AGP Executive Report

Offshore Wind Legal Fight: California, New York and a growing coalition of states sued the Trump administration to block buybacks of offshore wind leases, arguing the deals pay developers $1.4 billion to cancel projects and redirect money to fossil fuel work—Delaware is among the plaintiffs. Chesapeake Bay Governance Clash: Delaware Forest Service leaders renewed the Chesapeake Bay Shared Stewardship Agreement, while Native tribes say the Bay Program is refusing to give them a seat at the table. Delaware Conservation Win: The Delaware Forest Service joined regional partners to renew the Chesapeake Bay Shared Stewardship Agreement, aiming to conserve and restore forests that support cleaner water. Wildlife Hope in the Region: A New Jersey wildlife refuge helped 11 northern map turtle hatchlings survive after a rescued mother turtle laid eggs following a car strike. Local Land-Use Watch: Dagsboro officials debated annexing 134 acres for a housing development, with a town council vote expected later this fall. Beach Cleanup Momentum: Delaware’s Surfrider Foundation held a beach cleanup and plans another for Oct. 18 at Deauville Beach. Hunting Safety Alarm: Delaware State Police charged a hunter with manslaughter after a fatal “mistook for a deer” shooting in Ellendale.

Chesapeake Bay Policy Shift: Trump revoked the 2009 Chesapeake Bay restoration order, replacing it with a focus on projects tied to measurable pollution cuts—sparking concern that federal coordination and accountability could weaken. Local Water Planning: The Delaware River Basin Commission and NYC DEP are exploring ways to expand the Cannonsville Reservoir’s storage by 13 billion gallons, decades after communities were removed for the original build. Beach Cleanup in Delaware: The Delaware Surfrider Foundation held a beach cleanup with about 35 volunteers and is planning another event Oct. 18 at Deauville Beach, targeting litter and plastic. Wildlife & Hunting Safety: Delaware State Police say a hunter in Ellendale shot a deer but struck and killed a 39-year-old woman; the case raises questions about hunting timing and safety. Deer Disease Update: DNREC confirmed a third case of chronic wasting disease in Delaware deer, prompting expanded rules. Community Resilience: After flooding, Muncie’s White River Clean-Up drew a record volunteer turnout to clear debris and help recovery. Delaware Business Climate Debate: A new analysis argues Delaware’s corporate franchise tax increases are chasing away companies, even as incorporation counts rise.

Chesapeake Bay Policy Shift: Trump revoked the 2009 Chesapeake Bay restoration order, replacing it with a focus on projects tied to measurable pollution cuts—sparking concern from Maryland leaders and environmental groups about weaker federal coordination. Delaware Flood Resilience: Dewey Beach is moving forward on a $75,000 climate resiliency study to update flood and sea-level rise risk maps, aiming to strengthen future grant bids and potentially improve FEMA flood-insurance discounts. Local Development Watch: Dagsboro officials debate annexing 134 acres west of Route 113 for a 262-home subdivision, with the council vote expected later this fall. Wildlife & Hunting Safety: Delaware confirmed a third case of chronic wasting disease in deer, prompting renewed scrutiny of hunting rules as the disease spreads. PFAS Lawsuit Spotlight: Veolia is suing nine companies alleging pollution with “forever chemicals,” keeping PFAS accountability in the spotlight. Community Composting: Curbside composting is expanding in the Philly suburbs, with some Delaware County residents sending scraps to Linvilla—another sign of growing circular waste efforts. Data Center Update: A planned Newark data center site may pivot, with part of the property potentially becoming part of Christina School District’s Networks Schools for Employable Skills.

EPA Rollback: EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin announced a repeal of Biden-era greenhouse gas rules for power plants, a move climate groups say could worsen public health and CO2 pollution. Energy Math: A new analysis estimates replacing U.S. hydropower with solar would be possible but would require tens of millions of panels, highlighting tradeoffs between constant power and sun-only generation. Coastal Resilience: Dewey Beach’s $75,000 climate resiliency study is underway, using public input to update flood and sea-level risk maps and support future grant and FEMA rating goals. Delaware Water & PFAS: Veolia sued nine companies over pollution tied to PFAS “forever chemicals,” targeting protection for White Clay and Red Clay Creeks that supply drinking water for more than 100,000 people. Wildlife Health: Delaware confirmed a third chronic wasting disease case in deer, prompting expanded rules as the disease spreads. Community Action: Volunteers are being sought for an invasive-plant and trash cleanup at Milford Beach on Sept. 26, part of National Public Lands Day. Weather Watch: With El Niño forecasts growing, a meteorologist shared a map suggesting above-average snow in many states this winter.

