AGP Executive Report

Community Solar Boost: Aligned Climate Capital closed $33M in construction financing for two Delaware community solar projects (Rifle Range Solar in Bridgeville and Delaware Avenue Solar in Harrington), targeting about 18.2M kWh a year and requiring at least 15% low-income subscribers. Clean Energy Legal Win: Delaware AG Nick Brown and allies notched a final court victory against a federal freeze on wind permitting, keeping wind development on track. Air Safety Concern: DNREC says about 68 pounds of anhydrous ammonia leaked from Perdue’s Milford facility after a failed seal; nine employees were treated, while nearby residents raised safety worries after a prior release. Water Quality Push: Delaware-related advocacy highlights growing pressure for microplastics monitoring in drinking water, with AG Jeff Jackson urging EPA to require tracking—not just research. Habitat Protection: Delaware’s Senate unanimously passed the Wetlands Stewardship Act to protect nontidal wetlands, with a new DNREC program and streamlined permitting headed to the House. Trees for Delaware: TEDI surpassed 500,000 trees planted and opened spring 2027 funding applications for groups seeking $10,000–$30,000 grants. Wildlife & Land: Delaware’s DNREC added exclosures to protect nesting least terns, while Delaware’s fishing tournament spotlighted Deer Creek Lake ahead of a free fishing weekend. Animal Welfare: A Smyrna man was arrested after authorities say 19 dogs were found in inhumane conditions, including feces-covered living areas and lack of basic care.

Ammonia Safety in Milford: DNREC says about 68 pounds of anhydrous ammonia leaked from Perdue Farms in Milford early Saturday after a failed seal on an air exchanger, sending nine employees to a hospital for evaluation; Perdue says repairs were immediate and there was no ongoing risk to the public, but residents are alarmed because it follows another ammonia release earlier this week. Drinking Water Microplastics: Delaware AG Jeff Jackson backed EPA research on microplastics but urged the agency to require monitoring in public water systems, warning the contaminants could pose health risks and that concentrations may rise. Wetlands Protection: Delaware’s Senate unanimously passed the Nontidal Wetlands Stewardship Act, which would create a DNREC program to protect about 75,000 acres of unprotected nontidal wetlands, with House action still pending. Animal Cruelty Case: In Smyrna, a man was arrested after 19 dogs were found in inhumane conditions in dilapidated trailers and a shed on swampy, muddy ground; charges include 19 misdemeanor animal cruelty counts and violations tied to prior bail terms. Heat & Mosquito Control: Delaware mosquito spraying is planned for Monday evening in parts of Sussex and Kent, and the state continues to respond to extreme heat with cooling efforts.

Wetlands Protection: Delaware’s Senate unanimously passed the Wetlands Stewardship Act to protect nontidal wetlands, creating a new DNREC permitting and protection program (12 staff funded in FY2027). The bill now heads to the House. Water & Climate Watch: Wilmington got a rare boost from a late-night storm, with 2.17 inches at the airport, though Delaware still needs about 21 inches of rain this summer to break drought conditions. PFAS in the Delaware River: A new report finds PFAS rising across the Delaware River basin faster than the water can dilute it, with fish testing positive too. Air Pollution Risk in Milford: DNREC reported 68 pounds of anhydrous ammonia released at Perdue in Milford after a failed seal; several people were treated, and the incident is under investigation. Wildlife & Coasts: Delaware Bay horseshoe crabs keep showing up stranded after high tides, and people are stepping in to help. Animal Welfare: A Smyrna man was arrested after 19 dogs were found in inhumane conditions, including dogs living in filth on swampy, muddy ground.

Toxic Air Alert in Milford: DNREC says 68 pounds of anhydrous ammonia leaked from Perdue’s facility after a failed seal, sending nine people to the hospital and prompting air monitoring and repairs while the incident is investigated. Water Quality Alarm: A new study finds PFAS “forever chemicals” throughout the Delaware River, with fish testing positive and contamination rising faster than the river can dilute it. Severe Weather Watch: The Storm Prediction Center flags a growing hail threat across Delaware and parts of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic. Wildlife Moment: A man in Cape May, near the Delaware Bay, rescued dozens of horseshoe crabs stranded on their backs after high tides flipped them. Coastal Habitat Protection: DNREC added exclosures to protect nesting least terns. Drought Watch: Delaware is under drought conditions, with groundwater and streamflows at record lows for this time of year. Wetlands & Housing: State agencies told a Lewes 55+ development to avoid encroaching on wetlands and rejected one planned access road. Community Outdoors: DNREC hosted a statewide fishing tournament at Blockhouse Pond in Lewes.

