AGP Executive Report

DNREC State Parks Overhaul: DNREC is proposing major updates to Delaware State Park rules, including new surf-fishing vehicle reservations during peak summer days and a near-total magnet fishing ban, plus updated rules for electric bikes and other items. Heat Safety in Delaware: With dangerous heat and high heat-index conditions, Sussex County is opening a Georgetown cooling center (July 3–5) and offering water and on-site help; officials also pushed holiday-weekend safety reminders. PFAS Accountability in the Delaware River: The federal government announced a major Chemours settlement tied to alleged PFAS discharges into the Delaware River and other waterways, marking a first-of-its-kind comprehensive enforcement resolution for a forever-chemicals manufacturer. Drinking Water Monitoring Update: EPA proposed UCMR 6, which would expand national monitoring of 30 unregulated contaminants for public water systems (microplastics are not included). Coastal Wildlife & Community Events: Milton’s Horseshoe Crab and Shorebird Festival returned to celebrate Delaware Bay wildlife recovery and migration. Air Quality Warning: A multi-state alert is urging people to stay indoors as ozone and smoke-related pollution spreads, with Delaware-area counties included in the broader risk.

PFAS Accountability: EPA proposed UCMR 6 to expand drinking-water monitoring for 30 unregulated contaminants, but notably left microplastics off the list—while Delaware’s PFAS fallout continues to draw national attention after Chemours agreed to a major multi-state settlement over “forever chemicals,” including alleged PFAS discharges into the Delaware River. Extreme Heat & Power Strain: A dangerous heat wave pushed the grid toward emergency measures, with cooling centers opening and officials urging residents to cut demand—an urgent reminder for Delaware’s summer planning and public health. Coastal Wildlife Watch: Delaware Bay horseshoe crab spawning remains a regional draw, with monitoring highlighting recovery after past declines—plus community events like the Horseshoe Crab and Shorebird Festival in Milton. Watershed Basics for Delawareans: A guide to how watersheds work (including the Lower Delaware region) ties local runoff to drinking water, flooding risk, and ecosystem health. Community Solar Progress: ECA Power held an informational meeting on a proposed Woodpecker Road solar project near Seaford, part of Delaware’s push to expand clean energy with faster permitting. Local Health & Safety: Delaware-area residents also got reminders to stay alert during summer conditions, from beach advisories elsewhere to the broader heat-and-water risks.

Wetlands Protection in Delaware: The Nature Conservancy in Delaware is applauding passage of the Wetland Stewardship Act (SB 9), a long-fought effort that sets state protections for about 75,000 acres of freshwater and non-tidal wetlands and aims to tighten DNREC permit timelines and screening tools. Heat & Power Strain: A major heat wave has pushed the PJM power grid to the brink, prompting federal emergency orders that can require large energy users, including data centers, to switch to backup generation quickly to protect homes and critical services. Solar Expansion Near Seaford: ECA Power held an informational meeting on its proposed Woodpecker Road community solar project near Seaford, a 6.0178 MWdc/3.999 MWac plan on 27 acres with remote monitoring and local permitting underway. Data Centers, Water, and Waste Heat: A Delaware company, AirJoule, is showcasing “Prime,” a system that uses waste heat from data centers and other industrial sites to pull drinkable water from the air. Wildlife Recovery Watch: Delaware-area coastal monitoring continues after a reported rebound in horseshoe crab numbers since the 1990s, with scientists tracking spawning surges along the East Coast. Cyber Disruption (Delaware County): Delaware County says internet and phone service has been restored after “unauthorized activity” disrupted its government network for days.

Wetlands Protection Win: Delaware lawmakers passed the Wetlands Stewardship Act (SB 9), a major step toward protecting 75,000 acres of freshwater and non-tidal wetlands with new screening tools and clearer DNREC permit timelines. Energy Costs & Data Centers: Delaware’s General Assembly also advanced bills to regulate large energy users, including data centers, aiming to curb cost-shifting to residents and require oversight for new “large load” facilities. Bond Bill for Clean Water & Parks: The state approved a $1.25B FY2027 bond bill (HB 500) that includes clean water initiatives and funding for state parks and trails, including Cape Henlopen State Park. Heat & Public Health: With extreme heat hitting the region, Delaware and nearby areas opened cooling centers and issued heat-health alerts, while medical teams prepared for heat illness spikes. Wildlife Conservation: Delaware’s wetlands push comes as other states move on wildlife protection too—Pennsylvania announced a statewide plan to reduce wildlife-vehicle crashes via new crossings and corridor mapping.

