AGP Executive Report

Nor’easter aftermath and coastal impacts: Ocean City is assessing storm damage after a major nor’easter brought full-moon high tides, strong winds, flooding and erosion, with NJDEP coastal engineers on-site for post-storm surveys; officials say recent beach replenishment helped protect dunes from breaching. Wildlife in floodwaters: Residents reported a shark—described as a small, harmless smooth dogfish—swimming through flooded streets in Surf City during the same nor’easter. Water quality and sewage risk: Camden County voters will decide whether to raise a tax to fund a roughly $400 million, 10-year plan to rehabilitate sewers and waterways after heavy rain can push sewage into the Cooper River, disrupting recreation. Occupational health: A new report warns of an artificial-stone silicosis epidemic tied to cutting engineered quartz countertops, arguing existing rules and precautions aren’t enough to protect workers. Marine habitat restoration: NJ’s artificial reef program deployed about 400 donated gravestones and 60 tons of concrete rubble at the Barnegat Light Reef site in 2021 to boost fish and lobster habitat. Policy and planning: The Hudson Tunnel Project hit a major boring milestone as a tunnel-boring machine began work for new rail tubes under the Hudson River, targeting service in 2035.

Climate Resilience Study: Burlington County’s Pinelands towns will be assessed in a new NJDEP-led climate change study, with up to $350,000 in grants to build local plans for wildfire, inland flooding, heatwaves and storms. Nor’easter Aftermath: Gov. Mikie Sherrill lifted the state of emergency across eight counties as cleanup continues, including beach erosion and storm damage in Brigantine where officials are pushing for faster protection work and possible federal help. Flood Risk Research: A new focus on hurricane “water hazards” highlights how compound flooding can be deadlier than wind, with climate change and sea-level rise shifting the odds of Sandy-level events. Public Health Impact: The New York Blood Center said the nor’easter canceled blood drives and cut about 1,000 donations, urging donors to make up the shortfall this week. Coastal Wildlife Sightings: A smooth dogfish shark was spotted swimming through Surf City floodwaters, likely pushed inland by storm-driven flooding. Local Infrastructure Glitch: Belmar’s Route 71 bridge stayed stuck after nor’easter saltwater flooded its mechanical/electric room, keeping some charter boats docked. Legal/Community Fallout: Camden sued scrap recycler EMR over alleged shortfalls in promised fire-recovery community donations.

Nor’easter Aftermath: A powerful nor’easter kept battering parts of the East Coast into Monday, with coastal flooding and dangerous surf hitting New York and New Jersey hard, power outages still lingering for thousands, and officials warning more rain could trigger fresh flooding. Shoreline Damage: In New Jersey, cleanup is underway after severe beach erosion and flooding in places like Sea Bright and Bay Head, with lawmakers and agencies pushing for rapid damage surveys that could support a federal disaster declaration. Wildlife in Floodwaters: Residents reported a shark spotted swimming through flooded streets in Surf City, New Jersey, adding to the storm’s surreal, dangerous scenes. Local Policy—Aquaculture: New Jersey lawmakers advanced a bill to update the state’s aquaculture definition to include hatcheries and related structures, aiming to unlock investment for the shellfish industry. Campus Civil Rights: A bipartisan U.S. Commission on Civil Rights report says colleges need targeted responses to Jew-hatred while protecting free speech and academic freedom. Weather Outlook: Conditions are improving across North Jersey as rain moves out, with a warming trend and only limited rain chances later in the week.

Nor’easter Recovery: Rep. Frank Pallone Jr. is pushing New Jersey DEP and emergency officials for a rapid damage survey after weekend flooding hit his 6th District, citing 6–7 feet of tidal inundation, coastal erosion, power outages, and damage to piers and bulkheads—setting up a possible FEMA disaster declaration. Shore Damage on the Ground: Brigantine officials say the storm caused worst impacts since Superstorm Sandy, with beach washouts, dunes wiped out, and promenade damage that could run into tens of millions, while Ocean City and other shore towns continue cleanup and erosion assessments. Climate Risk Context: Rutgers’ New Jersey State Climate Office says the early-season nor’easter delivered relentless coastal-flooding cycles driven by days of onshore winds, full-moon high tides, and water levels above 3 feet—an event that may foreshadow more extreme coastal impacts. Policy Watch: A bipartisan U.S. Senate vote cleared the Protect College Sports Act (77–22), but its House future is unclear; meanwhile, NJ Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman and others are urging a GAO audit of EPA microplastics work. Infrastructure: The Gateway rail project hit a milestone as a tunnel-boring machine started for the Hudson River Tunnel under the NJ Palisades.

