Markell Talks The Talk On Climate Change But Will He Walk The Walk?

(John W. Greene image, New Castle)

(WDEL) Amy Cherry reports ~ Markell signs executive order, tackling climate change - Sea Level Rise Awareness week starts Saturday, September 14th and runs until September 22nd.

Click here to watch video of this story.

"Human activities are significantly contributing to climate change." That's why Governor Markell says Delaware needs to act now to prevent devastating effects, if we don't cut greenhouse gas emissions. Some damage has already been done......... Markell's executive order calls for all state-funded projects to build to the future and adapt to increased flood heights and sea level rise.........Markell says rising sea levels are so much more than just an environmental issue. "This is essential to supporting a thriving economy and protecting the health of our residents," says Markell.

DNREC Secretary Collin O'Mara explains virtually all wetlands can become open water if systems aren't made more resilient. "25 percent of our industrial areas could be inundated, and 21 percent of the sewer pumping stations could be flooded, and we saw some of that in Lewes during Hurricane Sandy," says O'Mara.

Governor Markell Executive Order:

 

Preparing Delaware for Emerging Climate Impacts

and Seizing Economic Opportunities from Reducing Emissions

Wilmington, DE – At an event along the Wilmington riverfront commemorating Sea level Rise Awareness Week, Governor Jack Markell signed an executive order creating a Governor’s Committee on Climate and Resiliency to oversee development of an implementation plan to maintain and build upon Delaware’s leadership in responsibly reducing greenhouse gas emissions and develop agency-specific actionable recommendations for improving Delaware’s preparedness and resiliency to climate impacts.

 

As a low-lying coastal state, Delaware has the lowest average land elevation in the United States and a significant population living along 381 miles of shoreline vulnerable to coastal erosion, storm surge, flooding, saltwater intrusion and tidal wetland losses, all of which will be exacerbated by sea-level rise.

 

“Our economy will be stronger and our communities more vibrant, if we take strategic actions today that will prepare us for the future,” said Governor Jack Markell.  “Despite existing programs and initiatives, the state continues to experience very real and wide-ranging impacts from flooding that are aggravated by more intense storms and rising sea levels.”

 

The Governor noted that over the past few years, Delaware has seen:

·         hurricanes, droughts, record precipitation and severe inland and coastal flooding, affecting Delaware’s people, communities, economy, natural resources and quality of life

·         droughts threaten agricultural production

·         storms topple beaches essential to tourism

·         record flooding in the Southbridge area of Wilmington

·         Bayshore towns like Kitts Hummock, Bowers Beach, Prime Hook, and Lewes, along with ocean-front communities (Rehoboth, Dewey, Bethany, Fenwick) have experienced extensive beach erosion and flooding from the effects of Hurricane Irene and Hurricane Sandy and other storms

·         Flooding in communities like Oak Orchard in the Inland Bays and Seaford along the Nanticoke River

 

Benjamin Franklin’s old adage that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure applies more now than ever before,” said Collin O’Mara, Secretary of the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control.  “The actions that Delaware takes today under Governor Markell’s leadership will reduce Delaware vulnerabilities to extreme storms and sea-level rise and will prevent hundreds of millions of dollars in future damages buy improving the resiliency of our economy, local communities, and natural resources.” 

 

“The science is clear: Human activities are significantly contributing to climate change and accelerated sea level rise – and we must take action,” said Governor Markell.  “Improving Delaware resiliency is not simply an environmental issue – it is essential to supporting a thriving economy and protecting the health and safety of our residents.  It’s going to take the cooperation and participation of businesses, citizens, county and municipal governments as well as regional and federal entities to improve Delaware’s resiliency and serve as a model for others to replicate.”

 

Starting in 2010, Delaware’s 24-member Sea Level Rise Advisory Committee researched the effects that sea level rise could have on Delaware communities and in 2013, provided a list of recommendations to Secretary of the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control.

 

Executive Order 41 targets three goals: 

 

1.       It calls for continuing Delaware’s national leadership in reducing greenhouse gas emissions in ways that strengthen our economy.

 

2.       It requires that state agencies develop strategies to improve the resiliency of state operations and facilities with a focus on using natural systems and green infrastructure; share best practices with local governments; and reach out to residents and businesses about risks and adaptation strategies.

 

3.       It requires that all state agencies incorporate measures for adapting to increased flood heights and sea level rise in the siting and design of state-funded projects; we will be building for the future, instead of building to the past.  (note: this was a recommendation of both the Sea Level Rise Advisory Committee and the Floodplain and Drainage Advisory Committee).

