State task force takes aim (sustainable energy, Delaware)

[jpak]

http://www.capegazette.com/storiescurrent/200612/sustainenergy120806.html

Sustainable energy can no longer be considered merely a pipe dream. One state legislator says Delaware receives enough solar energy to meet all of its energy needs – and a new state task force has undertaken the task of investigating and implementing new strategies to protect the health and well-being of Delaware and its residents.

Sen. Harris McDowell, D-Wilmington, heads the new task force on sustainable energy, which met Nov. 28 in Dover to discuss the possibility of taking Delaware to the forefront of the sustainable energy movement.

“Our transport and electricity sectors are the largest sources of air quality problems and represent major sources of water quality problems in the state,” said McDowell. “Energy industries and large energy consumers are also significant sources of soil contamination in Delaware. This means that if we remain dependent on the existing unsustainable energy system, we will experience persistent conflicts between livability and sustainability goals for our state and its economic vitality.”

The 12-member Sustainable Energy Utility task force was created in July and includes legislators such as Sen. Gary Simpson, R-Milford, and environmentalists like Dominique Baron, an advocate for the Delaware Nature Society and energy policy experts.

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[valerief]

1. Well, the oil bullies will just have to make it rain all the time now. nt