AGP Executive Report

Goose Pond: Canaan residents are frustrated as the state drains the 625-acre pond for dam work for the third time in four years, shifting local attention from water quality to the pond’s falling level. Loon Expansion: Loon Mountain has proposed adding 280 acres of ski terrain, four lifts and new lodges near Lincoln; the resort says a public review process is just beginning. Waste Safety: Moultonborough firefighters practiced responding to lithium-ion battery fires at the transfer station, where officials warn discarded batteries can ignite and spread fires. Clean Transportation: New Hampshire announced $1 million to improve its patchy network of electric-vehicle chargers. Lake Health: A Lake Winnipesaukee Alliance report finds water clarity declining and cyanobacteria and phosphorus increasing, pointing to stormwater, septic waste and road salt as key concerns. Landfills: Casella says it will close its Bethlehem landfill a year earlier than planned, at the end of 2026.

EV Charging Push: New Hampshire is launching a $1 million grant program to expand a spotty Level 2 EV charger network, prioritizing travel- and tourism-oriented locations and covering up to 80% of costs (up to $10,000 per port). Water Quality Watch: A Lake Winnipesaukee Alliance report says the “three S’s” driving the lake’s decline—stormwater runoff, septic effluent, and salt—are worsening, with declining clarity and rising cyanobacteria and phosphorus. Cold Snap Alert: Meteorologists warn of frost and possible freezes across New Hampshire as a Canadian cold blast moves in, threatening sensitive plants and ending the growing season for many inland areas. Early Winter on Mount Washington: Mount Washington recorded its first measurable snowfall of the season, with 0.7 inches in 24 hours, signaling winter is arriving fast. Local Nature Spotlight: A look at New Hampshire’s pine barrens highlights rare habitat and species tied to the Saco-Ossipee aquifer. Policy & Accountability: A new report says Massachusetts ranks among the safest states, while separate coverage notes residents’ ongoing concerns about incinerator ash testing being abruptly delayed.

EV charging push: New Hampshire announced about $1 million in grant funding to expand its spotty public EV charger network, prioritizing travel- and tourism-oriented locations and covering up to 80% of costs (up to $10,000 per Level 2 port) through the Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust. Lake health watch: A Lake Winnipesaukee Alliance report says the Big Lake’s water quality is declining, with worsening clarity and rising cyanobacteria and phosphorus tied to stormwater runoff, septic effluent, and salt. Water affordability alarm: A new Food & Water Watch analysis finds U.S. household drinking water bills rose 62% over the past decade—faster than inflation, groceries, and incomes—urging bans on water privatization. Tech reuse in NH: give IT. get IT. highlighted its nonprofit model for recycling and refurbishing used electronics, including work reaching New Hampshire, with secure handling and reuse of devices. Cold snap: Forecasts call for frost and possible freezes across much of New Hampshire, threatening the end of the growing season away from the Seacoast and near lakes.

Heating Costs: As oil prices stay high, New Hampshire residents are starting to fall behind on heating bills, and advocates say the state’s help may not be keeping up with winter costs. Water Affordability: A new national study finds U.S. households are paying 62% more for drinking water than a decade ago, with New Hampshire among states where water bills rose faster than incomes. Energy & Grid: Eversource is moving ahead with a federal-backed “dynamic line rating” project to safely boost power capacity on existing transmission lines across NH, MA, and VT. Nuclear Collaboration: At a regional summit, New Hampshire joined other New England states in pushing for a shared nuclear roadmap, arguing no single state can do it alone. Waste & Landfills: Casella says it will close its Bethlehem landfill a year early, raising questions about where out-of-state waste will go next. Local Nature & Safety: NH is in peak foliage mode, while officials also responded to a fatal hiker incident on a popular trail in Holderness.

