AGP Executive Report

Drought & Air Quality: Delaware is under a statewide drought watch as precipitation drops, with officials urging voluntary water conservation while conditions are reassessed; at the same time, a Code Orange air quality alert remains in effect across Delaware, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey, with heat and storms expected to bring damaging winds and possible hail. Wetlands Protection: The Sussex Preservation Coalition is set to host a June 9 meeting on proposed wetlands protection legislation that would close Delaware’s gap in regulating non-tidal and freshwater wetlands after reduced federal protections. Wildlife in Jeopardy: A biology group is suing the federal government seeking Endangered Species Act protections for horseshoe crabs, citing major declines in Delaware Bay and knock-on risks for species like the Delaware red knot. Boating & Clean Water Education: The BoatUS Foundation expanded its free, state-approved boating safety course to include Delaware, adding environmental stewardship to safety and legal operation training. Livestock Biosecurity: Delaware Department of Agriculture updated Texas animal import rules after New World screwworm was detected, requiring stricter veterinary inspections and barring infested animals. Community Nature Learning: Sussex Academy opened a story walk tied to “The Salamander Room,” funded through watershed partners, to boost environmental literacy and highlight an endangered tiger salamander breeding habitat.

Drought Watch: Delaware Gov. Matt Meyer issued a statewide drought watch after precipitation dropped sharply, especially in Kent and Sussex. Officials say the state needs about 21 inches of rain over the next three months to recover, and residents are urged to voluntarily cut outdoor water use. Wetlands Protection Push: Sussex Preservation Coalition plans a June 9 meeting on proposed legislation to regulate non-tidal and freshwater wetlands—an urgent gap after a 2023 Supreme Court ruling reduced federal protections. Horseshoe Crab Lawsuit: A national biology group filed suit seeking Endangered Species Act protections for horseshoe crabs in Delaware Bay, citing steep declines and warning that birds like the Delaware red knot could be harmed too. Air Quality + Heat: A code orange air quality alert remains in effect as a heat wave builds with storms Saturday that could bring damaging winds and hail; Delaware beaches face a moderate risk for rip currents. Community Health Access: Delaware County unveiled “Wellness on Wheels,” a 34-foot mobile health unit meant to bring services directly to residents, especially after local hospital closures. Boating Safety Education: The BoatUS Foundation expanded its free, state-approved boating safety course to include Delaware, adding environmental stewardship to the curriculum.

Drought Watch: Delaware Gov. Matt Meyer issued a statewide drought watch after precipitation dropped sharply, with Kent and Sussex hit hardest; officials say Delaware needs about 21 inches of rain over the next three months to refill supplies, and residents are urged to cut outdoor water use. Wetlands Protection Push: The Sussex Preservation Coalition will host a June 9 meeting on proposed wetlands protection legislation that would close Delaware’s regional gap in regulating non-tidal and freshwater wetlands after a 2023 Supreme Court shift left thousands of acres unprotected. Horseshoe Crab Lawsuit: The Center for Biological Diversity filed suit seeking Endangered Species Act protections for horseshoe crabs, citing steep declines in Delaware Bay and warning that species like the Delaware red knot could be harmed too. Wildfire Smog Backslide: A new study finds wildfire smoke is reversing years of progress on U.S. ozone pollution, with national smog rising since 2015 and projected health impacts. Local Growth & Parks: Sussex P&Z backed major developments near Milton and Millsboro, while Milton’s parks committee outlined shoreline and access upgrades for the town’s park system. Boating Safety Education: The BoatUS Foundation expanded its free, state-approved boating safety course to Delaware and 14 other states, adding an environmental stewardship focus. Microplastics in Drinking Water: California AG Rob Bonta joined a multistate letter praising EPA’s move to prioritize microplastics for research in drinking water and urging more monitoring.

