AGP Executive Report

Climate policy in court: A federal judge struck down New York’s $75 billion “Climate Superfund” law, saying it conflicts with federal authority over greenhouse gas regulation—an outcome New York leaders say they may appeal, while Vermont’s similar approach is now in the spotlight. PFAS fallout in Vermont: Residents in Bennington and Shaftsbury filed a federal class action over PFOA contamination in private wells, naming Saint-Gobain, 3M, and DuPont and seeking cleanup, medical monitoring, and possible municipal water hookups. Groundwater rules: Vermont’s DEC is reminding large groundwater users about annual reporting and when permits may be required, underscoring groundwater as a public-trust resource. Wildlife conservation: Loons on Lake Iroquois in Hinesburg are part of a statewide comeback tied to nesting-raft protection and lead-sinker bans. Hunting management: Vermont is adding 16 archery days in targeted areas to reduce deer damage and collisions, with antlerless-only rules starting Sept. 15. Water quality outreach: A free septic-systems prevention event at Lake Paran will include hands-on learning and remote-controlled “race toilets,” part of Sept. 14–18 septic awareness efforts. Local environment & community: A Source to Sea cleanup is set for Sept. 18–19 along the Connecticut River, with groups choosing sites and dates. Data centers scrutiny: States including Vermont are weighing moratoriums or added oversight as data centers expand, raising concerns about power, water use, and local impacts.

Legal Fight Over Climate Costs: A federal judge in New York struck down the state’s $75 billion “Climate Superfund” law, saying it’s preempted by federal authority under the Clean Air Act—an outcome that could stall similar efforts in other states, including Vermont. Vermont Water Stewardship: Vermont DEC reminded large groundwater users that annual reporting and possible permitting kick in at high withdrawal levels, underscoring groundwater as a “public trust” resource. Wildlife & Public Safety: An otter attack in Lake Tahoe left a swimmer with serious injuries and required stitches and rabies vaccination, renewing attention on human-wildlife encounters. River Cleanup Momentum: The Source to Sea cleanup is marking 30 years of volunteer work along the Connecticut River, with the Sept. 18–19 events drawing thousands. Deer Management Update: Vermont’s new deer hunting regulation adds 16 archery days starting Sept. 15 in targeted areas to reduce deer damage and collisions. Local Litter Reduction: Franklin County volunteers surpassed 300,000 cigarette butts cleaned up over 11 years, including 30,589 butts this summer. Food & Soil Talk: Cabot’s Cheese and Culture Festival (Sept. 26) spotlights cheesemakers, fermentation, and workshops on soil health, compost, and microbes.

Amazon Ad-Auction Lawsuit: California joined a sweeping FTC-backed case alleging Amazon secretly inflated advertising prices with undisclosed surcharges, raising costs for small businesses and consumers. Climate Accountability in Court: A federal judge blocked New York’s $75 billion “Climate Change Superfund Act,” saying the state can’t impose emissions-compensation schemes under federal Clean Air Act authority. Vermont Wildlife Science: U.S. Forest Service and partners in Vermont are testing Dutch elm disease–resistant American elms by injecting 6,000 young trees with spores, with survivors headed to a breeding and seed-orchard effort for future restoration. Public Health & Mosquitoes: New York reported additional West Nile virus human cases across boroughs, with officials urging repellents and removal of standing water. Community Support in Addison County: The Peer Recovery Center of Addison County held a grand opening for its permanent home in Middlebury, expanding free, confidential, peer-led recovery services. Local Environmental Scrutiny: Residents in Ohio challenged a sewer project’s revised route over plans that could cut down mature pin oaks while they wait on EPA review. Vermont Health Research: UVM is recruiting volunteers 65+ for a Phase 3 trial of an investigational vaccine aimed at preventing C. diff infections. Food Safety: FDA recalls included Outshine fruit bars for possible glass contamination and Marketside tomato bisque kits for possible listeria.

Elm Rescue Effort: U.S. Forest Service and Nature Conservancy Vermont are testing Dutch elm disease resistance by injecting 6,000 young American elms with the pathogen; survivors will feed a breeding program aimed at restoring genetically diverse, disease-tolerant trees in forests, riverbanks and backyards. Public Health & Climate: New York City reports five human West Nile cases across four boroughs, with officials urging repellents and removal of standing water as longer mosquito seasons linked to warming raise risk. Toxic Pollution Watch: North Country Union High School in Newport is still dealing with PCB contamination, adding classroom air purifiers after 2024 findings and looking to the state for help as officials weigh major fixes. Vermont Community & Recovery: Addison County’s Peer Recovery Center is holding a Sept. 2 open house and ribbon cutting for its new permanent home in Middlebury, offering free, confidential, peer-led recovery support. Local Weather Outlook: A new winter forecast map tied to strengthening El Niño suggests mostly milder conditions for much of the U.S., with colder, heavier-snow pockets from central New England into the Appalachians and Ohio Valley.

