AGP Executive Report

Connecticut Energy Fight: CT agencies and Attorney General William Tong asked FERC to strip a 0.5% transmission “bonus” (ROE adder) from Eversource and UI/Avangrid, arguing a 2025 state law makes the incentive obsolete and ratepayers shouldn’t pay about $4.5 million a year. Extreme Heat & Preparedness: Connecticut activated an extreme hot weather protocol and Danbury/other areas opened cooling centers as heat and humidity pushed dangerous conditions. Severe Storms Watch: The National Weather Service issued severe thunderstorm watches across parts of Connecticut and the Northeast, with damaging straight-line winds the main threat. Environmental Justice Under Pressure: A new report says federal rollbacks are shrinking enforcement and environmental justice protections, even as communities still face disproportionate pollution burdens. Outdoor Access in Willimantic: A community celebration marked the Air Line State Park Trail Alliance and upgrades to Willimantic Whitewater Park, supported by DEEP funding, to improve access to outdoor recreation. Wildlife Conservation: National Cougar Day highlighted habitat loss and road deaths as key threats to cougars, including signs of their return to parts of the eastern U.S.

Extreme Heat Response in CT: Danbury opened multiple cooling centers and activated the state Hot Weather Protocol as Connecticut braces for dangerous heat and humidity. Drought Watch: Gov. Ned Lamont issued a Stage 2 drought advisory for Fairfield, New Haven, and Middlesex counties, urging voluntary water cuts as streamflows drop. Utility Rate Fight: Connecticut agencies asked FERC to remove a 0.5% transmission “bonus” charge for Eversource and UI/Avangrid, arguing a 2025 law makes it obsolete and ratepayers shouldn’t keep paying. Environmental Justice Under Pressure: A new report says federal rollbacks are shrinking enforcement and environmental justice offices, even as communities continue pushing for local protections. Community Outdoor Access: Willimantic celebrated the launch of the Air Line State Park Trail Alliance, highlighting park improvements that expand outdoor recreation along the Air Line corridor. Wildlife Conservation Spotlight: National Cougar Day highlighted how habitat loss and road deaths threaten cougars, even as some populations show signs of dispersal.

Extreme Heat Response: Danbury opened cooling centers as Connecticut activated its Hot Weather Protocol June 11–14, urging residents to hydrate and use air-conditioned spaces during dangerous temperatures. Utility Accountability: Connecticut agencies asked FERC to remove a 0.5% transmission “bonus” charge paid by Eversource and UI, arguing a 2025 law makes it obsolete and could refund ratepayers. Microplastics in Drinking Water: Connecticut AG Rob Bonta joined a multistate letter praising EPA’s move to prioritize microplastics for research and urging more monitoring. Wildlife & Biodiversity: National Cougar Day highlights how habitat loss, road deaths, and human conflict threaten cougars—even as some are dispersing back toward the East, including reports reaching Connecticut. Community Climate Action: Willimantic’s paint-by-number event supports a biodiversity mural, tying local art to habitat loss and declining wildlife. Public Health & Toxins: A new study finds childhood lead exposure is down overall, but disparities persist for children of color and low-wealth families, including Connecticut data. Local Green Space: New Britain broke ground on the Willow Street Park expansion, adding more green space and amenities plus a memorial for Jacqueline “Mimi” Torres-Garcia.

Microplastics & Drinking Water: Connecticut’s AG joined a multistate letter praising EPA’s move to add microplastics to its drinking-water research priority list, urging more monitoring. Biodiversity & Community Action: Willimantic’s Riverside Art Walk is hosting a community paint day to help finish a biodiversity mural, with organizers pointing to habitat loss and climate change driving wildlife declines. Extreme Heat Watch: Connecticut is under heat advisories and an air quality alert, with ozone expected to spike during the hottest hours—plus a chance of pop-up storms. Climate Resilience in Hartford: The North Hartford Partnership secured $300,000 to launch a climate resilience hub at the Swift Factory and fund a regional planning study for Hartford, New Haven, and Bridgeport. Public Health—Lead Exposure: A new study finds childhood lead levels fell nationally, but disparities remain, with children of color and low-wealth families still facing higher exposure. Local Green Space: New Britain’s Willow Street Park expansion is moving forward, adding new amenities and a memorial space for “Mimi” Torres-Garcia.

