New Delaware Laws Address Renewable Energy, EVs, Climate Resilience

In an article for the Delaware News Journal, Molly McVety outlines five new state laws related to climate change, land use, and transportation.

“SB265, which has made its way through various Senate committees and representatives, creates a framework for Delaware to solicit and build offshore wind projects along its coastline.” The bill requires that new offshore projects have a term of at least 20 years and keep power at below 110 percent of average cost for customers.

Two bills promote electric vehicle adoption. “House Bill 9 sets a goal that by 2040, all state-owned passenger and light-duty vehicles will be a form of zero-emission vehicles, either battery electric, hydrogen fuel cell or a plug-in hybrid.” Another law will create a financial assistance program for EV supply equipment and installation costs.

House Bill 402 requires new schools and state buildings over 50,000 square feet in size to prepare part of their roofs for solar panels, while Senate Bill 237 calls for comprehensive plans to include strategies for climate resilience in any updates. “Senate Bill 237 also will require that modes of transit that do not rely on automobiles, like walking trails or public transportation, as well as their designated evacuation routes are considered to the fullest extent.”