AGP Executive Report

Data Center Concerns: Cromwell residents are pushing for a one-year pause on data centers, worried about a proposed 1.2-million-square-foot facility near homes, schools and parks. Solar on Closed Landfills: Connecticut has at least 29 solar arrays built or approved atop capped landfills, with four more projects under DEEP review. Wildlife Policy: Gov. Ned Lamont and challenger Ryan Fazio both back regulated bear hunting as encounters rise; state officials estimate Connecticut has 1,000 to 1,200 bears. Waste Facility Fight: Plainfield residents overwhelmingly rejected a proposed trash-to-energy plant, but say the state review process has kept the project alive and left questions about groundwater, air and neighborhood impacts. Fire and Water: Recent rain has lowered Connecticut’s wildfire risk to historically low levels, while officials consider lifting water bans as drought conditions ease in the Connecticut River Valley.

Plainfield Waste Proposal: A resident says the town’s 1,148–125 vote against a proposed trash-to-energy plant has not ended the fight, citing concerns about air, groundwater and nearby families. Data Center Pushback: Cromwell residents are seeking a one-year pause on data center development as a company promotes a 1.2-million-square-foot project beside homes, a school and parks. Wildlife Policy: Connecticut’s governor and his challenger agree on allowing regulated bear hunting, as encounters rise and the state’s bear population is estimated at 1,000 to 1,200. Solar on Landfills: At least 29 solar arrays are built or approved on capped Connecticut landfills, with DEEP reviewing four more applications. Wildfire Risk: Recent rain has kept wildfire danger historically low across most of the state, though officials warn that falling leaves and drier weather can raise risk. Conservation and Research: The Last Green Valley has established its headquarters at Eastern’s 110-acre Church Farm, where students study forests, meadows, ponds and salamanders.

Data Center Pushback: Cromwell residents are urging a one-year pause on data center development over a proposed 1.2-million-square-foot facility near homes, schools and parks. Utility Costs: Eversource is appealing PURA’s rejection of hundreds of millions in storm-cost recovery, including more than $7 million in vendor costs deemed imprudent. Gov. Ned Lamont and DEEP say ratepayers shouldn’t foot the bill. Clean Energy: Connecticut joined 20 states challenging the EPA’s repeal of power-plant emissions limits. Meanwhile, solar projects are spreading across closed landfills: at least 29 sites have arrays built or approved, with four more applications under review. Waterways: With drought conditions easing in the Connecticut River Valley, towns are weighing whether to lift water-use bans. A new Coventry LakeSmart program also aims to curb polluted runoff after harmful algae blooms.**

Data Center Debate: Cromwell residents are pushing for a one-year moratorium on a proposed 1.2-million-square-foot data center near homes, schools and parks, though no formal zoning application has been filed. Power Plant Pollution: Connecticut joined 20 states and local governments in suing the EPA over its repeal of limits on greenhouse gas emissions from coal- and gas-fired power plants. Wildlife Protection: A new commentary highlights the importance of small Connecticut wildlife sanctuaries, while a UConn student and Coventry’s LakeSmart group are working to reduce polluted runoff into Coventry Lake. Clean Energy: Solar panels are spreading across capped Connecticut landfills; at least 29 sites have projects built or approved, with more permits under review. Invasive Species: Spotted lanternflies are now found in all eight Connecticut counties, threatening plants, including young vines and trees. Seasonal Conditions: Recent rain has kept wildfire risk unusually low, and towns in the Connecticut River Valley are considering lifting water bans as drought conditions ease.

Climate Rules: Connecticut joined 20 states and several cities in suing the EPA over its repeal of limits on power-plant emissions, warning the rollback will worsen climate pollution. Wildlife: A new call to give Connecticut’s small sanctuaries greater conservation attention highlights four refuges that protect habitat amid development. Clean Energy: State leaders are pushing back against federal efforts to block new energy projects, while the Trump administration seeks another review of Revolution Wind. DEEP also raised CHEAPR incentives for eligible electric vehicles, effective Oct. 15. Water: Towns in the Connecticut River Valley are considering lifting water-use bans after the drought declaration ended. Bear Management: Gov. Ned Lamont and Republican challenger Ryan Fazio both support a regulated bear hunt as the state’s estimated 1,000 to 1,200 bears increasingly encounter people; opponents say nonlethal measures can help. Land Conservation: The Last Green Valley is moving its headquarters to Church Farm in Ashford, where Eastern Connecticut State University students and faculty will continue using the property for learning and research.

