AGP Executive Report

Nuclear Policy Push: Connecticut will join New England governors for a Sept. 30 summit at UMass Lowell on advanced nuclear and fusion, aiming to boost grid reliability and cut carbon emissions while addressing safety, regulation, and public trust. Energy Bills Reality Check: A Connecticut-focused explainer argues that lowering electric bills takes more than politics, pointing to supply, transmission, local delivery, and public policy fees as the real drivers. Pollinator Call to Action: This weekend’s Great Southeast Pollinator Census is inviting citizen scientists to count bees and other pollinators to track long-term declines tied to pesticides and habitat loss. Tick Season Warning: Connecticut reports a surge in ticks, urging residents to check themselves, kids, and pets after outdoor time, including in coastal vegetation areas. Severe Weather Risk: Storms across the Northeast are raising flash-flood concerns and bringing reports of tornadoes, downed trees, and emergency responses. Local Planning & Water Concerns: Stonington’s planning commission narrowly approved a tech park master plan in Pawcatuck, with debate centered on neighborhood impacts and the town’s water supply. Storm-Prep Tree Response: Arbortech Tree Services expanded emergency capacity for nor’easters and microbursts, including coordination steps for downed-line situations with Eversource. Beach Safety: Health alerts highlight flesh-eating bacteria risk in warm seawater, with guidance for avoiding infection from Vibrio vulnificus. Food Access Pressure: A new report says SNAP benefits are vanishing faster than expected in Connecticut, increasing hunger and economic strain. Wildlife Education Event: “Valley Wild” in the Connecticut River Valley invites people to learn about caterpillars, amphibians, reptiles, and habitat-friendly wildlife. Clean Energy Permitting Watch: Verogy seeks approval for a 50-MW solar project in Plainfield, adding to the state’s ongoing renewable buildout.

Food & Water Safety: A CNN report warns that flash-flood risk is elevated across the Northeast, with flood watches stretching up to southwest Connecticut along the I-95 corridor as intense rain rates threaten urban flooding. Public Health: A U.S. health explainer flags Vibrio vulnificus “flesh-eating” bacteria as a growing risk in warm seawater and raw shellfish, urging beachgoers and seafood fans to take precautions. Connecticut Hunger Watch: A new report says nearly 63,000 CT residents lost SNAP benefits after federal eligibility changes—about double what state officials expected—pushing Connecticut Voices for Children to call for a more durable, state-funded response. Storm Readiness: A CT arborist, Arbortech Tree Services, says it expanded emergency response capacity ahead of nor’easter season, including coordination for downed-line situations. Energy & Grid Resilience: Solrite Energy announced a solar-plus-storage virtual power plant rollout in Illinois, noting it already operates similar battery-first programs in Connecticut. Local Nature: “Valley Wild” returns to inspire Connecticut River Valley habitat awareness with talks on raptors, amphibians, reptiles, and snakes.

Connecticut Wildlife & Public Safety: DEEP and Mississippi State researchers are running Connecticut’s first black bear population study in more than a decade using scent-baited barbed-wire corrals and genetic hair testing; DEEP estimates about 1,000–1,200 bears statewide, with results expected in spring 2027. Beach Water Quality: While not in CT, New Jersey’s DEP issued swimming advisories for 10 Atlantic City beaches after fecal bacteria (enterococci) exceeded state standards—another reminder that heavy rain runoff can quickly foul coastal waters. Energy & Climate Policy: New England governors, including CT’s Maura Healey’s neighboring push, are planning a Lowell summit to explore advanced nuclear and fusion as a way to lower regional energy bills, as CT officials continue to warn about potential electricity cost impacts from nuclear merger proposals. Clean Energy in CT: Verogy’s 50-MW Husky Solar project is seeking Connecticut Siting Council approval in Plainfield/Sterling, selected through DEEP’s zero-carbon procurement. Community & Learning: CHET’s Dream Big! Competition returns with $350,000 in prizes for Connecticut K-12 students, supporting education savings and school technology awards.

Industrial Safety & Air Quality: Berlin firefighters responded to an explosion and fire at Precision Punch and Tooling on Christian Lane after a spark ignited cooling oil, sending heavy smoke through the facility; DEEP helped assess chemical hazards and several workers were treated for minor cuts or smoke inhalation. Clean Energy (Solar): A Plainfield-Sterling solar developer is seeking Connecticut Siting Council approval for a 50-megawatt project spanning about 211 acres, connecting to an existing Eversource transmission line. Nuclear Power Costs: Gov. Ned Lamont and AG William Tong say a proposed NextEra-Dominion merger could raise electricity costs and reduce competition, urging intervention in the federal review. Water Quality: Atlantic City issued swimming advisories for 10 beaches after fecal bacteria (enterococci) spiked; daily testing will determine when warnings lift. Health Coverage: Connecticut providers are preparing for Medicaid/HUSKY coverage losses tied to federal eligibility changes starting in January, with local programs aimed at keeping people insured. Youth & Workforce: Plainville High School is launching a four-year Trade Academy (carpentry, electrical, HVACR) using NCCER curriculum to build job-ready skills. Education Savings: CHET’s Dream Big! Competition returns Aug. 19–Nov. 6 with $350,000 in prizes for K-12 students and technology awards for schools. Wildlife Rescue: A hawk injured in Mansfield was rescued by Connecticut State Police and taken to a wildlife center for care. Extreme Weather Preparedness: DEEP awarded $5.1 million to help communities prepare for extreme weather.

