AGP Executive Report

Wildlife Protection in Delaware: DNREC is adding nesting exclosures at Cape Henlopen to protect declining least terns, using protected plots to reduce predation and severe-weather impacts while also accounting for piping plover needs. Environmental Incident in Sussex County: DNREC reported an unknown amount of anhydrous ammonia released at Perdue Farms in Milford on June 9; workers were evacuated, air monitoring cleared the site, and the cause is under investigation. Coastal Development Watch: A public notice is out for the Shoppes of Camelot in Rehoboth Beach, where DNREC is seeking comment on a cleanup plan tied to past fuel storage and ongoing groundwater monitoring. Port Expansion Scrutiny: Community groups are pressing for more transparency and answers on the Port of Wilmington–Edgemoor expansion, including job and environmental impact questions as Phase One is expected to finish in 2028. Conservation Community: Sussex County Land Trust will mark 25 years of conservation at its annual meeting June 26 at the Delaware Botanic Gardens in Dagsboro, highlighting major preserved land and a new strategic plan. Legislation Update: A Delaware bill (HB 388) would let medically disqualified drivers keep their physical licenses for identification purposes via an affidavit, now moving to the Senate Environment, Energy & Transportation Committee.

Hazardous Release in Milford: DNREC says an unknown amount of anhydrous ammonia was released June 9 at Perdue Farms in Milford after a possible refrigeration valve failure; workers were evacuated, air monitoring cleared the site, and no injuries were reported. Coastal Waterway Development: Mariner’s Cove in Long Neck is seeking DNREC approval to nearly double wet slips and add more personal watercraft platforms and slips, tied to its ongoing bulkhead replacement work—raising the stakes for Rehoboth Bay impacts. Cleanup Planning for Rehoboth Area: DNREC is taking public comment on a proposed remediation plan for the Shoppes of Camelot brownfield site, including long-term groundwater monitoring and stewardship. Invasive Species Watch: A national roundup highlights “Frankenfish” northern snakeheads, recently spotted in Delaware, warning they can disrupt East Coast ecosystems. Mosquito Control Update: Delaware’s Mosquito Control Section plans evening spraying in parts of Sussex and nearby areas, using EPA-registered products. Indigenous Affairs Legislation: A peace walk at Legislative Hall backed a bill to create a Delaware Commission on Indigenous Affairs, citing Indigenous guidance on stewardship of waterways and the environment. Local Innovation: Delaware startup Sindri Materials won a top Reinventing Delaware prize for work toward producing high-purity graphene.

Delaware Energy & Grid Policy: Delaware lawmakers are weighing bills that would force data centers to shoulder more of the power burden—one would make them the first cut in a blackout unless they include their own generation, and another would require developers to supply all power used within 10 years, with some renewable. Sussex Forest Rules: Builders and environmentalists pushed Sussex County to tighten proposed forest-preservation rules for subdivisions, especially how “forest” is defined and which areas count for protection. Drought & Development Pressure: A Delaware op-ed argues that even as the state faces drought watch conditions, new housing approvals in Sussex keep reducing permeable land that helps recharge aquifers. Microplastics Monitoring: Delaware-area policy attention continues on microplastics in drinking water, with calls for stronger monitoring of public water systems. Horseshoe Crab & Wildlife: Delaware’s youth fishing tournament spotlighted local fish and anglers, while broader regional coverage keeps attention on protecting horseshoe crabs and other wildlife. Local Land Use Watch: Sussex County Council’s agenda includes rental program changes, subdivision design updates, and a solar arrays presentation, alongside a rezoning hearing near Milton.

Delaware Data Center Power Rules: A newly amended bill would make data centers the first to be cut off from power during blackouts unless they include their own energy generation, while also pushing service agreements to cover energy and grid upgrade costs. Lawmakers say Delaware could face major new demand from proposed data centers that may double the state’s electricity use. Homeless Protections: Delaware House Bill 454 would limit when local governments can remove people experiencing homelessness from public spaces and restrict certain police actions, framing homelessness as a housing issue rather than a crime. AI in Delaware Courts: A Delaware contract dispute used a CEO’s ChatGPT queries to help establish motive and pretext, underscoring how AI use can matter in real time in court. Air & Water Alerts: Delaware is under a drought watch and an ozone code orange alert, as officials warn conditions could worsen. Mosquito Control: Delaware’s mosquito program plans evening spraying in parts of Milford and near Lincoln, Greenwood, Frederica, Felton, and Camden. Local Conservation Win: DNREC highlighted the 40th Delaware Youth Fishing Tournament, with Newark’s Gabriel Alfaro taking the overall title with 10.1 pounds at Lums Pond. Wildlife & Invasives: Invasive species awareness efforts continue across the region, with Delaware-area conservation groups urging residents to help stop spread.

