Senator Coons checks out solar-powered farm

BRIDGEVILLE, Del. — In a visit Tuesday to the T.S. Smith & Sons’ farm in Bridgeville — the only solar-powered Century Farm in Delaware — Chris reiterated his commitment to helping small agricultural businesses integrate renewable energy into their operations. Senator Coons has introduced legislation that would extend the federal renewable-energy program that financed part of the T.S. Smith & Sons solar project.

“T.S. Smith & Sons is a pioneer in sustainable agriculture and a leader in Delaware’s farming community,” Chris said. “I’m sure Thomas Sterling Smith would be proud of the investments his great-grandsons have made to ensure that their farm remains a profitable, sustainable, and environmentally sound business. That’s why I feel so strongly about supporting the extension of the successful 1603 Treasury Grants Program to help businesses finance alternative energy resources. Without this kind of program, farms like these would have much greater difficulty financing clean energy investments.”

First introduced as part of the American Recovery Act of 2009, the U.S. Treasury Department’s 1603 Program is used to reimburse eligible businesses for a portion of the cost of installing specified energy projects. A one-year extension of the 1603 Program is a key part of Senator Coons’ Job Creation Through Innovation Act, which he introduced in April.

After meeting with representatives from Solair Energy at the University of Delaware’s 2010 Agriculture Week, the Smith family decided it wanted to pursue investments in solar energy on its farm. In May 2011, the farm publicly unveiled 178 ground-mounted Solair solar panels that were manufactured at Motech Solar’s plant in Newark. The solar panels produce around 43 kw of power, drastically reducing the farm’s $25,000 annual electric bill.

“The fact that T.S. Smith & Sons is running on solar panels that were manufactured in Delaware is a great testament to the strength of the renewable energy sector in our state,” Chris said. “I look forward to continuing my work with members of Delaware’s energy community to encourage more businesses powered by clean energy to set-up shop in the First State and bring good-quality jobs to our communities.”

Founded in 1907 by Thomas Sterling Smith, T.S. Smith & Sons is an 800-acre farm that grows a wide variety of seasonal fruits and vegetables, selling them to retail locations and restaurants in the surrounding area. The current, fourth-generation owners are: Matt, Charlie and Tom Smith and Susan Hayes. In addition to solar power, the farm makes a conscious effort to employ technologies that conserve water and soil.

Click here to learn what’s new at T.S. Smith & Sons.

Click here to learn more about Chris’ work for Delaware’s agriculture community.

Chris congratulates Delaware’s Teacher of the Year

SMYRNA — Senator Coons visited John Bassett Moore Intermediate School today to congratulate fifth-grade teacher Amber Augustus on being named Delaware Teacher of the Year. 

He presented her a copy of a statement he entered into the Congressional Record honoring the achievement and took questions from students.

SBA disaster loans available for damages caused by Hurricane Irene

Hurricane Irene had a significant impact on our state, damaging buildings and forcing many Delaware small business owners to worry about how they would finance repairs. Fortunately, after a request from Governor Markell on October 18, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is now making low-interest disaster loans available to Delaware small businesses, small agriculture cooperatives, small aquaculture businesses, and most private non-profit organizations.

An application must be completed in order for small businesses and non-profit organizations to receive Economic Injury Disaster Loans from SBA. These loans will help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster with the rates on these loans at 3 percent for non-profit organizations and 4 percent for businesses with terms up to 30 years.  Please note, the SBA determines eligibility for the loans based on the size and type of business and its financial resources. Eligible entities may qualify for loans up to $2 million. The deadline to return economic injury applications is July 20, 2012. 

For more information on the SBA Disaster Loan Program and Applications Delawareans are welcome to call the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 for the deaf and hard-of-hearing) or by send an e-mail to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Furthermore, loan applications can be downloaded at www.sba.gov.

Please be sure to return completed applications to the Center or mailed to: U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155.

