Gov. John Carney on Monday signed an executive order establishing a working group to study the potential economic and environmental benefits of offshore wind development.
The working group will meet next month to review economic opportunities as well as current laws and regulations. The group will recommend potential legal changes and identify any barriers to insuring offshore wind development benefits Delawareans.
“We must look for ways to participate in the development of alternative energy sources,” Carney said. “It’s the right decision for our environment, but the development of new sources of energy is also good for our economy, and for the creation of good-paying jobs. This new working group will help us explore the potential economic and environmental benefits of offshore wind development for Delaware.”
The group will submit a report by December 15. It will also draft any necessary legislation or possible amendments to existing law.
The executive order follows an announcement last week by the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, which includes Delaware, along with nine other northeast states, to continue their emissions reduction program through 2030.
