AGP Executive Report

Water Quality & Local Policy: Oxford’s WPCA approved updated sewer-user definitions and fee structure, including a flat residential user fee and a per-gallon non-residential rate, with bills due Nov. 1. Marine Life & Boating Safety: A right-whale protection push highlights using marine electronics and alerts to reduce vessel strikes instead of blanket speed limits. Arctic Climate Research: New work on Arctic “shrubification” asks whether expanding willow shrubs could disrupt stream insects that migratory birds rely on. Wildlife Education: The Western Connecticut Bird Club will host Fran Zygmont on bird migration Sept. 17 in Southbury. Connecticut Water & Wildlife Enforcement: EnCon police arrested two people in West Haven Harbor for illegal fishing; seized fish and shellfish were donated to a bird rehab center. Circular Economy in Connecticut: DOE funding backs New Haven’s Protein Evolution to scale enzyme recycling that turns textile polyester waste into new polyester. Flood Resilience Funding: Norwalk lawmakers secured $6.2M in state bond grants for flood mitigation, road work, and restoration of the West Norwalk Meeting House. Farm Support: Sen. Christine Cohen announced $52.9M for Connecticut farmers hit by weather losses in 2023–2024. Community Event: Bigelow Tea’s 39th Annual Bigelow Tea Community Challenge returns Sept. 27 in Fairfield to raise funds for local nonprofits.

Textile Waste to New Fabric: The U.S. Department of Energy is funding a New Haven-led biotech effort to use polyester-eating enzymes to turn discarded textile waste into inputs for new polyester, aiming to make textile recycling compete on cost with virgin materials. Local Conservation & Flood Resilience: Connecticut lawmakers secured millions for Norwalk flood mitigation, historic Meeting House restoration, and road repairs, while Sen. Herron Gaston backed $2 million to redevelop Stratford’s former engine plant into flood-resilient housing. Protecting Wildlife & Waterways: EnCon police arrested two people in West Haven Harbor for illegal fishing, removed nets, and donated seized fish and shellfish to a bird rehab center. Circular Economy at Home: A mattress recycling push highlights that most mattress materials can be recovered, with Connecticut among states running stewardship programs. Heat Adaptation: Massachusetts is moving toward heat resilience planning as extreme heat becomes more common.

Connecticut Water Safety: Rocky Neck State Park closed for swimming after bacteria levels rose; DEEP will retest soon. Connecticut River Updates: A New Haven man missing after a jet ski crash near Windsor in the Connecticut River was found deceased, with DEEP and multiple agencies leading the search. Wildlife & Public Health: CT tick populations are growing, with more species active year-round as warmer weather expands risk for Lyme and other tick-borne illnesses. Habitat Restoration: After Strong Pond Dam was removed in 2023, 10 upstream miles of the Norwalk River reopened to fish and other aquatic life, reconnecting about 20 miles of habitat. Air Quality & Health: UConn and Tufts research found adults over 40 living near highways completed a cognitive task faster after using a HEPA air purifier, pointing to pollution’s effects beyond breathing. Local Enforcement: West Haven arrested two men for illegal fishing, including use of restricted nets and harvesting undersize summer flounder and oysters. Data Centers & Transparency: A national investigation highlights how NDAs can hide details of data center projects that affect energy and water—an issue Connecticut regulators have also been watching. Community & Learning: Tribeca Community School opened its first Connecticut campus in Ridgefield, expanding early childhood options with renovated space and outdoor play areas.

Air Quality & Health: A new UConn–Tufts study finds adults over 40 living near highways improved cognitive task performance by about 12% after using real HEPA air purifiers for a month, pointing to pollution’s effects beyond breathing. Water Safety: Rocky Neck State Park closed to swimming after bacteria levels rose; DEEP will retest soon. Shoreline Watch: Labor Day crowds hit Hammonasset, but lifeguard coverage ended earlier than expected, leaving swimmers to use extra caution. Connecticut River Tragedy: A jet ski crash near Windsor led to a missing rider search that ended Monday with the recovery of Jose Nunez Quezada’s body. Wildlife & Disease: Connecticut tick activity is shifting with warmer weather, with more species active year-round and rising lone star tick counts. Fishing Enforcement: Two Meriden men face fines and charges after illegal netting and harvesting in West Haven Harbor, including undersize flounder and oysters. Data Centers & Transparency: A national investigation highlights how NDAs can hide details of data center projects, raising concerns about impacts on energy and water. Long Island Sound: EPA named Nicole “Nikki” Tachiki director of the Long Island Sound Partnership, steering the 10-year conservation plan. Local Climate Action: A Coventry man is set to ride 1,000 miles for the Sierra Club as part of the Climate Ride.

