AGP Executive Report

Pesticides and kids’ cancer risk: A new review of decades of studies links pesticide exposure during pregnancy and early childhood to higher rates of childhood leukemia and brain tumors, with the strongest signals tied to prenatal exposure. Heat and storms: Vermont and much of the Northeast are under heat advisories as humidity pushes heat indexes near 100, with strong thunderstorms possible Friday. Flash flooding impacts roads: Heavy rain triggered flash flooding in Hardwick, including a major washout on Bunker Hill Road that left the road impassable. Wetlands map updates: Vermont’s DEC is rolling out updated wetland maps across more than 100 towns, with public meetings scheduled in June. Local odor dispute: St. Albans City Council spent hours on downtown quality-of-life issues, including renewed complaints about a sulphurous smell from the Dairy Farmers of America milk treatment plant. Wildlife and public access rules: Vermont Fish and Wildlife reiterates that open fires and swimming are prohibited at state fishing access areas. Solar myth-busting: A new explainer pushes back on common solar misconceptions, focusing on what actually affects savings and safety.

Heat & Storms: Vermont is under a First Alert Weather Day Friday as heat and humidity push heat indexes into the 90s, with strong to severe thunderstorms possible as a cold front moves through. Flood Damage Watch: After a flash flood warning, crews found a roughly 3-foot-deep hole on Bunker Hill Road in Hardwick, with the road closed by cones. Farm Relief: The U.S. approved $31.7 million in disaster aid for Vermont farmers hit by 2023–2024 floods, aimed at losses and infrastructure damage not covered by FEMA. Wetlands Mapping: DEC is updating Vermont’s wetland maps in more than 100 towns, with public meetings set for June 16 and 17. Wildlife Connectivity: A new push is focusing on linking habitat areas so wildlife can move and adapt as development and climate pressures grow. Battery Storage Debate: Neighbors in Vergennes are raising safety concerns about a proposed battery energy storage system, even as advocates argue it’s key for reliable solar and wind. Pesticide Health Alarm: A new review links pesticide exposure in pregnancy and early childhood to higher risks of childhood leukemia and brain tumors. Data Privacy Law: Vermont’s new data privacy bill is headed to Gov. Phil Scott’s desk, but advocates say it won’t do enough to rein in Big Tech. UVM Health Cuts: UVM Health plans to eliminate 142 positions, with unions warning more cuts may follow.

Pesticides & Kids’ Health: A new review links pesticide exposure during pregnancy and early childhood to higher risks of childhood leukemia and brain tumors, with the strongest signals around prenatal exposure. Wildlife Connectivity: As climate change pushes species north, Vermont and partners are building conservation networks and wildlife passages to keep forest corridors from breaking apart. Paraquat Ban: Vermont became the first state to ban paraquat, an herbicide tied to Parkinson’s disease, with a phase-out for the small number of users. Wetlands Mapping: DEC is updating significant wetlands maps in more than 100 towns, with draft maps and public meetings scheduled mid-June. Clean Heat Funding: Vermont is accepting applications for a USDA-funded program to help municipalities install advanced wood heating systems. Public Lands Rules: A call for meaningful, transparent rulemaking for how Vermont manages public lands is gaining attention. Bear Conflict in Stowe: A bear repeatedly broke into a restaurant cooler and was shot by police, highlighting ongoing human-wildlife attractant problems. UVM Health Cuts: UVM Health Network plans to eliminate or restructure 142 jobs amid financial strain. Local Capacity Grants: Vermont awarded $264,500 in infant and toddler grants to 20 child care programs, including Bennington’s Learning Tree. Berlin Eco Depot: Berlin opened a year-round hazardous waste drop-off site, expanding access beyond seasonal pop-ups.

Wetlands Mapping Update: Vermont DEC is inviting the public to review draft updates to the state’s significant wetlands maps in more than 100 towns, with interactive online tools and meetings set for June 16–17 in Morrisville and Morristown. Clean Heating for Town Buildings: The state is accepting applications for a $300,000 USDA-funded Advanced Wood Heating Assistance program to help municipalities replace oil and gas with efficient, automated pellet or dry-chip systems. Wildlife Habitat Win: Vermont Fish & Wildlife says a Castleton dam removal restored fish passage and opened about eight miles of fresh cold-water habitat. Waste Drop-Off Gets Easier: Berlin opened a year-round Eco Depot for hazardous materials like batteries, electronics, paint, and flammables. Community & Climate Education: Residents learned “urine diversion” gardening tips at a Rich Earth Institute talk, promoting human waste as a fertilizer resource. Power Grid & Data Centers: Avista confirmed talks tied to a large data center load, while National Grid began a major Central Mass transmission modernization. Health System Cuts: UVM Health eliminated 142 jobs across Vermont and northern New York amid a projected financial gap. Bear Conflict: A Stowe bear was shot after repeated cooler break-ins. Summer Heat Watch: New England faces a heat dome with rising humidity and possible thunderstorms.

