I-ADAPT Helps Residents Identify Strategies to Prepare For Flooding

Delaware residents can now take advantage of a new web-based tool designed to help them identify steps they can take to protect their property from flood damage.

The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control’s Division of Climate, Coastal, and Energy and Division of Watershed Stewardship have launched I-ADAPT, the Individual Adaptation Decision And Planning Tool, to help Delawareans become more resilient to climate hazards, particularly flooding.

“Flooding is not something that impacts only our coastal communities,” said DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin. “Climate change is bringing more frequent and intense storms that result in flooding in our urban and inland communities. I-ADAPT can help identify ways that residents can prepare their homes and businesses before flooding occurs.”

Users input answers about their property and preferences and I-ADAPT uses that information to identify personalized adaptation solutions they can incorporate now or in the future to increase their property’s resilience to flood events. The recommendations also include estimated budgets and additional resources for specific projects.

At the end of the survey, users have the option of having recommendations emailed to them for ease and accessibility. To ensure user privacy, information shared with I-ADAPT is not saved. Users who do not save or email the adaptation strategies to themselves would need to recomplete the survey to receive the recommendations again.

DNREC has scheduled meetings in each of the three counties to promote awareness about I-ADAPT and how it works.

The meeting locations, times and dates are:

• Tuesday, May 7, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Route 9 Library & Innovation Center, 3022 New Castle Avenue, New Castle
• Tuesday, May 21, 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Dover Public Library, 35 Loockerman Plaza, Dover
• Thursday, May 23, 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Lewes Public Library, 111 Adams Avenue, Lewes

Computers and trained staff will be available to assist the public in using I-ADAPT to generate adaptation strategies for their individual properties. Visitors can stop by at any time during the informational events to learn about I-ADAPT and try it out for themselves.

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. The DNREC Division of Watershed Stewardship develops and implements innovative watershed assessment, monitoring and implementation activities. For more information, visit the website and connect with @DelawareDNREC on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly known as Twitter) or LinkedIn.

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

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Incentives Also Offered for Workplace, Public Charging Stations

With auto makers expanding their lines of electric vehicles, and as more Delawareans transition to clean transportation alternatives, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control is extending its Clean Transportation Incentive Program through June 30, 2022.

“Thousands of Delaware drivers have made the switch to electric vehicles, and the rebate program has continued to grow as more vehicles come on the market,” said DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin. “Transportation is a leading contributor to harmful greenhouse gas emissions, and this program is just one of the ways we are demonstrating our commitment to reducing emissions and improving air quality for a healthier Delaware.”

Since Jan. 1, the program has processed 288 applications for rebates. In 2020, 401 applications totaling $885,000 were processed.

Vehicle electrification is a leading strategy in reducing greenhouse gas emissions from transportation.

Rebates for the purchase or lease of electric vehicles include:

• $2,500 for battery electric vehicles, including vehicles with range extenders, with a total vehicle price of $60,000 or less;
• $1,000 for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles with a total vehicle price of $60,000 or less.

Businesses and property owners of multi-unit dwellings can also take advantage of the rebate program by installing charging stations for customers and tenants to help in the transition of vehicle electrification. The program pays up to 90% of the cost of the charging station, with a max amount of $3,500 per port/$7,000 per station for public properties, fleets and multi-unit dwellings. 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 about the rebates 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 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.

Program is Free to Delaware Families Who Qualify

It’s time for Delawareans to prepare their homes for winter weather. The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control offers the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) at no cost to qualified low-income families to reduce energy costs.

DNREC encourages Delaware homeowners and renters to review the eligibility guidelines at https://de.gov/wap to then receive a free energy audit. An auditor will determine the services to improve the energy efficiency of the homes. Typical services include air-sealing, insulation, heating system repair, lighting upgrades and minor repairs that are necessary to complete energy-saving measures.

Last year, 195 Delawareans benefited from this program, with an average estimated savings of $283 per home per year, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

The program will now be available throughout Delaware by Energy Coordinating Agency (ECA), which had previously contracted to provide services to 200 homes in New Castle County. Following a recent state competitive bidding process, ECA is contracted to weatherize an additional 200 homes each year in Kent and Sussex counties and, at the start of their contract, has a client waiting list with 100 potential homes. ECA will use two subtractors, Eleventh House Solutions and HELP Initiative, to provide administrative functions.

People interested in receiving weatherization services anywhere in the state can contact ECA at 302-504-6111 or ecasavesenergy.org/delaware-weatherization.

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

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Virtual Workshop Series Kicks Off This Week, Online Survey Open

DNREC kicks off a series of virtual public workshops this week aimed at getting feedback on potential actions the state can take to best prepare for climate change.

The workshops, which support the development of Delaware’s Climate Action Plan, come on the heels of a recently-released technical report that projects greenhouse gas emission levels in the state over the next three decades. The report shows that if no further actions are taken, Delaware will fall short of its goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 26 to 28% by 2025 from 2005 levels.

The report, prepared for DNREC as part of Delaware’s Climate Action Plan, also shows that by implementing certain emissions reduction actions, Delaware can not only exceed its 2025 goal, but also make notable progress toward longer-term reductions.

Numerous peer-reviewed studies indicate that about 97% of climate scientists worldwide agree that greenhouse gas emissions from human activities are a major driver of the climate change we see today. In line with this scientific consensus, the virtual workshop series will look at how Delaware can minimize its greenhouse gas emissions, as well maximize its resilience to the climate change impacts we’re already experiencing.

The first workshop in the series, which will examine strategies the state can take to minimize greenhouse gas emissions, takes place Tuesday at 11:30 a.m. The workshop will be repeated Thursday at 5:30 p.m.
Other workshops in the series include:

• Sept. 24, 5:30 to 7 p.m.: Workshop No. 2 – Maximizing Resilience to Sea Level Rise
• Sept. 29, 5:30 to 7 p.m.: Workshop No. 3 – Maximizing Resilience to Increased Temperatures
• Oct. 1, 5:30 to 7 p.m.: Workshop No. 4 – Maximizing Resilience to Heavy Precipitation and Flooding

The workshops will include interactive activities to help facilitate input from participants.

Members of the public are encouraged to attend one or more workshops in the series. Attendance at one workshop is not required for attendance at another, but registration is required for each workshop.

The workshops will be recorded and posted on declimateplan.org. For those unable to participate in the workshops, an interactive online survey is also available on declimateplan.org to provide input on possible climate change solutions for Delaware. The survey will remain open through October 15.

All the workshops will be held virtually via Zoom, a video and telephone conferencing system that is free to use. Instructions for how to download and use Zoom will be sent to registered participants prior to each workshop.

For more information about the public workshop series, or to learn more about climate change in Delaware, visit declimateplan.org.

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

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