AGP Executive Report

Drought & Wildfire Risk: New England’s dry stretch is draining wells and raising wildfire danger as warmer weather speeds evaporation, with millions relying on groundwater that’s harder to replenish. Pollinator Protection: New Hampshire regulators will consider restricting some bee-toxic neonicotinoid insecticides, as other states move to curb impacts on bees and other pollinators. Local Bumblebee Efforts: A new project asks whether towns can help bring back the rusty-patched bumblebee by planting more wildflowers, cutting mowing on medians, and encouraging pollinator-friendly landscaping. Water Safety & Cybersecurity: Concord officials are grappling with how to protect water systems from hacks, with experts pointing to “air gap” style separation as a safer model—though it’s costly to modernize. Private Well Arsenic Testing: Maine struggles to get more homeowners to test and treat private wells for arsenic, with low-income households least likely to have testing done. Wildfire Betting Scrutiny: U.S. senators, including New Hampshire’s, are urging the CFTC to ban wildfire bets on prediction markets, warning they could create perverse incentives. NH Housing Policy: The new federal ROAD to Housing Act is expected to reduce costs and red tape for manufactured homes in New Hampshire, potentially boosting affordable supply. Veto Day Watch: New Hampshire’s upcoming Veto Day could reshape several environmental-adjacent bills, including proposals tied to energy policy. Perseid Meteor Shower: Skywatchers get a reminder to look for the Perseids through Aug. 24, with peak viewing around midnight into early dawn.

Wildfire Watch (NH): The Rumney Fire in the White Mountains has grown to about 30 acres, with the U.S. Forest Service saying it’s 50% contained; crews say the remote terrain is making response tough and the fire could smolder for days, with no confirmed cause or injuries reported. Outdoor Safety (NH): New Hampshire Fish and Game says four 18-year-olds on the Franconia trail were rescued after they went without lights, enough food or water, and proper cold-weather gear; the agency plans to bill the group for the rescue. Education & Environment Policy (NH): New Hampshire’s Education Freedom Account program hit its enrollment cap of 12,500 students, with 943 more eligible students already waiting—highlighting how families are shaping education choices outside the traditional system. Local Climate/Water Tech (NH): Appledore Island’s green microgrid is being framed as a preview of New Hampshire’s energy future, showing how local power planning can reduce emissions and improve resilience. Statehouse Environment Politics (NH): Gov. Kelly Ayotte’s veto pen sets up a busy Veto Day on Aug. 19, with lawmakers weighing whether to override multiple vetoes, including proposals tied to energy policy. Weather Outlook (NH): The Old Farmer’s Almanac’s extended fall forecast calls for colder, wetter-than-normal conditions across New Hampshire.

Severe Weather & Flooding: Hurricane Lala skirted Hawaii’s Big Island as a Category 1 storm, bringing heavy wind and rain before expected weakening. In Indiana, days of storms and historic White River flooding left at least six dead, with more flash flooding still possible. Earth & Disaster Preparedness: A magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck off Indonesia’s coast, killing at least 47 and triggering landslides and small tsunamis. Local Outdoor Safety: New Hampshire Fish and Game says four 18-year-olds were rescued on the Franconia trail after going without lights, enough food and water, and proper cold-weather gear; they may be billed for the rescue. Housing & Community Development: Lebanon’s Planning Board heard plans for “The Muse,” an 80-unit affordable housing complex on a long-vacant public works site, with apartments targeted to 30%–80% of area median income. Clean Energy & Cost Relief: A Massachusetts resident cut electricity costs by switching to “balcony” plug-in solar after a $1,200 bill, using a small system that plugs into a household outlet. Forest Stewardship: The Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests and UNH Cooperative Extension will host a guided timber harvest tour on Mount Monadnock Aug. 19, focused on sustainable forestry and protecting wildlife and recreation networks. Energy Innovation: Engineers are testing stimulated geologic hydrogen—using electrical pulses to fracture iron-rich rock and generate hydrogen where companies choose to drill.

Outdoor Safety: New Hampshire Fish and Game says four 18-year-olds on the Franconia trail needed rescue after hiking without lights, enough food or water, and without proper cold-weather gear; the state plans to bill them for the response. Wildlife Management: Fish and Game will begin prescribed burns near the Concord Municipal Airport over the next several weeks, with timing dependent on safe weather. Clean Water Enforcement: Old Dutch Mustard Co. agreed to a comprehensive compliance program after a federal Clean Water Act case tied to pollution in the Souhegan River; the plan includes real-time stream monitoring and steps to prevent future acidic discharges. Energy & Climate Tech: Appledore Island’s Shoals Marine Laboratory is showcasing a renewable “green microgrid” with solar and wind, plus composting and rainwater collection, as a preview of NH’s energy future. Forestry & Habitat: The Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests is hosting a timber harvest tour on Mount Monadnock Aug. 19 to explain sustainable forestry and protecting wildlife and recreation networks. Weather Watch: The weekend looks mild with low humidity and some rain possible late Sunday into Monday.

