AGP Executive Report

Public Safety: Six people were injured in a stabbing at New York’s Penn Station near West 33rd Street and 7th Avenue, with a suspect taken into custody as the city ramps up security for the NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden. Severe Weather & Disruption: A windstorm tore through an anti-ICE encampment outside Newark’s Delaney Hall, scattering tents and belongings amid broader storm impacts across the region. Clean Building & Energy Efficiency: Wythe Windows co-CEO Darren Macri was named president of the Passive House Network, pushing for wider adoption of high-performance building standards. Local Innovation: SK Biopharmaceuticals opened SK Life Science LinX, a New Jersey-based innovation hub aimed at supporting Korean biotech firms entering the U.S. Health & Environment-Adjacent Tech: NJBIZ reports growing workplace mental health strain, including anxiety tied to AI adoption in healthcare settings. Wildlife: A rare beaver sighting was recorded in Hudson River Park’s estuarine sanctuary, highlighting the area’s biodiversity value.

Severe Storms & Power Outages: Heavy thunderstorms swept through North Jersey Saturday night, toppling trees and triggering localized flooding. Thousands lost power into Sunday, with Jersey Central Power & Light reporting the biggest hit (tens of thousands of customers out), plus outages across Morris and Sussex counties and other parts of the Tri-State area. Transit Disruption: NJ Transit briefly suspended service on the Morris & Essex Line after a tree fell on tracks near Mount Tabor, with crews clearing debris before service resumed. Flood Risk & Resilience: A new look at Highlands, NJ, highlights how poorly drained slopes and flood plains still threaten downtown—plus how the borough and neighboring Monmouth Hills are investing in storm drains, pump stations, wetlands, and retention basins to reduce repeat damage. Native Plants: Union County is inviting residents to a Native Plant Swap & Shop at Watchung Reservation, offering native plants in exchange for up to three invasive species from home gardens. World Cup Watch: As World Cup crowds ramp up, advocates warn the event could amplify rights and safety concerns, while local officials in the region push public reminders like staying hydrated and reporting suspicious activity.

Severe Storms & Power Outages: A weekend thunderstorm system knocked out electricity across the Tri-State area, leaving tens of thousands in the dark—NJ saw the biggest impact, with JCPL reporting 32,488 customers out and PSE&G about 19,406, as utilities worked to restore service. Weather Watch: The National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm watch for New Jersey and parts of the region, warning of damaging wind gusts, large hail, and heavy downpours that could worsen flooding in poor-drainage spots. Flood Risk Planning: A Governing feature looks at how Highlands, N.J. is fighting chronic flooding—building storm drains, pump stations, and wetlands, including a planned retention basin near Kavookjian Field. Clean Buildings for the World Cup: U.S. Green Building Council says 13 of 16 World Cup stadiums have earned LEED certification, with solar, water savings, and waste-reduction measures aimed at cutting emissions. Offshore Wind Backlash: Reporting says the Trump administration’s wind pullback includes “pay-not-to-play” deals that reimburse developers to abandon projects, including a $1 billion TotalEnergies offshore wind payout. Public Health Prep: NYC officials are running drills for high-risk scenarios tied to the World Cup era, including power outages, extreme heat, and infectious disease outbreaks.

Severe Weather Watch: The National Weather Service says North Jersey could see severe thunderstorms Saturday afternoon into Saturday night, with damaging wind gusts (over 58 mph), hail, heavy rain, and localized flooding risk. Local Power & Landscape: Holmdel residents are pushing back against JCP&L’s installation of taller, wider utility poles, saying the move is industrializing rural neighborhoods and bypassing local standards. Water Rates & Bills: New Jersey American Water is seeking an 11.95% rate increase, which would add about $10.02 for water and $8.20 for wastewater for millions of customers, with the company citing major system investments. Climate Impacts on Food: An early heat wave followed by a late freeze has reportedly damaged up to 90% of some crops, with Monmouth County farmers among those hit and statewide losses projected over $300 million. Data Centers & Pollution Pressure: A Vermont data center bill was vetoed after lawmakers argued some centers can drive higher utility bills and “dirtier air and water,” echoing broader concerns about unchecked growth. Green Stadiums: Most World Cup venues are earning LEED green building status, with solar power, water savings, and waste diversion highlighted as part of FIFA’s emissions goals.

