Comments for Record May be Submitted Via Various Channels, Including Email

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control is accepting public comments for the record ahead of the April 26 public hearing on the state’s potential adoption of Advanced Clean Car II (ACC II) regulations. The proposed regulations include requirements for automobile manufacturers to deliver an increasing percentage zero-emission vehicles (ZEV) to dealerships in Delaware, providing more choices to those who want to buy a new battery-electric, plug-in hybrid electric or fuel cell electric car.

The proposed amendments are available in the Delaware Register of Regulations.

All public comments made directly to DNREC – whether received verbally at the public hearing or in writing before or after the hearing – will be entered into the public record and will be considered equally by the DNREC Secretary in making decisions on the proposed regulation. It is not necessary to submit comments elsewhere – and only comments made to DNREC and entered into the public record will be considered by the Department as part of the rulemaking decision process.

Comments about the state’s potential adoption of the ACC II regulations will be accepted through May 26 in written form via email to DNRECHearingComments@delaware.gov, or by using the online form at de.gov/dnreccomments, or by U.S. mail to Theresa Newman, Hearing Officer, c/o DNREC Office of the Secretary, 89 Kings Highway, Dover, DE 19901.

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 Air Quality monitors and regulates all emissions to the air. For more information, visit the website and connect with @DelawareDNREC on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or LinkedIn.

Media Contacts: Michael Globetti, michael.globetti@delaware.gov ; Nikki Lavoie, nikki.lavoie@delaware.gov

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EV Drivers Can Look Forward to More Fast Charging Options

Electric vehicle drivers will have more opportunities to charge up along Delaware roads with the installation of 14 new DC Fast Charging stations funded by the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control.

Grants were awarded to several businesses and one Delaware municipality for the 14 sites. The chargers will be accessible to the public 24 hours a day and users will pay a fee for powering their vehicles.

The 14 project locations represent a variety of charging location types and manufacturers, and reflect geographic diversity across the state. The projects selected for funding will be in downtown areas, shopping centers, hotels and traditional fueling centers, and will provide both en-route charging opportunities and neighborhood charging opportunities.

“These charging stations represent the first wave of major investments in Delaware to build out a network of reliable and convenient fast electric vehicle charging stations for our residents and visitors” said Shawn M. Garvin, DNREC Secretary. “It doesn’t stop here. DNREC and DelDOT are working together on an electric vehicle infrastructure plan that will guide future investments and programs to ensure a smooth transition to a cleaner, more equitable transportation system.”

Transportation is the largest single source of greenhouse gas emissions in Delaware. Building out the state’s charging network will accommodate the growing number of electric vehicles on the roads and is among the strategies identified in Delaware’s Climate Action Plan to reduce emissions.
The funding builds upon Delaware Clean Transportation Incentive Programs, which include a suite of rebates for light-duty vehicles and Level 2 charging stations. Funding for the DC Fast Charging Stations comes from the Environmental Mitigation Trust, a negotiated settlement between Volkswagen and the federal government.

Locations where new DC Fast Charging Stations will be installed include:

New Castle County
Wawa (Claymont): 2621 Philadelphia Pike
ShopRite (Wilmington): 1600 W. Newport Pike
Shore Stop (New Castle): 906 S. Dupont Highway
Budget Inn (New Castle) 3 Memorial Drive
Candlewood Suites (Newark): 1101 S. College Avenue

Kent County
City of Milford (Milford): 200 N. Front Street
Comfort Inn Suites (Dover): 1654 N. Dupont Highway
Quality Inn (Smyrna): 190 Stadium Street
Holiday Inn Express & Suites (Harrington): 17271 S. Dupont Highway

Sussex County
Quality Inn & Suites (Georgetown): 20530 Dupont Boulevard
Comfort Inn Suites (Seaford): 23420 Sussex Highway
Arby’s (Lewes): 17719 Coastal Highway
Gulf (PepUp Bethany Beach): 32919 Coastal Highway
Arby’s (Millsboro): 28669 Dupont Boulevard

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, Twitter or LinkedIn.

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

Competitive Grants to Install DC-Fast Charging Stations Will Facilitate Electric Vehicle Adoption and Improve Air Quality

Improving the availability of public charging stations for the growing number of electric vehicles on Delaware roads is the goal of a grant program announced this week by the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC).

The public direct current, or DC-fast electric vehicle charging installation funding will provide up to 75% of the cost to build publicly available DC-fast charging stations for electric vehicles. DNREC expects to award one to three grants with the program’s $1.4 million funding.

Funding will be targeted to increase the availability of electric vehicle infrastructure in areas where access to fast charging stations is limited.

