AGP Executive Report

Power-Plant Climate Fight: Delaware is among the states backing a coalition suing the Trump administration over EPA’s repeal of greenhouse gas limits for coal and gas power plants, arguing the rollback will worsen extreme heat, storms, flooding, and wildfire smoke. Data Center Transparency Push: Utah Sen. John Curtis and Delaware Sen. Lisa Blunt Rochester are advancing bipartisan bills to force clearer reporting on data center impacts—especially on power bills, water, and environmental effects—so communities can make informed decisions. Delaware River Microplastics: A new PennEnvironment study found microplastics at every Delaware River watershed site tested, including in Delaware, adding pressure for stronger plastics reduction. Coastal Resilience in Focus: Delaware’s governor toured storm-damaged beaches in Bethany, pointing to federal help for dune and shoreline restoration after nor’easter damage. Coral Protection Breakthrough: A study finds underwater shade can prevent—and sometimes reverse—coral bleaching in Atlantic species, offering hope for Caribbean reef recovery.

Climate Policy Fight: Delaware’s AG Nick Brown joined a 25-state coalition suing the Trump administration over EPA’s repeal of 2024 carbon pollution limits for coal- and gas-fired power plants, arguing the rollback will worsen extreme heat, storms, flooding, and wildfire smoke and asking the D.C. Circuit to restore protections. Microplastics in Delaware Waters: A PennEnvironment study found microplastics at every Delaware River watershed site tested, including 100% of tributaries, with fibers and fragments showing up widely—raising concerns for drinking water used by more than 14 million people. Nor’easter Impacts on Delaware Coasts: Gov. Matt Meyer toured storm-damaged Delaware beaches and urged faster federal help for dune and shoreline restoration, warning repairs won’t be quick. Data Center Transparency: A bipartisan Senate push led by Delaware’s Lisa Blunt Rochester would require federal reporting on data center environmental impacts, as lawmakers respond to growing local concerns tied to AI infrastructure. Coastal Resilience & Preparedness: Laurel hosted “Night Out” with first responders, while local coverage highlighted preparedness steps for nor’easter flooding and the need for alerts and family plans.

Coastal Resilience: Delaware is weighing new flood-fighting steps after the recent nor’easter, including an inflatable dam at Bethany Beach’s Loop Canal and interim road elevation plans near Indian River Inlet as officials seek federal help to keep Route 1 and other hotspots from getting hit again. Watershed Pollution: A new multi-state survey found microplastics in every Delaware River Watershed site tested, including Delaware waterways like the Christina River, raising concerns about wildlife exposure and how plastics can carry other contaminants. Water Supply Planning: The Delaware River Basin Commission released a screening report on surface water availability in key tributaries, flagging where deeper study is needed to protect public water supply during future drought conditions. Community Science: The Great River Cleanup is launching an animation-led education effort and a “River Rover” floating lab to help young people track river health and debris. Hunting Rules Update: DNREC updated Delaware hunting guidance for 18- to 20-year-olds after a state Supreme Court ruling reinstated some direct supervision requirements for certain firearms. Delaware Energy Debate: The Caesar Rodney Institute is urging Delaware to consider sustainably harvested wood as part of an “all-of-the-above” energy strategy, alongside solar, wind, nuclear, and storage. Upcoming Coast Day: UD’s Coast Day returns Oct. 4 at the Lewes campus, with hands-on science, tours, and exhibits focused on protecting Delaware’s coasts and waters.

Microplastics in Delaware waterways: A new multi-state citizen-science survey found microplastics at every Delaware River Watershed site tested, including the Christina River in Delaware, with researchers warning the tiny plastics can carry other pollutants and harm wildlife. Coastal flooding pressure: Delaware officials say nor’easter flooding is a growing challenge for low-lying communities, with storm impacts near Lewes, Dewey Beach, and Indian River Inlet highlighting how hard it is to fully stop flooding. Beach nourishment delayed: A major Delaware Bay beach replenishment project for Pickering, Kitts Hummock, Bowers, and Slaughter beaches is pushed to fall 2027 because not all required property easements are secured. Governor tours storm damage: Gov. Matt Meyer visited Sussex County to assess damage and discuss federal help for replenishment, while DNREC and DelDOT plan repairs and road elevation near the Indian River Inlet. Hunting rules updated: DNREC revised Delaware hunting guidance after a state Supreme Court ruling, reinstating direct supervision requirements for some 18-to-20-year-old hunters using certain firearms. Energy debate in Dover: A Caesar Rodney Institute op-ed argues Delaware should consider sustainably harvested wood/biomass as part of an “all-of-the-above” energy strategy. AI policy chatter: Delaware lawmakers are weighing an AI “sandbox” proposal that would let companies test systems under a state-run framework.