Long Island Sound Leadership: The EPA named Nicole “Nikki” Tachiki as the new director of the Long Island Sound Partnership, aiming to push forward a 10-year plan focused on clean waters, thriving habitats, and abundant wildlife. Climate Action by Bike: A Connecticut couple’s 1,000-mile solo “Climate Ride” will raise money for the Sierra Club, showing how local residents keep climate fundraising moving into September. Waste Not, Reuse More: Two Woodbridge teens launched Restoring Rainbows after spotting usable school supplies tossed at their school; their nonprofit now has 200 branches in 52 countries and keeps materials out of landfills. Local Water & Wildlife History: Norwalk’s Oyster Festival spotlights how far the region has come from past pollution and disease threats to shellfish. Pollution & Public Safety: A flaming garbage truck crash into the Pequabuck River in Bristol sent two people to the hospital and prompted DEEP to assess natural gas tanks. Energy & Data Centers: State Sen. Jeff Gordon called for a moratorium and stronger protections as data centers raise concerns about energy rates, water use, land impacts, and public safety. Clean Energy Debate: A Connecticut climate op-ed argues nuclear expansion plans miss the urgency of cutting greenhouse gases fast enough to avoid worsening climate impacts. School Supply Donations: A separate profile highlights how youth-led reuse efforts are turning classroom leftovers into help for students who can’t afford basics.

Long Island Sound Leadership: The EPA named Nicole “Nikki” Tachiki as the new director of the Long Island Sound Partnership, taking over after Mark Tedesco’s retirement and tasked with carrying forward the partnership’s 10-year plan for cleaner waters and thriving habitats. Local Youth Sustainability: Two Woodbridge teens, Grace Millard and Jordan Chen, turned frustration with school waste into Restoring Rainbows, a nonprofit that collects, refurbishes, and redistributes unused school supplies—now with 200 branches worldwide. Clean Energy Access: A DIY “plug-in solar” trend is spreading in the U.S., letting people use small balcony or wall-mounted solar setups with far less hassle than traditional installations. Connecticut Water Safety: Rocky Neck State Park in Niantic closed for swimming after high bacteria readings, with DEEP testing weekly during the summer season. Waste & Community Resilience: A flaming garbage-truck crash into the Pequabuck River sent two people to the hospital and prompted DEEP to assess natural gas tanks used to power the vehicle. Energy & Climate Debate: State Sen. Jeff Gordon called for a moratorium and stronger protections as Connecticut weighs data center growth, citing impacts on rates, water, land, infrastructure, and public safety. Wildlife Help: A North Carolina family rescued a baby raccoon after a dog brought it home, sparking a community push to get it to proper wildlife care.

Water Quality Watch: Rocky Neck State Park in Niantic closed to swimming after DEEP found high bacteria levels in weekly samples, with indicator bacteria used to flag possible contamination risk. Local Disaster Response: A flaming garbage truck crash into the Pequabuck River in Bristol sent two people to the hospital with serious injuries; DEEP was on scene to evaluate natural gas tanks powering the truck while the crash is investigated. Climate Policy Debate: State Sen. Jeff Gordon called for a data-center moratorium and stronger protections for Connecticut ratepayers, arguing the state’s energy, water, land, and public-safety impacts need oversight before more facilities move forward. Housing & Land Use: A Connecticut housing-policy piece highlights how the 8-30g affordable-housing law is reshaping local zoning control, with many towns still missing the 10% affordability threshold. Wildlife & Community Care: A North Carolina family rescued a baby raccoon after a dog brought it home, turning to wildlife rehab guidance to help the animal.

Connecticut Water Quality: Rocky Neck State Park closed to swimming after DEEP found high bacteria levels in weekly water tests, with results prompting the shutdown through the summer season. Local Pollution & Public Safety: A flaming garbage truck crash into the Pequabuck River in Bristol sent two people to the hospital with serious injuries; DEEP was on scene to evaluate natural gas tanks powering the truck. Wildlife Protection: DEEP charged two Meriden men with illegal fishing in West Haven harbor, including harvesting undersize summer flounder and eastern oysters; seized seafood was donated to a wildlife rehab group. Climate Policy & Energy Debate: State Sen. Jeff Gordon called for a moratorium and stronger protections as Connecticut weighs data center growth, arguing ratepayers and the environment could pay the price. Housing & Land Use: Connecticut’s 8-30g affordable housing rules are driving local zoning anxiety, with many towns still missing the 10% affordability threshold. Court Watch: The Connecticut Supreme Court will hear an appeal tied to a proposed Middlebury warehouse that could hinge on how a 2023 law restricts large distribution projects in small towns.

