WILMINGTON (Sept. 12, 2013) – At the DuPont Environmental Education Center on the Wilmington Riverfront, Governor Jack Markell, DNREC Secretary Collin O’Mara, EPA Region 3 Administrator Shawn M. Garvin, Delaware Nature Society Exec. Dir. Brian Winslow and Delaware Wild Lands  Exec. Dir. Kate Hackett joined with environmental organizations to announce the kick-off of Delaware’s first Sea Level Rise Awareness Week, Sept. 14 – 22. The week of activities, being sponsored by 14 Delaware environmental advocacy groups, was organized to raise awareness and encourage citizens to take actions to help reduce the potential impacts of sea level rise and climate change.

“Sea Level Rise Awareness Week encourages Delawareans to get involved in activities that will help reduce the potential impacts of sea level rise,” said Governor Markell. “I want to thank the environmental groups for sponsoring events that educate and encourage citizens to take common sense actions to protect our natural resources and the quality of life we enjoy in the first state.”

As a low-lying coastal state, Delaware is vulnerable to the effects of sea level rise. These effects will be experienced statewide and will impact Delaware’s communities, economy, natural resources and quality of life. The state is working to proactively address these potential impacts, most recently by developing recommendations for adapting to sea level rise, approved by the Sea Level Rise Advisory Committee.

“Sea Level Rise Awareness Week will increase awareness and understanding of the challenges facing Delaware, as the state with the lowest average elevation in the nation,” said DNREC Secretary Collin O’Mara. “Making Delaware more resilient to heavy rains, extreme storms, higher temperatures, and sea level rise through strategic investments and actions is critical to ensuring public safety, improving public health, growing the economy, and conserving our natural resources. I encourage all Delawareans to take advantage of the outstanding events and activities being offered and take simple actions in their daily lives that will reduce their carbon footprint and improve the state’s resiliency to sea level rise.”

The campaign to raise awareness about sea level rise – SOS Delaware – includes a new website with resources, information, and a downloadable brochure on the actions citizens can take to reduce the impacts of sea level rise. The website includes Sea Level Rise Awareness Week events and activities scheduled in all three counties – including volunteer tree plantings, field trips and educational presentations. In addition, a new sea level rise video by Wilmington filmmaker Michael Oates will be featured on WHYY-TV’s Delaware First program at 5:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 13. After the premier, the film will be screened during Sea Level Rise Awareness Week events and will be available online at www.sosdelaware.org.

“With its 381 miles of shoreline— including the diverse flora and fauna of the Delaware Bay Estuary—Delaware is particularly susceptible to increased coastal erosion and wetlands inundation from sea level rise,” said EPA Regional Administrator Shawn M. Garvin. “That’s why it’s so essential we take action now.”

“This is a great opportunity for the Delaware Nature Society to get to work together with other organizations on the common goal of raising public awareness about sea level rise,” said Brian Winslow, Executive Director of the Delaware Nature Society. “Through education, advocacy and conservation, the Delaware Nature Society works to improve Delaware’s environment.”

“Standing at the edge of Delaware Wild Lands’ Milford Neck property,” Kate Hackett, Executive Director of Delaware Wild Lands says, “I can readily see how sea level rise is impacting our saltmarsh, freshwater wetlands, and coastal forests. Given the pace of these changes, we at Delaware Wild Lands are working and reworking our restoration plans to increase resiliency of our natural resources and wildlife habitat.  And it is critical that we – as organizations, as individuals, as a community, and as a State – do the same. It’s easy to get started.  For ideas, visit SOSDelaware.org.”

The 14 collaborative sponsors of Sea Level Rise Awareness Week are: Delaware Nature Society; Delaware Center for Horticulture; Delaware Wild Lands; Delaware Center for the Inland Bays; Partnership for the Delaware Estuary; The Nature Conservancy – Delaware Chapter; Clean Air Council; Sierra Club – Delaware Chapter; Delaware Interfaith Power & Light; Delaware Greenways; GreenWatch Institute; League of Women Voters of Delaware; Delmarva Ornithological Society; and Delaware Audubon.

