AGP Executive Report

Offshore Wind Fight: Connecticut and other Northeastern states sued the Trump administration over a “sham deal” that would pay TotalEnergies about $928 million to cancel offshore wind leases—arguing it threatens union jobs and clean energy. PFAS Crackdown: A state-by-state push to restrict “forever chemicals” is accelerating, with Connecticut among states moving toward new disclosure and limits as scrutiny grows after investigations into major consumer brands. DEEP Leadership Change: Connecticut’s DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes will step down, with Deputy Commissioner Emma Cimino named interim head—an important transition for pollution control and climate work. Data Centers & Power Demand: Vermont’s governor vetoed a data-center bill, and Connecticut coverage highlights how these facilities can drive higher bills and “dirtier air and water,” fueling local and state policy fights. Wildlife & Water Alerts: DEEP and partners warned the public not to disturb sea lamprey spawning in the Connecticut River, and state parks closed when lots hit capacity. Public Safety: A man died after a kayak overturned in North Canaan pond, underscoring summer water risks.

State Parks Closures: Sleeping Giant State Park (Hamden) and Scantic River State Park (Enfield) shut down Saturday after parking lots hit capacity, a reminder to plan ahead for Connecticut’s summer outdoors. Wildlife Protection: Vermont Fish and Wildlife is urging people not to disturb sea lamprey spawning in the Connecticut River and tributaries, noting the fish die after spawning and their carcasses support the river’s nutrient cycle. Clean Water Funding: Connecticut Treasurer Erick Russell announced a successful $163.1 million green bond sale for the State Revolving Fund, generating $9.6 million in debt-service savings to support wastewater and drinking-water projects. DEEP Leadership Change: Gov. Ned Lamont says DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes will step down in July; Deputy Commissioner Emma Cimino will serve as acting commissioner. Climate Progress Check: A new report finds Connecticut has completed just over half of the climate actions in Lamont’s 2021 executive order, with several still stalled or showing no progress. Offshore Wind Legal Fight: Connecticut and other AGs sued the Trump administration over a “sham deal” tied to a $928 million offshore wind payout, arguing it swaps clean energy for oil and gas investment.

Offshore Wind Legal Fight: Connecticut and six other states sued the Trump administration over a “sham deal” that would pay TotalEnergies about $928 million to cancel New York offshore wind leases, arguing the agreement breaks federal law and diverts clean-energy investment toward oil and gas. CT Climate Progress Check: A new report says Connecticut has completed just over half of the climate actions in Gov. Ned Lamont’s 2021 executive order, with the rest stalled or only partially done. DEEP Leadership Change: DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes will step down in July; Deputy Commissioner Emma Cimino will serve as interim head. Clean Water Funding: Connecticut Treasurer Erick Russell announced a successful $163.1 million green bond sale for the State Revolving Fund, generating $9.6 million in savings to support drinking water and wastewater projects. Microplastics Push: AG William Tong sent EPA a comment letter urging stronger monitoring as EPA moves to prioritize microplastics for drinking-water research. Wildlife Reminder: Vermont Fish and Wildlife urged people not to disturb spawning sea lamprey in the Connecticut River basin. Local Animal Care: Mansfield is seeking a new animal control shelter after its current facility fails state inspection, with a deadline tied to 2029 compliance.

Offshore Wind Legal Fight: Seven Northeastern states, including Connecticut, sued the Trump administration over a deal to refund nearly $1B to TotalEnergies after it agreed to abandon offshore wind leases and shift investment toward fossil fuel projects—arguing the agreement breaks federal law and undercuts climate and energy goals. Hydropower for CT: Burlington Electric Department signed new hydropower power purchase agreements, including a 10-year deal for the Wyre Wynd project on the Quinebaug River in Jewett City, Connecticut—adding renewable energy and RECs. Mosquito Season Prep: Connecticut’s Mosquito Management Program resumed seasonal testing for EEE and West Nile virus, using a statewide network of traps through October to spot viruses early. Pollution Cleanup Rules: Connecticut’s new release-based pollution reporting and cleanup requirements took effect March 1, shifting remediation triggers to when pollution is found, not when property changes hands. AI in Court: A Connecticut climate case is turning into a test for whether AI prompts used by expert witnesses must be disclosed, with a judge weighing whether those AI materials are discoverable. Healthcare Access: Community health workers in Connecticut are still waiting for Medicaid reimbursement funding that lawmakers approved in 2023, leaving many roles dependent on unreliable grants.

