AGP Executive Report

Extreme Heat Safety: The National Weather Service issued an extreme heat warning for Vermont and the Champlain Valley, with heat index peaks forecast through Friday; officials urged employers and families to shift strenuous work to cooler hours, use shade and fans, and drink water often. Power Grid Strain: ISO New England warned of tight operating conditions during the evening peak, and Burlington Electric Department issued a “Defeat the Peak” alert asking residents to cut electricity use from 5–8 p.m. Invasive Species Response: New York DEC and the Canal Corporation updated their Rapid Response Plan to slow round goby spread into the Lake Champlain Basin, including continued “Clean, Drain, Dry” guidance for boaters and improved use of eDNA monitoring. Wildlife Monitoring: Vermont Fish & Wildlife is asking the public to report wild turkey broods during July and August to track long-term population productivity. Brownfields Funding: Vermont towns are set to receive millions for cleanup and revitalization of polluted properties, including major support for St. Johnsbury’s True Temper Factory site. Weather Disruption: Storms knocked down trees and powerlines across Vermont and nearby areas, with severe thunderstorm warnings in effect. Public Safety Incident: Vermont State Police resumed search and recovery at Arrowhead Mountain Lake in Georgia after two people went into the water and did not resurface. Ticks and Disease: Vermont health and agriculture officials warned tick activity is surging, with rising tick-bite illness rates and Lyme disease concerns. Egg Price-Fixing Settlement: The DOJ and states reached settlements with major egg producers over alleged price-fixing, including payments and donated eggs.

Extreme Heat & Power Demand: Vermont and the region are bracing for dangerous heat and humidity, with heat alerts running through the weekend and Burlington Electric urging residents to “beat the peak” by cutting electricity use Thursday evening. Public Safety in Hot Weather: AAA Northern New England is reminding drivers that car interiors can become deadly fast for children and pets, and that cracking windows won’t help much. Work Outdoors Under Strain: Local reporting shows outdoor workers in Vermont adjusting schedules, taking more breaks, and using extra cooling to handle the heat. Storm Risk: A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect for parts of Vermont and New York, with heavy downpours and damaging winds possible. Clean Water Planning: The Vermont DEC is seeking public comment on a draft five-year tactical basin plan for the Batten Kill, Walloomsac, and Hoosic River basin, with 30 proposed actions to protect rivers, lakes, and wetlands. Wildlife Monitoring: Volunteers in Addison helped Vermont Fish and Wildlife band Canada geese at Dead Creek Wildlife Management Area.

Extreme Heat Alert: The National Weather Service issued an extreme heat warning for parts of Vermont through July 3, with heat indices around 100–105 in the Champlain Valley and nearby areas, plus guidance to stay in air-conditioning, avoid the sun, hydrate, and check on neighbors and pets. Clean Water Planning: Vermont DEC is taking public comment through July 31 on a draft Tactical Basin Plan for the Batten Kill, Walloomsac, and Hoosic River basin, laying out 30 actions to protect water quality, restore habitat, and reduce flooding and erosion risks. Forest Health: A new University of Vermont study finds natural causes are now driving more tree deaths than logging across the Northeast, with insects, disease, and extreme weather increasingly responsible. Wildlife & Land Use: Vermont Fish & Wildlife is facing fresh criticism over bear “management” plans, while Vermont also continues to weigh how to protect habitat amid development pressures. Composting Push: A student letter urges Vermonters to compost to cut food-waste methane from landfills and better protect local natural spaces. Egg Price-Fixing Settlement: The DOJ and states reached settlements with major egg producers over alleged collusion to inflate an egg price index, with Cal-Maine set to pay $1.5M and donate 30M eggs.

Extreme Heat Watch/Warning: Vermont and nearby states are bracing for dangerous midweek heat and humidity, with heat index values possibly near 105–112 degrees, plus daily storm chances through Friday—officials are urging hydration, limits on outdoor time, and use of cooling centers. Cooling Access: Burlington is opening libraries, COTS Daystation, and other public cooling spots, while the Upper Valley and Lebanon-area towns are also setting up heat shelters. Wildlife & Safety: Vermont Fish & Wildlife is seeing more bear-human conflicts in populated areas like Chittenden County, with officials pointing to bird feeders and garbage as drivers; the state Supreme Court also sided with Fish & Wildlife in a coyote hunting and trapping rules case. Local Environment & Water: “Tales from the Watershed” at St. Albans Bay Park highlighted Lake Champlain protection work, including stormwater and pollution-reduction efforts. Chemicals in Focus: EPA plans a roundtable on paraquat’s safety concerns, and Vermont’s paraquat ban is already in effect with exceptions through 2030. Air Pollution Permitting: Vermont’s AG coalition joined others opposing an EPA rollback that would weaken New Source Review permitting and public input. Food Prices & Donations: DOJ and 17 states reached an egg price-fixing settlement—$3.3M and 53 million eggs donated across 17 states including Vermont.

