COONS: The most effective investment in reducing emissions of CO2 and other things that cause greenhouse gas warming is energy efficiency and
conservation. There was a significant investment in the stimulus bill in getting municipalities, local governments, the private sector, to invest in efficiency and conservation. And those are investments that reduce emissions, put people to work, and can
develop cutting edge technologies that make our systems operate better and to reduce, not just the emissions, but also the operating expenses.
O'DONNELL: The best way to address that is to talk about Cap and Trade because the winner of this Senate race
can be immediately sworn in and serve it in Harry Reid's lame duck session and vote on Cap and Trade. While I do believe that we have to be good stewards of this earth, we don't need to do it at the expense of our citizens and Cap and Trade will do that.
COONS: The most effective investment in reducing emissions of CO2 and other things that cause greenhouse gas warming is energy efficiency and
conservation.
O'DONNELL: I think the best way to address that is to talk about the issue of Cap and Trade because the winner of this U.S. Senate race can be immediately sworn in and serve it in Harry Reid's lame duck session and vote on Cap and Trade.
While I do believe that we have to be good stewards of this earth, we don't need to do it at the expense of our citizens and Cap and
Trade will do that, whether it's farmers, senior citizens, or realtors who are concerned about its green compliance standards. Nobody wants this bill. This bill is a national energy tax that will ration energy use and increase our utility bills.
The Delaware City refinery is a high-conversion heavy crude oil refinery with a processing capacity of 190,000 barrels per day. The refinery's production is sold in the U.S. Northeast via pipeline, barge, and truck distribution.
Provide assistance to states & municipalities that want to create publicly-owned, green utilities providers<
Source: 2020 Delaware Senate campaign website JessForDelaware.com
Nov 30, 2019
Jessica Scarane:
Depend on green energy and end use of fossil fuels
Climate change is an emergency at a global scale, and America needs to be a leader in combating it. CORE POLICIES:- Enact the Green New Deal and transform our energy system to end the extraction of and dependence on fossil fuels
-
Eliminate carbon emissions from our transportation system
- Support climate justice by repairing the disproportionate environmental damage done in indigenous, black, and other minority communities
Source: 2020 Senate campaign website JessForDelaware.com
Dec 13, 2019
Jessica Scarane:
Green New Deal:tackle climate change AND economic inequality
Scarane said a lot of the problems she has dealt with through her volunteer activities are caused by "broken systems and power in our country that are allowing for the protection of very few and the abuse of very many."Scarane is a supporter
of the 'green new deal' initiative that addresses climate change as well as economic inequality. She cited Delaware as one of the states that will be on the "front lines" of the effects of climate change because it lies so close to sea level.
Source: WDEL Wilmington News Radio on 2020 Delaware Senate race
Nov 18, 2019
Jessica Scarane:
Depend on green energy and end use of fossil fuels
Climate change is an emergency at a global scale, and America needs to be a leader in combating it.
Enact the Green New Deal and transform our energy system to end the extraction of and dependence on fossil fuels
Source: 2020 Senate campaign website JessForDelaware.com
Dec 13, 2019
Jessica Scarane:
In favor of 'Green new deal' initiative
Scarane is also a supporter of the 'green new deal' initiative that addresses climate change as well as economic inequality.
She cited Delaware as one of the states that will be on the "front lines" of the effects of climate change because it lies so close to sea level.
Source: WDEL News Radio on 2020 Delaware Senate race
Nov 18, 2019
John Carney:
If Washington won't act on climate change, we will
As a low-lying state, sea level rise and climate change pose an existential threat to our bay and coastal communities. Despite Washington's refusal to act, we've joined with 16 other states to form the U.S. Climate Alliance.
We've committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 2025 to at least 26 percent below 2005 levels. And we've committed to accelerating policies to reduce carbon pollution and promote clean energy.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to Delaware legislature
Jan 17, 2019
John Carney:
Eliminate climate-changing hydrofluorocarbons in Delaware
Governor Carney has directed the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control to propose regulations by March 2020 that will eliminate the use of dangerous hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) in Delaware. HFCs are used as replacements for ozone-
depleting substances in air conditioning, refrigeration, foam-blowing, solvents, and aerosols, but they are significantly more potent than carbon dioxide in contributing to climate change."Delaware is already feeling the effects of climate change.
We are the lowest-lying state in the country, and our sea level is rising at twice the global average. For the sake of our economy and our environment, it's crucial we continue to address climate change with urgency," said
Governor Carney. "My administration is moving toward eliminating hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) as an increasingly harmful element to our state and our environment."\
Source: 2019 governor press release for 2020 Delaware governor race
Jun 30, 2019
John Carney:
By 2035, 40% of state's energy from renewable sources
Delaware has made great strides over the last decade to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, and we should continue to be a leader on this issue.
By 2035, we want 40 percent of Delaware's energy to come from renewable sources.
