Delaware is reducing the greenhouse gases that come from everyday activities like driving gas vehicles and using energy. This is the key to preventing the worst effects of climate change. Our actions today will determine the effects we experience in the near tomorrow.

Climate change is caused by the burning of fossil fuels like gasoline and coal – sources we use to power our cars, generate electricity, and produce energy every day. These fuels release greenhouse gases, which trap heat in the atmosphere. Humans’ excessive burning of fossil fuels has released too many greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, drastically warming our earth and upsetting our climate system. For Delaware, this is already causing damage to our coastal areas, public health, infrastructure, and resources.

The Division of Climate, Coastal and Energy is dedicated to reducing these emissions across the state by working with partners and administering collaborative programs, incentives, and educational opportunities.

Clean Transportation

The Clean Fuel and Transportation Initiatives have provided rebates for almost 500 electric cars, which will keep over 3,000,000 pounds of potent greenhouse gases out of the atmosphere each year. The program includes funding for propane, natural gas, and electric vehicles, and for the necessary fueling and charging support for these cleaner vehicles.

The Delaware Clean Cities Coalition is a stakeholder group dedicated to promoting clean fuels in Delaware. Sponsored by the US Department of Energy’s national Clean Cities program, the Coalition is a group of 40 representatives from state and local governments, fuel suppliers, vehicle retailers, fleet owners, non-profit organizations, and other interested parties that work together to help Delaware meet its transportation needs in a clean and sustainable manner.

The Delaware Clean Cities Coalition page provides information on alternative fuels and clean transportation in Delaware.

Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative

Delaware is a member state of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), a regional market-based cap-and-trade program that limits greenhouse gas emissions from electricity generators. Proceeds generated from the sale of allowances are reinvested into energy efficiency and greenhouse gas reduction programs in the participating states: Delaware, Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont.

Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

You don’t pay for energy you don’t use. Energy efficiency means using less energy for the same outcome–powering a machine, illuminating a lightbulb, running heating and cooling systems, etc. A large portion of greenhouse gas emissions come from energy generation, so Delaware is reducing these emissions by using less energy, and generating a greater percentage of energy from renewable, clean sources.

The Delaware Weatherization Assistance Program helps low-income homeowners save money on their electric bill by lowering their energy use. Weatherstripping, insulation, and other measures help keep heat and air conditioning in, and items like flow-restrictors and LED lightbulbs reduce energy use in the home. Find out if you qualify.

More information on energy efficiency initiatives in Delaware

More information on renewable energy in Delaware

Related Topics:  climate, climate change, energy, greenhouse gas, greenhouse gases