 

It should be noted that Delaware has made progress in reducing emissions and becoming more resilient to weather event by:

 

·         Decreasing greenhouse gas emissions by a greater percentage in Delaware than any other state in the nation (U.S. Department of Energy)

·         Having switched or shut down 9 of 10 coal plants and building new low-emission generation

·         Having increased the deployment of solar 25-fold, from two megawatts to 50 in the past four years

·         Having the nation’s largest fuel cell farms and becoming a national leader in geothermal

·         Working with the City of Wilmington to construct a wetland to help alleviate flooding challenges in Southbridge

·         Repairing dikes in New Castle that protect thousands of residents and hundreds of businesses

·         Repairing dams and impoundments across Kent and Sussex; restoring wetlands; strategically nourishing beaches; updating drainage codes

 

The  responsibilities of the Governor’s Committee on Climate and Resiliency include the following:

 

·         No later than December 31, 2014, reporting to the Governor on completion of a plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.  That plan must ensure that greenhouse gas reduction efforts have a positive effect on Delaware’s economy, including:

§  Securing cleaner, cheaper, more reliable energy;

§  Improving public health outcomes;

§  Increasing employment;

§  Strengthening manufacturing; and

§  Enhancing overall competitiveness.

 

·         No later than December 31, 2014, reporting to the Governor on agency-specific, actionable recommendations to improve preparedness and resiliency to climate impacts on public health/safety, infrastructure, natural ecosystems, agriculture, tourism, and other industries, including:

§  Actions state agencies can take to prepare for more extreme storms and projected temperature and precipitation variations;

§  Actions local governments can take “to improve community resiliency,” including (1) assessing vulnerabilities in infrastructure; (2) land use policies; and (3) other strategies that can be integrated into Comprehensive Land Use Plans; and

§  Outreach strategies.

 

The Order would require all State Agencies to incorporate measures for adapting to increased flood heights and sea level rise in the siting and design of projects for construction of new structures and reconstruction of substantially damaged structures and infrastructure.

 

For more information, including Committee membership, see Executive Order Forty-One.

 

TEXT OF EXECUTIVE ORDER

 

EXECUTIVE ORDER

NUMBER FORTY-ONE

TO:      HEADS OF ALL STATE DEPARTMENTS AND AGENCIES

RE:      PREPARING DELAWARE FOR EMERGING CLIMATE IMPACTS AND SEIZING ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES FROM REDUCING EMISSIONS

 

            WHEREAS, burning fossil fuels causes the release of heat-trapping greenhouse gases that contribute to a changing climate, which presents both economic opportunities for new jobs and industries, as well as challenges to protecting public health and safety, supporting a vibrant economy, and conserving natural resources; and 

            WHEREAS, Delaware’s greenhouse gas emissions have decreased by more than any state in the nation (29.7% from 2000 to 2010) and recent investments to modernize our energy system and efforts by several of Delaware's major employers and institutions of higher learning will result in significant additional reduction, however more must be done; and

            WHEREAS, initiatives to responsibly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and prepare Delaware for climate impacts present significant economic development and employment opportunities in infrastructure construction, energy efficiency, clean energy, and advanced transportation; and

            WHEREAS, as a low-lying coastal state with the lowest average land elevation in the United States and significant population living along 381 miles of shoreline, Delaware is vulnerable to coastal erosion, storm surge, flooding, saltwater intrusion, and tidal wetland losses, all of which will be exacerbated by sea-level rise; and

            WHEREAS, Delaware’s critical infrastructure, including roads, bridges, dams, dikes, impoundments, energy distribution systems, emergency services, outdoor recreation facilities, drinking water and wastewater treatment facilities, industrial sites, and landfills are at-risk to climate change impacts; and

            WHEREAS, Delaware's Bayshore and Inland Bays communities have experienced saltwater intrusion into drinking water supplies and irrigation systems, and climate impacts could  negatively affect the availability and reliability of the groundwater aquifers that provide water to many municipalities, residents, and farmers; and

            WHEREAS, agriculture in Delaware is an $8 billion industry which could be significantly impacted by increasingly variable temperatures, precipitation, extreme weather events, and droughts; and

            WHEREAS, tourism in Delaware is an $6 billion industry supported by world-class beaches, parks, wildlife areas, cultural assets, and recreational waterways, all of which are vulnerable to more extreme storms and sea-level rise; and

            WHEREAS, the State of Delaware was an original signatory to the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative and is working in collaboration with other states to reduce regional greenhouse gas emissions from power plants by more than 30% compared to 2008; and

            WHEREAS, to coordinate the efforts of state agencies to create a clean energy economy and a sustainable natural environment, I signed Executive Order No. 18 on February 17, 2010; and

            WHEREAS, under Executive Order No. 18, the State of Delaware, under the direction of and coordination by the Cabinet Committee on Energy, has reduced the number of state vehicle miles traveled by 25%; has increased its use of clean, renewable energy to 30% of its overall annual electric energy demand; and has taken important steps to reduce energy consumption, lower gas consumption and emissions from state vehicles, increase recycling, and implement environmentally-friendly procurement and building practices, resulting in millions of dollars of savings; and