Heat & health: Vermont health officials are urging people to ease into summer temperatures as the first hot stretch hits, warning that heat illness risk is highest during the first heat wave and offering cooling-site and hydration tips. Water quality on farms: The USDA’s NRCS says a Danville dairy improved manure management with support to prevent runoff into the Missisquoi Watershed Basin. Forest policy pressure: VTDigger reports confusion and slowdowns inside the U.S. Forest Service in Vermont amid federal cutbacks, while builders and environmentalists are also pushing for clearer, better-targeted forest rules in proposed changes. Local governance & schools: Rutland City Public Schools faces new requirements under Gov. Phil Scott’s education reform bill, including regional cooperative service areas and a required merger study. Blood supply: The American Red Cross says Vermont-area blood and platelet donations are urgently needed as summer travel and weather can disrupt drives. Wildlife stewardship: Vermont Coverts highlights peer landowner efforts to improve wildlife habitat through sound forest management.

Heat Safety: Vermont health officials are urging people to “ease into” summer temperatures as the first hot stretch hits, warning that the first heat wave is when illness risk spikes; they recommend hydration, cooling breaks, and using air-conditioned or shaded spaces. Wildlife & Disease: Quebec is ramping up a raccoon rabies “catch and release” vaccination push across the South Shore, aiming to immunize 800–1,000 animals to stop transmission in the natural environment. PFAS/Microplastics Monitoring: Vermont’s AG Raoul-backed EPA push would add microplastics to drinking-water research priorities, calling for more monitoring of public water systems. Energy & Community Tensions: Vergennes residents are contesting a proposed battery energy storage site, raising safety and aesthetic concerns as the company argues the technology supports renewable goals and grid reliability. Public Lands Accountability: Vermont is moving toward formal rulemaking for state land management planning, with advocates pressing for real public accountability and transparent decision-making. Vermont Policy Fight: Gov. Scott’s veto of a bill meant to protect Vermonters from future large-scale AI data center impacts is facing renewed criticism. Outdoor Access for All: A new Barre Town nature center is opening with wheelchair-friendly paths and sensory stations designed for neurodivergent visitors.

Public Lands Accountability: Vermont is moving toward formal rules for how state land is managed, with advocates pushing for real public input instead of opaque internal policies. Recreation Costs & Access: Vermont Fish and Wildlife leaders warn that rising demand and expenses are forcing agencies to consider more fee revenue and gradual price hikes for state parks and access sites. Invasive Species Fight: Lewis Creek Association is working to stop aquatic invasive plants in Bristol and Monkton ponds from spreading through the watershed, using local monitoring and outreach. Storm-Ready Grid: A new look at resilience argues that “smarter operations” matter as much as hardware as extreme weather stresses the electric system. Northern Lights Watch: NOAA forecasts a strong aurora event tied to a solar CME, with possible visibility across many northern states including Massachusetts. Medical Aid in Dying: A national explainer highlights how the option works in Vermont and other states where it’s legal. Vermont Health Workforce: UVM Medical Center’s Project SEARCH program is celebrating graduates building workplace skills, while The Village at White River Junction names a new executive director. Local Politics: Bennington-2 incumbents Greer and Corcoran launch re-election bids, citing work on prescription drug reforms and PFAS protections.

Vermont Wildlife & Water Safety: WCAX won a regional Emmy for its “What Lies Beneath” report on how drought in Huntington Gorge exposed deadly hazards in a popular swimming spot, a reminder to pause before jumping in. Flood Resilience: Vermont volunteers are “Culvert Crawlers,” clearing and monitoring culverts to help towns prioritize maintenance as heavier rainstorms raise flood risk. Toxic Chemicals & Health: Vermont became the first state to ban paraquat, a weedkiller linked to Parkinson’s disease, as regulators elsewhere face mounting pressure. PFAS Crackdown: A state-by-state push on “forever chemicals” is reshaping what ends up in homes, with Vermont among states moving toward disclosure and restrictions. Energy & Local Control: Governor Phil Scott vetoed a Vermont bill aimed at limiting impacts from large AI data centers, drawing criticism from environmental groups. Weather Watch: New England faces rounds of showers and thunderstorms, with alerts tied to damaging winds and hail. Road Safety: Vermont State Police reported a fatal Derby rollover on May 20 and a separate Woodford crash involving a driver who fell asleep. Community Science: Darwin’s Ark is recruiting more cat owners nationwide, including underrepresented states like Vermont, for a genetics and behavior study.