Energy Policy Fight: Gov. Ned Lamont and AG William Tong say the proposed NextEra–Dominion merger could raise electricity costs by consolidating New England nuclear power and weakening competition, with CT agencies and the AG intervening in the FERC review. Pollution & Public Health: Connecticut-linked readers get a reminder of water risks as New Jersey posts fecal bacteria swimming advisories at 10 Atlantic City beaches after enterococci levels exceed standards. Wildlife Rescue: A hawk injured in a Mansfield crash was rescued by Connecticut State Police and taken to a wildlife center for care. Industrial Safety & Chemicals: A fire and explosion at a Berlin manufacturer was sparked when a stray spark ignited cooling oil that entered ventilation, prompting DEEP support for chemical hazard mitigation. PFAS Watch: PFAS contamination is confirmed in groundwater at the Lebanon airport, with a public hearing set as officials plan a state-mandated investigation. Community & Nature: Mansfield Hollow water chestnut clearing continues, while DEEP also extends alcohol bans at recreation areas through November.

PFAS Watch: Lebanon airport groundwater was confirmed contaminated with PFAS “forever chemicals,” with samples above state and federal standards; a public hearing is set as the city considers funding a state-mandated investigation to map the full extent and risk. CT Water Alerts: Connecticut will test a new alert system so residents can get texts or emails when sewage spills into CT waterways. Local Land & Water Impacts: Bristol approved moving plans for three take-out restaurants (Wetzel’s, Cold Stone, Planet Smoothie) to a future land-use meeting after the Bristol Aquifer Protection Agency said the project is “not regulated” under aquifer rules. Extreme Weather Prep: DEEP awarded $5.1 million to help communities prepare for extreme weather. Wildlife Management: Vermont announced Canada goose hunting seasons aimed at controlling resident populations, including specific zones and bag limits. Air Quality & Health: A Connecticut air-pollution opinion piece points to poor ozone/particle grades and health impacts tied to transportation emissions. Data & Environment Transparency: A report says the Trump administration deleted or altered hundreds of federal datasets, including pollution readings, raising concerns about public access to environmental information.

Sewage Spill Alerts: Connecticut is piloting a new real-time text/email alert system so residents can get notified when heavy rain leads to untreated sewage flowing into rivers and streams, with a fall test and public availability by year’s end. Extreme Weather Resilience: DEEP is awarding $5.1 million for planning and design to help towns prepare for flash flooding, extreme heat, and wildfire smoke before disasters hit. Invasive Species Cleanup: Volunteers and Windham Water Works are pulling invasive water chestnuts by hand at Mansfield Hollow, supported by DEEP aquatic invasive species grants. Recreation Safety: DEEP extended a temporary alcohol ban at 10 state recreation areas through Nov. 15, citing crowding and unruly behavior. Infrastructure Watch: CTDOT is developing plans to rehabilitate two Route 15 bridges in New Canaan, with design targeted for 2028 and construction in 2029. Water Utility Cybersecurity: Connecticut warned water utilities after cyberattacks elsewhere, noting no confirmed incidents in the state but stressing rapid protection steps.

DEEP Alcohol Ban Update: Connecticut is extending a temporary alcohol ban at 10 state recreation areas from Aug. 18 through Nov. 15, including Gardner Lake, Paugusset/George Waldo, Wadsworth Falls, Lake Waramaug, Quaddick, Beach Pond, Billings Lake, Naugatuck/Seymour Reservoirs, Pattaconk, and a section of Rocky Neck—aimed at curbing misconduct and unruly behavior. Aquatic Invasives Cleanup: Mansfield Hollow volunteers are hand-pulling water chestnuts (Trapa natans) to stop re-growth, building on DEEP-funded aquatic invasive species control work that awarded $450,000 across 10 Connecticut projects, including Windham Water Works’ efforts at Mansfield Hollow and the Willimantic Reservoirs. Sewage Spill Alerts: DEEP is piloting a new real-time text/email alert system for sewage spills later this year, replacing reliance on a public dashboard and low-visibility social posts so residents can get push notifications when spills are reported. Climate Resilience Funding: DEEP awarded $5.1 million for planning and design to help towns prepare for flash flooding, extreme heat, wildfire smoke, and other hazards through the Climate Resilience Fund. Cybersecurity for Water Systems: Connecticut says it hasn’t seen impacts from recent cyberattacks on water utilities nationwide, but is sharing protections with utilities via intelligence networks after federal warnings. Local Water Quality & Public Health: The state’s sewage alert push underscores how heavy rain can send untreated sewage into rivers and streams, affecting swimming, fishing, and boating for up to two days.