Offshore Wind Legal Fight: New Jersey and other Northeast states sued the Trump administration over a “sham deal” to pay TotalEnergies about $928 million to cancel offshore wind leases off New York, arguing the move breaks required steps and threatens union jobs and clean-energy progress. Drinking Water Update: Clifton and Passaic customers can resume normal use after a boil-water advisory was lifted following repairs to a transmission main and state-approved water testing. Microplastics Push: California AG Bonta sent EPA a comment letter urging stronger monitoring as EPA adds microplastics to its drinking-water research priority list. Storms & Air Quality Watch: Forecasters say Saharan dust could reach parts of the U.S. this summer, raising air-quality concerns that may extend toward the Northeast, including New Jersey. Local Infrastructure: Metuchen’s Grove Avenue will close overnight for a bridge replacement over the Port Reading Railroad, with detours and a temporary pedestrian bridge. Public Health at Mass Gatherings: Host city health departments are preparing for World Cup crowds, focusing on weather, illness prevention, and crowd behavior.

Offshore Wind Fight: Seven northeastern states, including New Jersey, sued the Trump administration and TotalEnergies over a deal to abandon offshore wind leases and redirect money to oil and gas—arguing it harms grid reliability and climate goals. Energy Governance: Gov. Sherrill nominated Ben Hertz-Shargel to lead the Board of Public Utilities, aiming to push an energy affordability agenda and lower utility costs. Public Health Watch: Tick-borne illness concerns are rising as the Philly region hits peak season, with experts pointing to winter conditions that helped ticks survive and more deer and outdoor activity. World Cup Health & Heat: Public health officials are ramping up outbreak prevention for the multi-city tournament, while severe weather and dangerous heat risks loom for parts of the Northeast. Local Utilities & Infrastructure: NJDOT scheduled overnight ramp closures for I-80 repairs in Parsippany-Troy Hills and I-295 barrier work in Mercer County. Water Bottle Policy: NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani is challenging FIFA’s reversal on reusable bottles, saying it could push fans to skip hydration in summer heat.

NJ Climate Education: Rutgers launched a statewide initiative to engage youth in climate resilience planning, with 6–12th graders forming Resiliency Action Teams to tackle local risks and build community solutions. Conservation & Water Quality: Wildlands Conservancy secured a conservation easement protecting 1,147+ acres in Penn Forest Township, safeguarding Lehigh River headwaters and ecologically sensitive areas. Public Health & Wildlife: Black bear sightings are popping up across North Jersey as the breeding season ramps up, with police urging residents not to approach bears. Mosquito Monitoring: Connecticut resumed its seasonal mosquito trapping and testing program to track West Nile virus and eastern equine encephalitis risk through October. Energy Policy Watch: An NJ Assembly panel advanced a bill that would require certain fossil fuel extractors to pay for climate harms, with supporters citing affordability impacts and critics warning costs could be passed to consumers. Northern Lights Forecast: NOAA says moderate-strong geomagnetic storm conditions could make auroras visible in New Jersey tonight and Friday, if skies are clear.

Water Safety: Passaic Valley Water Commission expanded a boil water advisory to about 25,000–30,000 Clifton and Passaic customers as crews repair a damaged 42-inch transmission main, with pressure fluctuations raising contamination risk until samples clear. Public Health & Environment: Rutgers’ 988 crisis response continues to grow as leaders push for sustainable suicide-prevention funding, while a separate report highlights rising tick-bite ER visits in the Northeast tied to warmer conditions. Wildlife Watch: Black bear sightings are popping up across North Jersey as breeding season ramps up, with police urging residents not to approach bears. Energy & Climate Policy: New York lawmakers advanced a one-year moratorium on new hyperscale AI/crypto data centers, echoing broader concerns about electricity and water impacts that also resonate for NJ. Infrastructure for Crowds: NJDOT is using Derq’s AI traffic analytics around MetLife Stadium for World Cup congestion and safety monitoring. Health Care Development: Cooper Health unveiled a $300M outpatient campus in Gloucester Township, aiming to expand specialty care and create 400+ jobs. Sports & Rules: FIFA reversed course on World Cup stadium water-bottle rules, banning reusable bottles—sparking heat-and-hydration concerns for fans.

