AGP Executive Report

Flooding & Storm Impacts: Heavy rain is driving flash flooding across New Jersey, with police urging drivers to avoid flooded roads and obey closures as water rises and crews block routes to prevent stranded vehicles. Lightning Fire: In Old Bridge Township, a lightning strike sparked a home fire during torrential storms; two women escaped with their dogs, but their pet birds died. Local Flood Readiness: Camden officials say they’re clearing storm drains and prepping trouble spots to prevent a repeat of Monday’s flooding as more rain moves in. Clean Water Fight: Environmental groups are challenging New Jersey regulators and a natural gas company in federal appeals court over an interstate pipeline expansion, arguing approval bypassed required public scrutiny under the Clean Water Act. E-Bike Safety Law: New Jersey’s new e-bike licensing and registration rules kick in July 19, and advocates warn the law may make riding harder without fully addressing crash causes. Public Health Watch: Cyclosporiasis—linked to “explosive” diarrhea—continues to spread, with New Jersey among states investigating cases.

Extreme Heat Fallout: New Jersey reported 22 suspected heat-related deaths as the deadly heat dome eased, underscoring how quickly extreme temperatures can turn life-threatening for people and animals. Public Health Crunch: New Jersey Blood Services declared a blood emergency for all blood types after extreme heat, power outages, and the Fourth of July holiday cut donations; most inventory is down to about two days, with O- down to half a day. Storm Damage & Safety: Cleanup continues after severe storms, including a 30-foot tree crashing into a West Orange home and leaving it uninhabitable, plus roof-collapse damage at a BJ’s in Ocean Township. Infrastructure Disruption: Heat and weather forced intermittent closure of the NJ Transit bridge across Shark River Inlet, trapping boats for hours. Coastal & Waterways Watch: A waterfront development in Beach Haven drew pushback over docks, boat lifts, and a breakwater that critics say could bottleneck Liberty Thorofare and raise collision and grounding risks. Data Centers Backlash: A national day of protest against data centers is planned for July 18, with organizers citing rising utility costs, water demand, noise, and land-use impacts. Local Governance: A court cleared the way for EMR’s Camden recycling facility to reopen under safety conditions after repeated fires and a dispute with city officials.

Camden Recycling Fight: A judge ruled EMR Recycling in Camden can reopen under strict fire-safety conditions after a judge overturned the city’s shutdown tied to a string of blazes at the waterfront scrapyard. Energy Affordability & Grid Costs: Gov. Mikie Sherrill signed new laws aimed at lowering electric bills and requiring data center developers to help pay for power grid upgrades, as officials warn AI-driven demand is straining PJM. Extreme Heat Toll: New Jersey’s heat death count continues to climb after the July 1–4 heat wave, with officials reporting dozens of heat-related deaths and ongoing health impacts. Storm Aftermath: Residents and officials are still cleaning up after flash flooding and severe weather hit the region, including damage tied to roof collapses and power disruptions. PFAS & Cleanup Watch: A major federal settlement over forever-chemical contamination at a South Jersey plant underscores how long cleanup fights can last. Local Sustainability Win: Neptune City’s Green Team received a $10,000 Sustainable NJ award to build a community garden, expanding local food access and hands-on sustainability education.

Extreme Heat & Public Health: New Jersey health officials tied at least 29 suspected deaths to the July 4 heat wave, with many victims found in homes without air conditioning as temperatures hit the 90s to 100s and heat indexes neared 110. Storms, Power, and Transit: Historic heat plus severe storms disrupted NJ Transit for days, with hundreds of delayed and canceled trains, while utilities reported tens of thousands still without power as crews battled downed trees and damaged lines. Flooding Impacts: Heavy rain triggered a partial roof collapse at a BJ’s in Ocean Township, briefly trapping two shoppers, and Camden flooding prompted rescues using a special “High Water” vehicle. Resilience & Infrastructure: Gov. Mikie Sherrill visited storm damage sites and said data center policy is part of extreme-weather planning, as the state weighs how to protect the grid. Local Environment-Adjacent Business: Somers Point launched a “film-ready” push to attract productions tied to Netflix’s East Coast expansion at Fort Monmouth. Wildlife/Animal Welfare: A Salem County K-9 handler was charged after two dogs died after being left in a hot patrol vehicle for about seven hours.