Climate & Health: New research and reporting keep tying extreme heat to real harm, including faster biological aging and deadly conditions as heat advisories spread across the South and parts of the Northeast. Wildlife & Water: A jellyfish swarm forced EDF to shut nuclear units in France, highlighting how warming waters can disrupt cooling systems. Connecticut Environment: Connecticut tick surveillance shows a record-breaking surge—over 5,200 ticks submitted in just the first seven months, with scientists warning warming is expanding tick habitat closer to waterways. Toxics & Cleanup: The Marina Safeway project faces serious toxics and sewage concerns tied to the site’s industrial past, raising questions about whether development can proceed safely. Energy & Infrastructure: Amtrak’s New Haven-to-Providence capacity planning study is holding public outreach in CT and Rhode Island, with attention to impacts on the natural and built environment. Food Safety: Oma’s Pride recalled frozen raw dog food sold in 11 states due to possible salmonella contamination. Local Governance: Connecticut’s “move over” law would expand protections to stationary utility trucks, now heading to the Senate.

Food Safety in CT: Oma’s Pride, a Connecticut pet food maker, recalled 639 bags of frozen raw dog food in 11 states after FDA testing found salmonella in Lot BB012729 (6 lb Woof Complete Canine Chicken Recipe; sold Feb. 12–May 15). Public Health & Climate: Connecticut tick submissions are up sharply—over 5,200 ticks identified from January to July, a record and nearly 40% higher than usual—driven by warmer weather that’s pushing ticks closer to water and into more yards. Extreme Heat: A major heat wave is baking much of the U.S., with heat advisories for about 97 million people and “feels like” conditions near 115°F in parts of the Southeast. Energy & Wildlife Impacts: France’s EDF cut nuclear output at Gravelines after a jellyfish surge blocked cooling systems, a reminder that warming waters can boost jellyfish and disrupt power. Local Environment Planning: Amtrak’s New Haven-to-Providence rail capacity study will hold public outreach at Scarborough North State Beach (Aug. 16) and Rocky Neck State Park (Aug. 15), including input on effects to the natural and built environment. Marine Life Hazard: A beachgoer says a Portuguese man o’ war sting left her with multiple disabilities, urging caution when these creatures wash up. Fishing Management: New England states including CT are seeking NOAA approval for a pilot weekly spiny dogfish limit, with a federal exempted fishing permit under review.

Heat & Public Health: A new study links heatwave exposure to faster biological aging, adding urgency to staying cool during extreme heat. Regional Heat Watch: Forecasters warn a late-summer heat wave is gripping much of the U.S. with dangerous humidity and little nighttime relief. Connecticut Wildlife & Disease: Connecticut tick submissions are at record levels for this time of year, with scientists pointing to warming temperatures and ticks spreading closer to water. Energy & Water Stress: In France, a jellyfish surge forced EDF to shut nuclear units and cut output, while warmer river water also limits cooling. CT Environment in the News: Amtrak’s New Haven-to-Providence rail capacity study will hold public outreach in CT and Rhode Island, including input on impacts to the natural and built environment. Food Safety: Oma’s Pride recalled frozen raw dog food in multiple states after salmonella was found in a tested sample. Marine Life & Fisheries: New England states are seeking a NOAA-approved pilot to set a weekly aggregate spiny dogfish limit, pending federal approval.

Nuclear Cooling Disruption: A massive jellyfish swarm forced EDF to shut three units and cut output at France’s Gravelines nuclear plant, highlighting how hotter summers can choke cooling water and boost jellyfish food sources. Connecticut Power Reliability: A prior Connecticut outage shows how wildlife can also knock out grid equipment—last year, a raccoon caused major substation damage and left thousands without power. Heat Risk: A new wave of oppressive heat and humidity is gripping much of the U.S., with dangerous overnight lows and warnings that it can be deadly. CT Wildlife & Public Health: Connecticut tick submissions are at record levels this year, with scientists pointing to warming temperatures expanding tick habitat closer to water. Rail Planning in Southern New England: Amtrak’s New Haven-to-Providence capacity study will hold public outreach at Scarborough North State Beach (Aug. 16) and Rocky Neck (Aug. 15), focusing on rail capacity and impacts on the natural and built environment. Commercial Fishing Management: New Hampshire is seeking interest for a regional pilot weekly aggregate spiny dogfish limit, pending NOAA approval—Connecticut is part of the proposal. Pet Food Safety: Oma’s Pride recalled frozen raw dog food in multiple states after salmonella was found in a tested sample.