            WHEREAS, the State of Delaware, through the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC), has developed a sea level rise adaptation policy that serves as a pilot for further statewide application; and

            WHEREAS, a variety of entities—including, among others, the Floodplain and Drainage Advisory Committee, the Bay Beaches Working Group, the Wetlands Advisory Committee, the State Sea Level Rise Advisory Committee, and the Delaware Climate Change Steering Committee—have developed or are developing policies and recommendations to address various discrete issues related to our changing climate and rising sea levels; and

            WHEREAS, it is important for the State of Delaware to continue to reduce greenhouse gas emissions cost-effectively, while preparing for current and emerging climate risks; and

 

            WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the State of Delaware to address climate change and rising sea levels in a coordinated and cost-effective manner, at the highest levels of government, using a structure similar to the one that has been employed so successfully in connection with Executive Order No. 18. 

 

NOW THEREFORE, I, JACK A. MARKELL, by virtue of the authority vested in me as Governor of the State of Delaware, do hereby DECLARE and ORDER the following

1.      There is hereby created a Governor’s Committee on Climate and Resiliency (the “Committee”), which shall be comprised of the following members:

      a.   Each of the members of the Cabinet Committee on Energy as set forth in 29 Del.C. § 8054, including the Secretaries of the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, Department of Agriculture, Department of Transportation, Department of Health and Social Services, Department of Safety and Homeland Security, and Department of State; the Director of the Delaware Economic Development Office; and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget;

      b.   The Director of the Delaware State Housing Authority;

      c.   The Director of the Office of State Planning Coordination; and

      d.   Such other persons as the Governor may from time to time appoint.

2.      The Committee shall oversee development of an implementation plan to maintain and build upon Delaware’s leadership in responsibly reducing greenhouse gas emissions, including identifying appropriate interim goals.  The plan shall ensure that efforts have a positive effect on the State's economy, including advancing the strategy of securing cleaner, cheaper, and more reliable energy, improving public health outcomes, increasing employment in Delaware, strengthening Delaware's manufacturing capabilities, and enhancing Delaware’s overall competitiveness.  The Committee shall report to the Governor on the completed plan by December 31, 2014, and annually thereafter.

3.      The Committee shall develop agency-specific actionable recommendations for improving Delaware’s preparedness and resiliency to climate impacts on public health and safety, public infrastructure and facilities, water resources, natural ecosystems, agriculture, tourism, and other industries.  The recommendations shall prioritize the use of natural systems or green infrastructure as the preferred means to improve resiliency.  Recommendations shall be submitted to the Governor by December 31, 2014 and shall include, but not be limited to:

      a.   Actions state agencies can take both within their departments and with assisting residents to adapt to and prepare for more extreme storms and projected temperature and precipitation variations expected over the next several decades, based upon research conducted through the Delaware Climate Change Steering Committee;

      b.   Actions local governments can take to improve community resiliency, including assessment of infrastructure vulnerabilities, land use policies, and other adaptation strategies that may be integrated into Comprehensive Land Use Plans in coordination with the Office of State Planning Coordination; and

      c.   Outreach strategies to inform and prepare Delaware’s residents and businesses about identified risks, vulnerabilities, adaptation strategies, and basics of climate change and its causes, with particular attention to providing strategies to help protect at-risk populations.

4.        In addition to the foregoing, all state agencies shall adhere to the following requirements related to flood hazard mitigation and sea level rise:

      a.   All state agencies shall incorporate measures for adapting to increased flood heights and sea level rise in the siting and design of projects for construction of new structures and reconstruction of substantially damaged structures and infrastructure. Such projects shall be sited to avoid and minimize flood risks that would unnecessarily increase state liability and decrease public safety.  Construction projects shall also incorporate measures to improve resiliency to flood heights, erosion, and sea level rise using natural systems or green infrastructure to improve resiliency wherever practical and effective;

      b. Where avoidance is not practicable, structures within a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) designated Special Flood Hazard Area shall be designed and constructed with habitable space at least 18 inches above current base flood elevation on a foundation appropriate for anticipated flood risk factors. If the structures are within an area mapped by DNREC as vulnerable to sea level rise inundation the projects shall be designed and constructed to account for sea level changes anticipated during the lifespan of the structure, in addition to FEMA flood levels; and

      c.   All state agencies shall consider and incorporate the sea level rise scenarios set forth by the DNREC Sea Level Rise Technical Committee into appropriate long-range plans for infrastructure, facilities, land management, land-use, and capital spending. DNREC shall periodically update the scenarios with the best scientific data available and distribute new guidance to state agencies.

