AGP Executive Report

Shorebird Recovery in Delaware Bay: DNREC reports red knots made a strong spring return at Mispillion Harbor near Slaughter Beach, with counts climbing from nearly 2,000 (May 11) to about 3,000 (May 20) and birds staying in Delaware longer than in recent years, plus weight data suggesting many were in excellent condition. Local Land Use & Environmental Testing: Lewes officials say redevelopment of the former Army Reserve Center on Savannah Road is still at least five years away, with environmental testing required before deciding whether to renovate or demolish. Climate Rule Fight (Delaware in Court): Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings joined a coalition suing the U.S. EPA over a rule that would weaken hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) phaseout deadlines, warning higher emissions would worsen sea level rise and flooding impacts along Delaware Bay. Coastal Habitat Pressure: Rehoboth Beach’s Grove Park farmer’s market may need to move next year after tree-health concerns tied to soil and root compaction from parking and foot traffic. Wildlife-Friendly Monitoring: A separate DNREC update highlights red knot numbers increasing during spring migration on Delaware’s bayshore, reinforcing the season’s overall rebound. Water & Food Safety Watch: Health guidance around a nationwide cyclosporiasis outbreak includes advice on handling bagged lettuce, while Delaware readers also got a reminder to follow outbreak-era produce washing practices.

Shorebird Watch: Delaware Shorebird Project counts show red knots rebounding on Delaware Bay beaches, with nearly 2,000 red knots at Mispillion Harbor early in the season and peaks around 3,000, plus rising weights in spring stopovers. Climate Policy Fight: Delaware AG Kathy Jennings is part of a coalition suing the U.S. EPA over a rule that weakens the phaseout of highly potent HFC refrigerants under the AIM Act, arguing it undercuts greenhouse-gas deadlines. Public Health: A multistate cyclosporiasis outbreak tied to shredded lettuce has expanded to nine states, with CDC reporting about 2,000 cases so far and ongoing guidance to wash produce thoroughly even if it’s prewashed. Local Environment & Land Use: Sussex County is weighing new rules that would require developers to preserve 30%–50% of existing trees, after residents pushed back hard over ongoing forest loss. Coastal Water Safety: An open-access Coastal Water Pathogen Database now links coastal microbial hazards with antibiotic resistance and virulence markers, including samples from Delaware Bay. Wildlife & Habitat: Brandywine Zoo opened “Hidden Falls,” a new multi-species exhibit featuring animals tied to habitat loss and illegal pet trade.

Coastal Health Watch: A new open-access Coastal Water Pathogen Database links coastal microbes with antibiotic resistance and virulence traits, including Delaware Bay samples, aiming to make nearshore biological risk easier to compare and act on. Wetlands Protection: Delaware’s Freshwater Wetlands Protection Act is now law, creating a statewide permitting framework and a Wetland Screening Tool after federal protections were narrowed. Food Safety & Waterborne Risk: Cyclospora outbreaks are still spiking nationwide, and reporting highlights how the parasite’s source and how it gets into food systems remain unresolved—an issue with clear coastal and public-health stakes for Delaware. Public Health Access: Delaware’s Food is Medicine committee will unveil a statewide program at the Delaware State Fair, using $1M+ in federal funds to expand preventative care. Wildlife & Community: Brandywine Zoo opened a new Hidden Falls multi-species exhibit, including animals tied to habitat loss and illegal pet trade. Local Environment Governance: A Delaware-based Everglades-adjacent luxury motorsports development faces wetland-drain opposition, underscoring how land-use decisions can quickly collide with conservation. Clean Energy Politics: Court filings say Trump canceled $7.6B in clean energy grants based on which states voted for Harris—fueling renewed pressure on federal climate spending.

Freshwater Wetlands Protection: Delaware Gov. Matt Meyer signed the Freshwater Wetlands Protection Act, creating a statewide framework for nontidal wetlands after the U.S. Supreme Court narrowed federal protections—aiming to give landowners more certainty while protecting wetlands that absorb floodwater, reduce erosion, filter water, and support wildlife. Clean Energy Funding Fight: The Trump administration acknowledged in court documents it canceled $7.6 billion in clean energy grants “based solely” on whether states backed Kamala Harris in 2024, sparking backlash from Democrats and environmental groups. Coastal Health Watch: A new global Coastal Water Pathogen Database pulls together coastal microbes, antibiotic resistance genes, and virulence factors to help track biological risks in estuaries and nearshore waters. Public Health & Food Safety: Cyclospora cases are surging nationwide, and investigators still can’t pin down how outbreaks start—raising pressure on food and water safety systems. Delaware Community Planning: Dewey Beach’s 2028 comp plan workshop highlighted rapid demographic shifts, including an aging population and changing education levels, shaping future priorities.

