Delaware Signs Offshore Wind Bill
Delaware took a giant step to support renewable energy from offshore wind turbines when Governor John Carney signed the Delaware Energy Solutions Act of 2024. The legislation will start the process of delivering clean, responsibly developed offshore wind energy that could supply up to half of the state’s current energy needs. Less dependence on fossil fuels will help the state meet its goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Created with input from state agencies, industry experts, and environmental advocates, the act contains specific conditions under which Delaware will permit a qualified developer to move forward with a cost-effective offshore wind turbine project. These projects will secure a cleaner and more sustainable environment for future generations in the Diamond State.
Photo Credit: ORSTED
EPA Rules Will Protect Communities from Forever Chemicals in Drinking Water
A multi-year campaign to raise awareness about the dangers of PFAS (also known as “forever chemicals” to reflect the severity of their long-term effects) culminated in a big win this year. The Water Team educated members of Congress about the dangers these toxic chemicals pose and encouraged the EPA to move swiftly to designate them as hazardous.
The Action Fund and the Great Lakes Regional Center both conducted email campaigns that together generated over 30,000 public comments on the proposed EPA rules. (NWF also submitted detailed comments.) With new rules issued by the EPA and the critical designation of these particles as hazardous, communities contaminated by these substances can now seek clean up and justice.
Photo Credit: Jennifer Hill
New York’s TREES Act Anxiously Awaits Authorization
NWF’s Northeast Regional Center, in collaboration with our New York affiliate and numerous national and international partners, led the campaign that resulted in the TREES Act passing both houses of the New York State Legislature. The bill, written to stop New York from funding climate destruction, is awaiting signature on the governor’s desk. To cheer on Governor Hochul, NWF activated member support by sending 600 messages to the governor’s office, facilitating 17,000 signatures on a petition, and raised further awareness tabling at the Prose B You NYC Half Marathon – 10k 5k Sustainability Village Advocacy table, and participating in Senator James Sanders Jr.’s Annual Earth Day Tuvalu Challenge and Tree Planting Ceremony.
Photo Credit: Brian ‘Olschool’ Cole, Prose B You NYC