Climate Costs & Policy Backlash: A Democratic economist’s new analysis of renewable portfolio standards finds retail electricity prices rose 11% after seven years and 17% after twelve, with states paying an estimated $125 billion more—fueling fresh debate as some states fall behind 2030 climate goals and even scrap targets. Local Water Quality: Rocky Neck State Park in Niantic closed to swimming after high bacteria readings, with DEEP sampling and weekly results guiding reopenings. Connecticut Wildlife & Fisheries Enforcement: DEEP charged two Meriden men for illegal netting in West Haven Harbor, including undersize summer flounder and illegal harvest of eastern oysters and blue crabs; seized seafood was donated to a wildlife rehab group. Public Safety + Environment: A flaming garbage truck crash sent two people to the hospital after the truck went into the Pequabuck River in Bristol; DEEP was on scene to evaluate natural gas tanks. Data Centers & Rates: State Sen. Jeff Gordon called for a moratorium and stronger protections for energy ratepayers as data centers expand, citing impacts on energy, water, land, infrastructure, and public safety. Court Watch (Voting by Mail): AG Brown and a coalition won a preliminary injunction blocking USPS rules that would have forced hard-to-meet changes to mail-ballot design and tracking ahead of November.

Garbage-Truck Pollution Risk: A flaming garbage truck crash into the Pequabuck River in Bristol sent two people to the hospital and prompted DEEP to assess natural gas tanks powering the vehicle, with Memorial Boulevard closed as crews remove the truck. Water Quality Watch: Rocky Neck State Park in Niantic closed for swimming after high bacteria levels were found in weekly DEEP samples, with advisories tied to the Memorial Day–Labor Day testing season. Coastal Enforcement: DEEP arrested two Meriden men for illegal fishing in West Haven Harbor using nets, seizing undersize crabs and oysters; the catch was donated to a wildlife rehab center. Data-Center Pressure in CT: State Sen. Jeff Gordon called for a moratorium and stronger protections over energy, water, land, and public safety impacts from data centers, while a separate report warns EPA’s proposed approach could reduce public input on air permits for data centers. Extreme-Heat Planning: Massachusetts named a statewide heat resilience officer to build mapping and emergency communications for rising extreme heat. Land & Water Management: Connecticut’s Supreme Court will hear a challenge over a large Middlebury warehouse tied to a 2023 law aimed at limiting big projects in small towns with wetlands near schools.

Connecticut Water & Wildlife: Two men were arrested for allegedly using illegal nets in West Haven Harbor to harvest nearly 100 eastern oysters and 50 undersized blue crabs; the catch was donated to a rehabilitation center. Open Space & Climate Resilience: The Northwest Connecticut Land Conservancy is protecting 13,000 acres across Litchfield County, including Cobble Brook Vista in Kent, to support native habitats and help land stay resilient in a warming climate. Dam & Water Restoration: State officials are pushing to restore Old Killingly Pond after its owner drained the water via an emergency drawdown tied to dam safety concerns—leaving docks suspended over exposed ground. Energy & Pollution Policy: Connecticut’s Siting Council will review FuelCell Energy’s plan for a 7.5-megawatt fuel cell facility in Hartford, a project regulators previously approved as having no substantial adverse environmental effect. Extreme Heat Planning (Regional): Massachusetts appointed its first heat resilience officer to build statewide data and emergency response capacity for worsening extreme heat. Local Conservation Research: Vermont’s bear program is expanding with new GPS tracking collars funded by the Vermont Bear Hound Association to better understand bear reproduction and population dynamics.

Extreme Heat Preparedness: Massachusetts named its first statewide heat resilience officer, aiming to build data and mapping tools plus emergency communications to protect public health as extreme heat grows. Connecticut Energy Oversight: The CT Siting Council will review a plan for a 7.5-megawatt fuel cell facility in Hartford, a project tied to natural-gas power generation and long-term operation. Water & Pollution Pressure: Connecticut residents are reminded to use caution at state swim areas, while other coverage highlights ongoing sewage overflow frustration in the region. Wildlife & Invasive Species: Vermont is expanding non-lethal bear research with new GPS tracking collars, and New England continues pushing back on invasive green crabs through new eating efforts. Local Environment Watch: A dam owner drained a pond and DEEP wants it restored, and Connecticut wildlife rescuers freed a barred owl impaled by plumbing snake wire. CT Community Notes: Connecticut’s paraeducator healthcare subsidy gets an extra $10 million to keep costs down for school staff.