Clean Energy: Connecticut officials pushed back against the Trump administration’s latest attempt to block new energy development, as the administration also asked a court to let it reconsider Revolution Wind’s approval. Electric Vehicles: DEEP increased incentives for the CHEAPR program, with new levels taking effect Oct. 15. Water: With the drought declaration ending in the Connecticut River Valley, municipalities are weighing whether to lift water bans. Wildlife: Gov. Ned Lamont and Republican challenger Ryan Fazio both back a regulated bear hunt, renewing debate over how to manage the state’s growing bear population. Conservation: The Last Green Valley is moving its headquarters to Ashford’s historic Church Farm, which will remain an educational resource for Eastern Connecticut State University students and faculty. Pollution: A new regional report found PFAS in 83% of more than 1,600 tested U.S. water locations, underscoring concerns about contamination in lakes and streams.

Wildlife: Gov. Ned Lamont and Republican challenger Ryan Fazio both support a regulated black bear hunt, as Connecticut’s bear population grows and encounters with people rise. Opponents say nonlethal approaches can reduce conflicts. Offshore Wind: Connecticut officials are weighing a response after the Trump administration asked a federal court to reconsider Revolution Wind’s approval. The 65-turbine project is already sending power to New England. Clean Transportation: DEEP raised the standard CHEAPR rebate for new battery-electric vehicles from $1,000 to $1,500, effective Oct. 15, to help residents afford cleaner cars. Water Quality: A new report found PFAS at 83% of more than 1,600 tested U.S. waterways and sites, underscoring the widespread reach of the chemicals.

Offshore Wind: Connecticut leaders are weighing a response after the Trump administration’s latest move to block Revolution Wind, a completed project that state officials say is already supplying clean power. Cleaner Cars: DEEP raised the standard CHEAPR rebate for new battery-electric vehicles from $1,000 to $1,500, effective Oct. 15. Young Innovator: Farmington’s Raji Doshi won the 2026 3M Young Scientist Challenge with a system using algae and aragonite to reduce ocean acidification. Water Quality: A new national report found PFAS at 83% of more than 1,600 tested locations; it does not provide Connecticut-specific figures. Watershed Protection: A free Oct. 15 webinar will highlight strategies for restoring river and streamside habitats, including projects in Woodbury and Southbury.

Waterways: A free Oct. 15 webinar will feature the Pomperaug River Watershed Coalition’s work restoring and protecting riverbanks, with practical strategies for residents and community leaders. Offshore Wind: The Trump administration is again asking a court to review approval of Revolution Wind, a nearly completed project contracted to supply power to Connecticut and Rhode Island. Development and Wetlands: Kent’s proposed 80-unit mixed-income development is moving through site-plan review on a 12.5-acre meadow; the Inland Wetlands Commission is also considering the project. Water Quality: Human waste was found in a Stonington cove, raising concerns about local pollution. Forests: Connecticut’s latest oak mast survey reports the strongest white oak acorn crop since 2007.

Drought Recovery: With the Connecticut River Valley no longer classified as in drought, municipalities are considering lifting outdoor water-use restrictions, though groundwater remains low in some areas. Wildlife: Beardsley Zoo welcomed Pabu, its first red panda cub, a boost for efforts to protect the endangered species. Pollution: A Wallingford EV battery fire sent two people to hospital and brought in DEEP and hazmat crews over chemical concerns. Coastal Health: Testing found human waste in a Stonington cove, renewing concerns about water quality. Energy and Development: Connecticut’s solar ambitions face skepticism from a major utility, while Colchester residents have packed a town hall to oppose a proposed data center. Transportation: Amtrak is gathering public input on a New Haven-to-Providence rail study that will assess environmental impacts and resilience to extreme weather. Forests: Connecticut’s latest oak mast survey found the strongest white oak acorn crop since 2007.

