Delaware — A new measure that would reverse a local zoning decision and support the development of an offshore wind substation has cleared the Delaware Senate and now heads to the House. Senate Bill 159, approved Tuesday by a vote of 15 to 5, seeks to nullify a prior decision by Sussex County Council that blocked a key permit for US Wind’s proposed substation near 3Rs Beach.
If the bill becomes law, it would retroactively authorize construction near Millsboro as part of the company’s offshore wind energy project. Supporters argued the measure is critical to addressing growing energy demand and keeping future prices under control. The bill’s sponsor said power reliability is a statewide concern and should not be held up by a single county’s opposition. The proposal drew sharp criticism from Sussex County lawmakers, who said the bill strips authority from local government and sets a troubling precedent.
Opponents from Kent and Sussex counties pushed for alternative energy solutions such as nuclear or natural gas and raised concerns about the substation’s potential impact on nearby communities. US Wind CEO Jeff Grybowski attended Tuesday’s session and fielded questions from Republican lawmakers. Grybowski said pending lawsuits were unlikely to stop the project and stated the company’s investors remain confident. He also said federal authorities have so far allowed all approved offshore projects to move forward. With Senate approval secured, the bill moves to the House. If passed, it will head to Governor Matt Meyer for consideration.
