AGP Executive Report

Climate on the Coast: Delaware’s warming waters are bringing unfamiliar fish north, while the Lewes tide gauge shows sea levels have risen 15 inches since 1919; one forecast cited in the report projects more than a foot of additional rise over the next 25 years. Offshore Wind Review: The state Environmental Appeals Board sent DNREC’s review of the U.S. Wind project back for further evaluation, requiring another look at its coastal approval. PFAS in Water: A report found “forever chemicals” in surface water statewide. In Newark, officials are also weighing an 8% water-rate increase to fund treatment-plant upgrades needed to meet federal PFAS rules. Toxic Foam Ban: Delaware has banned toxic firefighting foam used for fuel fires, adding a new safeguard against chemical pollution. Data Center Pause: Dover approved a moratorium on data center development, putting proposed projects on hold as the city considers their impacts.

Climate at Home: Delaware’s changing waters are bringing unfamiliar fish north, while sea levels at the Lewes gauge have risen 15 inches since 1919 and could climb more than a foot in the next 25 years. Offshore Wind: The state Environmental Appeals Board sent U.S. Wind’s coastal review back to DNREC for further evaluation, reopening scrutiny of the project. Water Quality: Newark is considering an 8% water-rate hike to fund treatment-plant upgrades for new PFAS rules; reports also point to widespread “forever chemicals” in regional waterways. Development Pressure: Dover passed a moratorium on data-center development, while Lewes faces a threatened lawsuit over its proposed building pause. Pollution Controls: Delaware has banned toxic firefighting foam used for fuel fires.

Climate Impacts: Delaware’s changing waters are bringing unfamiliar fish north. At Lewes, sea level has risen 15 inches since 1919 and could climb more than a foot in the next 25 years, increasing flood concerns. PFAS: A report found “forever chemicals” in surface water statewide. Newark is also weighing an 8% water-rate increase to help upgrade its treatment plant to meet federal PFAS rules. Offshore Wind: Delaware’s Environmental Appeals Board sent the U.S. Wind coastal review back to DNREC for further evaluation, reopening scrutiny of the project’s approval. Pollution Controls: Delaware has banned toxic firefighting foam used for fuel fires, a step to limit a source of persistent chemical pollution.

Offshore Wind: Delaware’s Environmental Appeals Board sent the U.S. Wind coastal review back to DNREC for further evaluation, requiring the agency to revisit its project approval. Water Quality: A report found PFAS in surface water statewide, adding to concerns about persistent chemicals in the region’s waterways. Local Policy: Dover passed a moratorium on new data center development. Wildlife: Delaware rehabilitators are raising funds for a dedicated wildlife center. Pollution Controls: Delaware banned toxic firefighting foam used for fuel fires.

Climate Protections: Delaware has joined 20 other states and several cities in suing the federal government over its repeal of limits on power-plant emissions, arguing the rollback threatens public health and climate progress. Lewes Development: Homebuilders are threatening to sue over a proposed pause on major subdivision applications while the city updates its comprehensive plan, bringing growth and planning decisions into focus. Offshore Wind: Delaware’s Environmental Appeals Board has sent the U.S. Wind coastal review back to DNREC for further evaluation; the project’s approval is under renewed review, not overturned. Water Quality: A state report found “forever chemicals” in Delaware surface water, adding urgency to concerns about PFAS pollution across the region. Toxic Chemicals: Delaware has banned toxic firefighting foam used for fuel fires, a step toward reducing hazardous chemical risks. Data Centers: Dover has passed a moratorium on data center development as officials weigh the effects of energy-intensive projects.

Transportation: Delaware’s task force is seeking public input through mid-November as it looks for sustainable ways to fund the state’s roads and other infrastructure. Water Quality: Newark is working to stop an “illicit” discharge from its yard-waste site after liquid from a leaf pile flowed toward a tributary of White Clay Creek; DNREC told the city to address it. PFAS were also found widely in regional waterways, including the Delaware River, a drinking-water source for millions. Offshore Wind: Delaware’s Environmental Appeals Board sent the U.S. Wind coastal review back to DNREC for further evaluation, reopening scrutiny of the project’s approval. Local Impacts: Dover passed a moratorium on data-center development, while Delaware banned toxic firefighting foam used for fuel fires.