Data Center Fight in Montpelier: Rep. Kathleen James says Gov. Phil Scott’s veto of H.727 would have protected Vermonters from the financial and environmental hit of large AI data centers, after the bill drew broad tripartisan support but failed to clear the override threshold. PFAS Crackdown: A new national push is tightening rules on “forever chemicals,” with Vermont among states moving toward disclosure requirements or restrictions as more PFAS laws take effect. Pesticide Health Warning: Vermont became the first state to ban paraquat, a weedkiller linked to Parkinson’s disease, as advocates urge other states to follow. Flood Resilience on the Ground: Vermont volunteers are crawling culverts through the “Culvert Crawlers” program to help communities spot problems early and reduce storm damage. Wildlife Protection: Vermont Fish and Wildlife warns the public not to disturb sea lamprey during spawning in the Connecticut River basin. Weather & Aurora: Northern lights forecasts call for a strong aurora display Monday into Tuesday, while weekend storms bring showers and thunder risk.

Herbicide Ban: Vermont became the first state to ban paraquat, an herbicide linked to Parkinson’s disease, with a phase-out plan for the small number of users. Data Center Fight: A veto of H.727 drew sharp backlash from Democrats and environmental groups, who say the bill would have limited big data-center impacts on Vermonters’ bills and air and water. AI Ownership Push: In Washington, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman met with Sen. Bernie Sanders after Sanders proposed letting the public own 50% of major AI companies via a public wealth fund—an idea Altman supports in principle, even if not at that level. Water Safety: Vermont Fish and Wildlife is warning the public not to disturb sea lamprey during spawning in the Connecticut River. Climate Watch: A weekly climate roundup highlights the growing environmental toll of data centers as AI demand surges. Wildlife & Nature: A story on Northeastern crayfish spotlights Vermont’s place in broader biodiversity and invasive species dynamics. Weather: Forecasters warn of possible severe thunderstorms over the weekend, with damaging winds and hail risks. Local Notes: South Burlington is moving toward initial zoning rules for data centers, and Vermont’s ski season report says visits hit the highest level in 11 years.

Offshore Wind Legal Fight: Seven Northeastern states, including Vermont, sued the Trump administration over a “sham deal” to pay TotalEnergies about $928 million to cancel offshore wind leases, arguing it breaks federal law and swaps clean energy and union jobs for more oil and gas. Vermont Energy & AI: A Vermont lawmaker says Gov. Scott’s veto of H.727 would leave Vermonters exposed to the financial and environmental impacts of large AI data centers, as South Burlington moves to draft initial zoning rules for the fast-growing industry. Water & Wildlife: Vermont Fish and Wildlife warned anglers not to disturb sea lamprey spawning in the Connecticut River basin, while public guidance also urges boaters to protect nesting loons and chicks. Pollution Watch: Vermont AG Bonta joined an EPA comment on microplastics in drinking water, pushing for more monitoring as regulators expand research priorities. Local Climate & Recreation: Ski Vermont reported its strongest skier visits in years, and Burlington Electric announced new hydro power purchase agreements to boost renewable supply. Community & Health: UVM Health’s Project SEARCH graduated eight participants, highlighting workplace skills for young adults with disabilities.

Lake & Wildlife Protection: Vermont Fish and Wildlife is urging anglers and the public to avoid disturbing spawning sea lamprey in the Connecticut River and tributaries, noting the fish are native and play an important ecological role. Recreation & Shoreline Rules: Vermont is tightening wake-boat limits, restricting them to designated zones on 20 lakes and ponds, requiring a 500-foot buffer from other boats and people, and setting $300 fines starting June 11. Clean Water & Pollution Policy: California AG Rob Bonta joined a multistate letter to the EPA backing research on microplastics in drinking water while urging more monitoring. Energy & Power Contracts: Burlington Electric Department approved new hydro power purchase agreements, including output from Maine’s Skelton Hydro and a 10-year deal for Connecticut’s Wyre Wynd project. Ag & Food Systems: Smokey House Center in Danby received a Farm to School grant to install a berry alley cropping system, bringing hundreds of students into agroforestry-based learning. Climate/Tech Governance: Vermont lawmakers failed to override Gov. Scott’s veto of H.727, a bill aimed at protecting Vermonters from future large-scale AI data center impacts.

