DE House of Rep. Newsletter – #650 – December 19, 2025

These are the latest articles from the DE House of Representatives:

ARTICLES IN THIS EDITION

• NEWS-OPINION: House Republicans Urge Prudence After State Revenue Estimates Rise
• NEWS: Lawmakers Seek to Coerce Airline for Cooperating with Feds on Deportations
• NEWS: Electricity Prices Rise as Supply Lags Behind Demand
• NEWS: New Bills Introduced Dealing with Public Notification, Marijuana Violations, and Stopping State Pensions for Sex Offenders

 

NEWS – OPINION

At its meeting earlier this week, the Delaware Economic Financial Advisory Council (DEFAC) issued its latest state revenue estimate for the upcoming fiscal year, which begins July 1st.

According to the non-partisan group, the amount of money flowing into the state’s coffers during FY 2027 that can be appropriated is $7.098 billion—an increase of $365 million from the estimate made two months ago.

About $215 million of the revenue increase was attributed to expected higher corporate income tax collections following the enactment of a new law last month that “decouples” state tax law from federal law, preventing Delaware-based businesses from fully taking advantage of tax breaks for investments to improve production and foster research & development.

House and Senate Republicans opposed eliminating the tax break (House Bill 255), noting that it would divert funds from creating more quality jobs and would increase state spending, which has been on an unsustainable growth trajectory in recent years.

The latest revenue estimates play a huge role in state spending. By law, Delaware budget writers can spend no more than 98% of expected state revenue.

The estimates are made six times each fiscal year. This week’s estimate is the second in the series, but one of the most influential.

The governor’s suggested state operating and capital budgets, which will be unveiled late next month, will be based on this projection. Legislative budget writers will use these spending plans as a starting point when they begin their work in February to craft the final budgets.

The denial of the business tax credits, signed into law last month by the governor after he called legislators into an extraordinary session to pass the bill, significantly increased the amount the governor can spend. Additional factors—projected revenue increases from the franchise tax, business entity fees, and the lottery— further increased the total.

In all, the latest forecast furnishes the governor with $7.098 billion in spendable revenue, a figure that is 7.87% higher than the current state operating budget. Those calculations do not account for the cash required for the state’s other major annual appropriations bills: the capital budget (also known as the Bond Bill) and Grants-in-Aid (providing assistance to nonprofit agencies serving Delawareans).

Despite the one-time revenue bump from the decoupling bill, forecasters predict meager revenue growth in the near term, projecting just 1.3% for the upcoming FY 2027 and 2.7% in FY 2028.

STATEMENT FROM THE HOUSE REPUBLICAN CAUCUS:

“While the latest forecast was welcome news, we continue to urge the governor and our Democratic colleagues who control the budget-writing Joint Finance and Bond Bill committees to take a cautious approach.

“State spending has recently been growing at an unsustainable rate. In FY 2022, we enacted an operating budget of $4.771 billion. Our current FY 2026 budget is $6.580 billion—an increase of more than $1.8 billion, or about 38%, over the four-year period.

“The latest estimate leaves the $366 million Rainy Day Fund and the $469 million Budget Stabilization Fund intact. We advocate for leaving this money untouched and in reserve.

“Our state, nation, and world are facing uncertain economic conditions. While we’re still optimistic for the future, hope is not a successful fiscal strategy.

“We still have four more state revenue estimates this spring, with the last and deciding forecast not being issued until June. As we head into the New Year, let us resolve to adopt prudence as we allocate the taxpayers’ money.”

 

NEWS:

Lawmakers Seek to Coerce Airline for Cooperating with Feds on Deportations

Democratic lawmakers, Sen. Ray Seigfried and Rep. Mara Gorman, filed legislation this week to discourage the Delaware River and Bay Authority (DRBA) from engaging in business relationships with companies contracting with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to deport foreign nationals not complying with immigration laws.

In recent months, Avelo Airlines, a commercial airline that serves Wilmington Airport, has contracted with ICE to operate charter flights to transport detainees.