NH Revenue Watch: New Hampshire closed the first quarter of its fiscal year nearly $75 million ahead of projections, driven by record September business tax collections, as state leaders argue the economy is strong despite warnings about the impact of GOP tax cuts. Fall Foliage: Leaf-peepers are getting a good show: northern NH is near peak color while the south is still catching up, with weekend weather looking favorable. Grid & Energy Efficiency: Eversource is moving ahead with dynamic line rating across thousands of miles of transmission in NH, MA, and VT, aiming to safely boost capacity and potentially delay costly upgrades. Waste & Landfills: Casella says it will close its Bethlehem, NH landfill a year earlier than planned, citing air space and other factors, while noting waste will be routed to other disposal options. Road Work Disruptions: DOT road crews will run rolling roadblocks on I-89 and close an I-91 ramp overnight for sign and bridge work, with detours posted. Wildlife & Conservation: Three NH men pleaded guilty in federal court for illegally poaching bobcats and shipping pelts to Canada under the Lacey Act. Invasive Species Push: A Connecticut-led “SPOTTED!” stomp-and-track app is turning spotted lanternfly control into a friendly competition, with thousands of kills logged by users.

Arctic Readiness: U.S. Army and Navy researchers tested rapidly deployable base-camp systems in Hanover’s extreme cold chamber, aiming to keep kitchens, showers, laundries and latrines working down to -50°F—key for longer Arctic missions. Invasive Species Push: A Connecticut father-son team turned spotted lanternfly control into a competitive app, reporting more than 23,000 kills logged across 1,300 users—an effort regulators in New England are urging residents to join. Heat Safety Warning: A student athlete at Arizona State remains in critical condition after exertional heat stroke during preseason practice, underscoring the risks of extreme heat and the need for stronger safeguards. Climate Courts Fight: The Supreme Court is set to hear a case on whether local governments can sue oil companies over climate change, with critics pointing to private, contingency-fee law firms steering the litigation. NH Wildlife Case: Three New Hampshire men pleaded guilty in federal court to poaching bobcats and shipping pelts to Canada, with sentencing set for January. Water Quality Note: A national survey ranked Boise top for drinking-water purity, with Durham, NH also earning an A+ for low lead and “forever chemical” levels. Fall Weather & Foliage: Passing showers and colder air are expected to kick off the week, with best color in northern New Hampshire.

Wildlife crime: Three New Hampshire men pleaded guilty in federal court to illegally poaching bobcats and shipping pelts to Canada, with sentencing set for January under the Lacey Act. Fall weather & tourism: Leaf peepers are flocking to northern New Hampshire for peak color, while a forecast calls for passing showers and sharply colder temperatures to kick off the week. Water & public health: A Maine study suggests one type of cyanobacteria bloom may be less harmful than previously thought, including findings from lakes in New Hampshire. Solid waste safety: Moultonborough will hold a mock fire drill at its transfer station Oct. 7 focused on battery disposal and emergency coordination. Local environment events: The NH Association of Conservation Commissions and Cheshire County Conservation District will host a Conservation Commission Potluck in Keene Oct. 7 on turtle wetland-road crossings and culvert impacts. Energy policy (regional): New England leaders met in Lowell to discuss a nuclear roadmap, with New Hampshire’s energy officials saying the state is moving from preliminary talks toward a future plan.

Higher Ed Independence: A group of more than 67 former university leaders says the federal “National Call to Action” is trying to pressure colleges into partisan priorities, urging government to respect campus independence. Vehicle Emissions Testing Ends: New Hampshire lawmakers’ move to end vehicle inspections is now celebrated alongside EPA leadership, as the state navigates Clean Air Act compliance. Fall Foliage Travel: Leaf peepers are flocking to northern New Hampshire for peak color conditions, with local coverage highlighting where to go and when. Data Centers & Power Politics: Debate over New Hampshire data centers is heating up, with lawmakers and advocates clashing over electricity costs and local impacts. Algal Bloom Reassessed: A study suggests one Maine-lake cyanobacteria type may be less toxic than feared, easing concerns about harmful toxins in some clear-water blooms. Solid Waste Fire Safety Drill: Moultonborough will hold a mock fire drill at its transfer station Oct. 7 focused on battery-related lithium-ion fire risks. Nuclear Collaboration: New England governors and state officials met in Lowell to push a regional nuclear roadmap, with New Hampshire officials saying the state is moving from discussion to planning. Appalachian Trail & Outdoor Safety: Reports include an injured hiker rescue and other outdoor incidents underscoring ongoing trail and weather risks.