Water Quality & Accountability: Old Dutch Mustard Co. is moving into a “comprehensive water pollution compliance” program after its owner was sentenced for knowingly contaminating the Souhegan River, with a consent decree requiring real-time stream monitoring and steps to prevent future acidic discharges. Cyanobacteria Watch: New Hampshire is investigating multiple possible cyanobacteria bloom reports on popular waters, including Pawtuckaway and parts of Lake Winnipesaukee, and is asking people to report bright green surface streaks or ribbons. Wildlife Management: NH Fish and Game plans prescribed burns near the Concord Municipal Airport over the coming weeks to improve wildlife habitat, with timing dependent on safe weather. Forests & Climate Resilience: The Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests and UNH Cooperative Extension will host a timber harvest tour on Mount Monadnock Aug. 19, highlighting sustainable forestry and habitat protection amid climate change. Renewable Energy Showcase: Appledore Island’s Shoals Marine Lab is unveiling its green microgrid—renewables plus composting, recycling, and rainwater collection—as a preview of NH’s energy future. School Tech Policy: After the “bell-to-bell” cellphone ban, NH’s School Screen Time Task Force is now looking at how other screens and tech are used in classrooms. Weekend Weather: Expect pleasant highs in the 70s/80s with low humidity and some rain late Sunday into Monday.

Controlled Burns: NH Fish and Game plans prescribed burns near the Concord Municipal Airport over the next several weeks, with timing dependent on safe weather, to improve wildlife habitat. Water Quality: Old Dutch Mustard will move into a “comprehensive water pollution compliance program” after a Clean Water Act case tied to acidic discharges into the Souhegan River; the owner was sentenced earlier this year. Cyanobacteria Watch: The state is investigating multiple possible cyanobacteria bloom reports across NH waters, including spots around Pawtuckaway and Lake Winnipesaukee; officials ask people to report suspicious green surface streaks. Energy Future: Appledore Island’s Shoals Marine Laboratory is showcasing a renewable-energy microgrid—solar, wind, and other sustainability practices—aimed at powering research off the mainland grid. Wildlife & Climate: A Great Bay study highlights climate-driven shifts in marsh life, including more blue crabs moving north as waters warm. Local Conservation: Squam Lakes Natural Science Center’s Nature for Everyone Barn Bash raised $165K+ for outdoor education and conservation programs. School Tech Policy: After NH’s “bell-to-bell” cellphone ban, a new School Screen Time Task Force is reviewing how other screens are used in classrooms.

Endangered Species Act Rollback: A new federal rule change narrows the ESA definition of “harm,” potentially weakening protections for endangered wildlife by making it easier for activities like drilling, mining and logging to proceed in habitat areas—raising concerns for Vermont’s vulnerable species and New England conservation plans. Clean Water Act Enforcement (NH): Old Dutch Mustard Co. agreed to a comprehensive compliance program after its owner was sentenced for knowingly contaminating the Souhegan River; the deal requires tighter monitoring, investigations of future acidic discharges, and corrective steps. Cyanobacteria Watch (NH): The state is investigating multiple possible cyanobacteria bloom reports on popular waters, including Pawtuckaway State Park and parts of Lake Winnipesaukee; officials say to report any bright green surface streaks or “bloom” looks. School Screen Time (NH): After New Hampshire’s “bell-to-bell” cellphone ban, the state’s School Screen Time Task Force is now reviewing how other screens are used in classrooms and what guidance or policies should follow. Inflation Update: Inflation in New England jumped to a 4.3% annual rate in spring, driven largely by higher fuel prices, even as other NH indicators like wages, unemployment and housing starts stay comparatively strong. Local Water Governance (NH): Meredith backed a shift from the state-run Winnipesaukee River Basin Program toward a regional wastewater authority, citing management concerns and “wasteful spending.”