PFAS Fight in New Castle County: Veolia sued nine chemical companies over pollution tied to “forever chemicals,” arguing its Stanton Water Treatment Plant helps filter PFAS from White Clay and Red Clay Creeks that serve 100,000+ people. Flood Resilience Update (Dewey Beach): Dewey Beach’s $75,000 climate resiliency study is underway, with George, Miles & Buhr gathering public input to map flooding and sea-level rise risks and support future grant-ready projects. Delaware Deer Disease Watch: DNREC confirmed a third chronic wasting disease case in Delaware deer, expanding rules as hunters question how the spread will be managed. Local Cleanup Call: A volunteer event at Milford Beach (Sept. 26) will target invasive plants, landscaping, and trash removal as part of National Public Lands Day. Community Composting Trend: Curbside compost is growing in the Philly suburbs, with Delaware County residents’ scraps increasingly processed at Linvilla Orchards—part of a broader push to cut food waste and boost soil health. Wildlife Gardening Tip: A guide highlights “keystone plants” as a practical way to boost biodiversity and support native insects and birds.

Coastal Resilience in Action: Dewey Beach has kicked off a $75,000 climate resiliency study, with a public input phase to map flooding and sea-level rise risks and shape a new plan that could unlock future grant funding and improve FEMA flood insurance discounts. PFAS Legal Push: Veolia sued nine companies tied to “forever chemicals,” arguing they polluted Delaware’s White Clay and Red Clay Creek system—waters that feed the Stanton Water Treatment Plant serving more than 100,000 people. Wildlife Health Watch: Delaware confirmed a third chronic wasting disease case in deer, expanding rules as the disease spreads. Community Cleanup: Volunteers are invited to help restore Milford Beach on Sept. 26, focusing on weeding, invasive plant removal, mulch, and trash pickup as part of National Public Lands Day. Local Nature & Biodiversity: Delaware State Parks is rolling out fall events across all 17 parks, from chocolate tastings to Pond Fest—plus tips on planting keystone species to boost local pollinators. Delaware Politics & Climate-Civic Links: Sarah McBride launched a House Democratic leadership bid, while a Delaware civics-and-health education push highlights how students connect community action to climate-era misinformation.

Coastal Flood Planning: Dewey Beach has kicked off a $75,000 climate resiliency study, with a 10-month look at flooding and sea-level rise to shape a new resiliency plan and help unlock future grant funding. PFAS Legal Fight: Veolia sued nine companies over pollution tied to “forever chemicals,” targeting impacts on Delaware’s White Clay and Red Clay Creeks and the Stanton Water Treatment Plant. Chesapeake Bay Backslide: Trump revoked the 2009 Chesapeake Bay restoration framework, shifting federal priorities away from coordination and toward direct pollution-reduction projects—prompting pushback from Maryland leaders. Delaware Container Terminal: Construction began on a $669M Wilmington container terminal expected to open in early 2029, aiming to nearly double Delaware River container capacity and create thousands of jobs. Wildlife Health Watch: Delaware confirmed a third chronic wasting disease case in deer, expanding rules as the disease spreads. Community Cleanup: A volunteer cleanup at Milford Beach (Sept. 26) will focus on weeding, invasive plant removal, mulch, and trash pickup. Delaware Outdoors: Delaware State Parks announced fall events across all 17 parks, including festivals at Cape Henlopen, Trap Pond, and Lums Pond. Local Water Safety: Delaware is expanding free PFAS testing for private wells, continuing efforts to track contamination risks.

Chesapeake Bay Cleanup: Trump revoked the 2009 Chesapeake Bay restoration order, shifting federal priorities toward direct pollution-reduction projects and drawing pushback from Maryland leaders who warn the coordination framework is being dismantled. PFAS Fight in Delaware: Veolia sued nine companies over “forever chemicals,” targeting pollution tied to White Clay and Red Clay Creeks that feed drinking water for more than 100,000 people, with the Stanton Water Treatment Plant built to filter PFAS. Wildlife Health Watch: Delaware confirmed a third case of chronic wasting disease in deer, prompting renewed attention to disease surveillance and hunting rules. Delaware Container Terminal: Construction began on a $669 million Wilmington container terminal expected to open in early 2029, with electric cranes and plans to nearly double Delaware River cargo capacity. Community Cleanup & Water Protection: Volunteers are invited to a Milford Beach cleanup focused on removing invasive plants and trash, while a Women’s Water Walk in the region highlights concerns about a proposed gas pipeline’s threats to water and rural communities. Delaware Outdoors: Delaware State Parks announced fall events across its 17 parks, including festivals at Cape Henlopen, Trap Pond, and Lums Pond.