Delaware Data Center Power Rules: Delaware lawmakers are moving to curb the risk of AI-driven power demand spiking residents’ bills, with a newly amended House Bill 233 that would require data centers to include their own energy generation to avoid being first cut off in a blackout, plus service-agreement requirements to cover full energy and transmission upgrade costs. Coastal Access Update: Rehoboth Beach replaced a wheelchair-accessible dune crossing at the south end of the boardwalk, using compacted sand and a shorter, flatter ramp after officials said the old one was too hard to keep clear of sand. Wildlife & Health Watch: Delaware-area attention continues to grow around tick-borne disease risk, with Ohio’s mail-in “Buckeye Tick Test” reporting thousands of submitted ticks and offering pathogen testing for people. Nature-Friendly Living: A growing “go native” trend is turning suburban lawns into small wildlife habitats, boosting biodiversity right in backyards. Community Support: The Wilmington Alliance opened a Teen Wellness Youth Hub in West Center City, aiming to give young people a safe space for wellness and leadership.

Drought Watch: Gov. Matt Meyer issued a statewide drought watch for Delaware after precipitation dropped sharply, especially in Kent and Sussex. Officials say the state needs about 21 inches of rain over the next three months to recharge supplies, and residents are urged to voluntarily cut outdoor water use. Beach Access Upgrade: Rehoboth Beach replaced a wheelchair-accessible dune crossing ramp at the south end of the boardwalk, using compacted sand and grading to improve wind-blown sand control. Wetlands Protection Push: The Sussex Preservation Coalition is set to discuss proposed wetlands protection legislation that would close Delaware’s regulatory gap for nontidal and freshwater wetlands after a 2023 Supreme Court decision reduced federal oversight. Livestock Biosecurity: Delaware Department of Agriculture updated import rules for warm-blooded animals from Texas after a New World Screwworm detection, requiring an OCVI within 72 hours and barring animals with infestation. Coastal Flooding Plan: University of Delaware researchers are testing a “hybrid” living shoreline in Lewes using reef-ball-style materials, shellfish mattresses, and native marsh grasses to reduce flooding impacts. Wildlife Research: A Delaware-linked bird tracking effort highlights Motus, a global system using tiny tags to study migration as bird populations decline. Local Community Support: Children’s Beach House and the Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival raised funds for youth programs, with the festival donating $10,000.

Coastal Resilience in Lewes: University of Delaware researchers are testing a new “hybrid” living shoreline to reduce flooding and erosion, using reef balls, shellfish mattresses, and native marsh grasses. Water Stress in Delaware: Gov. Matt Meyer issued a statewide drought watch as precipitation drops, urging voluntary water conservation while officials track whether Delaware needs major rainfall to recover. Wetlands Protection Push: The Sussex Preservation Coalition is set to discuss proposed wetlands protection legislation after a 2023 Supreme Court shift left many non-tidal and freshwater wetlands unregulated. Wildlife at Risk: A biology group filed suit seeking Endangered Species Act protections for horseshoe crabs, warning Delaware Bay egg declines could ripple to species like the Delaware red knot. Agriculture Biosecurity: Delaware Department of Agriculture updated import rules for warm-blooded animals from Texas after New World screwworm was detected, requiring inspections and certificates within 72 hours. Community Nature Education: Sussex Academy opened a story walk through campus forest funded through watershed conservation partners, designed to boost environmental literacy and highlight the endangered eastern tiger salamander.

Drought & Air Quality: Delaware is under a statewide drought watch as precipitation drops, with officials urging voluntary water conservation while conditions are reassessed; at the same time, a Code Orange air quality alert remains in effect across Delaware, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey, with heat and storms expected to bring damaging winds and possible hail. Wetlands Protection: The Sussex Preservation Coalition is set to host a June 9 meeting on proposed wetlands protection legislation that would close Delaware’s gap in regulating non-tidal and freshwater wetlands after reduced federal protections. Wildlife in Jeopardy: A biology group is suing the federal government seeking Endangered Species Act protections for horseshoe crabs, citing major declines in Delaware Bay and knock-on risks for species like the Delaware red knot. Boating & Clean Water Education: The BoatUS Foundation expanded its free, state-approved boating safety course to include Delaware, adding environmental stewardship to safety and legal operation training. Livestock Biosecurity: Delaware Department of Agriculture updated Texas animal import rules after New World screwworm was detected, requiring stricter veterinary inspections and barring infested animals. Community Nature Learning: Sussex Academy opened a story walk tied to “The Salamander Room,” funded through watershed partners, to boost environmental literacy and highlight an endangered tiger salamander breeding habitat.

