Workshops to discuss updates to existing program, new industrial grants, and grant opportunities for participating contractors

DOVER – DNREC’s Division of Energy & Climate will host two public workshops to discuss updates to the Energy Efficiency Investment Fund (EEIF), and to announce the launch of a new program, Energy Efficiency Industrial (E2I) grants. Both public workshops will cover the same topics. The workshops will take place at:

• 4:00 p.m. Monday, Oct. 30, at the Pat Ellis Conference Room, 391 Lukens Drive, in New Castle
• 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 31, at the DNREC Auditorium, in the Richardson & Robbins Building, 89 Kings Highway, in Dover

The EEIF and E2I programs offer grant funds and low-interest loans for energy efficiency upgrades. Since 2011, EEIF has helped businesses, non-profits, and local governments make upgrades to their buildings to save energy and lower utility bills. The workshops will discuss updates to this program, including a new pathway for Combined Heat and Power (CHP) projects, and an opportunity for businesses to apply as participating contractors. Participating contractors will be recognized on the DNREC website, where potential customers can search for contractors experienced with the EEIF process.

The new E2I program will focus on innovative energy efficiency updates for large-scale energy users. E2I is open to Delmarva Power customers who use at least 10,000 MWh and/or 95,000 MMBtu per year. Applications for E2I and for participating contractors will be accepted beginning Monday, Nov. 6.

“We have seen time and time again that energy efficiency is one of the most cost-effective ways to lower energy use and lower operations costs, making commercial buildings more affordable and environmentally friendly,” said DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin. “Last year, Delaware’s EEIF grants supported 146 projects that, collectively, will result in lower electricity use amounting to 29 million kilowatt-hours per year. These grantees will save almost $3.5 million in electricity costs and over $2 million in heating costs. Also through these energy savings, EEIF projects will lower carbon emissions by saving the equivalent of emissions produced by more than 7,000 homes’ annual energy use, or the emissions produced in a year by more than 14,000 vehicles.”

For more information, visit de.gov/eeif, or contact DNREC’s Division of Energy & Climate at 302-735-3480.

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

DOVER – DNREC’s Division of Energy & Climate encourages businesses, non-profit organizations, and local governments to take advantage of the opportunity to install electric vehicle charging stations for employees’ use through the Delaware Workplace Charging Program. Participants in the program can receive rebates and technical guidance for the installation of electric vehicle charging stations.

Organizations who opt to “fuel electrically” by installing charging stations can receive rebates for as many as six charging stations. Rebates cover 75 percent of the cost of charging equipment, up to $5,000 per rebate.

As electric vehicles grow in popularity across Delaware and the United States, installing electric vehicle charging stations is a simple and effective way for businesses and organizations to “go green” and support sustainability in their workforce and communities. Currently, 37 models of electric (battery-powered) and plug-in hybrid electric (battery and gas-powered) vehicles from almost every major auto manufacturer in the United States are available, with more models coming out every year.

“Workplaces are ideal locations for charging stations,” said Clean Transportation Planner Kathy Harris, Division of Energy & Climate. “Vehicles are parked there up to 8 hours a day, allowing employees time to fully charge their vehicles and ensure they have enough battery range for their commute.”

Workplace charging also opens opportunities for electric fleet vehicles, which have lower fueling and maintenance costs than their gasoline counterparts.

In the past two years, DNREC’s Clean Transportation Incentive Program has provided 465 rebates for electric vehicles and 120 rebates for residential and commercial charging stations to Delawareans in all three counties.

The Delaware Workplace Charging Program is open to participants through June 30, 2018. Interested parties are encouraged to contact the Division of Energy & Climate at 302-735-3480, and to visit de.gov/cleantransportation.

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

Governor Carney pledges support in fight against climate change

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney announced on Monday that Delaware has joined the U.S. Climate Alliance, a coalition of states committed to upholding the Paris Agreement to combat climate change, after President Trump announced last week that he would withdraw the U.S. from the agreement. The Climate Alliance now includes 13 members.

“Delaware is the country’s lowest-lying state and with 381 miles of coastline, climate change is a very real threat to our future,” said Governor Carney. “As sea levels rise, more than 17,000 Delaware homes, nearly 500 miles of roadway and thousands of acres of wildlife habitat including our critical wetlands are at risk of permanent inundation. Rising average temperatures and an increase in extreme weather events also pose health risks to Delawareans, and threaten our economy. The U.S. should lead in the global fight against climate change. Delaware is proud to join this coalition of states providing that necessary leadership.”

The Paris Agreement called for the U.S. to achieve a 26-28 percent reduction of emissions, from 2005 levels, by 2025. Delaware’s continued commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning to clean energy also will provide economic opportunity for Delawareans, and offer significant public health and environmental benefits.

Delaware’s greenhouse gases come from three primary sources: energy production, transportation, and industry. The state is working to reduce emissions in a number of ways, including through continued participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), a nine-state program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from power plants. Delaware also has set renewable energy targets and increased energy efficiency with building codes, weatherization and other voluntary programs.

“Reducing greenhouse gas emissions requires action at all levels – from people using less energy and driving fuel efficient cars, to the government establishing national pollutant standards,” said Shawn Garvin, Secretary of the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control. “We are proud of the progress the state has made and programs that help Delawareans drive cleaner cars and improve energy efficiency in homes and businesses. There is still much work to be done to reduce Delaware’s share of global greenhouse gas emissions, and I look forward to working with our sister states through the US Climate Alliance to meet Delaware’s pledge for the Paris Agreement.”

In the transportation sector, the state has incentivized the transition to cleaner fuels and electric vehicles, and now has a statewide network of charging stations.