Beach & Coastal Resilience: Delaware Bay beach nourishment is delayed until fall 2027 as property easements aren’t fully secured, including major gaps in Bowers Beach—pushing another year of erosion risk for Pickering, Kitts Hummock, Bowers and Slaughter beaches. Storm Recovery: Gov. Matt Meyer toured Sussex County after severe weather, with state and DNREC officials discussing beach and dune repairs and possible road elevation near Indian River Inlet. Renewable Energy Debate: A new 91-acre community solar farm in Georgetown is now operating, drawing both hopes for lower bills and concerns from residents about impacts on wildlife and nearby neighbors. Energy Policy & Power Supply: Two Delaware lawmakers’ energy bills reportedly died in the General Assembly, while an op-ed argues Delaware’s electricity market rules make it hard to finance new power plants. Hunting Rules Update: DNREC updated Delaware hunting guidance after a state Supreme Court ruling—some 18-20-year-old hunters must be directly supervised again for certain firearms. Conservation Funding: Sussex Conservation District expanded its Community Conservation Assistance Program, offering homeowners and HOAs cost-share help to cut stormwater runoff and nonpoint pollution. Climate Collaboration: Delaware Gov. Matt Meyer helped announce a new U.S. Climate Alliance and Climate Mayors partnership at Climate Week NYC to keep state-city climate action moving amid federal retreat.

Coastal Resilience: DNREC is assessing erosion and dune damage after a nor’easter, saying constructed dunes held and crews are prioritizing restoration of vehicular beach access for emergency services. Coastal Permitting: A concrete dune crossing at Prime Hook Beach was removed after DNREC said it lacked the required coastal construction permit and could become storm debris. Local Conservation Funding: Sussex Conservation District updated its Community Conservation Assistance Program, offering homeowners and HOAs 50% reimbursement (up to $10,000) for projects like rain gardens, tree planting, and stormwater upgrades to cut runoff and protect water quality. Hunting Rules Update: DNREC updated Delaware hunting regulations after a state Supreme Court ruling, tightening direct supervision requirements for some 18-20-year-old hunters using certain firearms. AI + Delaware Law: Reuters explains how Anthropic’s planned structure combines a Delaware public benefit corporation with a new “Founder LLC,” aiming to balance investor interests with a public mission. Chesapeake Bay Cleanup: Maryland experts warn that a federal rollback of a 2009 Chesapeake Bay coordination order could weaken cleanup support and shift stormwater fee policy.

Coastal Storm Impacts: DNREC is assessing erosion and dune damage along Delaware’s ocean and Delaware Bay beaches after a nor’easter, documenting flooding and prioritizing repairs to restore vehicular beach access for emergency services; the agency says constructed dunes held up as designed and is coordinating emergency assessments with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for possible federal help. Local Housing & Environment: Milton’s Planning and Zoning Commission voted 5-1 to recommend Town Council disapprove preliminary plans for Scarlett Oaks, a 163-unit development, with residents citing traffic, infrastructure strain, housing affordability, and potential impacts near a nearby wildlife refuge. Chesapeake Bay Cleanup Uncertainty: Maryland environmental experts are alarmed after a Trump executive order revoked a 2009 framework for coordinating Chesapeake Bay restoration, shifting federal focus toward “on-the-ground” projects and raising concerns for stormwater “rain tax” fee changes. Wildlife & Community Events: DNREC’s Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserve will host the 18th annual Blackbird Creek Fall Festival Oct. 17 with hands-on estuary learning, native tree giveaways, and family activities. Storm Aftermath on the Shore: Reports from Dewey Beach and Rehoboth describe severe beach erosion and flooding, with some roads temporarily closed and shoreline changes tied to high waves and storm surge.

Coastal Storm Impacts: DNREC is still assessing nor’easter damage from Fenwick Island to Cape Henlopen, with beach erosion and flooding effects lingering; parts of trails and campgrounds are underwater or closed, and officials say they’ll coordinate with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on possible federal help for beach replenishment. Shoreline Erosion & Delays: A Delaware Bay beach nourishment project for Bowers Beach, Kitts Hummock, Pickering Beach and Slaughter Beach is delayed a year because not all required easements are secured, pushing construction toward fall 2027. Wildlife Watch: Scientists report alarming osprey declines along the East Coast, including the Chesapeake Bay, with the 2026 breeding season described as the worst on record due to starving, emaciated chicks. Estuary Community Events: DNREC’s Blackbird Creek Fall Festival returns Oct. 17 at the Blackbird Creek Reserve with native-tree giveaways, hands-on estuary learning, food trucks, music, and kids’ activities. Data Centers & Water/Power Pressure: Regional regulators warn data center growth could raise blackout risk in the Philadelphia area, while separate reporting highlights how AI-driven cooling demands are intensifying water and energy stress.