The Delaware legislature endorsed this statewide initiative, when in June the 147^th General Assembly passed a House Concurrent Resolution (HRC-17) officially proclaiming September 14 – 22 as Sea Level Rise Awareness Week.

For more information visit, www.SOSDelaware.org.

Melanie Rapp, DNREC Public Affairs, 302-739-9902

NEW CASTLE (August 29, 2013) –With today’s grand opening of ReCommunity’s 35th Materials Recovery Facility (MRF), the largest pure-play recycling company in the United States launches into a 20-year agreement with the Delaware Solid Waste Authority (DSWA) to operate a state-of-the-art automated recycling facility that will serve Delaware statewide.

“Recycling is important to Delaware’s economy and environment,” said Governor Jack Markell. “ReCommunity’s investment and their technological innovation perfectly align with statewide universal recycling programs with the goal of turning ‘waste streams’ into economic opportunities for Delaware by ensuring material and resource recovery. We also welcome ReCommunity’s commitment to the state’s recycling requirements – reflecting the company’s recycling leadership in the 21^st century.”

ReCommunity invested $15 million to repurpose the existing 64,000 square foot facility, also installing state-of-the art sorting equipment within the Delaware Recycling Center (DRC) to process recyclable aluminum, plastics, paper, cardboard, tin and glass collected from throughout Delaware. 

“When DSWA reviewed the proposals for green industries at the DRC, it was clear ReCommunity is a leader in the recycling industry,” said Pat Canzano DSWA CEO. “But what was most impressive about them is their commitment to Delaware and the surrounding community.”

DSWA previously assembled the recyclable materials collected in the state at one of two transfer stations and then transported the material to ReCommunity’s MRFs located in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, as well as other MRFs in the surrounding area.  The retrofitted facility now keeps the recycling in state, immediately creating more than 35 new jobs in Delaware, which will hopefully increase to more than 70 jobs over time. 

“ReCommunity exists to help our community partners extract value from their own resources,” said James Devlin, ReCommunity’s Chief Executive Officer. “Delaware is another shining example of our commitment to ‘Leading the Recovery Revolution^TM’ within forward-thinking communities seeking significant positive gains.”

The world-class operation and design showcased within the ReCommunity Delaware facility includes advanced automated sorting capabilities that allow identification, separation and recovery of recyclables.

The BHS-installed equipment includes screening, optical sorting, air and controls technology to recover more than 90 percent of available recyclables. The state-of-the-art facility can process more than 35 tons per hour, with the capacity to handle more than 160,000 tons per year.

At full capacity, ReCommunity Delaware will recover material that will prevent 464,331 metric tons of carbon dioxide-equivalent greenhouse gases from being emitted annually, which is equivalent to removing 85,045 cars from the road each year.  It will also save 218,587 cubic yards of landfill space and avoid 1,806,539 gallons of wastewater from entering landfills.

“Delaware is rapidly emerging as a national leader in recycling, demonstrating that environmental stewardship and economic prosperity can go hand-in-hand,” said Collin O’Mara, Secretary of  Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control. “Through this state-of-the-art facility, DSWA and ReCommunity will reduce material going to landfills, create well-paying jobs, and support new market opportunities for entrepreneurs.”

To celebrate the opening of ReCommunity’s MRF and DSWA’s new Environmental Education Building, DSWA and ReCommunity will host a community Open House event from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, September 7 at 1101 Lambsons Lane in New Castle. Families can tour the new ReCommunity MRF and see how recyclables are sorted and processed, as well as view interactive exhibits on recycling, waste collection and landfills on display at DSWA’s Environmental Education Building. In addition, DSWA is holding a collection event of household hazardous waste, paper for shredding and electronic equipment for recycling. For more information on the Open House and collection event, visit DSWA’s website, www.dswa.com.

Vol. 43, No. 336                                                                     -30-

About ReCommunity

ReCommunity, headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is a leading recycling and recovery company that is focused on dramatically reducing the volume of landfilled waste. The company aims to lead a Recovery Revolution^TM by repositioning waste as a strategic community resource instead of a growing liability. With 35 facilities in 13 states, ReCommunity enables community partners to create additional revenue, create new jobs, and create a better future. For more information, visit www.ReCommunity.com.