School Tech Policy: After NH’s “bell-to-bell” cellphone ban, the state is now forming a School Screen Time Task Force to review how other classroom tech affects learning and well-being, with recommendations expected while keeping local control in mind. Water & Wastewater Governance: Meredith’s selectboard backed a shift from the state-run Winnipesaukee River Basin wastewater program to a regional wastewater authority run by member communities, citing concerns about management and about $1 million in “wasteful spending.” Flooding & Stormwater: Fitchburg’s storm-prone Spring Street area is still struggling with runoff that can carry pollutants into the drinking-water system; an EPA grant for green stormwater fixes was awarded, then later pulled back. Clean Water Enforcement: Old Dutch Mustard Co. agreed to a consent decree and will add real-time stream monitoring and stricter controls after a Clean Water Act case tied to contamination of the Souhegan River. PFAS Destruction Push: 374Water and Arcadis received a Defense Department “Success Memo” validating AirSCWO™ technology for PFAS destruction, clearing the way for follow-on production. Climate & Wildlife Shift: New research highlights how warming waters are helping blue crabs and other newcomers move north into NH’s Great Bay marsh ecosystems, reshaping local fisheries and habitats. Health Watch: Cyclosporiasis cases keep rising nationwide, with Florida reporting a sharp jump, even as linked produce is removed.

Public Health: Cyclosporiasis cases keep climbing, with Florida reporting 407 cases from May 1 to Aug. 8 (a 19% jump week over week) and Tallahassee’s Leon County now at 7 confirmed cases, even as officials say the contaminated lettuce linked to the outbreak has been pulled. Climate & Weather: NOAA data shows New Hampshire’s July was the coolest since 2021 (68.3°F average) but still above normal, while the contiguous U.S. hit its hottest July on record—plus drought pressure remains, with only small parts of NH still in drought. Energy & Industry: ePropelled won $60 million in federal support to expand electric drone propulsion manufacturing in Laconia, growing capacity from 20,000 to 80,000 square feet. Environment & Policy: A new push to restrict kratom statewide in Massachusetts could affect regional public health, with emergency scheduling and added enforcement authority for local boards. Local Environment Watch: A New Hampshire beach-day tracker for greenhead flies is collecting real-time reports to help people plan around swarms.

PFAS Watch in Manchester: A federal appeals board sent Manchester’s wastewater treatment plant permit back to the EPA for more review of “forever chemicals” in the Merrimack River, after a legal challenge argued the first round didn’t fully analyze whether PFAS discharges cause or contribute to water violations. Coastal Climate Shift: New Hampshire researchers say warming waters are helping blue crabs and other newcomers move into Great Bay marshes, raising questions about what happens to fisheries that once depended on lobsters. Water Quality Update: Surry Mountain Lake Beach is reopening after U.S. Army Corps testing showed fecal bacteria levels returned to safe swimming standards, ending a monthslong advisory tied to high geese activity. Solar + Summer Weather: New Hampshire is in the partial solar eclipse path Wednesday afternoon, with meteor-shower viewing also peaking overnight, while Thursday brings a chance of scattered showers or storms before cooler, drier air arrives. Recycling Policy: The Northeast Recycling Council released a 2026 policy guide comparing waste reduction and recycling rules across 11 states, including New Hampshire. Local Cleanup Planning: Peterborough’s planning board heard preliminary plans for Roy’s Market expansion, including changes tied to a contaminated well site.

Coastal Ecosystems & Climate Change: New Hampshire’s Great Bay is seeing a shift in its “king” crustacean as warming waters help Atlantic blue crabs move north, raising new questions for marsh life and fisheries. Water Quality: Surry Mountain Lake Beach in Surry, N.H., is reopening after water testing showed fecal bacteria levels are back to safe swimming standards, ending a monthslong advisory tied to heavy Canada geese activity. Plastic Pollution: Illinois moved to require stormwater controls for plastic pellets (“nurdles”) under NPDES permits, a sign more states are tightening rules on preproduction plastic runoff. Energy & Local Impacts: A Texas data-center grid interconnection pause is putting about 20% of the U.S. data center pipeline at risk of delays, with ripple effects for power demand and project timelines. Weather & Skywatching: New Hampshire saw a partial solar eclipse Wednesday afternoon, with eclipse viewing tied to proper eye protection, while the Perseids meteor shower peaked overnight. Flood Safety: Conway unveiled new Silver Jackets flood warning signs at recreation areas to help visitors prepare for flash flooding risks.

Flood Safety in Conway: New Hampshire’s Silver Jackets team unveiled new flood warning signs at Davis Park in Conway, part of a statewide effort to help visitors spot flash-flood hazards along rivers and recreation areas. Wildfire Betting Warning: A bipartisan group of U.S. senators, including Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire, urged the CFTC to restrict prediction-market contracts that let people bet on wildfires, warning of public-safety risks and possible arson incentives. Drone Supply Chain Push: ePropelled announced a major New Hampshire manufacturing expansion in Laconia, quadrupling production capacity with $60 million in U.S. government funding aimed at strengthening domestic drone propulsion components. Solar Eclipse Viewing: New England is in the partial-solar-eclipse zone for Aug. 12, with best viewing conditions expected in much of the region; proper eye protection is emphasized. Voter Access Update: New Hampshire towns are now equipped with absentee ballots for the Sept. 8 primary, but new ID rules add steps for requesting ballots. Public Safety Investigation: Authorities are investigating a suspicious death at a Whitefield mobile home park, with multiple family members injured and the case led by the NH State Police major crime unit and the AG’s office.

