Senators Coons, Moran, Stabenow and Murkowski re-introduce bill to level the playing field for renewable energy technologies

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) re-introduced bipartisan legislation Wednesday to level the energy playing field by giving investors in renewable energy projects access to a decades-old corporate structure whose tax advantage is available now only to investors in fossil fuel-based energy projects. The Master Limited Partnerships Parity Act is a straightforward, powerful modification of the federal tax code that could unleash significant private capital by helping additional energy-generation and renewable fuels companies form master limited partnerships, which combine the funding advantages of corporations and the tax advantages of partnerships. 

“The bipartisan Master Limited Partnerships Parity Act levels the playing field to help clean and renewable energy projects compete fairly with traditional energy projects,” Senator Coons said. “This market-driven solution supports the all-of-the-above energy strategy we need to power our country for generations to come. Our legislation will unleash private capital, create jobs and modernize our tax code. That’s why it has earned broad support from Republicans and Democrats in Congress, as well as academics, outside experts, business leaders and investors.” Senator Coons is a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.

“Master Limited Partnerships have a proven record of success,” Senator Moran said. “Expanding the eligibility to emerging technologies will provide Americans with access to increased investment opportunities as well as the energy these entities will create.  Capital formation remains one of the most difficult aspects of bringing a product to market.  Our MLP Parity Act will reduce the cost of this capital and provide American consumers with more American energy sources.  I look forward to working with my colleagues to advance this commonsense legislation.”

A master limited partnership (MLP) is a business structure that is taxed as a partnership, but whose ownership interests are traded like corporate stock on a market. By statute, MLPs have only been available to investors in energy portfolios for oil, natural gas, coal extraction, and pipeline projects. These projects get access to capital at a lower cost and are more liquid than traditional financing approaches to energy projects, making them highly effective at attracting private investment. Investors in renewable energy projects, however, have been explicitly prevented from forming MLPs, starving a growing portion of America’s domestic energy sector of the capital it needs to build and grow.

“Clean energy entrepreneurs are inventing new technology, saving consumers money, reducing our dependence on foreign oil and creating American jobs,” Senator Stabenow said. “We cannot afford to lose these new technologies to China and other countries because we continue to give special treatment to oil companies while ignoring opportunities in clean energy.  It’s time to level the playing field and grow these new job-creating industries here at home.” Senator Stabenow is the chair of the Senate Finance Subcommittee on Energy, Natural Resources, and Infrastructure.

“The Master Limited Partnership structure has helped the oil and natural gas industry deliver the abundant and affordable energy that powers our economy today,” Senator Murkowski said. “Through a small change in the tax code, this legislation will provide renewables with the same opportunity.” Senator Murkowksi is the ranking member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.

The MLP Parity Act introduced Wednesday is improved and expanded from the version introduced in 2012. The bill continues to include eligibility for renewable power generation and biofuels resources.  In addition to providing greater clarity on how expansion of the law would be implemented, the bill further widens the scope of projects that qualify for master limited partnership status to include energy efficient buildings, waste-heat-to-power, carbon capture and storage, and biochemicals. The updated version of the bill also provides increased clarity and specificity on how it would be implemented if made law.

Senator Ron Wyden, chair of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, also supports the MLP Parity Act. “Senator Coons is taking exactly the right approach by putting renewables on a level playing field with fossil fuels on Master Limited Partnerships,” Chairman Wyden said. “My aim is for Congress to accomplish that as part of comprehensive tax reform.”

The MLP Parity Act was also introduced in the House on Wednesday by Reps. Ted Poe (R-TX-02), Mike Thompson (D-CA-05), Peter Welch (D-VT-AL) and Chris Gibson (R-NY-19).

The MLP Parity Act has been endorsed by the following: Businesses: Imperium Renewables, Inc., FAIR Coalition, FloDesign Wind Turbine, Leucadia Energy, LLC, Myriant Corporation, NRG, OwnEnergy, Renewable Biofuels, Inc., Summit Power Group, Virent; Trade Associations: Advanced Biofuels Association, Advanced Ethanol Coalition, Alliance for Industrial Efficiency, American Biogas Council, Biomass Power Association, Energy Recovery Council, Energy Storage Association, Geothermal Energy Association, Growth Energy, Heat is Power Association, International District Energy Association, National Enhanced Oil Recovery Initiative, Ocean Renewable Energy Association, Offshore Wind Development Coalition, Real Estate Roundtable, Semiconductor Equipment and Materials International, Solar Energy Industries Association; Environmental Advocates: Clean Air Task Force, Environmental and Energy Study Institute; Think Tanks and Research Institutes: Clean Energy Trust, New England Clean Energy Council, Third Way; Finance & Investment: CalCEF, CERES

A more detailed white paper on the MLP Parity Act can be downloaded here: http://www.coons.senate.gov/download/mlp-white-paper

The legislation itself can be downloaded as a PDF here: http://www.coons.senate.gov/download/mlp-parity-act

Below are statements of support for the MLP Parity Act:

Josh Freed, Vice President for Clean Energy, Third Way: “The MLP Parity Act helps take government out of the role of picking energy winners and losers. Master Limited Partnerships have a long history of success raising private capital to finance oil and gas pipelines in the United States. This relatively small change to the tax code empowers investors, rather than Congress, to determine what kind of energy projects make financial sense. “

Jim Lanard, President, Offshore Wind Development Coalition: “MLPs will help to support the establishment of a sustainable offshore wind industry, since they can reduce the cost of capital and attract more investors. While extension of the Investment Tax Credit (ITC) remains our industry’s number one legislative priority, MLPs will serve as a nice complement to ITCs.”

