AGP Executive Report

Offshore Wind Legal Fight: New York Attorney General Letitia James and a coalition of Northeast states, including Vermont, sued the Trump administration over a nearly $1 billion deal that pays TotalEnergies to cancel offshore wind leases—arguing it’s unlawful and steers money toward fossil fuels instead of clean energy. Battery Storage Watch: A public meeting in Vergennes is set on a proposed battery storage facility, with residents raising concerns about lithium-ion fire risk and local pollution impacts. Wildlife-Friendly Farming: Vermont Fish and Wildlife is urging landowners to protect grassland birds by delaying mowing until August, giving species like bobolinks time to rear young. Lake Shore Protection: Vermont’s Lakes and Ponds Program is sharing shoreland best practices for property owners around Lake Bomoseen and other waters—native plantings, rain gardens, and no-mow zones to cut runoff and restore habitat. Forest Service Scrutiny: Sen. Peter Welch pressed the U.S. Forest Service chief over a reorganization plan he says could weaken management capacity for forests, including Vermont’s Green Mountain National Forest. Elm Disease Response: Scientists are injecting American elms with Dutch elm disease fungus as part of a conservation effort to save floodplain forests in Benson. EV Momentum: New data says Vermont now has nearly 21,000 electric vehicles, with used EVs and lower charging rates helping more drivers make the switch. Weather: Heat is building into the weekend, but showers are also returning—especially across northern Vermont.

Offshore wind legal fight: New York and six other states—including Vermont—sued the Trump administration over a March deal paying TotalEnergies nearly $1 billion to cancel offshore wind leases, arguing the government skipped required hearings and is steering money toward oil and gas instead. Wildlife corridors: Vermont and partners are working to protect shrinking forest pathways that species need to migrate as climate change shifts habitats, amid ongoing land-use and housing pressures. Lake protection: The Vermont Lakes and Ponds Program is urging shoreland owners to use best management practices—like native plantings and rain gardens—to cut erosion and protect water quality around lakes and ponds. EV momentum: Vermont’s EV count is rising fast, with used EVs and lower charging costs helping drivers switch as gas prices stay high. Paraquat backlash: Vermont’s early paraquat ban is fueling renewed debate after reports from Australia about continued use of the Parkinson’s-linked herbicide. Local land-use: Milton planning commission applicants weighed growth pressures and the Hourglass development as the town debates zoning and infrastructure capacity. Community & environment: Vermont’s paraquat ban and lake stewardship efforts are also showing up in local conversations, from wildlife-friendly practices to public events.

Shoreline Protection: Vermont’s DEC is urging lakefront owners to use Shoreland Best Management Practices—like native plantings, rain gardens, and no-mow zones—to cut erosion and protect water quality under the Shoreland Protection Act, which covers activities within 250 feet of many lakes and ponds. Offshore Wind Fight: Vermont Attorney General Charity Clark joined a coalition suing the U.S. Department of the Interior to block a Trump-era deal that would cancel offshore wind leases off New York in exchange for about $1 billion in taxpayer-backed payments to TotalEnergies, with plaintiffs arguing it violates federal law and undermines climate and jobs. Climate Science in Court: AG William Tong led a coalition letter opposing the Federal Judicial Center’s removal of a peer-reviewed climate science reference guide from its judicial manual, warning that climate-related litigation is growing and judges still need accurate guidance. Data Center Concerns: A Vermont Business Magazine report highlights how communities are reacting to proposed data centers—citing worries about noise, heat, and rising electricity and water use. Rural Innovation: UVM’s RISE Summit on June 16 will focus on “Partnerships for Rural Prosperity,” including a keynote on how rural communities can approach AI with public trust in mind. Ticks and Summer Risk: CDC reporting says tick-bite ER visits are at the highest levels for this time of year since 2017, with warmer conditions driving more tick activity in the Northeast.