Climate Research: Greenwich teenager Justin Bernstein is exploring whether engineered bacteria that produce reflective silica could slow Arctic glacier melt by helping ice reflect sunlight. His climate-modeling project earned him a $50,000 Davidson Fellowship scholarship; the approach remains research, not a deployed solution. Coastal Pollution: Testing found human waste in a Stonington cove, raising local concerns about water quality. Wildlife: Connecticut’s latest oak mast survey found the state’s highest white oak acorn production since 2007, a potential boon for wildlife that relies on acorns. Beardsley Zoo also welcomed its first red panda cub, Pabu, through a breeding program for the endangered species. Energy and Development: Connecticut’s solar ambitions are facing skepticism from a major utility, while Colchester residents turned out to oppose a proposed data center.**

Data Center Concerns: A proposed data center in Beacon Falls has drawn opposition from residents worried about impacts on the Naugatuck River and returning bald eagles. Water Pollution: Testing found human waste in a Stonington cove, raising fresh concerns about local water quality. Climate Policy: Hamden’s Legislative Council approved a climate superfund resolution, while Connecticut’s solar ambitions face skepticism from a major utility. Wildlife: Connecticut’s oak mast survey reports the state’s highest white oak acorn production since 2007, a potentially important food source for wildlife.

Data Center Concerns: A proposed data center in Beacon Falls is drawing opposition from residents worried about its impact on the Naugatuck River and returning bald eagles. The river recovered from severe pollution after a major restoration effort in the 1990s. Coastal Pollution: Testing found human waste in a Stonington cove, raising fresh concerns about water quality along the Connecticut shoreline. Energy Debate: Connecticut’s solar plans face skepticism from a major utility, while Eversource’s role in state energy decisions is drawing criticism amid renewed support for gas pipeline expansion. Wildlife: A Granby man will not face prosecution for killing a bear that threatened his livestock, renewing debate over how communities manage encounters with bears. Climate Policy: Hamden’s Legislative Council approved a resolution supporting a climate change superfund, adding local pressure for companies to help cover climate-related costs.

Data Center Dispute: A proposed data center in Beacon Falls has sparked opposition from residents worried about the Naugatuck River and wildlife, including bald eagles. The river rebounded after major restoration work in the 1990s. Water and Development: Mansfield’s Planning and Zoning Commission rejected an apartment proposal in an 8-1 vote, citing concerns about its impact on the neighborhood’s water supply. Wildlife: Prosecutors dropped charges against a Granby man who fatally shot a bear after it attacked livestock. Connecticut law requires nonlethal measures and approval from DEEP before a bear can be killed to protect farm animals.

Energy Politics: Eversource employees donated nearly $10,000 to Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey before she urged faster federal review of a gas pipeline expansion approved for Eversource to buy fuel from. Healey says her support predates the donations. Coastal Water: Testing found human waste in a Stonington cove, prompting concern about local water quality. Wildlife: Prosecutors dropped charges against a Granby man who killed a bear after repeated livestock attacks; the case has renewed calls to change Connecticut’s bear laws. Clean Energy: Connecticut’s solar ambitions face skepticism from a major utility, while Colchester residents turned out to oppose a proposed data center. Conservation: The Last Green Valley moved its headquarters to Church Farm in Ashford, partnering with Eastern Connecticut State University while keeping the property available for teaching and research.

Water Quality: Testing found human waste in a Stonington cove, raising concerns about contamination in local waters. Forests and Wildlife: Connecticut’s oak mast survey recorded its highest white oak acorn production since 2007. In Granby, prosecutors dropped charges against a man who killed a bear after repeated livestock losses, renewing debate over the state’s rules for protecting animals and property. Conservation: The Last Green Valley has moved its headquarters to historic Church Farm in Ashford, where the partnership will also support university teaching and research. Energy and Development: Connecticut’s solar ambitions are facing skepticism from a major utility, while Colchester residents packed a town hall to oppose a proposed data center.