Brooke Coleman, Executive Director, Advanced Ethanol Council: “The advanced ethanol industry strongly supports the efforts of Senator Coons and the co-sponsors of Master Limited Partnership Parity Act to level the playing field for advanced technologies when it comes to MLPs. Oil and gas producers are using MLPs to access the retail investment market, which in turn makes it easier to finance new oil and gas projects. Advanced, renewable technology developers are explicitly excluded from eligibility for MLPs. It makes no sense for the federal government to continue to offer this financing vehicle to fossil fuels only. The MLP Parity Act would take a meaningful inequity out of the federal tax code and put the country in a better position to create jobs and compete in the emerging $2 trillion global clean energy marketplace.”

Tony Straquadine, Chairman, The Heat is Power Association; Manager of Government Affairs, Alliance Pipeline: “The waste heat to power industry strongly supports the efforts of Senators Coons and Moran and the other co-sponsors of the Master Limited Partnership Parity Act to ensure that projects using a broad array of energy generation technologies can avail themselves of the MLP structure. The ability of waste heat to power projects to qualify for MLPs will make those projects easier to finance, will be attractive to a broader range of energy investors, and will produce emission-free power from an otherwise wasted resource. We applaud your efforts to level the playing field for energy generation resources like ours that improve the competitiveness of our nation’s industrial sector and generate power with no combustion and no emissions.”

Robert P. Thornton, President & CEO, International District Energy Association: “Since district energy and combined heat and power systems are capital intensive investments, the Master Limited Partnership Parity Act offers significant potential to advance the growth of these highly efficient and resilient clean energy resources.  By providing a new source of liquid private capital, the Act can play a vital role in strengthening the infrastructure of our nation’s cities, communities, institutions and military bases.”

Collin O’Mara, Secretary, Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, State of Delaware: “Senator Coon’s vision to expand Master Limited Partnerships to include projects that harness all energy resources simply makes sense.  At a time when we need to spur private sector investment, create domestic jobs, transition to a clean energy future, and fulfill our climate responsibilities, what better tool can we unleash than expanding upon a tried and true financing vehicle that has spurred billions of dollars of energy investments over the past decades and helped bring energy resources to all corners of our nation.  By spurring private investment into large-scale renewable energy projects, like solar, fuel cells, geothermal, and offshore wind, we will drive down the costs of projects and catalyze greater innovation, commercialization, and deployment of the very technologies that are critical to our nation’s economic and environmental future.”

Jim Collins, President, DuPont Industrial Biosciences: “We appreciate the leadership of Senator Coons and his Senate cosponsors and Representative Poe and his House cosponsors on the Master Limited Partnership Parity Act. This constructive bicameral, bipartisan legislation will facilitate the commercialization of advanced renewable fuel technologies by extending the tax-efficient Master Limited Partnership structure to these investments. These tax policies have proven effective in encouraging investment in oil and gas infrastructure and can similarly help in the domestic advanced biofuels industry, bringing investment and jobs to rural America while expanding domestic energy production and reducing our vulnerability to oil price shocks.”

Ted Michaels, President, Energy Recovery Council: “The Energy Recovery Council commends Senator Coons, Senator Moran, and the sponsors for introducing this important legislation which will provide renewable technologies with access to much needed capital.  This legislation is another critical step in recognizing the value of renewable energy and ensuring that technologies such as waste-to-energy can continue to pursue growth opportunities.” 

Vice Admiral Dennis McGinn (USN-Ret.), President and CEO, American Council On Renewable Energy: “We commend Senator Coons for his leadership in introducing important legislation to level the playing field and promote greater private investment in our nation’s abundant and affordable renewable energy resources and fuels. Enabling master limited partnership investment in renewable energy and infrastructure can help lower project costs, leading to more economic investment and a more diverse energy mix.”

Mike McAdams, President, Advanced Biofuels Association: “We are grateful for Senator Coons’ leadership at a critical point for America’s domestic biofuels industry as we are moving from the beaker to the barrel, in record time. The legislation provides an innovative financial mechanism that could significantly reduce the cost of financing as companies are reaching a game-changing milestone. Substantial investments by private companies in research and development have been the catalyst for today’s success in bringing advanced biofuels to commercial markets, but stable and consistent public policies are crucial to encourage and allow additional investment dollars that will help get us across the finish line. By creating a new and more appealing option for investors, the bill helps level the playing field and ultimately promotes a more cost competitive advanced biofuel alternative to conventional fuel.”