Source: 2020 Delaware State of the State address
Jan 23, 2020
Kevin Wade:
Lottery to distribute 600M acres of oil and gas resources
Wade believes the people, not the government, should control the country's oil and gas resources. There are approximately 600 million acres over oil and gas reserves in the United States, with much of it located in the western region of the nation,
Wade said. A lottery should be held to determine 60 million individuals to receive 10 acres each of this land, he said.
These new owners of gas and oil rights can then do with them what they see fit, including allowing companies to drill, making a profit for the owners of the land, he said. According to Wade,
Abraham Lincoln, among others, had a similar idea in the past. "Take it out of the hands of Washington, into the hands of the people," he said. "It's not radical or new."
Source: Delaware State News on 2014 Delaware Senate race
Aug 12, 2014
Kevin Wade:
More oil drilling on U.S. soil
Wade said regulations on job creators should be cut,
and more oil drilling should occur on U.S. soil.
Source: Cape Gazette on 2012 Delaware Senate debate
Oct 19, 2012
Kevin Wade:
Don't raise taxes on gas by 25 cents per gallon
Carper said that in order to keep taxes lower, he has worked to "pull the plug" on outdated tax credits, and that he supports the Investment Tax Credit, which places incentives on companies' investments in technologies that can be sold around the world
as commercial products and services. Wade criticized Carper's proposal to raise taxes on gas by 25 cents per gallon, which he called a result of Carper spending "too many years in Washington and too many years away from Delaware."
Source: Newark Post on 2012 Delaware Senate debate
Oct 19, 2012
Lauren Witzke:
No Paris Accord until China and India stop CO2 emissions
Q: Do you support government funding for the development of renewable energy?A: No.
Q: Do you support the federal regulation of greenhouse gas emissions?
A: No. Despite withdrawing from the Paris Climate Accord, America's carbon emissions
have dropped more drastically even than those countries in the Accord. Until China and India stop their pollution, penalizing American businesses which have, relative to the rest of the world, been good environmental stewards, does not make sense.
Source: 2020 Delaware Senate PVS Political Courage Test
Oct 10, 2020
John Carney:
Build out Delaware electric vehicle charging infrastructure
We're the lowest-lying state in the nation. And the effects of climate change and sea level rise on Delaware communities are real. We're seeing them every day. That's why we need to take action. With the help of federal infrastructure funding,
we will accelerate our efforts to build out Delaware's electric vehicle charging infrastructure. And we'll restore investments in the Clean Water Trust--to protect our waterways and drinking water.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Delaware legislature
Jan 19, 2023
Lisa Blunt Rochester:
Investing in energy efficiency helps reduce carbon emissions
U.S. Senator Tom Carper and U.S. Representative Lisa Blunt Rochester (both D-Del.) joined U.S. Secretary Jennifer M. Granholm today to announce the one millionth American home upgraded with energy efficiency improvements through the U.S. Department of
Energy (DOE)’s Home Performance with ENERGY STAR program. "The cleanest form of energy is the energy we save and never have to use. Funding to make our homes more energy-efficient is good for people's wallets and good for the planet," said Senator
Carper
"We know that investing in energy efficiency is one of the fastest and most effective ways to reduce carbon emissions and help fight the climate crisis," said Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester. "That's why the ENERGY STAR program is such an
important tool to help Delawareans weatherize and make their homes more energy efficient. These are the kinds of critical investments that President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal continues to make throughout our country."
Source: Senate press release "Granholm" on 2024 Delaware Senate race
May 11, 2023
Matt Meyer:
Bold environmental agenda of expanding renewable energy
As County Executive, Matt has a successful track record of tackling housing insecurity, fighting climate change, protecting public health, improving public safety, promoting diversity & inclusion, and creating better futures for kids.
His accomplishments include:Implementing the boldest environmental agenda in county history by expanding renewable energy, fighting against pollution, and preserving natural lands.
Source: 2024 Delaware Gubernatorial website MattMeyer.org
Aug 30, 2023
Tom Carper:
Cleanest energy is the energy we save and never have to use
U.S. Senator Tom Carper and U.S. Representative Lisa Blunt Rochester (both D-Del.) joined U.S. Secretary Jennifer M. Granholm today to announce the one millionth American home upgraded with energy efficiency improvements through the U.S.
Department of Energy (DOE)’s Home Performance with ENERGY STAR program. "The cleanest form of energy is the energy we save and never have to use. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act makes historic investments in modernizing our infrastructure,
including funding to make our homes more energy-efficient and resilient to climate change. That's good for people's wallets and good for the planet," said Senator Carper
"Investing in energy efficiency is one of the fastest and most effective ways
to reduce carbon emissions," said Rep. Blunt Rochester. "That's why the ENERGY STAR program is such an important tool to help Delawareans weatherize and make their homes more energy efficient."
Source: Senate press release "Granholm" on 2024 Delaware Senate race
Feb 25, 2021
Eric Hansen:
Follow all-of-the-above energy strategy, market solutions
Climate change is real, and it's happening now. We need to pursue market-based solutions via tax credits and competition to lower the cost of energy and allow companies to pursue innovation so these industries can take off.
