AGP Executive Report

Storm Watch: Isaias’s remnants are expected to bring New Jersey 1–2 inches of rain Sunday, with heavy showers and minor urban flooding possible; forecasters see no major flood threat. Water Infrastructure: Veolia has completed a $58 million replacement wastewater plant in Plainsboro, serving about 11,000 people and reusing 32 million gallons of reclaimed water each year. Coastal Resilience: The DEP confirmed major damage to Bay Head beach, while East Point Lighthouse’s reopening plans include protection from rising seas and bay erosion. Pollution Cleanup: The EPA removed more than 52,000 tons of PCB-contaminated soil from a New Jersey Superfund site. Separately, a report raised questions about how much fuel remains after a data center leaked 5,000 gallons of diesel. Wetlands Debate: Environmental groups rallied against New Jersey’s plan to restore Atlantic white cedars, underscoring disagreement over how to protect fragile coastal habitat.

Storms and Shorelines: Hurricane Isaias’ remnants could bring 1–2 inches of rain to New Jersey Sunday, with heavier totals, flooding and thunderstorms possible in the south. A DEP assessment also found major beach or dune damage in Bay Head and nine other towns after the recent nor’easter. Pinelands: Environmentalists are challenging the state’s $19 million plan to restore Atlantic white cedar, objecting to a first phase that would cut some mature trees. The proposal targets 10,000 acres of a habitat now reduced from 115,000 acres to about 25,000. Coastal Resilience: East Point Lighthouse will reopen Oct. 16 after two years closed; the DEP is working on ways to protect the 1849 landmark from bay encroachment and rising seas. Pollution and Infrastructure: A Secaucus data center leaked 5,000 gallons of diesel, prompting questions about how much remains. In Princeton, officials are urging the DEP to deny a data-center permit. Separately, the EPA has removed more than 52,000 tons of PCB-contaminated soil from a New Jersey Superfund site. Water: Veolia completed a $58 million replacement of the Princeton Meadows wastewater treatment facility.

Wastewater Resilience: Veolia has completed a $58 million replacement plant in Plainsboro, serving about 11,000 people. The facility sits outside the old plant’s 100-year floodplain and adds upgraded treatment and water reuse. Farm Losses: Rep. Josh Gottheimer introduced legislation to help New Jersey growers recover from April’s freeze, which caused an estimated $300 million in agricultural damage across affected states. Severe Weather: Forecasts warn that Hurricane Isaias remnants could bring heavy rain to New Jersey. Data Center Pollution: A Secaucus data center’s 5,000-gallon diesel spill is drawing scrutiny, while Princeton officials are urging DEP to deny a separate data center permit. Cleanup and Restoration: EPA says it removed more than 52,000 tons of PCB-contaminated soil from a New Jersey Superfund site; meanwhile, a Waretown wetlands restoration aims to strengthen coastal resilience. Pollution Claims: Hess and Gunpowder Co. have settled New Jersey pollution lawsuits for $24 million.

Storm Watch: Hurricane Isaias’ remnants could bring widespread rain to New Jersey Sunday into Monday, while forecasters say 34 of 40 weekends this year have had precipitation. Coastal Resilience: A Waretown project will restore 50 acres of wetlands and protect 144 more acres, improving tidal flow and marsh habitat. Recent nor’easter damage also caused major beach and dune erosion at 10 Jersey Shore beaches. Data Center Scrutiny: New Jersey officials say most of the roughly 5,000 gallons of diesel spilled at a Secaucus data center has been recovered, but residents want to know what remains. In Princeton, officials are urging NJDEP to deny a data center permit amid growing local opposition. Pollution Cleanup: The EPA has removed more than 52,000 tons of PCB-contaminated soil from a New Jersey Superfund site, while a former chemical company agreed to pay $4.5 million over alleged pollution at state sites. Climate Litigation: New Jersey has joined the wave of climate lawsuits against oil companies as the Supreme Court weighs the legal fight.