Shoreline Protection: Vermont DEC is urging lakefront owners to use Shoreland Best Management Practices around lakes and ponds, including native plantings, rain gardens, better driveways/pathways, and no-mow zones, to cut erosion and protect water quality and wildlife habitat. Wildlife Safety: Vermont Fish and Wildlife is asking boaters and anglers to keep a safe distance from nesting loons this summer, bring all fishing line home to prevent entanglement, and reel in if loons dive nearby. Lake Rules: Vermont’s new wake-surfing regulations will effectively ban the sport on most lakes, including Lake Fairlee, starting June 11, after rules were expanded by the state administrative committee. Agriculture Grants: The Agency of Agriculture is accepting Capital Equipment Assistance Program applications for water-quality improvements, with a July 15 deadline, plus a separate Pay for Performance program focused on reducing phosphorus losses. Weather Watch: Vermont saw a spring of extreme swings, including an EF-1 tornado in Williamstown and a historic temperature spread, and forecasters say summer starts cooler before warming. Education Policy: Lawmakers passed Vermont’s Education Transformation Bill (H.955) with a shift away from forced school mergers toward voluntary mergers and shared services, aiming to stabilize funding as enrollment declines. AI Data Centers: Gov. Phil Scott vetoed a bill that would have added new regulations for AI data centers, saying Vermont already has enough oversight.

Wildlife Protection: Vermont Fish and Wildlife is urging boaters and anglers to keep extra distance from nesting loons this summer to reduce stress and prevent deaths from fishing gear. Water Recreation Rules: Wake surfing is effectively being banned on most of Vermont’s lakes under new state rules, with Lake Fairlee among those losing access starting June 11. Farm Water Quality Funding: The Vermont Agency of Agriculture is taking CEAP applications for water-quality field equipment improvements, with a new earlier July 15 deadline, plus a June 1–July 15 window for its phosphorus-loss Pay for Performance program. Solar Oversight: Vermont is investigating a solar array after reports of broken panels, raising questions about development and maintenance practices. Climate & Energy Policy: Vermont lawmakers are moving to tighten rules around paraquat, while debate continues over how the state should handle nuclear power and grid reliability. Community & Resilience: UVM’s RISE Summit on June 16 will focus on “Partnerships for Rural Prosperity,” including a keynote on AI’s role in the rural economy. Weather Watch: Flooding was reported after the Winooski River jumped its banks in Marshfield, with more rain possible.

Paraquat Ban in Vermont: Gov. Phil Scott signed Vermont’s landmark law banning the neurotoxic herbicide paraquat, a move praised as a major health win amid concerns about Parkinson’s links; the law ends most uses by year’s end while allowing limited, regulated orchard and berry use through 2030. Solar Scrutiny After Damage: Vermont regulators are looking into a solar array gone awry in Shaftsbury after wind damage and delayed cleanup raised questions about possible soil contamination from broken panels. Flooding in Marshfield: The Winooski River jumped its banks May 30 in Marshfield, flooding fields and submerging trees along Route 2, with more rain possible over the next several days. Data Centers & Power Strain: A national look at how states are responding to the data center boom highlights growing fights over grid costs, water use, and household bills—part of the pressure Vermont communities are likely to feel too. Community & Environment: Winooski’s first-ever Service Carnival drew nonprofits working on food access, mental health, youth programs, and environmental initiatives, while South Burlington’s Good Grief 5K raised support for families facing pregnancy loss or infant death.

Nuclear Policy Debate: Vermont lawmakers and advocates are again clashing over the state’s outdated nuclear moratorium, with one letter arguing the ban blocks reliable, zero-emission baseload power as the grid leans on intermittent wind and solar. Solar Safety & Contamination Watch: Vermont regulators are looking into a Shaftsbury solar array incident after high winds and fire left large areas of broken panels, raising concerns about lead and silver and whether soil testing is needed. Pesticide Health Win: Gov. Phil Scott signed Vermont’s first-in-the-nation ban on paraquat, a neurotoxic herbicide linked to Parkinson’s disease, with regulated limits for some uses through 2030. Weather & Flooding: A Winooski River overflow in Marshfield sent water onto fields and submerged trees, with more rain possible in the coming days. Community Resilience: About 500 people gathered in South Burlington for the Good Grief 5K, supporting families facing pregnancy loss or infant death. Local Business Move: Lake Effect Vermont, a farmer-owned cannabis market, is reopening in a new South Hero location at the McGregor Building.

Pesticide Policy: Vermont became the first U.S. state to ban paraquat, a weed killer linked to Parkinson’s disease, with the law taking effect Nov. 1 and allowing limited crop exemptions through 2030. Storm Impacts: A Saturday storm knocked out power for tens of thousands across Massachusetts and New Hampshire, with thousands also affected in Vermont. Road & Bridge Work: Expect major traffic disruptions statewide for the week of June 1, including I-89 paving and bridge rehabilitation, plus multiple North Bennington area closures tied to bridge and sewer work. Public Lands & Wildlife: A Vermont tree steward award highlights local conservation wins, including native plantings, invasive management, and a bobolink preserve effort. Recreation & Fishing: Vermont’s Summer Free Fishing Day is June 13, with a free family fishing festival in Grand Isle and the start of the bass season. Local Business: Lake Effect Vermont is opening a new South Hero location June 10, moving into the renovated McGregor Building. Legislative Watch: Vermont lawmakers adjourned after reaching a compromise on education reform, ending a session marked by consolidation fights.

