AGP Executive Report

Hartford Air Quality: Health advocates and lawmakers are set to spotlight Hartford’s ranking as the nation’s eighth “Asthma Capital,” citing high asthma rates and ozone pollution. Norwalk Waterfront: A zoning approval moves the $410 million Manresa Wilds plan forward, with cleanup and restoration of a former power plant site planned alongside a 125-acre public park and nature center. Data Center Pushback: Connecticut towns are moving to block or pause data center construction amid concerns about pollution, energy use and chemical runoff. Long Island Sound: A trial planting eelgrass seeds attached to clams found meadow coverage up 178%, offering a new approach to restoring habitat that has declined by more than 90% since the 1930s. Mosquito Alert: The state’s first EEE-positive mosquitoes of the year were found in Colchester; officials urge residents to keep taking precautions until a hard freeze.

Data Center Pushback: Connecticut towns are moving to block data centers over concerns about pollution, energy use and chemical runoff. East Lyme adopted an indefinite ban, and a state lawmaker has proposed pausing new projects. Long Island Sound: A trial planting eelgrass seeds attached to clams has boosted meadow coverage by 178%, offering a creative approach to restoring habitat that has declined by more than 90% since the 1930s. Offshore Wind: Federal officials are again seeking to interrupt development of Revolution Wind, Connecticut’s first offshore wind project. Late-Season Health Alert: Mosquitoes in Colchester tested positive for eastern equine encephalitis—the state’s first detection this year. Officials urge residents to keep using repellent and covering exposed skin until a hard freeze.

Public Health: Connecticut’s first mosquitoes carrying eastern equine encephalitis this year were found in Colchester. Health officials urge residents to use repellent and cover exposed skin until a hard freeze. Wildlife: Food shortages are driving bears to raid garbage, feeders and homes; conflict is rising across the region, including Connecticut. Clean Energy: The Trump administration is again seeking to disrupt permits for Revolution Wind, Connecticut’s first offshore wind project, as environmental advocates press the state to phase out fossil fuels for heating and cooling. Habitat: DEEP is seeking proposals for grants to control aquatic invasive species. A Connecticut pond project offers a promising example: removing invasive reeds sharply reduced their growth and increased native plant diversity.

Safe Disposal: Connecticut officials urged residents to take expired medicines to collection sites, permanent drop boxes or use disposal pouches, keeping drugs out of the environment and away from others. Water Bills: Attorney General William Tong is asking regulators to reject Connecticut Water’s proposed $25 million rate hike, arguing about $19 million in costs are unjustified; the company says the increase would fund water-system upgrades. Leaves and Wildlife: A Connecticut commentary recommends leaving leaves in place where possible to protect insect habitat, and composting those cleared from sidewalks and roads. Clean Energy: Environmental advocates are urging Connecticut to phase out fossil fuels in Hartford’s heating and cooling systems, while the Trump administration is again seeking to disrupt permits for Revolution Wind, the state’s first offshore wind project. Extreme Weather: Connecticut will receive another $15 million in federal reimbursement for road and bridge repairs after the August 2024 flooding, bringing storm-related federal support to $43 million.

Safe Medication Disposal: Connecticut officials urged residents to use take-back sites, drop boxes or disposal pouches for unwanted medicines, keeping them out of the wrong hands and the environment. Storm Recovery: The state secured another $15 million in federal reimbursement for repairs after the August 2024 flooding, bringing total aid to $43 million toward an estimated $51 million in costs. Clean Energy: Environmental groups are pressing Connecticut to phase out fossil fuels for heating and cooling in Hartford, while the Trump administration’s scrutiny of a Connecticut wind project adds uncertainty for offshore wind. Data Centers: A state Senate leader proposed pausing new data centers, as concerns grow about their local impacts. Wildlife and Waste: DEEP is seeking grant proposals to control aquatic invasive species, and Connecticut’s mattress recycling program reported a record year.

