AGP Executive Report

Heat & Air Alerts: Newark kicked off a “Code Red” hot-weather warning Tuesday through Wednesday as temperatures climb into the high 90s and the heat index could hit 97°F, with officials urging hydration, cooling, and check-ins for seniors and people with chronic conditions; the Jersey Shore also carries a Code Orange ozone air-quality alert for unhealthy conditions for sensitive groups. Data Center Backlash: Dozens of NJ organizations renewed pressure on Gov. Sherrill, asking for a moratorium on new high-power data centers, while legislators moved to claw back about $250M in AI data-center tax incentives and redirect it toward ratepayer relief and clean energy. Toxic Air Fight: Virginia AG Jay Jones joined a coalition opposing EPA efforts to roll back national limits on ethylene oxide pollution. EV Road Funding: A bipartisan House bill would add a $130 annual EV registration fee (and $35 for plug-in hybrids) to fund transportation infrastructure. World Cup in NJ: Rutgers’ fields were named Senegal’s official training base, boosting Central Jersey’s World Cup visibility as MetLife Stadium faces heightened heat risk.

Data Center Fight: More than 60 New Jersey groups are urging Gov. Mikie Sherrill to pause large AI data center approvals, warning the projects could drive up electricity rates and strain water supplies; a letter calls for a moratorium on new facilities drawing at least 20 megawatts, and organizers say they’ll push a petition ahead of a Kenilworth planning-board meeting Tuesday. Local Fallout: In Keyport, residents packed a DEP town hall over the former Aeromarine landfill and possible links to a cancer cluster; DEP officials said testing hasn’t started yet but aim to finish by June and release results quickly. New Jersey in the Spotlight: A newly identified Pine Barrens plant has been named for New Jersey after genetic work by Temple researchers. Leadership Move: Former NJDEP Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette has joined Greenberg Traurig as a shareholder to expand the firm’s environmental practice.

Heat Watch: New Jersey is heading into a short, intense warm spell with highs around 93–96°F Monday–Tuesday, record heat possible, then thunderstorms and a sharp cooldown later in the week. Flood Risk: A new round of heavy rain is already triggering flood watches and flash flood warnings across parts of NY, NJ, PA, and MD, with officials urging people to avoid flooded roads. Public Health: Lyme disease is surging in Ohio as tick season ramps up, with Ohio reporting 253 cases so far in 2026 and tick positivity rates climbing—an early warning for the broader Northeast. Environment & Industry: NEWMOA warns the Northeast could face “significant disposal capacity” losses within five years, as landfills near closure and waste exports rise. Local NJ Concern: Keyport residents pressed NJDEP on possible cancer links tied to the former Aeromarine landfill, with the agency focused on ensuring proper closure and no public health risks. Energy/Infrastructure: A driver died in a tanker fire on I-287 in Metuchen; officials say no fuel runoff entered the borough.

Data Center Backlash: In Utah, more than a thousand people chanted “People over Profit” after county commissioners approved the massive “Stratos Project,” a 40,000-acre data center plan tied to huge power and water demands—sparking fresh questions about emissions and impacts on the Great Salt Lake. NJ Labor & Work: Long Island Rail Road workers launched a strike for the first time in 32 years, while New Jersey’s own worker-classification fight moved forward as the state adopted updated ABC test rules. World Cup Heat Watch: FIFA’s 2026 tournament heat protections are being challenged by medical experts, who warn hydration breaks may not be enough as climate change raises the risk of dangerous conditions. Public Health: Tick-related illness concerns keep rising, with Pennsylvania stepping up tracking for alpha-gal syndrome after New Jersey’s first recorded fatality. Crash on I-287: A fuel tanker fire on I-287 in Metuchen killed a driver and injured a passenger, shutting down major lanes.

Newark Incinerator Fight: Environmental groups just filed in federal court to push the EPA for tougher air pollution limits on municipal trash incinerators, arguing the March rules still fall short and that stronger controls are needed to protect public health in Newark and nearby communities. Tick-Bite Surge: Across the U.S., ER visits for tick bites are at their highest for this time of year since 2017, with Pennsylvania rolling out better tracking for alpha-gal syndrome—the red-meat allergy linked to lone star ticks. World Cup Heat Watch: With the 2026 FIFA World Cup nearing, new reporting keeps spotlighting extreme-heat risk for players and fans, even as the final is set for MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Shore Safety Reminder: Beach officials say it may feel like summer, but lifeguards aren’t fully on yet and ocean temperatures are still dangerously cold. Local Energy/Jobs: Separate from the health headlines, NJ and regional projects continue to move—while communities debate the tradeoffs of major infrastructure and power needs.

