JFC Funds the State Energy Office in line with the Delaware Energy Planning Act

Finally, JFC on Tuesday approved a $153 million operating budget for the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control that includes plans to strengthen the ability of the State Energy Office to serve as the lead agency on a variety of climate and energy issues. 

First created by the Delaware General Assembly in 2003, the State Energy Office is housed in the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control’s Climate, Coastal and Energy Division, where it currently acts as a central repository and clearinghouse for data and information on energy resources and energy policy in Delaware. 

Sponsored by Sen. Stephanie Hansen in May, Senate Bill 7 would expand that role to also include a focus on modernizing our electric grid with additional planning and coordination responsibilities that support clean energy, clean transportation, emerging technologies and energy efficiency. The addition of five new staff positions will be accomplished by reallocating vacant positions already existing within state government. 

SENATE BILL 7 – DELAWARE ENERGY PLANNING ACT	Currrent Status – Senate Finance Committee 5/17/23
House Sponsors – Heffernan, Baumbach, Griffith, Lambert, Longhurst, Phillips	Senate Sponsors – Hansen, Paradee, Sturgeon, Townsend, Hoffner, Huxtable, Lockman, Mantzavinos, McBride, Sokola
House Yes Votes –	Senate Yes Votes –
House No Votes –	Senate No Votes –
House Absents or Not Voting –	Senate Absent or Not Voting –

“Growing the State Energy Office to meet our future needs can be accomplished within the framework of the budget that the Governor recommended in January,” said Sen. Hansen, chair of the Senate Environment, Energy & Transportation Committee. “I want to thank him, the Office of Management and Budget and the Joint Finance Committee for working to get this done so we can take the next critical step needed to holistically direct Delaware’s overall energy portfolio.” 

The Senate is expected to send SB 7 to the House in June.