Coastal Resilience: A Waretown project will restore 50 acres of wetlands and protect 144 acres of public land by improving tidal flow, raising marsh elevation and creating a living shoreline. Pollution and Cleanup: New Jersey DEP says most of the roughly 5,000 gallons of diesel spilled at a Secaucus data center have been recovered, with no reported impact to nearby wetlands or the river; residents still want to know what remains. EPA has also removed more than 52,000 tons of PCB-contaminated soil from a state Superfund site. Data Center Pushback: Princeton urged DEP to deny a data center permit, as residents raise concerns about development’s local impacts. Climate in Court: Middlesex County has sued oil companies over climate-related costs, as the U.S. Supreme Court weighs a case that could shape similar lawsuits. Shoreline and Infrastructure: A public hearing is set for Oct. 22 on replacing three bridges connecting Manasquan and Brielle, including the Glimmer Glass Bridge. Recent nor’easter damage in Holgate renewed attention to erosion, while officials said restored beaches and dunes helped shield roads and property. Unusually Wet Year: New Jersey has had precipitation on 34 of 40 weekends so far in 2026, a Newark Airport record, according to the state climatologist.

Data Center Fight: Opposition to the Princeton Nurseries project is growing over plans for diesel generators. NJDEP extended public comment on its air permit through Nov. 9, while Princeton officials separately urged the state to reject the permit, citing health concerns. Wildlife: New Jersey osprey advocates say scarce menhaden may be leaving chicks without enough food, after a record-poor nesting season along the Jersey Shore. Toxic Cleanup: EPA says it removed more than 52,000 tons of PCB-contaminated soil from Fairfield’s Unimatic Superfund site; groundwater and restored areas will remain under monitoring. Pollution Costs: Hess and Gunvor have settled New Jersey pollution suits for $24 million, and a former chemical company agreed to pay $4.5 million over alleged contamination at state sites. Coastal Erosion: State findings say a recent nor’easter caused major beach and dune erosion at 10 New Jersey beaches. Clean Energy: New Jersey is among the states that have legalized plug-in balcony solar, giving residents another way to generate electricity at home.

Superfund Cleanup: EPA finished a major cleanup at New Jersey’s Unimatic Manufacturing Superfund site in Fairfield, removing more than 52,000 tons of PCB-contaminated soil and earlier sediment work, then restoring the area with clean fill plus trees and shrubs while groundwater monitoring continues. Energy Costs & Oversight: A New Jersey ratepayer watchdog warned lawmakers that proposed legislation to create a new state energy agency would “almost certainly” raise utility bills, arguing the plan doesn’t clearly explain how power would be bought or paid for. Nuclear Power for AI: Google signed a 20-year, 890-megawatt nuclear power purchase deal with Constellation, with upgrades at Illinois, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania plants—plus an additional 2,700 megawatts supply agreement—aimed at feeding PJM’s growing data-center demand. Legal Settlements: Hess and a former munitions manufacturer agreed to pay $24 million to resolve NJ natural resource damages claims tied to alleged contamination across multiple industrial sites. Public Health Misinformation: A Rutgers-led study found misleading TikTok posts surged after FDA proposed acetaminophen label changes, with misinformation driving over half of views examined. Wildlife Science: Cape May-area research highlights how thermal imaging and radar help track birds flying at night, where calm, cool air makes migration more efficient.

Energy & Utilities Policy: NJ lawmakers held testimony on bills that would create a new state energy agency to expand generation and rein in utility bills, arguing the Board of Public Utilities should stay focused on regulating rates while a dedicated unit drives energy development. Environmental Cleanup: EPA finalized a plan to clean up lingering arsenic contamination at the Vineland Chemical site, targeting arsenic in soil beneath the groundwater table that’s affecting groundwater, sediment, and nearby floodplain areas. Public Health—Mosquito-Borne Disease: New Jersey confirmed its first West Nile death of 2026 and reported 26 human cases statewide, with most cases involving neurological illness and older residents. Air Quality & Enforcement: A NJ appellate ruling limited how police can use Google location data from geofence warrants in a gas-station robbery case, raising stakes for cellphone-location searches. Local Environment—Odor: Hampden Township officials confirmed ongoing efforts to eliminate persistent odor from a water treatment plant, including new systems and procedures. Climate/Infrastructure Pressure: A national report highlights how data centers can overwhelm small towns legally and financially when communities resist. Weather: Tuesday started chilly across North Jersey with mostly clear skies and a sunny rebound.

