Sierra Club Applauds Passage of Landmark Delaware Climate Act, Clean Energy Bills

DOVER, DE. – After a nearly three-year push by community members and advocates, the Delaware Senate has passed the Climate Change Solutions Act, marking a victory for clean air, local jobs, and strong infrastructure across the state. The Climate Change Solutions Act, alongside several other priority clean transportation and energy bills, now awaits Governor John Carney’s signature.

Once signed, the following bills will aid in Delaware’s efforts to cut emissions and address the climate crisis by investing in clean, climate-resilient infrastructure, transportation, and energy sources. 

Key climate bills passed today include:

• House Bill 99 The Delaware Climate Change Solutions Act
  • Sets greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets to at least 50% by 2030 and requires Delaware reduce emissions by 100% and achieve Net Zero by 2050.
  • Requires the state take climate change and our emission goals into account when passing regulations and when major investments and purchasing decisions.
  • Instructs the state government to update the climate action plan every five years and develop resiliency strategies to help Delaware address climate-related challenges.
  • Recognizes the disproportionate impact of climate change on certain communities and ensures that emission reduction strategies do not disproportionately impact overburdened communities.
• House Bill 10 Requiring 30% of Delaware School Buses be Electric by 2030
• House Bill 11 Requiring All New Large Commercial Construction be Built Ready to Install Solar
• House Bill 12 Codifying and Expanding State EV Rebate Program to Include Used EVs
• Senate Bill 51 Banning Styrofoam and Certain Single-Use Plastics Statewide

In response to the legislative victories, Dustyn Thompson, Sierra Club Delaware Chapter Director, issued the following statement:

“For nearly three years, Delawareans powered a relentless campaign to pass the Climate Change Solutions Act. Now, with its passage alongside other key bills, generations of Delawareans will breathe easier, build better, and travel cleaner. This bill is both crucial and historic in the impacts that it will have on future generations. When we look back, 10, 15, or 20 years from now, I think Delawareans will be proud and immensely grateful of the actions of our legislators and advocacy communities today.

Styrofoam and some single-use plastics and straws are banned. Electric school buses and rebates for both new and used EVs are in. Delaware has adopted one of the nation’s strongest climate pollution reduction targets and committed itself to protecting communities disproportionately impacted by environmental injustice and climate pollution. 

Each step, every action outlined in the climate bills passed today, will move Delaware one step closer to the equitable, breathable future we want for our children and grandchildren. Today, we celebrate these victories and look forward to working alongside the state to ensure we remain on target.

Thank you to our legislative champions down in Dover, especially Reps. Heffernan, Longhurst, and Phillips and Senator Hansen for their passion and drive to get these bills done.”