Delaware Interfaith Power & Light promotes offshore wind
More jobs, healthier air, lowered greenhouse gasses - that’s the win-win-win proposition of an offshore wind project for Delaware.
Nearly 90 percent of our electricity is generated by natural-gas power plants. Nearly 30 percent of our electricity needs could be supplied by an 800MW offshore wind project. According to the U.S. Dept. of Energy, each megawatt of energy created by wind power generates nearly 21 local jobs. Each dollar spent developing an offshore wind facility returns from $1.52-$1.83 to the state economy.
The main pollutants resulting from natural gas electricity generation are nitrogen oxides. Extremely harmful to human health, these highly reactive gases contribute to the production of particulate matter and ozone, resulting in respiratory problems, heart attacks and premature death.
The mission of Delaware Interfaith Power & Light is to work through faith communities and community partners to address both the causes and consequences of climate change; to scientifically inform and spiritually deepen our understanding of our relationship with the natural world and with each other…and to act on those understandings.
We understand that burning fossil fuels pollutes our air, our water, our soil, and destabilizes our climate, with devastating consequences. A healthy and sustainable future requires transition to clean, renewable energy. The science is overwhelming. We can project the risks and benefits. We need visionary leadership, bold initiatives, and a clear moral compass to forge a path that reflects our responsibility to each other and this wondrous planet.
Maine, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Maryland and Virginia have made commitments to wind power. Gov. Carney and state legislators need to hear a strong collective message from our residents urging Delaware to follow suit.
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