Severe Weather Watch: The Storm Prediction Center says the biggest hail threat today is over Delaware and parts of the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast, with damaging hail possible from severe thunderstorms. PFAS in Delaware River: A new study finds PFAS “forever chemicals” across the Delaware River, with fish testing positive and contamination rising faster than the river can dilute it—pointing to ongoing releases from possible industrial or wastewater sources. Drought Update: Delaware is under a drought watch as precipitation stays below normal and groundwater conditions tighten; officials say the state needs major rainfall to recharge supplies. Local Land & Water: State agencies told a planned 55+ housing project near Lewes to avoid encroaching on wetlands and rejected one planned access road, highlighting infrastructure and environmental constraints. Wildlife & Habitat: DNREC is adding nesting protections for least terns and has work underway near Millsboro to improve navigation and restore tidal wetlands in the Indian River area. Community Outdoors: DNREC and the Delaware Natural Resources Police held a statewide fishing tournament at Blockhouse Pond in Lewes, drawing families and anglers of all ages.

PFAS Watch: A new study finds PFAS “forever chemicals” throughout the Delaware River, with fish testing positive and levels rising faster than the water can dilute them—pointing to ongoing releases from possible industrial and wastewater sources. Drought Signals: Delaware is under a statewide drought watch as precipitation stays below normal and groundwater conditions tighten; officials say the state needs major rainfall soon to avoid a rapid drop-off. Local Land-Use: State agencies told a proposed 55-plus housing project west of Lewes to avoid encroaching on wetlands and to rethink one planned access road, with concerns about rural infrastructure and forest loss. Heat & Safety: Delaware’s Restaurant Association hosted responsible alcohol service training for Dewey Beach staff, focusing on preventing overservice and keeping guests safe. Community Outdoors: DNREC and the Delaware Natural Resources Police sponsored a statewide fishing tournament at Blockhouse Pond in Lewes, drawing families and anglers across age groups. Gardening Support: UD Cooperative Extension expanded resources for Cape gardeners, including Master Gardener-style help for people adapting to Delaware soils. Water Quality Reminder: Separate reporting highlights how beach monitoring programs use regular testing to guide public swimming decisions when bacteria or toxins spike.

Drought Watch: Delaware is in drought conditions, with Gov. Matt Meyer’s statewide drought watch tied to below-normal precipitation and record-low streamflows; the state’s drought plan calls for 21 inches of rain over three months to recharge supplies, and farmers warn yields and costs are at risk. Water & Land Use: DNREC and DelDOT weighed in on a proposed 55+ community near Lewes, telling the developer to avoid encroaching on about 4 acres of wetlands and rejecting one planned access road, while planners flagged infrastructure concerns for rural growth. Heat & Public Safety: Delaware Restaurant Association staff training in Dewey Beach focused on responsible alcohol service—spotting intoxication, preventing overservice, and keeping guests and workers safe. Gardening & Community Resources: UD Cooperative Extension highlighted its Master Gardener network and new resources for Cape gardeners, showing how local expertise helps residents adapt to Delaware soils. Wildlife & Recreation: DNREC and the Delaware Natural Resources Police hosted a statewide fishing tournament at Blockhouse Pond, with kids and families competing across age groups. Health Tips: A tick-prevention guide urges Delaware yard cleanups and landscaping changes to reduce tick habitat and protect people and pets. Road Safety: Delaware State Police reported a serious truck crash near the Experimental Station after brake failure, with DNREC hazardous materials and DelDOT road closures during recovery.

Heat & Water Watch: Delaware’s state climatologist warns the state may be heading toward flash drought conditions as precipitation stays below average for months, stressing groundwater; UD and the Delaware Geological Survey are rolling out a water tracker tool to monitor groundwater, rainfall, and evapotranspiration. DNREC & Safety Response: A commercial truck crash near the Experimental Station left one man critically hurt after the truck lost its brakes and smashed into a parapet; DNREC’s hazardous materials team and DelDOT shut down roads for recovery. Road Safety Focus: DelDOT Secretary Shanté Hastings says safety drives project decisions, pointing to past deadly crashes and speed-reduction efforts between Bethany Beach and Dewey Beach, plus speed cameras in major work zones. Wildlife & Public Health: A multistate push urges EPA to expand monitoring of microplastics in drinking water, backing research and more data for future protections. Community & Climate Justice: A Philadelphia hunger strike tied to climate justice demands ended after City Council approved a budget plan, with activists calling for more funding for food, housing, schools, and renewable energy. Local Leadership: Delaware Alliance for Nonprofit Advancement promoted Melissa Hopkins to CEO, as the group enters its fifth decade.