Lake Champlain Community Stewardship: “Tales from the Watershed” in St. Albans Bay Park brought residents together to share stories and raise funds for groups working to clean up and protect Lake Champlain, including Friends of Northern Lake Champlain and Franklin County Stormwater VT. Extreme Heat & Storm Readiness: Vermont and nearby areas are bracing for an extreme heat watch into the Fourth of July weekend, with heat index values pushing above 105 and only limited overnight relief, plus daily, uneven thunderstorm chances and a small tornado risk in northern New York and parts of Vermont. Public Health & Safety in the Heat: Upper Valley towns are opening cooling centers, and Vermont is reminding people to use heat safety tips and check on neighbors. Wildlife Protection: Vermont Fish & Wildlife prohibits importing, selling, or possessing pond slider turtles (including red-eared sliders) due to invasive impacts on native turtles, while allowing existing pets adopted before July 1, 2025. Boating Safety Crackdown: Game Wardens and State Police are urging life jacket use and sober boating during Operation Dry Water over July 3–5. Climate-Linked Agriculture: A Vermont Public report says climate change is pushing more farmers to irrigate as rainfall patterns grow more extreme. Citizen Science for Climate Clues: Vermont Center for Ecostudies’ Mountain Birdwatch tracks high-elevation spruce-fir bird declines as warming reshapes forest ecosystems.

Cyanobacteria Watch: Vermont health and environmental officials are urging beachgoers to learn what blue-green algae blooms look like and to avoid contact—especially when water looks like pea soup or spilled paint, or when bright green pinhead-like specks float. PFAS Legal Fight: New England Waste Services of Vermont (NEWSVT) is appealing a Vermont Environmental Court decision that would require an Act 250 permit for a PFAS removal system at the Casella landfill in Coventry, arguing the commissioner lacks authority. Wildlife Coexistence: A Vermont wildlife management commentary warns that bear “management” that relies on killing more bears won’t stop future conflicts, calling for community-wide trash and birdfeeder changes. Local Recreation Funding: Montgomery received nearly $50,000 for town forest improvements, including a bridge, parking lot work, and trail and signage upgrades. Burlington Transportation Milestone: The final segment of the Champlain Parkway opened to the public Monday, completing a long-delayed car-and-bike connection through the South End. Northern Lights Alert: A minor geomagnetic storm could make auroras visible in Vermont and other northern states overnight, though sightings depend on storm strength. Housing Grant in Mendon: Mendon’s new housing grant program saw its first application rejected and the second approved with invoice review requirements. Healthcare Workforce: Central Vermont Home Health & Hospice is accepting applications for its first paid LNA training program starting August 2026.

PFAS Fight in Vermont Courts: New England Waste Services of Vermont (NEWSVT) is appealing a Vermont Environmental Court ruling that would require an Act 250 permit for a permanent PFAS removal system at the Casella landfill in Coventry, arguing the District #7 commissioner lacks authority and challenging whether a local group had standing. Toxic Water Warning: Vermont health and environmental officials urged residents to watch for cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) blooms this summer, saying blooms can cause rashes and stomach illness; they recommend avoiding contact and rinsing if exposure happens. Paraquat Ban Takes Hold: Vermont became the first state to ban paraquat, a weed killer linked by advocates to Parkinson’s disease, while some farmers warn about economic impacts and the EPA continues reviewing the science. Heat and Public Safety: New England is bracing for a dangerous heat wave, with an Extreme Heat Watch issued for much of the region including Vermont. Wildlife Management Debate: A Vermont wildlife protection commentary criticizes Fish & Wildlife Department bear “management,” arguing the agency lacks reliable carrying-capacity data and is extending seasons despite concerns. Local Recycling Update: A new PaintCare recycling program is rolling out to help residents and businesses drop off leftover paint for stewardship recycling.

Public Safety: Vermont State Police reported a fatal hit-and-run in West Rutland on June 26, when a pedestrian, Devin Pierro, was struck on Main Street by a passing vehicle that failed to stop; the operator and vehicle remain unidentified. Local Environment & Health: Vermont Fish and Wildlife is asking residents to help track wild turkey productivity through an online turkey brood survey running July 1 through August, reporting where and when turkeys are seen. Water Quality & Land Use: Hinesburg’s Planning Commission urged the Champlain Valley School District to reconsider a proposed artificial turf field at CVU, arguing the project raises serious groundwater and drinking-water concerns under the town’s 2026 plan. Agriculture & Pollution Prevention: Vermont’s Agency of Agriculture announced grant funding (about $1 million available) to help dairy processors modernize equipment, with applications due in two stages. Weather & Outdoor Risk: New England saw storm threats with severe thunderstorm warnings and watches expiring, while residents are still advised to stay alert for pop-up storms. Wildlife & Public Health (Cross-Border): Quebec health officials warn a fast-growing raccoon rabies outbreak is spreading into urban areas near the Vermont border.

