Delaware
Delaware lawmakers revise wetland legislation amid concerns from farmers, developers
Delaware lawmakers are amending a newly introduced measure that aims to provide greater protections for the state’s nontidal, or freshwater, wetlands.
The legislation, sponsored by state Sen. Stephanie Hansen, D-Middletown, comes more than a year after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled certain wetlands are not protected under the federal Clean Water Act.
Delaware is the only state in the mid-Atlantic that does not have a nontidal wetland protection program. Since 1988, there have been six failed legislative attempts to protect these resources in the state.
During a legislative hearing Wednesday, environmental groups said state regulations for nontidal wetlands are long overdue. However, developers and farmers voiced concerns that Hansen’s bill could impact anyone who wants to build on wetlands, or whose property contains wetlands.
Hansen said she believes a substitute bill will address those concerns.
“We already have been able to bring together disparate groups that previously had not been able to come to an agreement, and had not come to the table with a willingness to successfully work together,” she said.
“What we heard today with some of the testimony is we need to bring a few more people to the table, as well, which we are certainly happy to do. And we have a head start on it now.”
Also known as freshwater wetlands, nontidal wetlands are found near inland areas and do not have tidal influxes of water. They can be found in several forms, including depressions, rivers and swamps.
Nontidal wetlands make up more than half of Delaware’s wetlands. However, their acres have reduced over time because of threats such as sea level rise, development and agricultural practices.
Delaware law protects saltwater wetlands. However, the state has relied on federal regulations to manage freshwater wetlands with fewer than 400 contiguous acres.
Since the most recent Supreme Court decision, almost half of Delaware’s nontidal wetlands have been vulnerable to development without oversight.
Hansen’s current legislation would allow nontidal wetlands to be managed under the same program as the state’s saltwater wetlands regulations. Under the bill, developers would be required to prevent impacts to freshwater wetlands.
Hansen introduced similar legislation in 2020 after the federal government rolled back protections for freshwater wetlands, but it did not receive support from the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control.
Wednesday, July 8, 2026 10:19PM
ASTON, Pa. (WPVI) — Summer camps are in full swing, and on Wednesday the Action Cam was in Aston, where kids are getting some hands-on learning at Delaware County Technical School.
Middle school students are exploring career pathways as they build, cook, design and create in state-of-the-art classrooms.
They are doing everything from carpentry to cosmetology.
By the end of camp, the kids will create STEAM-based projects that they can take home.
Copyright © 2026 WPVI-TV. All Rights Reserved.
Across the State Trained AmeriCorps VISTA members will be on-site at 21 Delaware Libraries providing walk-in assistance for digital literacy
DOVER, Del. — The Delaware Libraries today announced the launch of a 10-week summer program aiming to support Delawareans on digital literacy.
The AmeriCorps Digital Literacy Specialists assist the public with computer and technology questions, including completing online applications, navigating websites, and building basic digital skills. As patrons become more comfortable, specialists can introduce them to the many free computer training programs and learning resources available through Delaware Libraries including in-person classes. This project is an initiative of the Division’s Social Innovation Team.
“Libraries are proud to expand their digital literacy specialist supports this summer with a presence in 21 Delaware Libraries,” said Dr. Annie Norman, State Librarian of Delaware. “The digital landscape is ever evolving, and the Delaware Libraries stands at the ready to help Delawareans navigate AI, software skills, social media concepts, and more.”
There is no appointment needed for a meeting or to ask a question to a Specialist.
The Specialists are trained to support many concepts, including:
- Essential Software Skills
- Personalized Assistance
- Workplace Technology
- AI – Understanding & Help
- Basic Computer Skills & Classes
- Social Media Help
- Navigate Internet, Avoid Scams
- Using Tech in Daily Life, Device Help
- Learning Express, Northstar Certification
- And Much More!
Visit DelawareLibraries.org/Digital to view a full schedule of Specialists. For more services visit DelawareLibraries.org/GetConnected!
Delaware Libraries offer specialty library cards for every age group, including a My First Delaware Library Card for birth to age 5, a Super Library Card for children ages 6–12; a Teen Delaware Library Card for ages 13-17 and Delaware Library cards for everyone.
Sign up for a Delaware Library Card today! It’s Easy! It’s Free! It’s Online!
Instructions in Spanish are also available. (En el sitio web de las bibliotecas de Delaware se pueden encontrar instrucciones en español para obtener una tarjeta de biblioteca gratuita de Delaware)
Programming celebrating the Delaware Libraries’ 125th anniversary will continue throughout the year.
Delaware
Talk & Film Bring Delaware’s Revolutionary Story to Life at Archives’ First Saturday Program – State of Delaware News
On Saturday, July 11, 2026, at 10:30 a.m., the Delaware Public Archives will host a special First Saturday Program featuring a presentation and a screening of a new documentary exploring Delaware’s pivotal role in America’s founding.
The event will begin with a shortened presentation of Independence or the Bayonet, examining the critical days leading up to July 1776 through the perspectives of Caesar Rodney, George Read, and Thomas McKean.
Following the presentation, attendees will watch Caesar Rodney’s Ride: The Story of Delawareans and the Declaration of Independence, a new one-hour documentary presented by the Delaware Heritage Commission. The film explores Caesar Rodney’s legendary overnight ride to Philadelphia and the important role Delawareans played in the fight for American independence.
This special program is part of the Delaware Public Archives’ ongoing Delaware 250 educational programming commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and highlighting Delaware’s unique contributions to the nation’s founding.
The program is free and open to the public.
For more information about the Delaware Public Archives or to learn more about upcoming events and programs, visit archives.delaware.gov.
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