State Rep. John Kowalko Questions UD Trustees On Their STAR Campus Gas Power Plant Proposal

(Susquehanna River - all images by John W. Greene)

I know that the News Journal's editorial page editor has promised to publish a Delaware Voice submission Amy Roe is preparing in response to Harry Themal's recent attack piece.

Meanwhile, John Kowalko has sent this along ~

July 28, 2013

A. Gilchrist Sparks III, Chair

University of Delaware Board of Trustees

Office of the Vice President and University Secretary

126 Hullihen Hall

Newark, DE 19716

Dear Chairman Sparks:

The purpose of this letter is to discuss the proposed computer data storage center, planned for construction at the legacy Chrysler assembly plant grounds, which was purchased by the University of Delaware, and is now known as the STAR Campus.  As you know, STAR stands for “Science, Technology, and Advanced Research.”  In addition, I will pose some questions encouraging you to prioritize the University’s STAR Campus goals.

As integral part of this data center enterprise is a proposed on-site 248 megawatt natural gas, utility-scale, turbine electrical plant.  In fact, there are domestic utility companies that use this identical size power plant for generating electricity for towns and cities.  If constructed, this facility will be substantial, and the estimated cost for the power plant, buildings, cooling systems, data center servers/electronics, etc. will exceed one billion dollars!

This power plant will likely require a Title V permit, issued by the Environmental Protection Agency.  Title V permits are required for polluters, such as petroleum refineries and chemical plants.  The proponents of natural gas proclaim that these electrical generating plants emit fewer pollutants than other fossil fuels, such as coal or oil.  Although at face value this is true, even the most efficient electrical plant of this size will consume millions of cubic feet of natural gas per day, and as a consequence, will emit significant quantities of pollution, especially carbon dioxide (CO₂) and nitrogen oxides (NO_X).  Also, cooling the servers requires large amounts of water.

“Why is this business model being considered in Newark with its high density population?”  More than 30,000 people reside in Newark, and tens of thousands are my constituents.  The proposed power plant will be surrounded by many neighborhoods, for example:  Newark proper to the north, Arbour Park to the south, Brookside to the east, and Abbotsford to the west, including McVey and West Park Place Elementary Schools and the Newark Charter School.

The construction of a Title V project on University grounds appears to conflict with the published Core Values of the STAR Campus, as described in two documents entitled “Science and Technology Campus Master Plan 2011 – Executive Summary” and “Science and Technology Campus Development Guidelines 2011” currently posted on the University website:  http://www.udel.edu/star.  On page 3 of each document is the following quote:  “Develop the campus in an environmentally responsible way through sustainable and efficient use of University buildings and natural systems.  Seek (seeking) opportunities to increase and reclaim open space and to protect the quality of the campus environment as the University of Delaware expands to meet the needs of its educational mission.”  How can a campus, with the phrases “environmentally responsible way” and “quality of the campus environment” prominently written in the core values proposition, include a utility-scale generating plant?  In addition, is it possible that the University’s “good will” toward Newark residents and students may be tarnished if this on-site electrical power plant is built? 

Delaware does not have cumulative risk assessment guidelines for pollution, so it is probable that a Title V permit will be issued for this proposed plant, even as it adds to pollutants from existing oil refinery operations, chemical plants, the I-95 corridor, etc.  Moreover, the desire to create local jobs, which is a commendable benefit of the data center project, clouds the issue of potential health problems from electrical plant emissions.  Consequently, a fervent plea to you, the Board Members and Trustees, is to carefully weigh the data center’s economic attributes versus the health risks and quality of life issues that will impact our community.  When it’s all said and done, you need to decide if this business venture is in the best interests of the University and all who study, work, and reside in Newark.  If you allow a project of this magnitude to happen, what’s next?

Having read all your bios at http://www.udel.edu/vp-sec/members_trustees.html I would respectfully ask if any of you actually live in Newark?  Do any of you have a vested interest here, such as owning a home?  Do your children attend school here or live in a dormitory at the University?  Have you ever shopped in a store on Main Street or bought a car from a dealership on Cleveland Avenue?  Not living or working here, will you ever breathe the air within city limits?  Would any of you want a power plant in your back yard?  Consequently, if most, if not all of you, answer “no” to these questions, why is it so easy for you to rubber stamp a project that you can walk away from, leaving us to contend with a 248 megawatt utility-scale generating plant in our back yard for decades?  Remember STAR sands for “Science, Technology, and Advanced Research.”  It does not stand for private electric utility.

