, at Bethany Beach Town Hall, 214 Garfield Parkway, Bethany Beach.

About DNREC
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control protects and manages the state’s natural resources, protects public health, provides outdoor recreational opportunities and educates Delawareans about the environment. The DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation oversees more than 26,000 acres in 17 state parks and the Brandywine Zoo. For more information, visit the website and connect with @DelawareDNREC on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly known as Twitter) or LinkedIn.

Media Contacts: Nikki Lavoie, nikki.lavoie@delaware.gov; Jim Lee, jamesw.lee@delaware.gov

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DNREC State Energy Office Delivers Offshore Wind Procurement Report to Governor, Legislators

Exploring partnerships with neighboring states, promoting the coordinated, cost-effective buildout of the transmission system on a regional scale and including ways to avoid, minimize or mitigate environmental impacts are among the recommendations put forward in a report on developing a process for offshore wind procurement delivered to Governor John Carney and state lawmakers by the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control’s (DNREC) State Energy Office.

“This report provides the background, current economic conditions and options for the Governor and state legislators to consider as Delaware charts its path forward in the development of a comprehensive offshore wind program,” said DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin.

The report, Proposed Offshore Wind Procurement Strategy for Delaware, reviews changing conditions in the offshore wind industry, identifies key factors to consider in developing an offshore wind program, identifies key developments coming up in 2024 that will affect planning and offers recommendations on how to best structure an offshore wind procurement strategy to meet Delaware’s needs.

Among the recommendations included in the report:

  1. Delaware should proceed with legislation authorizing the procurement of offshore wind to serve Delaware, either as a standalone project or in partnership with other states.
  2. DNREC should prepare model legislation to establish a path forward on offshore wind procurement that best serves the needs of Delaware.
  3. DNREC should be the lead agency in developing an offshore wind procurement program.
  4. The procurement program should encompass as much flexibility (in terms of timing, scale, location and agreement structure) as possible to best adapt to changing industry conditions.
  5. The procurement program should be developed in consultation with all Delaware utilities, mindful of their differing governance structures and business practices.
  6. The procurement program should maximize long-term value and minimize ratepayer impacts.
  7. The procurement program should provide for economic development and workforce development without adding specifications that would drive up the cost.
  8. The procurement program should include possible partnerships with neighboring states on subjects including procurement, transmission and supply chain development to take advantage of economies of scale beyond those of Delaware’s buying capacity.
  9. The procurement program should be structured to promote the coordinated, cost-effective buildout of the transmission system on a regional scale.
  10. The procurement program should consider potential environmental and natural resource impacts and include ways to avoid, minimize, or mitigate these impacts in planning for offshore wind procurement.
  11. DNREC should update its analysis and adapt this strategy on an ongoing basis as more information becomes available.

DNREC also delivered the first Climate Action Plan Implementation Report to the Governor and state lawmakers. That report highlights how the state, in partnership with federal and local governments, fellow states, businesses, universities and communities is making rapid progress in Delaware’s efforts to reduce emissions and transition to clean energy sources.

“Thanks to President Biden and Governor Carney’s leadership, Delaware is seizing the opportunities to advance America’s growing offshore wind industry and reap the benefits – from good-paying union jobs, to lower energy costs, to a healthier planet,” President Biden’s National Climate Advisor Ali Zaidi said. “Today’s announcement is a key step forward for the Central Atlantic offshore wind partnership, as we continue to work hand in hand with the Carney Administration to grow domestic procurement of wind technology. We will continue to coordinate across all levels of government within the region to ensure Delaware is able to take advantage of the immense economic and environmental benefits of this rapidly growing American industry.”

The report builds on the recommendations of the Offshore Wind Working Group, continuing through the Special Initiative on Offshore Wind (SIOW) Report commissioned by DNREC and on the policy direction set by the Delaware’s Climate Solutions Act. It represents the most recent step in Delaware’s ongoing effort to develop an offshore wind strategy that fits the state’s policy needs and objectives.

About DNREC
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control protects and manages the state’s natural resources, protects public health, provides outdoor recreational opportunities and educates Delawareans about the environment. The DNREC Division of Climate, Coastal and Energy uses science, education, policy development and incentives to address Delaware’s climate, energy and coastal challenges. For more information, visit the website and connect with @DelawareDNREC on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly known as Twitter) or LinkedIn.