Drought Watch: Delaware is in a statewide drought watch again, with DNREC warning precipitation has been below normal for months and groundwater and stream flows are dropping—officials say Kent and Sussex are hit hardest and residents should voluntarily cut water use while an open burning ban stays in effect through Sept. 30. Air Quality: DNREC issued a Code Orange ozone alert for Friday, June 5, citing hot, sunny weather and light winds that can trap ozone near the ground; sensitive groups are urged to limit outdoor exertion. Tick Season & Lyme Risk: Tick bite emergency visits are spiking across the region, with Delaware-area residents urged to take extra precautions in grassy or wooded areas as deer/blacklegged ticks drive Lyme and other illnesses. Chesapeake Bay Focus: Chesapeake Bay Awareness Week runs June 6–14, with Delaware DNREC and partners promoting events and a social media toolkit to keep watershed protection front and center. Coastal & Water Safety: BoatUS Foundation expanded its free, state-approved boating safety course to Delaware and 14 other states, adding an environmental stewardship component for recreational boaters. Wildfire Smog Backslide: A new national study finds wildfire smoke is reversing years of smog progress, raising ozone levels and health risks—an issue Delaware communities will feel during smoky stretches.

Air Quality Alert: Delaware is under a Code Orange ozone action day Friday, June 5, with hot, sunny weather expected to push ozone into unhealthy-for-sensitive-groups levels; DNREC urges kids, older adults, and people with heart or lung conditions to limit time outside. Drought Watch: Delaware also remains in a statewide drought watch as precipitation drops, with Kent and Sussex Counties most at risk; residents are asked to voluntarily cut water use and follow the open burning ban through Sept. 30. Coastal Resilience in Lewes: University of Delaware researchers are testing a “hybrid” living shoreline in Lewes to reduce tidal flooding and saltmarsh erosion, using nature-based materials to protect roads, wastewater systems, and homes. Conservation & Water Quality: Wildlands Conservancy permanently protected 1,147 acres in Penn Forest Township, PA, via a conservation easement that safeguards Lehigh River headwaters and habitat for rare plants and birds. Wildfire Smog Reversal: A new study finds wildfire smoke is reversing years of cleaner air progress, raising ozone and related deaths nationwide. Delaware Bay Wildlife: A lawsuit seeks Endangered Species Act protection for horseshoe crabs as they spawn in Delaware Bay. Local Food & Farming: Delmarva Chicken Association honored 13 outstanding grower families for broiler production and environmental stewardship across Delmarva.

Water Watch: Delaware has declared a statewide drought watch for the second time in three years as precipitation drops, with Kent and Sussex Counties hit hardest; officials say the state needs about 21 inches of rain over the next three summer months to refill supplies, and residents are urged to cut outdoor and indoor water use while the open burning ban remains in effect through Sept. 30. Coastal Resilience: In Lewes, University of Delaware researchers are testing a “hybrid” living shoreline to reduce tidal flooding and saltmarsh erosion, using nature-based materials like native grasses, oyster shells, and reef-like domes with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Sea-Level Impact: A new study finds sea-level rise and saltwater intrusion have wiped out 25,000 acres of coastal farmland in the Mid-Atlantic between 1984 and 2022, showing how saltwater can quietly move into fields and damage crops. NOAA & Storm Data: Gogo’s SD Government unit won a $7.5 million NOAA contract to improve mission communications for hurricane-hunter aircraft, helping deliver real-time storm data.

Data Centers & Zoning: Mercer County’s planning commission unanimously recommended countywide zoning rules for data centers, including site design, noise and vibration controls, water protections, cooling standards, emergency planning, decommissioning, and enforcement—while noting the Sharon projects are grandfathered; commissioners will hold a June 18 hearing and could adopt the ordinance July 2. Water Watch: Gov. Matt Meyer issued a statewide drought watch as precipitation deficits deepen, especially in Kent and Sussex, urging Delawareans to cut outdoor water use while the state seeks about 21 inches of rain over the next three months to recharge supplies. Horseshoe Crab Day: Delaware Bay’s iconic horseshoe crabs get a spotlight with International Horseshoe Crab Day events, featuring education stations and shorebird specialist talks aimed at boosting stewardship. Shore Ecology: NASA satellites spotted unusually blue-green coastal patches off New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia tied to seasonal upwelling and phytoplankton blooms. Local Trees & Habitat: Volunteers planted 5,000 trees and shrubs at Lewes’ New Road field to reforest open space, support wildlife, and respect nearby Indigenous and archaeological sites. Clean Energy Policy: Delaware’s Coons and Husted-backed Safer Choice legislation would formally authorize and strengthen EPA’s Safer Choice program, pushing science-based, transparent product standards. Climate Science in Court: A coalition of attorneys general, including California’s AG, urged the Federal Judicial Center to reverse removal of climate science from its judicial manual. Health & Water Infrastructure: A report flags delays and ongoing concerns around lead-pipe drinking water delivery, including the delayed $2 billion Delaware aqueduct fix.

