DELAWARE
With record oil prices, Delaware’s economy is facing hard times. Dependence on fossil fuels is also contributing to global warming. The economic costs in Delaware will only get worse if we choose not to act. But with a solid strategy to combat global warming, we could significantly boost the economy. With a $300 billion investment over ten years, the US economy will see 3.3 million new jobs and a $1.4 trillion GDP gain, along with $284 billion in net energy cost savings. (i)
The economic impacts of global warming are far reaching. Battling the effects of climate change will be expensive. Construction, home modifications, and beach replenishment to combat sea level rise could cost over $143 million! (ii)
At the root of these economic problems is our reliance on dirty, non-renewable sources of energy. Delaware heavily relies on coal for almost 2/3 of its energy. (iii)
With a new clean energy economy, we can create new jobs in Delaware while fighting global warming.
At present, we can meet 65% of our energy needs in Delaware with clean, renewable sources! (iv)
The state is already taking aggressive action to prevent the catastrophic effects of global climate change. Delaware is a member of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, which restricts emissions from large power plants to 188 million tons across the 10 participating states and establishes a trading system for carbon dioxide pollution credits. (v)
But the fight is not over; Delaware must continue to forge ahead in order to avoid long-term problems. In order to do that, we will need effective, strong leadership.
SOURCES:
i. http://www.apolloalliance.org/downloads/resources_ApolloReport_022404_122748.pdf
ii. http://www.nextgenerationearth.org/usstates/statelist/
iii. http://getenergyactive.org/fuel/state.htm
iv. http://www.ucsusa.org/assets/documents/clean_energy/Plugging_In_Renewable_Energy.pdf