AGP Executive Report

Coastal Cleanup: DNREC says volunteers removed about 21,000 trash items (3,800+ pounds) from Delaware shorelines, wetlands and waterways during the Sept. 19 Coastal Cleanup—just a week before a nor’easter hit. Chesapeake Bay Funding: EPA Deputy Administrator David Fotouhi announced $37M for local clean-water and restoration work, plus $53M in matching grants for 83 watershed projects, aimed at cutting nutrient and sediment pollution. Delaware River Microplastics: New testing reported microplastics found in every Delaware River watershed site sampled, including the Murderkill River—fueling calls for stronger plastics limits. Wildlife Watch: A study on ospreys links poorer breeding success to saltwater conditions, with Delaware and New Jersey’s Atlantic coast flagged among areas seeing reproductive deficits. Invasive Species Alert: Officials warn the northern snakehead—an air-breathing invasive fish—has reached new states, urging people to kill it if caught. Climate Courts: The U.S. Supreme Court is set to hear a major climate case on whether local courts can hold energy companies liable for alleged global-warming harms.

Chesapeake Bay Cleanup: A new computer model shows the region hit only 57% of its 2025 nutrient-reduction goal, with uneven progress and a third missed deadline for key pollution targets—raising fresh pressure as federal rules shift. Delaware River Monitoring: Sullivan County approved $8,700 to keep a USGS streamflow gage on the Delaware River at Barryville running through Sept. 30, 2027, supporting flood readiness and environmental monitoring. Nor’easter Impacts on Delaware Coasts: Coastal agencies are assessing storm damage and sand needs after a nor’easter stripped dunes and disrupted Delaware River watershed microplastics testing, while Delaware’s Indian River Inlet sand bypass resumes with limited southside sand. Local Growth vs. Environment: Sussex County races spotlight land-use fights, with candidates debating development pressure and environmental protection, including a Milton-area proposal facing traffic and stormwater concerns. Microplastics in Delaware Waters: Researchers report microplastic pollution across the Delaware River watershed, including every site tested in tributaries—fueling calls for stronger plastics crackdowns. Energy & Climate Policy: States and cities sued over EPA rollbacks on power-plant emissions limits, while Delaware-area energy projects and pipeline expansion plans continue to move through approvals.

Coastal Storm Impacts: Delaware’s nor’easter battered beaches and dunes, forcing ongoing repairs and leaving sand replenishment uncertain as the Indian River Inlet sand bypass resumes with limited southside supplies. Microplastics Watch: New testing found microplastics in every Delaware River watershed site sampled, including the Murderkill River—raising calls for stronger plastics crackdowns. Climate Court Fight: A Supreme Court case (Suncor v. Boulder) could reshape how communities pursue climate-related claims under state tort law. Power-Plant Pollution Rollback: States and cities sued the Trump administration over EPA moves to erase limits on greenhouse gas emissions from coal and gas plants. Fuel Economy Lawsuit: Delaware-area AGs joined multistate challenges to weakened CAFE standards, arguing higher pollution and higher costs for drivers. Local Wildlife & Invasives: Northern snakehead sightings are spreading, with officials urging people to kill the fish by severing the head and gutting it. Invasive Species History: The Asian lady beetle’s rise from pest control to invasive threat is highlighted as a cautionary tale. Community & Environment: Delaware Council of Wildlife Rehabilitators shares how to help injured wildlife safely without feeding or handling.

Climate Court Watch: The U.S. Supreme Court will hear Suncor v. Boulder County on Oct. 8, a major test of whether communities can use state tort law to sue fossil fuel companies over alleged climate harms. Air Pollution Fight: A coalition of 21 states and cities sued the Trump administration over EPA rollbacks of greenhouse gas limits for coal and gas power plants, arguing the changes will worsen the climate crisis and public health. Fuel Economy Lawsuit: Delaware and other Democratic-led states also challenged new, weaker CAFE standards in federal court, saying it will raise costs and pollution. Nor’easter Impacts on Delaware Coasts: Storm damage and beach erosion are still being assessed, with sand bypass work at Indian River Inlet continuing but limited by available sand. Microplastics in Delaware River: New testing found microplastics at every Delaware River watershed site sampled, including the Murderkill River, renewing calls for stronger plastics controls. Local Land-Use & Growth: In Sussex County, candidates debated how to balance development with environmental protection, while a proposed Milton-area housing project drew traffic and stormwater concerns. Energy Infrastructure: Eastern Shore Natural Gas is seeking federal approval for a $75M pipeline expansion across Delmarva. Wildlife Update: A study links lower osprey breeding success to salinity, flagging reproductive deficits along the Atlantic coasts of Delaware and New Jersey.