“While it’s true that much of immigration policy is a federal matter, there are levers we can pull here at the state level,” Sen. Seigfried said. “Withholding the fuel tax exemption from companies that are knowingly deporting people without due process is one way that we can make these corporations pay for their complicity.”

The DRBA was established through a compact more than 60 years ago as an independent authority to maintain transportation links between Delaware and New Jersey, operate regional airports, and engage in economic development. In addition to Wilmington Airport, the DRBA manages, finances, and operates the Cape May-Lewes Ferry and the Delaware Memorial Bridge. It does not answer to the Delaware state government.

The first of the two proposals filed this week, Senate Concurrent Resolution 123, urges the DRBA to prohibit the granting of any incentives to businesses in contractual relationships with ICE that facilitate the deportation of individuals who have not been afforded sufficient due process protections.

The two lawmakers have also introduced Senate Bill 207, which seeks to amend two sections of the Delaware Code:

• One provision of the bill would prohibit the Department of Transportation from contracting with airlines or transportation providers for the use of state-owned airport facilities if they knowingly transport individuals detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for deportation without a valid judicial warrant or demonstration of due process.

• The second provision would disqualify commercial airlines from receiving an exemption from the state’s five-cent-per-gallon tax on aviation fuel (granted as an economic development incentive) if the airline transports ICE detainees for deportation without meeting the same standards for judicial warrants and due process.

Critics of SB 207 note that it places Avelo officials in the nearly impossible situation of policing a federal government agency. They also observe that Wilmington Airport has had difficulty attracting and retaining commercial airline service. Frontier Airlines operated there from 2013 to 2015, and again from 2021 to 2022. Several other carriers have also failed over the last 20 years in their attempts to provide continuing service.

Avelo Airlines operates in the ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC) segment of the industry, with very thin profit margins. The value of the ICE contracts and the state fuel tax exclusion are economic considerations its executives cannot easily disregard. Should SB 207 become law, the airline may be forced to choose between maintaining its federal contracts or abandoning its service to Wilmington.

House and Senate Democrats controlling the 153rd Delaware General Assembly have actively sought to deter cooperation between state and local governments and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Earlier this year, a law was enacted to ban Delaware law enforcement agencies from entering into agreements with ICE to aid in the arrest or detainment of illegal immigrants. Another pending bill seeks to restrict Delaware police agencies from cooperating with federal agencies conducting immigration enforcement at churches, schools, or healthcare facilities without permission from the Attorney General. 

 

Electricity Prices Rise as Supply Lags Behind Demand

Earlier this week, the National Energy Assistance Directors’ Association released an updated winter outlook showing that U.S. home heating costs are projected to rise 9.2% this winter. Surging electricity prices and colder-than-average weather were two of the main factors cited by the group that represents the state directors of the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program.

According to the forecast, families that rely on electricity for heating will see average costs rise 12.2%, from $1,090 to $1,233. Adjusted for inflation, residential electricity prices in 2025 are at their highest level in a decade. Since 2021, the average cost per kilowatt-hour has risen 27.9%, while the average monthly electric bill has climbed 29.2%.

In related news, PJM Interconnection continued to sound a cautionary note regarding the challenges of maintaining the regional power grid serving 13 states, including Delaware.

PJM manages electricity demand to maintain constant service, coordinates maintenance and upgrades to the power grid, integrates power producers on and off the grid as they enter service or retire, and runs auctions to secure power production commitments at predictable costs.

In announcing the organization’s latest power auction, Stu Bresler, who is set to become PJM’s chief operating officer on January 7, said: “This auction leaves no doubt that data centers’ demand for electricity continues to far outstrip new supply, and the solution will require concerted action involving PJM, its stakeholders, state and federal partners, and the data center industry itself.”

PJM maintains that the supply-and-demand imbalance will require action on multiple fronts, including accelerating the entry of new generation into the system.

State Rep. Kevin Hensley (R-Townsend, Odessa, Port Penn) is one of the prime sponsors of a bipartisan bill to increase power generation in Delaware. House Bill 186 would incentivize the construction and operation of up to three high-efficiency Combined-Cycle Gas Turbine electrical generation facilities, with outputs between 100 MW and 500 MW, by creating an Electricity Production Tax Credit (EPTC) and bonus credits.

