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DOVER — Early Tuesday morning, the Delaware Senate Republican Caucus announced an agreement that protects local decision-making, upholds the integrity of the courts, and delivers a critical victory for Delaware’s agricultural community.
After hours of negotiations Monday evening, Senate Bill 199 was passed, delaying the implementation of SB 159 until January 31, 2026. This measure allows the ongoing court case that was filed by US Wind against Sussex County Council after its decision to deny a conditional use permit to proceed without legislative interference. By doing so, the agreement protects the authority of Delaware’s courts to decide the matter fairly and independently.
In addition, House Bill 222, which proposed steep increases in fines on the agricultural community under the State Nutrient Management Program, did not advance this evening as part of the agreement. By preventing HB 222 from moving forward, Senate Republicans successfully defended Delaware’s farmers and agricultural industry from legislation that would have added significant financial burdens at a time when they are already under pressure from environmental groups outside of the agricultural industry.
“These agreements are the result of standing firm for local control, protecting the integrity of our courts, and fighting for Delaware’s farmers,” Senate Republican Leader Gerald Hocker (R-Ocean View) and Senate Republican Whip Brian Pettyjohn (R-Georgetown) said. “Because of this compromise, the General Assembly was able to move forward and pass the Bond Bill, which will provide critical funding for vital capital improvement projects that benefit communities across the state.”
Senate Republicans remain committed to ensuring that local voices continue to guide decisions that directly affect Delaware’s communities, that the courts remain the rightful venue for legal disputes, and that farmers receive fair treatment from their government.
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