Offshore Wind: The Trump administration is seeking to reopen a federal permit for the New England Wind project off Massachusetts, adding to its efforts against East Coast wind farms and raising fresh uncertainty for the region’s clean-energy plans. Fossil-Free Heating: Connecticut environmental groups want Hartford’s gas-powered Capitol Area heating system replaced with geothermal energy. A state plan for heat pumps and gas boilers remains on hold. Data Centers: A Connecticut Senate leader has proposed pausing new data centers as communities raise concerns about their energy and water demands. In Trumbull, residents worry an existing facility could be upgraded for AI computing. Norwalk Waterfront: Zoning officials approved a plan for Manresa Wilds, a proposed public park and event space on a former power-plant site. Developers have pledged $410 million, including for environmental cleanup; more approvals are still needed. Flood Recovery: Connecticut will receive another $15 million in federal aid for western roads and bridges damaged by the August 2024 floods, bringing total reimbursement to $43 million of an estimated $51 million in repairs.

Offshore Wind: The Trump administration is seeking to revisit federal approval for Massachusetts’ New England Wind project, while also trying to revoke approval for Revolution Wind, expected to supply 5% of Connecticut’s electricity. Hartford Decarbonization: Environmental advocates want the state to replace natural gas in the Capitol Area heating system with geothermal energy; plans for upgrades are on hold amid budget and construction concerns. Manresa Wilds: Norwalk zoning officials approved a master plan for a public park and redevelopment of the former power-plant site, which includes environmental cleanup. More approvals are needed before construction. Data Center Rules: Connecticut Senate leader Bob Duff plans to propose a pause on new data centers until the state sets rules for electricity use, costs and environmental protections. Conservation: DEEP is seeking grant proposals to control aquatic invasive species in the state’s lakes, ponds and rivers.

Offshore Wind: The Trump administration is again trying to block Revolution Wind, asking a federal judge to let Interior revoke the project’s approval. The farm is already generating power and is expected to supply 5% of Connecticut’s electricity demand. Waterfront Restoration: Norwalk’s Planning and Zoning Commission approved plans for Manresa Wilds, a future public park on the former power-plant site focused on ecological restoration and waterfront access. Wildlife: DEEP is marking Bat Week by urging residents to help protect Connecticut’s declining bat populations, hit hard by white-nose syndrome. Invasive Species: DEEP is seeking grant proposals to control aquatic invasive species in the state’s lakes, ponds and rivers. Recycling: Connecticut’s mattress recycling program reported a record year, extending a local effort to keep used mattresses out of landfills.

Wildlife: Connecticut DEEP is marking Bat Week, Oct. 24–31, as native bat populations continue to decline. White-nose syndrome has killed more than 90% of several Northeast bat species, and the agency is urging residents to help protect them. Offshore Wind: The Trump administration is seeking to reopen federal approvals for New England Wind off Massachusetts and has also targeted Revolution Wind, already generating power off Connecticut and Rhode Island. The moves add uncertainty for the region’s offshore wind projects. Waste Reduction: Connecticut’s mattress recycling program collected a record 219,675 mattresses and box springs last year, but recycled 69% of the material—short of its 75% goal. Farmland Conservation: Hamden’s Hindinger Farm is for sale, but its enrollment in Connecticut’s Farmland Preservation Program means the land will remain farmland.

Invasive Species: DEEP is seeking proposals for grants to control aquatic invasive species, with applications due Dec. 10. The agency warns northern hydrilla has spread from Massachusetts down the Connecticut River to near Long Island Sound and into 12 other waterbodies. Open Space and Clean Energy: A letter supporting state Senate candidate Matt Knickerbocker points to his record of preserving forest and watershed land in Bethel and installing solar panels on the town landfill. Heating Costs: The U.S. may loan out nearly a third of its emergency heating-oil reserve, which is stored partly in Connecticut, as fuel prices surge. Young Scientist: Farmington eighth-grader Raji Doshi won a national science prize for a project exploring how algae and aragonite might reduce ocean acidification. Wildlife and Land: Roxbury Land Trust, which protects about 4,200 acres, will host a Nov. 7 talk on Connecticut’s nocturnal wildlife.