Federal Clean-Energy Fight: The Trump administration admitted in court filings it canceled $7.6 billion in grants for hundreds of clean energy projects “based solely” on whether the recipient state voted for Kamala Harris in 2024, drawing fresh backlash from Democrats and environmental groups. Delaware Wetlands Win: Gov. Matt Meyer signed Delaware’s Freshwater Wetlands Protection Act, creating a statewide framework for nontidal wetlands after a Supreme Court decision narrowed federal protections. Coastal Health Data: A new global database is bringing together coastal water information on disease-causing microbes and antibiotic resistance to help track biological risks in estuaries. Food Is Medicine Push: Delaware’s Food is Medicine Committee will unveil a path to a statewide system at the Delaware State Fairgrounds, with partners lined up to build the infrastructure. Local Community & Care: LifeBridges Neighborhood is holding a ribbon-cutting for home-like, 24/7 high-acuity senior care in Wallingford. Public Health Watch: Cyclospora outbreaks keep climbing nationwide, and investigators still can’t pinpoint how contamination is getting into food systems.

Clean Energy Funding Fight: The Trump administration acknowledged in court documents it canceled $7.6 billion in clean energy grants “based solely” on which states voted for Kamala Harris, drawing fresh backlash from Democrats and environmental groups. Coastal Health Watch: A new global database is bringing together coastal water data on pathogens, antibiotic resistance, and virulence to help track biological risks in estuaries and nearshore waters. Cyclospora Mystery: As cyclospora cases surge nationwide, health officials still can’t pinpoint how the parasite gets into food and water—only that humans are the source. Delaware Wetlands Win: Delaware’s Freshwater Wetlands Protection Act was signed into law, aiming to close federal permitting gaps after a Supreme Court decision and give landowners more certainty. Food Is Medicine Push: Delaware’s “Food is Medicine” committee will unveil a statewide plan at the Delaware State Fairgrounds, with vendors selected to build a sustainable system. Local Governance & Planning: Dewey Beach is updating its 2028 comprehensive plan as its population ages and shifts, with big changes in education and racial makeup. Wildlife & Invasives: A Delaware columnist reports spotted lanternflies are now showing up widely, with the state shifting from hotline reporting to public warnings about hitchhiking bugs.

Clean Energy Grants Fight: The Trump administration admitted in court documents it cancelled $7.6B in clean energy grants “based solely” on states’ political identity, a move Democrats and environmental groups call political punishment. Wetlands Protection: Delaware signed the Freshwater Wetlands Protection Act, creating a statewide framework for nontidal wetlands after a Supreme Court narrowing of federal protections. Food Is Medicine: Delaware’s committee will unveil a statewide “Food is Medicine” system path at the Delaware State Fair, with partners lined up to build a sustainable network. Coastal Health Data: A new global database links coastal microbes, antibiotic resistance, and virulence factors to help track biological risks in estuaries and nearshore waters. Invasive Species Watch: A new Route 1 billboard warns Delaware visitors about spotted lanternflies hitchhiking—experts still recommend killing them. Data Center Pressure: Delaware’s “data center boom” gets scrutiny as states consider moratoriums and rules tied to water, energy, and emissions.

Climate & Clean Air Legal Fight: Delaware AGs are among a multistate push to block EPA rollbacks that weaken rules phasing down hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), fast-growing greenhouse gases used in cooling and refrigeration. Local Land & Water Protection: DNREC is taking proposals for its Surface Water Matching Planning Grant Program, backing planning and green stormwater work to cut surface-water pollution. Wetlands Win in Delaware: Gov. Meyer signed a bipartisan freshwater wetlands protection act, adding stronger safeguards for Delaware’s wetland ecosystems. Emergency Funding vs. Politics: A wave of state lawsuits challenges Trump administration conditions on FEMA/DHS disaster and homeland security grants—tying money to election and immigration demands. Delaware Community Spotlight: Wilmington’s water shutoff rules are in flux after Mayor Carney vetoed a measure aimed at protecting vulnerable residents from shutoffs. Wildlife & Habitat: Red-tail Land Conservancy acquired two preserves to support biodiversity and public access. Human Impacts on Delaware: Delaware’s Haitian community faces heightened deportation risk after a recent SCOTUS ruling ending TPS. Public Safety & Health: A Wilmington spa operator was arrested in a human trafficking investigation.