Air Pollution Fight: Connecticut AG Kwame Raoul joined a multistate push urging the EPA to withdraw a proposal that would weaken NOx pollution rules for heavy-duty trucks—warning it could worsen asthma and hit environmental justice communities hardest. Sewage & Water Quality: A growing list of complaints from boaters says repeated sewage overflows are turning parts of the Connecticut River into a health hazard after rain. Heat Preparedness: Massachusetts is naming a “heat chief” to tackle rising heat risks—an approach aimed at reducing preventable heat illness. Local Water Safety: DEEP reminded residents that lifeguard coverage at Connecticut state park swimming areas drops after Labor Day, urging extra caution in and around the water. Wildlife & Public Education: An escaped water monitor lizard (“Goose”) is set to return to Webster for a one-day, ticketed educational event. Climate Resilience Memory: Fifteen years after Irene, the region is revisiting how fast flooding can overwhelm small waterways—and why preparedness matters. Connecticut Policy Watch: Connecticut is changing its cannabis tax starting Oct. 1, with state analysis projecting lower revenue under the new rate.

Air Pollution Fight: Connecticut AG William Tong joined a multistate push against EPA plans to loosen heavy-duty vehicle NOx pollution rules, warning the change could worsen asthma and harm air quality—especially for environmental justice communities. Nuclear Oversight: Raoul also opposed a rapid NRC overhaul that would raise allowable radiation exposure and cut monitoring, arguing it risks public and worker safety. Water & Public Safety: DEEP reminded people that lifeguard coverage at CT state park swimming areas drops over Labor Day weekend, with staffing ending entirely Sept. 8. Climate Resilience & Infrastructure: Connecticut lawmakers plan an October trip to Puerto Rico to help address the island’s ongoing water crisis, citing aging systems, drought, and long outages. Local Habitat Work: DEEP is holding a public info session Sept. 8 on repairing stream crossings damaged in the Aug. 2024 flooding event in Southbury and Oxford. Invasive Species & Land Stewardship: Great Mountain Forest hosted a field session on managing invasive plants and protecting wildlife habitat.

Invasive Species Control: New Preston is testing a new, fully integrated watercraft inspection and hot-water decontamination program at Lake Waramaug to slow the spread of hydrilla and other aquatic invasives, with inspectors already finding invasive watermilfoil and Eurasian frogbit on incoming boats. Dam Restoration: State Sen. Mae Flexer says DEEP has issued a draft consent order for the Old Killingly Pond dam owner, requiring repairs and restoring water levels after a drawdown left the pond severely depleted and threatened local habitats. Water Quality & Public Health: Hartford ranked among the worst U.S. cities for asthma, tied to high ozone days and poverty-linked air-quality impacts—another reminder that pollution hits hardest where people have the fewest options. Community Flood Resilience: DEEP is holding a public info session on proposed stream crossing repairs on the Larkin Trail after August 2024 flooding damage, with four washout sites in Southbury and Oxford slated for stabilization. Indoor Air & Health: A new study reports HEPA air purifiers improved cognitive test performance by about 12% for adults over 40 while cutting fine particle levels in homes. Local Environment Stewardship: The Source to Sea cleanup returns Sept. 18–19, with volunteers across the region targeting trash and debris before it reaches the Connecticut River.

Water Quality & Supply: Massachusetts Water Resources Authority is asking to pull an extra 20 million gallons a day from the Quabbin Reservoir as levels recede, drawing pushback from local officials who warn the move would strain a precious public resource. Invasive Species Control: Lake Waramaug is testing a new, integrated boat inspection and hot-water decontamination program to stop hydrilla and other aquatic invaders from spreading between Connecticut lakes. Local Conservation Enforcement: Connecticut DEEP has issued a draft consent order tied to the failing Old Killingly Pond dam, requiring repairs and restoration to protect species and habitats. Clean Energy & Grid Pressure: A Hartford Business Journal forum spotlights how rising electricity demand—especially from AI and manufacturing—raises costs and reliability questions for Connecticut businesses. EV Infrastructure: Southern Connecticut State University added 18 EV charging stations across campus using grants and incentives, expanding access without new university capital costs. Public Health & Environment: Researchers are renewing scrutiny of the flame retardant TBBPA, with concerns about child exposure building up in household dust. Wildlife & Safety: An otter attack in Lake Tahoe left a swimmer with severe injuries and required rabies vaccination, underscoring risks around wildlife.