Water Pollution: Newark is working to stop an “illicit” discharge from its yard-waste site after runoff flowed toward a tributary of White Clay Creek, raising concerns about stream damage and a nearby private well. A new regional report also found PFAS in 96% of tested Pennsylvania waterways and 91% in New Jersey; the Delaware River was among the waterways tested. Offshore Wind Review: Delaware’s Environmental Appeals Board has sent DNREC back to reassess its coastal review of US Wind’s project, saying the application needs further evaluation, including its turbines’ cumulative effects. Wildlife Care: Delaware rehabilitators are fundraising for a dedicated center to treat injured animals and educate the public as habitat loss increases demand for care. Clean Energy: Gov. Matt Meyer advanced $20 million in solar projects, while Delaware also banned toxic firefighting foam used for fuel fires.

Water Pollution: Newark is working to stop an “illicit” liquid discharge from its yard-waste site after runoff flowed toward a White Clay Creek tributary, prompting a complaint to DNREC. Wildlife Care: Delaware rehabilitators are raising money for a dedicated center to treat injured animals and offer public education as habitat loss increases demand. PFAS: A new regional report found “forever chemicals” in 91% of tested New Jersey waterways and 96% in Pennsylvania, including the Delaware River; the figures do not represent a statewide Delaware survey. Coastal Projects: The Delaware River and Bay Authority is seeking approval to dredge nearly 51,000 cubic yards from the Lewes Ferry Terminal basin and channel, with public comments open through Nov. 13. Offshore Wind: Delaware’s Environmental Appeals Board sent the U.S. Wind coastal review back to DNREC for further evaluation. Pollution Controls: Delaware has banned toxic firefighting foam used for fuel fires, while Dover has passed a moratorium on data-center development.

Grid Pressure: A federal emergency order lets PJM call on power plants across Delaware and 12 other states during unusually warm weather and high demand, even if generation overrides normal environmental restrictions. Data-center growth is adding to pressure on the grid. Coastal Review: Delaware’s Environmental Appeals Board sent DNREC’s review of US Wind’s offshore project back for another look, requiring a new public notice and fuller review under the state coastal program. The ruling does not reject the project. Lewes Dredging: The Delaware River and Bay Authority proposes removing nearly 51,000 cubic yards of sediment from the ferry terminal basin and channel. DNREC is reviewing the plan; public comments are open through Nov. 13. Pollution Controls: Delaware has banned toxic firefighting foam used for fuel fires, a step to limit hazardous chemicals. Energy and Land Use: Dover has passed a moratorium on new data-center development as the region grapples with rising power demand. Bay Health: The Chesapeake Bay earned its best report-card score yet, a C+, though some areas of the watershed slipped. Delaware is among the states working on the bay’s recovery. Beach Cleanup: Volunteers removed 3,800 pounds of trash from Delaware beaches.

Offshore Wind Review: Delaware’s Environmental Appeals Board sent DNREC’s coastal review of US Wind’s project back for a second look, citing shortcomings in the process. The ruling requires new public notice and a fuller review; it does not reject the project. Data Centers and Power: Dover passed a moratorium on data center development as concerns grow about energy demand. Separately, an emergency order lets PJM, which serves Delaware, use backup generators and exceed normal pollution limits to help avert outages. Toxic Chemicals: Delaware banned toxic firefighting foam used for fuel fires. Chesapeake Bay: The watershed’s report card earned its highest score yet, a C+, though some areas lost ground. Coastal Cleanup: Volunteers removed 3,800 pounds of trash from Delaware beaches.

Coastal Wind Review: Delaware’s Environmental Appeals Board sent DNREC’s approval of the U.S. Wind offshore project back for another review, finding flaws in the process. DNREC must issue new public notice and reassess effects on coastal views, recreation, fishing and public lands. Energy and Development: Dover approved an 18-month pause on reviewing large data-center proposals while officials study their potential impacts. Separately, four community-solar projects moving through the state’s permitting accelerator are expected to add nearly 10 megawatts. Pollution Controls: Delaware has banned toxic firefighting foam used for fuel fires. Bay Health: The Chesapeake Bay watershed earned its best-ever report card, a C+, though it remains just 56% of the way to a healthy bay. Coastal Cleanup: Volunteers removed 3,800 pounds of trash from Delaware beaches.

