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.

Reliable, low cost electric power is critical to maintaining economic growth and our quality of life. Life expectancy has doubled, and the economy has grown eight-fold since 1900 with both directly linked to the growth of the electric industry. The effect is being replicated in developing countries today. Even developed countries find every 10% increase in power costs reduces economic growth by 1%, an important fact when most developed countries only grow 2 to 3% a year long

*as first published in the News Journal Dec. 16, 2013   Upwind power plants are not causing significant pollution in Delaware or in other mid-Atlantic and Northeast states as is commonly believed. For the first time, Delaware will meet all air-quality standards this year. It is time to celebrate the progress we have made in reducing air pollution and to move on to other problems instead of worrying about what other states are doing. The primary remaining emission source for n

As the surcharge for the 30 megawatt Bloom Project with Delmarva Power kicks in at over three times the expected cost to consumers questions persist about how this project got through the system. It is really a story of how rules were bent for a risky start up business that promised a lot of jobs in return for a very large financial guarantee.                As Director of the Caesar Rodney Institute’s Center for Energy Competitiveness I regularly work with the legislature an

Center for Energy & Environmental Policy Download pdf below.

Originally published December 8, 2015, at delawareonline.com and December 9 in The News Journal. The Indian River Power Plant in Millsboro is in the cross hairs for closure. NRG Corporation invested $360 million in air pollution control technology a few years ago and it is now tied for the cleanest burning coal plant in the country. NRG also closed three smaller generation units, reduced cooling water intake, and spent money capping a coal ash storage area. Despite these eff

The primary purpose of the Caesar Rodney Institute is to improve Delaware’s economy through state policy reform. We expect this effort to lead to more and better jobs. For some of our citizens, work is not a possibility and they need assistance to get by.  Recently we helped create a new program to help more low-income homeowners obtain assistance in making their homes more energy efficient to lower their energy bills.   The Delaware Health and Human Services Department estim