Severe Storm Recovery: Camden residents and businesses are still cleaning up after flash flooding Monday, including a Gateway-area supermarket where more than 4 inches of rain knocked out refrigeration and forced thousands in spoiled food; Gov. Mikie Sherrill visited Tuesday to thank first responders as the state’s Office of Emergency Management reviews damage claims. Power Grid Strain: Utility crews have restored hundreds of thousands of NJ customers after days of storms and outages, but thousands still wait—JCP&L said most remaining customers should see power back by Tuesday night, while PSE&G reported major restoration progress. Heat-Health Watch: NJ health officials are investigating 29 suspected heat-related deaths tied to the record hot spell over the July 4 weekend, while Philadelphia confirmed additional heat deaths as temperatures hit triple digits. Energy Affordability: Gov. Sherrill signed energy affordability bills aimed at slowing rising electricity costs and modernizing the grid, including a first-in-the-nation data center tariff plus incentives for data centers to bring clean power. Data Centers & Costs: A new report highlights how data center growth is pushing up electricity costs for manufacturers, with grid capacity charges rising sharply—raising pressure for policy changes. PFAS Accountability: Chemours reached a $450 million federal settlement over “forever chemical” contamination at a South Jersey plant. Local Climate Resilience: Officials say NJ is working to boost resiliency as extreme weather events hit more often, with emergency planning and recovery funding still under review.

Severe Weather Aftermath: Flash flooding and power outages kept hitting New Jersey neighborhoods after days of storms, with residents reporting basements and yards inundated and roads turning into rivers, while the state’s Office of Emergency Management coordinated with counties and municipalities. Heat-Related Deaths: The same heat wave that disrupted Independence Day is now tied to at least 29 deaths in NJ, with officials saying most victims were found in homes without air conditioning. Storm Impacts on Infrastructure: In Ocean Township, a BJ’s Wholesale Club saw a partial roof collapse during heavy rain; 27 people were inside, two were briefly trapped, and no injuries were reported. Flood Risk Ahead: Forecasters warned that more heavy rain could trigger additional flash flooding across the Northeast, including the NYC and Philadelphia metro areas. Public Health Watch: Health officials are also tracking a growing cyclosporiasis outbreak, with NJ among the states reporting cases and guidance focusing on foods previously linked to illness. Energy Costs & Grid Pressure: A Reuters report tied rising factory power bills to surging electricity demand from data centers, raising concerns about capacity charges and grid strain.

Flash Floods & Heat Aftermath: Heavy rain and flash flooding hit New Jersey and the wider Northeast, leaving roads underwater, stranding vehicles, and triggering flood warnings and watches as saturated ground turned downpours into fast-moving hazards. Camden Flooding: Camden reported about 4 inches of rain in a short period, activated its emergency operations center, and urged residents not to drive through floodwaters. BJ’s Roof Collapse (Ocean Township): In Monmouth County, the roof of a BJ’s Wholesale Club partially collapsed during severe flooding; 27 people were inside, two were briefly partially trapped but escaped, and officials urged the public to avoid Route 35 and nearby roads while searches and response continued. Power Outages: Storms also worsened the heat-wave fallout, with tens of thousands of NJ customers still without power as crews worked to restore service. Heat Safety & Policy Pressure: New Jersey reported dozens of heat-related deaths tied to extreme temperatures, while advocates renewed calls for a “polluters pay” approach as families face rising costs from extreme weather.

Heat-Related Deaths: New Jersey officials say the record-breaking heat wave that swept into the July 4 weekend is suspected to have caused at least 25 deaths, with many victims found in homes without air conditioning, and some outdoors or in parked cars. Power and Flooding: As storms moved through, flooding hit key North Jersey roads (including Routes 21, 208 and 280) and outages left tens of thousands without power, with forecasts calling for more heavy rain and flash-flood risk. Grid Stress Across the Region: Utility reports show hundreds of thousands of customers across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic still dealing with outages as additional severe weather threatens damaging winds and localized flooding. Local Storm Damage and Transit: A deadly storm in the Scotch Plains area toppled trees and disrupted NJ Transit service, with crews working to clear debris and restore lines. Offshore Wind Policy: Separate coverage notes federal buyouts and permit blocks are pressuring offshore wind developers, raising concerns for East Coast clean energy timelines. Industrial Fire Fallout: Camden leaders are weighing a proposed settlement tied to repeated fires at a scrapyard, including recommended upgrades to fire suppression and 24/7 fire watch. Animal Welfare Law: Illinois expanded its traveling animal ban to include big cats, bears and primates, following a push to end exploitative fair attractions.

