AGP Executive Report

Vermont tick research and student training: Vermont State University students are working on a CRISPR-based approach to detect tick-borne pathogens, building on ecologists’ research into the state’s Lyme risk. Endangered species rollback: A U.S. Fish and Wildlife directive would let people kill endangered animals during logging and development if the activity’s purpose isn’t killing species, drawing sharp criticism from wildlife advocates. Food waste prevention: Gov. Phil Scott proclaimed Sept. 28–Oct. 4 as Food Waste Prevention Week, with Vermont DEC pushing a Scrap Food Waste Challenge to cut trash and greenhouse gases. Act 250 housing exemption: A Bennington redevelopment of former Energizer buildings—157 homes plus commercial space—may avoid Act 250 review under a priority housing exemption. Organics recycling expansion: Vanguard Renewables is set to acquire Generate Upcycle’s North American digesters, adding major renewable natural gas capacity. Winter daylight saving fight: Ski industry groups, including Vermont’s, urged senators to reject a “lock the clock” plan, warning of safety and operational impacts for ski areas. Lake and soil conservation spotlight: A northern Vermont dairy conservation program is protecting soil, water, and wildlife through NRCS-supported practices. Circular economy push: The Tool Library’s “Circular October” promotes repair, reuse, and waste reduction through community workshops and events. Climate policy court setback: A judge struck down New York’s $75 billion climate liability law, saying it overreaches federal authority.

Climate Policy in Court: A federal judge struck down New York’s $75 billion “Climate Change Superfund Act,” saying the state law overreaches into federal territory and conflicts with the Clean Air Act—setting up an uncertain next step for climate liability efforts. Power-Plant Pollution Backlash: The EPA’s repeal of Biden-era greenhouse gas rules for power plants is drawing renewed warnings that cutting oversight will worsen public health risks from major sources of CO2. Vermont Food Systems: Vermont Agency of Agriculture is taking applications for Farm to School and Early Childhood Grants—$10,000 to $30,000 for 18-month projects, with $200,000 total available and an Oct. 21 deadline. Lake Champlain Wildlife: Sea lamprey control is set to begin Sept. 21 in parts of New York tributaries and delta areas, with temporary water-use advisories during treatments. Local Nature & Community: Londonderry’s Conservation Commission will host a beaver expert talk on Sept. 24, aiming to build “beaver harmony” while addressing conflicts. Weather Watch: Heavy rain and flash-flood risk are flagged for parts of the region, with conditions monitored into Saturday.

Climate Policy Fight: Environmental and public health groups sued the Trump EPA over a plan to roll back limits on greenhouse gas pollution from fossil-fuel power plants, warning it will worsen health impacts and extreme weather. Vermont Agriculture: Apple season is underway with a strong statewide start, but some southern Vermont farms still report smaller yields after a cold spring, turning to diversification beyond apples. Clean Energy Costs: A new analysis argues “clean electricity” mandates can drive higher bills because standard cost comparisons ignore backup power, transmission needs, and reliability—raising questions for states pushing carbon-free targets. Public Health: New Hampshire reports a less active mosquito season so far, with lower detections of major viruses, but officials still urge precautions. Lake Champlain: Sea lamprey control is set to begin Sept. 21 in New York tributaries and delta areas, with temporary water-use advisories during treatments. Local Community: The Vermont Council on World Affairs hosts its 2026 State of the World Summit Sept. 23, linking global geopolitics and technology to everyday life in Vermont. Wildlife & Habitat: Londonderry Conservation Commission will host a beaver expert talk Sept. 24 on managing conflicts and building “beaver harmony.”