Wildlife & Roads: Pennsylvania announced a statewide Wildlife Connectivity Work Group to map priority wildlife corridors and plan more wildlife crossings, aiming to cut wildlife-vehicle crashes and reconnect habitat. Heat Relief in Delaware: Delaware opened DHSS cooling centers across New Castle, Kent, and Sussex counties as another dangerous heat stretch hits, with set hours and locations for residents to cool down and hydrate. State Budget & Clean Water: Delaware’s FY2027 bond bill cleared the General Assembly, including funding for clean water initiatives, state parks and trails (including Cape Henlopen), plus cover crops and brownfield redevelopment. PFAS & Drinking Water Costs: Drinking-water utilities are pushing for more support as they juggle PFAS monitoring and treatment planning, with major funding gaps highlighted at a national water meeting. Local Coastal Management: Rehoboth and DNREC formalized easements tied to Deauville Beach stormwater drainage and wastewater outfall infrastructure as the city’s transition work wraps up. Community Conservation: Friends of Cape Henlopen State Park launched a 2026 digital photo contest inviting Delaware photographers to capture the park’s landscapes and wildlife. Mosquito Control: Delaware Mosquito Control scheduled evening insecticide spraying near Laurel, Seaford, Millsboro, Milton, Lewes, Lincoln, and Milford. Fire Service Staffing: Delaware County approved a countywide fire services assessment as volunteer departments face declining active firefighters and recruitment/retention challenges.

Extreme Heat Response: Delaware DHSS opened cooling centers statewide as a dangerous heat stretch moves in, with sites in New Castle, Kent, and Sussex counties running June 30 through July 2 (hours vary, with some open until 6 p.m. on July 1). Heat Safety Watch: Delaware’s heat wave is expected to push highs near 100 and heat index values around 110, with little overnight relief—officials are urging residents to check on neighbors and stay hydrated. PFAS & Drinking Water: Drinking water providers are grappling with PFAS monitoring and treatment planning as utilities meet to discuss funding and “forever chemical” fixes, while EPA actions shape what comes next for small and cash-strapped systems. Air Pollution Permitting Fight: Delaware-area attorneys general joined coalitions opposing EPA moves that would weaken New Source Review permitting, arguing it could mean more pollution and less public input. Coastal Management: North Shores is seeking renewal of a beach scraping permit before it expires, keeping the option open for storm repairs. Local Governance & Environment: Inola, Oklahoma’s city council approved a 60-day moratorium on a controversial aluminum smelter amid environmental concerns. Mosquito Control: Delaware mosquito officials plan evening insecticide spraying near multiple towns, using EPA-registered products per approved label instructions.

Heat & Public Health: Delaware DHSS opened cooling centers statewide (June 30–July 2, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.) as dangerously hot, humid weather hits Delmarva, with locations in Smyrna, Dover, Georgetown, Laurel, Seaford, Claymont, Wilmington, and Newark. Water Quality Oversight: The EPA is facing backlash over a draft drinking-water monitoring plan that omits microplastics from its required monitoring under UCMR 6, delaying nationwide tracking until at least the next cycle. PFAS Accountability: Chemours reached a proposed $450M settlement with federal agencies over “forever chemicals” releases tied to the Delaware River and other waterways, with critics pushing for more transparency. Clean Energy Access: Delaware fast-tracked four community solar projects worth $73M+, aiming to cut bills for renters and other households that can’t install panels, with bill credits tied to generated power. Wildlife & Outdoor Safety: DNREC released the 2026-27 hunting and trapping guide, expanding Sunday hunting, setting a year-round coyote season, and updating Chronic Wasting Disease info as the state prepares for the new rules. Coastal Management: North Shores applied to renew its beach scraping permit, keeping machinery-ready options in case storms damage local shoreline. Transportation & Emissions: The Port of Baltimore opened a double-stack rail corridor through the Howard Street Tunnel after a $495M upgrade, boosting freight capacity while touting lower emissions from shifting cargo to rail.

Extreme Heat & Air Quality: A National Weather Service excessive heat watch is in effect for Delaware, with heat indexes up to 110 and a “code orange” air-quality alert warning pollution could hit people with respiratory and heart conditions—especially during the July 4 stretch. PFAS Accountability: Chemours reached a preliminary $450M settlement with the EPA and West Virginia over “forever chemicals,” tied to alleged PFAS releases into the Ohio, Cape Fear, and Delaware Rivers, with penalties and cleanup programs aimed at reducing discharges. Community Solar for Renters: Delaware fast-tracked four community solar projects worth $73M+ that could deliver bill credits to more than 15,000 households, including renters who can’t install panels. Hunting & Wildlife Updates: DNREC released the 2026-27 Hunting & Trapping Guide, expanding Sunday hunting to all game species, setting a year-round coyote season, updating deer firearm options, and adding new Chronic Wasting Disease guidance after detection in Delaware. Solar Grid Rules Shift: Delaware’s interconnection rules were changed by HB 269, making a private national group the default standard setter—raising concerns about whether Delaware’s grid needs and ratepayer costs are being properly weighed. Water-Safety Reminder: National Park Service rangers urged Delaware River visitors to plan for heat illness and cold-water exposure, noting that even “comfortable” air temperatures can be dangerous in cooler river water.