Vermont Food & Farming: The state’s Vermont First Innovation Grant is backing Sodexo’s push to buy more from local producers, with $10,000–$15,000 awards for farmers and food hubs to scale into UVM Dining and other Vermont First accounts; applications are due Oct. 30. Public Safety: Four Vermont volunteer fire departments will receive $10,000 each through State Farm’s Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program to upgrade safety gear and response tools. Climate & Wildlife Science: UVM researchers report in Nature that bat genes tied to pathogen response may help explain bats’ long lifespans and unusual cancer resistance. Water Quality Work: In Ludlow’s Lake Rescue area, the Black River Action Team helped install infiltration steps to slow and filter stormwater runoff before it reaches the lake. Energy & Infrastructure: Maine regulators revived a major northern Maine wind-and-transmission plan, drawing political fire as neighboring states—including Vermont—share costs. Tech & Environment Politics: A national debate over data centers is turning into a midterm litmus test, with voters increasingly split over moratoriums and environmental impacts. Local Nature Moments: Burlington Parks and Recreation is protecting snapping turtle nests at North Beach with netting as eggs are expected to hatch soon.

Climate & Health Research: UVM researchers report in Nature that bats’ pathogen-driven gene changes may help explain their long lifespans and unusual resistance to cancer. Vermont Leadership: Melissa Hoffer, Massachusetts’ first climate chief, is set to become president of Vermont Law and Graduate School on Dec. 1, 2026. Clean Energy & Grid: Green Mountain Power invites customers to a Sept. 1 open house in Putney, with a virtual option Sept. 2, as it continues reliability and carbon-free power work. Water Quality in Action: In Ludlow’s Lake Rescue area, the Black River Action Team helped install infiltration steps to slow and filter stormwater runoff before it reaches the lake. Wildlife Protection: Burlington Parks and Recreation is using netting to protect snapping turtle nests at North Beach until eggs hatch. Local Food Systems: Farm to Plate updates highlight Vermont’s produce prescription programs reaching 1,100 Vermonters and buying $153,081 from local growers. Rural Economy Pressure: Vermont farmers say federal agriculture services are bogged down by staffing and paperwork delays, leaving some families turning to private loans. Urban Trees: Montpelier is shifting toward a “Stockholm planting” approach after finding many downtown trees are declining or threatened by emerald ash borer.

Wildlife & Public Safety: Burlington Parks and Recreation is protecting snapping turtle nests at North Beach with bright orange netting; eggs are expected to hatch in the coming weeks, and visitors are urged to keep dogs leashed and view from a distance. Clean Water in Action: In Ludlow’s Lake Rescue, the Black River Action Team helped homeowners install infiltration steps—plus gutters and rock-lined areas—to slow and filter stormwater runoff before it reaches the lake. Climate Leadership Shift: Massachusetts climate chief Melissa Hoffer is leaving the Healey administration to become president of Vermont Law and Graduate School, starting Dec. 1, 2026. Urban Trees & Resilience: Montpelier is seeing widespread tree decline and is moving toward a “Stockholm planting” approach to help street trees survive pests and stressors like emerald ash borer. Research & Health: UVM researchers report in Nature that bat genes tied to immune responses may explain their longevity and cancer resistance. Energy & Grid: Northern New England snow research gets major NSF funding, while Maine regulators move ahead on an 800-MW onshore wind project and new transmission to connect power into the regional grid.

Climate Leadership Shakeup: Massachusetts climate chief Melissa Hoffer is leaving the Healey administration to become president of Vermont Law and Graduate School, starting Dec. 1—an important handoff for the state’s climate policy talent pipeline. Urban Forestry & Heat Resilience: Montpelier says about 80% of downtown trees are in decline, with emerald ash borer driving high-risk losses; the city is moving toward the “Stockholm planting method” to help trees survive heat, pollution, and pests. Wildlife Habitat Expansion: Vermont is working to reunite Snake Mountain land and timber rights, planning to buy back timber rights for 950 acres and add 256 acres to better connect habitats and protect wetlands and bats. Research on Snow & Water: UVM leads a $3.3M NSF-funded regional effort to study snowpack impacts on flooding and the winter recreation economy, with partners across northern New England. Food System Updates: Vermont’s Farm to Plate program highlights growing produce access efforts, including a 2025 data report showing five produce prescription programs reaching 1,100 Vermonters and buying $153,081 from local growers. Public Health & Environment: A new Nature study from UVM and Penn State links bat DNA changes to pathogen adaptation, longevity, and cancer resistance—offering clues for how immune systems evolve. Weather & Community: Vermont’s fall foliage forecasts point to early, patchy color starting the week of Sept. 8, with broader coverage mid-September. Disaster Memory: Vermont marks 15 years since Tropical Storm Irene, recalling 11 inches of rain, major road and bridge damage, and $700M in statewide losses.

