Legislative Update, Week of February 6, 2023

Legislative Update, Week of February 6, 2023

DRAFT Zero Emission Vehicles Regulations Raise Concerns

The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) is in the process of promulgating regulations Zero Emissions Vehicles with the goal of scaling down the sale of fossil fuel- powered passenger cars, light-duty trucks, SUVs, etc. beginning in 2025, with a total ban on the sale of new gas and diesel-powered vehicles by 2035. Status: The next phase, according to the DNREC’s materials provided during the December workshops, will involve an early-2023 public hearing, with a written comment deadline following 15 days after the hearing, with final adoption of regulations in mid-2023 with the program scheduled to begin in 2026 for model year 2027 vehicles. Status:  Public Comment Period on Proposed Regulations Pending Chamber Position: Under Review/Gathering Input/Seeking Changes to the DRAFT Regulations.  The NCC Chamber is in the process of consulting with members and subject matter experts to develop recommendations and an inventory of substantive concerns. The current plan and draft regulations (pre-publication) have profound implications for businesses and households in our state. 

FY 2024 Governor’s Recommended Budget Package

On Thursday, January 27, Governor Carney delivered the Governor’s FY 2024 Recommended Budget Presentation (slides can be accessed via link). His remarks and those of OMB director Cerron Cade are available in video format.  Following the nearly $1 billion increase in projected revenue forecasted by the Delaware Economic and Financial Advisory Council in their October and December (2022) meetings, the Carney Administration had roughly $6.5 billion on which to base their recommended budget.

The Recommended General Fund Operating Budget totals $5.5 billion, growing 7.4% from FY23. There will also be a one-time supplemental spending bill of $325 million. The Recommended Capital Budget equals roughly $1.3 billion. $60 million is recommended to be set aside for the Grant-in-Aid Budget. The Governor’s Plan also sets aside $18 million for the Budget Stabilization Fund, which would bring the balance of the fund to $421.5 million.

Appropriations Bills Comprising FY 2024 GRB

HB 75 (FY 2024 GRB Operating Budget)

HB 76 (FY 2024 GRB Operating, One-Time Supplemental)

SB 40 (GRB Capital Budget, FY 2024)

The General Assembly is on Budget Hearing Break until March 7

Joint Finance Committee budget hearings can be viewed via livestream at https://legis.delaware.gov/WatchAndListen?view=1&category=72.

Information on the budget hearings, including a link to view/download the public schedule for them, can be found at https://legis.delaware.gov/Committee/JointFinance/BudgetHearingInformation.