PFAS Accountability: Federal regulators secured a $450M settlement with Chemours over “forever chemicals” releases tied to Delaware-area waterways, with penalties and long-term funding for pollution controls and drinking-water support. Local Water & Health: Delaware’s DNREC released the 2026-27 Hunting & Trapping Guide, including updates after Chronic Wasting Disease was detected in the state, plus expanded Sunday hunting and other rule changes. Outdoor Safety: The National Park Service urged Upper Delaware River visitors to plan for heat illness and cold-water exposure, warning that even summer river temps can trigger hypothermia. Community Events: Delaware Valley Arts Alliance announced Riverfest in Narrowsburg (free, rain or shine) with kids’ activities, live music, and a poster auction. Energy & Water Innovation: A Newark company is demonstrating a system that uses waste heat from data centers to pull drinkable water from the air, aiming to ease pressure on local water supplies. Wildlife & Recreation: Delaware expands hunting access for 2026-27, including a year-round coyote season and updated guidance for hunters.

PFAS Accountability: Federal and state regulators reached a $450 million settlement with Chemours over “forever chemicals” discharges tied to facilities in New Jersey, North Carolina, West Virginia—and alleged impacts reaching the Delaware River system—pairing a $22.5 million penalty with long-term cleanup and drinking-water support. Local Wildlife & Habitat: DNREC is spotlighting Delaware’s purple martins and other summer wildlife, while Newark approved a tightly controlled managed deer hunt in Redd Park to reduce urban deer pressure. Water & Climate Signals: A new study finds Antarctic ice shelves shrinking sharply since 1997, raising long-term sea-rise concerns. Community Outdoors: Glen Foerd’s free RiverFest returns July 12 with kayaking, canoeing, and hands-on environmental activities along the Delaware River. Delaware Policy Watch: Delaware lawmakers advanced budget and energy-related decisions as debates continue over data centers and incentives, with critics warning about impacts on Delaware households and the state’s energy framework. Summer Marine Viewing: A guide highlights where to spot dolphins and whales in Delaware this summer, with Delaware Bay trips as the best bet.

PFAS Accountability: Federal and state regulators reached a $450 million settlement with Chemours over “forever chemicals” discharges tied to facilities in New Jersey, North Carolina, and West Virginia, including a $22.5 million civil penalty, major long-term mitigation spending, and investments for pollution controls and clean drinking water. Local Wildlife & Recreation: Glen Foerd’s free RiverFest returns July 12 with kayaking, canoeing, and family activities plus environmental partners along the Delaware River and Poquessing Creek. Marine Life Guide: A summer roundup shares where to spot dolphins and whales in Delaware, with Delaware Bay cruises and tips for planning your best viewing trip. Community Solar Push: Delaware’s governor announced accelerated community solar projects, aiming to expand cleaner power access faster. Energy Policy Debate: A Delaware op-ed warns against rushing energy bills in the Senate Environment, Energy & Transportation Committee, arguing the state needs careful changes to protect Delawareans. Outdoor Management: Newark authorized a managed, bow-only deer hunt in Redd Park this fall, overseen by DNREC with tight safety rules and limited harvest targets. Fireworks Safety: Delaware Public Media reports on updated fireworks rules and safety steps for the July 4th weekend, including a new law that tightens seller requirements and site checks.

PFAS Accountability in Delaware Region: Chemours reached a major federal settlement over “forever chemicals,” with a $22.5M civil penalty and about $90M in mitigation over 15 years, including PFAS controls and expanded drinking-water support tied to sites in West Virginia, North Carolina, and New Jersey. Local Energy Access: Delaware announced four community solar projects accepted into the JobsFirst Permitting Accelerator, adding 16+ megawatts and $73M in private investment across Seaford, Townsend, and Clayton. Wildlife & Outdoor Delaware: A guide to where to spot dolphins and whales this summer highlights Delaware Bay cruises and self-guided options. River Recreation + Stewardship: Glen Foerd’s free RiverFest returns July 12 (rain date July 26) with kayaking, canoeing, environmental partners, and hands-on activities along the Delaware River. Deer Management in Newark: Newark authorized a one-day, bow-only managed deer hunt in Redd Park this fall, overseen by DNREC with strict safety rules. Upcoming Delaware Outdoors: An “outdoors calendar” lists hikes and nature events for the week starting June 28, including Audubon and guided walks. Offshore Mining Watch: The federal government is weighing seabed mineral mining off Virginia’s coast, drawing concern from environmental groups worried about marine impacts.