A single 500 MW plant could serve approximately 210,000 homes. 

Rep. Hensley says the proposal would increase the availability of cost-effective, high-efficiency energy production within the state. At present, Delaware imports most of its electricity via the grid.

The bill’s sponsors maintain that Combined-Cycle Gas Turbine power plants are a proven, available technology that can provide significant dispatchable power to meet Delaware’s growing energy needs.

The measure is pending action in the House Revenue & Finance Committee. The 153rd General Assembly returns to work on January 13 to begin its 2026 session.

 

New Bills Introduced to:

• Make it More Difficult for Lawmakers to Suspend Protections
• Reduce Marijuana Violation Penalties
• Stop State Pensions for Sex Offenders

In advance of lawmakers returning to the State Capitol Building next month, new bills were filed in the House this week:

RAISING THE STANDARD

House Bill 239 — Sponsor: State Rep. Jeff Spiegelman, et.al. — The House of Representatives and Senate have rules that require public notification before a bill is debated and voted on in their respective chambers. The rules also mandate that before legislation reaches the floor, it must be vetted by a committee with public notice prior to the hearing.

However, these public participation protections can be disregarded if lawmakers choose to “suspend the rules.”

Currently, such suspensions can be accomplished with a simple majority vote. Additionally, motions to suspend the rules can be approved by voice vote, which does not record how each lawmaker voted.

This bill is a proposed constitutional amendment that would require at least 60% of a chamber’s members to agree to suspend the rules and that every lawmaker’s vote be recorded and made available for public review.

The sponsors–including Sen. Eric Buckson and State Reps. Lyndon Yearick and Mike Smith–maintain that suspending fundamental protocols designed to safeguard the integrity of the legislative process should only be done under extraordinary circumstances and require a higher threshold of approval.

LOWERING THE BAR

House Bill 252 — Sponsor: State Rep. Eric Morrison, et. al. — This bill seeks to make several changes, reducing the penalties that could be imposed by someone using marijuana in a public place or in a moving vehicle.

Currently, individuals found guilty of either crime are classified as having committed an unclassified misdemeanor and may face a fine of up to $200 and/or up to five days in jail. Under this proposal, these offenses would be civil violations, carrying a fine of up to $50 for a first violation and up to $100 for subsequent violations.

NEW BILL COMPETES WITH PREVIOUS PROPOSAL ON SEX OFFENDER PENSIONS

House Bill 257 — Sponsor: State Rep. Kerri Evelyn Harris, et. al. — This proposal would allow for the forfeiture of the state’s contribution to the pension of a state, judicial, county, or municipal employee’s pension if that employee is convicted of a sex crime against a child and the offense was connected to the employee’s position.

The measure would allow judges to garnish 25% or 50% of the convicted employee’s pension to pay restitution to the victim. The percentage selected would depend on the offense.

This bill directly competes with an existing proposal, House Substitute 1 for House Bill 113, introduced by State Rep. Bryan Shupe last spring. Currently pending action on the House Ready List, the measure would deny the state’s contribution to an individual’s pension if they were employed by the Department of Education, a school district, or the University of Delaware, Delaware State University, or Delaware Technical and Community College, and were convicted of certain sexual crimes against children where the assailant’s employment helped facilitate the acts.

In statements issued this week, Rep. Shupe characterized the new bill as a half-measure designed to undermine support for his legislation.

Dog(s) MUST Be Leashed within Bethel Town Limits

PLEASE NOTE:

ALL dogs are to be leashed while out and about within the Bethel Town Limits.  Further any/all waste must be picked up immediately by  he person in charge of the dog(s) while out in Town limits.  There are public signs posted noting this requirement in Bethel.  

 

 

Office of State Planning (OSPC) Newsletter

Please see the following information newsletter from the OSPC:

First State Planning

Welcome to First State Planning, the official newsletter of Delaware’s Office of State Planning Coordination (OSPC). Our mission is to improve the coordination and effectiveness of land use decisions across Delaware, ensuring a high quality of life for all residents. Through our newsletter, we aim to keep you informed about the latest developments in state, county, and municipal planning efforts, while also providing insights into important land use changes and planning initiatives. Join us as we share updates on projects, policies, and the tools that shape Delaware’s future.