Drought Watch: Delaware Gov. Matt Meyer issued a statewide drought watch after precipitation dropped sharply, especially in Kent and Sussex. Officials say the state needs about 21 inches of rain over the next three months to recover, and residents are urged to voluntarily cut outdoor water use. Wetlands Protection Push: Sussex Preservation Coalition plans a June 9 meeting on proposed legislation to regulate non-tidal and freshwater wetlands—an urgent gap after a 2023 Supreme Court ruling reduced federal protections. Horseshoe Crab Lawsuit: A national biology group filed suit seeking Endangered Species Act protections for horseshoe crabs in Delaware Bay, citing steep declines and warning that birds like the Delaware red knot could be harmed too. Air Quality + Heat: A code orange air quality alert remains in effect as a heat wave builds with storms Saturday that could bring damaging winds and hail; Delaware beaches face a moderate risk for rip currents. Community Health Access: Delaware County unveiled “Wellness on Wheels,” a 34-foot mobile health unit meant to bring services directly to residents, especially after local hospital closures. Boating Safety Education: The BoatUS Foundation expanded its free, state-approved boating safety course to include Delaware, adding environmental stewardship to the curriculum.

Drought Watch: Delaware Gov. Matt Meyer issued a statewide drought watch after precipitation dropped sharply, with Kent and Sussex hit hardest; officials say Delaware needs about 21 inches of rain over the next three months to refill supplies, and residents are urged to cut outdoor water use. Wetlands Protection Push: The Sussex Preservation Coalition will host a June 9 meeting on proposed wetlands protection legislation that would close Delaware’s regional gap in regulating non-tidal and freshwater wetlands after a 2023 Supreme Court shift left thousands of acres unprotected. Horseshoe Crab Lawsuit: The Center for Biological Diversity filed suit seeking Endangered Species Act protections for horseshoe crabs, citing steep declines in Delaware Bay and warning that species like the Delaware red knot could be harmed too. Wildfire Smog Backslide: A new study finds wildfire smoke is reversing years of progress on U.S. ozone pollution, with national smog rising since 2015 and projected health impacts. Local Growth & Parks: Sussex P&Z backed major developments near Milton and Millsboro, while Milton’s parks committee outlined shoreline and access upgrades for the town’s park system. Boating Safety Education: The BoatUS Foundation expanded its free, state-approved boating safety course to Delaware and 14 other states, adding an environmental stewardship focus. Microplastics in Drinking Water: California AG Rob Bonta joined a multistate letter praising EPA’s move to prioritize microplastics for research in drinking water and urging more monitoring.

Drought Watch: Delaware is in a statewide drought watch again, with DNREC warning precipitation has been below normal for months and groundwater and stream flows are dropping—officials say Kent and Sussex are hit hardest and residents should voluntarily cut water use while an open burning ban stays in effect through Sept. 30. Air Quality: DNREC issued a Code Orange ozone alert for Friday, June 5, citing hot, sunny weather and light winds that can trap ozone near the ground; sensitive groups are urged to limit outdoor exertion. Tick Season & Lyme Risk: Tick bite emergency visits are spiking across the region, with Delaware-area residents urged to take extra precautions in grassy or wooded areas as deer/blacklegged ticks drive Lyme and other illnesses. Chesapeake Bay Focus: Chesapeake Bay Awareness Week runs June 6–14, with Delaware DNREC and partners promoting events and a social media toolkit to keep watershed protection front and center. Coastal & Water Safety: BoatUS Foundation expanded its free, state-approved boating safety course to Delaware and 14 other states, adding an environmental stewardship component for recreational boaters. Wildfire Smog Backslide: A new national study finds wildfire smoke is reversing years of smog progress, raising ozone levels and health risks—an issue Delaware communities will feel during smoky stretches.

Air Quality Alert: Delaware is under a Code Orange ozone action day Friday, June 5, with hot, sunny weather expected to push ozone into unhealthy-for-sensitive-groups levels; DNREC urges kids, older adults, and people with heart or lung conditions to limit time outside. Drought Watch: Delaware also remains in a statewide drought watch as precipitation drops, with Kent and Sussex Counties most at risk; residents are asked to voluntarily cut water use and follow the open burning ban through Sept. 30. Coastal Resilience in Lewes: University of Delaware researchers are testing a “hybrid” living shoreline in Lewes to reduce tidal flooding and saltmarsh erosion, using nature-based materials to protect roads, wastewater systems, and homes. Conservation & Water Quality: Wildlands Conservancy permanently protected 1,147 acres in Penn Forest Township, PA, via a conservation easement that safeguards Lehigh River headwaters and habitat for rare plants and birds. Wildfire Smog Reversal: A new study finds wildfire smoke is reversing years of cleaner air progress, raising ozone and related deaths nationwide. Delaware Bay Wildlife: A lawsuit seeks Endangered Species Act protection for horseshoe crabs as they spawn in Delaware Bay. Local Food & Farming: Delmarva Chicken Association honored 13 outstanding grower families for broiler production and environmental stewardship across Delmarva.