Solar Eclipse Watch: New Hampshire will see only a partial solar eclipse on Aug. 12, with the sun dimmed around 16–17% in the Manchester/Nashua area, so clear skies and proper eye protection matter. Humidity & Heat Shift: Forecasters say humidity is fading with mostly dry, sunny conditions, then a cooler pattern from Canada arrives later in the week, bringing highs back into the 70s to near 80. Wildfire Betting Pushback: A bipartisan group of U.S. senators, including Jeanne Shaheen, urged the CFTC to restrict prediction markets that let people bet on wildfires, warning of public-safety and arson risks. Local Landfill Deadline: Lebanon is seeking approval to expand its landfill “phase 3,” a $15.3 million project that would extend capacity by 19 years, with DES comments due Wednesday. PFAS Cleanup Spotlight: Ohio says it has completed round one of a statewide program to collect and permanently destroy PFAS firefighting foam. NH Public Safety: Authorities are investigating a suspicious death at a Whitefield mobile home park that left three other family members injured.

EPA action on NH vehicle inspections: The EPA says it’s preliminarily backing New Hampshire’s plan to end its vehicle inspection and emissions testing program, moving to align federal Clean Air Act requirements with state law. Waste capacity deadline: Lebanon is seeking DES approval for a $15.3 million “phase 3” landfill expansion that would extend the facility’s life by 19 years, with comments due Wednesday. Food safety recalls: Taylor Farms recalled more than a dozen products tied to salmonella concerns involving jalapeños, sold across many states including New Hampshire and nearby retailers. Public health outbreak watch: The multi-state Cyclospora outbreak keeps growing, with New Hampshire among states reporting cases. Weather and heat: Humidity is dropping across New Hampshire with warm, mostly dry conditions and only spot storm chances; a bigger cool-down is expected later in the week. Invasive species risk: Spotted lanternfly has been spotted hitchhiking into the region, threatening vineyards and other crops. Solar momentum: ReVision Energy was ranked No. 1 in Maine and New Hampshire for solar installers. Local infrastructure: I-89 North near Exit 20 in West Lebanon will see delays through Thursday as crews reroute lanes for bridge work.

Public Health: The CDC says a multi-state cyclosporiasis outbreak has grown to 6,358 cases and two deaths, with North Carolina reporting more than 850 cases since May. Food Safety: Taylor Farms expanded recalls tied to the outbreak—ready-made jalapeño products pulled across 26 states, including New Hampshire, after separate salmonella concerns. Air Quality/Policy: The EPA has issued preliminary support for New Hampshire ending its vehicle inspection and emissions testing program, a step aimed at aligning federal air-quality requirements with state law. Weather & Flood Risk: A Flash Flood Warning is in effect for south-central Coos County in northern New Hampshire as heavy rain triggers fast-rising water on roads and near streams. Local Environment: Lebanon is seeking state approval to extend its landfill life with a $15.3 million “phase 3” expansion that would add 19 years. Community Nature: Brooks Memorial Library in Brattleboro is hosting programs on grassland bird conservation and red wolves at Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge. Solar & Clean Energy: ReVision Energy topped Solar Power World’s 2026 Top Solar Installers list for Maine and New Hampshire.

Severe Weather: A Flash Flood Warning is in effect for south-central Coos County in northern New Hampshire until 9:30 p.m., with heavy rain already falling and more possible; officials warn of fast-rising water that can hit roads, underpasses, and low-lying areas. Storm Impacts: A Severe Thunderstorm Warning also covered parts of New Hampshire (including Alfred, Lebanon, and Northwood-area communities) with threats of damaging wind gusts and hail. Waste & Landfills: Lebanon is seeking NH DES approval to extend its landfill life by 19 years, with a $15.3 million “phase 3” expansion aimed at construction in 2028. Air Quality Policy: The EPA moved toward approving New Hampshire’s plan to end the vehicle inspection mandate, potentially speeding up the Clean Air Act compliance process. Public Health: Cyclospora and salmonella outbreaks keep expanding nationally, with New Hampshire residents urged to watch for recalled produce and follow food-safety guidance. Coastal Fisheries: Regulators advanced draft changes that could cut Chesapeake Bay menhaden harvests and adjust timing, with environmental groups pushing for stronger limits. Energy & Climate: A new NH study explores whether homeowners value backyard wildlife enough to change landscaping, challenging the idea that people prefer sterile grass.