Groundwater & Turf Fight: Hinesburg’s Planning Commission urged the Champlain Valley Union High School board to rethink a proposed artificial turf field, arguing it could threaten local drinking water and groundwater under the town’s 2026 plan. Public Health & Wildlife: Vermont Fish and Wildlife kicked off its wild turkey brood survey for July and August, asking residents to report sightings to track long-term population productivity. Weather Watch: New England faced rounds of showers and possible strong-to-severe thunderstorms, with Vermont included in alerts before conditions eased. Local Food System: The Bennington Community Market announced a shift after closing due to unsustainable losses, with leaders pointing to a need for a more durable model for local food access. Rabies Risk Across Borders: Quebec’s fast-growing raccoon rabies outbreak has spread into Montérégie and nearby Eastern Townships, prompting residents to stay alert near neighborhoods and cities. Drinking Water Funding: EPA announced $25 million to improve drinking water in small and rural communities. Healthcare Workforce: Central Vermont Home Health & Hospice is accepting applications for its first paid Licensed Nursing Assistant training, starting August 2026.

Wildlife & Public Health: Vermont Fish and Wildlife is asking residents to report wild turkey broods via an online survey starting July 1, helping track long-term productivity and how spring weather affects poults and adult survival. Invasive Disease Alert: Quebec health officials say a fast-growing raccoon rabies outbreak has spread into most of Montérégie and parts of the Eastern Townships, urging people to treat rabies as a near-neighborhood risk. Ticks & Lyme Season: Vermont’s tick monitoring program is ramping up, using drag cloths to collect ticks and inform disease risk for Lyme and other tick-borne illnesses. Weather: A severe thunderstorm watch covered parts of Vermont and New Hampshire, with hail, damaging winds, lightning, and brief tornadoes possible. Chemicals & Water Quality: Vermont’s paraquat ban takes effect Nov. 1, with farm exceptions through 2030, as pesticide concerns continue to drive policy and public debate. Local Environment & Community: Chester Townscape volunteers are planting and maintaining public flower displays across town, including a Brookside Cemetery wall garden.

Healthcare Workforce: Central Vermont Home Health & Hospice is launching its first paid Licensed Nursing Assistant training in August 2026, covering certification fees and aiming to place graduates into full-time roles. Local Economy Transition: Rutland’s downtown and regional growth plans include Walmart’s move to the former Diamond Run Mall site and Killington’s Village expansion, alongside new leadership at the chamber and economic development org. Road & Bridge Impacts: VTrans and local crews are scheduling paving and bridge work across I-89 and I-91 plus town projects, with major delays expected around Montpelier-Waterbury and other one-lane closures. Dairy Resilience: A Franklin County dairy facility is set to reopen this fall after shutdowns, a “ray of hope” for a battered sector. Public Health & Wildlife: Vermont’s tick monitoring program is ramping up as Lyme disease risk remains high; meanwhile, advocates are criticizing Fish & Wildlife bear-management decisions. Weather Watch: Thunderstorm threats linger in parts of Vermont with lightning, hail, and damaging wind possible. Drinking Water Funding: EPA announced over $25 million for small and rural communities to improve drinking water and address PFAS and lead. Plastics Policy: Alaska’s governor vetoed a single-use polystyrene ban, drawing criticism from environmental groups.

Severe Weather: A First Alert and severe thunderstorm watch covered parts of Vermont and New Hampshire, with storms capable of damaging wind, hail, lightning, and brief tornadoes; forecasters say the worst threat fades after about 10 p.m. Public Health & Climate: Vermont tick monitoring highlights Lyme risk as the state’s agriculture team collects tens of thousands of ticks to track disease spread. Chemicals & Water: Vermont’s paraquat ban takes effect Nov. 1, with farm exceptions through 2030, as pesticide concerns keep driving state and national chemical regulation. Wildlife Governance: A growing dispute over Vermont Fish and Wildlife’s bear management approach centers on whether the agency has reliable data and whether killing more bears will reduce conflicts. Local Food Systems: The Bennington Community Market is rebooting after reported unsustainable losses, with board members pointing to where earlier grant-backed models went off track. Drinking Water Funding: The EPA announced $25M+ in grants aimed at improving small and rural drinking water systems and addressing PFAS and lead. Community Care: Central Vermont Home Health & Hospice is launching its first paid LNA training program in Barre, feeding the home-care workforce pipeline.