Paraquat Ban: Vermont became the first U.S. state to ban paraquat, a weed killer linked to higher Parkinson’s risk; the law takes effect Nov. 1 with limited crop exemptions through 2030, drawing sharp debate over public health versus farm impacts. Statehouse & Education: Lawmakers adjourned the 2026 session after striking a landmark education reform deal, with Gov. Phil Scott easing pressure on consolidation and lawmakers framing the outcome as compromise. Road Funding Strain: A new look at potholes points to deferred maintenance and tight budgets, with gas-tax limits and rising costs leaving cities and states “triaging” repairs. Wildlife & Community: Vermont’s Summer Free Fishing Day is set for June 13, including a Grand Isle family festival with free gear and beginner-friendly activities. Local Conservation Win: North Bennington resident Becky Manning received a Vermont Tree Steward Award for a decade-long conservation plan that boosted native plantings and helped a bobolink preserve. Weather Watch: Weekend forecasts call for chilly, gusty conditions with showers and possible mountain snow. Military & Environment: More than 500 Vermont National Guard infantry members are deploying to the Middle East next week amid heightened U.S.-Iran tensions.

Paraquat Ban: Vermont became the first U.S. state to ban paraquat, a weed killer linked to Parkinson’s disease, with Gov. Phil Scott signing the law and a phase-out expected for the small number of users. Wake Sports Rules: Vermont tightened wake surfing regulations, banning the activity on Lake Fairlee and limiting it to 18 lakes/ponds statewide, effective June 11 on Lake Morey. Solar Safety Scrutiny: Shaftsbury is facing questions after wind damage and a small fire at a 2.2 MW solar array, prompting state and resident attention and PUC-related filings. Health & Wildlife: Vermont health officials issued a rabies warning after more than two dozen cases, urging people not to handle wild animals and to call for guidance after bat encounters. Local Waterways: Mission Farm in Killington planted 523 native trees and shrubs along the Ottauquechee River to improve flood mitigation, habitat, and cooling shade for fish. Community Outdoors: Portland’s Clean Rivers program is running StoryWalk® events through June 15 at Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge and Whitaker Ponds Natural Area. Vermont Film: The Shires 1-Minute Film Fest returns this fall with a “Growth” theme and a Prop & Dialogue category.

Paraquat Ban: Vermont became the first U.S. state to ban the weed-killing herbicide paraquat, with Gov. Phil Scott signing the measure after lawmakers pointed to research linking paraquat exposure to Parkinson’s disease. Lake Rules: Vermont also tightened wake-surfing rules, banning the activity on Lake Fairlee and limiting where wake sports are allowed statewide. Solar Scrutiny: In Shaftsbury, wind damage and a small fire at a solar array have prompted questions and new attention from state agencies and the Public Utility Commission. Data Centers: Gov. Scott vetoed a bill aimed at regulating AI data centers’ financial and environmental impacts, arguing Vermont already has strong siting authority. Water Protection: DEC released guidance for floating structures, spelling out how to reduce foam pollution in Vermont waters. Wildlife & Hunting: Vermont Fish and Wildlife set antlerless deer permit numbers and opened applications online. Community Nature Work: Mission Farm in the Ottauquechee watershed received new riparian plantings to boost flood mitigation, wildlife habitat, and pollinator food.

Paraquat Ban: Vermont became the first U.S. state to ban the weed-killer paraquat dichloride after Gov. Phil Scott signed the measure, citing research linking exposure to Parkinson’s disease; the Michael J. Fox Foundation called it a public-health turning point and urged other states to follow. Floating-Structure Foam Rules: DEC released new guidance on Vermont’s 2024 Flood Safety Act, explaining that unencapsulated polystyrene foam is prohibited for floating docks, buoys, and similar structures in all state waters, while encapsulated foam or air-based flotation can be used. Wildlife Management: Vermont’s Fish and Wildlife Board rejected two proposals that would have allowed hunters to use bait to pursue black bears, as officials say bear numbers and bear-human conflict are rising. Roads and Costs: A new look at potholes highlights how deferred maintenance and limited funding are driving up repair bills for drivers and straining state and local budgets. Forest Protection Fight: Environmental groups met in Hanover to oppose a potential rollback of the federal Roadless Area Conservation Rule that currently protects hundreds of thousands of acres in New England. Waterfront Prep: Burlington is gearing up for summer with marina dredging and beach/trail cleanup after last year’s drought left shallow areas.