Mosquito Watch: Connecticut’s Mosquito Management Program is back, with CAES resuming seasonal trapping and testing across 108 stations in 88 towns through October to track West Nile virus and EEE. Wildlife Protection: Vermont and New Hampshire are urging people not to disturb spawning sea lamprey in the Connecticut River basin, noting the fish’s ecological role and that adults die after spawning. Clean Water & Accountability: Connecticut’s new release-based pollution cleanup rules (effective March 1) shift reporting and remediation to when pollution is found, not when property changes hands, potentially speeding cleanup timelines. Offshore Wind Fight: Seven Northeastern states, including Connecticut, sued the Trump administration over a $928M offshore wind lease cancellation deal involving TotalEnergies, arguing it’s unlawful. CT Policy Update: Gov. Lamont signed the CART Act, a sweeping Connecticut AI law that adds new rules for employment AI, child-safety uses, and disclosure for mass layoffs starting Oct. 1, 2026. Local Infrastructure: CTDOT is planning to remove a Wolcott retaining wall on Route 99 (Main Street), with design targeted for 2027 and construction starting in 2028, pending permits and funding.

Ticks & Lyme in Connecticut: Emergency room visits tied to tick bites are rising nationwide, with the Northeast seeing the biggest jump as warmer weather boosts tick activity—so Connecticut residents are being urged to keep yards trimmed, reduce leaf litter, and protect pets to cut down tick hitchhiking. Solar + batteries for CT homes: Connecticut lawmakers advanced a bill to extend key renewable incentives through 2035 and, starting in 2028, create exemptions that make rooftop solar paired with home batteries more attractive—aimed at lowering bills and improving reliability. Clean energy policy pushback: Connecticut’s treasurer joined other fiscal officers warning credit-rating agencies against political pressure to narrow risk analysis, saying it could raise borrowing costs for states. State parks hiring: DEEP is recruiting lifeguards for eight Connecticut state parks for the summer season, with training provided and applications due soon. Offshore wind legal fight (regional): Multiple Northeastern states, including Connecticut, are suing to challenge the Trump administration’s cancellation of offshore wind deals—arguing the move undermines major investments and clean-energy progress.

Offshore Wind Legal Fight: Connecticut and six other Northeastern states sued the Trump administration over a March deal that paid TotalEnergies/Attentive Energy about $928M to cancel offshore wind leases and redirect money to fossil fuel projects, arguing the government exceeded its authority and misused taxpayer funds. Clean Air Pressure: Connecticut DEEP officials warned that EPA vehicle-emissions rollbacks and the revocation of California waivers will make it harder for ozone nonattainment states across the region to meet federal air standards. Water Quality Watch: Researchers say Lake Wononscopomuc is at a “critical time,” with concerns about declining clarity, nutrient pollution, and oxygen loss in deep waters prompting calls for continued monitoring and watershed action. Local Beach Traffic: Work wrapped on expanded Misquamicut State Beach parking lot entrances in Westerly, adding lanes and upgrades meant to cut congestion during peak summer days. Public Health & Safety: Hartford evacuated Breakthrough Magnet School’s south campus after about 50 gallons of polypropylene glycol leaked from an HVAC malfunction; one student was treated on scene. Charity Oversight: Connecticut AG William Tong and consumer protection officials opened an investigation into former New Britain Mayor Erin Stewart’s handling of charitable assets tied to the Mayor’s Trophy Charitable Fund. Food Security: Gov. Ned Lamont announced $300 grocery gift cards for about 25,000 residents who lost SNAP benefits, funded with state surplus dollars.