Nor’easter Recovery & Flooding: Coastal communities across New Jersey and the Northeast are starting cleanup after a rare September nor’easter brought severe coastal flooding, high winds, and outages, with residents in places like Sea Bright reporting flooding that keeps returning with each high tide. Storm Aftermath Watch: A coastal flood advisory/warning remains in play for parts of the Shore into Monday, with another round of minor to moderate flooding possible during morning high tide cycles as the storm slowly weakens. Local Damage Spotlight: The Edison Elks Lodge in Edison was destroyed by fire during the nor’easter, and nearby lodges are offering support as members plan a comeback. Community & Resilience: New Jersey residents also shared storm impacts ranging from beach erosion to flooded streets and rescues, while utilities sent crews to restore power. Policy & Environment: Separate from the storm, Camden is suing scrap metal recycler EMR over promised community donations amid allegations tied to pollution and repeated fires. Clean Energy/Infrastructure: The U.S. Air Force is seeking portable counter-drone systems for a New Jersey unit, adding another layer to protection of critical infrastructure.

Nor’easter Flooding & Power Outages: A slow-moving nor’easter is battering New Jersey’s coast and nearby low-lying areas again, with tidal surges pushing water into neighborhoods and roads and wind gusts toppling trees and utility poles. Reports say flooding is repeating at high tide, including in Sea Bright, while tens of thousands of customers across the Northeast remain without power; in New Jersey, thousands were still out as crews work to restore service. Emergency Response & Closures: New Jersey state offices and courts are opening late Monday, and some coastal school districts canceled or delayed classes as officials warn floodwaters may take time to recede. Jersey Shore Impacts: Coastal communities from Monmouth to Ocean County are dealing with coastal flooding, beach erosion, and dangerous surf, with a Coastal Flood Warning and high-surf advisories cited in coverage. Public Safety Notes: Officials urged residents to avoid downed wires and stay off flooded roads as cleanup continues. Odd Sightings in Floodwaters: A “baby shark” sighting was reported in Surf City amid the flooding, adding to the surreal storm scenes.

Nor’easter Flooding & Power Loss: A slow-moving nor’easter is still battering the Northeast, with coastal flooding threats at high tide and widespread outages. More than 100,000 customers were without power across the region, including about 21,000 in New Jersey, as gusty winds and saturated ground knocked out service and flooded roads. Public Safety & Storm Impacts in NJ: New Jersey’s coastal counties were under a state of emergency, and crews worked to clear storm drains as rain and wind continued. Reports included flooded streets and rescues in the Jersey Shore area, plus travel disruptions and event cancellations. Fatalities & Damage Reports: The storm has been deadly, including a New York City Housing Authority worker killed by a falling tree in Brooklyn, with additional injuries reported. Hoboken Water Advisory Lifted: A boil-water advisory for part of Hoboken was lifted after water quality testing following a water main break repair. Local Climate Context: Coverage also tied the storm’s intensity to broader climate concerns, with warnings that conditions could linger into Monday.

Nor’easter Disaster Response: A powerful September nor’easter slammed New Jersey and the wider Northeast, flooding shore towns, submerging roads, and knocking out power for more than 100,000 customers at one point; by Saturday evening, tens of thousands still lacked electricity as high tides and heavy rain kept the coastal threat alive. Public Safety & Rescues: Emergency crews reported water rescues, including nine adults and a dog pulled from flooded motel rooms in Egg Harbor Township, while officials urged residents to avoid driving through floodwater and watch for downed trees and lines. Travel Disruptions: The storm triggered major chaos for commuters and travelers, with 400+ flight cancellations and hundreds more delayed, plus event postponements across the region. Utility Preparedness: Jersey Central Power & Light said it was monitoring the storm and ramping up crews and mutual aid ahead of likely wind and coastal impacts. Air-Quality Enforcement: Separate from the storm, New Jersey regulators fined DataOne $1.07 million for operating dozens of unpermitted gas generators at its Vineland data center, raising emissions-permitting concerns.