Heat Safety Crisis: New Jersey officials say a heat dome suspected in at least 19 deaths since July 2, with many victims found in homes without air conditioning, outside residences, or in parked cars; the state health commissioner warned the conditions can turn life-threatening fast. Storms & Flood Risk: As Brazil vs. Norway kicked off at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, the National Weather Service issued a flood watch for parts of eastern New Jersey (including Bergen, Essex, Passaic, Union, Hudson) through early Tuesday, warning of flash flooding from heavy rain. Local Cleanup After Severe Weather: Paramus crews were still clearing damage after Saturday night thunderstorms uprooted a massive tree on Jackson Place and knocked down dozens of trees across the area; officials said no injuries were reported and welfare checks were underway. PFAS Accountability: A $450 million Chemours settlement tied to PFAS contamination is being framed as enforcement, but North Carolina advocates say it won’t deliver meaningful cleanup relief for affected residents. Pollinator Habitat: A “Pollinator Week” push highlighted that manicured lawns don’t provide enough habitat for pollinators, urging residents to change backyard plantings to support food and biodiversity.

Extreme Heat & Water Rules: With a punishing heat wave and drought tightening supplies, communities across the U.S. (including New Jersey) are urging shorter showers and other water-saving steps, and some are moving to bans on waste. Heat’s Real-World Toll: Reports tied the heat to dozens of deaths nationwide, while power demand and outages disrupted holiday plans and strained grids. Storms, Flood Risk, and Power Loss in NJ: Severe thunderstorms knocked out power and downed trees across North/Central Jersey, and a Flood Watch warned of flash flooding risk from heavy rain. Clean Water Act Clash in NY Harbor: The Coast Guard removed Hudson River Sloop Clearwater’s vessel from the Sail4th 250 parade over “politically charged” banners, sparking a dispute over whether clean-water advocacy counts as politics. Food Safety Outbreak Watch: CDC and state agencies are investigating a growing Cyclospora outbreak tied to “explosive” diarrhea, with no single source identified yet. World Cup in NJ: Brazil vs. Norway at MetLife Stadium is drawing extra attention amid heat concerns, while local businesses near the stadium report mixed impacts from the tournament.

Extreme Heat & Power Reliability: A dangerous heatwave and storms disrupted Independence Day across the U.S., leaving more than 842,000 households without power Saturday, including in New Jersey (143,072 outages reported), with officials warning heat can also strain power, water, and transportation systems. Public Safety During Heat: New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill urged residents to limit time outdoors, hydrate, and check on vulnerable neighbors as the state faced extreme temperatures and a heat index near 110; health officials also said 19 heat-related deaths are suspected statewide. Local Impacts in NJ: In Voorhees Township, 214 nursing home residents were evacuated after a water main break flooded the facility’s HVAC system and shut off air conditioning. Weather Disruptions Across the Shore & NJ Events: At the Jersey Shore, beach crowds still packed Point Pleasant despite the heat, while some NJ celebrations and events adjusted or canceled due to storms and high temperatures. PFAS Accountability: Chemours agreed to a $450 million settlement to resolve PFAS “forever chemicals” claims, including mitigation work tied to New Jersey discharges. Air-Conditioning Access Gap: New data highlighted how many households lack air conditioning, underscoring why heat hits hardest where cooling access is limited.

Extreme Heat & Power Strain: A dangerous heat wave has pushed about 238 million people—roughly 70% of the U.S.—under heat alerts, with New Jersey in the highest-level warning zone as humidity and record-breaking temperatures threaten health and strain the grid. Severe Storm Damage in NJ: Powerful thunderstorms tore through northern New Jersey Friday night, toppling trees and downing utility lines and disrupting NJ TRANSIT service across multiple lines into Saturday morning. Beach Water Contamination: “Do not swim” advisories hit multiple East Coast beaches, including in New Jersey, after tests found high levels of fecal bacteria tied to stormwater runoff and sewer or septic failures. PFAS & Groundwater: NJDEP adopted interim specific groundwater standards for PFAS, a move aimed at tightening protections around “forever chemicals.” PFAS Cleanup Collaboration: Stevens Institute of Technology professor Dibyendu Sarkar will travel to India on a Fulbright Specialist project focused on soil and groundwater remediation in Jharkhand. Local Environment Policy: New Jersey also moved to outlaw sales of certain invasive landscape plants, part of broader efforts to reduce ecological harm.