Media contacts: Michael Globetti, michael.globetti@delaware.gov; Jim Lee, jim lee@delaware.gov

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Registration Now Open For 2024 Junior Solar Sprint

A competitor readies a racer for the 2023 Junior Solar Sprint competition. Registration for next year’s Sprint is now open with a deadline of Friday, Jan. 12, 2024 for entering a team in the competition set for April 18 on the campus of Delaware State University in Dover. /DNREC photo

 

Annual Competition Tests Students’ STEM Skills, Creativity

 

Registration is open for the 2024 Junior Solar Sprint, a statewide competition for students in grades five through eight to build and race solar-powered model cars in a challenge of creativity, engineering and speed.

The annual competition is co-sponsored by the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control’s (DNREC) Division of Climate, Coastal and Energy and the Delaware Technology Student Association (TSA).

The 2024 Junior Solar Sprint competition will take place April 18 on the campus of Delaware State University in Dover.

Middle schools across the state can register up to two teams of two to four students each. Registration is free, and the Division of Climate, Coastal and Energy provides participating schools with two starter kits, each including a solar panel, motor and wheels.

“The Junior Solar Sprint provides students with the opportunity to apply real-world problem-solving in a fun and educational atmosphere,” said DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin. “Every year we are amazed by the creativity of the participating teams that spend months designing and building their solar-powered vehicles.”

Interested educators should visit de.gov/solarsprint for additional information on the 2024 event, including the registration form and guidelines. The deadline to register Junior Solar Sprint teams is Friday, Jan. 12, 2024.

Schools are not required to have a TSA chapter in order to participate. Additional questions can be directed via email to JamesW.Lee@delaware.gov or by phone at 302-735-3480.

About DNREC
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control protects and manages the state’s natural resources, protects public health, provides outdoor recreational opportunities and educates Delawareans about the environment. The DNREC Division of Climate, Coastal and Energy uses science, education, policy development and incentives to address Delaware’s climate, energy and coastal challenges. For more information, visit the website and connect with @DelawareDNREC on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly known as Twitter) or LinkedIn.

Media Contacts: Michael Globetti, michael.globetti@delaware.gov; Jim Lee, JamesW.Lee@delaware.gov

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Increasing Energy Efficiency Reduces Costs to Homeowners

Gathering at a home undergoing a Weatherization Assistance Program initial audit in recognition of Weatherization Day Oct. 30 are, first row, left to right, DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin, homeowner Kenneth Sampson, Division of Climate, Coastal and Energy Director Dayna Cobb; middle row: DNREC WAP Program Manager Heather Hubbard, DNREC Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Programs Manager Ed Synoski; top row: Kristin Peers, Energy Coordinating Agency (ECA); Spencer Marte, ECA; John Holmes, Total Home Performance (THP); and Ben Keyton, THP. /DNREC photo

 

National Weatherization Day Highlights Ways to Use Less Energy

Oct. 30 is National Weatherization Day, with Gov. John Carney also proclaiming the date as Weatherization Day in Delaware. Conducting a home energy audit is an essential first step in the First State in the weatherization process for determining how to make a home more energy efficient.

While all homeowners can benefit from a more energy-efficient home, the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control’s (DNREC) Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) helps lower income families who might not otherwise be able to afford needed improvements.

“Our Weatherization Assistance Program has helped thousands of Delaware families reduce their home energy costs,” said DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin, who spent a portion of Weatherization Day at a home undergoing an initial audit. “In addition, using less energy translates into a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, which moves us toward our goal of reducing those emissions by 50% by 2030 and reaching net zero emissions by 2050.”

WAP provides services at no cost to qualified low-income Delaware families. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, families on average save $372 per year. The energy improvements also help reduce health risks and improve comfortability in the home.

Once WAP approves an application, the first step is conducting a free home energy audit to determine the type and extent of work needed.

Typical services include air sealing, caulking, glazing, weather-stripping and crack patching; replacement of broken glass; attic, wall and floor insulation, and ventilation; sealing of heating and cooling ducts; and insulation for hot water heaters and hot and cold-water pipes.

