AGP Executive Report

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.

Camden Recycling Fire Fallout: Camden officials renewed calls to shut down EMR Recycling after another scrapyard blaze, the 13th since 2020, sending smoke and prompting public health warnings; EMR says a lithium-ion battery likely sparked the fire, and the city says prior fixes weren’t enough. Local Environmental Health: The repeated fires have raised pressure on state and federal regulators to tighten oversight and force closure, with residents urged to stay cautious about air quality. NJ Wildlife Guidance: A North Jersey wildlife refuge reminded people not to intervene with baby deer, saying fawns are often safe and that well-meaning handling can lead to dehydration, injury, or death. Climate & Policy Watch: Separate coverage highlights NJDEP moving to delay “REAL” climate rules, while other reporting points to broader heat and pollution risks tied to warming and runoff. Infrastructure Disruption: NJDOT announced a daytime closure of a Pulaski Skyway northbound ramp from Adams Street starting June 1 for bridge rehabilitation work, with detours and exceptions for match days or bad weather.

Scrap Yard Fire Fallout (Camden): Camden officials are pushing to shut down EMR USA Metal Recycling after another early-morning blaze, the 13th fire in six years, with smoke concerns prompting health warnings and calls to the EPA and NJDEP. Fire officials said a lithium battery may have sparked the flames, and that a newly installed suppression system initially failed to activate properly. State Flood Rule Delay (NJDEP): NJDEP is extending controversial new flood rules by a year to allow more public input and potential changes, including updated elevation requirements and wetland/stormwater provisions. Gas Modernization Bill (Trenton): An NJ Assembly committee advanced the Gas Modernization Act, with critics warning it could expand fracked gas permitting and weaken environmental protections, while supporters frame it as streamlining infrastructure approvals. Data Center Energy Pressure (Policy): Separate coverage highlights New Jersey’s ongoing push to regulate AI data centers amid rising electricity demand, as other states debate similar ratepayer and climate impacts.

Camden Scrap Yard Fire: EMR Recycling paused shredder operations after a two-alarm fire at its Ferry Avenue facility sent smoke across South Jersey, with Camden leaders urging EPA and NJDEP to shut the site down for good. Local Water Infrastructure: State Sen. Raj Mukherji’s bills cleared the Senate to unlock $160 million for Jersey City and Hoboken water projects via the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank and NJDEP-backed low-interest loans. Data Center Noise Lawsuit: Neighbors in Vineland sued DataOne USA in federal court over a constant humming noise from an AI data center under construction, saying it disrupts sleep and harms property values. NJDEP Climate Rule Delay: Reports say NJDEP plans to delay “REAL” climate rules, adding uncertainty for state climate policy. Summer Heat Ahead: A weather explainer notes why this summer may feel longer in New Jersey, tied to Memorial Day landing early and the usual solstice-to-Labor-Day rhythm. Noise Ordinances: A guide breaks down NJ rules for yard equipment, including typical decibel limits and allowed hours, to help residents avoid neighbor disputes.

Delaney Hall Crackdown: In Newark, clashes around the ICE detention center Delaney Hall escalated again this week as Gov. Mikie Sherrill was denied full access and state health inspectors reported limited entry; detainees are also staging a hunger and labor strike over conditions, with advocates alleging beatings and tear gas in cells. Data Center Power Fight: New Jersey’s debate over data centers’ electricity impacts is heating up as California lawmakers move to make data centers help cover grid costs, a move that mirrors NJ Gov. Sherrill’s push for “guardrails” and rules requiring the industry to pay its own way. Freeze Fallout for NJ Farms: After an April freeze wiped out much of the state’s fruit crop, Sherrill toured Russo’s Farm in Tabernacle and said NJ agriculture losses could reach about $300 million, raising concerns about higher grocery prices and fewer local harvest options. Blood Supply Emergency: NJ Blood Services declared a supply emergency as collections run about 15% short, prompting Gov. Sherrill to urge donations ahead of summer demand. EV Charging Delays: A new report says federal EV charging progress is slow, with stations opening far behind targets—an issue that affects NJ drivers looking for reliable high-speed charging.