Extreme Heat Dome: A searing heat dome is baking New Jersey and the eastern U.S. ahead of July 4, with feels-like temperatures topping 115°F and record highs already falling; the surge is straining the grid and disrupting plans, including NJ Transit delays and cancellations tied to heat impacts on tracks and equipment. Power Grid Stress: Utilities and grid operators are bracing for peak air-conditioning demand, with outages reported in the region as demand climbs toward record levels. Local Water Pressure: New Jersey is also in drought “warning” mode, with mandatory water restrictions in Monmouth and Ocean counties projected to run through September, as climate-driven swings mean heavier downpours but longer dry stretches. Invasive Plants Crackdown: New Jersey’s new invasive species law now bars future sales and propagation of 30 plants, including winged burning bush and Norway maple—existing yard plantings can stay, but homeowners will see fewer options for new purchases. Public Health Alert: A parasite outbreak causing explosive diarrhea (cyclosporiasis) is spreading across 17 states, with Pennsylvania and New Jersey among those affected, prompting ongoing investigation into the source.

Extreme Heat & Grid Strain: A dangerous, multi-day heat wave is baking the eastern U.S., with New Jersey towns breaking July 2 records and heat indexes pushing past 115°F, raising health risks and straining the electric grid as officials warn of possible outages. World Cup Safety in the Heat: With peak heat indexes forecast around 100–115°F, scientists and advocates say FIFA’s heat-safety guidance may be inadequate, putting players and open-air fans at risk during matches in the region. PFAS Cleanup Update: Chemours agreed to a major settlement tied to PFAS “forever chemicals,” with regulators and communities watching closely for releases and enforcement. Recycling Rules in NJ: New Jersey residents are being reminded not to “wish-cycle” banned items into recycling bins, since wrong materials can contaminate loads and disrupt processing. Foodborne Illness Watch: A parasitic outbreak of cyclosporiasis is spreading across more than 17 states, with New Jersey among those affected as public health teams investigate sources. Local Water & Access: Montclair opened municipal pools to nonresidents to comply with Green Acres requirements, a reminder that state funding rules can shape local access.

PFAS Cleanup: Chemours reached a multi-state settlement with the U.S. EPA and DOJ over “forever chemicals” tied to releases at facilities in West Virginia, North Carolina, and New Jersey, marking the first comprehensive federal settlement of its kind for a PFAS manufacturer. Extreme Heat & Grid Strain: A dangerous heat wave pushed record temperatures across the region, with New Jersey and nearby areas seeing grid stress as air conditioning demand spiked; NJ Transit also diverted Midtown Direct trains to Hoboken due to heat. Water Protection Basics: A new explainer breaks down how New Jersey watersheds work, why the state’s 20 Watershed Management Areas matter for drinking water, pollution control, and flood risk. Food Safety Warning: Health officials flagged a surge of cyclosporiasis cases tied to a parasite found on produce, urging people to take extra care with summer food. School Mental Health: New Jersey lawmakers approved expanded school-based mental health support, including a new pilot program to connect districts with behavioral health providers.

Extreme Heat & Grid Strain: A heat dome is pushing dangerous temperatures across New Jersey into the July 4 weekend, with heat index values near 110 and possible 115 in spots, while the federal government issued an energy emergency alert for the PJM grid and warned it may need to curtail power to data centers and ask large users to switch to backup generators. State Policy for Cleaner Power: New Jersey lawmakers passed the Garden State Plug-In Solar Act, expanding balcony and porch solar access to renters and apartment dwellers to cut utility bills. Coastal Science Upgrade: A historic ocean observatory off the Jersey Shore is back in service, linking nearshore and offshore monitoring to better track fish, habitats, storms, and changing marine conditions. Local Weather Expertise: Rutgers’ longtime state climatologist David Robinson retired after decades of helping New Jersey understand storms and climate risk. Community & Environment Outreach: The Garden Club of LBI highlighted pollinator-friendly planting and waste prevention, including support for the state’s “Skip the Stuff” single-use utensil limits.