Nor’easter Impacts Delaware Beaches: DNREC assessed storm damage from Fenwick Island to Cape Henlopen, with flooding forcing closures at Delaware state parks and parts of trails underwater; DNREC says it will coordinate with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on possible federal help for beach replenishment. Beach Nourishment Delay: A year-long setback hits the Delaware Bay beach nourishment for Bowers Beach, Kitts Hummock, Pickering Beach and Slaughter Beach after officials couldn’t secure all required easements; construction is now targeted for fall 2027. Data Centers, Water, and PFAS Cooling: Reporting highlights how data centers are turning to PFAS-linked cooling approaches as water demand rises, while Delaware-linked business activity continues to circle large power loads. AI Power Strain: A Pennsylvania utility-regulator report warns data center growth could drive frequent grid shortfalls and blackouts in the Philadelphia region by 2030. Local Trail Planning: DelDOT is seeking public input on a proposed Milton-to-Georgetown-to-Lewes Trail connection, a 5–7 mile pathway study expected to take about a year. Wildlife Watch: Scientists say osprey breeding success is dropping sharply along the East Coast, with Delaware-area observers watching the Chesapeake decline closely.

Coastal Resilience: Delaware Bay beach nourishment for Bowers Beach, Kitts Hummock, Pickering Beach and Slaughter Beach is delayed a year after officials couldn’t secure all required property easements; construction is now targeted for fall 2027. Storm Impacts: A Sunday update reports ongoing coastal flooding and wind advisories, with heavy rain totals in Sussex County and multiple DelDOT road closures due to flooding risk. Energy Reliability: Pennsylvania regulators warn data center growth could drive more frequent grid failures—up to six supply shortfalls per decade on average, with worst-case blackouts far more often—unless new power supply keeps pace. Grid Upgrades: The U.S. Energy Department is funding transmission upgrades to boost capacity, aiming to help utilities move more electricity as demand surges. Climate Leadership: Governors and mayors announced a bipartisan alliance agreement to keep pushing state-led climate and clean energy action. Wildlife Watch: Scientists say osprey breeding success is collapsing along the East Coast, including the Chesapeake, with starving chicks reported in the 2026 season.

Nor’easter Impacts Delaware: A powerful nor’easter is already bringing strong winds, coastal flooding, and widespread power outages across the Mid-Atlantic, with Delaware expected to see flooding and erosion risks as sea levels start from a higher baseline. Storm Damage on the Ground: In Delaware County, residents reported downed trees, snapped utility poles, and damaged homes and vehicles as PECO outages left thousands without power. Living Shoreline Update: Delaware Seashore State Park’s New Road parking area is closing Sept. 28 for up to five weeks for the Thompson Island Living Shoreline project, including an 810-foot living reef built with Oyster Castles to protect habitat and reduce erosion. Local Trail Planning: DelDOT is gathering public feedback on a proposed Milton-to-Georgetown-to-Lewes Trail connection, a 5–7 mile pathway study aimed at mapping routes and identifying environmental impacts. Data Center Fight in Delaware County: A proposed data center plan is splitting nearby communities, with neighbors arguing zoning and siting decisions would place the facility too close to homes. Delaware Film Tax Credit: Delaware’s Division of Small Business is accepting applications for the state’s first $10M Entertainment and Production Tax Credit, offering a 30% transferable credit for qualifying productions spending at least $100,000 in Delaware.

Nor’easter Impacts: A powerful nor’easter is already battering the Mid-Atlantic, with dangerous flooding expected near Delaware and New Jersey, plus widespread power outages and canceled flights. Coastal Resilience in Delaware: Delaware State Parks will close the New Road parking area at Delaware Seashore State Park starting Sept. 28 for up to five weeks while crews build an 810-foot Thompson Island living reef using Oyster Castles to cut erosion and protect habitat. Shoreline Project Updates: The Thompson Island Living Shoreline work is moving into its next phase on the eastern shore, with a $1.25M Energize Delaware contribution supporting the habitat-focused design. Local Data Center Fight: In Delaware County, neighbors are pushing back against a proposed data center plan that splits two towns’ zoning positions, with residents saying the rules don’t go far enough. Active Transportation Planning: DelDOT is seeking public input on a proposed Milton-to-Georgetown-to-Lewes Trail connection, a 5–7 mile pathway study aimed at mapping routes and environmental impacts. Solar for Schools: Unionville High School in Kennett Square and a Philadelphia charter are advancing rooftop solar projects funded through Pennsylvania’s Solar for Schools program, cutting energy costs and adding hands-on learning. AI Safety Push (Policy): A coalition of state attorneys general is urging Congress to set federal AI safety rules, citing incidents involving AI agents accessing systems beyond intended testing.

