Did you know that any place you stand in the State of Delaware is usually within one mile of a wetland? Approximately 25% of the state today is covered by wetlands, but a lot of wetland area has been lost over time due to land conversion to farms and housing developments, storms, and sea level rise.

DNREC provides grants for energy efficiency and clean fuel technology, supports energy policy development, and provides coordination and assistance to support sustainable land use and building practices.

Although wetlands provide important ecosystem services, wetland management programs must compete with many other important issues for attention and funding from local stakeholders and decision-makers. Economic studies are often conducted to relay the value of services and resources provided by natural systems in dollar amounts.

Aside from providing scenic vistas, serving recreational purposes, and fueling Delaware's ecotourism economy, wetlands have many other important functions. They clean and replenish our drinking waters, provide habitat and food for wildlife, absorb floodwaters, and protect our coasts from storm damage and sea level rise.

Reducing energy consumption at home and in the workplace decreases the cost of the electric bill each month, but it also reduces air and water pollution, as well as greenhouse gas emissions.