Climate & Policy Shake-Up: Massachusetts climate chief Melissa Hoffer is leaving the Healey administration to become president of Vermont Law and Graduate School, starting Dec. 1, a major leadership change for the state’s climate work. Urban Forestry: Montpelier says about 80% of downtown trees are in decline, with emerald ash borer driving high-risk losses, and the city is shifting to the “Stockholm planting” approach to help trees survive heat, pollution, and pests. Wildlife & Land Conservation: Vermont is moving to reunite Snake Mountain wildlife area land by buying back timber rights for 950 acres and adding 256 acres, aiming to strengthen habitat connectivity for wetlands and threatened bat species. Pollution & Waste Rules: Vermont regulators are drafting the first rules for depackaging equipment as more organics recovery expands, with early feedback showing tension between composters and anaerobic digesters over feedstock cleanliness. Research & Health: UVM researchers report in Nature that bat immune-system gene changes help explain bats’ long lifespans and cancer resistance, while Dartmouth Health and Geisel secure millions to study rural health-care access for older adults. Trade & Vermont Economy: U.S. Sen. Peter Welch and Rep. Brad Schneider introduce the BAD DEAL Act to repeal a tariff authority used in the Canada trade war, warning Vermont businesses face real costs.

Climate & Health Research: UVM researchers report in Nature that bats’ immune-system gene changes help explain their long lifespans and unusual cancer resistance. State Climate Leadership: Massachusetts climate chief Melissa Hoffer is set to leave the Healey administration to become president of Vermont Law and Graduate School on Dec. 1. Waste & Pollution Policy: Vermont is among the first states drafting rules for depackaging equipment to boost organics recovery while limiting contamination, with regulators weighing competing needs from composters and digesters. Wildlife Management: Vermont Fish & Wildlife held a public hearing on proposed bear-hunting regulation changes, including a single longer season and new tag requirements, as residents voiced conflicting views. Extreme Weather Anniversary: Vermont marked 15 years since Tropical Storm Irene, with stories and on-the-ground reporting still pointing to lasting scars on rivers and slopes. Food System & Local Resilience: Farm to Plate updates highlight local produce prescription programs reaching over 1,100 Vermonters and supporting $153,081 in purchases from growers. Community & Forests: Hinesburg Town Forest was named Vermont’s 2026 Tree Farm of the Year, with a Sept. 12 celebration featuring forestry, birding, biking, and family activities. Energy & Reliability: Green Mountain Power announced a Sept. 1 open house in Westminster and a Facebook Live option for customers. Space Weather: Northern lights may be visible in Vermont tonight as a G2 geomagnetic storm moves in.

PFAS Fight in the Champlain Valley: A new class action targets PFOA contamination in Bennington and Shaftsbury, saying Vermont DEC confirmed about 125 additional wells test positive for the “forever chemical,” with the suit seeking relief for households beyond earlier settlements. Climate Accountability: Maine climate groups are urging lawmakers to reject federal “Stop Climate Shakedowns” bills that would shield big oil and gas from climate-damage lawsuits and undercut state climate superfund efforts. Northern Lights Watch: NOAA forecasts possible G2 geomagnetic storms, raising the odds of aurora visibility across parts of the northern U.S. Severe Weather Alert: The Northeast faces a tornado-capable storm setup, with Vermont included in the highest-risk area for damaging winds, hail, and possible tornadoes. Local Climate Leadership Change: Melissa Hoffer, tapped as Massachusetts’s first state climate chief, is set to step down to become president of Vermont Law and Graduate School on Dec. 1. Wildlife Science: UVM researchers report in Nature that bat genes tied to pathogen response may help explain bats’ long lifespans and cancer resistance.

PFAS Legal Fight: A new class action suit targets PFOA contamination in Bennington and Shaftsbury, where DEC has confirmed PFAS in about 125 additional wells tied to the former Chemfab site—raising fresh pressure for cleanup and accountability. Severe Weather Watch: The Northeast braces for rounds of storms that could bring flash flooding, damaging winds, hail, and a low chance of tornadoes, with Vermont included in the risk area. Flood-Damaged Housing Decision: Montpelier’s DRB approved demolition of a flood-damaged historic building on Elm Street to make way for at least six housing units, as the city wrestles with similar losses. Climate & Energy Research: UVM and partners won $5.9M from the NSF to expand real-time snowpack monitoring across northern New England, linking winter weather to the outdoor economy. Community Climate Grants: Killington Resort awarded a $3,000 grant to the Mount Holly Conservation Trust to support habitat protection and outdoor recreation. Water Quality Tools: UVM Extension’s “Test & Protect” project is adding soil sampling kits to Lake Champlain Basin libraries to help residents reduce runoff and make smarter lawn and garden choices. Sky News: Vermont will see a partial lunar eclipse “Blood Moon” tonight, though clouds could affect visibility.