Data Center Backlash: In Utah, more than a thousand people chanted “People over Profit” after Box Elder County commissioners approved the massive “Stratos Project,” a 40,000-acre data center plan tied to huge power and water demands—sparking fresh fears about emissions and strain on local water sources. NJ Pipeline Fight: In New Jersey, the Tidelands Resource Council unanimously approved the final utility license for the Williams Northeast Supply Enhancement (NESE) pipeline, despite years of community and environmental opposition. Shore Safety Reminder: With warm weather drawing crowds, NJ beach safety officials warned lifeguards aren’t fully on yet and ocean water is still cold enough to cause hypothermia quickly. Heat Watch: Meteorologists say a brief warm-up is coming, with a couple of days flirting with the mid-90s but not expected to feel like a full summer heat wave. Food Recall: Straus Family Creamery recalled select organic ice cream lots in 17 states, including New Jersey, over possible metal contamination.

Data Center Backlash: A proposed mega data center in Utah’s “Stratos Project” is drawing fierce protests over power, water use, and emissions—an early warning for the same fight now spreading across the country, including in New Jersey. Public Health Fight: New Jersey’s AG coalition pushback is heating up against EPA moves that would loosen ethylene oxide air limits, a rollback critics say would undercut cancer protections for communities near sterilization facilities. Wildfire & Drought Pressure: After a snowy winter that delayed prevention, New Jersey is facing rising wildfire risk, while more than half the U.S. is now in severe drought—raising stakes for summer. Local Life & Care: Autism experts say better access is driving earlier diagnoses in NJ, and a new beginner birding push highlights how nature programs are helping residents cope and connect. Crime Trends: Violent crime is reported falling in major cities nationwide, with Newark named among places seeing big drops.

Heat & Health Watch: Scientists and players’ union groups are warning that climate change could make about a quarter of 2026 World Cup matches unsafe for athletes and fans, with heat-stress risk rising sharply versus 1994. Public Health & Enforcement: New Jersey AG Jennifer Davenport announced a $100,000 penalty against a vape distributor and retailers for illegal flavored sales, with an order barring characterizing flavors. Community Concerns: Keyport residents are pressing for answers on a possible cancer cluster tied to a toxic landfill, with a community meeting set to address the spike. Drug Crackdown: Federal authorities say they seized more than 38 pounds of suspected meth and charged five people in a South Jersey/Philadelphia trafficking case. Wildlife & Nature: New Jersey Audubon highlighted peak summer bird migration and practical steps like native plants and bird-safe glass to protect travelers. Local Government: A U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Trenton is seeking quotes for courtroom carpet replacement.

World Cup Heat Warning: Climate scientists say the 2026 FIFA World Cup could put players and fans in unsafe heat and humidity—human-caused warming is making dangerous conditions nearly twice as likely as in 1994, with a quarter of matches flagged as at risk. NJ Courts & Storm Rule: The New Jersey Appellate Division affirmed summary judgment for a property owner, backing the state’s “Ongoing Storm Rule” that limits when landowners must clear snow and ice after precipitation ends. NJ Weather Watch: After a cool, breezy start, New Jersey is set for a warmup this weekend and a possible early heat wave next week, with temperatures flirting with 90 degrees. Data Center Pressure: A separate national story highlights how communities are fighting massive data-center plans—showing the same power-and-water concerns now surfacing in the broader AI buildout. Smoke-Free Casino Debate: Atlantic City’s smoking exemption is under renewed pressure as health advocates push for smoke-free gaming floors.

ICE detention overhaul under fire: DHS’s inspector general has launched an audit into about $1 billion in warehouse purchases tied to Kristi Noem’s ICE detention plan—properties reportedly lacked working plumbing, weren’t zoned for detention, and sat empty while taxpayers paid premiums. Local resistance: The dispute is playing out in court and on the ground, including a lawsuit by Georgia’s Social Circle over a proposed “mega center,” after the city cut off water and sewer to the site. NJ environment angle: New Jersey’s own environmental leadership is shifting too—former NJDEP Commissioner Shawn LaTourette is joining Greenberg Traurig to advise on major environmental risk and cleanup issues. Heat and health backdrop: Separate from the detention fight, climate scientists are warning FIFA’s 2026 World Cup heat protections may be inadequate, with roughly a quarter of matches at dangerous conditions.

Data Center Pressure in NJ: 60 NJ groups are urging Gov. Sherrill to pause new data centers, citing power, water, PFAS, noise, and “community incompatibility,” with Pinelands towns already moving to ban them and a petition nearing 7,500 signatures. Local Governance: Bayonne residents kept pushing back at City Hall after officials said the city’s zoning already permits multiple data-center plans dating to 2022. Recycled Plastics Win: PureCycle Technologies’ PureFive resin just got NJDEP one-year conditional approval as “postconsumer recycled content,” a regulatory step that’s already sent its stock up sharply. World Cup Heat Watch: Scientists warn about dangerous heat for a quarter of 2026 World Cup matches, and FIFA’s new hydration-break plan may not be enough. Health & Community: The Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation’s 11th BANDed Together fundraiser returns June 12 in Long Branch.

