Governor Carney’s Statement on DuPont’s Purchase of Newark Manufacturing Facility

DOVER, Del. – Governor John Carney on Wednesday issued the following statement on DuPont’s announcement of the company’s $45 million purchase and expansion of a facility in Newark to manufacture the specialized engineered material Kalrez:

“DuPont’s announcement on Wednesday reaffirms that Delaware remains a great place for any company to put down roots, grow and create jobs. Delaware has a talented and dedicated workforce, an ideal location and quality of life that’s second to none. We stand ready to support any business, large or small, that is seeking a great location to grow and thrive.”

Governor Carney’s Statement on Final Passage of Angel Investor Job Creation and Innovation Act

DOVER, Del. – Governor John Carney on Tuesday issued the following statement on the General Assembly’s final passage of the Angel Investor Job Creation and Innovation Act, which will establish a refundable tax credit for qualified investors in Delaware small businesses to spur job creation and innovation:

“We are focused on doing everything we can to support Delaware’s innovators and entrepreneurs who are leading Delaware’s new economy. I look forward to signing this legislation, which will encourage investments in innovative, Delaware-based small businesses, connect our most talented entrepreneurs with resources they need to be successful, and create new jobs. Thank you to Representative Ramone, Representative Short, Senator McBride, Senator Bushweller and all members of the General Assembly for their support on this important issue.”

Governor Carney called for passage of the Angel Investor Job Creation and Innovation Act in his 2018 State of the State Address.

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Governor Carney, Atlantic Governors Issue Joint Letter to U.S. Department of Interior Opposing Offshore Drilling

Bipartisan group includes Governors from Massachusetts to North Carolina; letter sent to U.S. Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney joined a bipartisan group of seven Atlantic state governors in issuing a joint letter to U.S. Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke, opposing the Trump Administration’s plan to allow oil and gas drilling in the Atlantic Ocean. Along with Governor Carney, the Governors of Maryland, Connecticut, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Rhode Island, and Virginia signed the letter. The Governors requested an exemption from new oil and gas drilling off their states and the entire Atlantic Coast, similar to the exemption offered to the State of Florida.

Read the full letter here. The following are excerpts:

“Like Florida, each of our states has unique natural resources and an economy that is reliant on tourism as an essential driver. We support the notion of energy diversity, but the environmental and economic importance of the Atlantic Ocean must be weighed against the potential unintended consequences of these types of activities.”

“Not only are ocean and oceanside resources at risk, but also nearby bays, estuaries, coastal communities, iconic natural areas, and ports. The irreversible impact on ecosystems including marine mammals, fish, sea turtles, and other aquatic life that inhabit the ocean offshore is gravely concerning, as is potential risk and harm to our state’s economies, our natural resources, our military installations, and our residents.”

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Governor Carney Releases Statement on Call with U.S. Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney spoke by phone on Friday with U.S. Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke to express his concerns with the Trump Administration’s plan to allow oil and gas drilling off the coast of Delaware. Governor Carney released the following statement on the call, which came a day after the Governor requested a meeting to discuss the risks associated with new oil and gas drilling in the Atlantic:

“I want to thank Secretary Zinke for taking time to discuss the risks associated with offshore oil and gas drilling. During our conversation, I invited the Secretary to visit Delaware to see firsthand what’s at stake for our state, our beach communities, our economy, and our natural resources. He accepted the invitation, and we look forward to his visit. As we’ve said publicly, drilling off Delaware’s coast would create the risk of a catastrophic spill that would have devastating effects on Delaware’s economy and our environment. Our coastal economy generates $7 billion in economic activity, and supports more than 60,000 jobs in the fishing, tourism, and recreation sectors. The health of Delaware’s economy and environment are directly tied to the health of our coastal areas. Delaware simply cannot accept the risks associated with offshore drilling, and we will continue to express our concerns to the Trump Administration. I was encouraged by my conversation with Secretary Zinke today and look forward to continued dialogue.”

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Governor Carney Requests Meeting With Secretary Zinke to Discuss Offshore Drilling Plan

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney has sent a letter to U.S. Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke, requesting a meeting to discuss the Trump Administration’s offshore drilling plan. The plan would open up areas in the Atlantic, including areas off the coast of Delaware, to new oil and gas drilling. Governor Carney will urge Secretary Zinke to abandon the plan, which would pose serious risks for Delaware’s economy and natural resources.

The following are excerpts from Governor Carney’s letter:

“I am writing to express my strong concern and objection to your proposal to include areas in the Atlantic as part of a dramatic expansion of oil and natural gas drilling nationwide….Opening areas on the Outer Continental Shelf off the Atlantic coast threatens the economic and environmental well-being of Delaware and states throughout the entire region.”

“More than 7 million people visit Delaware’s coastal communities every year. They spend time on our world-class beaches, eat at restaurants, shop at local businesses, and help support thousands of families that work in our local economy. Delaware’s coastal economy generates almost $7 billion in economic production to the state, and supports over 60,000 jobs in the fishing, tourism, and recreation sectors.”

“The health of Delaware’s economy and environment are directly tied to the health of the state’s coastal areas. I cannot accept the tremendous risks associated with opening vast areas in the Atlantic to drilling. I request a meeting with you and your leadership team, as was granted to Florida, to discuss the proposal in more detail.”

Read Governor Carney’s full letter here.

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