Rhone Resch, president and CEO, Solar Energy Industries Association: “This bill is an important step toward leveling the playing field between clean, renewable energy and long-entrenched energy sources in America, by providing the solar industry with access to private capital in the same manner enjoyed by the oil and gas industry for almost 30 years. Today, the U.S. solar industry employs nearly 120,000 Americans, with solar deployment growing and costs to consumers dropping. Senator Coons’ MLP proposal would build on this success, and SEIA applauds him for putting forward an idea that has the potential to attract private sector investment in critically important solar projects.  This bill represents smart public policy, and solar represents a clean, safe, affordable and inexhaustible supply of energy for our nation. We look forward to working with Senator Coons and other stakeholders on this important issue.”

Kurt Waltzer, Special Projects Director, Clean Air Task Force: “The Clean Air Task Force strongly supports the MLP Parity Act. Carbon Capture and Storage is a critical path technology for addressing climate change and we need more pioneer projects. If adopted, this bill will cut the cost of getting that steel in the ground”.

David Gardiner, Executive Director, Alliance for Industrial Efficiency: “We applaud Senators Coons (D-DE), Moran (R-KS), Stabenow (D-MI) and Murkowski (R-AK) for their bi-partisan leadership in introducing the Master Limited Partnership Parity Act.  The Alliance for Industrial Efficiency is particularly pleased that the bill extends low-cost financing to Combined Heat and Power and Waste Heat to Power, proven clean energy sources that could provide as much as 20 percent of U.S. electric capacity.”

Judi Greenwald and Brad Crabtree, Co-Directors, National Enhanced Oil Recovery Initiative:  “On behalf of participating industrial and other companies, labor unions, environmental organizations and state officials, the National Enhanced Oil Recovery Initiative applauds the MLP Act’s sponsors for expanding MLP eligibility to increase private investment in carbon capture and storage projects.  Capturing carbon dioxide from power plants and many other industrial facilities for use in enhanced oil recovery produces more American oil, creates good-paying jobs, generates net new revenue for the federal treasury, and reduces CO2 emissions.”

Rob Gramlich, Interim CEO, American Wind Energy Association: “America’s wind energy sector is a success story that has proven its strength by recruiting $18 billion in annual private investment in America’s energy infrastructure in recent years despite short-lived policy certainty. We commend Senators Chris Coons (D-DE), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Representatives Ted Poe (R-TX-2), Mike Thompson (D-CA-5), Peter Welch (D-VT-AL), and Chris Gibson (R-NY-19) for their leadership in promoting the eligibility of master limited partnerships (MLPs) to include renewable energy projects. MLPs work well for conventional energy infrastructure and will be one critical tool to ensure that federal incentives continue to drive private investment into the U.S. wind energy market. We look forward to working with Senator Coons, Representative Poe, and the other bill co-sponsors to proceed with legislation that allows wind power developers to efficiently utilize MLP structures.”

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Senators Carper, Coons sponsor bipartisan bill to eliminate unnecessary EPA regulation on Delaware farmers

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Tom Carper and Chris Coons (both D-DE) cosponsored a bipartisan bill to eliminate an unnecessary and costly Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulation on pesticides that affects many of Delaware’s farmers. Authored by Kay Hagan (D-NC) and Mike Crapo (R-ID), the Sensible Environmental Protection Act (SEPA) of 2013 is cosponsored by a bipartisan group of Senators that also includes Sens. Jim Risch (R-ID), Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND), David Vitter (R-LA), Claire McCaskill (D-MO), Jim Inhofe (R-OK), and Joe Donnelly (D-IN).

“Some people believe that we must choose between a cleaner environment and a stronger economy, but I couldn’t disagree more,” said Senator Carper. “We can have robust environmental protections that don’t hamper the private sector’s ability to create jobs as long as we’re smart about implementing them efficiently and effectively. In everything I do, I know I can do better – and the same is true of some federal regulations, like those affecting hard-working farmers in Delaware and across the country. This bill will help ease the burden of duplicative regulations on our farmers by reforming the pesticide permitting process in a responsible way that protects our health without wasting taxpayer dollars or straining our agricultural producers.”

“Agriculture is a vital part of our state’s economy and it is imperative that the federal government balance commonsense regulations that protect our natural resources with the needs of our local farmers,” Senator Coons said. “This bill will fix a redundancy in our pesticide permitting system that is placing undue burdens on our farmers, state agencies, and local governments. While environmental regulations are necessary to protect the health and safety of our communities, we must ensure that they make sense and do the job they’re intended to do without creating unnecessary burdens and costs.”

For nearly 40 years, the EPA has implemented a comprehensive regulatory scheme for pesticide applications under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). According to the EPA, a new pesticide must undergo over 100 different tests to characterize its potential risks to the environment and human and wildlife heath. Unfortunately, a court decision forced EPA to begin requiring Clean Water Act permits for pesticides applied in, over, or near water. The new permitting system went into effect on November 1, 2011.

SEPA clarifies that Clean Water Act permits are not required for pesticide applications in or near water. The bill also asks EPA to report back to Congress on whether the FIFRA process can be improved to better protect human health and the environment from pesticide applications.