Extreme Heat Watch: A late-summer heat wave is pushing heat advisories across about 97 million people, with dangerous humidity making it feel as hot as 115°F in parts of the Southeast and little overnight relief—raising serious health risks. Connecticut Wildlife & Health: Connecticut tick submissions are at record levels, with scientists warning warming conditions are helping ticks expand and showing ticks are showing up closer to water and in yards, driving more tick-bite ER visits. Marine Life & Fisheries: New Hampshire is seeking interest for a regional pilot that could set a weekly aggregate spiny dogfish limit across ME–CT, pending NOAA approval—aimed at managing quotas. Food Safety: Oma’s Pride is recalling a Connecticut-made lot of frozen raw dog food after salmonella was found, affecting 11 states; pet owners are urged to stop feeding it and sanitize anything it touched. Local Planning & Transit: Amtrak’s New Haven-to-Providence capacity study will hold public pop-ups in CT and Rhode Island, including a Scarborough Beach stop, to gather input on rail improvements and environmental impacts. Community Resilience: Volunteers with Travelers Across America helped restore Oliver Kelley Farm, removing invasive plants and preparing gardens after hail damage.

Connecticut School Construction: Cheshire is moving toward a delayed Sept. 8 start with two new elementary schools—Norton and Barnum—built as part of a $160 million taxpayer-approved project, with both sites designed for energy efficiency and accessibility. Rail & Coastal Impacts: Amtrak’s New Haven-to-Providence capacity planning team will hold public pop-ups at Scarborough North State Beach (Aug. 16) and Rocky Neck State Park (Aug. 15) to discuss how the conceptual rail study could affect the natural and built environment along the Northeast Corridor. Public Health & Food Safety: Oma’s Pride, a Connecticut pet food maker, voluntarily recalled a specific lot of frozen raw dog food after salmonella was found; officials urge owners not to feed it and to sanitize anything it touched. Heat Preparedness: A major late-summer heat wave is gripping much of the U.S., with dangerous heat plus humidity and little nighttime relief—conditions that raise health risks for everyone, especially outdoors and for vulnerable residents. Marine Life & Fisheries: New Hampshire is seeking interest in a potential pilot program that would set a weekly aggregate spiny dogfish limit across New England states, pending federal approval. Solar Affordability (Neighboring State): Massachusetts regulators approved a plan to reduce unexpected solar connection costs for homeowners, aiming to boost adoption and cut surprise charges.

Wildlife Watch: Connecticut is seeing a surge in black bear break-ins, with more than 50 reported home entries in nearly two dozen towns this year—DEEP says bears are increasingly drawn to trash, birdseed, and pet food, and one repeat offender in Winchester was euthanized. Conservation & Science: A new Connecticut bear population survey is underway, using DNA from hair samples collected in barbed wire traps to estimate how many bears live in the state. Policy & Environment: Connecticut lawmakers are getting conservation recognition—Sen. Cathy Osten earned a perfect score from the CT League of Conservation Voters for work ranging from aquatic invasive species to solar access and waste management. Public Health: The Healey administration is restricting kratom statewide, moving all forms to Schedule I under an emergency order while local boards gain enforcement authority. Blue Economy (Regional): Rhode Island leaders discussed growing the ocean economy and emerging industries tied to Narragansett Bay.

Privacy & Data Security: Connecticut AG Nick Brown joined a coalition suing the Trump administration over a demand that states hand over sensitive driver records tied to 17 million commercial drivers, alleging illegal privacy-law violations and a secret federal database with no public notice or safeguards. Wildlife & Public Safety: DEEP says bear break-ins are surging in Connecticut, with more than 50 home entries this year already—DEEP met with Warren residents to share tips as bears increasingly seek food near homes. Bear Research: Connecticut is launching its first scientific black bear population survey in over a decade, using DNA hair samples from barbed-wire traps across western CT to estimate numbers and track individuals. Environment Policy Scorecard: State Sen. Cathy Osten earned a perfect 100% from the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters for work ranging from aquatic invasive species to solar access and waste management. Health & Water/Coasts: Gulf Coast health officials report rising flesh-eating Vibrio vulnificus cases tied to seawater exposure, with storms and warming waters increasing risk. PFAS/Plastics Watch: A new national push highlights growing concern over microplastics and PFAS risks, as EPA faces criticism for backing off microplastics monitoring. Local Nature Access: Friends of Pachaug Forest is hosting a free scientific meteor campout at Pachaug State Forest in Voluntown for stargazers.