SB 9 Wetlands Bill Designed to Fast-Track Offshore Wind Infrastructure

April 2, 2026

39th District Republican Club, PAC

West Fenwick Island, new building on what was previously wetlands

If you are being told something is meant to protect wetlands, you should expect it to do exactly that, protect them. But what if a bill uses the language of protection while changing the rules in a way that makes it easier to build through those same areas?

That is what Senate Bill 9 does.

This bill, introduced March 31, is being presented as strengthening wetlands protections. But in practice, it expands state control over wetlands while redesigning the permitting system in a way that allows infrastructure—particularly offshore wind transmission—to move through those areas more quickly. When you look at the details, the distinction becomes clear: protections are broadened in theory, while approvals are accelerated in practice.

Changing the Language That Protected Coastal Wetlands

To understand this bill, you have to look at what was removed and what replaced it. The bill strikes long-standing language that clearly emphasized the importance of Delaware’s coastal wetlands, including: “it is hereby determined that the coastal areas of Delaware are the most critical areas for the present and future quality of life in the State and that the preservation of the coastal wetlands is crucial to the protection of the natural environment of these coastal areas.” This section is removed in SB 9.

In its place, the bill shifts to broader language, focusing on “the impacts of climate change” and redefining priority areas as “the transitional areas between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems… and the wetlands… are critical areas…” This change removes a clear, specific emphasis on protecting coastal wetlands and replaces it with a broader, more flexible framework.

At the same time, the bill directs the creation of expedited permitting pathways, including: “A General Permit that authorizes Linear Utility Infrastructure Projects.” Linear utility infrastructure includes transmission lines, the exact type of infrastructure required to bring offshore wind energy ashore. These permits are intended to improve the efficiency of offshore wind cable permitting, meaning projects can move forward faster and with less individualized scrutiny.

Taken together, these changes do two things at once.

They expand how much land is regulated as wetlands, while also creating broader exemptions and faster permitting pathways for activity within them. That combination matters. It does not protect wetlands: it restructures how they can be used. Within that structure, infrastructure projects, including linear utility systems like offshore wind turbine transmission cables, can move forward more efficiently.

Democrats Push Carbon Reduction While Opening Wetlands to Development / Destruction

Wetlands are vital and have been rightfully protected. They absorb stormwater, reduce flooding, filter groundwater, and serve as one of the most effective natural carbon sinks we have. Wetlands are critical and the process for approving projects within them should be careful, transparent, and grounded in real oversight.

Instead, this bill changes who decides, how quickly decisions are made, and what can move forward, shifting decision-making further away from Sussex County Council and other local governments, concentrating authority with DNREC at the state level, and creating faster, broader permitting pathways. SB 159 dealt with one project; SB 9 changes the system.

The question that follows is simple: are we protecting wetlands, or redefining the rules so they can be used to circumvent protections for desired green energy infrastructure? Democrats want to reduce carbon emissions by banning home gas powered stoves, yet are ok destroying one of Delaware's last natural resources and carbon sinks to pave the way literally for the offshore wind cable industry.

And this is not theoretical for us in the 38th in southern Delaware. We have already seen what happens when once-protected wetlands are opened up and altered. What was preserved for generations can be changed in a short period of time, and once it is, it does not come back.

Hold Lawmakers Accountable

This is the moment to act. Contact the sponsors of this bill and ask them directly why long-standing protections are being changed and why wetlands are being opened to faster development and use. Make it clear that “protection” should not mean facilitating expansion into these areas.

That includes every sponsor, Republicans and Democrats alike. Ask Senator Buckson to explain his position as the lone Republican supporting this bill. Because if our lawmakers will not protect Delaware’s fragile ecosystems, then it falls to the people of Delaware to demand that they do.

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