Lake Champlain Protection: UVM Extension’s “Test & Protect” project is making soil sampling easier for Vermonters, with soil kits now borrowable from 10 basin libraries (including Burlington, Charlotte, Colchester, Jericho, Middlebury, Poultney, St. Albans, South Burlington, South Hero and Westfield) to help guide lawn and garden fertilizer choices that protect water quality. Wildlife & Disease Rules: Vermont Fish and Wildlife reminds hunters that moose, deer and elk from CWD areas must be processed before entering the state, with specific limits on what can be brought in to reduce the risk of prions persisting in the environment. Water Quality Upgrade: Rutland is building a 600,000-gallon tank to cut combined sewage overflows into Otter Creek, aiming to reduce pollution during heavy storms by storing excess flow and pumping it back when capacity returns. PFAS Lawsuit: A federal class-action was filed over PFOA contamination tied to former Chemfab facilities in Bennington and Shaftsbury, alleging groundwater and well impacts. Health & Climate: A new Vermont youth survey reports improving mental health and lower vaping, alcohol and marijuana use, while the Northeast is also bracing for above-average temperatures into early September. Air Quality & PFAS Monitoring: ANR held a public meeting on a draft SAFF permit tied to PFAS removal at a Newport-area landfill system, with residents raising concerns about how air monitoring would work.

PFAS Legal Fight: A federal class-action was filed in Vermont over PFOA contamination affecting wells in Shaftsbury and Bennington, naming major chemical makers and alleging long-running groundwater and soil pollution. Air Quality & Waste Oversight: Vermont’s ANR held a public meeting on a draft permit for a PFAS-removal system at a Newport landfill, as the operator seeks changes tied to how the system will be monitored and run. Climate-Smart Farming Investment: Hannaford is putting $500,000 into Wolfe’s Neck Center’s Northeast Farmers Fund to help growers in Maine, New Hampshire, New York and Vermont shift toward regenerative practices and build resilience. Clean Energy Buildout in Maine: Maine regulators picked a wind developer for an 800-megawatt project and a transmission partner to connect it to the regional grid, aiming to cut costs and spur jobs. Snow Research Push: UVM and partners won NSF funding to expand snow monitoring across northern New England, linking winter weather to water forecasting and the outdoor recreation economy. Heat & Storm Watch: Forecasters flagged a Thursday window for late-day showers and possible strong-to-severe storms across Vermont and the North Country.

Wildlife & Safety: Vermont’s bear population is surging, with the state on track for a record number of human-bear conflict calls—one recent Jamaica home incident even raised fire risk after a bear left a stove on. Land-Use & Permitting: Rutland City is making an initial pitch for Tier 1A status, seeking local control over environmental permitting under Act 250. School Policy: Vermont’s statewide cell phone ban for students kicks in for the new school year, aiming to cut distractions. Renewable Energy & Grid Buildout: Maine regulators selected Central Maine Power/Avangrid for a major northern transmission line and Clearway Energy for an 800-megawatt wind project, moving a long-stalled clean energy plan forward. Waste & Composting: Bennington County is adding a new education and outreach coordinator focused on waste reduction, recycling, and composting. Water & Public Health: Brattleboro lifted a precautionary boil-water notice after water main breaks, though some residents may see temporary discoloration. Outdoor Recreation Rules: Vermont is proposing tighter primitive camping rules—more distance from water, stricter campfire limits, and new trespassing notices for repeat violations.

Primitive Camping Overhaul: Vermont is proposing tighter rules for backcountry camping, including 200-foot setbacks from water, stricter campfire limits, and new authority for police and game wardens to issue trespassing notices to repeat rule-breakers—aimed at protecting water quality, wildlife, and reducing wildfire risk. Snake Mountain Expansion: Vermont plans to expand the Snake Mountain Wildlife Management Area by securing timber rights for about 949 acres and adding 256 acres, bringing more forest management under state control and strengthening habitat connections. Water Safety in Brattleboro: Brattleboro lifted a precautionary boil-water notice after water main breaks; samples met drinking standards, though some residents may still see temporary discoloration. Downtown Homelessness Push: Burlington city council approved a resolution asking Gov. Phil Scott for more help on homelessness and drug use downtown, ranging from added police support to staffing an inpatient care facility. Housing Vacancy Snapshot: A new analysis finds Vermont has one of the highest vacancy rates in the U.S., with many empty homes seasonal—helping explain why housing can still feel scarce. Personal Care “Safe” Claims Questioned: A peer-reviewed review says popular certification seals often don’t require lab testing of finished products, raising concerns that paperwork-based checks can miss what ends up in bottles.