Freshwater Wetlands Protection: Gov. Matt Meyer signed Delaware’s first comprehensive freshwater wetlands program (SB 9), aiming to close gaps left by a 2023 Supreme Court decision and create a clearer permitting path using a Delaware Wetland Screening Tool and a Wetlands Regulatory Advisory Committee. Coastal Infrastructure: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers says repairs to the Indian River Inlet north jetty are coming in spring 2027, including widening and reinforcing work to stabilize the navigation channel. DNREC Grants: DNREC is accepting proposals for its Surface Water Matching Planning Grant Program, funding planning and green stormwater work with up to $50,000 per project (1:1 match) and a Sept. 31 deadline. Climate Rule Fight (Delaware in coalition): Delaware AGs joined multistate legal challenges to EPA rollbacks on hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), chemicals tied to fast-growing greenhouse emissions. Data Centers in Delaware: Kent County’s Levy Court approved new rules on where data centers can be built in unincorporated areas, with officials open to a future county-wide ban. Public Health: FDA/CDC updates on a cyclospora outbreak include guidance to be selective about lettuce products while investigators trace sources.

Freshwater wetlands protection: Gov. Matt Meyer signed Senate Bill 9, creating Delaware’s first comprehensive program to protect freshwater wetlands and giving landowners a clearer, more predictable permitting path after the U.S. narrowed federal protections. Coastal resilience & navigation: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers says repairs to the Indian River Inlet north jetty are planned for spring 2027, aiming to stabilize the navigation channel while also reducing erosion impacts. Local wildlife management: A Delaware-area contract story highlights how communities are using federal help to address goose problems—raising questions about methods like lasers and pyrotechnics and their effects on parks and water. Delaware River Basin fracking fight: A bid to lift the Delaware River Basin’s fracking ban fell short in Congress, keeping protections in place for millions who rely on the watershed. Next Generation 911: Delaware is moving ahead with Next Generation 911, expanding what callers can send (texts, photos, video) and funding the upgrade via a higher 911 surcharge starting Oct. 1, 2026. Wildlife habitat at the zoo: DNREC and the Delaware Zoological Society unveiled the year-round “Hidden Falls” exhibit at Brandywine Zoo, featuring species affected by habitat loss and the pet trade.

PFAS Fight: Delaware and other state attorneys general are pushing back on an EPA proposal that would roll back drinking-water limits for “forever chemicals,” arguing it would weaken testing and protections for public health. Next Generation 911: Delaware is moving ahead with statewide Next Generation 911, replacing aging emergency systems so dispatchers can handle calls, texts, photos, and videos, with a planned surcharge increase starting Oct. 1, 2026. Coastal Cleanup Call: DNREC is recruiting volunteers for the 2026 Delaware Coastal Cleanup, keeping pressure on pollution prevention along the state’s waterways. Wildlife & Water Safety: Crews responded to an overturned tractor-trailer in Selbyville after reports of a fuel leak, with HazMat teams confirming no active leak—an important reminder of how quickly spills can become environmental problems. Leadership for Freshwater Science: UD named freshwater scientist Rebecca Klaper as dean of its College of Earth, Ocean and Environment, a win for Delaware’s long-term water and ecosystem research focus.

Freshwater Wetlands Protection: Delaware Gov. Matt Meyer signed Senate Bill 9, creating the state’s first comprehensive program to protect freshwater wetlands and fill gaps left by a 2023 U.S. Supreme Court decision, with a new permitting framework and a Delaware Wetland Screening Tool for more certainty. PFAS Fight: Delaware’s attorney general joined multi-state legal pushback against EPA rollbacks on “forever chemicals” in drinking water, arguing the changes would weaken testing, reporting, and treatment requirements. Climate Rule in Court: Delaware AG Kwame Raoul is also part of lawsuits challenging EPA moves that weaken phase-outs for highly potent greenhouse gases used in cooling. Local Storm Impacts: Delaware saw flooding concerns and downed trees with power outages after severe storms, though the state avoided a tornado threat. Water Tech Deal: Delaware-based AirJoule’s atmospheric water harvesting is being bought by Kubota for water-stressed suburbs, aiming to help developers meet long-term water supply needs. Delaware Leadership: UD named Rebecca Klaper dean of its College of Earth, Ocean and Environment, boosting freshwater-focused research and policy outreach. Wildlife & Community: A Delaware County search-and-rescue ended successfully after a coordinated effort, and DNREC is seeking volunteers for the upcoming Delaware Coastal Cleanup.