Drought Watch: Delaware’s state climatologist warns the state could tip into a flash drought as precipitation has run below average for months, with groundwater already feeling the strain; researchers at UD and the Delaware Geological Survey are rolling out a water tracker to monitor groundwater, rainfall, and evapotranspiration. Water Quality & Health: California AG Rob Bonta joined a multistate push urging the EPA to keep expanding monitoring of microplastics in drinking water after the agency added them to a priority research list. Public Health Disparities: A new study finds childhood lead exposure is down overall, but kids of color and low-wealth children still face higher blood lead levels, including Delaware data. Local Environment & Wildlife: DNREC is using a new deer tracking approach as farmers along the Delaware-Maryland line report worsening crop damage, with drought making planting harder. Extreme Weather & Agriculture: New Jersey received a federal disaster designation after an April freeze wiped out early-blooming crops, clearing the way for low-interest emergency loans. Cleanup & Safety: Delaware responded to a hazardous materials incident after a commercial truck crash near the Experimental Station left one man critically injured.

Microplastics Watch: California AG Rob Bonta joined a coalition of 14 attorneys general urging the EPA to keep pushing microplastics into drinking-water research and to expand monitoring. Local Environment & Waterways: DNREC is continuing dredging near Millsboro on the Indian River, pairing navigation improvements with tidal wetland restoration through March 2027 via beneficial reuse of dredged material. Wildlife Invasions: Officials are warning anglers about the invasive northern snakehead (“Frankenfish”), urging people to kill it if caught to slow spread in the Mid-Atlantic and beyond, including Delaware. Heat Relief: Delaware DHSS opened cooling centers statewide for residents needing relief from dangerously hot weather. Public Health Equity: A new study finds childhood lead exposure has dropped overall, but disparities remain—especially for children of color and low-wealth families—using Delaware among the states with detailed data. Broadband & Sustainability Debate: Delaware’s BEAD plan aims to expand internet access, but critics question long-term sustainability and affordability for rural areas.

DNREC & Indian River Restoration: DNREC is dredging near Millsboro to improve navigation and restore tidal wetlands, using beneficial reuse of dredged material; the work runs through March 2027 with summer-time restrictions waived. Chemical Release in Milford: DNREC reported an anhydrous ammonia release at Perdue Farms in Milford on June 9; Perdue says about 6 pounds of ammonia vapor was contained, the source was isolated, and no injuries were reported—DNREC is investigating. Heat Relief Across Delaware: With temperatures above 90 for days, DHSS opened state cooling stations statewide through June 12, offering air-conditioned space and hydration. Cooling & Water Stewardship Theme: Together, the Indian River dredging and the cooling-center push show Delaware balancing habitat and public health needs during a hot, water-stressed season. Local Governance & Community: Laurel residents and leaders continue anti–gun violence work, unveiling new beautification projects and memorial portraits tied to the town’s ongoing safety efforts.

Chemical Safety: DNREC reported about 6 pounds of anhydrous ammonia vapor released at Perdue Farms in Milford on June 9, with employees evacuated and air monitoring done; the source was isolated and no injuries were reported, and the incident remains under investigation. Heat Relief: With Delaware in a heatwave, DHSS activated cooling stations across the state (Claymont, Wilmington, New Castle, Newark, Smyrna, Dover, Georgetown, Laurel and Seaford) open 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. through June 12 to help residents cool down and stay hydrated. Wildlife Protection: DNREC added nesting exclosures at Cape Henlopen to protect least terns, aiming to reduce predation and improve survival for the state-endangered beach-nesting birds. Indigenous Affairs: A peace walk at Legislative Hall backed House Bill 365 to create a Delaware Commission on Indigenous Affairs, with supporters saying it would elevate Indigenous voices, including on environmental stewardship. Coastal Life: A viral look at horseshoe crab spawning highlights the dramatic East Coast breeding run and why the species matters to Delaware Bay ecosystems. Brownfields: DNREC announced the Delaware Brownfield Conference Aug. 20 in Wilmington, focused on turning contaminated or underused sites into new housing and jobs.

