AGP Executive Report

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.

Extreme Heat & Air Quality: Gov. Mikie Sherrill urged New Jersey residents to prepare for a historic, dangerous five-day heat wave tied to the Fourth of July travel rush, with an Extreme Heat Warning and an Air Quality Alert for ground-level ozone as temperatures push toward triple digits and heat index values near 110. Public Health in the Heat: Local guidance highlights cooling centers, hydration, and limiting alcohol and caffeine as residents face rising electric bills and health risks during the prolonged hot stretch. Water Safety at the Shore: With crowds expected from New Jersey to Delaware, officials are warning beachgoers that rip currents are a major danger during hot holiday weekends, urging families to follow lifeguard guidance and stay alert. Clean Energy Access: New Jersey lawmakers passed the Garden State Plug-In Solar Act, expanding easy-to-install plug-in solar to renters and apartment dwellers to help cut utility bills and broaden access to clean energy. Chemical Safety Watch: A watchdog warned that proposed federal rollbacks on chemical facility safety could keep industrial accidents rising, citing a sharp increase in chemical releases and injuries since 2021. Mosquito Control: Camden County announced early-morning ULV spraying plans, urging residents to remove standing water to reduce mosquito breeding. Food Waste Policy: California’s new “sell by” labeling ban is aimed at reducing confusion and food waste, using standardized “Best if Used By” and “Use By” labels.

Extreme Heat & Public Safety: The National Weather Service issued an extreme heat warning for North Jersey July 1–3, with heat index values around 100–105 and possibly up to 115, plus little overnight relief and a heightened risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Food Waste & Labeling: California’s new law banning “sell by” labels is set to take effect Wednesday, replacing them with standardized “Best if Used By” and “Use By” labels to reduce confusion and waste. PFAS/Water & Health: A proposed federal settlement would have Chemours pay $11.25M to West Virginia over PFAS discharges, adding pressure on drinking-water providers already grappling with monitoring and cleanup costs. Local Environment Governance: Brick Township faces opposition to an asphalt plant modernization plan, with critics citing health risks because of the plant’s proximity to the Metedeconk River, a drinking-water source for 100,000 residents. Ticks & New Allergy Risk: Princeton issued an advisory on alpha-gal syndrome, a red-meat allergy linked to lone star tick bites, urging residents to prevent tick exposure during peak season. Community Food Access: Somerset County’s Ross Farm continues food-insecurity support through community plots, with local residents showing up for events despite rainy weather.

Extreme Heat Watch: New Jersey is bracing for a heat dome that could push temperatures near or past record highs into the July 4 weekend, with the National Weather Service warning of dangerous heat and high humidity and urging residents to take precautions. Public Health & Power Needs: One New Jersey homeowner is weighing a $13,200 standby generator quote because insulin must stay refrigerated, highlighting how heat and outages can collide with medical needs. Drinking Water Oversight: The EPA is facing backlash over a draft drinking-water monitoring plan that would not include microplastics in a key federal monitoring cycle, despite pressure from states and health groups. PFAS Accountability: In related environmental enforcement news, Chemours has agreed to a $450 million settlement tied to “forever chemicals,” underscoring ongoing cleanup and monitoring fights. Local Safety Moves: Norristown canceled its July 4 parade due to forecasted dangerous temperatures, putting heat safety ahead of tradition. Aviation & Drones: Newark-area flights reported near-misses with drones, adding to summer safety concerns as travel ramps up.

Extreme Heat & Air Quality: New Jersey is bracing for another dangerous stretch of heat as an Air Quality Alert stays in effect, with heat indexes expected to hit roughly 95–105°F today and feel as hot as 105–110°F Wednesday through Saturday; officials urge people with heart or lung conditions, older adults, and kids to cut outdoor time and watch for heat illness. Heat Dome Across the Region: A persistent “heat dome” is driving record-level temperatures across the central and eastern U.S., with NOAA warning that the worst of it will run through the Fourth of July weekend, including matches and fan events tied to the World Cup in East Rutherford. Roxbury Warehouse Detention Plan Dropped: The Trump administration has backed away from converting a Roxbury warehouse into a 1,500-bed immigration detention center and plans to sell the property instead, after New Jersey officials argued the project moved forward without required environmental reviews. PFAS Accountability: Chemours reached a $450 million PFAS settlement with federal and state agencies tied to “forever chemical” pollution claims, keeping pressure on polluters and regulators. Food Safety Watch: The Clover Hill Dairy listeria outbreak has grown to 12 cases across four states, with Illinois newly added and most patients hospitalized.