Clean Energy: Delaware added four community-solar projects to its fast-track permitting program, bringing the six accepted housing and solar projects to $165 million in proposed investment. The solar sites could add nearly 10 megawatts, but officials have not said how many customers will benefit or how much they might save. Pollution Prevention: A state law will ban toxic firefighting foam starting in January 2028; fire departments and military bases have already switched to PFAS-free alternatives. Coastal Resilience: Work is set to begin on the next phase of the Thompson Island shoreline project in Rehoboth Bay, using thousands of oyster castles designed to reduce erosion and create habitat. Water Quality: Sussex Conservation District is offering homeowners and associations up to $10,000 toward projects such as rain gardens, tree planting and stormwater upgrades. Applications are due Nov. 6. Marine Life: Delaware’s representatives will weigh proposed cuts to menhaden fishing limits at a November meeting, as advocates press for stronger protections for the forage fish and the wildlife that depend on it.

Clean Energy and Housing: Delaware accepted six housing and solar projects into its JobsFirst permitting program, representing $165 million in proposed investment and nearly 10 megawatts of solar capacity. Entry is not project approval; local decisions and required permits still apply. Pollution Prevention: Delaware’s ban on toxic firefighting foam takes effect in January 2028, but fire departments and military bases have already switched to PFAS-free alternatives. Coastal Resilience: Work is starting on the next phase of the Thompson Island shoreline project in Rehoboth Bay, using thousands of oyster-castle blocks designed to curb erosion and create habitat. Climate-Ready Crops: University of Delaware researchers identified how plant cells relay stress signals, a finding that could help develop crops better able to withstand drought and extreme weather. Local Conservation: Sussex County homeowners and associations can seek up to $10,000 in reimbursement for projects such as rain gardens, tree planting and stormwater improvements; applications are due Nov. 6. Coastal Cleanup: More than 1,200 volunteers removed 3,800 pounds of trash from Delaware shorelines, wetlands and waterways during the state’s annual cleanup.

Coastal Resilience: Work is starting on Phase II of the Thompson Island shoreline project in Rehoboth Bay. Thousands of oyster-castle blocks will help curb erosion while creating habitat for shellfish and other species. Parks & Water Quality: Milton is seeking $45,000 in state funding to plan Memorial Park upgrades, including drainage improvements and shoreline protection. Sussex County homeowners and associations can also seek conservation help for projects that reduce runoff and improve habitat. Wildlife: A fenced nesting area at Cape Henlopen’s The Point helped an estimated 65 to 75 least tern chicks fledge this year—the first in Delaware State Parks in more than 30 years. Coastal Cleanup: More than 1,200 volunteers removed over 3,800 pounds of trash from Delaware shorelines, wetlands and waterways at DNREC’s annual cleanup. Clean Energy: Delaware’s permitting accelerator added four community solar projects, including one in Frankford, with nearly 10 megawatts of renewable capacity planned. Farm & Water: University of Delaware researchers are studying Kernza, a deep-rooted grain that may help keep fertilizer nutrients from leaching into groundwater.

Milton Parks: The town is seeking a $45,000 state grant, matched by local funds, to plan upgrades at Memorial Park, including drainage improvements, shoreline protection and an inclusive playground. Coastal Cleanup: More than 1,200 volunteers removed 3,800 pounds of trash from Delaware shorelines, wetlands and waterways, including about 21,000 individual items. Wildlife: A fenced nesting area at Cape Henlopen helped an estimated 65 to 75 least tern chicks fledge this year—the first successful fledging in Delaware State Parks in more than 30 years. Clean Energy: Four community solar projects accepted into Delaware’s permitting accelerator are expected to add nearly 10 megawatts of renewable capacity. Pollinators: A pesticide-free flower farm in Lewes is growing native Delaware plants in a meadow to support butterflies and other pollinators. Water Quality: University of Delaware-supported research is studying Kernza, a deep-rooted grain that can absorb nutrients before they leach into groundwater.

Recycling: Keep plastic bags and other soft plastics out of household recycling bins; they can jam equipment. A Delaware-based chemical engineer recommends using designated drop-off options instead. Coastal Cleanup: More than 1,200 volunteers removed 3,800 pounds of trash from Delaware shorelines, wetlands and waterways during DNREC’s annual cleanup, with cigarette butts, food wrappers and bottle caps among the most common finds. Clean Energy: Four community solar projects, including one in Frankford, are among six projects advancing through Delaware’s permitting accelerator; together, they could add nearly 10 megawatts of renewable capacity. Wildlife: A protected nesting area at Cape Henlopen’s The Point helped 65 to 75 least tern chicks fledge this year—the first successful fledging in Delaware State Parks in more than 30 years.