Offshore Wind Legal Fight: Connecticut joined a seven-state lawsuit led by New York AG Letitia James to block the Trump administration’s nearly $1 billion deal with TotalEnergies that would cancel offshore wind leases and steer money toward fossil fuel projects. The states argue the Interior Department violated federal law and skipped required review, warning the move could undercut clean energy goals and jobs. CT Accountability: Hartford auditors flagged “very concerned” oversight and staffing issues tied to a $6 million federal USDA grant for trees and green spaces, now tangled in a federal lawsuit alleging misleading grant reporting. Water Quality Watch: Researchers say Lake Wononscopomuc is at a “critical time,” citing declining clarity, nutrient pollution, and oxygen loss in deep water—prompting calls for continued monitoring and watershed fixes. Local Dam Impacts: In Killingly, DEEP-ordered drawdowns for Old Killingly Pond’s aging dam have left the pond dramatically reduced, sparking community backlash and a petition to preserve it.

Offshore Wind Legal Fight: Connecticut is joining a seven-state lawsuit led by New York Attorney General Letitia James to block the Trump administration’s deal to pay TotalEnergies nearly $1 billion to cancel offshore wind leases off New York (and North Carolina) and shift the money into fossil fuel projects. The states argue the cancellation was “blatantly unlawful” and violated federal process rules, warning it could damage energy grids, jobs, and climate goals. Drinking Water Equity: Connecticut is set to receive about $27.4 million from the EPA to find, remove, and replace lead pipes that carry drinking water, with officials citing likely concentrations in older homes and lower-income communities. Food Access: Connecticut’s Farmer’s Market Nutrition program kicked off June 1, offering eligible seniors $40 to buy fresh local produce at participating markets through Nov. 30. Local Enforcement: Fairfield began 24/7 automated speed-camera ticketing in six school zones, with fines for repeat violations.

Offshore Wind Legal Fight: New York AG Letitia James and a coalition of Northeast states, including Connecticut AG William Tong, sued the Trump administration over a “blatantly unlawful” deal with TotalEnergies to cancel a $795 million offshore wind lease—paying nearly $1 billion in taxpayer money while steering the company toward oil and gas. Connecticut Angle: Tong says the agreement is a direct hit to Connecticut families and businesses, and the coalition is asking the court to vacate the deal and restore the leases. Climate Science in Courts: AG Tong also led a coalition letter urging the Federal Judicial Center to keep its peer-reviewed climate science reference guide in the scientific evidence manual, warning climate-related litigation is only growing. Public Health Warning: Health officials say Vibrio vulnificus (“flesh-eating” bacteria) infections are appearing earlier along the East Coast, including one confirmed case in Connecticut, as coastal waters warm. Water Costs Watch: Connecticut Water Co. is seeking a 21.4% rate hike, citing rising costs including PFAS-related pressures.

Connecticut AI rules: Gov. Ned Lamont signed a new law restricting employer use of AI in employment decisions and requiring notice when AI outputs play a “substantial factor” role in hiring or RIFs. Public safety tech: Fairfield’s school-zone speed camera program has moved from warnings to fines, with 24/7 enforcement in six zones and reduced 20 mph limits during school start/end times. Tick-borne risk: CDC data shows ER visits for tick bites are at their highest for this time of year since 2017, with warmer conditions driving increases in the Northeast and Midwest. Wildlife & habitat: A World Fish Migration Day event along the Connecticut River highlighted the need for healthier rivers and upcoming dam changes to restore fish passage. Infrastructure & environment: CTDOT is planning to replace a deteriorating bridge superstructure carrying Turkey Hill Road over the Housatonic Railroad in Newtown, with design targeted for 2028 and construction in 2029. Local emergency response: Southington firefighters battled a major blaze at a used auto parts yard involving a gasoline storage area and sea containers, with foam and environmental officials on scene.

Coastal Science in Norwalk: A new Research & Education Station at Manresa Wilds (R.E.S.A.) will turn a former power plant site into a community-facing coastal science hub, with $500,000 in initial grants and partners including Woods Hole, the Maritime Aquarium, Wesleyan, Sacred Heart, and Norwalk Public Schools. PFAS & Wastewater Costs: Connecticut’s PFAS reporting push continues as Maine grapples with rising wastewater sludge disposal costs after fertilizer options shrink, driving higher sewer bills. Solar Momentum in CT: Connecticut keeps its home solar incentive alive through 2035, with batteries highlighted as the big winners. Local Water & Land Use: A reworked Hamden YMCA redevelopment for 99 apartments heads to a June 3 hearing, with wetlands and flooding concerns part of the debate. Wildlife & Ticks: Tick Free Martha’s Vineyard plans an island-wide aerial deer survey using thermal drones to guide tick-borne disease planning. State Funding: CT’s Bond Commission approved about $652.7M for education, housing, public safety, infrastructure, and environmental protection.