5.      The Secretary of Natural Resources and Environmental Control shall serve as chair of the Committee and, with the cooperation of other state agencies, is responsible for managing and tracking implementation of this Order.  In connection therewith, the chair and the Committee shall leverage the work of leading scientists and subject matter experts, as well as any research, studies, work groups, advisory councils, and committees as may be required to complete the tasks outlined herein.  DNREC shall provide support to state agencies to meet the requirements of this Order, including the development of maps illustrating areas of combined flooding and sea level rise.

6.       No provision of this Order shall create any individual right or cause of action that does not currently exist under state or federal law.

Senator Coons, Secretary O’Mara participate in roundtable discussion on the economic impacts of climate change

Delaware Secretary of the Environment and Energy joins senators in conversation on efforts to address climate challenges

WASHINGTON– Delaware Secretary of the Environment and Energy Collin O’Mara joined U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) for a roundtable discussion in the Capitol on Wednesday to discuss the economic impacts of climate change and efforts to mitigate and adapt to its effects. The meeting, which featured leaders from a broad range of industries and communities, focused on the importance of investments to strengthen the resilience of our infrastructure, utilities, and major industries against the effects of climate change. Secretary O’Mara highlighted the findings of Delaware’s statewide Sea Level Rise Vulnerability Assessment and the investments the state is making to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase community resilience to extreme weather.

“I was pleased to be able to introduce our own Delaware Secretary Collin O’Mara to a gathering of 15 senators today at our Steering and Outreach Committee,” Senator Coons said. “It was a meeting to consider the impact of climate change on our home states and on our country. Secretary O’Mara, under Governor Markell’s leadership, has lead a remarkable effort in Delaware to study, to understand, and to be prepared for the potential impacts on our businesses, our communities, our environment, and our future. We had a robust conversation, and I think it is just the beginning of a whole series of conversations here in the Congress about what we at the federal level can learn from important initiatives at the state level. It was great to have a Delawarean highlighted in today’s discussion.”

“Over the past few years, Delaware has taken great steps to make ourselves more resilient to storms and flooding and other types of extreme weather,” Secretary O’Mara said. “Today we were talking with some of the leading senators in the country about how we can take something successful in Delaware and replicate it, and also bring in additional federal assistance to make sure we can continue our efforts to ensure that every community—whether it be Southbridge in Wilmington or Oak Orchard down in Sussex County— is prepared for the challenges ahead.”

The Senate Democratic Steering and Outreach Committee is dedicated to fostering dialogue between Senate Democrats and community leaders from across the nation. Each year, the Steering Committee hosts several meetings with advocates, policy experts, and elected officials to discuss key priorities and enlist their help in the development of the Democratic agenda in the Senate.

As the lowest mean elevation state in the country, Delaware is especially vulnerable to the growing effects of sea level rise. In April, Senator Coons went to the Senate floor to highlight the work of the Delaware Sea Level Rise Advisory Committee. Those remarks can be seen and read here: http://1.usa.gov/11hv3pT

Cape Gazette editorial ~ Not surprisingly, sea level report has its dissenters

In his dissent, Rich Collins of the PGA said the report “could lead to actions in the near future that will have immense economic consequences. Yet it will not be known if those actions are truly necessary for decades.”

Howard Fortunato, executive vice president of the Home Builders Association, sounded an even gloomier note. He said the state’s approach could “stigmatize” our coastal areas. Further, he said, “Unfortunately, since Delaware is utilizing planning for worst-case scenarios, rather than implementing an adaptive management approach to possible sea level rise, we feel the current path taken will lead to the destruction of the Delaware coast and its economy.”

Scientists who warn of climate change and sea level rise are often accused of being alarmists. Judging by Fortunato’s statement, I’d say those on the other side of the issue can hold their own.

Should economic concerns outweigh environmental concerns and protections in place? What will a "balanced approach" look like with business interests so eager to dismantle critter habitat etc. for jobs-at-all-costs?

USA Today 9/12/13 Delaware at risk of recession, Moody's says

Loosening of coastal zone law urged as state jobs panel assembles - Jobs panel looking at ideas for economic growth

Blue collar hearings coming to NCC

Coastal ruling limits dissent - A win for industry on 42-year-old law

New Castle County Government ~

The County Executive announced his "New Castle County 2025 Economic Development Plan" initiative. Moodys has given further evidence to support what we already know - Delaware's economy is facing significant headwinds. As a state, we are rank second-to-last in GDP growth, home price appreciation, and wage growth. Now is not the time for blind optimism but rather for realistic self assessment and comprehensive planning.

I've ordered our Economic Development Office to create the first-ever comprehensive economic development plan. We need to map out the growth industries of the future, formulate a strategy to attract them to NCCo, and create a measurable, quantifiable timeline to assess our progress.

You will hear more about the "New Castle County 2025 Economic Development Plan" in the coming weeks and months.

And see: Clarification of DNREC's Role in the Delaware Chamber of Commerce/Public Policy Institute Group on Coastal Zone Act Changes

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