State Strategies for Policies and Spending Draft Open for Public Review

The Office of State Planning Coordination is currently updating the Delaware Strategies for State Policies and Spending, as required by state law every five years. This update is informed by data from state and local agencies and developed in coordination with local governments, citizens, and state partners to identify areas best suited for growth and strategic public investment. The Draft State Strategies document and maps were approved for public review on September 8th by the Cabinet Committee on State Planning Issues and are now available to the public here. To encourage community involvement, the Office of State Planning Coordination will hold public workshops beginning on September 17th to review and discuss the proposed updates to the Strategies for State Policies and Spending document and maps. These workshops will include presentations on how the document has been updated since its previous approval in July 2020, as well as explanations of how the Strategy maps and investment level areas were determined. Click here to read about the purpose of these workshops and view the agenda. Public workshops are scheduled for:

Wednesday, 9/17/25 – Hybrid Option link available on public meeting calendar Kent County – DelDOT. Delaware Room, 500 South Bay Rd., South Entrance, Dover, De 19901   Wednesday, 9/24/2025 – IN PERSON ONLY NEW CASTLE COUNTY – Rt. 9 Innovationn Center MP Rood B, 3022 New Castle Ave., New Castle, DE 19720   Tuesday, 9/30/25 – IN PERSON ONLY SUSSEX COUNTY – SC Emergency Operations Center, 21911 Rudder Lane,  Georgetown, DE 19947

Additional information regarding the State Strategies can be found at 2025 Delaware State Strategies and the information on the meetings will be posted to the Delaware Public Meeting Calendar.

LATEST TIM DUKES NEWLETTER

Fees resume at Delaware State Parks, starting on Sunday (March 1st)

Delaware State Parks are celebrating their 75th anniversary at the beginning of the 2026 fee season on Sunday (March 1st). Daily entrance fees will remain in effect through Monday, November 30th.

 

DNREC is also rolling out new payment conveniences, including mobile pay via QR codes and routine parking validation tied to daily or annual passes. Surf‑fishing permits—available in one‑ and two‑year options—are currently on sale, with reservations required on select drive‑on beaches during weekends and holidays.

Park-generated revenue covers 65% of operating costs, supporting maintenance, programming, natural resource protection, and visitor amenities across more than 27,000 acres statewide.

Park Fees may be purchased here

Daily entrance fees

Residents – $5 for inland parks, $10 for beach parks

Nonresidents: $10 for inland parks, $20 for beach parks

Annual passes

Residents are $50 and non-residents are $100.

 

Mark your calendar for a Job Fair at the Laurel Public Library on Tuesday, March 17th

The Laurel Public Library and the Delaware Department of Labor are hosting the 8th annual multi-employer Job Fair at the Laurel Public Library on Tuesday, March 17th between 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.

Employers, to reserve a table, please e-mail a JPG of your company logo, along with the completed Job Fair registration form, to kristen.chelmow@lib.de.us no later than Friday (February 27th). Space is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

 

To contact Tim: Timothy.Dukes@delaware.gov

 

 

Delmarva Power Grant Program Information

Delmarva Power and Sustainable Maryland Partner to Fund $45,000 to Support Stronger, More Sustainable Communities

 

Funding will support organizations across Delaware and Maryland working to protect natural resources and strengthen community resilience

NEWARK, D.E. (April 29, 2025) – Delmarva Power is proud to announce the opening of the Sustainable Communities Grant Program in partnership with Sustainable Maryland. Together, the organizations will distribute $45,000 in funding to support community development, enhance local resiliency, and expand access to open spaces across Delaware and Maryland. The application period is open now through July 16, 2025 and applications are available on Sustainable Maryland’s website.