Extreme Heat Watch for New Jersey: The National Weather Service has issued an extreme heat watch for much of North Jersey from July 1–3, with heat indexes possibly hitting 105–110 degrees over multiple days, plus a chance of thunderstorms later in the stretch. Heat Dome Context: Rutgers’ state climatologist warned the dangerous heat won’t be a quick hit-and-done, with little relief and inland areas near the century mark. Make Polluters Pay Act Pushback: New Jersey’s “Polluters Pay to Make New Jersey More Affordable Act” (S2338) advanced out of the Senate Budget Committee, but business groups and some lawmakers are raising cost and jobs concerns, while advocates argue it targets flooding and heat damage. PFAS Accountability: Chemours agreed to a $450 million settlement with federal agencies over “forever chemicals” discharge claims. Tick-Borne Risk Rising: Powassan virus cases are increasing nationally, including in New Jersey, as deer ticks spread more pathogens. Water Quality & Stormwater: Lakehurst Borough closed on a New Jersey Water Bank loan to buy stormwater maintenance equipment to better protect local waterways under MS4 requirements. Gulf Dead Zone: NOAA forecasts a Gulf of Mexico “dead zone” larger than average this summer, underscoring ongoing hypoxia impacts.

Extreme Heat Alert: New Jersey is bracing for a dangerous heat wave and heat index values near 110 degrees, with officials urging residents to limit outdoor exertion, hydrate, and check on vulnerable neighbors as July 4 plans kick off. PFAS Accountability: A major $450 million “forever chemicals” settlement involving Chemours is in the spotlight, underscoring ongoing pressure on polluters and regulators over PFAS discharges. Local Budget Pressure: Hackensack schools are cutting more than 150 positions, including tenured staff, as enrollment declines, health costs rise, and federal COVID aid ends—raising concerns about impacts on special education. State Policy Fight: A bill allowing Jersey City to divert voter-approved open space trust money to cover a budget deficit is drawing backlash from environmental advocates and lawmakers. Public Health & Climate Links: Powassan virus coverage highlights how warmer conditions can expand tick season, while New Jersey’s tick-borne risks keep evolving. Tech & Energy Debate: New Jersey’s moves to slash AI data center tax breaks and reroute money toward relief feed the broader argument over power demand, air quality, and community costs.

PFAS Accountability: Federal and state regulators secured a $450 million settlement with Chemours over “forever chemicals” discharged into rivers tied to NJ, North Carolina and West Virginia, with funding aimed at cutting PFAS at the source and improving drinking-water controls. Heat Dome Safety: New Jersey is bracing for a dangerous stretch of heat and humidity tied to a heat dome, with an Extreme Heat Watch running Wednesday noon through Saturday evening and guidance to limit outdoor time and stay hydrated. Local Open Space Fight: Assemblyman Michael Inganamort blasted a bill that would let Jersey City divert voter-approved open space trust funds to plug a budget deficit, arguing it undermines floodplain protection and preservation. Data Centers & Air Pollution: A Caltech expert warns that backup generators at data centers can run more often than people assume, adding diesel/gas pollution that can worsen asthma and heart risks. Drinking Water PFAS Testing: A regional water authority in Florida begins testing for PFAS under EPA reporting deadlines, underscoring how utilities are ramping up monitoring.

PFAS Accountability: Federal and state regulators secured a $450 million settlement with Chemours over “forever chemicals” released into the Ohio, Cape Fear and Delaware rivers, including a $22.5 million civil penalty and $90 million over 15 years for PFAS cuts tied to New Jersey facilities, plus major spending for controls and drinking-water work. Energy & Tax Policy: New Jersey lawmakers advanced the “End Data Center Tax Credits Act,” aiming to redirect $250 million away from AI/data-center subsidies toward energy storage and household electric bill relief as lawmakers weigh the power-demand impacts of big data centers. Severe Weather Watch: Flash flooding hit parts of Kentucky with rescues and evacuations, including a reported death after a motorist was swept away, as emergency declarations expanded amid torrential rain. Local Safety & Community: Police located three teens reported missing from a New Jersey train station after they were last seen in Connecticut. World Cup, NJ Weather: England beat Panama 2-0 at MetLife/New York-New Jersey Stadium in rainy conditions, while the region also braced for heat and storm risks around upcoming events.

World Cup at MetLife/New Jersey Stadium: Panama and England played to a 0-0 halftime in East Rutherford, with cloudy skies and occasional showers expected; England later won 2-0 on Jude Bellingham’s goal and a Harry Kane header, setting up a knockout path while Croatia-Ghana results shaped the group picture. Heat and weather risk: Forecasters warned rain may be an inconvenience for fans, but the bigger concern is a midweek heat wave across North Jersey with highs near 99-101. PFAS accountability: Chemours agreed to a $450 million federal “forever chemicals” settlement tied to chronic multistate PFAS pollution, including New Jersey impacts. Local cleanup and transit litter: NJ Transit partnered with DSNDP volunteers for an Adopt-A-Station drive in Rahway and Edison, collecting 405 pounds of trash. Aviation safety: A United Airlines flight near Newark reported a near-collision with a drone during landing. Missing teens: Authorities searched for two 14-year-olds who vanished from a New Jersey train station and were last spotted in Connecticut.