EPA has estimated an additional 365,000 pesticide users – including farmers, ranchers, state agencies, cities, counties, mosquito control districts, water districts, pesticide applicators, and forest managers that perform 5.6 million pesticide applications annually – will be required to obtain Clean Water Act permits. This is nearly double the number of entities previously subject to permitting requirements – forcing states and localities to spend time and precious resources to comply with this unnecessary regulation.

SEPA is supported by 150 farming and forestry groups and state regulators from across the country, including: the American Farm Bureau Federation, National Association of State Departments of Agriculture, Agriculture Retailers Association, National Cotton Council, National Alliance of Forest Owners, United Fresh Produce Association and the National Alliance of Independent Crop Consultants.

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U.S. Senate congratulates Kenya on completion of peaceful elections

WASHINGTON – The United States Senate congratulated the Republic of Kenya on its commitment to peaceful elections last month, adopting a bipartisan resolution Monday night introduced by U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on African Affairs. The resolution called on Kenyans to “come together to continue to implement political, institutional, and accountability reforms envisioned in the Kenyan constitution.”                                                                                                                                                                   

“The generally peaceful and credible elections last month are a testament to the progress Kenya has made implementing democratic and institutional reforms necessary to ensure its long term stability and economic development,” Senator Coons said. “The Kenyan people deserve strong democratic institutions that give all Kenyans a voice in their future and an opportunity to fulfill their potential.  Through this resolution, we affirm our commitment to partnership with Kenya and to principles of democracy and accountability, as well as hope this newly elected generation of leaders will herald in a new generation of responsible leadership. I look forward to continuing to work with the people and government of Kenya as they continue to realize the full promise of their new constitution, end impunity for political violence and corruption, and further strengthen the bonds between our two countries.”  

“I am pleased to support this resolution that reaffirms the U.S. commitment to stand alongside those in Kenya working to foster democratic ideals,” Senator Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.), who cosponsored the resolution, said. “Peaceful elections and public assemblies will help ensure Kenya’s long-term political stability.” Senator Flake is the ranking member on the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on African Affairs.

The 2013 elections were the first national elections since the disputed 2007 presidential election, and the first under Kenya’s progressive new constitution. The new constitution sets out reforms designed to address the underlying causes of the 2007-2008 post-election violence.  Last month’s successful elections provide an opportunity for Kenya to build on the progress it has made by moving forward with key reforms such as the devolution of power to 47 new counties, land reform, and police reform.  The new government has indicated it will honor Kenya’s commitments to seek justice for victims of political violence, and the resolution calls on the Government of Kenya to honor its obligations to cooperate fully with the International Criminal Court.

The resolution was also cosponsored by Ben Cardin (D-Md.) and Barbara Mikulski (D-Md.).

The text of the resolution is below:

Title: Congratulating the people of Kenya on their commitment to peaceful elections, as demonstrated on March 4, 2013, and calling on Kenyans to come together to continue to implement political, institutional, and accountability reforms envisioned in the Kenyan constitution.

Whereas the Governments of the United States and Kenya have long shared a strong bilateral partnership, and Kenya plays a critically important role as a cornerstone of stability in East Africa and as a valued ally of the United States;

Whereas Kenya’s disputed 2007 presidential election threatened the country’s stability and its democratic trajectory, triggering an explosion of violence that resulted in the deaths of some 1,140 civilians and displaced nearly 600,000, some of whom have still not returned home;

Whereas a mediation effort by former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan and an African Union Panel of Eminent African Personalities, supported by the United States, led to the signing of the National Accord on February 28, 2008, which led to a series of constitutional, electoral, and institutional reforms to address underlying causes of the crisis;

Whereas, as part of that reform process, the citizens of Kenya participated in a national referendum in August 2010, approving a new constitution that mandated significant institutional and structural changes to the government;

Whereas those constitutional changes have led to important reforms in the judicial sector and the electoral system in Kenya that aim to build greater public confidence in government institutions, and which demonstrate meaningful progress;

Whereas Kenya’s Independent Commission of Inquiry into the Post-Election Violence (the “Waki Commission”) concluded from its investigation in 2008 that there had been “no serious effort by any government” to punish perpetrators of previous incidents of ethnic and political violence, leading to a culture of impunity that contributed to the crisis that followed the 2007 elections, and, since then, despite laudable judicial reforms, few perpetrators or organizers of that violence have been held accountable for their crimes in Kenyan courts;

Whereas, based on the findings of the Waki Commission, mediator Kofi Annan submitted a list of key suspects to the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) in 2009, and several have been subsequently charged at the ICC with crimes against humanity;

Whereas the Department of State’s 2011 Human Rights Report on Kenya notes, “Widespread impunity at all levels of government continued to be a serious problem. The government took only limited action against security forces suspected of unlawful killings, and impunity in cases of corruption was common. Although the government took action in some cases to prosecute officials who committed abuses, impunity … was pervasive”;

