SB65 • 2025

AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 7 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO TERMINATING THE REGIONAL GREENHOUSE GAS INITIATIVE AND CO2 EMISSION TRADING PROGRAM.

Energy

Passed Legislature

This bill passed both chambers and reached final enrollment, even if later executive action is not shown here.

Sponsor: Hocker
Last action: 2025-03-06
Official status: Senate Environment, Energy & Transportation 3/6/25
Effective date: Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The bill text cites a Forbes study regarding GDP growth and electricity prices, but these are presented as background facts rather than guaranteed outcomes of this specific legislation.

Bill SB65: Ending Delaware's Role in RGGI

This bill removes Delaware from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative program to end state participation in its CO2 emission trading rules.

What This Bill Does

Removes Delaware from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) and ends the CO2 emission trading program.
Repeals Subchapter II-A of Chapter 60 in Title 7 of the Delaware Code to end state participation.

Who It Names or Affects

Delaware electrical power plants larger than 25 megawatts that currently follow RGGI rules.
Families and businesses in Delaware who pay for electricity under current RGGI compliance costs.

Limits and Unknowns

The official text does not state a specific date when the changes will take effect or when Delaware officially leaves RGGI.
It is unclear what new policies the state might create to replace the current program.

Bill History

2025-03-06 Delaware General Assembly
Introduced and Assigned to Environment, Energy & Transportation Committee in Senate

Official Summary Text

AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 7 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO TERMINATING THE REGIONAL GREENHOUSE GAS INITIATIVE AND CO2 EMISSION TRADING PROGRAM.
This Act removes Delaware from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (“RGGI”) as the state has already exceeded its CO2 reduction goals, cutting emissions by 45%. Despite this progress, Delaware faces high electricity costs and slow economic growth, ranking 46th in GDP growth. RGGI compliance costs are passed on to consumers, making energy more expensive for families and businesses. States outside RGGI have maintained lower energy prices while still reducing emissions. Exiting the program will allow Delaware to pursue policies that support both economic growth and energy affordability.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text

Legislation Document

SPONSOR:

Sen. Hocker & Rep. Shupe

Sens. Buckson, Lawson, Pettyjohn, Richardson, Wilson; Reps. Collins, Dukes, Gray, Hilovsky, Jones Giltner, Morris, D. Short, Michael Smith, Vanderwende, Yearick

DELAWARE STATE SENATE

153rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SENATE BILL NO. 65

AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 7 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO TERMINATING THE REGIONAL GREENHOUSE GAS INITIATIVE AND CO2 EMISSION TRADING PROGRAM.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE:

WHEREAS, Delaware’s participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (“RGGI”) was intended to reduce carbon dioxide (CO₂) production; and

WHEREAS, the original goal of RGGI was to reduce CO₂ emissions by 10% by 2019 from Delaware electrical power plants over 25 megawatts in size; and

WHEREAS, Delaware has already far exceeded the goal, achieving a 45% reduction in CO₂ emissions; and

WHEREAS, a Forbes study shows that the 10 fastest-growing states averaged real gross domestic product (“GDP”) growth of 18.6% over 5 years while maintaining an average electricity price of 10.7 cents per kWh in 2024; and

WHEREAS, the same study ranks Delaware 46th in GDP growth, with real GDP increasing by only 3% over the same period, while the State's average electricity price remains higher at 13.4 cents per kWh; and

WHEREAS, high electricity costs place an economic burden on families and businesses, making Delaware less competitive for growth and investment; and

WHEREAS, the costs associated with RGGI compliance are ultimately passed down to consumers, further increasing energy costs for Delaware households and businesses; and

WHEREAS, states that have chosen not to participate in RGGI have maintained competitive electricity rates while still achieving environmental improvements through alternative policies.

Section 1. Amend Chapter 60, Title 7 of the Delaware Code by repealing Subchapter II-A in its entirety.

SYNOPSIS

This Act removes Delaware from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (“RGGI”) as the state has already exceeded its CO2 reduction goals, cutting emissions by 45%. Despite this progress, Delaware faces high electricity costs and slow economic growth, ranking 46th in GDP growth. RGGI compliance costs are passed on to consumers, making energy more expensive for families and businesses. States outside RGGI have maintained lower energy prices while still reducing emissions. Exiting the program will allow Delaware to pursue policies that support both economic growth and energy affordability.

Author: Senator Hocker