March 3, 2009

Markell: DNREC Should Seek Seat at the Table During Critical Energy Discussion

DOVER – A strong advocate for the health of our state's environment and its citizens must be involved in the discussions of where Delaware's largest utility secures its power, Governor Jack Markell said Tuesday. To make that happen, the Governor has directed the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control to seek to intervene in the Public Service Commission's consideration of Delmarva Power's Integrated Resource Plan.

Delmarva Power's Integrated Resource Plan is a multi-year blueprint for new power sources and energy efficiency that is under review by the Public Service Commission.

Markell directed DNREC to seek formal status as a party in the proceedings so the agency can evaluate the impact of Delmarva's proposed plan on the state's environment and Delawareans' health. In the Markell administration, one of DNREC's top priorities will be identifying public health concerns surrounding pollution and developing public policy to reduce those emissions.

"Where we choose to get our energy affects both the health of our citizens and the integrity of our environment," Markell said. "DNREC must participate in the decision-making process about our future energy sources, and put Delaware's health and environmental concerns first because that is their core mission."

DNREC will work with the experts in the Division of Public Health to conduct its research on Delmarva's proposals. Specifically, DNREC will advocate that Delmarva's resource plan "reflects the State's interest in sustainable energy practices, the health of its citizens, and the potential effect of supply generation on the state's air quality and exposure to risk from climate change."

"We must look at not only how much power will cost per month, but also how much more we will have to pay in the long run to clean up pollution or treat health problems caused by toxins in the air, land or water," said acting DNREC Secretary David Small, who will file a motion to intervene with the PSC this week. "We have to take a big-picture view of this and make decisions that will benefit Delawareans for generations to come."

Delmarva is required to file an Integrated Resource Plan under Delaware's Electric Utility Retail Customer Supply Act of 2006.