Alonna Berry

Energy is one of the most critical issues facing our community. This is not just the work of this legislative session. It is generational work that will shape Delaware’s economy, environment, and quality of life for decades to come.

As a member of the House Natural Resources & Energy Committee, I believe the conversation around energy is moving too quickly without enough independent, peer reviewed research to fully inform the decisions before us. The first step should always be following the best available science and objective data. That evidence must be the foundation for every conversation about energy policy, whether we are discussing data centers, grid reliability, electricity costs, or future energy generation.

The rapid growth of AI driven data centers requires us to carefully weigh competing priorities. That balance can only be achieved by grounding our decisions in independent, peer reviewed research and thoughtful long-term planning. While data centers may strengthen our economy, they also pose real risks to our electric grid, our environment, and the long-term affordability of energy for Delaware families. These concerns are especially important in the coastal communities I represent in Sussex County, where increased energy demand and environmental impacts could have lasting consequences. No matter what policies are ultimately adopted, the impacts on our climate and environment must remain central to every decision.

I support requiring large energy users to pay their fair share of the infrastructure costs they create rather than shifting those costs onto Delaware ratepayers. I also support strengthening long term grid planning through PJM, investing in transmission infrastructure, expanding energy efficiency, and carefully evaluating the cumulative impacts of proposed data centers before projects are approved.

Delaware should welcome innovation, but not at the expense of affordability, grid reliability, or our natural resources. Evidence, transparency, and long-term planning must guide every decision we make because the choices we make today will affect generations of Delawareans to come.

As a coastal state, Delaware is already experiencing the impacts of sea level rise, stronger storms, and more frequent tidal flooding. The science is clear that we must prepare our communities while protecting both our environment and our economy.

I was proud to co-sponsor legislation strengthening Delaware’s wetlands protections because healthy wetlands are one of our most effective natural defenses against flooding. As a member of the House Natural Resources & Energy Committee, I have consistently supported policies that recognize protecting our environment is also an investment in our economy, our infrastructure, and our quality of life.

I support continued investments in living shorelines, marsh restoration, resilient infrastructure, improved stormwater management, and voluntary home elevation and flood mitigation programs. I also believe every major infrastructure and land use decision should account for future flood risk using the best available science.

Protecting Delaware’s coast requires partnership among state agencies, local governments, property owners, and conservation organizations. By making evidence-based investments today, we can better protect our communities, preserve our natural resources, and ensure future generations can continue to call Delaware’s coast home.

As a member of the House Education Committee, I believe addressing youth substance use begins by creating school environments where every student feels safe, supported, and connected. Research consistently shows that positive school culture and climate are among the strongest protective factors against substance use, mental health challenges, and other risky behaviors.

That is why I have focused my legislative work on strengthening school culture and climate, expanding student supports, and ensuring schools have the tools they need to help students before they reach a crisis. I have also supported legislation strengthening labeling requirements for THC products to better protect young people and consumers.

We must continue investing in evidence-based prevention; I support expanding school based mental health services, strengthening partnerships between schools and families, increasing access to counselors and behavioral health professionals, and providing age appropriate, evidence-based substance use education.

As an educator, I know students learn best when they feel connected to their schools and have trusted adults they can turn to. As a legislator, I will continue supporting policies that improve school climate, strengthen student wellbeing, and use data, including the Delaware School Survey, to ensure we are investing in prevention strategies that produce measurable results.