Governor opposed oil and gas leasing in federal waters off Delaware, or elsewhere in Atlantic

WILMINGTON, Del. – In a letter to U.S. Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke, Governor John Carney opposed drilling for oil and gas in federal waters off the coast of Delaware, or elsewhere in the Atlantic. President Trump in April issued an executive order to review restrictions on offshore drilling imposed by the Obama Administration. The following are excerpts from Governor Carney’s letter last week to Secretary Zinke:

“Delawareans rely upon and enjoy our abundant coastal resources. Over 60,000 jobs directly or indirectly support the fishing, tourism and recreation sectors. Coast-related activities contribute almost $7 billion in economic production to the state. According to a 2012 analysis performed by the Delaware Sea Grant, more than 10 percent of the state’s total employment, taxes and production value can be attributed to coastal related activities. Preserving the coastal environment is essential to Delaware’s economic well-being, as well as vital to maintaining a high quality of life for its residents. The majority of coastal residents perceive offshore oil and gas exploration as a threat to their communities and livelihoods.”

“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. 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. As such, I am opposed to any oil and gas leasing in federal waters offshore of Delaware, or elsewhere in the Atlantic.”

Download Governor Carney’s letter to Secretary Zinke here.

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Related news:
Governor Carney’s Statement on President Trump’s Order to Review Offshore Drilling Restrictions

DOVER – DNREC’s Division of Energy & Climate is expanding its popular Clean Vehicle Rebate program to include rebates for bi-fuel vehicles – propane or natural gas powered vehicles that also run on either gasoline or diesel. Delaware drivers will be eligible for a $1,350 rebate on bi-fuel vehicles purchased on or after Jan. 1, 2017.

Propane and natural gas provide lower-emissions alternatives to gasoline and traditional diesel. These alternative fuels can be used by drivers and businesses to lower costs and make transportation more environmentally friendly. Bi-fuel vehicles are designed to run on propane or natural gas, but also can run on diesel or gasoline, allowing drivers an alternative if they don’t have access to propane or natural gas refilling stations.

“Switching to propane or natural gas vehicles saves businesses money and keeps harmful greenhouse gases out of our atmosphere,” said DNREC Clean Transportation Planner Kathy Harris. “Bi-fuel vehicles can be a good option for fleets looking to introduce clean fuels into their operations while Delaware continues to build its alternative fuel infrastructure.”

The Division of Energy & Climate offers a $1,500 rebate for vehicles that run exclusively on propane and natural gas. Within the first 18 months of this program, several Delaware businesses and drivers have made the switch to propane and natural gas, receiving rebates for their alternative fuel vehicles.

Energy & Climate also offers rebates for battery electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, and for electric vehicle charging stations. Since the program’s inception in July 2015, about 300 drivers have received rebates for electric vehicles, representing a savings of 1,150 tons of carbon dioxide kept out of Delaware’s atmosphere per year.

For more information about the Clean Vehicle Rebate program, or to apply for a rebate, visit de.gov/cleantransportation.

About the Clean Transportation Incentive Program
The Clean Transportation Incentive Program was launched in July 2015 to encourage Delaware drivers and businesses to purchase and lease alternative fuel vehicles, including vehicles that run on propane, natural gas and electricity. Alternative fuel vehicles produce fewer or no tailpipe emissions, reducing both pollution and the greenhouse gas emissions that drive climate change.

Delaware’s Clean Transportation Incentive Program is made possible through Delaware’s participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), a regional market-based emissions cap and trade program. Delaware’s proceeds from RGGI are invested in energy efficiency, renewable energy, emissions reductions programs and programs that benefit energy consumers. In addition to providing funds, RGGI encourages innovation, growing a clean energy economy and creating green jobs.

Media contact: Joanna Wilson, DNREC Public Affairs, 302-739-9902.

Vol. 46, No. 426

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Delawareans choose electric vehicles, save 830,000 pounds CO₂ per year

DOVER – The success of DNREC’s Clean Transportation Incentive Program and high public demand for participation in it led the Division of Energy & Climate to announce today that an additional 100 rebates are being offered for electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles purchased or leased in Delaware.