Video: Senator Coons discusses deployment of troops to Africa; death of Qadaffi

At a press conference Thursday in his capacity as chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on African Affairs, Senator Coons discussed his support for the U.S. mission to capture or kill Lord’s Resistance Army leader Joseph Kony. He also reacted to news of the death of former Libyan leader Moammar Qadaffi. Consistent between the two engagements, Chris said, is the United States’ support role in conjunction with other nations’ forces.

The color purple

Senator Coons stood with countless individuals, schools, organizations, and corporations in honoring Spirit Day Thursday by wearing the color purple as a sign of solidarity with those who stand against bullying. Recognized by the Human Rights Campaign and supported by GLAAD, Spirit Day was started in last October by a teenager in response to a rash of widely publicized bullying-related suicides by gay students. The name, “Spirit Day,” comes from the purple stripe of the Rainbow Flag defined as representing “spirit.”  

Chris is a longtime advocate for civil rights. Earlier this year, Chris enlisted twelve of his colleagues to encourage lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender young people not to give up hope. As a part of the, “It Gets Better Project,” the team of Senators reassured LGBT youth that they are working hard in the Senate to fulfill the promise of equality for all. Since being elected to the Senate, Chris has cosponsored and fought to pass the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell and has emerged as a leader in the repeal of the discriminatory Defense of Marriage Act. Additionally, Chris has cosponsored gay equality legislation, including: the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, the Student Non-Discrimination Act, the Uniting American Families Act, and the Family and Medical Leave Inclusion Act.

“Equality is what America is about,” says Senator Coons, “Liberty and justice for all means for all.”

Click here to learn more about Senator Coons’ work advocating for civil rights.

Click here to watch the Senators’ “It Gets Better” video. 

Working to keep bath salts off our streets

U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) today joined Senator Olympia Snowe (R-Maine) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) as an original cosponsor of a bipartisan amendment that would require stronger coordination of federal law enforcement and resources in working with state and local agencies to respond to the rapid growth in use and distribution of synthetic drugs, including the illicit narcotics MDPV and mephedrone, known more commonly as “bath salts.”

“The increased use of bath salts has ruined many lives and is growing as a destructive cancer in some of Delaware’s close-knit communities,” Chris said.  “I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing this amendment, which will call for a coordinated effort between federal and state governments to keep dangerous new hallucinogenic drugs off our streets. This legislation will make Delaware safer by providing our law enforcement officials with the resources they need to fight the growing abuse of bath salts.”

The amendment would require the Department of Justice to craft a comprehensive strategy for partnering with local law enforcement to target the spread of synthetic drugs, including:

(1) Conducting public awareness campaigns, partnering with local law enforcement officials, hospitals, and schools to educate parents and young people about the dangers of abusing synthetic drugs;

(2) Addressing the rampant abuse and ease of access of synthetic drugs in rural communities, where such problems can multiply quickly while attention is placed on larger population centers;

(3) Use the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program to provide additional assistance to law enforcement agencies operating in areas experiencing high levels of synthetic drug trafficking;

(4) Improving coordination with U.S. Customs and Border Protection to seize shipments of synthetic drugs;

(5) Developing and distributing test kits so that local law enforcement can better identify dangerous individuals under the influence of synthetic drugs in the field; and

(6) Using the authority under section 203 of the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 813), to pursue law enforcement actions against the distribution of synthetic drugs. 

Chris is also a co-sponsor of the Combating Dangerous Synthetic Stimulants Act of 2011, which would add bath salts to the list of controlled substances, making their possession and sale illegal in the United States.

The sale and possession of bath salts was banned in Delaware in September.

Advancing clean energy through solar power

While Capitol Hill continues to be the center of continuing debate regarding the way forward for our economy, scores of Americans in Delaware and across the country are taking decisive measures to advance clean energy solutions through solar power.