Whereas President Barack Obama’s Strategy on Sub-Saharan Africa, released in June 2012, states that the United States will not stand by while actors “… manipulate the fairness and integrity of democratic processes, and we will stand in steady partnership with those who are committed to the principles of equality, justice and the rule of law”;

Whereas, in a February 2013 message to the people of Kenya, President Obama highlighted the power Kenyan communities have to reject intimidation and violence surrounding the upcoming election, resolve disputes in the courts as opposed to the streets, and “move forward towards prosperity and opportunity that unleashes the extraordinary talents of your people”;

Whereas, five years after Kenya’s post-election crisis, the country held its first general elections under the new constitution on March 4, 2013, which were largely peaceful;

Whereas Kenya’s presidential candidates and their political parties committed themselves to a peaceful electoral process, and to resolving any resulting disputes through the judicial process;

Whereas the Kenyan Supreme Court ruled on March 30, 2013 that Uhuru Kenyatta was validly elected and his opponents pledged to respect and honor the decision of the Court;

Whereas the White House issued a statement on March 30, 2013 stating that “The electoral process and the peaceful adjudication of disputes in the Kenyan legal system are testaments to the progress Kenya has made in strengthening its democratic institutions, and the desire of the Kenyan people to move their country forward. Now is the time for Kenyans to come together to fully implement the political, institutional, and accountability reforms envisioned in the Kenyan constitution….We welcome and wish to underscore the importance of Kenya’s commitment to uphold its international obligations, including those with respect to international justice.”

Whereas in his inauguration speech on April 9, 2013, President Kenyatta said, “I will lead all Kenyans – those who voted for me – and those who voted for our competitors – towards a national prosperity that is firmly rooted in a rich and abiding peace in which unity can ultimately be realized…Indeed, national unity will only be possible if we deal decisively with some of the issues that continue to hinder our progress. Achieving peace and strengthening unity will be the goal of my Government. This work begins now. We welcome all Kenyans to hold us to account.”

Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Senate—

(1) congratulates the people of Kenya on their commitment to peaceful elections, as demonstrated on March 4, 2013;

(2) calls on Kenyans to come together to fully implement political, institutional, and accountability reforms envisioned in the Kenyan constitution;

(3) calls on the people of Kenya to continue their efforts to end intimidation, impunity, and violence;

(4)  notes that many of the underlying grievances that have underpinned ethnic divisions and fueled the 2007–2008 violence remain largely unaddressed;

(5) affirms that accountability for the 2007-2008 post-election violence is a critical element to ensure Kenya’s democracy, peace, and long-term stability;

(6) calls on the Government of Kenya to respect commitments to seek justice for the victims of political violence, including by honoring its obligations under the Rome Statute to cooperate fully with the International Criminal Court with regard to the three cases that remain before the Court slated to go to trial in 2013;

(7) calls on the Government of Kenya to ensure ICC witnesses are fully protected and not subject to interference but afforded the protections they deserve to ensure justice is served;

(8) recognizes that, while the Government of Kenya has made important progress since the 2007 election, aspects of the Kenyan reform agenda specified in the National Accord and 2010 constitution remain unfinished, particularly with regard to police reform, devolution, land reform, and security;

(9) encourages the people and Government of Kenya to support ongoing implementation of constitutional reforms, rule of law, the establishment of county level government and efforts to strengthen governance, security, and judicial institutions that respect the dignity and rights of all the people of Kenya and ensure protection for judges;

(10) supports the devolution process in order to enable constitutional reform to be fully  implemented

(11) encourages the Government of Kenya to respect and protect the freedom of civil society organizations and activists which have historically led the process of political reform in Kenya;

(12) expresses hope that newly-elected members of government will herald a new generation of responsible leadership in Kenya; and

(13) reaffirms that the people of the United States will continue to stand with the people of Kenya in support of democracy, partnership, and peace.

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Carper, Coons, Carney announce more than $946,000 for fire prevention

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Tom Carper and Chris Coons, and U.S. Representative John Carney today announced a total of $946,300 in Department of Homeland Security funding for a federal initiative designed to strengthen our nation’s fire departments’ ability to respond to fire and fire-related hazards. The Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant will support the recruitment and retention of volunteer firefighters in Delaware.

“The tragic explosion and fire at a fertilizer plant in West, Texas, last week provides us with a somber reminder of how invaluable our firefighters are in responding to unexpected disasters,” Senator Carper, co-chair of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus, said. “It’s critical for us to ensure that our fire and emergency services in Delaware and across the country have the training, equipment and staff that they need to protect our communities and keep us all safe from harm. This grant will help the First State’s fire companies do just that by boosting their capacity to respond to hazardous situations through new training and additional hiring.”

“When disaster strikes, our firefighters are first on the scene to assess the situation and stop the destruction,” Senator Coons said. “Our local fire departments must have the resources and personnel they need to keep our communities safe from danger. I want to congratulate the Delaware Volunteer Firefighters Association for being awarded this highly competitive grant, which will be used to recruit and train volunteers and workers across the state.”