World Cup Heat Warning: Scientists say climate change has made dangerous conditions more likely at the 2026 World Cup—about 25% of matches could top 26°C on the heat-stress scale, with around five potentially exceeding 28°C, raising calls for stronger cooling and possible postponements. Camden Fire Safety: A Camden scrap yard says it has spent $4.5 million on a new fire suppression system after years of lithium-battery scrap fires, using infrared cameras, automated water cannons, and a large water tank. NJ Utility Overhaul: New Jersey regulators kicked off a formal review of how electric utilities earn revenue, with the state exploring performance-based ratemaking tied to reliability and affordability. Health Care Expansion: Solis Mammography opened four new imaging centers, including a Jefferson Health partnership site in the Philadelphia suburbs and a new location in Houston. Business & Trade: NJ business leaders discussed how shifting federal tariff policy is reshaping logistics and investment through the Port of New York and New Jersey.

Hantavirus Watch: Public health officials in at least nine states are monitoring people after a cruise-linked outbreak tied to the MV Hondius, with the CDC stressing the risk to the broader U.S. public is “extremely low” while quarantined passengers and nearby contacts are tracked. Roxbury ICE Detention: In New Jersey, opponents won a pause as federal and state lawyers agreed to an environmental review for the stalled Roxbury warehouse redevelopment, setting up next steps before the lawsuit continues. PFAS Cleanup Milestone: A new PFAS “Annihilator” milestone in Franklin Township highlights ongoing efforts to neutralize PFAS-laced fire suppressant foam, part of a broader push to reduce “forever chemicals” in water and groundwater. Local Impacts: Little Egg Harbor approved its 2026-27 school budget, while NJ Transit cut World Cup travel prices again after backlash. Environment & Weather: New Jersey heads into summer under drought warning as wildfire risk and dry conditions linger.

Roxbury ICE Fight: The Trump administration agreed to largely pause work on a planned Roxbury immigration detention center while an environmental review is completed, allowing only limited security and maintenance steps like fencing, cameras, and lighting. Court Pressure: The pause follows New Jersey and Roxbury Township’s lawsuit filed in March, with officials arguing the warehouse site can’t handle water, sewer, and power demands and could strain traffic and emergency services. Power Watch: PJM, the regional grid operator serving NJ and neighbors, is already planning for another hotter-than-normal summer and possible record demand as data centers add load. Energy Politics: A debate over rising electricity bills is intensifying, with governors and the White House trading blame over who should pay for the data-center boom. Public Health: Meanwhile, hantavirus monitoring continues after a cruise-linked outbreak, with NJ among states tracking potential exposures. Data Center Backlash: In rural NJ, Andover leaders are reversing course on data center ordinances after resident revolt.

Immigration Detention Pause: New Jersey, Roxbury Township, and federal officials agreed to pause the Roxbury warehouse detention plan while an environmental review is completed, with only limited security/maintenance work allowed until the assessment and decision document are done. Local Data Center Backlash: In rural New Jersey, officials are reversing course after community revolts—Andover is moving toward repealing data-center ordinances and considering a townwide ban. Coastal Environment Watch: NASA satellite imagery shows a striking Mid-Atlantic bloom spreading off the NJ coast, with scientists pointing to spring runoff and expanding phytoplankton activity. World Cup Pressure on NJ: As the tournament nears, NJ is also feeling the ripple effects—hotel demand worries and transit/service adjustments are in the mix. Road & Weather: Route 42 ramp closures in Camden County are set for guiderail replacement, while Tuesday brings sunshine and cooler-than-usual temps before more showers later in the week.

World Cup Transit Disruption: NJ Transit says it will run rail only for ticket holders during eight matches, cutting outbound service from Penn Station four hours before games and stopping rail en route to New York at Newark Penn for three hours after—so commuters will need PATH and bus options. World Cup Spend Push: Gov. Mikie Sherrill announced a $5 million grant for 34 NJ organizations to stage watch parties, esports, and concerts to pull visitor dollars into local businesses. Child Care Pressure: Parents and early educators launched the “Child Care For All NJ” campaign at the Statehouse, arguing CCAP copays and freezes are squeezing working families and demanding lawmakers treat childcare as workforce infrastructure. Data Center Backlash: In Andover, officials are weighing a data center ban after public anger and a chaotic meeting, joining a growing NJ trend of towns resisting AI power and water demands. Health & Safety Watch: NJ also saw reminders of winter slip-and-fall liability and a nationwide recall of a blood pressure drug distributed by a NJ-based firm.