Aquatic Invasives: DEEP is taking grant proposals through Dec. 10 to control invasive species in Connecticut lakes, ponds and rivers. Northern hydrilla has spread through the Connecticut River and into 12 other waterbodies, threatening native ecosystems and recreation. Power-Plant Emissions: Connecticut joined other New England states in suing over the federal move to scrap limits on power-plant emissions. Drought and Solar: With Connecticut’s drought declaration ending, towns in the Connecticut River Valley are weighing whether to lift water-use bans; meanwhile, more state landfills are being topped with solar panels.

Utility Oversight: Connecticut’s attorney general and consumer counsel asked PURA to investigate how electric, gas and water utilities use AI and protect critical systems, as federal regulators warn the technology could create new cybersecurity risks for the power grid. Clean Energy: Connecticut officials are challenging federal efforts to block new energy projects, while the Trump administration is asking a court to revisit Revolution Wind’s approval. Farms and Food: UConn received $181,321 in USDA grants to study cucumber beetle controls and apple rootstocks suited to Connecticut growing conditions. Wildlife: A report links rising bear conflicts, including in Connecticut, to warm winters and drought that have reduced natural food supplies, driving bears toward garbage and bird feeders.**

Utility Oversight: Connecticut’s attorney general and consumer counsel asked PURA to investigate how electric, gas and water utilities use AI and protect critical systems from cyber risks. Farming Research: UConn received two USDA grants totaling more than $181,000 to study cucumber beetle controls and apple rootstocks suited to Connecticut’s soil and climate. Water Quality: A new report found PFAS at 87% of tested Massachusetts waterways, including the Connecticut River, raising concerns for people who fish and recreate there. Wildlife: Food shortages are driving bears toward garbage, bird feeders and homes, increasing conflicts and euthanizations; keeping food sources secured can help protect both people and bears. Clean Energy: Connecticut landfills are increasingly being topped with solar panels, while the state raised incentives for eligible electric vehicles.

Food Waste: Connecticut-based Duchess Restaurants will roll out a frying technology across its chain, aiming to cut oil use and waste after a kitchen pilot. Wildlife: Rising bear encounters are renewing debate over a regulated hunt: Gov. Ned Lamont and challenger Ryan Fazio both support one, while wildlife officials cite break-ins and livestock attacks. A wider shortage of natural bear foods is also driving animals toward garbage and birdfeeders. Development Pressure: Cromwell residents are pushing for a data-center moratorium, concerned about a proposed 1.2-million-square-foot facility near homes, schools and parks. Water Quality: A Massachusetts report found PFAS in 87% of tested waterways, including the Connecticut River; the findings raise regional concerns, though the report sampled Massachusetts sites. Conservation: The Last Green Valley has established its headquarters at Eastern Connecticut State University’s 110-acre Church Farm, where students conduct environmental research.

Data Center Pushback: Cromwell residents are organizing against a proposed 1.2-million-square-foot data center near homes, schools and parks, and are seeking a one-year moratorium. Clean Energy: At least 29 large solar arrays are built or approved atop Connecticut’s closed landfills, turning capped sites into power sources; DEEP is reviewing four more proposals. Revolution Wind is now supplying New England as the Trump administration again challenges the project, while Connecticut is among the states suing over the EPA’s move to scrap limits on power-plant emissions. Water and Wildfire: Recent rain has lowered Connecticut’s wildfire risk to historic lows, and municipalities are considering lifting water bans after the drought declaration ended in the Connecticut River Valley. Coastal Erosion: A recent nor’easter has renewed concerns about how storms are wearing away the coast.

Data Center Concerns: Cromwell residents are pushing for a one-year pause on data centers, worried about a proposed 1.2-million-square-foot facility near homes, schools and parks. Solar on Closed Landfills: Connecticut has at least 29 solar arrays built or approved atop capped landfills, with four more projects under DEEP review. Wildlife Policy: Gov. Ned Lamont and challenger Ryan Fazio both back regulated bear hunting as encounters rise; state officials estimate Connecticut has 1,000 to 1,200 bears. Waste Facility Fight: Plainfield residents overwhelmingly rejected a proposed trash-to-energy plant, but say the state review process has kept the project alive and left questions about groundwater, air and neighborhood impacts. Fire and Water: Recent rain has lowered Connecticut’s wildfire risk to historically low levels, while officials consider lifting water bans as drought conditions ease in the Connecticut River Valley.