Nor’easter Emergency: Gov. Mikie Sherrill declared a state of emergency for eight NJ counties (Atlantic, Burlington, Cape May, Cumberland, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean, Salem) as a rare September nor’easter brings damaging winds, heavy rain, and coastal flooding. Coastal Flooding & Road Closures: High tide is already swamping shore roads, with flooding reported in places like Surf City and Ship Bottom; NJDOT has closed multiple routes as water and downed trees make travel dangerous. Power Outages: More than 30,000 NJ utility customers were without power Saturday morning, with gusts topping 69 mph on Long Beach Island and 74 mph reported in Surf City. Storm Impacts Beyond Weather: The storm is also triggering travel chaos—dozens of flight cancellations and airline waivers—and prompting event cancellations. Public Health Reminder: NJ Poison Control is warning residents about carbon monoxide risks during outages, urging proper generator use and CO detector checks.

Nor’easter Emergency: New Jersey and New York declared states of emergency as a powerful early-season nor’easter churned toward the coast, with heavy rain, damaging winds, coastal flooding, and beach erosion expected to hit hardest Friday night through Sunday morning; Gov. Mikie Sherrill ordered an emergency for eight counties and Manasquan issued a voluntary evacuation for some low-lying residents. Local Flood Prep: In North Jersey, towns like Hawthorne moved to clear storm drains, ready barricades, and cancel events to reduce risk after late-summer flash flooding. Coastal Impacts & Travel: Airlines issued nor’easter waivers as LaGuardia and JFK saw hundreds of delays, and the storm already disrupted major weekend plans across the region. Climate Link: A report from Climate Central said human-caused climate change is making sea-level starting points higher, worsening nor’easter flooding and erosion. Resilience Planning: Burlington County selected a regional climate change resiliency study for its southwest Pinelands towns, aiming to better prepare for wildfires, storms, heat, and inland flooding. Data Center Pollution: NJ fined a Vineland data center $1.1 million after drone footage showed 62 unpermitted gas generators, raising air-quality concerns for nearby schools and residents. Governance Fallout: NJ Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell resigned after an ethics investigation found sexual harassment and violations.

Nor’easter Watch: A rare fall nor’easter is already battering the Northeast, with New Jersey bracing for heavy rain, 40–60 mph coastal gusts, rough surf, and coastal flooding that could linger into Monday as tides run high and stormwater backs up. Shore Impacts: Jersey Shore towns are postponing or canceling weekend events as beach erosion and dangerous conditions ramp up, with officials urging residents to stay off flooded roads and secure property. Local Prep: Across the region, utilities and emergency managers are on standby for power outages and tree damage, while mariners are being told to stay in port. NJ Politics: Gov. Mikie Sherrill called on Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell to resign after an investigation found substantiated sexual harassment and ethics violations. Data Center Pollution: New Jersey fined a data center operator $1.1M after drone footage showed dozens of unpermitted gas generators.

Nor’easter Watch: New Jersey coastal communities are bracing for a weekend nor’easter that could bring serious flooding and dangerous surf, with Atlantic City officials urging residents to prepare and Wildwood events already disrupted by high winds and coastal impacts. Flood Risk & Local Readiness: In flood-prone areas like Manasquan and Asbury Park, residents are seeing overflow and longer-lasting inundation, and some businesses are testing FEMA-approved floodgate systems to reduce damage. Schools & Weather Policy: Bayonne’s superintendent is asking Gov. Mikie Sherrill to let districts use remote learning during snow days so closures don’t force extra make-up days. Statehouse Ethics: Sherrill called for Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell to resign after an ethics probe found alleged sexual harassment and ethics violations. Climate Accountability Push: NJ activists are pressing lawmakers to make fossil fuel companies pay for climate damage. Data Center Pressure: Maryland is tightening data center review rules, adding to the growing backlash over power and water demands.