Lastly, even though the University has spent more than $24 million to buy the Chrysler grounds and another couple million to level the factories, don’t rush too quickly to see a return on your investment.  Remember, you are the trustees of a University, not the trustees of a for-profit venture.  Eventually, an acceptable research project will walk through the door that both the University and the Newark community will be happy to see prosper.

Respectfully,

John Kowalko

State Representative

cc: University of Delaware Board of Trustees

Another aspect of concern is the amount of water needed by any kind of power plant for cooling. Can you point to any power plant that is not located on body of water? No water runs through the STAR Campus.

What water source would be tapped for a plant with a projected output of half that of the Conowingo Dam that straddles the mighty Susquehanna?

Surely not the nearby headwaters of our Christina - the tiny creek that winds behind my neighborhood home to blue heron and beaver alike?

Peach Bottom Nuclear Power Plant is also on the Susquehanna River....

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Safer Chemicals - Healthy Families: Chemical Safety Improvement Act Update

Today was a big day. For the first time this year, the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee discussed what it will take to pass strong laws on toxic chemicals. So, why was this Congressional hearing such a big deal?

In May, Senator Vitter and the late Senator Lautenberg introduced a bi-partisan bill to reform our federal law on toxic chemicals. The bill as drafted, has serious flaws, but provided a rare political breakthrough against deep partisan gridlock. Today's hearing was the first discussion on a path forward since the compromise bill was introduced. 

Today's "marathon hearing," lasting over six hours featuring nineteen witnesses.

Here's what we learned: 

• Our current laws on toxic chemicals are severely broken (ok we already knew THAT!).
  
• Several of our coalition partners testified including: Breast Cancer Fund; WeACT for Environmental Justice; Natural Resources Defense Council; Mossville Environmental Action Now; Center for Environmental Health; the Asbestos Disease Awareness Association and Dignity Health.
  
• There was a robust twitter chat (our #SaferChemicals hashtag was "trending!") and you can check out the highlights here. Actors Jennifer Beals, Elizabeth Berkley and Paul Adelstein even joined the conversation.
  
• There was incredible bipartisan support on the committee to reform our current laws and find a common path forward on the new compromise bill.
  

Expert testimony identified many ways the Chemical Safety Improvement Act needs to be fixed. We're asking the Senate to:

1. Ensure adequate protections for vulnerable populations, including pregnant women, children and hot spot communities

2. Preserve the authority of state governments to act on toxic chemicals

3. Require adequate data on chemical safety, so the EPA can properly prioritize chemicals 

4. Include deadlines and timetables to ensure the EPA is meeting appropriate benchmarks 

5. Remove red tape on the EPA before restricting the use of dangerous chemicals (learning from the lessons of existing TSCA and asbestos)

Today's hearing went well, in part, because of you. Senators know that this is an issue that people from across the country care about. Your voice has made a huge difference in this important debate. 

The groundwork has been laid for a busy fall and we'll need you by our side to ensure the Senate passes strong laws on toxic chemicals. 

PS- If you haven't yet asked your Senators to fix the bill, you can take action now!

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CJC Reports: Recidivism In Delaware: An Analysis Of Prisoners Released In 2008 And 2009

Delaware Criminal Justice Council Releases Recidivism Report

Wilmington – The Delaware Criminal Justice Council Statistical Analysis Center today released Recidivism in Delaware: An Analysis of Prisoners Released in 2008 and 2009.  The report is the first of its kind since 2000, and is an examination of recidivism rates for released offenders serving a sentence of one year or more. 

 

For the last two years, the state has been engaged in the Justice Reinvestment Initiative, a data-driven approach to increase public safety, reduce corrections and criminal justice spending, and invest the savings in strategies that can decrease crime and strengthen neighborhoods.  Last year, Governor Markell signed into law recommendations made by the Justice Reinvestment Task Force, which he created in July 2011 through Executive Order Number 27. The law mandated an annual report on recidivism rates so that efforts to promote successful reentry can be measured against a meaningful baseline.

 

As the table below indicates, by the end of the first year, approximately half the offenders who had been sentence to one year or more had been recommitted to a secure facility, recommitted or rearrested.  By the end of three years, about 67 percent had been recommitted to a secure facility; just over 70 percent had been reconvicted; and just over 75 percent had been rearrested. 