Lake Champlain Sea Lamprey Control: Vermont, New York, and federal partners will apply lampricide to parts of six tributaries and three delta areas starting Sept. 21, with temporary water-use advisories lasting about two to eight days. Local Wildlife Coexistence: Londonderry Conservation Commission is hosting a beaver expert talk with Patti Smith on Sept. 24, focused on resolving conflicts and building “beaver harmony.” Climate Rule Fight: Environmental and public health groups sued the Trump EPA over a plan to roll back limits on greenhouse gas pollution from fossil-fuel power plants, arguing it will worsen health impacts and extreme weather. Vermont Apples Update: Apple picking is underway with a strong statewide start, though some southern farms still report smaller yields after a cold spring. Community & Environment Planning: Vermont’s Community Leadership Summit (Oct. 6) will share a revised action guide covering housing, climate resilience, and other local priorities. Weather Watch: Southern New England is set for cooler, rainier fall-like conditions this weekend, with storm timing and totals expected to be manageable but disruptive.

Climate & health: Environmental and public health groups sued the Trump EPA over a plan to roll back limits on greenhouse-gas pollution from fossil-fuel power plants, arguing it will worsen climate impacts and drive up health costs. AI policy: Trump announced an “AI Force” and says he’ll appoint an AI “czar,” promising oversight without new regulations. Vermont community capacity: Vermont’s Community Leadership Summit (Oct. 6) will roll out a revised Community Leadership in Action Guide, with sessions spanning housing, climate resilience, and community projects. Agriculture & land: Apple season is underway with a strong statewide start, but some southern Vermont farms still report smaller yields after a cold spring. Watersheds & stewardship: Connecticut River Watershed Partnership’s Watershed Week spotlights dozens of events across the 410-mile watershed, starting with the Source to Sea Cleanup. Wildlife research: Scientists tracked male bobolinks in Vermont and New York with satellite tags, finding unexpected movements beyond usual breeding areas. Local weather: Southern New England braces for cooler air and a rain system that could bring widespread showers.

Climate & Air: Environmental and public health groups sued the Trump administration over an EPA move to roll back limits on greenhouse-gas pollution from fossil-fuel power plants, arguing it will worsen extreme weather and drive up health costs. Weather Risk: An ALERT DAY is in play into Saturday morning as heavy rain raises flash-flood concerns, with 2–4 inches possible overnight and locally higher totals. Farming & Food Systems: Vermont’s apple season is underway after a strong start, but some southern farms are leaning on diversification after cold-spring damage. Soil Health: UVM Extension recommends fall cover crops to protect soil, reduce erosion, and boost nutrients ahead of frost. Wildlife: Researchers used satellite tags to track tiny bobolinks in Vermont hayfields and found unexpected longer movements before migration. Watershed Work: Connecticut River Watershed Partnership’s Watershed Week runs with dozens of events across the region, starting with the Source to Sea Cleanup. Policy & Energy: A coalition of attorneys general won a preliminary injunction blocking federal demands for sensitive driver data tied to commercial licenses. Local Governance: Proposed high-voltage transmission lines in Wisconsin are drawing unusual opposition from both parties, including Vermont Rep. Mark Pocan.

Food Waste Prevention Week: Gov. Phil Scott has proclaimed Sept. 28–Oct. 4 as Food Waste Prevention Week, with Vermont DEC launching a “Scrap Food Waste Challenge” that emails residents daily tips on tracking and cutting food waste to cut greenhouse gas emissions. Data Privacy Fight: Vermont’s AG Nick Brown joined a coalition winning a preliminary injunction blocking the federal government from demanding sensitive driver information from AAMVA and from cutting funding tied to the association. Power Lines Debate: Proposed high-voltage transmission projects in the Driftless Area are drawing unusual bipartisan opposition, with candidates and lawmakers calling for more time and public input. Wildlife & Habitat: A satellite-tag study followed 26 male bobolinks in Vermont hayfields and found unexpected movements, including trips up to 17 km beyond nesting areas. Nonprofit Support: Southern Vermont nonprofit leaders are invited to a Sept. 23 workshop on financial strategies for stronger, more sustainable organizations. Arctic Sounding Research: Researchers are testing how sound travels under shifting Arctic sea ice, aiming to improve resilience planning as ice breaks and new routes open. Arts Education Expansion: Southern Vermont Arts Center is raising $9 million for “The Studios,” a new education hub after major growth in youth programs. Local Environment Learning: A Putney-area “Birding on the Farm” workshop series returns Sept. 22, teaching farm habitat and wildlife conservation skills. Climate Court Fight: A letter highlights a federal court ruling striking down New York’s Climate Change Superfund Act, arguing it would raise costs beyond state borders. Industry in Vermont: GlobalFoundries and Marvell expanded a multi-year deal to boost SiGe capacity in Burlington for next-generation optical networking components.