Transportation is the largest single source of greenhouse gas emissions in Delaware. Today’s announcement follows closely on the heels of the release of Delaware’s Climate Action Plan, which outlines strategies and actions the state can take to reduce the emissions that cause climate change. Widespread adoption of electric vehicles and installation of charging infrastructure to support the growing number of electric vehicle drivers are key strategies in Delaware’s Climate Action Plan, available at de.gov/climateplan.

“Vehicle electrification is a leading strategy in reducing greenhouse gas emissions from our transportation system,” said DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin. “By providing funding opportunities for businesses to install charging stations, we are combatting climate change, improving public health and providing new job opportunities.”

The funding builds upon Delaware’s Clean Transportation Incentive Programs, which include a suite of rebates for light-duty electric vehicles and Level 2 charging stations.

Proposals are due by April 15, 2022. Project funds will be administered by the DNREC Division of Climate, Coastal and Energy. Funding comes from the Environmental Mitigation Trust, which resulted from the state’s plan to use $9.6 million from the negotiated settlement between Volkswagen and the federal government.

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, Twitter or LinkedIn.

Media Contact: Michael Globetti, michael.globetti@delaware.gov or Jim Lee, JamesW.Lee@delaware.gov

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Delaware Drivers are Saving Money With Electric Vehicles

Delawareans looking to help fight climate change and reduce their carbon footprint can receive rebates for new electric vehicle and charging station purchases through DNREC’s Clean Transportation Incentive Program, which has been extended through June 30, 2021.

“Transportation is a leading contributor to greenhouse gas emissions in Delaware,” said Gov. John Carney. “Vehicle electrification is a leading strategy in reducing those emissions, and by providing rebates to residents and businesses we are improving the air quality for a healthier Delaware.”

Rebates for the purchase or lease of electric vehicles and charging stations include:

• $2,500 for battery electric vehicles, including vehicles with range extenders, with a purchase price of $60,000 or less;
• $1,000 for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles with a purchase price of $60,000 or less;
• Up to 90% of the cost of the charging station with a max amount of $3,500 per port/$7,000 per station.

The program provides cash rebates as part of Delaware’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gases and improving Delaware’s air quality.

“The Clean Transportation Incentive Program has been well-received across Delaware,” said DNREC Secretary Shawn Garvin. “Since DNREC started this program, almost 5,000 rebates have been given to Delaware residents and businesses that have adopted cleaner fueled vehicles, like electric vehicles.”

Rebates are also available for natural gas and propane vehicles. Delaware’s Clean Transportation Incentive Program is made possible through Delaware’s participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). More information can be found at de.gov/cleantransportation.

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 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 DNREC on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn.

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

Delaware drivers and businesses choose environmentally-friendly, money-saving vehicles

DOVER – DNREC’s Division of Climate, Coastal & Energy today announced that the state’s popular Clean Transportation Incentive Program will be extended through Dec. 31, 2019 in response to Delawareans’ rising demand for cleaner fuel and electric vehicles. Rebate amounts will remain the same, but eligibility requirements will be updated slightly for clarity and flexibility. Changes will take effect July 1.

“The Clean Transportation Incentive Program has been well-received across Delaware,” said DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin. “When DNREC started this program, we hoped to assist at least 100 drivers in making the cleaner, more cost-effective vehicle choice. Three years later, we have exceeded that target seven times over. Electric and cleaner fuel vehicles are a smart choice for citizens and businesses alike.”

Launched in July 2015, the Clean Transportation Incentive Program has provided rebates to more than 750 Delaware drivers across all three counties for the purchase or lease of electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. The program has also provided more than 200 rebates for electric vehicle charging stations at residential and commercial properties and workplaces. The program was designed to help Delaware drivers choose vehicles that produce less or no tailpipe emissions, reducing both unhealthy pollution and the greenhouse gas emissions that drive climate change.

Rebates for the purchase or lease of cleaner fuel vehicles are:

• $3,500 for battery electric vehicles under $60,000 MSRP
• $1,500 for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and electric vehicles with gasoline range extenders under $60,000 MSRP
• $1,000 for battery and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles over $60,000 MSRP
• $1,500 for dedicated propane or natural gas vehicles
• $1,350 for bi-fuel propane or natural gas vehicles
• $20,000 for heavy-duty dedicated natural gas trucks

Rebates are also available for electric vehicle charging stations for homes, businesses, and workplaces.

Delaware’s Clean Transportation Incentive Program is made possible through Delaware’s participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). For more information, visit de.gov/cleantransportation.

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

Vol. 48, No. 163

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