Ben Keyton works for Total Home Performance, the subcontractor conducting the home on the home. He said insulation, air circulation and duct work are among the items that need updating in older homes. “Insulating a home to current standards, as well as duct sealing, are big ones,” he said.

Staff of Energy Coordinating Agency (ECA) were also on hand to answer questions about the Weatherization Assistance Program and how they move homes through the program. ECA is the contractor hired by the Weatherization Assistance Program, which is run through the Division of Climate, Coastal and Energy.

Residents who participate in the Weatherization Assistance Program may also qualify for low- or no-cost solar installation through DNREC’s Low- to Moderate-Income Solar Program.

Low-income qualified homes can receive a cost-free solar installation of up to 4.0 kW. Qualified moderate-income households will receive a solar installation that has 70% paid for by the LMI Solar Program and 30% by the homeowner for a system size up to 6.0 kW.

About DNREC
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control protects and manages the state’s natural resources, protects public health, provides outdoor recreational opportunities and educates Delawareans about the environment. The DNREC Division of Climate, Coastal and Energy uses science, education, policy development and incentives to address Delaware’s climate, energy and coastal challenges. For more information, visit the website and connect with @DelawareDNREC on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly known as Twitter) or LinkedIn.

Media Contacts: Michael Globetti, michael.globetti@delaware.gov; Jim Lee, JamesW.Lee@delaware.gov

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Governor’s Energy Advisory Council Sets Public Input Sessions to Highlight, Get Feedback on State Energy Plan

The public input sessions for the State Energy Plan will provide opportunities for interacting with DNREC State Energy Office staff and commenting on the plan. /DNREC photo

Delawareans will have the opportunity to learn about the State Energy Plan, offer input for it, and to become better informed about existing energy efficiency and renewable energy programs at a series of public input sessions planned in November by the Governor’s Energy Advisory Council (GEAC).

The GEAC is tasked with providing recommendations to the State Energy Office within the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control on the latest update to the Energy Plan. Since June, GEAC workgroups have been focused on learning about where Delaware currently stands, where the state needs to go, and how best to get there in working to reduce carbon emissions.

The GEAC public input sessions, one for each county, will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on the dates and at locations below:

  • Wednesday, Nov. 1, Dover Public Library, 35 Loockerman Plaza, Dover;
  • Monday, Nov. 6, Route 9 Library & Innovation Center, 3022 New Castle Ave., New Castle;
  • Wednesday Nov. 15, Cheer Community Center, 20520 Sand Hill Road, Georgetown.

GEAC chairperson Ed Kee said the goal of the public input sessions is to obtain Delawareans’ input on a wide range of energy issues. Those issues, he said, are reflected by the council’s four work groups: Grid Modernization, Energy Efficiency & Electrification, Renewable Energy and Clean Technologies, and Environmental Justice and Energy Equity.

“The format for the meetings will not be the standard public comment process, but rather specific discussion and conversations on the work group topics,” Kee said. “These conversations will run concurrently in different groups.”

Anyone wanting to attend, Kee said, can drop in at any time during the two-hour meetings to browse the displays, talk to DNREC State Energy Office staff, and offer input on some of the proposals that are under consideration.

DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin said gathering input from communities is essential to the continuing development of the State Energy Plan. “As we work toward reducing the greenhouse gases that are driving climate change, the transition to clean energy sources, energy efficiency and grid stability will be key components to our success,” he said.

Ensuring equity in any proposals for the State Energy Plan is also essential, Secretary Garvin said, noting that DNREC’s Environmental Justice team will be at each of the three upcoming meetings to present the Department’s EJ mapping tool, and to show how it is helping to bring traditionally underserved or underrepresented Delaware communities to the table.

As GEAC chair, Kee said the council’s hope is for wide public participation in each of the meetings. “Any Delawarean interested in or concerned about the future of in our state’s energy systems is welcome to express their views and concerns,” he said. “No doubt it will be a learning experience for all.”

About DNREC
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control protects and manages the state’s natural resources, protects public health, provides outdoor recreational opportunities and educates Delawareans about the environment. The DNREC Division of Climate, Coastal and Energy uses science, education, policy development and incentives to address Delaware’s climate, energy and coastal challenges. For more information, visit the website and connect with @DelawareDNREC on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly known as Twitter) or LinkedIn.