 

	2008 Prison Release Cohort			2009 Prison Release Cohort
	1 year	2 years	3 years	1 year	2 years	3 years
Rearrest	55.8%	70.9%	77.1%	52.6%	68.7%	76.4%
Reconviction	49.3%	65.3%	71.7%	48.1%	63.5%	71.0%
Recommitment	47.0%	61.3%	67.6%	45.3%	61.1%	67.3%

 

Recidivism rates were highest among those offenders who served time for Property offenses when compared to the rates for those serving Violent or Public Order offenses, including drug offenses.   Those under 24 had significantly higher recidivism rates than those over 45. Men were more likely to recidivate than women, and younger offenders were more likely to reoffend than older offenders. 

 

The report will be updated annually with an additional one-year cohort added to each annual report.  The current report can be found at http://cjc.delaware.gov/sac/publications/documents/RecidivismFinalJuly30.pdf.

 

Drewry N. Fennell

Executive Director

Criminal Justice Council

Carvel State Office Building - Tenth Floor

820 French St.

Wilmington, DE 19801

(302) 577-5030

drewry.fennell@state.de.us

Statement by Governor on Report Released by Delaware Criminal Justice Council

First report of its kind since 2000 examines recidivism rates for released offenders

“Recidivism in Delaware: An Analysis of Prisoners Released in 2008 and 2009”

 

(Wilmington, DE)   Below is the Governor’s statement regarding the report and news release issued today by the Delaware Criminal Justice Council Statistical Analysis Center, entitled, “Recidivism in Delaware: An Analysis of Prisoners Released in 2008 and 2009.”

“This report, and the valuable data it provides, is an integral part of our Justice Reinvestment Initiative.  Too many people released from our prisons go on to commit more crimes.  We need to change that, and this report gives us benchmarks for measuring progress as we pursue new strategies to prevent crime and reduce recidivism.  The data released today can help us measure the effectiveness of programs, both in and outside of prison, targeted to helping offenders become productive members of society while improving public safety,” said Governor Jack Markell. 

 Last year, Governor Markell signed into law recommendations by the Justice Reinvestment Task Force, which he created in July 2011 through Executive Order Number 27.  The law mandated an annual report on recidivism rates.

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First Saturday Events For August 3rd In Dover: “The Era of Prohibition in Delaware” And “Speakeasy”

First Saturday August 3rd

Don’t Miss Two (2)Special Productions !!

The Old State House

“The Era of Prohibition in Delaware”

Join us for this Entertaining & Interactive Show

11:30AM & 2:00PM

The Johnson Victrola Museum

“Speakeasy”

Musical Presentation by DonDel Productions

1:00PM & 3:00PM

click on the link below for the description of the two events above plus others.

Fifteen Events at Division Museums in August 2013

http://history.blogs.delaware.gov/2013/07/12/fourteen-events-at-division-museums-in-august-2013/

Tom Welch

Delaware's Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs 

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UD Cyberattackers Probably Got My Info.....

Even though I worked for the University of Delaware's Development Office 20 years ago (1988-93), I was told this morning that my personnel information is likely included in the data theft reported yesterday. 

(News Journal) Nichole Dobo reports ~ Hackers steal identity info at UD, affecting 72,000 - current, past employees affected, university officials say

Hackers exploited a security flaw in Web-based software used by the university and stole names, addresses, Social Security numbers and university identification numbers of current and past employees – including student workers, school officials said Tuesday.

It’s not yet known if they managed to copy other sensitive records from the software, which the university uses to conduct business services such as payroll.

Officials did not say how far back the stolen employee records date. The investigation is ongoing, and UD officials could not rule out the possibility that they might discover additional problems.

........Though not required by law, the university will pay for credit monitoring for three years for those whose data was stolen. The university is sending out letters and emails to affected people. People also can check their status at www.udel.edu/it/response.

.......Kroll Advisory Solutions is working with individuals who had their data stolen

UD IT Security Response

The University of Delaware is notifying the campus community that it has experienced a cyberattack in which files were taken that included confidential personal information of more than 72,000 current and past employees, including student employees. The confidential personal information includes names, addresses, UD IDs (employee identification numbers) and Social Security numbers.