World Cup & Heat Safety: FIFA says every 2026 match will include mandatory hydration breaks, a move aimed at protecting players as extreme summer temperatures hit across North America. NJ Public Media: Montclair State University was selected to operate NJ PBS starting July 1, keeping the state’s public television network running after WNET’s planned exit. Offshore Wind Legal Fight: New Jersey joined a multi-state lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s offshore wind lease cancellations, adding to the pressure on federal decisions. Mosquito Release Claim: A Google “bacteria-infested mosquitoes” story is still under investigation; the EPA has not granted permission for the proposed releases that would include New Jersey. Camden Recycling Fire Risk: After multiple fires at a Camden recycling facility, officials are again urging a shutdown, citing ongoing safety concerns. Delaney Hall Scrutiny: A DHS watchdog report flags use-of-force and sanitation problems at a Louisiana ICE center, while NJ’s Delaney Hall remains part of the broader detention standards fight. Corporate Exodus: Samsung’s move of its U.S. HQ from New Jersey to Texas continues the drumbeat of major employers leaving the state.

Offshore Wind Fight in Court: New York AG Letitia James sued the Trump administration over a TotalEnergies deal that paid nearly $1 billion to cancel offshore wind leases off New York and North Carolina, with New Jersey joining a coalition arguing it harms energy grids, economies, and climate goals. Coastal Resilience Update: New Jersey DEP extended the “REAL” coastal-resiliency rule’s legacy provisions for one year, giving municipalities and stakeholders more time to review and revise requirements that would raise waterfront building elevations. Local Recycling Pressure: Livingston announced a free electronics recycling and paper shredding event for June 7, while Camden officials renewed calls to shut down an EMR recycling facility after another fire. Waste Cutting at Home: Livingston also launched a free community composting drop-off program starting June 1 to divert food scraps from landfills. Business Climate Shock: Samsung said it will move its U.S. headquarters from Englewood Cliffs to Plano, Texas, costing New Jersey about 1,000 jobs. Transit/Bridge Testing: NJDOT scheduled temporary Route 7 stoppages for Belleville Bridge lift-bridge testing on June 3.

Offshore Wind Legal Fight: New York and six other states, including New Jersey, sued the Trump administration over a deal that would pay TotalEnergies about $1 billion to cancel offshore wind leases and shift investment to fossil fuels—states argue the process was unlawful and would undercut energy grids, jobs, and climate goals. Local Recycling Pressure: In Camden, workers at EMR Recycling rallied outside City Hall after repeated fires, including a blaze tied to a lithium-ion battery; the city is pushing to shut the facility down, while employees warn stronger rules are needed to prevent dangerous materials from reaching scrap yards. NJ Primary Politics: New Jersey Republicans picked Justin Murphy for U.S. Senate, setting up a November rematch against Sen. Cory Booker, while Democrats advanced candidates in key House races, including Adam Hamawy in CD-12. Data Center Oversight: Ohio lawmakers heard public outcry over data centers’ environmental impact and secrecy concerns, with calls for a moratorium growing louder.

Offshore Wind Legal Fight: New York AG Letitia James and a coalition of six other states, including New Jersey, sued the Trump administration over a March deal that paid TotalEnergies about $1 billion to cancel offshore wind leases—arguing it’s an unlawful “sham” that steers money to fossil fuels instead of clean power. Nuclear, Gas, Storage Push in Trenton: NJ lawmakers advanced bills aimed at expanding advanced nuclear options while also modernizing natural gas infrastructure and boosting energy storage capacity. Data Centers vs. Local Control: Andover Township voted to ban new data centers, citing concerns about environmental impacts, while other states and cities are weighing similar limits as AI demand grows. EV Insurance Cost Gap: A new analysis finds insuring EVs costs about 42% more than gas cars, though the gap is shrinking for newer models. Gateway Tunnel Progress: A $711M New Jersey Surface Alignment contract for the Hudson River tunnel project moved forward, including work near the Meadowlands alongside active rail lines. Delaney Hall Medical Access: NJ health officials sued the private operator of the Delaney Hall ICE detention facility, seeking immediate access over allegations of inadequate tuberculosis controls and deteriorating conditions.