Coastal Storm Watch: A rare September nor’easter is building off the Northeast, with forecasts pointing to heavy rain, damaging winds, and major coastal flooding risk for New Jersey and the wider region, including rough surf and possible power outages. Clean Energy & Solar Access: New Jersey is moving to cut energy bills by making it easier for residents to install small solar systems without heavy approvals, aiming to democratize rooftop solar. Data Centers & Air Pollution: NJ regulators fined a Vineland data center about $1.07 million over unpermitted gas generators, adding to the growing pushback on the environmental impacts of the AI data center boom. Shoreline Trash: Local officials are warning residents after syringes washed up on NJ beaches, urging people not to touch them and calling for accountability. Balloons & Wildlife: A Surfrider Foundation push highlights balloon pollution as a threat to wildlife, with states tightening rules on intentional releases. Packaging Deal: Butterfly Equity agreed to acquire Sabert, a Sayreville-based sustainable food packaging maker, signaling more investment in lower-impact materials.

Coastal Storm Watch: New Jersey is bracing for a nor’easter bringing strong winds, dangerous surf, beach erosion, and coastal flooding that could linger through the weekend, with officials urging residents to monitor alerts and avoid flooded roads. Shoreline Impacts: Atlantic City and other Jersey Shore communities are preparing for possible flooding and erosion as high tides and rough seas combine. Public Transit & Resilience: Liberty State Park’s ferry terminal in Jersey City reopened after a $51.1 million upgrade that restored slips, added capacity, and improved emergency access. Air Quality Enforcement: NJDEP hit Vineland data center operator DataOne with a record $1.07 million fine for running 62 unpermitted natural-gas generators totaling about 123 MW. Clean Energy & Materials: Senator Andy Kim visited a solar panel recycling operation in Phillipsburg, highlighting New Jersey’s push to recover critical minerals and build recycling infrastructure. PFAS Legal Pressure: A new look at PFAS in food and beverage points to escalating legal risk as states and courts grapple with contamination and liability. Community Learning: Save Barnegat Bay and partners plan a public session on how local land-use decisions affect bays, wetlands, and water quality.

Coastal Storm Watch: A rare September nor’easter is building off the U.S. Northeast, with forecasts calling for multi-day coastal flooding, dangerous surf, and strong winds that could hit New Jersey’s shore through the weekend. NJDEP Accountability: New Jersey’s DEP fined Vineland data center DataOne $1.07 million after an inspection found 62 gas generators installed without required permits, adding to scrutiny of how fast-growing data centers handle air pollution rules. Local Health Concerns: In Keyport, residents packed a meeting after the DEP released test results on the former Aeromarine landfill, with officials saying they found no indication contamination is impacting surrounding neighborhoods, though some residents questioned sampling locations and timing. Offshore Wind Legal Fight: New Jersey is among states suing the Trump administration over offshore wind cancellations, arguing the deals violate federal law and harm clean-energy investment. Indoor Air & Kids: A reminder for families: indoor air pollution can be worse than outdoor air, and protecting children means cutting pollution sources and improving ventilation.

Air Enforcement: New Jersey DEP hit DataOne’s Vineland data center with a record $1.07 million fine after a July 29 inspection found 62 large natural-gas generators operating without required permits, with the DEP saying the machines emit carbon dioxide and other combustion pollutants. Public Health & Cleanup: NJDEP told Keyport residents it found no link between the former Aeromarine landfill and reported cancer cases, saying testing found elevated contaminants on-site but no exposure pathway to nearby neighborhoods. Offshore Wind Legal Fight: NJ joined a multistate lawsuit challenging Trump administration buybacks/cancellations of offshore wind leases, arguing the deals illegally redirect taxpayer funds and undermine needed clean power. Storm Watch: Forecasters are tracking a rare early-season nor’easter that could bring coastal flooding, strong winds, and dangerous surf to the Jersey Shore and Delaware, with advisories and watches already in play. Data Center Policy Pressure: The enforcement comes as NJ continues tightening rules for data centers amid concerns about air pollution and energy demand.