Paraquat Ban: Vermont became the first state to ban the toxic weed-killer paraquat, signed by Gov. Phil Scott and set to take effect Nov. 1, with only limited exemptions for certain crops during an emergency phase-out and annual reporting requirements. Land-Use Fight: A partial repeal of Act 181 is now headed to Scott after the Senate approved the final version, rolling back parts of the law that expanded environmental protections in sensitive areas—an outcome rural landowners have pushed for. Wetlands Under Pressure: Lawmakers and regulators are also clashing over rules tied to housing in unmapped wetlands, with the Legislative Committee on Administrative Rules objecting that the governor’s order exceeds authority and conflicts with statute. Forest Road Map: Vermont’s forests agency outlined a strategic road map to modernize the forest industry, including forest health, business conditions, research, and community impacts, plus a $2 million grant for product development. Wakesurfing Rules: The National Marine Manufacturers Association criticized Vermont’s tighter wakesurfing regulations as overly restrictive and not science-based, saying access would drop sharply. Weather Watch: Another unsettled, rainy late-May weekend is forecast for New England, with possible light mountain snow in the highest Vermont peaks.

Paraquat Ban: Vermont became the first U.S. state to ban the toxic herbicide paraquat, with a phase-out starting Nov. 1, 2026 and limited exemptions for certain crops only when no safer option exists, as health and farmworker advocates point to Parkinson’s-linked risks. Wetlands & Housing: A new fight is brewing over Vermont’s wetland rules for housing: draft ANR rules would let some construction proceed in unmapped wetlands and shrink buffer sizes, but the Legislative Committee on Administrative Rules says the approach conflicts with state law and science. River Restoration: Mission Farm in Killington added 523 trees and shrubs along the Ottauquechee River to cut erosion, improve flood resilience, slow invasives, and boost habitat for fish and pollinators. Wildlife Habitat Connectivity: A new push argues Vermont should connect wildlife habitats instead of treating nature as isolated “islands,” helping species move as climate pressures grow. Community & Climate Resilience: Prescribed burning is proposed for Addison County forests, aiming to manage ecosystems through fire. Data Centers & Power: Across the country, data centers are driving up electricity demand and sparking political battles that are now reaching Congress. Local Food & Farms: Bennington’s outdoor farmers market returns, and Maine wild blueberry growers report climate-driven crop losses.

Paraquat ban: Vermont just became the first U.S. state to ban paraquat, a weed-killer tied to Parkinson’s disease. Gov. Phil Scott signed H.739; it takes effect Nov. 1, with limited orchard exemptions allowed until 2030 and annual reporting on any use. Online child safety fight: Vermont AG Charity Clark joined other attorneys general in opposing the federal KIDS Act, warning it would weaken state protections and let Big Tech avoid a real “duty of care” for kids online. Energy policy in court: Georgia AG Chris Carr urged the U.S. Supreme Court to reject a bid that would let one city dictate national energy policy through climate-change claims. Local resilience and access: Brattleboro’s Retreat Farm is launching a June “Resilience” series, while Pownal is set for a June 5 community resilience workshop. Community spotlight: St. Johnsbury Police Chief Joel Pierce is being profiled on leadership and public service. Housing near contamination: Burlington is moving ahead with plans for 112 homes near the Pine Street Barge Canal Superfund site, after years of stalled proposals.

Child Safety Probe: Connecticut AG William Tong says his office is investigating Roblox after reports of child exploitation, calling the platform a “gateway” to grooming and demanding transparency from Big Tech. Data Center Fight Goes Federal: Public advocates across New England are suing to block a $360 million transmission project tied to Eversource’s “X-178,” arguing the company is overstating what’s truly needed—while Congress debates how to handle data centers’ rising power demand. Vermont Politics: Esther Charlestin is running for lieutenant governor, pitching herself as a “bridge” to connect communities and cut through municipal roadblocks. Memorial Day, Weather and Community: Rain disrupted some Vermont parades, but towns still held ceremonies and Bennington’s parade honored fallen service members with wreaths and a 21-gun salute. Local Nature Moment: An Essex summer concert was postponed after ravens nested on the stage, protected under federal law.