Extreme Heat Response: Gov. Ned Lamont activated Connecticut’s Extreme Hot Weather Protocol, with cooling centers open statewide from Thursday through Sunday as heat advisories and heat indexes near or above 100°F threaten inland areas. Water & Climate Risk: Massachusetts drought worsened, with parts of the state pushed into “critical drought” and potential outdoor water-use bans as rainfall stays below normal. PFAS & Recycling Moves: TerraCycle Commercial is expanding Northeast regulated-waste recycling by acquiring Connecticut-based NLR Inc., adding more collection capacity for hard-to-handle materials. Pollution Enforcement: Connecticut’s AG actions highlight ongoing hazardous waste and air pollution violations, underscoring continued pressure on businesses tied to environmental harm. Chemicals in Food Packaging: A bill gaining momentum would ban “toxic” chemicals in food packaging and processing materials, with Connecticut’s Rosa DeLauro among the leads. Wildlife Invasives: Officials warn about the spread of the invasive northern snakehead, urging anglers not to release caught fish and to use strict disposal steps.

Extreme Heat Response: Gov. Ned Lamont activated Connecticut’s Extreme Hot Weather Protocol from 10 a.m. Thursday, June 11 through 6 p.m. Sunday, June 14, with daily temps above 90°F and heat indexes hitting 100°F at times; the state is coordinating cooling-center info statewide via 2-1-1 and 211ct.org. Energy & Utilities Oversight: Lamont is pushing reforms aimed at curbing excess utility profits and requiring investor-owned utilities to periodically “earn” their monopoly franchise licenses, as regulators consider a double-digit rate increase. Marine Science Under Pressure: A national move is dismantling the Ocean Observatories Initiative, a network of ocean sensors used to track marine ecosystems and climate signals—critics warn it will weaken monitoring for extreme weather. Local Water & Fire Recovery: FEMA approved more than $2 million for Connecticut’s Hawthorne Fire response and recovery, including DEEP costs for firefighting operations. Public Health & Ticks: HHS Secretary RFK Jr. pointed to a surge in tick-borne alpha-gal syndrome and said tick-control efforts are ramping up.

Ocean Monitoring Under Threat: The Trump administration has begun dismantling the Ocean Observatories Initiative—900+ seafloor sensors built with $370M in NSF funding—warning scientists say it will weaken climate and extreme-weather monitoring. Wildlife & Waterways: A new docuseries spotlights marine life off Long Island, while a study finds farmed eastern oysters may be breeding with wild populations in western/central Long Island Sound, potentially boosting water-filtering ecosystems. CT Pollution Enforcement: Connecticut’s AG is suing a business owner over repeated hazardous waste and air pollution control violations. Local Conservation Win: Bristol honored a longtime parks advocate for helping create a wildflower field at Pigeon Hill Preserve. Community Safety Grants: Lamont announced another $5M for security upgrades at high-risk houses of worship and nonprofits. Ticks & Health: Coverage flags tick population spikes in Connecticut after a snowy winter and renewed concern about tick-borne illnesses. Fossil Fuel Pushback: Sierra Club and Sunrise Bikers staged a 100-mile protest against gas pipeline expansion tied to compressor and pipeline plans. PFAS/Biosolids Policy: New reporting tracks evolving state regulation of biosolids in the PFAS era and ongoing compliance pressure.

Connecticut Environmental Enforcement: The CT AG, with DEEP, sued a North Haven metal finisher and related companies for repeated hazardous waste and air pollution control violations tied to abrasive blasting and wet spray painting, with $733,500 still owed from an earlier case. Public Health & Youth Safety: Connecticut confirmed three children died after apparent overdoses involving diphenhydramine amid the “Benadryl challenge,” prompting pediatric guidance to avoid first-generation antihistamines and consider second-generation options. Climate & Clean Energy: Sierra Club and Sunrise Bikers rode 100 miles across Connecticut to protest gas pipeline expansion plans, including a proposed compressor station near a middle school and a new methane pipeline under the Connecticut River. Conservation & Land Use: More than 300 acres in Lyme were transferred tax-exempt to a nonprofit tied to Children’s Health Defense for a planned kids’ nature preserve, raising questions about stewardship and public access. Wildlife & Data for Action: A UConn-led study proposes an “urban pulse” using satellite imagery to track how cities change over time—aiming to help planners spot problems earlier. Local Litter Cleanup: Tolland reported results from its “Nickel per Nip” program, funding road cleanups and removing thousands of bottles.