Freshwater Wetlands Protection: Gov. Matt Meyer signed Senate Bill 9, Delaware’s first comprehensive state program to protect freshwater wetlands and create a clearer permitting process after the U.S. Supreme Court narrowed federal protections. The law sets statewide rules for nontidal wetlands, adds a Wetland Screening Tool for more certainty, and creates an advisory committee. Climate Rule Fight: Delaware is among states suing the EPA over a rollback of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) phaseout deadlines—chemicals used in refrigeration and cooling that are extremely potent greenhouse gases. Water Security Meets Tech: Kubota will use Delaware-based AirJoule’s “water from air” systems to help water-stressed suburbs meet development requirements, aiming to supply decentralized neighborhood water plants. Storm Impacts in Delaware: Flash flooding and downed trees hit parts of the state, especially around Newark, with thousands of power outages reported as heavy rain moved through. Air Quality & Health: Wildfire smoke continues to push unhealthy conditions across the region, with Delaware-area advisories and closures reported as haze worsens.

Climate Policy Fight: Delaware AG Nick Brown is co-leading a lawsuit challenging an EPA rule that weakens phaseout deadlines for highly potent hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), chemicals that can be thousands of times more warming than CO2. Delaware Lawmaking: Gov. Matt Meyer signed the Freshwater Wetlands Stewardship Act, aiming to close permitting gaps and strengthen protections for Delaware’s wetlands. Emergency Tech Upgrade: Meyer also signed HB 468 to fund Delaware’s transition to statewide Next Generation 911, with the 911 surcharge rising from 60 cents to 90 cents starting Oct. 1. PFAS in Wastewater: Pennsylvania regulators are seeking public input on draft biosolids permits that would set PFAS monitoring requirements, including for PFOA and PFOS. Bay Cleanup Governance: A Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement decision on including Virginia’s tribes has been delayed until December after a missed July 1 roadmap deadline. Wildfire Smoke Impacts: Canadian wildfire smoke has pushed air quality alerts across the region, including Delaware, with health warnings urging people to limit outdoor activity. Coastal Cleanup Call: DNREC opened volunteer registration for the Sept. 19 Delaware Coastal Cleanup, with dozens of sites along the coast and waterways.

Emergency Communications Upgrade: Gov. Matt Meyer signed HB 468 to fund Delaware’s transition to statewide Next Generation 911, raising the monthly 911 surcharge from 60 cents to 90 cents starting Oct. 1 to pay for modern tech, cybersecurity, and training. Coastal Cleanup Call: DNREC opened volunteer registration for the 39th annual Delaware Coastal Cleanup on Sept. 19, with 45+ sites statewide and a Sept. 26 rain date. Wildlife Protection Reminder: MERR Institute reported leucistic and albino calf dolphins off Delaware and urged boaters and beachgoers to stay at least 300 feet away and avoid sharing exact locations. Shorebird Lawsuit: The Center for Biological Diversity plans to sue the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service over missing critical habitat protections for the rufa red knot, a Delaware Bay shorebird tied to horseshoe crab eggs. Waterfront Repair: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers awarded a $53M contract for north jetty repairs at Indian River Inlet, with work expected to start in spring 2027 and finish in fall 2028. Local Environment Planning: A Delaware Highlands Conservancy community event invites residents to learn how conservation easements protect Upper Delaware forests, farms, clean water, and wildlife. Agriculture & Chemicals: Syngenta sued BASF in federal court to block Ridivex corn herbicide, alleging patent infringement tied to crop safeners. Climate Debate (Opinion): A Delaware op-ed challenges faulty reasoning that dismisses climate change, arguing weather vs. climate confusion and “imperfect science” logic don’t disprove warming.

Coastal Cleanup Call: DNREC is opening volunteer registration for the 39th annual Delaware Coastal Cleanup on Saturday, Sept. 19, with sign-ups at de.gov/coastalcleanup through Sept. 8; volunteers can help remove litter and debris from beaches, coastline, and waterways from 9 a.m. to noon. Shoreline Infrastructure: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers awarded a $53 million contract for North Jetty repairs at Indian River Inlet, with work expected to start in spring 2027 and finish by fall 2028, including stabilization and reconstruction of the seaward end. Wildlife Protection in Court: A lawsuit seeks stronger federal protections for rufa red knots, arguing the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service failed to designate critical habitat as required under the Endangered Species Act. Climate Accountability: A wrongful-death climate case against major oil companies was allowed to proceed in a ruling that keeps a novel theory of harm in play. Energy Policy Fight: Delaware’s AG coalition actions are pushing back against an unlawful Trump administration freeze on land-based onshore wind project reviews, arguing it threatens grid reliability and raises electricity costs. Local Enforcement: Delaware City Refinery faces nearly $1 million in penalties after a toxic sulfur dioxide release lasting three weeks. Nature News: Biologists report surprising sturgeon spawning activity in Maryland’s Marshyhope Creek, including multiple adult females ready to spawn. Community & Learning: UD is showing up at the fair with year-round Extension and 4-H work, not just rides and fried food.