PFAS & drinking-water scrutiny in Vermont: In Bennington and Shaftsbury, state agencies updated residents on ongoing PFOA contamination work, including blood testing, well sampling, and waterline extensions tied to Saint-Gobain. Local water protection debate: A new 91-page report says Hinesburg’s proposed CVU artificial turf field is unlikely to cause detectable PFAS in Hinesburg Well 4, though microplastics from wear-and-tear may be released. Lake Champlain monitoring: A volunteer in Shelburne Bay is helping track cyanobacteria/blue-green algae, warning that toxins can harm people and pets. Public safety, environment-adjacent: Vermont State Police reported a continuing Brandon assault investigation involving two stabbed adult relatives, and a fatal Lowell side-by-side crash where the operator was charged with DUI with death resulting. Climate policy and accountability: A China judicial forum focused on how courts can support a green, low-carbon transition, while California AG Bonta and allies warned ICE against stopping death investigations and reporting. Community health & jobs: Central Vermont Home Health & Hospice is accepting applications for its first paid LNA training program starting August 2026.

Paraquat Ban: Vermont became the first U.S. state to ban paraquat, a weed killer tied by lawmakers to Parkinson’s disease, while farmers warn about profit pressure and the EPA continues reviewing the safety link. PFAS & Drinking Water: In Bennington and Shaftsbury, state agencies updated residents on additional PFOA contamination, including blood testing, well sampling, and next steps tied to Saint-Gobain. Lake Champlain Monitoring: A volunteer with a biology background is helping track blue-green algae on Lake Champlain, highlighting how nutrient pollution can create toxin risks for people and pets. PFAS Risk Study for Turf: A report on Hinesburg’s proposed CVU artificial turf field says there’s little likelihood it would contaminate a nearby drinking-water well with PFAS. Brownfield Cleanup: St. Johnsbury is getting $3.8 million in EPA funds to clean up the True Temper Factory site, clearing the way for housing and redevelopment. Wakesports Rules: Vermont updated wakesports rules, including where they can happen and hot-water decontamination requirements for ballasted vessels between water bodies. Electric Aviation: Vermont-based BETA Technologies is partnering with Mokulele Airlines to test an electric cargo plane in Hawaii, aiming for zero tailpipe emissions. Offshore Wind Fight: California plans to sue the U.S. Interior over offshore wind lease “buybacks,” arguing the deals violate federal law and harm clean-energy goals. Heat & Storms: Forecasts point to Friday storms and warmer, humid conditions, with scattered thunderstorm chances into the weekend.

Paraquat Ban: Vermont became the first U.S. state to ban paraquat, a weed killer linked by lawmakers to Parkinson’s disease, with advocates calling it a major shift even as some farmers warn about profit pressure and the EPA is still reviewing safety. Public Health & Outdoors: With tick season underway, health experts urge Vermonters to take prevention seriously after CDC reports tick-related ER visits at their highest level in at least a decade, and local guidance emphasizes awareness over panic. Clean Water Planning: The Vermont DEC is seeking public comment on a draft Tactical Basin Plan for the Batten Kill, Walloomsac, and Hoosic River Basin, laying out 30 restoration and protection actions and holding a hybrid meeting in mid-July. Local Community & Pride: Vermont Wild is set to celebrate Pride on Saturday, June 27, with music, food, and community-focused events at Applejack Stadium. Sports Development: The Vermont Soccer Association and Propel Pro launched a new Vermont Development Program to expand structured training opportunities statewide, from no-cost team options to advanced coaching.

Clean Water Planning: Vermont DEC is taking public comment on a draft Tactical Basin Plan for the Batten Kill, Walloomsac, and Hoosic River Basin (Basin 1), laying out 30 actions to protect and restore rivers, lakes, and wetlands across 16 southwestern communities, with a hybrid meeting set for July 16 in Rupert. Chemical Regulation Trend: Two new Vermont laws targeting potentially harmful substances in food underscore a broader push by states to regulate chemicals for consumer health. Severe Weather & Preparedness: After last week’s tornadoes, Vermont is seeing another round of storm concern, and emergency officials say more than 70,000 Vermonters have signed up for VT-Alerts to close information gaps during floods and severe weather. Wildlife & Habitat: ECHO released spiny softshell turtles into Lake Champlain at North Hero State Park, part of a long-running effort to help a threatened species rebound. Local Food & Farming: A Franklin County dairy facility is set to reopen this fall as Franklin County Cheese, offering a rare bright spot after multiple dairy shutdowns. Community Composting: Vermont Fish & Wildlife is urging residents to compost in bear-safe ways to avoid attracting bears to homes.