“Delaware firefighters put their lives on the line for our communities every day,” Congressman Carney said.  “In times of crisis, it’s the courage, dedication, and selflessness of these brave men and women that protects us. This SAFER grant will ensure that Delaware’s fire companies continue to have the staffing and training they need to protect themselves and all of us.  Congratulations to the DVFA on their successful application.  I know these resources will be put to good use.”

The grant, which is being awarded to the Delaware Volunteer Firefighter’s Association, will enhance the ability of local fire departments to attain and maintain 24-hour staffing and to assure that their communities have adequate protection from fire and fire-related hazards. The objective of the program is to award grants directly to volunteer, combination, and career fire departments to help the departments increase the number of frontline firefighters, and to rehire firefighters who were laid-off due to the economy. This funding is part of round 23 of the FY2012 Assistance to Firefighters Grant program.

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Lt. Joe Szczerba honored posthumously with Congressional Badge of Bravery

NEW CASTLE, Del. – U.S. Senators Tom Carper and Chris Coons, U.S. Congressman John Carney, and U.S. Attorney Charles M. Oberly, III, presented the family of fallen Officer Joseph L. Szczerba with the Congressional Badge of Bravery Award during a ceremony at the New Castle County public safety building Monday. They were joined at the event by Attorney General Beau Biden, New Castle County Chief Administrative Officer David Grimaldi, and New Castle County Police Chief E. M. Setting, as well as officers from the New Castle County Police Department.

“Born and raised in Delaware, Lt. Szczerba answered the call to protect the community he called home his entire life,” Senator Carper said. “The Congressional Badge of Bravery honors exceptional acts of bravery in the line of duty by a federal, state or local law enforcement officer. I can think of no better person to receive this honor today than Lt. Szczerba.”

“There really is no way to fully express our gratitude for Joe’s service and sacrifice,” Senator Coons said. “Congress created the Congressional Badge of Bravery to honor law enforcement officers who distinguish themselves for exceptional acts of bravery in the line of duty, and I can think of no more distinguished, no more exceptional act of bravery than what Joe Szczerba showed that night. This award is one way we keep our promise to remember Joe’s sacrifice and protect his legacy.”

“Any time an officer is killed in the line of duty, it shakes the entire community.  It is a heartbreaking reminder of the sacrifices made by brave men and women everyday to selflessly protect our lives with their own,” Congressman Carney said. “Lt. Szczerba was a model officer, as well as a loving husband, caring son, and loyal friend.  I feel privileged today to present his family with the Congressional Badge of Bravery in honor of his service to our community and ensure that generations to come remember the sacrifice he made for all of us.”

Then-Sgt. Szczerba was killed in the line of duty shortly after midnight on September 16, 2011, as he attempted to take a suspect into custody in Penn Acres Park in New Castle. Despite being mortally wounded, Sgt. Szczerba remained engaged with the suspect, detaining him until additional officers arrived on the scene. His actions likely prevented other officers from sustaining knife-inflicted injuries and led to the apprehension of his murderer. Sgt. Szczerba, who had served on the New Castle County force for 18 years, was posthumously promoted to the rank of Lieutenant.

“Lt. Szczerba served Delaware bravely and honorably without pause, even in the midst of imminent danger,” Governor Markell said. “He is a hero and deserves fitting recognition of that title. This honor serves to remember his courage, his strength and his conviction while protecting Delaware’s citizens.”

“Today’s historic ceremony fittingly honors the ultimate sacrifice of Lieutenant Szczerba and also his family who allowed him to put on his uniform and put the public’s safety before his own,” Attorney General Biden said. “His family and our entire community continue to deeply feel the pain of his loss every day.”

“We honor Lt. Joe Szczerba, a fallen member of our great New Castle County Police Department,” New Castle County Executive Tom Gordon said. “Today the rest of the nation knows what we all have known. Joe is a true hero. It is tragic to lose an officer, but Joe’s spirit lives on. He will be an inspiration to all future generations of our officers as they enter the Police Academy named in Lt. Szczerba’s honor. On behalf of NCC residents, I thank Lt. Szczerba for his service and thank his wife, mother, and family members for sharing this great man with all of us. He made the ultimate sacrifice for the safety of others. I am proud to be his brethren. On this day and each day, we thank all those who serve in uniform, as well as their families, for their commitment to New Castle County communities.”

“We are proud to be recognizing Joe as a hero,” Colonel Setting said.

To honor law enforcement officers’ acts of bravery, Congress created the Federal Law Enforcement Congressional Badge of Bravery and the State and Local Law Enforcement Congressional Badge of Bravery. A member of Congress may present a Law Enforcement Congressional Badge of Bravery to federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement officers who are recommended by either the Federal or the State and Local Law Enforcement Congressional Badge of Bravery Board.

Lt. Szczerba is only the 23rd officer, nationwide, to be honored with the Congressional Badge of Bravery.

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Statement from Senator Coons on Senate’s failure to pass bills to reduce gun violence

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, released the following statement after the Senate failed to pass a series of amendments Wednesday evening to reduce gun violence in our communities. Additional amendments will be considered on Thursday. 

