ev

EV bills inch closer to law as GOP continues opposition

Sam HautGovernment, Headlines

Several energy-related bills waltzed through the House Resources and Energy Committee Tuesday, despite Republican opposition. Senate Substitute 1 for Senate Bill 7, sponsored by Sen. Stephanie Hansen, D-Middletown, would update the responsibilities of the State Energy Office to include developing the State Energy Plan, the state’s Climate Action Plan, and transitioning Delaware towards more renewable energy. The bill is a …

House session

Climate bill passes House after vote on two amendments

Sam HautGovernment, Headlines

Rep. Rich Collins on Tuesday begged House Democrats to join him in opposing a bill that set greenhouse gas emission limits in Delaware. “I have begged you to stand up one time and not just take this direction that apparently is so overwhelmingly powerful in this chamber,” the Millsboro Republican said. “And I know I’ve lost. I tell you it’s …

climate bills, DNREC Facebook

New climate bill would increase scope of energy agency

Sam HautGovernment, Headlines

With several climate bills moving through the Delaware General Assembly, a new bill proposes to increase the scope and power of a DNREC energy agency, sort of a state government version of Toklien’s “one ring to rule them all.” Senate Bill 7, sponsored by Sen. Stephanie Hansen, D-Middletown, would empower the Division of Climate, Coastal and Energy to help oversee …

Two bills relating to reporting animal abuse soared through the Senate.

Senators: Animal abuse laws could prevent other forms of abuse

Jarek RutzHeadlines, Government

Two bills that aim to prevent animal abuse unanimously passed through the Senate floor Tuesday. Senate Bill 71, sponsored by Sen. Stephanie Hansen, D-Middletown, would require law-enforcement agencies, the Department of Services for Children, Youth and Their Families and the Department of Justice to report suspected animal cruelty to the Office of Animal Welfare. The reports would only be required …

The new Louis L. Redding building will be open in fall 2025. (Jarek Rutz/Delaware LIVE News)

Appoquinimink breaks ground on new Louis L. Redding school

Jarek RutzHeadlines, Education

A historic Middletown school building is getting a $57.1 million makeover. The Louis L. Redding Building, part of Appoquinimink School District and named after the first Black practicing lawyer in Delaware, will have a new home in two years. District and government officials on Tuesday broke ground on the new building, which will be right in front of the current …

Sen. Hansen questioned why the Public Health Emergency Planning Commission hasn't been meeting and reporting. (Unsplash)

Senator questions whether state health crisis board meets

Jarek RutzGovernment, Headlines

A bill that would add legislators to the state commission that oversees public health emergencies left one senator confused in the Senate Health and Social Services Committee meeting Wednesday.  Senate Bill 66, sponsored by Sen. Eric Buckson, R-Dover, adds the Senate minority leader and the House minority leader as members of the Public Health Emergency Planning Commission. It works with …

Immigrants waving American flags

Office of New Americans would help Delaware immigrants adjust

Sam HautGovernment, Headlines

A bill that could create a state Office of New Americans to help immigrants better integrate into life in Delaware sailed through a General Assembly committee Wednesday. Senate Bill 44, sponsored by Darius Brown, D-Wilmington, cleared the Senate Elections & Government Affairs Committee on a vote of two yes and two on the merits. On the merits means the legislator …

Two senators suggested school boards should have public comment before each action item. (Unsplash)

Does school board public comment bill go far enough? 

Jarek RutzHeadlines, Education

A bill that blew through the House unanimously got some blowback Wednesday in the Senate Education Committee. House Bill 34, sponsored by Rep. Kim Williams, D-Marshallton, chair of the House Education Committee, would require district and charter school boards to hold a public comment period before the board moves on to action items requiring a vote.  It will not require …

Energy

Energy bills about council, net metering head to House floor

Jarek RutzGovernment, Headlines

Energy bills pertaining to the Governor’s Energy Advisory Council and how much those who own solar panels can claim back on month power bills were both released by the House Natural Resources Committee Thursday. Rep. Rich Collins, R-Millsboro, wasn’t happy with either. Senate Bill 310: Governor’s Energy Advisory Council Sponsored by Sen. Stephanie Hansen, D-Newark, SB 310 updates the Governor’s …

Emissions

Carbon emissions goals released from Senate committee

Charles MegginsonGovernment, Headlines

A controversial bill setting Delaware’s goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions was released from the Senate Environment and Energy Committee Wednesday and will advance to the Senate floor for a vote.  Senate Bill 305, the Delaware Climate Change Solutions Act, would require Delaware to reduce its carbon emissions by 50% before 2030 and by 90% before 2050.  Opponents said the …