“Our communities know their needs best, and this program is about giving them the resources to bring smart, sustainable solutions to life,” said Phil Vavala, Region President of Delmarva Power. “Whether it’s improving access to sustainable transportation, creating energy efficient affordable housing, or building a community garden, these projects reflect the resourcefulness and commitment of the people we serve.”

The 2025 Sustainable Communities Grant Program offers $30,000 in environmental stewardship funding for projects that strengthen local ecosystems, promote community access to nature, and support sustainability efforts. An additional $15,000 is available for resiliency projects that help communities prepare for and respond to emergencies—such as severe storms or power disruptions — through locally driven, forward-thinking solutions. Municipalities and nonprofits across Delaware and Maryland are encouraged to apply.

“Community leaders in Maryland and Delaware understand the urgency of preserving, protecting and futureproofing the places their residents call home,” said Mike Hunninghake, Director of Sustainable Maryland. “Delmarva Power’s Sustainable Communities grants provide critical funding for local projects that boost capacity, engage residents, and yield tangible and replicable results.”

Delmarva Power is committed to supporting cleaner, more resilient communities across Delaware and Maryland. The Sustainable Communities Grant Program is one way the company invests in local projects that promote environmental stewardship and community preparedness. This initiative complements Delmarva Power’s broader efforts to help customers reduce energy use and costs through programs, appliance rebates, home energy assessments, and more.

 

STAY AWAY TO STAY SAFE – DELMARVA POWER

Did you know that May is National Electrical Safety Month? At Delmarva Power, safety is our top priority – for our customers, employees, and the community. As your local energy provider, we’ve pulled together three tips for you to be safe around electricity all year-long.

Be aware of the power lines where you live and work. Always assume power lines are energized. This includes power lines on utility poles as well as those entering your home or buildings. Always keep yourself, your equipment, and anything you carry at least 10 feet from power lines. Even though you may notice a covering on a line, NEVER assume it is safe to touch. Stay Away!

 

 

Senior Resources from Sen. Blunt-Rochester’s Newsletter Pages

Senior Resources from Sen. Lisa Blunt-Rochester’s Newsletter Page:

 

Below are some helpful resources for you:

• Lower Energy Costs: Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act that I helped pass last Congress, there are opportunities to lower your energy costs through tax credits and rebates. Check out energy.gov/save to learn more. 
• Look Before You Book: Are you thinking about booking a trip? Before you do, you should ensure that your passport is up to date! You can go to state.gov to check your passport expiration date, apply for a new passport, and more.
• Need a Passport Appointment?: The Department of State is encouraging travelers to go to travel.state.gov to schedule passport appointments within 14 days of their date of travel.
• Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP): The State Department recently launched a new version of STEP. STEP is a free service for U.S. citizens living or traveling abroad to receive safety and security alerts and other local updates by email from the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Enrolling in STEP also makes it easier to contact U.S. citizens during an emergency. You can sign up for these alerts at login.gov.
• 988 National Suicide Prevention Helpline: If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, call 988, the 24/7, free and confidential support National Suicide Prevention Hotline. You can also go to 988lifeline.org.
• Delaware 211: Delawareans in need of emergency housing, utility assistance, food assistance, and more, call 211, Delaware’s free, confidential resource hotline. 
• Department of State’s Exchange Programs: The State Department sponsors several programs across the world that can give Americans educational, cultural, and professional experiences. Find out more about at exchanges.state.gov/us.
• Protecting Your Data: Delaware’s Personal Data Privacy Act, legislation protecting the personal data of Delawareans, went into effect on January 1st. You can go to this website from the Delaware Department of Justice to find out how it will impact consumers, parents, and businesses in our state.
• Medicare Prescription Payment Plan: As a result of the Inflation Reduction Act, Medicare Part D beneficiaries will be able to spread prescription drug costs across the year. These payment plans will include zero-interest installments as well as a $2,000 annual out-of-pocket cap. Learn more at medicare.gov/prescription-payment-plan. 

DE Launch of Agricultural Financing Program

Delaware Launches Agricultural Financing Program

 

DOVER, Del. (Sept. 3, 2024) – The Delaware Department of Agriculture (DDA), in partnership with the Division of Small Business, officially launched the Delaware Agricultural Financing Program (DAFP) today. This new program aims to increase the viability of Delaware’s agricultural industry by broadening lending opportunities across the agricultural sector.