Water Watch: Delaware has declared a statewide drought watch for the second time in three years as precipitation drops, with Kent and Sussex Counties hit hardest; officials say the state needs about 21 inches of rain over the next three summer months to refill supplies, and residents are urged to cut outdoor and indoor water use while the open burning ban remains in effect through Sept. 30. Coastal Resilience: In Lewes, University of Delaware researchers are testing a “hybrid” living shoreline to reduce tidal flooding and saltmarsh erosion, using nature-based materials like native grasses, oyster shells, and reef-like domes with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Sea-Level Impact: A new study finds sea-level rise and saltwater intrusion have wiped out 25,000 acres of coastal farmland in the Mid-Atlantic between 1984 and 2022, showing how saltwater can quietly move into fields and damage crops. NOAA & Storm Data: Gogo’s SD Government unit won a $7.5 million NOAA contract to improve mission communications for hurricane-hunter aircraft, helping deliver real-time storm data.

Data Centers & Zoning: Mercer County’s planning commission unanimously recommended countywide zoning rules for data centers, including site design, noise and vibration controls, water protections, cooling standards, emergency planning, decommissioning, and enforcement—while noting the Sharon projects are grandfathered; commissioners will hold a June 18 hearing and could adopt the ordinance July 2. Water Watch: Gov. Matt Meyer issued a statewide drought watch as precipitation deficits deepen, especially in Kent and Sussex, urging Delawareans to cut outdoor water use while the state seeks about 21 inches of rain over the next three months to recharge supplies. Horseshoe Crab Day: Delaware Bay’s iconic horseshoe crabs get a spotlight with International Horseshoe Crab Day events, featuring education stations and shorebird specialist talks aimed at boosting stewardship. Shore Ecology: NASA satellites spotted unusually blue-green coastal patches off New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia tied to seasonal upwelling and phytoplankton blooms. Local Trees & Habitat: Volunteers planted 5,000 trees and shrubs at Lewes’ New Road field to reforest open space, support wildlife, and respect nearby Indigenous and archaeological sites. Clean Energy Policy: Delaware’s Coons and Husted-backed Safer Choice legislation would formally authorize and strengthen EPA’s Safer Choice program, pushing science-based, transparent product standards. Climate Science in Court: A coalition of attorneys general, including California’s AG, urged the Federal Judicial Center to reverse removal of climate science from its judicial manual. Health & Water Infrastructure: A report flags delays and ongoing concerns around lead-pipe drinking water delivery, including the delayed $2 billion Delaware aqueduct fix.

Wetlands Watch: A new push to roll back federal wetland protections is raising alarms that millions of acres could lose safeguards, leaving local governments to fill the gap. PFAS & Water Quality: A new study finds widespread PFAS contamination across the Delaware River Basin, including fish tissue—another hit to water and wildlife health. Coastal Ecology: NASA satellites spotted unusually blue, green Jersey Shore waters tied to seasonal upwelling and phytoplankton blooms, a reminder of how fast ocean conditions can shift. Delaware River Wildlife Law: A lawsuit seeks Endangered Species Act protection for horseshoe crabs as they spawn in Delaware Bay. Local Conservation: Volunteers planted 5,000 trees and shrubs at Lewes’ New Road field to reforest open space and support wildlife habitat. Energy & Pollution: Reports highlight pollution concerns from data center generators, adding to the debate over where power-hungry growth should land. Policy & Health: Delaware’s first medical school will be run by Thomas Jefferson University, with major implications for the state’s healthcare workforce.

Wetlands Watch: A new push from the federal government to step back from wetlands protection is leaving local governments as the front line for marshes, bogs, and vernal pools. Delaware River PFAS: A new report says PFAS contamination is widespread in the Delaware River Basin, including fish tissue—another reminder that water pollution risks don’t stay put. Local Habitat Work: Lewes volunteers planted 5,000 trees and shrubs at New Road field to reforest a 20-acre open-space parcel for people, meadow habitat, and wildlife. Data Center Tension: Philadelphia police say extremist-linked social media chatter suggests AI data centers could face vandalism or cyber attacks—raising the stakes for communities weighing new power and water demands. Invasive Species & Fishing: DNREC confirmed a Lancaster man set a Delaware flathead catfish record; the state urges anglers to kill flatheads to limit harm to native species. Policy & Community: Millsboro passed a 3% lodging tax to fund local infrastructure and improvements. Solar Industry: Nextpower sued GameChange Energy in Delaware federal court over alleged solar tracker patent infringement.