Wildlife Protection in Delaware: DNREC is adding nesting exclosures at Cape Henlopen to protect declining least terns, using protected plots to reduce predation and severe-weather impacts while also accounting for piping plover needs. Environmental Incident in Sussex County: DNREC reported an unknown amount of anhydrous ammonia released at Perdue Farms in Milford on June 9; workers were evacuated, air monitoring cleared the site, and the cause is under investigation. Coastal Development Watch: A public notice is out for the Shoppes of Camelot in Rehoboth Beach, where DNREC is seeking comment on a cleanup plan tied to past fuel storage and ongoing groundwater monitoring. Port Expansion Scrutiny: Community groups are pressing for more transparency and answers on the Port of Wilmington–Edgemoor expansion, including job and environmental impact questions as Phase One is expected to finish in 2028. Conservation Community: Sussex County Land Trust will mark 25 years of conservation at its annual meeting June 26 at the Delaware Botanic Gardens in Dagsboro, highlighting major preserved land and a new strategic plan. Legislation Update: A Delaware bill (HB 388) would let medically disqualified drivers keep their physical licenses for identification purposes via an affidavit, now moving to the Senate Environment, Energy & Transportation Committee.

Hazardous Release in Milford: DNREC says an unknown amount of anhydrous ammonia was released June 9 at Perdue Farms in Milford after a possible refrigeration valve failure; workers were evacuated, air monitoring cleared the site, and no injuries were reported. Coastal Waterway Development: Mariner’s Cove in Long Neck is seeking DNREC approval to nearly double wet slips and add more personal watercraft platforms and slips, tied to its ongoing bulkhead replacement work—raising the stakes for Rehoboth Bay impacts. Cleanup Planning for Rehoboth Area: DNREC is taking public comment on a proposed remediation plan for the Shoppes of Camelot brownfield site, including long-term groundwater monitoring and stewardship. Invasive Species Watch: A national roundup highlights “Frankenfish” northern snakeheads, recently spotted in Delaware, warning they can disrupt East Coast ecosystems. Mosquito Control Update: Delaware’s Mosquito Control Section plans evening spraying in parts of Sussex and nearby areas, using EPA-registered products. Indigenous Affairs Legislation: A peace walk at Legislative Hall backed a bill to create a Delaware Commission on Indigenous Affairs, citing Indigenous guidance on stewardship of waterways and the environment. Local Innovation: Delaware startup Sindri Materials won a top Reinventing Delaware prize for work toward producing high-purity graphene.

Delaware Energy & Grid Policy: Delaware lawmakers are weighing bills that would force data centers to shoulder more of the power burden—one would make them the first cut in a blackout unless they include their own generation, and another would require developers to supply all power used within 10 years, with some renewable. Sussex Forest Rules: Builders and environmentalists pushed Sussex County to tighten proposed forest-preservation rules for subdivisions, especially how “forest” is defined and which areas count for protection. Drought & Development Pressure: A Delaware op-ed argues that even as the state faces drought watch conditions, new housing approvals in Sussex keep reducing permeable land that helps recharge aquifers. Microplastics Monitoring: Delaware-area policy attention continues on microplastics in drinking water, with calls for stronger monitoring of public water systems. Horseshoe Crab & Wildlife: Delaware’s youth fishing tournament spotlighted local fish and anglers, while broader regional coverage keeps attention on protecting horseshoe crabs and other wildlife. Local Land Use Watch: Sussex County Council’s agenda includes rental program changes, subdivision design updates, and a solar arrays presentation, alongside a rezoning hearing near Milton.

Delaware Data Center Power Rules: A newly amended bill would make data centers the first to be cut off from power during blackouts unless they include their own energy generation, while also pushing service agreements to cover energy and grid upgrade costs. Lawmakers say Delaware could face major new demand from proposed data centers that may double the state’s electricity use. Homeless Protections: Delaware House Bill 454 would limit when local governments can remove people experiencing homelessness from public spaces and restrict certain police actions, framing homelessness as a housing issue rather than a crime. AI in Delaware Courts: A Delaware contract dispute used a CEO’s ChatGPT queries to help establish motive and pretext, underscoring how AI use can matter in real time in court. Air & Water Alerts: Delaware is under a drought watch and an ozone code orange alert, as officials warn conditions could worsen. Mosquito Control: Delaware’s mosquito program plans evening spraying in parts of Milford and near Lincoln, Greenwood, Frederica, Felton, and Camden. Local Conservation Win: DNREC highlighted the 40th Delaware Youth Fishing Tournament, with Newark’s Gabriel Alfaro taking the overall title with 10.1 pounds at Lums Pond. Wildlife & Invasives: Invasive species awareness efforts continue across the region, with Delaware-area conservation groups urging residents to help stop spread.