Recommendations for Bureau of Ocean Energy Management Offshore Wind Leasing Program   Executive Summary   Using a case history from Maryland’s two offshore wind projects, offshore wind permitting and leasing should be halted until several critical issues are addressed.  A Benefit Cost Analysis of two Maryland projects show costs are four times higher than benefits as currently proposed with two-thirds of costs related to lost tourism.  The two projects may be typical of thirt

Dear Governor Carney,   One of the true joys of visiting the ocean is the chance to stare out on a crystal clear day and let the mind wander to the mysteries that lie over the horizon, and to enjoy the pure beauty.  It is rejuvenating.  Have you ever watched with wonder as the moon rises over the ocean?  Politicians in Washington and Maryland have decided to take that view away on Delaware beaches, and to fill the night sky with red flashing aircraft warning lights 1 .  In a

Center for Energy Competitiveness

Center for Energy Competitiveness Executive Summary:   The stage for action on energy policy is shifting from the federal level to the states.  Significant de-regulation has occurred under President Trump.  The EPA is no longer driving closure of coal-fired power plants, federal lands have been opened for exploration and production of fossil fuels, methane rules have been relaxed, it is getting easier to build pipelines and export facilities, CAFE Standards will likely be red

The Center for Energy Competitiveness A Review of Gabel Associates, Inc. Report:   "Benefit Cost Analysis for Electric Vehicle Adoption in the DE DPL Territory"

The Center for Energy Competitiveness Numerous programs have been suggested to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide to ease global warming concerns. Few are as expensive as switching to battery powered motor vehicles. A comparison between the Chevrolet Bolt battery electric compact hatchback, and its near twin Chevrolet Cruze hatchback powered by a conventional internal combustion engine showed the cost to reduce a ton of emissions would be a whopping $1550. For perspective, th

(Originally published on 7/23/2018) Executive Summary     A debate is under way as to whether U.S Senate ratification of the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol will be good for the U.S. economy.  At its heart the treaty aims to replace hydrofluorocarbons (HFC) refrigerants with a new class of lower global warming potential hydrofluoroolefins (HFO) refrigerants with developed countries sending money to the United Nations to assist developing countries with the cost of c

In 2014, for the first time, Delaware met all Air Quality Standards for every measured pollutant. That is an “A” in my book! Yet the American Lung Association (ALA) just released a report giving Delaware an “F” grade for air quality. How could that be?   Start by following the money. The ALA received $20 million in grants from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) over the last decade, and generally advocates for tougher regulations. The EPA has a self interest in ma

Products made in the EVRAZ Claymont, Delaware, steel mill are less profitable than two other manufacturing facilities in Portland, Oregon, and Regina, Saskatchewan.    As prices and volume slipped from foreign competition, it was an obvious choice to close the Claymont facility. We estimate the net effect of high electric rates and high corporate tax rates add almost 4% to steel plant operating costs in Delaware. That is three-quarters of EVRAZ’s 5.3% before tax earnings in 2

The EPA altered regulations to switch to a new class of refrigerants that supposedly reduces global warming.  The reality is by 2100 the change will reduce forecasted temperature by 0.001 degree C, but will cost billions, add up to $70 to every new automobile, and increase flammability.  Read this report to learn the details.