Delaware Republicans are leveraging the current “Cold Play Concert Case” meme to take jabs at the state’s Democratic majority, coinciding with growing support for the state’s first offshore wind project.
In this meme, “Delaware Democrats” replaces former astronomer CEO Andy Byron, echoing sentiments from wind power advocates.
The meme features an inset that reportedly highlights contributions from US wind interests, referencing the Baltimore-based Italian energy company.
Fox News Digital has been in touch with several lawmakers about this, including Lt. Col. Kyle Evans Gay, House Speaker Melissa Minor Brown, and Senators David Sokora and D-Newark.
GOP councillors criticize offshore wind initiatives while a Maryland mayor disparages the backdrop of “Star Wars.”
Recently, Delaware has made strides in developing wind energy along its famous beaches. Notably, while most Republicans in Congress represent coastal counties like Kent and Sussex, Democrats are more prevalent in Newcastle County, which includes Wilmington, the hometown of former President Joe Biden.
Last month, Delaware’s Senate passed a resolution to overturn Sussex County’s prior denial of a wind energy permit application from US wind power. The county had intended to repurpose the coal-fired power plant in Dugsboro into a wind substation.
This project is set to connect the plant to a site just west of Bethany Beach, utilizing wind power from the fishing area north of the town.
Sussex Senator Brian Pettyjohn remarked that this move was influenced by outsiders’ comments telling the county, “I don’t know what you’re doing, we know better.”
Some lawmakers dub it a “climate cult” as they face federal obstacles in pushing for US energy independence.
The resolution was introduced by Democratic Senator Stephanie Hansen from Newcastle County.
In December, US Wind announced that Dover had approved three permit applications to link offshore wind energy to Delaware’s electrical grid. CEO Jeff Gribowski highlighted this as a “significant step forward,” emphasizing the necessity of public feedback.
Gribowski expressed enthusiasm about securing the necessary approvals, aiming to provide a substantial amount of clean energy to the area. He noted that offshore wind would reduce electricity bills, meet regional demands, enhance air quality, and create local jobs.
Fox News Digital also reached out to US Wind regarding their association with the meme.
On the same day as the meme’s release, the Biden administration approved a major offshore wind project known as the “Maryland Offshore Wind Project,” which would span both states’ coastlines.
Delaware Republicans have gained additional backing in their overall opposition, notably from residents who voiced their concerns during a 2022 symposium on Fenwick Island, located near Ocean City, Maryland.
Local auto dealer Jeff Pohanka was quoted expressing that states should evaluate which energy sources are reliable and meet demand. He noted that “wind energy is not reliable” due to fluctuating wind speeds. He also mentioned the high costs, stating that the costs of wind power are over 400% higher than those of other sources like land-based wind and solar energy.
However, he clarified, “Delaware is not against Maryland’s plan to allow up to 200 wind turbines from its coastline.”
Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan, who has criticized offshore wind initiatives in the past, raised concerns about the potential negative impact on tourism and likened the Atlantic sunrise to a scene from “Star Wars.”