Launched in July 2015, the Clean Transportation Incentive Program has exceeded its goal of 100 vehicle rebate applications from Delaware drivers of electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. In light of the program’s high demand, 100 more rebates at $2,200 each are now available.

“The vehicles that have been purchased through the rebate program so far represent a savings of 830,000 pounds of carbon dioxide per year that would have been emitted into our atmosphere if these drivers had chosen traditional gasoline cars,” said Climate Section Administrator Susan Love, Division of Energy & Climate.

Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, which have a back-up gasoline engine, and battery electric vehicles, which run solely on electricity, have more reliable and typically lower fuel costs compared to gasoline. In addition, battery-electric vehicles produce no tailpipe pollution, leading to cleaner air and a lower carbon footprint.

“Transportation accounts for roughly a third of greenhouse gas emissions in the state. Delawareans are embracing electric, plug-in hybrid electric and alternative fuel vehicles as a cleaner, cost-effective way to get around,” Love said. “That means a lot for our public health, our natural resources and our efforts to mitigate climate change.”

Rebate-eligible electric vehicles include the Nissan Leaf, Ford Focus Electric, Ford Fusion Energi, Chevy Volt, BMW i3, Tesla Model S and other options. Battery-electric vehicles such as the BMW i3, Chevy Spark and Nissan Leaf can drive about 80 miles on one charge, making them a viable option both for frequent local travel and some commutes.

Drivers in all three counties have applied for and received Delaware clean vehicle rebates, and dealerships across the state have partnered with DNREC to help inform and engage Delawareans. Partnering dealers are: AutoTeam Delaware, Wilmington; Diver Chevrolet, Wilmington; Sheridan Ford, Wilmington; Sheridan Nissan, New Castle; Bayshore Ford, New Castle; Porter Auto Group, Newark; Willis Chevrolet Buick, Smyrna; Willis Ford, Smyrna; and I.G. Burton, Milford.

Clean Transportation Grants and Rebates
In addition to vehicle rebates, the Delaware Clean Transportation Incentive Program also includes grant and rebate opportunities for projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Delaware by promoting propane, electric and natural gas vehicles – collectively known as alternative fuel vehicles – and related infrastructure. Alternative fuel vehicles can meet the needs of drivers of all types of vehicles, from everyday four-door sedans and pick-up trucks to vans, dump trucks and heavy-duty tractor trailers.

In addition to state rebates and funding opportunities for vehicles and charging/fueling equipment, manufacturer rebates and federal funding opportunities and tax incentives also may be available.

For more information about funding available through Delaware’s Clean Transportation Incentive Program, visit de.gov/cleantransportation.

Fueling the Future Conference and Ride-and-Drive Event
Interested transportation professionals and state partners can learn about and experience alternative fuel vehicles firsthand at Fueling the Future: Clean Transportation for a Greener Delaware, a one-day conference and ride-and-drive event on Tuesday, May 24 at Dover Downs Hotel and Casino. Expert panels will discuss the mechanics and benefits of alternative fuel vehicles for businesses, fleets, shipping and other transportation needs. In the afternoon ride-and-drive component, attendees will have the opportunity to drive alternative fuel vehicles, and ride in alternative fuel commercial vehicles.

To register, visit de.gov/fuelingthefuture. Registration is open through Wednesday, May 11.

Delaware’s Clean Transportation Incentive Program is made possible through Delaware’s participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). RGGI is a market-based emissions trading program designed to reduce emissions from the electricity generation sector. Delaware’s proceeds from RGGI are invested in energy efficiency, renewable energy, emissions reductions programs and programs that benefit energy consumers. In addition to providing funds, RGGI encourages innovation, growing a clean energy economy and creating green jobs.

Media Contact: Joanna Wilson, DNREC Public Affairs, 302-739-9902

Vol. 46, No. 140