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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Public Input Sought on Delaware’s Clean Water Trust Strategic Plan and Annual Report

15-Day Input Period to Begin Jan. 3 Seeking Ideas for How the Trust Can Help Support Water Quality Improvements

With the Delaware Clean Water Trust Oversight Committee having adopted the final draft version of the Strategic Plan along with an annual report, a 15-day public input period which is to begin Jan. 3 offers an opportunity for Delaware residents and interested parties to tell how they feel the trust can support water quality improvements in the state with funding through the Delaware Clean Water Act.

The committee was created by the Clean Water for Delaware Act to advise the Governor and the General Assembly, provide oversight of Clean Water Trust funding and finances, and publish an annual report and strategic plan for clean water. The committee oversees the Clean Water Trust account.

The Clean Water Trust account includes bond appropriations for clean water, the Clean Water State Revolving Fund, the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, and the Resource, Conservation, and Development funds for water quality and water-related projects. Part of the process for publishing the strategic plan and annual report includes providing the public the opportunity to offer input and suggestions for consideration in subsequent updates to the plan and future annual reports.

Since Clean Water Trust funding touches almost every aspect of water quality improvement and water-related projects in the state – including infrastructure for drinking water, stormwater and wastewater; drainage programs; waterway management and beach preservation, and many other projects funded by state and federal resources such as the conservation reserve enhancement program, conservation cost-sharing and tax ditches – the 15-day input period provides the public a chance to submit thoughts and ideas that might be used by the Trust in the years ahead.

This is particularly advantageous for the public since the Clean Water Trust also works with Governor Carney’s Clean Water Initiative for Underserved Communities that is a major component of DNREC’s environmental justice work with the state’s low-income, disadvantaged and underserved communities.

The 2023-2027 strategic plan, the FY22 annual report, as well as the input form can be found at de.gov/cwi. Public input and ideas are encouraged to shape future updates to the plan for trust priorities and strategies.

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 Environmental Finance team administers Delaware’s Clean Water State Revolving Fund, making funding available to municipalities, the private sector, nonprofit organizations and individuals. 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; Nikki Lavoie, nikki.lavoie@delaware.gov

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DNREC Announces Closure of Newton Pond for Construction of New Piers

Two New Fishing Piers to be Built Along Shore by Start of Trout Season

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control announced today the temporary closure of Newton Pond near Greenwood. The closure is necessary due to a new construction project to begin Dec. 26, with completion anticipated by Feb. 14, 2024 and in time for the start of the downstate pond trout season.

The construction will include the installation of two new 120-foot-long aluminum fishing piers that will be installed parallel to the shoreline to allow for better access for trout and other fishing. Currently, anglers must traverse the steep slopes of the pond to access the water’s edge. The new piers will be a great improvement for shoreline fishing in the pond, especially for the upcoming trout season.

This project will be completed before the 2024 trout season.

More information related to this project is available by contacting the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife Fisheries Section at 302-739-9914.

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 Fish and Wildlife conserves and manages Delaware’s fish and wildlife and their habitats, and provides fishing, hunting, wildlife viewing and boating access on nearly 68,000 acres of public land owned or managed by the Division of Fish and Wildlife. For more information, visit the website and connect with @DelawareDNREC on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly known as Twitter) or LinkedIn.

Media Contacts: Joanna Wilson, joanna.wilson@delaware.gov ; Michael Globetti, michael.globetti@delaware.gov

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DNREC Announces Closure of the Records Pond Tidal Pier

The floating tidal dock at Records Pond is closed and will be removed due to damage from recent heavy rains and massive outflow from the dam. /DNREC photo

 

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control announced today the closure and removal of the Records Pond tidal pier in Laurel. The pier, located on Broad Creek just downstream of the Records Pond spillway, had its floating docks heavily damaged after heavy rains and massive outflow from the dam caused the floating dock to become partially submerged and break away from the pier. The floating dock has been secured and will be removed as soon as water flows have subsided.

More information related to this project is available by contacting the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife Fisheries Section at 302-739-9914.

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 Fish and Wildlife conserves and manages Delaware’s fish and wildlife and their habitats, and provides fishing, hunting, wildlife viewing and boating access on nearly 68,000 acres of public land owned or managed by the Division of Fish and Wildlife. For more information, visit the website and connect with @DelawareDNREC on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly known as Twitter) or LinkedIn.

Media Contacts: Joanna Wilson, joanna.wilson@delaware.gov ; Michael Globetti, michael.globetti@delaware.gov

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DNREC Announces New Superintendents at Three Delaware State Parks

Tyeast Amankwah, Auburn Valley State Park; Diana Marsteller, Brandywine Creek State Park; Lindsey Goebel, Delaware Seashore State Park. /DNREC photos

 

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control is pleased to announce three new superintendents at Delaware State Parks. Tyeast Amankwah is now the superintendent at Auburn Valley State Park, Diana Marsteller is the superintendent at Brandywine Creek State Park and Lindsey Goebel is the superintendent at Delaware Seashore State Park.

Tyeast Amankwah has been with the DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation for 23 years, starting as an administrative specialist with Wilmington State Parks in 2000. In 2018, she was hired as the assistant park superintendent at Bellevue State Park. She has twice been called upon to lead the park as the acting park superintendent during staff transitions. Amankwah received advanced training through the State Park Supervisory Development Program, the Events Management and Revenue Development Schools at Oglebay, and Event Security Planning for Public Safety Professionals through the Delaware State Fire School. She also received several awards from the division, including Outstanding Motivator and two Outstanding Customer Service awards from the division.

Diana Marsteller comes to Delaware from the Maryland Park Service, where she most recently held the position of state park ranger lead for their training division. She previously worked at Elk Neck State Park and supported front-line operations at the Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area. She also has experience as a communications coordinator and in special projects for Johns Hopkins University, from which she also received a master’s degree in environmental science and policy. She holds numerous professional certifications in instructing trainings for emergency medical responders, wilderness and remote first aid, and CPR/AED instruction for professional rescuers.

Lindsey Goebel hails from Trap Pond State Park, where she was most recently the assistant superintendent. Her work with the division started as a seasonal naturalist at both Killens Pond and Trap Pond state parks. She previously worked in a civilian position with Denton Police Department in Maryland and held numerous positions in outdoor recreation, including as a camp specialist with the Maryland Park Service and kayaking guide for the Assateague Explorer. Goebel holds a bachelor’s degree recreation and park management from Frostburg State University and is a graduate of the prestigious National Association of State Park Directors Leadership School. She also received several awards from the division, including Outstanding Achiever, Outstanding Team, and the division’s prestigious Mohr Jennings Award.

Amankwah, Marsteller and Goebel are now responsible for all daily operations at their respective state parks, including supervision, scheduling and evaluation of staff; coordination of maintenance and visitor service programs; development and continuation of relationships with partners, adjacent landowners and community groups; and fiscal, programmatic and infrastructure planning.

Delaware State Parks welcome 8 million guests annually and have been selected as the best-managed state parks system in the nation on multiple occasions.

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:
DNREC: Michael Globetti, michael.globetti@delaware.gov; Joanna Wilson, joanna.wilson@delaware.gov

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