Hudson Tunnel Contract: Gateway Development Commission awarded a $711.7 million package to the Skanska Creamer Sanzari JV for about 1.5 miles of New Jersey surface alignment linking the future Hudson River rail tunnel to the Northeast Corridor, including major work across the Meadowlands wetlands. Public Health & Climate: Tick bites are spiking, with ER visits for tick bites at their highest levels for this time of year since 2017, as warmer conditions boost tick activity across the Northeast and Midwest. Community Cleanup Jobs: Ahead of World Cup matches at MetLife Stadium, a Weehawken nonprofit is paying local residents to clean and beautify neighborhoods before and after major events. Local Information Gaps: A Rutgers report finds sharp disparities in how consistently New Jersey communities get local news coverage, raising concerns about who’s informed on issues that affect daily life. Workplace Protections: An editorial highlights the cruelty of Trump-era immigration enforcement at Newark’s Delaney Hall, where protests continue amid claims about detainee conditions. Corporate Moves: Samsung says it will relocate its U.S. headquarters from Englewood Cliffs to Plano, Texas, a fresh blow to New Jersey’s business climate debate.

Hudson Tunnel Progress: The Gateway Development Commission awarded a $711.7 million contract to Skanska Creamer Sanzari NJSA JV for the Hudson Tunnel Project’s New Jersey Surface Alignment, including retaining walls, a viaduct over Meadowlands wetlands, bridges, drainage, and rail groundwork—construction is set to begin in 2026. PFAS & Building Codes: At AHR Expo, regulators flagged how PFAS “forever chemicals” rules are tightening at the state level and how A2L refrigerant building-code requirements keep evolving, shaping what HVAC contractors must plan for. Camden Recycling Fire Fallout: After multiple fires at a Camden recycling facility, officials are urging shutdown, with leaders pointing to repeated incidents and ongoing smoke concerns. Energy Bills in NJ/Region: PECO customers face higher June 1 electricity and natural gas costs, a reminder that summer demand and supply gaps can hit household budgets fast. World Cup Heat & Weather Risk: With the Atlantic hurricane season starting June 1, Miami officials warned that international visitors may not understand hurricane threats as New Jersey hosts World Cup matches at MetLife Stadium. Local Environment Spotlight: A New Jersey Conservation Foundation piece highlights moths as underappreciated nocturnal pollinators, urging more attention to their role in crop pollination.

Air Quality & Energy: NJDEP is delaying “REAL” climate rules again, a setback for state efforts to cut emissions and manage flood risk. Waste & Recycling: Camden officials are pushing to shut down EMR Recycling after another fire, with leaders citing a long pattern of blaze incidents. Public Health & Clean Water: A new report flags widespread PFAS contamination across the Delaware River Basin, raising fresh concerns for drinking-water safety. Climate Resilience: NJ is also delaying new flood rules as the state weighs further changes, leaving communities in limbo ahead of storm season. Local Economy & Jobs: County vocational-technical schools are expanding adult career training, with apprenticeships in electrical, HVAC, and plumbing drawing strong demand. Healthcare: RWJBarnabas, Atlantic Health, and HMH are expanding prostate cancer programs, including more advanced diagnostics and treatment options. Community & Safety: Newark’s mayor imposed a curfew around the Delaney Hall ICE detention center after clashes between protesters and police. Business & Environment: Samsung plans to move its US headquarters from Englewood Cliffs to Plano, Texas, transferring about 1,000 employees—an economic shift with local environmental and commuting ripple effects.

Newark ICE Protests: Newark Mayor Ras Baraka ordered an overnight curfew around Delaney Hall (9 p.m. to 6 a.m.) after clashes between protesters and police, as demonstrations entered a second week and state police moved in to curb violence. Local Governance & Public Safety: Gov. Mikie Sherrill said most arrests involved people from outside New Jersey and warned “outside agitators” not to inflame tensions, while officials tried to manage crowds with barricades and enforcement. Environmental Angle on Immigration Policy: A separate legal fight is brewing in Georgia over proposed “megacenters,” with a town arguing federal agencies failed required environmental review and violated decision-making rules—an approach experts say could reshape how detention projects are challenged. Camden Recycling Fire Risk: Camden officials again urged shutdown of an EMR Recycling facility after another fire, citing repeated incidents and ongoing smoke concerns. Invasive Species Control: Maryland is using high-powered bows and arrows to hunt invasive northern snakeheads, aiming to protect local fisheries as the fish spreads.