Delaware § 10003 - Greenhouse gas emissions reductions.

§ 10003. Greenhouse gas emissions reductions.

(a) The State shall implement greenhouse gas emissions reduction strategies to ensure that, no later than January 1, 2030, Statewide greenhouse gas emissions on a net basis shall be reduced by not less than 50% from a 2005 baseline (the “2030 target”).

(b) The State shall implement greenhouse gas emissions reduction strategies to ensure that, no later than January 1, 2050, greenhouse gas emissions in the State shall be stabilized at or below net zero emissions (the “2050 target”) and shall not exceed that level thereafter.

(c) The greenhouse gas emissions reductions set forth in subsections (a) and (b) of this section shall be implemented by the State through the process and the principles set forth in § 10004 of this title.

(d) The State shall develop and implement strategies that maximize the carbon storage and sequestration potential of forests, vegetation, and soils within the State, which shall be guided by the principles set forth in § 10004(e) of this title.

(e) The reductions required by subsections (a) and (b) of this section shall be determined by reference to Delaware’s Greenhouse Gas Inventory prepared by the Department.

(f) The Department shall adopt criteria to evaluate offset proposals as provided in § 10002(14) of this title. In evaluating greenhouse gas emissions offset, the Department shall consider all of the following factors:

1. The extent to which the offset results in a direct and additional reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

2. Whether the offset results in an enduring greenhouse gas reduction that is verifiable.

3. Whether the greenhouse gas reduction produced by the offset can be quantified.

4. The extent to which the offset will be implemented in or result in environmental benefits to the State.

5. The cost-effectiveness and availability of the offset.

6. If the offset has been utilized for the purposes of meeting greenhouse gas emissions goals in any other jurisdiction it shall not be approved as offsets in Delaware.

(g) The Department shall adopt the criteria required by subsection (f) of this section, and any rules or regulations necessary for implementing the provisions of subsection (f) of this section, not later than 18 months prior to the effective date of any new rules or regulations requiring emissions reductions from stationary sources to achieve the greenhouse gas emission reductions set forth in § 10003(a) and (b) of this title. Notwithstanding the foregoing, regulations promulgated pursuant to subchapter II-A of Chapter 60 of Title 7, and Chapter 70 of Title 7, which implement pre-existing offset programs, and regulations promulgated to meet federal requirements are excluded from the requirements of subsection (f) and (g) of this section.

84 Del. Laws, c. 141, § 1;