Wetlands Watch: A new push to roll back federal wetland protections is raising alarms that millions of acres could lose safeguards, leaving local governments to fill the gap. PFAS & Water Quality: A new study finds widespread PFAS contamination across the Delaware River Basin, including fish tissue—another hit to water and wildlife health. Coastal Ecology: NASA satellites spotted unusually blue, green Jersey Shore waters tied to seasonal upwelling and phytoplankton blooms, a reminder of how fast ocean conditions can shift. Delaware River Wildlife Law: A lawsuit seeks Endangered Species Act protection for horseshoe crabs as they spawn in Delaware Bay. Local Conservation: Volunteers planted 5,000 trees and shrubs at Lewes’ New Road field to reforest open space and support wildlife habitat. Energy & Pollution: Reports highlight pollution concerns from data center generators, adding to the debate over where power-hungry growth should land. Policy & Health: Delaware’s first medical school will be run by Thomas Jefferson University, with major implications for the state’s healthcare workforce.

Wetlands Watch: A new push from the federal government to step back from wetlands protection is leaving local governments as the front line for marshes, bogs, and vernal pools. Delaware River PFAS: A new report says PFAS contamination is widespread in the Delaware River Basin, including fish tissue—another reminder that water pollution risks don’t stay put. Local Habitat Work: Lewes volunteers planted 5,000 trees and shrubs at New Road field to reforest a 20-acre open-space parcel for people, meadow habitat, and wildlife. Data Center Tension: Philadelphia police say extremist-linked social media chatter suggests AI data centers could face vandalism or cyber attacks—raising the stakes for communities weighing new power and water demands. Invasive Species & Fishing: DNREC confirmed a Lancaster man set a Delaware flathead catfish record; the state urges anglers to kill flatheads to limit harm to native species. Policy & Community: Millsboro passed a 3% lodging tax to fund local infrastructure and improvements. Solar Industry: Nextpower sued GameChange Energy in Delaware federal court over alleged solar tracker patent infringement.

Climate Courts: Delaware AG William Tong led 23 states in a letter urging the Federal Judicial Center to reverse its removal of a peer-reviewed climate science guide from a judicial manual, warning climate litigation is only growing. Local Land & Water: Camden is moving to revoke EMR’s business license after repeated fires at the scrap recycler along the Delaware River, with officials calling for a full stop to operations. Marine Life Spotlight: Madison Bridges, headed to the University of Delaware for marine biology, is building her path through oyster and ocean conservation work. Data Center Pressure (Delaware warning): A new look at Utah’s AI data center fight argues Delaware can’t assume it’s insulated, given the region’s land, power, and water constraints. PFAS in the Delaware River Basin: A recent report flags widespread PFAS contamination across the basin, including fish tissue. Recycling Reality Check: Soft plastics still don’t belong in standard bins; the guidance points residents to store drop-off options instead. Community Resilience: Delmarva Power is offering free native trees for customers, and Camden-area residents are pushing for action on local environmental harms.