“Attracting new farmers and producers into our number one industry is a critical need for Delaware,” said Secretary of Agriculture Michael T. Scuse. “We are excited to offer this new loan program, in cooperation with the Division of Small Business, as a way to help farm and aquaculture producers purchase the equipment they need to get started or expand their operations.”

Delaware farmers, producers, and food processors actively engaged in crop, livestock, aquaculture, and/or food production in Delaware are eligible to apply. Low-interest equipment loans will be available for supporting activities, including production, processing, packaging, aggregation, and distribution for small and large operations.

“Agriculture is such an important industry in our state, and we are proud to partner with the Delaware Department of Agriculture to ensure it continues to thrive and grow,” said Division of Small Business Director Regina Mitchell. “DSB prides itself on being a good steward of state funding and is honored to lend its financial expertise to help Delaware farmers, producers, and food processors meet their needs to sustain their livelihood and contributions to Delaware’s economy.”

The DAFP currently has $1.5 million in funding available. The program will provide loans of $25,000 to $250,000 with a maximum loan amount of 50% of a project’s total cost. Applicants must demonstrate eligibility from a private lender for the balance of project costs. Final closing will be contingent on the approval of all participating lenders. All loans will have a term of up to seven (7) years, with interest-only payments due in the first year, followed by full amortization. Interest rates will be fixed at 3.35% for first-time farmers and aquaculture projects and 4.25% for all other projects.

According to Jimmy Kroon, DDA Administrator, “Agriculture and aquaculture financing tends to be more difficult to obtain through traditional banks. Producers may not have formal business training, the industry has thin margins and higher risks, and specialized equipment sometimes doesn’t provide good collateral. Yet, according to nearby state agriculture financing programs, farm loans tend to be safer investments than non-farm business loans. We want to lend a hand to that first time farmer or aquaculture producer who is trying to overcome these hurdles to get started in the business.”

The applicant must provide proof of farm or food business or an IRS Schedule F tax form from the previous year. DAFP requires that all work be performed by experienced and qualified contractors licensed by the State of Delaware, whose primary business location is in Delaware.

Those interested in applying for a DAFP loan can find more information and an application online at https://de.gov/dafp.

Delaware Forest Service Partners with Delaware Libraries to Promote Smokey Bear Reading Challenge

Delaware Forest Service Partners with Delaware Libraries to Promote Smokey Bear Reading Challenge

DOVER, Del. (January 3, 2024) – From January 1 through November 28, 2024, the United States Forest Service and state library systems across the country are celebrating Smokey’s 80th birthday by participating in the Smokey Bear Reading Challenge. The challenge is geared towards children ages 4 through 10, but all ages are welcome to join. The Smokey Bear Reading Challenge aims to engage youth in reading about wildfire prevention, forests, and natural resource careers while they explore their local environment. The challenge is designed to complement the 2024 National Summer Library Reading Program theme of “Adventure Begins at Your Library!” which will run from June through August. 

“Delaware Libraries are excited to partner with the Delaware Forest Service and Smokey Bear to bring adventure and nature education to Delaware library users in 2024. Smokey Bear’s Reading Challenge means that Delaware’s children of all ages can learn about wildfire prevention, connect with nature, and have adventures at their library!” said Dr. Annie Norman, State Librarian.

The Delaware Forest Service (DFS) is partnering with all 33 Delaware libraries to encourage children to take up the challenge. Each library will receive a package of forestry-themed books to add to their lending library, Smokey Bear signage, and prizes for those completing the challenge, to better help children and families connect with this iconic forest legend.

The Delaware Forest Service is coordinating a statewide Smokey Bear Library Tour in 2024 to promote the Reading Challenge and deliver programming on wildfire prevention and nature education to Delaware communities. During the tour, Smokey will be visiting local Delaware libraries. Ashley Melvin, the lead trainer/educator for the Delaware Forest Service, will provide educational opportunities for children using their traveling nature center. In addition, Smokey Bear will appear at community events throughout 2024, including the Delaware State Fair and holiday parades.