Food Waste Prevention Week: Gov. Phil Scott has proclaimed Sept. 28–Oct. 4 as Food Waste Prevention Week, with the DEC launching a Scrap Food Waste Challenge to help Vermonters track waste and cut greenhouse gas emissions. Climate & faith action: A Brattleboro church workshop will share how Vermont Interfaith Power & Light partners with congregations to move toward clean energy and build resilience. Arctic science: MIT Lincoln Laboratory researchers are using under-ice sound studies to better understand shifting Arctic sea ice and improve coastal resilience planning. Vermont education: Preliminary VTCAP results show modest K-12 gains in English and math, alongside widening gaps for historically marginalized students. Hospital sustainability: The Green Mountain Care Board is ordering Vermont hospital budget changes tied to insurer revenue, while UVM Health Network layoffs add pressure to an already strained system. Public health alert: Sharon officials are warning residents after a suspected rabies case in a dead cat, urging caution around wildlife. Agriculture research: UVM and USDA opened a new Food Systems Research Station in Charlotte to study Northeast grazing and forage choices. AI politics: National debate over AI regulation is heating up, with Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders and others pushing for guardrails as data centers face local opposition.

Food Waste & Recycling: Vermont’s DEC is kicking off a statewide Scrap Food Waste Challenge for Food Waste Prevention Week (Sept. 28–Oct. 4), urging people to stop food waste before it hits compost or trash. Public Health & Environment: Southwestern Vermont Medical Center says its medication disposal kiosk has collected more than 4,000 pounds of unused and expired drugs, helping keep pharmaceuticals out of homes and improper disposal streams. Wildlife & Disease Watch: Sharon officials issued a rabies warning after a cat died with suspected rabies signs, noting Vermont’s ongoing rabies cases and reminding residents to keep pets vaccinated. Climate & Agriculture Research: UVM and USDA opened a new Food Systems Research Station in Charlotte, using GPS-collared cattle to study Northeast grazing choices and improve forage systems. Local Water Planning: Vermont DEC is seeking public comment on draft Missisquoi Bay and Lamoille River Basin plans. Policy & Accountability: Vermont Attorney General Charity Clark announced a settlement requiring a Southeastern Vermont nonprofit to repay more than $390,000 for mishandled Medicaid funds. Community & Leadership: Vermont Community Leadership Summit returns Oct. 6 at Castleton, with workshops spanning housing, climate resilience, and civic projects.

Clean Water Planning: Vermont DEC is taking public comment on draft Tactical Basin Plans for the Missisquoi Bay (Basin 6) and Lamoille River (Basin 7), with hybrid meetings set for Sept. 22 and Sept. 30 and a comment window running Sept. 22 through Oct. 29. Brownfields to Housing: The Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission launched a federally funded Brownfields Revolving Loan Fund to help clean up contaminated sites and turn them into homes and community facilities, with low-interest loans and some forgivable support. Wildlife & Hunting Rules: Vermont Fish & Wildlife amended four big-game regulations, including updates to reporting requirements and expanded options for leashed tracking dogs. Deer Recovery Volunteers: The state also published a list of certified leashed tracking dog volunteers who help recover deer, bear, or moose that were shot but not found. Source to Sea Cleanup: Organizers say more than 120 groups are signed up for the 30th annual Source to Sea Cleanup of the Connecticut River watershed, running Sept. 18-19. PFAS Debate: A new op-ed argues PFAS regulation is getting lost in fear and calls for more targeted, evidence-based approaches instead of broad bans. Fossil Fuel Immunity Fight: Sierra Club strongly opposes a House bill that would grant fossil fuel companies legal immunity tied to climate harms.