PFAS Watch: A new Delaware River Basin Commission study finds widespread, persistent PFAS contamination across the Delaware River system, with concentrations rising downstream and showing PFAS in surface water, sediment, and even fish and blue crab tissue. Wildlife & Fisheries: The Center for Biological Diversity sued the federal government seeking Endangered Species Act protections for American horseshoe crabs after NOAA Fisheries declined to list them, citing declines tied to overharvesting, habitat loss, biomedical bleeding, shoreline development, pollution, and climate change. Local Water Safety: A report flags major lead-pipe risk in New York, while noting the $2 billion Delaware Aqueduct bypass tunnel repair has been delayed again—another reminder of how aging water infrastructure can ripple across the region. Recycling Reality Check: Soft plastics like crisp packets, bubble wrap, and carrier bags can’t go in standard recycling; the recommended move is to use dedicated drop-off points (often at large supermarkets). Community & Flooding: A Delaware County-area effort is stepping in to protect a cemetery from flooding, with plans to pump out water and address drainage piping. Data Center Backlash (Regional): Ohio residents packed hearings to push for a moratorium or tougher rules over data centers’ water, energy, land, and health impacts. Delaware Bay Conservation: Delaware’s role in “no balloon release” laws is highlighted as Michigan debates balloon-release legality.

Endangered Species Act Fight (Delaware Bay): The Center for Biological Diversity has sued NOAA Fisheries, arguing the agency wrongly denied Endangered Species Act protections for horseshoe crabs after a February decision. The lawsuit says declines tied to overharvesting, habitat loss, biomedical bleeding, shoreline development, pollution, and climate change were improperly dismissed, and it asks a federal court to force a new listing decision. Water Infrastructure & Public Health (Delaware connection): A new report warns that New York City residents may still be drinking water delivered through lead or probable-lead service lines, while a major Delaware Aqueduct bypass tunnel repair has been delayed again—pushing completion beyond 2027. Wetlands Protection Backslide: As federal agencies move away from wetlands protections, localities are becoming the frontline—raising the stakes for Delaware-area waterways that rely on wetlands to filter water and buffer storms. Coastal Resilience Push (Sussex County): Delaware lawmakers are urging the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to reinstate a canceled flood mitigation study for the Inland Bays and Delaware Bay coast, warning that without it communities face bigger risks from storm surge, flooding, and saltwater intrusion. PFAS Alert (Delaware River Basin): A report says PFAS contamination is widespread in the Delaware River Basin, adding pressure for stronger monitoring and cleanup planning. Invasive Species (Snakeheads): Maryland is encouraging anglers to target invasive snakeheads using high-powered bows and arrows, as the fish spread and disrupt local fisheries. Climate Extremes (Regional): Officials in New York are seeking a disaster declaration after April frost damaged crops, underscoring how fast weather swings are hitting agriculture. Tick-Borne Disease (Regional): Ohio’s mail-in Buckeye Tick Test is expanding after processing thousands of ticks and finding demand for clearer public health risk info.

Horseshoe Crab Protection Fight: A lawsuit filed by the Center for Biological Diversity asks NOAA to list horseshoe crabs as threatened or endangered, arguing the agency improperly denied petitions—an issue that hits Delaware Bay’s iconic spawning season. Coastal Flood Resilience: Delaware’s congressional delegation is pushing the Army Corps to restart a canceled Sussex County flood study, warning the loss of the “Back Bay” work leaves communities without key storm-risk planning. Wetlands Under Pressure: As the federal government pulls back wetlands protections, Delaware lawmakers and localities face a bigger gap in safeguards for marshes and vernal pools. PFAS in the Delaware River Basin: A new report says PFAS contamination is widespread across the basin, raising fresh pressure for monitoring and cleanup. Offshore Wind, Local Control: Delaware Supreme Court developments and state policy moves continue to shape how offshore wind projects advance—and how much local input matters. Climate Claims Scrutinized: A Delaware climate analysis challenges DNREC’s framing of recent extreme weather as “what climate change looks like,” pointing to how tornado data has not shown a clear upward trend. Delaware Bay Wildlife & Invasives: Coverage highlights invasive “Frankenfish” control efforts and the broader push to protect native species in regional waters. Community Preparedness: Sussex County emergency planners and Delaware Sea Grant are sharing practical hurricane-season safety steps for residents and local systems. EV Ownership Costs: A new study ranks Delaware among the cheapest states for EV ownership over six years, driven by charging and tax factors.