Data Center Guardrails: NJ Gov. Mikie Sherrill rolled out a statewide plan to rein in data centers’ energy and water impacts, with “fair-share” rules, stronger transparency, and requirements meant to shift costs away from residents while keeping AI investment in-state. Flood Resilience: The Pew Charitable Trusts urged continued implementation of New Jersey’s Resilient Environments and Landscapes (REAL) rules, arguing the standards help communities plan for future flood conditions instead of relying on the past. Local Safety: Brick police increased school-zone enforcement after a 15-year-old cyclist was killed in a hit-and-run near Lanes Mill Road and Rhode Island Avenue, as parents push for safer roads. Energy & Industry: ExxonMobil shareholders approved moving the company’s legal incorporation from New Jersey to Texas, a governance shift that’s already sparked political blowback over NJ’s business climate. Fusion Funding: Thea Energy, based in Kearny, announced $100 million in Series B funding to expand fusion magnet manufacturing and accelerate construction of its power plant.

Data Center Policy Push: Gov. Mikie Sherrill unveiled a four-part statewide plan to rein in New Jersey’s AI data-center boom—requiring centers to “bring their own energy,” report energy and water use every six months, invest in grid upgrades, and contribute to communities and good-paying jobs, as residents and towns continue to complain about rising electricity bills plus noise and water impacts. Community Impact Lawsuit: In Vineland, neighbors say an active data center’s humming noise has made outdoor life unbearable; two residents have filed a lawsuit against DataOne USA LLC. Toxic Air Health Watch: A Rutgers-led study finds wildfire smoke can carry extremely small, potentially harmful particles loaded with toxic metals, PFAS, and other chemicals—raising health concerns beyond typical wildfire smoke warnings. Paraquat Ban Momentum: Vermont became the first state to ban the herbicide paraquat, with New Jersey lawmakers considering similar limits as the chemical is linked to Parkinson’s disease. Storm Memory & Preparedness: A Sandy anniversary reminder flags June 1 as the start of hurricane season, urging New Jersey residents to stay alert for coastal flooding risks.

Data Center “Guardrails” in NJ: Gov. Mikie Sherrill unveiled a four-part plan to rein in data-center impacts as AI demand strains the grid—requiring centers to “pay their own way,” report energy and water use, address community concerns like noise/light/pollution, and build with union labor and standard wages. Coastal Water Check for Summer: NJ DEP says ocean water quality is in excellent shape heading into peak tourism, with ongoing sampling and monitoring designed to protect public health and shellfish areas. Clean Water Fundraiser in the Pinelands: Students behind the Flow Initiative will host a “Voices for Water” benefit concert June 7 in Tuckerton and a “Walk for Water” event May 30 to raise money for safe drinking water projects. Solar Adds Clean Power in Boonton: PowerLutions Solar completed a 747 kW rooftop solar project at an AvalonBay community in Boonton, expected to cut about 300 metric tons of CO2 annually. Memorial Day Water Safety: A boat crash in Barnegat Bay killed one and injured five after hitting a channel marker amid foggy conditions.

Local Recycling Push: Livingston is hosting its first free Electronics Recycling and Paper Shredding event on June 7 (9 a.m.–2 p.m.) at the Senior/Community Center, aiming to help residents follow NJ rules that ban curbside disposal of electronics. Coastal Resilience: New Jersey’s beaches are entering summer in “strong shape” after a winter with limited storm impacts, with experts pointing to ongoing nourishment and dune protection. AI Power & Data Centers: A planned AI data center in Kenilworth hit a wall Tuesday when a Union County planning board meeting was canceled, leaving residents angrier and demanding answers from the project team. Shoreline Watch: NASA satellite imagery shows unusually bright, turquoise ocean patches and big phytoplankton blooms off the Mid-Atlantic coast, including the Jersey Shore. Immigration Tensions in Newark: Protest activity around the Delaney Hall ICE facility continues, with clashes and heightened attention after a senator reported being pepper-sprayed during demonstrations.

World Cup Safety Tech: Everbridge is being rolled out across World Cup host cities to speed up severe-weather alerts, transit updates, emergency notifications, and traffic management for residents and millions of visitors. ICE Protests in Newark: Protesters kept up barricades outside the Delaney Hall immigration detention center for a third day Tuesday, amid a hunger strike and weekend clashes that included pepper spray and armored-vehicle deterrence. VA Under Pressure: Veterans and lawmakers are pushing for changes at the Department of Veterans Affairs, while a separate story spotlights veterans’ support for VA care. Online Child Safety: Connecticut AG William Tong announced an investigation into Roblox after reports of child exploitation and harm. EPA Incinerator Fight: Environmental groups are back in court seeking tighter EPA air-emissions limits for municipal waste incinerators. Fuel Watch: Diesel prices dipped modestly over the past week as Memorial Day travel moved through. Local Relief: Farm Credit East’s $40,000 donation targets rural mental health initiatives across the Northeast. NJ Infrastructure: Port Authority approved $75 million to start Newark Airport’s Terminal B modernization.