Shay Frisby
DemocraticQ2 Delaware’s electricity is delivered through PJM interconnection, the regional grid operator for the mid-atlantic. Across the PJM region, electricity demand is rising in part due to large-scale data center development. What evidence-based policies, if any, would you support addressing the effects of AI-driven data center growth on electricity costs and grid reliability for Delaware’s residents?
I stand together with a community that does not support the expansion of data centers in Delaware. The growing demand for electricity from large-scale AI and data-center facilities raises serious concerns about higher electricity costs, grid reliability, water use, and the long-term impact on our communities.
I would support policies that pause approval of new data centers until Delaware understands the full impact of electricity cost, the grid, water resources and surrounding communities. I also am skeptical of the utility of LLMs/AI, as evidence has shown no real productivity increases from their usage. The technology has too many drawbacks (such as its effects on our health and environment) and its economic benefit seems to be slim to none.
Q3 Federal agencies including the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) project that Delaware’s coastal communities face increasing risk of tidal flooding in the coming decades. What evidence-based policies, if any, would you support to help these communities respond to increased coastal flooding risk?
I consider climate change to be the number one threat facing the nation, and Delaware is at particular risk of flooding due to the fact that it is the lowest lying state in the union. That said, the evidence shows that the effects of climate change will not be agnostic to race or economic class. Flooding in Delaware will disproportionately harm low-income and predominantly POC Delaware communities.
To that end, I believe a holistic approach is needed to ensure that our most vulnerable are equipped to deal with the increased flood risk. We need to invest in infrastructure that will preserve these communities, while working to pass a working class agenda that will grant them fair-paying jobs, quality education, and affordable housing. We cannot sit by and let low income neighborhoods be destroyed by flooding.
I fully support policies that reduce Delaware’s CO2 emissions, but we have to be cognizant of the fact that Delaware emits less than all but two other states. The federal government should be primarily responsible for green energy policies, while the states need to do what they can to mitigate the inevitable damage that climate change will cause.
Q9 Delaware funds youth substance-use prevention programs through the Division of Public Health and the state budget. According to the 2024 Delaware School Survey, 26% of Delaware 11th graders perceive great risk in regular marijuana use, down from 50% in 1999. What evidence-based policies, if any, would you support to address substance use among young people in Delaware and ensure drug usage decline?
I support a strong evidence based approach to preventing substance abuse among Delaware’s youngest children. I would support expanding prevention education in schools and increasing access to counseling and intervention.
I consider one of the best methods of prevention to be generally increasing the quality of life for working class families. Drugs are often used as a coping mechanism for dealing with an extremely stressful everyday existence. Fair paying jobs, quality education, affordable housing, and ample investment in youth programs will all reduce drug usage.