“We encourage families to spend time outdoors, and Delaware’s State Forests present ample opportunities to make meaningful connections with nature. Wherever your adventure takes you, Smokey’s timeless message reminds us that we all share the responsibility of keeping Delaware’s outdoor spaces safe from wildfire. Wildfire prevention and nature education are local initiatives, and a partnership with Delaware Libraries will continue to benefit Delawareans long after the Reading Challenge ends,” remarked Delaware State Forester Kyle Hoyd.

With the help of the Smokey Bear Reading Challenge, participants will have the opportunity to learn about topics, including:

• Smokey Bear history
• Campfire safety
• Nature exploration
• Careers in forestry and natural resources
• Wildfire science

“Smokey Bear is a national icon, and the Delaware Forest Service is excited to help communities celebrate his 80th birthday. The timing is perfect as a statewide initiative exists to connect Delawareans to nature to increase environmental literacy,” said Ashley Melvin, DFS Trainer/Educator. “A big component of becoming environmentally literate is adopting environmentally responsible behaviors. Since 1944, Smokey Bear’s campaign has actively engaged the public to help prevent wildfires. I anticipate 2024 to be a very busy year for Smokey Bear!”

Families interested in participating in the Smokey Bear Reading Challenge should visit their local library. Visit lib.de.us/libraries for a list of Delaware Libraries. Visit the Delaware Forest Service’s Facebook page periodically for highlights and tips for earning badges. For information on requesting a Smokey Bear appearance, contact Ashley Melvin at ashley.melvin@delaware.gov. To learn more about the Communities in Nature Initiative, visit daeeonline.org. 

About Delaware Forest Service

The mission of the Delaware Department of Agriculture’s Delaware Forest Service (DFS) is to conserve, protect, and enhance Delaware forests and their resources for the public through education, management, demonstration, promotion, and providing technical services in a timely and efficient manner. DFS offers a wide range of services to help Delawareans manage and improve their forest resources. These services are divided into three categories: conservation, protection, and education. For more information, visit the website de.gov/forestry and connect with DFS on Facebook, Twitter/X, or Instagram.

DE ELECTRIC VEHICLE MANDATES

PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING EXCERPT FROM THE DE HoR Newsletter regarding Electric Vehicle Mandates:

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) announced late yesterday that it has finalized regulations mandating the aggressive, increasing sale of new zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) – predominately battery-electric vehicles. The rules, to be published in tomorrow’s issue of the Delaware Register of Regulations, are a modified version of California’s controversial Advanced Clean Car II program. Under the final regulations, starting with model year 2027 (Fall 2026), 43% of all new cars and trucks vehicle-makers ship to Delaware will be required to be ZEVs. That percentage will increase annually to 82% by model year 2032. The regulations will expire in model year 2033. The rules do not prohibit the sale of pre-owned internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, nor will they eliminate the sale of new ICE vehicles, as state environmental regulators had previously proposed. However, fuel-powered vehicles are expected to be required to meet increasingly stringent proposed federal emissions standards, and ZEV sales mandates will significantly reduce the supply of available new and used ICE vehicles in The First State. Wednesday’s announcement comes despite broad public opposition to the ZEV sales mandate regulations. Of the 4,426 individual public comments submitted to DNREC as part of the promulgation process, nearly 94.5% opposed the regulatory restriction on selling new fuel-powered vehicles. Approximately 1,500 people participated in five public meetings held statewide to discuss the issue this past spring, with attendees expressing overwhelming opposition to the proposal. The same attitudes were in evidence in a February phone survey by Ragnar Research. The poll of 300 likely voters throughout Delaware revealed that a majority (73%) opposed severely limiting the sale of new cars powered by gasoline and diesel. The study’s margin of error was ±6%. DNREC’s announcement on the finalized regulations stated: Pollution from transportation is a leading contributor to Delaware’s greenhouse gas emissions. Gas and diesel vehicles are also significant sources of nitrogen oxides. These pollutants adversely affect public health and interact with sunlight to form harmful ground-level ozone pollution. The regulations will reduce these forms of pollution and contribute to the improved health of underserved communities that are more likely to be near busy roadways. However, Gov. John Carney — whose directive started the process of promulgating the ZEV sales mandate regulations, seemingly undercut this rationale. In a June 2018 opinion column lamenting the lack of pollution controls on out-of-state power plants, the governor stated that “90% of Delaware’s air pollution comes from other states.”  Under the regulations, zero-emission vehicles can be plug-in hybrids, battery-electric vehicles, or hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles.  Pragmatically, ZEVs will be predominately battery-electric vehicles. The rules dictate that hybrids can account for no more than 20% of total ZEV sales. Hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles are not widely available, have no supporting infrastructure, and are unlikely to be obtainable or practical anytime soon.  State Rep. Rich Collins, R-Millsboro, who has twice successfully challenged DNREC actions in court, believes the agency is again on thin legal ice. “The rules they announced yesterday are not the same rules they unveiled for public discussion earlier this year,” he said. “Under the state Administrative Procedures Act, they should be resubmitting this altered proposal for review, not finalizing it.” Rep. Collins added that DNREC’s actions are a slap in the face of Delaware citizens who clearly told the agency they did not support this proposal. “Thousands of Delawareans submitted comments, came to public meetings, and responded to polls, and they overwhelmingly told DNREC they did not want them to pursue this. This is an action of profound disrespect to all Delawareans. Essentially, DNREC is following their agenda at the expense of citizens’ rights and then having the gall to tell them they are doing it for their own good. DNREC is the embodiment of hubris.” The automotive industry and consumers are pushing back against state and federal initiatives to force electric vehicles onto American car lots and driveways.  Earlier this year, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed new emissions standards effectively requiring that 67.5% of U.S. vehicle sales be electric by 2032 – an initiative less ambitious than that proposed by DNREC.  In response to the EPA rule, the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, which represents automakers, stated that the federal regulation is “neither reasonable nor achievable in the time frame provided.” Last month, the National Automotive Dealers Association issued a statement on the EPA proposal, noting that it “ignores real-world consumer demand and goes too far, too fast.” NADA maintains the plans are fundamentally flawed because conditions that are needed first to make electric vehicles broadly attractive to consumers – i.e., vehicle affordability, a sufficient and reliable charging infrastructure, and acceptable charging speeds – do not yet exist. The group also noted the federal rule’s hyper-focus on EV sales, to the exclusion of other alternatively-fueled vehicles, reduces consumer choice and increases cost, creating a barrier to the adoption of other types of less polluting vehicles. Consumer demand for EVs has diminished sharply due to consistently high prices, the limitations and concerns associated with the technology, and higher auto loan interest rates. According to a CNBC article published November 1, selling an EV in the U.S. this past August took about twice as long as it did in January. According to U.S. Department of Energy registration data for cars, trucks, and SUVs in Delaware for 2022, there were 5,390 electric vehicles, 2,800 plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, and 0 hydrogen vehicles. In the same year, the DOE reports there were 66,200 E85 vehicles, 795,400 powered by gasoline, and 14,500 using diesel in the state.

RELATED NEWS: A Bill That Would Give Legislative Discretion Over Zero-Emissions Vehicle Sales Mandate Awaits Consideration in Senate A bill that cleared the House of Representatives earlier this year seeks to empower lawmakers to reverse yesterday’s announced decision to impose zero-emission vehicle mandates on the sale of new cars, trucks, and SUVs in Delaware. House Bill 123, sponsored by State House Republican Leader Mike Ramone (R-Pike Creek South), would only allow DNREC to adopt the regulations with the consent of the General Assembly. The provisions of the bill would be retroactive to March 1, 2023. Remarking on the bill in June, Rep. Ramone said that Delawareans seeking a new vehicle should be free to select the one that best meets their families’ needs and means. House Bill 123 narrowly won House approval on June 30 by a vote of 21 to 20. The measure is now in the Senate Environment, Energy & Transportation C