In order to reengage and revitalize our workforce, and facilitate a long-term sustainable energy industry, the United States must invest in clean alternative energy sources. Over the last year, solar power has emerged as one the fastest growing industries in America.  According to the Solar Foundation, a nonprofit organization that advocates on behalf of global energy needs through greater use of solar energy technologies, more than 100,000 jobs have been created within the solar industry. Between August 2010 and August 2011, an estimated 6,735 new solar jobs were created, accounting for an industry growth of 6.8 percent. 

Delaware has taken an active role in bolstering the growing solar industry sector. SolarDock, a Delaware-based solar company, has expanded 400 percent since 2007 and boasts clients that include Fortune 500 businesses, manufacturing and warehouse facilities, schools and universities, retail centers and medical facilities.

The rise of the solar industry has translated into lower unit costs and greater accessibility for consumers.  According to the Lawrence Berkeley National Lab’s “Tracking the Sun IV” report the average cost of installing residential and commercial solar photovoltaic systems in the U.S. dropped a record 17 percent in 2010, and it continued to drop an additional 11 percent through the first-half of 2011.

Delaware is also on the leading edge of solar technology research.  The University of Delaware’s Solar Energy Program continues to build upon groundbreaking research in the efficiency of solar cells.  In September, UD’s solar program was successful in winning $7.8 million in research funding through a recent Department of Energy’s solar Sunshot Awards announcement.

Just as Delaware has remained on the forefront regarding clean energy, Chris has remained a staunch advocate of investing in innovative, efficient, and ecologically friendly pathways forward in energy development.  In his role as a member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, he is committed to finding practical ways to incentivize investments in clean energy projects and boost commercialization of alternative energy industries. 

To learn more about Chris’ energy priorities and his work on the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, click here.

Ducks Unlimited highlights Chris’ visit to Bombay Hook

To kick off National Wildlife Refuge Week earlier this month, Senator Coons joined Ducks Unlimited at Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge in Smyrna to celebrate the important role federal refuges play in conserving wildlife and expanding hunting access.

Ducks Unlimited has posted a story about it – click here to check it out.

Ducks Unlimited is an international non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of wetlands and associated upland habitats for waterfowl, other wildlife, and people. 

Chris praises Dover Downs’ progress in going green

DOVER — Senator Coons visited Dover Downs Hotel & Casino today to tout the progress of its “Green Initiatives” program. Dover Downs President and CEO Ed Sutor energized the crowd of about 40 when he revealed the company’s total utility savings through conservation:

• 5,404,019 kWh – electric over four years
• 256,045 CCF – natural gas over four years
• Over 13.4 Million gallons of water over four years

It all adds up to a reduction of 5,507 metric tons of carbon dioxide.

To do it, Dover Downs installed more than 26,000 energy-saving light bulbs, weather sensors for its irrigation system, and three new compactors that separate organic kitchen waste, recyclable waste, and landfill.  It also has begun using ‘green’ chemicals and initiated a voluntary linen-reuse program.

“The steps Dover Downs has taken toward becoming a ‘Green Hotel’ has significantly reduced its environmental impact, and has saved the company a tremendous amount of money,” Senator Coons said.  “Dover Downs has been successful in its green efforts because it has created a partnership with public and private entities, and has made it a part of the culture here — even designating a ‘Green Team’ within the staff.  As a member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, I commend Dover Downs for its dedication to conservation.”

Dover Downs began its “Green Initiatives” program in 2006, and has continued to be aggressive in looking for additional conservation savings and sustainability practices.

The Senator’s week ahead schedule: October 17 to October 23

Monday, October 17 at 7:30 a.m.  – The Senator will speak at the 2011 Dover Air Force Base Construction Briefing to the Community MilCon Breakfast. Colonel Mark D. Camerer, 436th Airlift Wing Commander will present the briefing, in addition to remarks by Senator Coons, Senator Carper, and Representative Carney. The Landings, Dover Air Force Base, Dover, DE – Open to press.