Connecticut Environment & Health: Connecticut’s tick season is kicking off early, with the Lyme disease infection rate in tested adult ticks already at 38.5% as of May 19—up from the lab’s usual ~32%—after winter conditions favored tick survival. Public Health & Safety: Three Connecticut children have died after apparent diphenhydramine (Benadryl) overdoses tied to the “Benadryl challenge,” prompting pediatric guidance to avoid first-generation antihistamines and consider second-generation options like cetirizine. Local Environmental Enforcement: Attorney General William Tong sued a North Haven metal finishing business over serial hazardous waste and air pollution control violations tied to operations near the Quinnipiac River. Climate & Weather Watch: A warming, humid stretch is expected in Connecticut with heat risk rising midweek into the weekend, plus a chance of isolated showers/storms later in the week. Conservation in CT: Bridgeport’s former munitions testing site, Remington Woods, is nearing cleanup completion and could open more land for public use, a major win for urban conservation.

Climate & Weather: A warming, drier stretch is set to give way to muggier conditions and scattered showers/storms later this week, with inland highs near or above 90°F Thursday and Friday—another potential heat wave. Wildlife & Public Health: Connecticut tick testing shows Lyme-infected ticks spiking early, with adult infection rates rising to 38.5% by May 19 after a winter that favored tick survival. Energy & Accountability: An I-Team investigation questions how PURA approved United Illuminating’s electric rate increase, after records show regulator-utility texting and calls during the decision process—prompting watchdog calls for an investigation. Student STEM & Environment: CT’s robotics push is drawing students into engineering, with the state investing more than $6M since 2024; meanwhile, Newington HS students earned statewide honors in an energy conservation and environmental awareness contest. Water & Plastics: CT AG Raoul backed EPA research into microplastics in drinking water, urging more monitoring of public water systems. Local Development: Bristol’s “The Cornerstone” project moves toward construction, adding apartments and retail to a downtown site.

Microplastics in Drinking Water: Connecticut AG Kwame Raoul backed EPA research into microplastics and urged more monitoring of public water systems. CT Climate Accountability: A new report says the state has completed just over half of Gov. Lamont’s 2021 climate executive order actions, with the rest stalled or only partially done. PFAS Crackdown: A national roundup highlights new “forever chemicals” rules taking effect in 2026, including Connecticut’s PFAS reporting and disclosure moves. EV Charging Buildout: Connecticut is adding 370 new EV chargers for the state fleet, aiming to electrify daily operations. Robotics for STEM: CT is expanding student robotics programs to help address manufacturing workforce shortages. Wildlife & Public Safety: DEEP is investigating a dead black bear found in Burlington with a wound consistent with being shot, and officials also warned about sea lamprey spawning disturbance. Hazmat Incident: A North Branford “hoarding case” escalated into a hazmat situation after an explosion and fire. Cats on the Streets: Hartford faces rising numbers of unhoused cats as costs push more socialized cats into the streets.

Wildlife & Public Safety: Connecticut DEEP EnCon police are investigating the death of a black bear in Burlington after officials say it had a shoulder wound consistent with being shot, and they’re asking for tips. Outdoor Recreation: Two Connecticut state parks—Sleeping Giant (Hamden) and Scantic River (Enfield)—closed after parking lots hit capacity. Water Safety: A man died after a kayak overturned in a private pond in North Canaan; DEEP says the victim was recovered and pronounced dead. PFAS & Pollution Policy: A state-by-state crackdown on “forever chemicals” is accelerating, with Connecticut among states moving toward new PFAS disclosure and restrictions. Climate & Energy Politics: Multiple states, including Connecticut, are suing the Trump administration over a $928 million offshore wind “sham deal” tied to TotalEnergies, arguing it swaps clean energy and jobs for more oil and gas. Local Ecosystems: A Connecticut homeowner reported a rare, 6-foot black rat snake on his roof; wildlife experts note these nonvenomous snakes can help control rodents. Data Centers & Climate: A new climate roundup highlights the growing environmental footprint of data centers as AI demand surges.