Nor’easter Coastal Impacts: Delaware’s sand bypass at Indian River Inlet is back in operation after the storm, but officials say available sand is limited and replenishment needs are still being assessed. Storm Recovery & Beach Nourishment: Cape Shores in Lewes says the nor’easter was a warning sign, with residents urging faster federal help as erosion and sea-level rise keep raising costs. Microplastics in Delaware River: New testing found microplastics in every Delaware River watershed site tested, including the Murderkill River, renewing calls for stronger plastics rules. Wildlife Watch (Ospreys): A new study links lower osprey breeding success to salinity, with Delaware and New Jersey’s Atlantic coast flagged among areas seeing reproductive deficits. Local Wildlife Rehab: Delaware Council of Wildlife Rehabilitators shares guidance on what to do when you find injured wildlife—especially avoiding handling or feeding. Energy & Climate Legal Fight: Delaware is among states suing over Trump EPA rollbacks of power-plant emissions limits, arguing the changes will worsen the climate crisis. Pipeline Expansion: Eastern Shore Natural Gas is seeking federal approval for a $75M Delmarva pipeline capacity expansion, including new work in Delaware. Housing & Growth Near Milton: A proposed 1,387-unit development north of Milton faces traffic and planning concerns as it seeks state review.

Coastal Storm Recovery: Delaware’s Indian River Inlet sand bypass is back running after a nor’easter paused the work, but officials say the available sand on the southside is limited and winter-to-spring pumping depends on how the beach naturally resets. Local Housing & Land Use: Sussex County officials are weighing how new state housing laws affect “by-right” subdivision approvals, after uncertainty over public hearings and conditions stalled major projects. DNREC & Wildlife Help: The Delaware Council of Wildlife Rehabilitators urges people not to feed or handle wildlife, sharing what to do first when you find a baby squirrel or rabbit. Federal Climate Fight (Delaware in the mix): Delaware is among states joining a lawsuit challenging the Trump EPA’s rollback of power-plant greenhouse gas limits, arguing it will worsen the climate crisis. Energy Infrastructure Watch: Eastern Shore Natural Gas is seeking federal approval for a ~$75M Delmarva pipeline expansion to add transportation capacity across Delaware, Maryland, and Pennsylvania.

Coastal Resilience: Delaware’s nor’easter recovery is still in motion as the Indian River Inlet sand bypass restarts after storm delays, but officials say available sand on the southside is limited and replenishment timing remains uncertain. Beach Protection: Cape Shores in Lewes is asking for help as residents face rising costs to maintain their bayfront beach, with Gov. Matt Meyer touring storm damage and warning that “several times a year” impacts are becoming the new normal. Affordable Housing vs. Land Use: A state-backed plan for a 1,387-unit development north of Milton is drawing pushback over traffic and other concerns, even as supporters cite a need for more affordable housing. Energy & Climate Policy: Delaware is among states and cities suing the Trump administration over EPA rollbacks that remove limits on planet-warming emissions from coal and gas power plants, arguing the changes will worsen the climate crisis. Transportation Emissions: Delaware AGs also joined lawsuits challenging weakened federal fuel economy standards, saying the move will raise pollution and costs at the pump. Local Energy Infrastructure: Eastern Shore Natural Gas is seeking federal approval for a $75M Delmarva pipeline expansion to add capacity across Delaware, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. Data Centers Transparency: Sen. Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Delaware) is backing new bills aimed at improving community access to information on data center impacts, including energy and environmental effects.

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.