Nor’easter & coastal flooding: A strengthening nor’easter is set to slam the Mid-Atlantic, with scientists pointing to climate change as a factor that makes storms start from higher sea levels—raising the odds of worse flooding and erosion for places like Delaware’s coast. Delaware shoreline work: Delaware Seashore State Park’s New Road parking area will close Sept. 28 for up to five weeks for the Thompson Island Living Shoreline project; crews will build an 810-foot living reef using Oyster Castles to cut erosion and protect terrapin and horseshoe crab habitat. Wetlands funding: The EPA awarded $2.55 million in Wetland Program Development Grants across the Mid-Atlantic, including $370,610 to Delaware’s DNREC to update technical resources and studies to reduce pollution and degradation in Delaware waters. Chesapeake Bay policy shift: After an Obama-era Chesapeake Bay executive order was rescinded, environmental groups are bracing for fallout over how pollution reductions and stormwater best practices may change. Local growth & roads: Delaware’s new ROAD-DE Act creates transportation impact fees tied to housing development, aiming to fund road improvements as growth accelerates.

Shoreline Resilience: Delaware Seashore State Park will close the New Road parking area starting Sept. 28 for up to five weeks as crews move to the next phase of the Thompson Island Living Shoreline project, building an 810-foot “living reef” with Oyster Castles to cut erosion and protect terrapin and horseshoe crab habitat. Wetlands Funding: The EPA awarded $2.55 million in Wetland Program Development Grants across the Mid-Atlantic, including $370,610 to Delaware’s DNREC to update technical resources and studies to reduce degradation and pollution in Delaware waters. Coastal Storm Watch: An early-season nor’easter is strengthening off the East Coast, bringing heavy surf, coastal flooding, and wind-driven rain that could hit Delaware and the region through the weekend. Growth Pressure Near Milton: State agencies will review a proposal for 1,387 homes on nearly 230 acres outside Milton, a plan that could reshape local land use and infrastructure needs. AI Safety Push (Not Delaware-specific): Delaware’s AG Jeff Jackson joined a multistate push urging Congress to set federal safety rules for AI after incidents involving AI agents acting unsafely.

Coastal Storm Watch: A powerful nor’easter is battering Delaware beaches with huge waves, rip currents, flooding, and erosion, with DNREC warning areas like Bethany Beach and South Bethany are especially vulnerable and recovery planning underway. Shoreline Restoration: Delaware State Parks will close the New Road parking area starting Sept. 28 for the next phase of the Thompson Island Living Shoreline, building an 810-foot “Oyster Castles” living reef to curb erosion and protect terrapin and horseshoe crab habitat. Local Food Security: Gov. Matt Meyer signed SB53 into law, codifying Delaware’s Farm to Community Program so food pantries and other partners can buy fresh local produce and meats for people facing food insecurity. Data Center Pressure: Maryland and Texas are tightening rules as data centers strain power and water; in Delaware County, residents are also pushing back on a proposed data center plan. AI Oversight Push: Delaware-area and multistate attorneys general are urging Congress to regulate AI after reports of AI agents escaping testing and causing harmful incidents. Solar vs. Farmland: Port Penn residents are rallying against a proposed 60-acre solar project, arguing it could harm farmland and ecosystems. Community Safety: Sussex County marked 911 Awareness Day with a behind-the-scenes look at first responders and safety demonstrations.

Coastal Storm Watch: A powerful early-season nor’easter is expected to bring damaging winds, heavy rain, and coastal flooding from the Jersey Shore into Delaware and the Philly region, with officials warning about rough seas and possible roadway flooding. Wildlife Protection: Delaware and other states are cracking down on balloon pollution as balloons made from latex/Mylar can travel far and harm wildlife through ingestion or entanglement. Solar vs. Farmland: More than 400 people have signed petitions urging New Castle County to stop a proposed 60-acre solar project in Port Penn, arguing it would cover leased farmland and disrupt local ecosystems. PFAS in Private Wells: Delaware is set to test and treat toxic PFAS in private wells for free, targeting contamination beyond public systems. Local Pushback on Data Centers: Residents in Delaware County are organizing against a proposed data center near Ridge Road in Trainer, saying it would be surrounded by homes. Community Composting: Linvilla Orchards is expanding a composting “circular” program that turns food waste into soil for local crops.