Significant addition to State’s leading role in corporate law

Governor Jack Markell today joined members of the General Assembly to announce legislation enabling the formation of public benefit corporations in Delaware. Public benefit corporations are a new kind of socially conscious for-profit corporation intended to operate in a responsible and sustainable manner. They are to be managed for the benefit not only of stockholders, but also for other people, the community and public interests. The creation of public benefit corporations in Delaware is a significant addition to the state’s long- standing leadership in the development of corporate law worldwide.

“Delaware is rightfully recognized worldwide for its leading role in corporate law,” said Governor Jack Markell. “With the addition of Public Benefit Corporations, Delaware will continue to be a leader and support a new movement of  social entrepreneurs and investors who are stepping forward to meet high standards of corporate purpose, accountability and transparency.”

Delaware is the legal home of more than one million legal entities including many of the nation’s largest businesses. The State’s recognition of this new type of corporation whose end objective is to create a positive impact on society and the environment is expected to have a significant effect on the development of this area of corporate law. The bill requires directors of a Delaware public benefit corporation to balance the interests of stockholders with the best interests of those materially affected by the corporation’s conduct and the specific public benefits identified by the corporation.

Senate Bill 47 was introduced today in the Delaware General Assembly with bi-partisan support.

“I am proud to sponsor legislation which gives corporations a way to rebuild public trust in business by ensuring that the benefits of their work extend beyond their stockholders and managers,” said Sen. David Sokola, D-Newark, who is sponsoring the bill.

Rep. Bryon Short, who chairs the House Small Business Caucus and the House Economic Development Committee, is the lead House sponsor of the legislation. “The establishment of benefit corporations is a positive step forward for the role of corporations in our communities,” said Rep. Short, D-Highland Woods. “Their missions go beyond the historical board-stockholder relationship to create specific public benefits. Delaware’s unique role in the corporate world makes us an ideal place for Benefit Corporations to incorporate. I’m happy to support this legislation and help guide it toward becoming law.”

B Lab, a non-profit organization whose mission is to use the power of business to solve social and environmental problems, is the nation’s leading advocate for benefit corporation legislation. B Lab also certifies hundreds of companies that meet rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, accountability and transparency including more than 70 firms that are already incorporated in Delaware. According to Jay Coen Gilbert, co-founder of B Lab, “Delaware’s introduction of benefit corporation legislation is a tipping point in the acceleration of a global movement to redefine success in business.  We are deeply appreciative of the commitment that Delaware had made to this important issue and thank Governor Markell, the bill’s sponsors, the Delaware State Bar Association, the Delaware Court of Chancery, and the Secretary of State for their leadership in supporting legislation that will work in Delaware.”

A public benefit corporation (PBC) will be formed in the same manner as any other corporation formed under the Delaware General Corporation Law. However, in order to be a PBC, the corporation’s certificate of incorporation must identify one or more specific public benefits and must have a name that clearly identifies its status as a PBC. Public benefits for which corporations may be formed under the proposed law include, but are not limited to, those of an artistic, charitable, cultural, economic, educational, environmental, literary, medical, religious, scientific or technical nature.

At least once every two years, a public benefit corporation must send its stockholders a statement with respect to its promotion of the public benefit(s) identified in its charter, as well as its promotion of the best interests of those materially affected by the corporation’s conduct.

John Grossbauer, Vice Chair of the Council of the Corporation Law Section of the Delaware State Bar Association, stated “I’m pleased to represent the Delaware State Bar Association in endorsing this legislation which will provide corporations, entrepreneurs and investors who wish to pursue these goals the ability to rely on a long tradition of Delaware corporate law that provides both the stability and predictability that businesses have come to rely upon.”

If enacted, corporations would become eligible to form, convert or merge into a public benefit corporation beginning August 1, 2013.

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Video from the event is available online.

Wilmington – The State agency responsible for ensuring the safety and well-being of children throughout Delaware has a new leader. Jennifer Ranji was sworn in as the 7th Cabinet Secretary for the Department of Services for Children, Youth and Their Families (DSCYF) on Monday March 25th. Ranji was joined by members of her family, Delaware Governor Jack Markell, DSCYF staff, representatives from the Judiciary, General Assembly, Department of Justice, child advocacy organizations and special guests. Both Governor Markell and Senator Patricia Blevins provided remarks during the simple half hour ceremony. The Oath of Office was administered by Thomas P. McGonigle, former Chief of Staff for Governor Markell and Ranji’s supervisor when she served as the Governor’s Education Policy Advisor.