PFAS Accountability in the Spotlight: Chemours, a Wilmington-based chemical maker, agreed to a major federal settlement over “forever chemicals,” with about $22.5M in penalties and $90M over 15 years for mitigation and drinking-water support across multiple states—another reminder that PFAS cleanup is moving from lawsuits to real-world costs. Delaware Energy Push: Gov. Matt Meyer announced accelerated community solar projects and four Sussex/New Castle community solar initiatives entering Delaware’s JobsFirst Permitting Accelerator, aiming to cut power bills while speeding approvals. Drinking Water Funding: The EPA is rolling out more than $25M in grants for small and rural systems, including help targeting PFAS and lead in water infrastructure. Wildlife & Habitat Notes: DNREC is moving on wildlife work, including a potential Sussex County bobwhite quail comeback area, while local reporting highlights muskrat life and purple martin nesting behavior. Offshore Mining Debate: The federal government is weighing a potential offshore mineral mining lease off Virginia’s coast, drawing concern from environmental groups about impacts to marine ecosystems. Local Land-Use & Recreation: Newark authorized a managed deer hunt in Redd Park, and Delaware River groups are gearing up for RiverFest with boating and environmental activities.

PFAS Accountability in the First State: Chemours, a Wilmington-based chemical maker, agreed to a major federal settlement over “forever chemicals,” with a $22.5M civil penalty and about $90M in mitigation work over 15 years, plus drinking-water and pollution controls tied to sites in West Virginia, North Carolina, and New Jersey—totaling roughly $450M. Local Energy Savings: Delaware Gov. Matt Meyer announced four accelerated community solar projects accepted into the JobsFirst Permitting Accelerator, aiming to speed approvals and expand community solar options in Sussex and New Castle counties. Clean Water Funding: The EPA announced more than $25M in grants to help small and rural drinking-water systems upgrade infrastructure and address contaminants including PFAS and lead. Wildlife & Community Outdoors: Newark authorized a tightly controlled managed deer hunt in Redd Park, while Delaware’s Bombay Hook visitors spotted purple martins nesting in a local housing setup. Public Safety for Fireworks: Ahead of the 250th celebrations, Delaware’s fire marshal highlighted updated state fireworks rules, including new requirements for safety literature and site inspections for legal sales.

PFAS Accountability in the Delaware River Basin: The EPA, DOJ, and West Virginia DEP announced a landmark $450M settlement with Chemours over alleged “forever chemicals” releases into the Cape Fear, Delaware, and Ohio rivers, including alleged permit violations and TSCA issues; the deal includes $337M+ for corrective measures like alternative drinking water and compliance upgrades, plus a government-supervised PFAS mitigation program. Local Energy Access: Delaware Gov. Matt Meyer announced four accelerated community solar projects accepted into the JobsFirst Permitting Accelerator, totaling 16+ MW and $73M+ in private investment, aimed at cutting electric bills for subscribers without rooftop installs. Home Efficiency Push: Energize Delaware expanded energy-efficiency incentives through Sept. 30, offering audits (often under $50) and rebates for weatherization and heating/cooling upgrades, while noting EV rebate/tax changes tied to Sept. 30 deadlines. Climate-Smart Building Tech: A guide explains the 2025 HVAC refrigerant transition away from high-global-warming-potential options, outlining what homeowners and businesses should expect as new systems and refrigerants roll out. Coastal Park Infrastructure Review: SPI Pharma filed to replace electrical conduit and conductors from its shoreline dune area to a fishing pier in Cape Henlopen State Park, with state public notice issued June 17. Environmental Fight Over LNG: Delaware Riverkeeper Network and Chester Residents Concerned for Quality Living say they’ll resist a proposed LNG export facility in Eddystone, citing behind-closed-doors negotiations and public-safety and environmental concerns.

PFAS Accountability: The U.S. EPA and DOJ announced a first-of-its-kind federal settlement with Chemours over “forever chemicals” releases, with a $450 million package that includes drinking-water support and long-term mitigation tied to alleged pollution of the Delaware River and other waterways. Delaware Policy Watch: Delaware lawmakers sent a nearly $7 billion FY2027 operating budget to Gov. Matt Meyer, with spending growth driven by raises, schools, and Medicaid—while key capital bills still await final action. Data Center Tension: In Pennsylvania, lawmakers split sharply over data center development: Shapiro’s “responsible” incentives bill passed, while another measure would repeal the sales tax break tied to major data center purchases—highlighting how environmental concerns and economic promises collide. Local Environment & Community: Delaware State Parks launched its 75th anniversary “Parks for Everyone” virtual 5K fundraiser to support park access and trails statewide through Dec. 1. Wildlife & Habitat: DNREC is pushing public reporting for its annual wild turkey survey, aiming to track populations and guide future wildlife management. Regional Water Pollution: A Pennsylvania river group sued a mineral facility over alleged water pollution that flows toward the Delaware River, keeping pressure on upstream sources.