The top-down approach of mandate after mandate leaves farmers, consumers, and others paying more. An all-of-the-above energy strategy that lets the market work will succeed quicker.
Source: 2024 Delaware Senate campaign website VoteEricHansen.com
Feb 23, 2024
John Carney:
Federal grant allows us to build clean energy industry here
Delaware, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey were selected by the federal government for a hydrogen hub. The program was funded by President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The U.S. Department of Energy selected just seven proposals--out of 79
applications across the country. The federal designation will bring $750 million to the region. Make no mistake: this is a generational opportunity to build a clean energy industry right here in Delaware. And to compete for good union jobs of the future.
Source: 2024 State of the State Address to the Delaware legislature
Mar 5, 2024
Mike Ramone:
Expand alternative energy research such as solar and nuclear
In the State House, Mike has been a leader in protecting Delaware's natural beauty and resources. As Governor, Mike will make Delaware a leader in expanding research into alternative energy sources such as solar and nuclear.
Mike is committed to conserving the environment. He will work with leaders throughout the state to ensure that Delaware becomes a leader in free market investment and environmental research.
Source: 2024 Delaware Gubernatorial campaign website MikeRamone.com
Jun 9, 2024
Colin Bonini:
Don't increase use of renewable energy to 40% by 2035
SB33: Continues increasing the required minimum percentage of electrical energy sales to Delaware end-use customers from renewable energy sources through 2035. Green Building United summary February 17, 2021:
Governor Carney signed into law SB 33, a bill modifying Delaware's existing Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard. SB 33 requires at least 40% of electrical sales to end-users in Delaware be from renewable energy sources by 2035.
Of the 40% renewable energy source requirement, 10% of the supply must be from solar photovoltaics. This amends the existing bill's 25% renewable by 2025 goal with a 3.5% solar photovoltaic requirement.
Legislative Outcome:
Passed Senate 13-8-0 on Jan/21/21; State Sen. Colin Bonini voted NO; passed House 29-12-0 on Jan/28/21; signed by Governor John Carney on Feb/10/21.
Source: Green Building United on Delaware voting record SB33
Jan 21, 2021
John Carney:
Increase use of renewable energy to 40% by 2035
SB33: Continues increasing the required minimum percentage of electrical energy sales to Delaware end-use customers from renewable energy sources through 2035. Green Building United summary February 17, 2021:
Governor Carney signed into law SB 33, a bill modifying Delaware's existing Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard. SB 33 requires at least 40% of electrical sales to end-users in Delaware be from renewable energy sources by 2035.
Of the 40% renewable energy source requirement, 10% of the supply must be from solar photovoltaics. This amends the existing bill's 25% renewable by 2025 goal with a 3.5% solar photovoltaic requirement.
Legislative Outcome:
Passed Senate 13-8-0 on Jan/21/21; passed House 29-12-0 on Jan/28/21; Signed by Governor John Carney on Feb/10/21.
Source: Green Building United on Delaware voting record SB33
Feb 10, 2021
Mike Ramone:
Increase use of renewable energy to 40% by 2035
SB33: Continues increasing the required minimum percentage of electrical energy sales to Delaware end-use customers from renewable energy sources through 2035. Green Building United summary February 17, 2021:
Governor Carney signed into law SB 33, a bill modifying Delaware's existing Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard. SB 33 requires at least 40% of electrical sales to end-users in Delaware be from renewable energy sources by 2035.
Of the 40% renewable energy source requirement, 10% of the supply must be from solar photovoltaics. This amends the existing bill's 25% renewable by 2025 goal with a 3.5% solar photovoltaic requirement.
Legislative Outcome:
Passed Senate 13-8-0 on Jan/21/21; passed House 29-12-0 on Jan/28/21; State Rep. Mike Ramone voted YES; signed by Governor John Carney on Feb/10/21.
Source: Green Building United on Delaware voting record SB33
Jan 28, 2021
Sarah McBride:
Increase use of renewable energy to 40% by 2035
SB33: Continues increasing the required minimum percentage of electrical energy sales to Delaware end-use customers from renewable energy sources through 2035. Green Building United summary February 17, 2021:
Governor Carney signed into law SB 33, a bill modifying Delaware's existing Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard. SB 33 requires at least 40% of electrical sales to end-users in Delaware be from renewable energy sources by 2035.
Of the 40% renewable energy source requirement, 10% of the supply must be from solar photovoltaics. This amends the existing bill's 25% renewable by 2025 goal with a 3.5% solar photovoltaic requirement.
Legislative Outcome:
Passed Senate 13-8-0 on Jan/21/21; State Sen. Sarah McBride sponsored and voted YES; passed House 29-12-0 on Jan/28/21; signed by Governor John Carney on Feb/10/21.
Source: Green Building United on Delaware voting record SB33
Jan 21, 2021
Page last updated: Feb 07, 2026