“I am honored and excited for the opportunity to lead the Department that works to address some of the most fundamental needs of our kids — the need to be safe, to be supported, to be healthy, and to make good choices for themselves and their communities,” said Ranji. “I look forward to using my background in child advocacy and policy so we can continue to improve positive outcomes for the youth and families that we serve.”

Ranji said her first priority will be to visit each of the Department’s facilities statewide and meet not only with leadership, but also front line workers. She takes over a staff of 1,200 individuals spread across four Divisions: Family Services, Management Support Services, Prevention and Behavioral Health Services and Youth Rehabilitative Services. She will also be focused on improving continuity for adolescents in services, stable placements, and education in an effort to reduce the stress and challenges that may be faced when transitioning back to the home, community or ‘aging out’ of foster care.

“Jennifer’s experience as a fierce advocate for children in her private legal practice, and the depth and breadth of her experience with policy and education issues have prepared her well to lead our Children’s Department,” said Governor Jack Markell. “She is committed to working with the staff to find new, innovative ways to better serve our children and families, making a lasting difference for Delaware’s children and their families.”

Secretary Ranji served as Education Policy Advisor in the Office of Governor Markell from September 2009 to July 2012 and was the lead staff person on Race to the Top and Early Childhood Race to the Top initiatives. Prior to that, she served as Deputy Legal Counsel in the Office of Governor Thomas Carper, and as Director of Legal Affairs for Family Court of the State of Delaware. She has also practiced law privately and provided pro bono representation to domestic violence victims through Delaware Volunteer Legal Services and to child abuse victims through the Office of the Child Advocate.

Ranji received her B.A. from Rutgers University in 1991 and earned her Juris Doctorate in 1995 from Widener University School of Law. She is a former Chair of the Women and the Law Section of the Delaware State Bar Association, the Delaware Child Protection Accountability Commission and the Governor’s Synar Advisory Committee.
The Children’s Department provides services to children who have been abused, neglected, are dependent, have mental health or substance problems, have been adjudicated delinquent by the Courts, as well as prevention services for youth. For more information, please visit www.kids.delaware.gov.

Governor Jack Markell presented the Governor’s Heritage Award to former Delaware Supreme Court Justice and Secretary of State William T. Quillen at a ceremony on Wednesday at the Delaware Public Archives in Dover. The Governor’s Heritage Award is given to those Delawareans who have contributed significantly to the recognition, preservation, and celebration of Delaware’s heritage. Quillen is the ninth person to receive the distinction.

While serving as Secretary of State from 1993-1994, Quillen was the driving force behind the planning of a new Public Archives building, which holds more than 95,000 cubic feet of government records and historical documents.

“When he became Secretary of State, Bill took a special interest in the Archives and what it needed to grow and modernize,” said Governor Markell. “He was determined to help it be the top-notch facility he and others knew it could be.”

On a more local level, Quillen has long been a champion for the preservation and celebration of New Castle’s historic legacy, including as a former Vice President and Director of the New Castle Historical Society.

In addition to his service as Delaware’s Secretary of State, Quillen has held the distinguished posts of Superior Court Judge, Chancellor of the Court of Chancery, and Supreme Court Justice. He has also worked for many years in private law practice, and is currently Of Counsel at the Wilmington office of Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP. He has taught law at Widener University and has written about the history of Delaware’s Court of Chancery, in addition to other academic publications.

Quillen received his BA from Williams College, his LL.B. from Harvard Law School and his LL.M. from University of Virginia School of Law. He was joined at Wednesday’s ceremony by members of his family, as well as current and past colleagues, including Superior Court Resident Judge Richard Cooch, former Secretaries of State Harriet Smith Windsor and Edward J. Freel, and current Chief Deputy Secretary of State Richard Geisenberger.

Photos from this event

Video excerpt of Governor Markell’s remarks