Public Health: New Jersey confirmed its first West Nile virus death of 2026 as human cases climb to 26 statewide, with 19 neurological illnesses and most cases in people 60 and older; Monmouth leads with six cases, followed by Mercer (four) and Camden (three), and officials say more cases are still under investigation. Legal & Privacy: A New Jersey appeals court ruled police overstepped when they used Google location data from geofence warrants to solve a 2022 gas-station robbery spree, a decision that could narrow how cellphone location searches are used. Air & Climate Policy: Cities and states filed a court petition challenging weaker federal fuel-efficiency standards for new cars and trucks, arguing the rule is unlawful and undermines decades of science-based targets. Waterways & Cleanup: The New Jersey State Police partnered with the BoatUS Foundation to track and remove abandoned and derelict vessels using a national database, citing risks to habitats, navigation, and public safety. Mosquito Season Reminder: NJ health officials urged residents to keep taking precautions against mosquito bites as virus activity trends higher than historical averages. Energy & Permitting: A permitting reform bill would limit how permits can be revoked for energy projects and expand federal authority over transmission siting, with knock-on effects for grid buildout and data center costs.

Nor’easter Shore Damage: NJ DEP mapped beach and dune erosion after the storm, flagging 81 problem areas across 10 beaches, including major erosion at Sea Bright, Bay Head and parts of Long Beach Island. Data Center Fight in the State: A Princeton-area dispute over a South Brunswick data center highlights concerns about diesel generators, air pollution and health impacts, as regulators and residents clash over what counts as “minor” emissions. Climate Courts at the Supreme Court: The U.S. Supreme Court is set to hear a major climate damages case from Boulder, Colorado, with energy companies warning it could function like a nationwide carbon tax. AI Safety Push: Sen. Brian Schatz, joined by Andy Kim, is pressing for federal AI safety rules and a safety board before “rogue” systems cause catastrophic harm. Local Agriculture Breakthrough: Rutgers researchers say they found natural repellents against an invasive blueberry pest after fruit flies “invaded” their lab—potentially changing how growers protect crops. Public Health Prep: NJ health officials urge residents to get ready for flu season with vaccines and basic prevention steps.

Weather & Flood Risk: A cold front is pushing cooler air into the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, with lows in the lower/middle 40s and a chance of morning frost—after a wet, gloomy Sunday brought light rain and cloud cover to parts of New Jersey and nearby states. Public Health: New Jersey confirmed its first West Nile death of 2026 and reported 26 human cases statewide, with most cases among people 60 and older and many illnesses tied to late-August/September mosquito activity. Climate & Energy Policy: The U.S. Supreme Court is set to hear major climate-related disputes, including a Boulder County case targeting fossil-fuel companies—another sign that state and local climate lawsuits are heading toward a high-stakes legal showdown. Local Environment Watch: A pending NJ Attorney General lawsuit targets Camden scrap recycler EMR, as residents and advocates argue the state is not seeking enough compensation for environmental harm. Mosquito Season Reminder: NJ health officials say mosquito risk doesn’t end after Labor Day, urging residents to keep taking precautions.

Nor’easter Aftermath (Shore): Brigantine and other Jersey Shore towns are still dealing with severe flooding and erosion from last week’s nor’easter, including sliced dunes, flooded ground floors, and storm-linked electrical fires—though Sandy-era flood pumps and raised homes helped prevent worse damage. Climate Courts (Supreme Court): The U.S. Supreme Court is set to hear Suncor v. Boulder, a major climate case that could decide whether local governments can use state law to sue energy companies over alleged fossil-fuel harms. Data Centers & Air Pollution (NJ): New reporting highlights how a New Jersey data center emitted large amounts of air pollution for nearly a year before regulators stepped in, renewing scrutiny of permitting and emissions controls. Local Accountability (Camden): WHYY reports Camden residents and advocates want more compensation from EMR, arguing the state’s lawsuit isn’t seeking enough for nearby impacts. Public Safety (Crash): A woman died in a head-on crash on Route 613 in Pittsgrove, according to New Jersey State Police. Mosquito-Borne Health: NJ reminded residents to keep taking precautions against mosquito-borne illness as conditions change.