Vehicle emissions testing: New Hampshire lawmakers’ move to end vehicle inspections is colliding with EPA requirements, and the state is still waiting on federal permission—raising fresh questions about how NH will meet Clean Air Act obligations. Data centers & power: As the midterm campaign heats up, New Hampshire’s data center fight keeps growing, with voters and officials weighing electricity costs, grid strain, and local control. PFAS accountability: New Hampshire and other states are pushing legal pressure on major chemical makers over “forever chemical” pollution, including efforts to block asset shielding tied to cleanup costs. Waste & landfill capacity: Casella says it will close its Bethlehem landfill subsidiary a year early, shifting disposal pressure onto other regional sites and communities. Local preparedness: Moultonborough will run a mock fire drill at its transfer station focused on battery fires, testing coordination among emergency responders and solid-waste operators. Water quality: A national survey ranks Durham, New Hampshire among the cleanest college-town drinking water systems, based on lead and forever chemicals. Conservation education: Cheshire County and NH conservation groups are hosting a potluck in Keene on turtle wetland-road crossings and how culverts affect flooding and wildlife movement.

NH Senate Race: With District 8 Republican Ruth Ward stepping aside, Democrat David Trumble faces Republican Rep. James Creighton in the Nov. 3 election, with both sides pitching affordability, housing, and public schools as key issues. Emergency Preparedness: Moultonborough will hold a mock fire drill Oct. 7 at its transfer station, focusing on how agencies respond to battery fires, including lithium-ion incidents. Waste & Landfill Watch: Casella says it will close its Bethlehem landfill subsidiary North Country Environmental Services a year early, with Dec. 31, 2026 as the last day it accepts municipal solid waste—raising questions about where the waste will go next. Water Quality: A national survey ranks Boise highest among college towns for drinking-water purity, with New Hampshire’s Durham also earning top marks—based on lead and “forever chemical” levels. Algae Update: A Maine study suggests one type of cyanobacteria bloom may be less toxic to humans than feared, including findings from sampling in New Hampshire’s Lake Winnipesaukee. Fall Weather: Cooler, sunny conditions are set for the weekend, with fall foliage near peak in northern and mountain areas, and spotty showers possible Monday.

Nuclear Policy Push: New England governors and energy officials met in Lowell, Mass., to map out a regional nuclear future, with New Hampshire’s energy director saying the state is moving from early talks to a “roadmap” phase and aiming for a final plan in 2028. PFAS Accountability: New Hampshire AG Nick Brown joined a bipartisan lawsuit targeting DuPont’s PFAS legacy and efforts to shift liabilities through a new corporate structure tied to Corteva. Waste Watch: Casella says it will close its Bethlehem landfill subsidiary North Country Environmental Services a year early, raising new questions about where the waste will go next. Local Conservation: The NH Association of Conservation Commissions and Cheshire County Conservation District will host an Oct. 7 potluck in Keene focused on findings from a turtle wetland-road crossing assessment. Fire Safety: New England fire officials are urging safer lithium-ion battery charging ahead of Fire Prevention Week (Oct. 4–10). Road Impacts: NHDOT plans a one-day closure of I-89 Exit 20 southbound for granite curb work in West Lebanon.

PFAS Accountability Fight: New Hampshire AG Dan Rayfield joined a bipartisan lawsuit aiming to stop DuPont (EIDP) and Corteva from shifting assets into a new company, Vylor, to dodge cleanup costs tied to “forever chemicals.” PFAS Spinoff Challenge: A separate multi-state suit says Corteva’s Vylor spinoff was designed to keep the “crown jewels” while leaving PFAS liabilities behind, with the companies calling the claims speculative. Local Water Protection: Salem is moving toward a watershed management plan for Arlington Mill Reservoir after cyanobacteria blooms, with phosphorus runoff identified as a key driver and a public meeting set for Oct. 13. Energy Policy & Grid: New England states are aligning on nuclear strategy after a regional push for a nuclear roadmap, while NH continues to delay Medicaid premium implementation pending federal guidance. Data Center Backlash: Opposition to an AI data center in Bow is intensifying, with lawmakers debating moratoriums and how to handle power and cost impacts. Weather Watch: Southern New England faces a warm Friday before a cooler, crisp weekend—prime conditions for fall foliage.