PFAS Accountability in NJ: Chemours will pay about $450 million in a federal PFAS settlement, including a $22.5 million penalty and $90 million over 15 years for cleanup and controls across West Virginia, North Carolina, and New Jersey, with major spending for drinking-water support and pollution mitigation. State Climate Leadership: Rutgers-trained scientist John Krasting was named New Jersey state climatologist, taking over July 1 from David Robinson, to lead the state climate office and the NJWxNet weather-station network. Rodenticide Resistance Study: A new Rutgers-linked study finds genetic mutations tied to anticoagulant rodenticide resistance in rats and mice in major cities, including New Jersey, suggesting poison-only strategies may be losing effectiveness. Local Pollution Complaint: Residents in Manville say a CSX trash train parked near homes for days is causing strong odors and health complaints, prompting pressure on officials and the rail company. Wildfire Policy Watch: The Trump administration is pushing to merge federal wildland firefighting into a single agency, drawing warnings from former officials about higher risk and cost.

PFAS Accountability: EPA, DOJ and state regulators announced a landmark $450 million settlement with Chemours over “forever chemicals” released into the Cape Fear River (N.C.), Delaware River (N.J.) and Ohio River (W.Va.), with advocates in North Carolina questioning how much direct relief local communities will actually see. Drinking Water Funding: EPA also announced more than $25 million in grants to help small and rural systems upgrade drinking water and tackle PFAS, lead, and other local contaminants. Heat and Storms: Forecasters say New Jersey and the region may get drought-easing rain this weekend, then face a longer hot spell into early July, with flash-flood risk tied to heavy downpours. Data Centers and Air/Costs: A new look at how AI-driven data center growth is reshaping local utility bills and air quality, as power demand strains grids and costs get passed to ratepayers. Local Infrastructure: Wildwood Crest closed on a $2.7 million New Jersey Water Bank loan to replace aging sanitary sewer lines and connections, aiming to cut failures and protect public health. Policy Pressure: New Jersey hospital leaders warned Medicaid changes could cost hospitals an estimated $3.6 billion through 2032, pushing more program cuts and renewed calls to reduce regulatory red tape.

PFAS Accountability: The EPA and DOJ reached a landmark $450 million settlement with Chemours over “forever chemicals” discharges into the Cape Fear River (NC) and the Delaware River (NJ), with major spending for drinking-water alternatives, facility controls, and a multi-year mitigation program. Water Infrastructure: New Jersey American Water is starting a $1.1 million upgrade in Middlesex, replacing aging mains and checking for lead or galvanized service lines as part of the state’s push to eliminate them by 2031. Wastewater Resilience: Lower Township MUA secured a $4.1 million New Jersey Water Bank loan to rehab key sewage pump stations to reduce failure risk and protect nearby water quality. Public Health & Water Quality: New Jersey is among states issuing beach health alerts tied to elevated bacteria levels, with swimming advisories and closures reported. Wildlife & Community Response: A stray emu that wandered through North Jersey for nearly two weeks was finally trapped in Byram and taken to Space Farms. Environment Policy Watch: The Supreme Court sided with Roundup maker Bayer, blocking many lawsuits over glyphosate cancer warnings.

NJDEP Permitting Push: NJDEP says its Operation FAST cut the Freshwater Wetlands Letters of Interpretation backlog by 42%, dropping cases from 1,102 to 638 as of June 18, aiming to speed reviews and improve permitting transparency. PFAS Accountability: The U.S. and EPA say Chemours will pay $450 million to settle “forever chemicals” claims tied to PFAS releases at facilities in North Carolina, New Jersey and West Virginia, with allegations tied to Clean Water Act and other violations. Drinking Water Upgrades: Burlington City secured a $1.2 million NJ Water Bank loan to replace 34 lead/galvanized service lines and improve compliance work under the Lead and Copper Rule Revisions. Storm-Ready World Cup: FIFA is following NOAA guidance for extreme weather—if lightning is detected within eight miles, play is suspended and fans/players move inside; there’s no set maximum delay. Rodent Control Warning: Rutgers research finds many Northeast mice carry mutations that make common rodent poisons harder to use, raising concerns for city pest programs. Local Infrastructure: Bridgewater Township closed on a $3.6 million Water Bank loan to refurbish the Middlebrook Sanitary Sewer Pump Station, reducing overflow risk and protecting waterways.