Nor’easter Aftermath: A powerful nor’easter battered the Jersey Shore with heavy rain, coastal flooding, and power outages, with Atlantic City-area municipalities hit hardest and more than 27,000 customers losing power at peak. Flood Safety: Monmouth County officials warned that floodwater can carry sewage and bacteria and that standing water can drive mold and unhealthy indoor conditions. Coastal Change: The storm also raised concerns about erosion as waves crashed into beaches and seawalls. Aviation/DEP Conflict: Lawmakers pushed back against planned evictions at Sussex County’s Andover-Aeroflex Airport, arguing DEP demolition plans could be more costly than repairs and urging an outside operator to manage the site. Climate Courts: Justice Samuel Alito’s last-minute recusal shook up a Supreme Court climate case over whether localities can sue energy firms under state tort law. Public Health: NJ reminded residents to keep taking precautions against mosquito-borne illness as the season continues. Wildlife Watch: A new study found osprey breeding success is lower in saltwater systems, including parts of the Atlantic coast of Delaware and New Jersey. Community Memorial: Washington Lake Park in Gloucester County dedicated AEDs to honor Johnny and Matty Gaudreau, two South Jersey hockey players killed in 2024.

West Nile Update: New Jersey health officials say 26 people have tested positive for West Nile virus in 2026, including the state’s first confirmed death, and they’re urging residents to keep preventing mosquito bites as mosquitoes remain active into fall. Big Oil in Court: Middlesex County filed a climate-related lawsuit against major oil companies, seeking reimbursement for hundreds of millions in storm and flooding response costs tied to climate change, joining New Jersey and Hoboken in similar legal fights. Power-Plant Pollution Fight: States and cities, including New Jersey, sued the Trump administration over EPA rollbacks that weaken limits on greenhouse gas emissions from coal and natural gas power plants. Mosquito Season Reminder: The state also reported West Nile detections in 1,182 mosquito pools across all 21 counties this year, with the highest numbers in Mercer, Hudson, Somerset, Bergen and Middlesex. Coastal Wildlife Watch: A new study finds osprey breeding success is lower in saltwater systems, with deficits flagged along parts of the Atlantic coast including Delaware and New Jersey.

Power Plant Climate Fight: New York and a coalition of states and cities, including New Jersey, sued the Trump administration over EPA’s repeal of greenhouse-gas limits for coal and gas power plants, arguing the rollback will worsen the climate crisis and raise costs. Nor’easter Recovery: A powerful fall nor’easter brought coastal flooding, beach erosion, and widespread outages across the Northeast, with New Jersey shore towns still assessing damage as cleanup continues. Data Centers & Pollution: New Jersey regulators moved against a data center after it emitted large amounts of air pollution for nearly a year without permits, underscoring growing pressure on the AI-driven power and pollution boom. Nuclear Energy Push: Gov. Mikie Sherrill convened a first Nuclear Task Force meeting and launched “Nuclear NJ” to expand public conversation as electricity prices and grid strain remain hot-button issues. Workplace AI Rules: A New Jersey Senate panel advanced a bill that would require preapproval for certain automated digital tools used in the workplace and limit electronic monitoring, aiming to blunt AI’s job-market impacts. Shore Battery Safety: Wildwood officials warned residents not to use or charge battery-powered vehicles and equipment exposed to floodwaters after the nor’easter.

Nor’easter Aftermath: Wildwood officials warned residents not to use or charge lithium-ion battery-powered vehicles and equipment exposed to floodwater, citing fire risk after the weekend storm’s flooding and beach erosion. Shore Recovery: Ocean County communities are assessing damage after heavy rain and tidal flooding from the Sept. 25-27 nor’easter, with Bay Head reporting major beach erosion while nearby towns saw lighter impacts. Nuclear Push: Gov. Mikie Sherrill convened New Jersey’s first Nuclear Task Force meeting and launched “Nuclear NJ,” setting up subcommittees on regulatory/permitting and financing to prepare for next-generation nuclear power. Climate Court Fight: New Jersey joined a multi-state lawsuit challenging the Trump EPA’s repeal of greenhouse gas limits for coal and gas power plants, arguing the rollback will worsen extreme heat, storms, flooding, and wildfire smoke. Data Center Pollution: A Microsoft-linked Vineland data center (DataOne) was fined $1 million for running dozens of unpermitted gas generators for nearly a year, with a new report estimating major NOx emissions. Local Cleanup Funding: EPA awarded Camden $2.5 million to excavate and clean a contaminated Bergen Square brownfield site still containing lead, arsenic, and PFAS. Farm Relief Bill: A bill would earmark $60 million in state grants for New Jersey farmers hit by last spring’s four-day freeze.