Gov. Carney Releases Delaware Climate Action Plan
Governor John Carney has released a Delaware Climate Action Plan, which he says is a blueprint for reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and to leave the state better prepared for the impacts of climate change by prioritizing clean energy and improved energy efficiency.
The Climate Action Plan resulted from a year-long process that involved Delawareans, businesses and organizations. Public workshops, online surveys and public comments were taken into account.
“Climate change threatens our $3.5 billion tourism industry and 44,000 jobs, our $8 billion agricultural industry, the health of our citizens and the financial well-being of our local, county and state governments,” Carney said. “The strategies in the Climate Action Plan can be implemented over time, as resources, data and partnerships develop. Taking these actions to reduce emissions will allow Delaware to meet or exceed its 2025 reduction target and make further emissions reductions in the years ahead.”
Under the plan, according to the Governor’s office:
Key action areas to reduce greenhouse gas emissions include:
- clean and renewable energy;
- energy efficiency;
- transportation;
- reducing high global warming potential greenhouse gases;
- natural and working lands.
Key action areas to maximize resilience include:
- updating or creating state regulations
- supporting communities and stakeholders;
- creating management plans;
- updating facility design and operation;
- promoting research and monitoring;
- engaging in outreach and education;
- providing agency support.
“Delaware is already feeling the effects of climate change, and many of these effects are projected to worsen over the next few decades,” Delaware Secretary of Natural Resources and Environmental Control Shawn Garvin said. “The Climate Action Plan provides a roadmap of strategies and actions that state agencies can take to minimize emissions and maximize resilience to climate change.”
“It is our collective responsibility to do all that we can to minimize the disastrous impact of climate change on our public’s health and economy, so that our children and future generations have access to safe water, clean air, and clean energy. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and the impact of rising sea levels will put Delaware on a sustainable path to create an eco-friendly future that preserves the health and natural beauty of our great state,” Lieutenant Governor Bethany Hall-Long said. “I want to thank DNREC, DelDOT, legislators, and the many stakeholders for their leadership on this issue and for implementing the Climate Action Plan that will help ensure the welfare of our state’s environment. It is a promise for a stronger and healthier Delaware to our children.”