“As we look to the future, it is imperative that we improve transportation resiliency to adapt to the effects of a changing climate. Incorporating the impact of climate change into our project planning and development, and adding more alternative fuel vehicles to our public transportation fleet each year are just two examples of how DelDOT is responding, and we thank Governor Carney for his leadership and commitment to this effort,” said Jennifer Cohan, Secretary of Transportation.

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Municipalities, county governments and partners invited to apply for new Sustainable Communities Planning Grants

DOVER – DNREC’s Division of Energy & Climate invites municipalities, county governments and their academic and non-profit partners to apply for the new Sustainable Communities Planning Grants now available. These competitive grants support planning and assessment projects that improve a community’s economy, environment and public health. Grants of up to $80,000 are available to counties or towns with populations of 5,000 residents or more, and grants of up to $40,000 are available to towns with populations of fewer than 5,000 residents.

Grant funds can be used to develop:

• Community sustainability plans
• Climate change vulnerability assessments and action plans
• Greenhouse gas inventories and mitigation plans
• Natural areas inventories and conservation plans

Partners such as universities and non-profit organizations working with a Delaware municipality or county are also invited to apply. Partners are not required to be Delaware-based, as long as the proposed project will be developed for and in tandem with a Delaware community. Additionally, multiple jurisdictions may partner on joint projects.

Why is sustainability important in a community?
Sustainable communities keep their residents safe from unexpected events while providing economic stability and a high quality of life. These communities are vibrant, healthy and prepared; they balance environmental protection, resiliency, economic growth and social objectives. Planning plays a crucial role in making a community sustainable.

The Sustainable Communities Planning Grant Program was designed to help communities develop a vision, assess opportunities and draft an actionable plan that can be implemented over time.

“Delaware communities have already shown initiative in making their hometowns more sustainable – expanding bike networks, harnessing energy from renewable resources and reducing flood risks,” said Sustainability Planner Bahareh van Boekhold, Division of Energy & Climate. “Sustainable Communities Planning Grants will help build healthy, greener communities that attract new businesses, create new jobs, protect citizens and safeguard communities’ natural and cultural heritage.”

“Municipal and county governments hold the keys to Delaware’s sustainable future, but many don’t have the resources they need to lay out a vision and path towards that future. This grant provides that opportunity,” said Climate Section Administrator Susan Love, Division of Energy & Climate. “Communities that invest time and effort in planning and assessment position themselves for on-the-ground improvements and innovations that will help make their communities healthier, more prepared and more vibrant places to live, work and play.”

Sustainable Communities Planning Grant recipients who successfully complete their projects may be eligible for future grants toward implementing sustainability needs identified in the planning and assessment process.

How to apply for a Sustainable Communities Planning Grant
The Division of Energy & Climate will host a webinar Tuesday, March 14 to review the Sustainable Communities Planning Grant Program and take questions from potential applicants. For webinar time and access information, complete grant program guidelines, resources and a downloadable application, visit the sustainable planning webpage at de.gov/sustainablecommunities.

Completed grant applications must be received by 4:30 p.m. Friday, June 2, 2017. Electronic submissions are preferred. Please email the grant application as a PDF attachment to Bahareh.vanBoekhold@delaware.gov. Applications also may be faxed to 302-739-1840 or sent by mail to Division of Energy & Climate, ATTN: Bahareh van Boekhold, State Street Commons, Suite 5A, 100 West Water Street, Dover, DE 19904.

For more information, call the Division of Energy & Climate at 302-735-3480, or email Bahareh.vanBoekhold@delaware.gov or Michael.Tholstrup@delaware.gov.

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

Vol. 47, No. 35

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School registration due by Feb. 10 for event on April 27

DOVER – Delaware middle school students are encouraged to test their model car engineering skills and power up their solar panels for the 23rd annual Junior Solar Sprint race – a statewide challenge of creativity, engineering and speed that will culminate Thursday, April 27 with a day of racing at the Delaware State Fairgrounds in Harrington. Co-sponsored by DNREC’s Division of Energy & Climate and the Delaware Student Technology Association (TSA), the state’s Junior Solar Sprint competition is part of the National Junior Solar Sprint program sponsored by the U.S. Army Educational Outreach Program.

The deadline for team registration is Friday, Feb. 10. Delaware middle schools – 5th through 8th grade students – are invited to register one or two teams for the Junior Solar Sprint race, with two to four students on each team. The Division of Energy & Climate will provide each participating team with a materials kit including wheels, a motor and a solar panel that converts the sun’s energy into electric power. Over several weeks, team members use these standard materials to design and build their own unique cars. Awards will be presented for the fastest time, as well as for design creativity.

“Junior Solar Sprint presents a hands-on, multidisciplinary exercise in renewable energy education that encourages teamwork and fosters student interest in STEM fields – science, technology, engineering and mathematics,” said Energy Program Administrator Rob Underwood, Division of Energy & Climate. “Junior Solar Sprint has been a Delaware tradition for more than 20 years, allowing students to flex their creative ingenuity and apply real-world problem solving in a fun and educational atmosphere.”

Full rules, guidelines and registration forms can be found on the Division of Energy & Climate’s renewable energy webpage, or the Delaware TSA State Conference webpage. Schools are not required to have a TSA chapter in order to participate. Interested educators can send their registration forms by email to mailto:Caren.Fitzgerald@delaware.govor by U.S. mail to: DNREC Division of Energy & Climate, 100 West Water Street, Suite 5A, Dover, DE 19904. For more information, email or call Caren Fitzgerald at 302-735-3480.

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

Vol. 47, No. 25

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