Offshore Wind Legal Fight: Seven Northeastern states, including Vermont lawmakers, sued the Trump administration over a deal to refund nearly $1 billion to TotalEnergies after the company agreed to abandon offshore wind leases—arguing the agreement breaks federal law and undercuts energy and climate goals. Hydropower for Vermont: Burlington Electric Department signed new hydropower power purchase agreements, including output tied to Maine’s Skelton Hydro facility and a 10-year deal for Connecticut’s Wyre Wynd project. Wake Boat Crackdown: Vermont will tighten wake sports rules starting June 11, limiting wake boats to designated zones on 18 lakes and imposing $300 fines for violations, aiming to reduce shoreline erosion and protect wildlife. Severe Weather Watch: Saturday could bring damaging wind gusts and large hail across parts of the Northeast, with a higher tornado risk in northern Ohio and western Pennsylvania. Farm-to-School Agroforestry: Smokey House Center in Danby won a Farm to School grant to install a berry alley cropping system, bringing hundreds of students to help build a diversified perennial food setup. Northern Lights: NOAA says there’s a chance the aurora could be visible in Vermont tonight, though clouds may get in the way. Lake & Wildlife Care: Vermont Fish & Wildlife reminded anglers to avoid disturbing spawning sea lamprey in the Connecticut River basin, and officials urged safer swimming and paddling as waters remain dangerously cold. Community Gardens: Franklin County’s community gardens are expanding, giving residents hands-on growing skills and a place to connect.

Health Care Cost Fight: Vermont lawmakers passed a bill to speed up reference-based pricing tied to Medicare benchmarks, aiming to cut the state’s steep premiums—yet Republicans largely opposed it and Gov. Phil Scott’s veto threat is in the air. Data Centers & Power Demand: A new UN-backed report says data centers’ electricity use is already massive and rising fast with AI, turning energy and water demand into a growing climate and cost issue—plus Vermont’s own H.727 AI data-center protection effort was vetoed and failed to override. Clean Energy Legal Battle: Vermont is among states suing to block the Trump administration’s offshore wind lease cancellations tied to a TotalEnergies buyout, arguing the deal is unlawful. Wildlife Protection: Vermont Fish & Wildlife is urging anglers to avoid disturbing spawning sea lamprey in the Connecticut River basin, while also reminding people to protect nesting loons. Water & Public Safety: Hanover Water found higher-than-normal iron in Fletcher Reservoir after recent rain runoff, and state officials are reminding Vermonters to swim and paddle with caution as cold, fast water can be deadly. Local Environment Projects: Barton is moving ahead with a culvert replacement on Pageant Park Road to better handle extreme flooding. Northern Lights: NOAA forecasts a strong geomagnetic storm (G3) with a chance the aurora could be visible in Vermont tonight, if clouds cooperate.

Clean Energy Pilots: DeltaClimeVT is rolling out four utility-linked pilot projects totaling $110,000 to test Vermont’s clean-energy future, including smarter vegetation management and expanded EV charging access. Lake Protection Rules: Vermont is tightening wake-boat regulations mid-June, limiting where wake sports can operate and increasing buffers to protect fragile shorelines and nesting loons. Shoreland Guidance: The Vermont DEC is urging lakefront owners to use Shoreland Best Management Practices—native plantings, rain gardens, and no-mow zones—to cut runoff and protect habitat. EV Growth: Vermont has surpassed 20,000 EVs on the road, with driving costs around $1.75/gallon equivalent, helped by lower charging rates and used-EV affordability. Wildlife & Public Safety: Vermont Fish and Wildlife is reminding boaters and anglers to keep distance from nesting loons and bring fishing line home to prevent entanglements. Data Center Backlash: Across the country, communities are debating data centers over energy, water use, noise, and waste—Vermont is watching as the fight over where they belong grows. Northern Lights Watch: NOAA upgraded aurora odds for June 4–5 with a strong G3 geomagnetic storm, potentially visible well south of the usual zones.

Northern Lights Watch: NOAA is forecasting a strong geomagnetic storm (G3) for June 4–5, with aurora chances reaching as far south as 23 states, including Vermont and the North Country, with the best viewing window Thursday night into early Friday. Heat and Storms: A warm-up is building across New England, with highs pushing toward the 90s in many areas and humidity rising, plus periodic rain chances into the weekend. PFAS in Ski Wax: Despite bans, PFAS “forever chemicals” are still showing up in ski wax rooms, raising health concerns and renewing calls for safer gear and handling. Offshore Wind in Court: Vermont and other Northeastern states are suing the Trump administration over offshore wind lease cancellations tied to TotalEnergies, arguing the deal misused taxpayer money and undermined climate and grid goals. Lake Protection for Shoreland Owners: Vermont’s Lakes and Ponds Program is urging lakefront property owners to use shoreland best practices—native plants, rain gardens, and no-mow zones—to cut erosion and protect water quality. Loons Need Space: Vermont Fish and Wildlife is asking boaters and anglers to keep distance from nesting loons and bring fishing line home to prevent entanglement. Battery Storage Pushback: Vergennes residents are raising concerns about a proposed battery storage facility, including fire risk from lithium-ion batteries, ahead of a public hearing. EV Growth in Vermont: New data shows Vermont’s EV count is up to nearly 21,000 vehicles, driven by higher gas prices, more affordable used EVs, and discounted charging rates.