“After Aurora, after Tucson, after Newtown, and with ongoing gun violence on the streets of cities like Wilmington and Dover, Congress owes it to the American people to take real steps to stop gun violence. I am heartsick over the Senate’s failure to come together today to combat the gun violence that is tearing our communities apart. We must do a better job of enforcing our existing laws, and do more to fight gun trafficking and keep guns out of the hands of criminals and the mentally ill. A thorough and effective background check is something a staggering 86 percent of Americans support, so I just don’t understand how it earned only 54 senators’ votes today. While there is still a potential path forward on expanding background checks, there is no question this is a disappointing day.”

Senator Coons hosts briefing on how states can use data to improve corrections policy

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee and a co-chair of the Senate Law Enforcement Caucus, convened a briefing Wednesday for members of Congress and their staff on the Justice Reinvestment Initiative’s impact in Delaware and Kentucky. The event, “Justice Reinvestment Initiative – How States are Using Data to Get Smart on Crime,” featured speakers from the law enforcement community, including Drew Fennell, the executive director of the Criminal Justice Council of Delaware, and Col. Thomas MacLeish, director of the Delaware Statistical Analysis Center and former superintendent of the Delaware State Police.

Discussion at the Senate Law Enforcement Caucus briefing was focused on how the Justice Reinvestment Initiative program is making the public safer, holding offenders accountable, and controlling corrections costs by supporting states and localities with collecting and analyzing data on all aspects of the criminal justice system.

“The continually evolving nature of crimes that occur in our communities require our law enforcement agencies to seek out the best practices and policies for crime prevention,” Senator Coons said. “Delaware is a leader in passing a criminal justice reform bill through the Justice Reinvestment Initiative, which strengthen our state’s law enforcement community. I thank today’s speakers for coming together to share their experiences with the Justice Reinvestment Initiative program. I look forward to continuing work with stakeholders to improve our federal and state criminal justice systems.”

“The people of Delaware deserve a criminal justice systems that invests tax dollars wisely and enhances public safety,” Drew Fennell said. “Through the Justice Reinvestment Initiative we can build safer communities. Our state is grateful for the support of the U.S. Department of Justice and the Vera Institute.”

“I have been a part of the criminal justice system for most of my life and have the opportunity to work with some very good, conscientious, hardworking people,” Col. Thomas MacLeish said. “The Justice Reinvestment Initiative process will afford the criminal justice community the opportunity to examine what we do and identify areas that we can improve upon, enabling us to better serve those involved in the system and provide greater opportunities for success.”

In addition to Senator Coons, Drew Fennell and Col. Thomas MacLeish, attendees heard from Alison Shames, associate director of the Center on Sentencing and Corrections at the Vera Institute for Justice, and Kentucky State Representative John Tilley.

Created by Congress in 2010, the Justice Reinvestment Initiative was designed to reduce costs and address recidivism.  It is administered by the U.S. Department of Justice in coordination with justice reinvestment and related efforts supported by independent organizations such as the Pew Center on the States.

The Senate Law Enforcement Caucus educates and informs members and staff about the policies, programs, and initiatives that enhance public safety and strengthen our criminal justice system. In the midst of shrinking budgets, law enforcement agencies all across the country continue to work tirelessly to keep our communities and families safe. 

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Statement from Senator Coons on bipartisan immigration reform proposal

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, a cosponsor of the DREAM Act, and of seven bills that would modernize the nation’s immigration system, released the following statement Wednesday on the bipartisan immigration reform proposal introduced by Senators Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) and six of their colleagues:

“Immigrants have always played an essential role in this country’s success, but the system that makes it possible for them to do so legally is clearly in need of reform. The immigration reform proposal laid out by my colleagues today is a strong starting point, and I thank them for their work.”

“It is critical that the legislation ultimately voted on by the Senate is balanced, taking strong steps forward across an array of the shortcomings of our current immigration system. Chief among them is a practical approach to the nearly 11 million undocumented immigrants already making a contribution to our country. I support the inclusion in this proposal of a path to citizenship for upstanding immigrants, many of whom who had no choice in being brought to the United States and now want the chance to contribute to this country as members of our military or civilian workforce.

“This proposal also makes progress in curbing the loss of talent forced to pursue their ideas and innovations in other countries. Many of the best and brightest young minds in the world are educated at American colleges and universities, and we should be encouraging them to stay in the U.S. to pursue their innovations and create jobs here. When we send off these graduates to pursue their innovations in India or China, we are fueling the economies that are trying to beat us in the global marketplace – and they’re winning. This legislation calls for a new green card that would create clear path forward for foreign-born, American-educated holders of masters and doctoral degrees in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields to remain in the United States to work and create jobs.

“America’s immigration system should reflect America’s values, and as Congress works on comprehensive reform, the basic rights of those in the system should be considered. While current law falls far short of this idea, this proposed legislation would make our immigration detention and court systems fairer and more humane.  Where appropriate for immigrants with no history of violence, this bill would allow alternatives to detention to be used to guarantee enforcement of the court’s orders. The bill would ensure that immigrants are advised of their legal rights and would provide that vulnerable immigrants such as children and those with mental disabilities have a meaningful opportunity to participate in asylum and other proceedings. More remains to be done, however, and I plan to work with the bill sponsors and other senators to offer amendments designed to further strengthen it and bring America’s immigration system better in line with America’s values.”