PFAS Watch: The Delaware River Basin Commission says PFAS “forever chemicals” remain widespread across the Delaware River Basin, showing higher concentrations downstream toward the Delaware Bay and appearing in surface water, sediment, fish, and blue crab tissue—prompting more monitoring and a June 15 public webinar with a new interactive map. Coastal Flood Planning: Delaware lawmakers are pushing the U.S. Army Corps to restart a canceled flood mitigation “Back Bay” study for Sussex County and other vulnerable coastal areas, arguing the termination leaves communities without key storm-risk information. Wildlife & Toxins: A sickly bald eagle in Ohio was rescued after acute lead poisoning, a reminder of how lead ammunition and fishing tackle can harm raptors. Offshore Wind & Public Input: Sussex County League of Women Voters will host offshore wind expert Peggy Schultz for “What’s in the Wind?” as part of ongoing climate and energy advocacy. Storm Prep: Sussex County emergency managers and Delaware Sea Grant are holding practical hurricane preparedness talks ahead of the season, focusing on community readiness. Local Environment Cleanup Pressure: Camden’s EMR is pausing operations at a scrap shredder after a two-alarm fire, with officials citing repeated fires at the facility. Climate Debate in Delaware: A Delaware op-ed challenges DNREC’s climate-change framing around recent tornado claims, pointing to NOAA tornado records showing no clear long-term increase. Delaware Bay Nature Moment: Slaughter Beach is highlighted as a major horseshoe crab spawning ground each spring, drawing attention to Delaware Bay biodiversity.

Coastal Flood Planning: Delaware’s congressional delegation is urging the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to reinstate a canceled flood mitigation study for Sussex County and other vulnerable coastal areas, warning the termination leaves communities without key storm-risk data for resilience and public safety. PFAS Pollution Watch: The Delaware River Basin Commission reports PFAS “forever chemicals” remain widespread across the Delaware River Basin, with concentrations rising downstream toward the Delaware Bay and continuing to require long-term regional coordination. Offshore Wind Legal Fight: Delaware’s Supreme Court upheld a state reversal tied to Sussex County’s offshore wind permitting, a blow to “local control” advocates. Wildlife Health: A sickly bald eagle rescued in Delaware County, Ohio, was released after rehabilitation for acute lead poisoning, a reminder of how lead from fishing tackle and ammunition can harm wildlife. Boating Safety Access: The BoatUS Foundation expanded its free, state-approved boating safety course to 15 additional states, including Delaware, with an online option for environmental stewardship and safe operation. Emergency Preparedness: Sussex County hosted practical hurricane-season preparedness guidance, including steps for communities and essential services ahead of storms. Cape Henlopen Pier: Delaware leaders are being pressed to replace the deteriorating fishing pier at Cape Henlopen State Park rather than keep patching it.

PFAS Watch: A new Delaware River Basin Commission report finds “forever chemicals” are still widespread across the basin—showing higher levels downstream toward the Delaware Bay—and calls for long-term regional coordination, with a June 15 public webinar and an interactive map. Offshore Wind & Permits: Delaware’s Supreme Court upheld a state-backed override tied to an offshore wind-related electrical substation permit, dealing a blow to “local control” arguments from Sussex County. Coastal Resilience: University of Delaware meteorology student Thomas Florio is helping improve hurricane damage simulations aimed at forecasting impacts before landfall, as NOAA predicts a below-normal hurricane season. Emergency Preparedness: Sussex County hosted practical hurricane-season planning sessions in Millville, including guidance on hazards mitigation and community readiness. Public Lands: Cape Henlopen State Park’s aging fishing pier is facing more closures due to structural problems, with leaders urged to commit to a full replacement rather than repeated repairs. Boating Safety: The BoatUS Foundation expanded its free, state-approved boating safety course to 15 additional states, including Delaware, adding environmental stewardship to the curriculum. Local Accountability: Delaware DOJ ordered felony charges dropped against four Delaware State University students tied to a Rehoboth Beach bandstand “takeover” incident, after the NAACP raised concerns about the city’s response. Air Pollution Risk: A new analysis highlights how diesel backup generators at data centers can harm public health even when used rarely, raising pressure for cleaner power and stronger controls.