Offshore wind legal fight: Connecticut and other Northeastern states sued the Trump administration over a “sham deal” that would pay TotalEnergies about $928 million to cancel offshore wind leases, arguing it swaps clean energy and union jobs for more oil and gas. PFAS crackdown: A state-by-state push to restrict “forever chemicals” is accelerating, with Connecticut among states moving toward new disclosure rules and tighter controls that could reshape what ends up in consumer products. DEEP updates: DEEP warned the public not to disturb sea lamprey spawning in the Connecticut River, and two state parks (Sleeping Giant and Scantic River) temporarily closed when parking lots hit capacity. Water safety: A man died after a kayak overturned in a North Canaan pond; DEEP police are investigating. Local environment & wildlife: A Connecticut River spawning-season reminder and a separate report highlights how invasive ticks are spreading—raising new concerns for both agriculture and public health.

Offshore Wind Fight: Connecticut and other Northeastern states sued the Trump administration over a “sham deal” that would pay TotalEnergies about $928 million to cancel offshore wind leases—arguing it threatens union jobs and clean energy. PFAS Crackdown: A state-by-state push to restrict “forever chemicals” is accelerating, with Connecticut among states moving toward new disclosure and limits as scrutiny grows after investigations into major consumer brands. DEEP Leadership Change: Connecticut’s DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes will step down, with Deputy Commissioner Emma Cimino named interim head—an important transition for pollution control and climate work. Data Centers & Power Demand: Vermont’s governor vetoed a data-center bill, and Connecticut coverage highlights how these facilities can drive higher bills and “dirtier air and water,” fueling local and state policy fights. Wildlife & Water Alerts: DEEP and partners warned the public not to disturb sea lamprey spawning in the Connecticut River, and state parks closed when lots hit capacity. Public Safety: A man died after a kayak overturned in North Canaan pond, underscoring summer water risks.

State Parks Closures: Sleeping Giant State Park (Hamden) and Scantic River State Park (Enfield) shut down Saturday after parking lots hit capacity, a reminder to plan ahead for Connecticut’s summer outdoors. Wildlife Protection: Vermont Fish and Wildlife is urging people not to disturb sea lamprey spawning in the Connecticut River and tributaries, noting the fish die after spawning and their carcasses support the river’s nutrient cycle. Clean Water Funding: Connecticut Treasurer Erick Russell announced a successful $163.1 million green bond sale for the State Revolving Fund, generating $9.6 million in debt-service savings to support wastewater and drinking-water projects. DEEP Leadership Change: Gov. Ned Lamont says DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes will step down in July; Deputy Commissioner Emma Cimino will serve as acting commissioner. Climate Progress Check: A new report finds Connecticut has completed just over half of the climate actions in Lamont’s 2021 executive order, with several still stalled or showing no progress. Offshore Wind Legal Fight: Connecticut and other AGs sued the Trump administration over a “sham deal” tied to a $928 million offshore wind payout, arguing it swaps clean energy for oil and gas investment.

Offshore Wind Legal Fight: Connecticut and six other states sued the Trump administration over a “sham deal” that would pay TotalEnergies about $928 million to cancel New York offshore wind leases, arguing the agreement breaks federal law and diverts clean-energy investment toward oil and gas. CT Climate Progress Check: A new report says Connecticut has completed just over half of the climate actions in Gov. Ned Lamont’s 2021 executive order, with the rest stalled or only partially done. DEEP Leadership Change: DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes will step down in July; Deputy Commissioner Emma Cimino will serve as interim head. Clean Water Funding: Connecticut Treasurer Erick Russell announced a successful $163.1 million green bond sale for the State Revolving Fund, generating $9.6 million in savings to support drinking water and wastewater projects. Microplastics Push: AG William Tong sent EPA a comment letter urging stronger monitoring as EPA moves to prioritize microplastics for drinking-water research. Wildlife Reminder: Vermont Fish and Wildlife urged people not to disturb spawning sea lamprey in the Connecticut River basin. Local Animal Care: Mansfield is seeking a new animal control shelter after its current facility fails state inspection, with a deadline tied to 2029 compliance.