Chesapeake Bay Cleanup Upended: Trump revoked the 2009 Chesapeake Bay restoration order, shifting federal focus from coordination and oversight to direct pollution-reduction projects—prompting pushback from Maryland leaders who warn progress could stall. PFAS Accountability Fight: Veolia sued nine companies tied to “forever chemicals,” seeking recovery of PFAS treatment costs and arguing polluters caused contamination affecting Delaware-area water sources. Delaware CWD Update: Delaware confirmed a third chronic wasting disease case in deer, expanding rules and prompting community meetings as hunters question the new disease-control approach. Major Port Build in Wilmington: Construction began on the $669 million Delaware Container Terminal, aiming to open in early 2029 and nearly double regional container capacity with electric cranes. State Parks & Community Cleanup: Delaware State Parks rolled out fall events across 17 parks, while volunteers can join a Milford Beach cleanup focused on invasive plants, landscaping, and trash removal. Health & Water Safety: A CDC-linked report on the “brain-eating amoeba” Naegleria fowleri highlights Delaware among states with the most historical cases.

Chronic Wasting Disease Update: DNREC confirmed a third CWD case in Delaware deer and expanded emergency Wildlife Management Zone 11 rules in Sussex County, including bans on baiting and “buck lures,” limits on moving carcasses, and required CWD testing for hunters at no cost. Bay Restoration Rollback: The Trump administration revoked the 2009 Obama-era Chesapeake Bay restoration order, arguing it led to “rain taxes” and lacked clear implementation, while saying federal focus will shift to direct pollution-cutting projects. Lead in School Water: A new report says nearly 40% of Broome County schools had lead-contaminated drinking water outlets, with statewide New York figures showing 42% of districts testing positive above the state threshold. Local Power Disruption: Corrosion tied to salt air caused a brief outage for 1,371 Delmarva Power customers in the Bethany Beach area; crews restored service after isolating damaged equipment. Illegal Dumping Grants: Ohio AG Wilson announced a second round of grants to help communities clean up illegal dump sites and prevent repeat dumping. Data Center Pressure: New Mexico’s gubernatorial candidates clash over whether to impose a moratorium on new large-scale data centers.

Chesapeake Bay Policy Shake-Up: President Trump revoked the 2009 Obama-era Chesapeake Bay restoration order, ending the federal basis for “rain tax” stormwater fees and shifting agencies toward projects tied to measurable runoff reductions. Delaware Deer Disease Watch: DNREC confirmed a third chronic wasting disease case in deer and held a public meeting where hunters questioned new rules, including no-baiting areas and testing requirements for harvested deer. Local Power Reliability: A corrosion-related equipment failure left 1,371 Delmarva Power customers without electricity in the Bethany Beach area for about 2.5 hours, with traffic lights affected. Osprey Decline in the Bay: A new study found 2026 is the worst year ever for osprey breeding in Chesapeake Bay waters, with productivity far below levels needed to sustain the population. Wetlands & Development Pressure: Reporting highlighted how construction plans are moving forward on wetlands near the Commodore Barry Bridge, raising questions about permitting and land impacts. Data Centers vs. the Grid: Philadelphia-area coverage notes growing backlash over data centers’ strain on energy, water, and the environment, with lawmakers pushing for ratepayer protections.

Wildlife & Fisheries: A new Chesapeake Bay osprey study says 2026 was the worst year on record, with productivity at just 0.25 young per pair and 81% of nests in saltier waters failing to fledge—raising fresh pressure as debate continues over menhaden fishing and food availability. Deer Disease (CWD): DNREC confirmed Delaware’s third chronic wasting disease case in a wild white-tailed deer in central Sussex County near Georgetown, expanding the CWD Management Zone and triggering new rules for hunters, including no baiting and required check-ins for deer taken during the November firearm season. Local Hunting Rules: In Georgetown, hunters met with DNREC staff over the new CWD-related deer hunting restrictions; some left with unanswered questions about how the rules will work in practice. Chesapeake Bay Policy: President Trump signed an executive order ending the 2009 Chesapeake Bay mandate, shifting federal support toward runoff-reduction results and challenging the “rain tax” stormwater fee approach used by some jurisdictions. Energy & Environment (Data Centers): The U.S. House advanced a bill requiring state regulators to consider how data centers cover electricity and grid upgrade costs, as backlash grows over power use and pollution concerns.