Monday, October 17 at 10:30 a.m.  – The Senator will speak at the Dover Downs Hotel and Casino Green Team Training Event. After recently completing the first phase of the Green Concierge Certification Program, Dover Downs will unveil its new recycling center. Both Senator Coons and Senator Carper will be present to show their support for the multi-facet sustainability program.  Dover Downs, 1131 North DuPont Highway, Dover, DE – Open to press.

Monday, October 17 at 4:00 p.m.  – The Senator will preside over the Senate. Washington, DC – Open to press who wish to sit in the Senate Gallery.

Tuesday, October 18 at 5:30 p.m.  – The Senator will attend DSU in Motion. Delaware State University personnel will be in Washington to showcase some of the research underway at the university. Bistro Bis, Hotel George, 15 E Street NW, Washington, DC – Open to press. 

Wednesday, October 19 at 1:30 p.m. – The Senator will meet with members of the Delaware National Guard. The purpose of the meeting is to strengthen the bonds between Congressional delegation and the Delaware National Guard. U.S. Capitol, Washington, DC – Closed to press.

Wednesday, October 19 at 2:30 p.m. – The Senator will chair a Senate Judiciary Committee nominations hearing.  226 Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, DC. Open to press.

Thursday, October 20 at 8:30 a.m. – The Senator will speak at the Digital Dialogue Forum. The Digital Dialogue Forum is a coalition of world-leading technology companies formed more than ten years ago to encourage substantive dialogue with federal policymakers on current technology issues. Washington, DC — Closed to press.

Friday, October 21 at 9:30 a.m. – The Senator will preside over the Senate, if in session. Washington, DC – Open to press who wish to sit in the Senate Gallery.

Friday, October 21 at 3:00 p.m. – The Senator will speak at the groundbreaking for the new Delaware National Guard Joint Force Headquarters. New Castle County Air Base, Delaware National Guard
First Regiment Road, Wilmington, DE

Saturday, October 22 at 8:45 a.m. – The Senator will speak at the Wilmington Walk to End Alzheimer’s. The mission of the Alzheimer’s Association is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the nation’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer care, support and research. Tubman-Garrett Park, Wilmington Riverfront, Wilmington, DE– Open to press.

Saturday, October 22 at 9:30 a.m. – The Senator will speak at the Delaware Financial Literacy Institute’s From Purses to Portfolios event. From Purses to Portfolios is a comprehensive program established by The Money School and supported by Citi, designed to meet women’s unique financial needs and to equip them with the tools to better understand and take control of their finances. 815 Justison Street, Wilmington, DE – Open to press.

Saturday, October 22 at 7:00 p.m. – The Senator will speak at the inaugural dinner for the Medical Society of Delaware. During the dinner, Dr. Randeep Kahlon will be inaugurated as the next president of Medical Society of Delaware. Wilmington Country Club, 4825 Kennett Pike, Wilmington, DE.

Sunday, October 23 at 9:00 a.m. – The Senator will participate in the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk. Since 1993, nearly 7 million walkers across the country have raised more than $400 million through Making Strides events. This walk will honor breast cancer survivors and raise funds and awareness to help end breast cancer. Rodney Square, Wilmington, DE – Open to press.

Sunday, October 23 at 10:30 a.m. – The Senator will participate in the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Walk to Cure Diabetes. JDRF gives more resources to diabetes research than any nonprofit, nongovernmental organization in the world. Over 80 percent of every dollar raised by JDRF is channeled directly into research efforts. Rockford Park, Wilmington, DE – Open to press.

Sunday, October 23 at 3:00 p.m. – The Senator will participate in the “One Shot” meal-packing event at Red Clay Creek Presbyterian Church.  Part of the battle against world hunger, this year’s Stop Hunger Now “One Shot” event will be hosted at Red Clay Creek Presbyterian Church, where volunteers will work together to pack as many as 20,000 meals.  500 McKennans Church Road, Wilmington, DE – Open to press.

Note: Schedule is subject to change.

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