Healthcare & Budgets: UVM Health says it’s eliminating or changing nearly 200 jobs across its network, cutting about $16.8 million in expenses; the reductions include 24 roles at Central Vermont Medical Center in Berlin, while SVMC in Bennington says it wasn’t affected. Rural Health Funding: Vermont is set to receive $11.7 million to expand rural nursing care and training, including $9 million for tuition benefits tied to serving rural communities for at least five years. Climate & Forests: Vermont Forest Parks and Recreation reports this year’s fall foliage is largely rebounding after last year’s drought damage, though some hardest-hit spots are still turning early. Fall Foliage Science: UVM researchers explain how cool nights, warm days, and day length drive the chemistry behind leaf color. Orchards Under Pressure: Vermont apple growers face rising threats like fire blight and apple scab as warmer springs and heavier rain shift pest and disease patterns. Wildlife Management: Vermont Fish & Wildlife is listing certified leashed dog trackers who volunteer to help recover deer, bear, or moose. AI & Data Centers Debate: A Vermont-focused discussion argues for separating facts from hype as AI and data centers face growing public opposition. Local Politics: In Colchester’s state Senate race, Pat Brennan and Kim Gleason square off on education and healthcare affordability. Community & Outdoors: Electric Eden is turning a former moving truck into an immersive hummingbird-inspired art experience in Wallingford.

Wildlife & Hunting Policy: Vermont Fish & Wildlife amended four regulations effective Sept. 19, including updated big-game reporting rules, expanded leashed tracking dog recovery options, and changes tied to crossbows and tagging/transport. Deer Management: New bowhunting rules took effect in parts of Vermont to reduce deer conflicts in more populated areas, with extra antlerless opportunities focused on zones where firearm discharge is restricted. PFAS Research: Landmark College is leading Vermont’s role in a new $7.9 million PFAS “forever chemicals” research network, bringing together colleges and state partners to track contamination in groundwater and soil. Flood Recovery: U.S. Sen. Peter Welch announced additional FEMA disaster aid for Vermont communities still repairing damage from the 2023 and 2024 floods, including road, culvert, and bridge work plus Green Mountain Railroad repairs. Health System Cost Cuts: UVM Health is eliminating nearly 200 jobs and Dartmouth Health is cutting 124 positions and canceling 303 open roles, citing budget shortfalls and rising costs. Community & Infrastructure: Middletown Springs volunteers moved the town library by hand ahead of its Sept. 20 reopening, while Essex is seeking public input on a transportation master plan as bus routes change. Workplace Safety: Rutland County State’s Attorney offices closed for asbestos testing after roof-debris samples came back positive. AI Politics (National, with Vermont ties): Bernie Sanders and Steve Bannon headlined a “pro-human” push for AI limits, as lawmakers and tech leaders intensify calls for regulation and a “kill switch” proposal gains traction.

PFAS Research Boost: Landmark College is helping lead a new $7.9 million NSF PFAS “forever chemical” network to track contamination in Vermont groundwater and soil. River Restoration: The Sunderland River Project is working to reconnect the Batten Kill to its floodplain by stabilizing eroding banks and undoing decades of channeling and mowing. Flood Recovery Dollars: Vermont communities are getting fresh FEMA money for repairs tied to the 2023 and 2024 floods, including major rail funding for the Green Mountain Railroad. Health Care Cost Pressure: UVM Medical Center and the wider UVM Health Network face more austerity, with regulators ordering insurer price cuts and UVM Health planning about 199 job eliminations. Wildlife & Hunting Updates: Vermont Fish & Wildlife posted a list of certified leashed tracking dog volunteers for unrecovered deer, bear, or moose, and outlined rules for the Oct. 1-Dec. 15 archery deer season. Local Land-Use Fight: Lincoln residents renewed opposition to a proposed 900-foot private airstrip tied to BETA CEO Kyle Clark. Weather Watch: Frost advisories are in effect for Vermont and nearby states, with early freeze risk for outdoor plants.