Chronic Wasting Disease Update: DNREC confirmed a third chronic wasting disease case in a white-tailed deer in central Sussex County, expanding the management zone to include Wildlife Management Zone 11 plus zones 14 and 16. DNREC says temporary emergency deer hunting regulations are being applied to help limit spread, and the agency will hold a community meeting Sept. 16 at 6:30 p.m. at Delaware Technical Community College Owens Campus in Georgetown (with a virtual option). PFAS Testing Access: Delaware is expanding free PFAS testing for private wells, aiming to help residents understand contamination risks in drinking water. Port & Pollution Debate: Construction is moving ahead on Delaware’s container terminal at the Port of Wilmington, even as community voices raise concerns about jobs, traffic, and pollution impacts. Data Center Pressure: A new push in Delaware and elsewhere would pause or limit large data center permits amid worries about power demand, water use, noise, and local environmental effects. Funding for Delaware Communities: Delaware County nonprofits received more than $516,000 in grants from local foundations, supporting health, youth development, hospice, and community development.

PFAS Action for Private Wells: Delaware is expanding free drinking-water testing for residents who rely on private wells, including PFAS plus other chemical and bacteriological contaminants, with fast notification and possible free filtration/maintenance for certain results. Port Expansion & Pollution Debate: Ground has started on the $669M Delaware Container Terminal at the Port of Wilmington, a public-private project expected to nearly double container capacity by 2029—while neighbors continue pushing back over health and environmental concerns. Climate Risk Meets Home Costs: New data shows home insurance prices keep climbing as severe weather risk grows, with insurers increasingly tied to storms like hail, tornadoes, and damaging winds. CWD Watch for Deer Hunters: DNREC is urging caution as chronic wasting disease spreads in the region, rolling out temporary deer regulations and community meetings ahead of hunting season. Energy Storage for Industry: A look at Joule Hive thermal batteries highlights a path to use electricity for high-heat industrial process needs—potentially cutting fossil-fuel emissions from cement and steel. Local Governance & Waste: Philadelphia council returns from recess with a fight over trash and whether waste services should be barred from certain incineration practices.

Port of Wilmington Expansion: Delaware officials and partners broke ground on the $669M Delaware Container Terminal at the former Edgemoor site, aiming to nearly double container capacity by 2029 with electric ship-to-shore and cargo-handling equipment. Community Concerns: Neighbors have protested the Edgemoor container port plan over health and environmental worries, even as the project moves forward. Drinking Water Protection: DNREC and DHSS expanded free PFAS and contaminant testing for private wells, with fast notification if results exceed thresholds and help for eligible households with filtration and maintenance. Wildlife Health Watch: DNREC is pushing new chronic wasting disease rules for deer to slow spread after the state’s first CWD detection earlier this year. Climate Policy: EPA repealed a rule limiting greenhouse gas emissions from power plants, drawing criticism from environmental groups. Insurance Transparency: A new report says homeowners insurance data calls often aren’t answered or made public, leaving climate-risk signals murky for Delaware residents and policymakers.

Delaware Port Watch: Delaware leaders and partners broke ground on the Delaware Container Terminal in Wilmington, a project slated to open in early 2029 and nearly double container capacity for the Delaware River port complex—while nearby residents and environmental-justice advocates continue to raise alarms about truck traffic, ship exhaust, and pollution. Clean Water (PFAS): DNREC and the Department of Health and Social Services launched free private-well testing for PFAS (“forever chemicals”) plus other contaminants, aiming to help homeowners understand risks and get next-step support if results come back high. Wildlife Health: Delaware’s Department of Agriculture warned that fall migration is a high-risk period for highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1), urging stronger biosecurity for backyard and commercial flocks as wild birds can spread the virus silently. Regional Environment: The Reading Terminal Market highlighted its food-waste diversion work, with EPA attention on composting efforts that kept more than 1 million pounds of organic waste out of landfills. Policy Pressure (Climate): A map tracking coal plants comes as the EPA faces potential repeal of a major Biden-era climate rule limiting emissions from coal and natural gas power plants.