Clean Energy Policy: Connecticut lawmakers approved extending home and community solar incentives through 2035, with battery storage poised to be the big winner as PV-plus-battery systems get exemptions from new caps. State Funding & Environment: The CT Bond Commission approved $652.7M for programs including early childhood, housing, public safety, infrastructure, and environmental protection, including childcare facility upgrades and a new One Entry Portal to streamline child care access. Wildlife & Public Health: Tick Free Martha’s Vineyard plans an island-wide aerial deer survey using thermal drones to map deer populations and guide tick-borne disease prevention. Outdoor Learning: STEM Alliance and Schooner SoundWaters brought marine life education to kids in Mamaroneck, using hands-on activities to connect human activity to marine ecosystems. Transportation Safety Debate: Connecticut’s automated speed camera controversy continues, with residents questioning privacy and vendor practices even as officials argue for school-area safety. Air Quality & Health: A new study links even relatively low air pollution exposure to poorer brain function, adding another reason to cut pollution.

Solar Policy Win: Connecticut lawmakers approved plug-in solar and kept home solar incentives alive through 2035, with batteries poised to be the big winners—especially for PV systems paired with storage. Heat & Health: UNF opened the Perry Weather Heat Lab to study how extreme heat affects the body and prevent heat-related deaths, building on the Korey Stringer Institute’s heat-risk work. Wildlife & Habitat: Tick Free Martha’s Vineyard plans an island-wide aerial deer survey using thermal drones to map deer populations and inform tick-borne disease planning. Conservation Education: DEEP-backed Fish Kids helped students raise trout, release them into the river, and learn how fish elevators help migration around dams. Trails & Stewardship: I-Park will host Connecticut Trails Day June 6 with hikes, pollinator-garden programming, and recycled-art activities. Local Transportation: CTDOT is planning Route 9/175 interchange changes in New Britain and Newington to reduce peak-hour congestion, with design slated for 2028 and construction after. Air Pollution & Brains: A new study links even relatively low air pollution to poorer brain function, adding urgency to clean-air efforts.

Solar Policy: Connecticut lawmakers passed a bill to keep home and community solar incentives running through 2035, with battery storage getting a major boost by exempting solar-plus-battery systems from future caps. PFAS Rules: Starting July 1, CT will restrict products with intentionally added PFAS, requiring manufacturer notification to DEEP and new labeling—DEEP is also posting a fillable reporting form in early June. Heat & Health: UNF opened the Perry Weather Heat Lab to study extreme heat and prevent heat-related deaths, building on the Korey Stringer Institute’s work. Air Pollution & Brains: A new study links everyday air pollution exposure to poorer brain function, raising dementia risk concerns over time. Wildlife & Habitat: A Bolton Hill landscape architect’s flower-filled garden highlights how local planting choices can support biodiversity, while a Granby Land Trust story shows how beavers and people can coexist to protect wetlands. Community Conservation: Students released trout in Connecticut waters and learned how fish elevators help migration around dams, tying hands-on learning to real ecosystem protection. Local Infrastructure: CTDOT is planning congestion relief at the Route 9/175 interchange, with pedestrian improvements included.

PFAS Crackdown in CT: Starting July 1, Connecticut will prohibit certain consumer products with intentionally added PFAS unless manufacturers notify DEEP and label them, with a fillable reporting form due in early June. Water Quality Monitoring Push: Darien is set to consider joining a regional pathogen monitoring network to expand harmful bacteria testing beyond its two beaches, with free lab services and grant funding. Wildlife Conservation Spotlight: A Mansfield student’s art was selected for the 2027 Connecticut Migratory Bird Conservation (Duck) Stamp, continuing a program funded by stamp sales for wetland and habitat protection. Local Nature Education: GMMS Fish Kids released trout they raised all year in Salmon Brook Ecology Center, learning about river ecosystems and fish passage around dams. Transportation & Environment: CTDOT plans lane changes and pedestrian improvements for a Route 9/175 interchange congestion project, while I-95 drivers face a four-year Gold Star Memorial Bridge rehabilitation traffic crossover.