“I look forward to working with my colleagues on the Judiciary Committee and throughout the Senate on a responsible, bipartisan, and balanced path forward. The opportunity is unique and the moment is urgent. It is my hope that Congress will act this year and enact the long-overdue reforms to our nation’s immigration system that it needs to properly welcome the next generation of new Americans.”

Senator Coons, in addition to cosponsoring the DREAM Act, has introduced seven bills to modernize our nation’s immigration system: the Startup Act 3.0 (February 2013), the Immigration Innovation Act (January 2013), the BRAINS Act (September 2012), the Startup Act 2.0 (May 2012), the SMART Jobs Act (May 2012), the Jobs Originated through Launching Travel Act (March 2012), and the AGREE Act (November 2011).

In March, Senator Coons chaired a hearing of the Senate Judiciary Committee on building an immigration system worthy of American values.  At that hearing, Senator Coons emphasized the need for reforms that will save resources, increase efficiency, and protect families involved in the immigration court system.

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Senator Coons participates in roundtable discussion on immigration reform

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Judiciary Committee and an advocate on comprehensive immigration reform, participated in a roundtable discussion on Wednesday on ideas for overhauling our broken immigration system. The meeting was hosted by the Senate Democratic Steering and Outreach Committee and featured 22 leaders who are involved with faith, agriculture, labor, and civil rights communities, including Ana Velasquez, the director of prevention and advocacy for the Latin American Community Center in Wilmington.

With the Senate working on a bipartisan solution that creates a potential path to citizenship for millions of undocumented immigrants while strengthening existing laws, today’s discussion was critical to the Senate’s efforts to hear insights from a broad array of experts and advocates.

“America is a country built by hard-working, upstanding immigrants who wanted nothing more than a shot at a better life for themselves and a better future for their families,” Senator Coons said. “There are currently a number of immigrants who came to America in order to contribute to our nation’s economy and security with hopes of some day becoming Americans. It’s imperative that Congress has an open discussion on creating a pathway to citizenship for these hard-working immigrants. I thank Ana Velasquez for joining us at today’s meeting and sharing her views on the issues concerning Delaware’s immigrant community.”

The discussion comes on the heels of the introduction of the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act of 2013 that reflects the bipartisan framework the Senate built on the following four principles: an earned path to citizenship, an effective employment verification system, the further strengthening of our borders, and fixing our immigration so it can propel our economy into the future. During the hour-long discussion, senators made clear their commitment to enacting legislation that supports these efforts, and helps fix our nation’s broken immigration system.

The Senate Democratic Steering and Outreach Committee is dedicated to fostering dialogue between Senate Democrats and community leaders from across the nation. Each year, the Steering Committee hosts several meetings with advocates, policy experts, and elected officials to discuss key priorities and enlist their help in the development of the Democratic agenda in the Senate.

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Carper, Coons, Carney: 45 employers will be at Sussex County job fair on April 30th

REHOBOTH BEACH, Del. – U.S. Senators Tom Carper and Chris Coons, and U.S. Representative John Carney announced on Wednesday  that nearly 45 employers from around the region have already signed up for their Sussex County job fair on Tuesday, April 30th, but that there is still room for 15 more businesses who are looking for talented new employees. Combined, the employers are hiring for approximately 700 open positions across an array of skill sets.

The job fair will be held at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center from 10 am to 3 pm. Employers already registered for the fair include:

Private Companies: American Registry of Pathology, APM Inc., AVON, Atlantic Refrigeration, BAYADA Home Care, Beasley Broadcast Group, Beebe Medical Center, Bloodbank of Delmarva, Bloom Energy, County Bank, CCLTAFNJDE (construction jobs), Dry Zone, Edward Jones, Food Lion, Goodwill Delaware, Griswold Home Care, Hollister, Johnny Janosik, Joshua Freeman Foundation, Kent-Sussex Industries, Massage & Reflexology of Delaware, Nanticoke Health System, Metro Merchant Services, MedTix, LLC, New Behavioral Network, New York Life, People’s Place, ResortQuest, Seawatch International, Starbucks Coffee Company, Telamon Corporation, UPS, Viridian Energy, Ind. Rep., and Wawa

Government Agencies: Delaware Department of Transportation, Delaware State Police, Dover Police Department, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, New Castle County Government, New Castle County Police, State of Delaware, Small Business Administration, and Wilmington University

Additionally, the following organizations will have tables at the fair on their offerings for job seekers:

University of Delaware Transition to Teaching Partnership, Department of Labor/Vocational Rehabilitation Division, Department of Labor/Employment Training, Hero to Hired, and Job Center at Delaware Libraries

Senator Carper, Senator Coons, and Congressman Carney will host an additional job fair in Kent County in June.

For more information on how to participate as an employer or job seeker, please call 302-573-6345 or email workshop@coons.senate.gov.

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