Health Care Costs & Hospital Budgets: Vermont’s Green Mountain Care Board approved new budgets for 14 hospitals, pushing broad reductions in what they collect from commercial insurers—cutting UVMMC the most (4.4%) as regulators try to rein in Vermont’s high health spending. Drought & Water Stress: Maine’s midcoast is stuck in worsening drought, with the U.S. Drought Monitor showing severe conditions and a “marine layer” that can block coastal rain—hurting plants, wildlife, and groundwater. Flood Resilience Funding: Vermont is set to receive $33.2 million in FEMA support, including buyouts for at least 90 floodplain- and landslide-risk homes from 2023–2024, with land preserved as open space. Food Safety: Vermont egg producer Leaping Bear Farm is recalling cartons dated June 1–Sept. 5, 2026 after salmonella enteritidis was found; officials link 14 Vermont illnesses to the strain. Wildlife & Habitat: Deer browse damage is drawing public attention in Norwich as overabundant deer stress forest regeneration, with local land trust and wildlife experts teaching how browsing shows up on the ground. AI & Policy Debate: Nationally, Trump is pushing back on AI regulation even as safety warnings grow, while Vermont schools in Lamoille South are scaling back devices and largely banning AI. Climate Rule Fight: A federal court ruling blocks New York’s climate “superfund” law, and the decision is expected to shape challenges to similar state efforts, including Vermont’s.

FEMA Flood Relief: Vermont has received more than $33.2 million in long-awaited FEMA funding, including over $27.6 million for flood buyouts of at least 90 homes in floodplains and other high-risk areas, with land to be kept as open green space in perpetuity. Wildlife & Forest Health: A Norwich walk at Brookmead Conservation Area highlighted how overabundant deer browsing is damaging understory forests, with foresters and deer biologists teaching residents how to spot and measure the impact. Public Health: Vermont Agriculture and Health officials detected salmonella enteritidis at Leaping Bear Farm in Reading, triggering a recall of eggs dated June 1 through Sept. 5 and urging people not to eat or compost affected cartons. Recycling & Waste: A Northeast glass recycling report finds Vermont and Connecticut leading recovery rates—largely tied to deposit return systems—while the region still faces bottlenecks and needs more collection and processing capacity. Climate Policy Fight: Colorado joined a growing coalition of states suing to block federal Endangered Species Act changes that narrow “harm” protections and alter critical habitat rules. Workforce & Safety: Vermont’s Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports and the state Labor and Health departments are set to honor 115 employers Oct. 27 for worksite wellness and safety efforts. Local Environment Watch: Rutland officials say a propane railcar derailment was contained—no leak, no public safety or environmental threat—after the tank was uprighted and propane transferred.

Climate & Weather: UVM researchers say Vermont’s fall colors depend on a “delicate dance” of temperature, water, and day length—and extreme weather and climate change could shift timing and vibrancy. Power & Rates: Vermont regulators cut Green Mountain Power’s requested rate hike to 5.5% after customer backlash, approving less “resilience spending” than the utility sought. Public Health: Leaping Bear Farm in Windsor County recalled eggs after Salmonella Enteritidis was found in eggs and environmental samples; officials linked 14 Vermont illnesses to the strain and ordered the farm to stop sales until the risk is cleared. Hazmat & Safety: A propane rail car derailed and rolled over in Rutland City; officials say there was no leak and no threat to public health or the environment while crews rerail the tank. Severe Weather Watch: Southern Quebec faces a Sunday risk of strong storms with heavy rain and gusty winds, with the highest impacts near the New York–Vermont border. Wildlife Science: New UVM-led research finds bat longevity genes overlap with virus-fighting genes, helping explain how some bats live decades longer than expected. Workforce & Construction: A Vermont construction update highlights ongoing I-89 and I-91 paving and bridge work, with lane closures and speed limits affecting drivers.