• The University has sent notifications to those affected via email and U.S. Mail.
• The University has retained the services of Kroll Advisory Solutions, a global leader in risk mitigation and response that will provide free credit monitoring services to those whose information was compromised.
  • If you received a letter or email with a membership number, follow the instructions in the letter.
  • If you have not yet received a letter or email and you have a UDelNet ID, you can use the IT Security Verification page to see if you are impacted by this incident.
  • If you have not yet received a letter or email and do not have a UDelNet ID, contact Kroll Advisory Solutions directly at 1-877-309-0016 to see if you are affected and, if so, to receive further instructions.
  We remind you to safeguard your private information. The University will not contact you and ask to confirm any of your personal information. If an unknown person contacts you and claims that he or she can help you if you would just confirm your personal information, do not surrender any information. No one from the University, Kroll Advisory Solutions or any other reputable organization will contact you to request your personal information.

As more information becomes available, we will update this website.

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Education Voices Public Education Conference Set For 9AM September 7th In Wilmington

Education Voices Public Education Conference: 

Pressing Issues in Public Education

Update: Workshops

- Meedra Surratte (Parent Information Center)

Topic: Special Education- IEP's & 504 Plans

- Dr. Theodore Davis (University of Delaware)

Topic: Black educational progress or lack thereof, since Brown vs. Board of Education

Keynote Speaker:

Dr. Umar Johnson Author of Psycho-Academic Holocaust- The special education and ADHD against black boys

FREE public education conference will provide workshops regarding special education the educational progress of black students. In addition the keynote speaker, Dr. Umar Johnson will discuss the proliferation of ADHD. Partners include; Parent Information Center & Associate Professor from the University of Delaware. Pre-registration required.

When:
Saturday September 7, 2013 from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM 

Where:
Delaware Technical Community College 333 Shipley Street, Wilmington, DE 19801 

Contact:Devon Hynson, Education Voices Public Education Conference 302-559-7889 devonhynson@comcast.net

Wilmington City Councilwoman Maria D. Cabrera shared this on facebook ~

If you are serious about the social problems and crime we are facing then understand that prevention begins with providing an equitable education to our inner city youth as well as children all across out state! Join us!

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Steady Growth Seen In Delaware Food Stamps Program

Delaware State House of Representatives - Minority Caucus writes ~ 

In another sign of the slow recovery, people using food stamps in Delaware is significantly higher now than it was three years ago. Economists say the recovery began in June 2009. Six months later, in January 2010, there were 109,215 Delawareans enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). In April of this year, the U.S. Department of Agriculture reports there were nearly 154,000 Delawareans – or about one-in-every-six state residents – receiving food stamps. (See graph.) According to a Governing Magazine article, food stamp usage nationally has increased over the last three years. Currently, about one-in-every-seven Americans are on the program. 

To see the article click HERE

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Dogfish Head Beer Voted #1 Craft Breweries In America!

From facebook ~ 

The 25 Best Craft Breweries in America

www.thedailymeal.com

• "In the brewery business for almost two decades, Dogfish Head is one of the most popular breweries in the country. It is Delaware’s first brewpub as well as the smallest commercial brewery in America. But, this small brewery now packs a giant punch, as they now operate out of a 100,000-square-foot converted cannery and sell their beer, including their original Shelter Pale Ale, to more than 25 states. Under the direction of Sam Calagione, Dogfish Head will continue to be the gamechanger — and leader — when it comes to the world of craft beer. "When I think of 'craft beer,' Dogfish Head is the first brewery that pops into my head," says Jason Morgan, the founding partner of Craft Beer Business. "Their creativity and dedication to the craft beer tradition is inspiring."

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Ask Senator Carper To Support SB 761 - Energy Savings And Industrial Competitiveness Act Of 2013

From the Delaware Sierra Club via Young Peacemakers

TAKE ACTION on ‪#‎EnergyEfficiency‬ and ‪#‎ClimateChange‬: 

The ‪#‎Senate‬ may be voting in the next few days on important Energy Efficiency legislation. 

Unfortunately, as usual, a few Senators want to attach rider amendments which have nothing to do with the intent of the bill and may delay passage of this bipartisan legislation. 

The bill is Senate Bill 761 and you can help by giving a quick callto Senator Carper's office at (202) 224-2441 and ask him to support the Energy Savings and Industrial Competitiveness Act of 2013 and oppose any amendments.

Senator Coons is already a sponsor so you can just thank his office for sponsoring the bill and ask that they oppose any amendments. Senator Coons office number is: (202) 224-5042.
http://www.energy.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/legislation?ID=bd50af41-6efd-43e1-a69b-3d23ab672bcc

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