Vehicle emissions testing ends in NH: EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin met with New Hampshire officials to discuss the state’s push to exit federal Clean Air Act requirements after lawmakers repealed the vehicle inspection program; the EPA is moving quickly on a decision to exempt NH from emissions testing. Data center electricity fight: The U.S. Senate blocked a bill meant to stop households and small businesses from footing grid-expansion costs tied to large data centers, a sign of how fast AI infrastructure demand is colliding with affordability. Fall outdoors and tourism: Monadnock Region fall color is starting to spread (about 30–40% change as of Sept. 25), while the Upper Valley is bracing for a “leaf peeping” resurgence with 3.9 million expected NH visitors and about $2 billion in fall spending. PFAS and water concerns: Concord’s drinking-water taste test drama continues after Plymouth’s win was disqualified, and NH communities are also suing major companies over alleged PFAS exposure from firefighter gear. Local environment stewardship: The Monadnock Conservancy and community groups are highlighting habitat-friendly gardening and ongoing clean-water efforts as the season ramps up.

Vehicle Emissions Testing: EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin met with New Hampshire lawmakers to discuss the state’s push to end federal vehicle emissions testing requirements after NH repealed its own inspection program—framing it as removing a “burden” while insisting the EPA’s decision must be “durable.” Data Centers & Power Costs: Senate Democrats blocked a bill aimed at making large data centers help pay for grid upgrades, setting up a fresh fight over who shoulders electricity infrastructure costs as AI demand accelerates. PFAS & Public Health: New Hampshire towns are suing 3M and DuPont, alleging PFAS exposure from firefighter gear tied to cancer risks. Storm Impacts & Preparedness: Coverage continues on the nor’easter’s flooding, outages, and high surf effects across the Northeast, including New Hampshire’s coast. Outdoor Safety: New Hampshire Fish and Game reported a carryout rescue of an injured hiker on the Artist Bluff and Bald Mountain Loop Trail. Aquatic Habitat Work: NH Fish and Game plans a drawdown and repairs at Dickerman Pond in New Hampton starting Oct. 13. Solar Policy: Rhode Island and Massachusetts are moving toward balcony solar rules, while safety guidelines lag behind.

PFAS Lawsuit in NH: Keene and Londonderry are suing 3M, DuPont and others, alleging firefighter turnout gear exposed crews to “forever chemicals” and drove cancer risk. Vehicle Emissions Testing: EPA chief Lee Zeldin says New Hampshire’s vehicle inspection mandate is on track to be wrapped up by year’s end after reviewing hundreds of public comments. Climate Accountability in Court: States pushing “Big Oil pay” climate superfund laws face setbacks as courts weigh whether federal rules block state cases, with a Supreme Court case looming. Energy & Grid Reliability: Eversource and Dartmouth Engineering won a DOE SPARK award to boost grid capacity using dynamic line rating across about 4,000 miles in NH and beyond. Community Power Report Card: A five-year look at New Hampshire’s Community Power Coalition shows early growth, but also cost problems that left some customers dissatisfied. Lead Testing Access: Laconia Public Library now offers lead detector kits for checkout to help residents screen homes for lead dust and paint. Storm & Rain Impacts: A nor’easter brought measurable rain across NH, with town totals reported by the National Weather Service. Fall Foliage Update: Northern NH is nearing peak while southern areas are starting to show color after recent rain.

Hospice Funding Push: Granite VNA launched the community phase of its $2 million Legacy & Promise campaign to renovate and refresh Hospice House in Concord and strengthen its endowment, aiming to reach the remaining 20% after private gifts hit $1.6 million. Grid Resilience Upgrade: Eversource and Dartmouth Engineering won a U.S. Department of Energy SPARK award to expand grid capacity using dynamic line rating and thermal field sensing across about 4,000 miles in NH, CT, and MA. Storm & Power Readiness: A nor’easter battered the Northeast with flooding and outages, with NH coast officials tracking high surf, wind, and minor coastal flooding risk. Vehicle Emissions Testing Fight: NH’s move to end mandatory vehicle inspections faces new legal objections tied to claims that state modeling overstated pollution impacts from removing the program. Energy Affordability Pressure: CMP warned that uncertainty in its Maine rate case could delay reliability and modernization projects, while diesel price volatility is squeezing regional transit budgets. Clean Energy Advocacy: 350NH highlighted progress against coal and urged local climate action at the 5th Annual Environmentalist Summit. Road Tolls Transition: Rolling roadblocks are set for Bedford toll removal work as NH shifts toward all-electronic tolling. PFAS Push: Sen. Maggie Hassan joined a reintroduced bill to ban PFAS “forever chemicals” from food packaging.