AGP Executive Report

Clean Energy on Reclaimed Land: Hooksett has started construction on a 1.34-megawatt solar array on a former municipal landfill, developed by ReVision Energy, expected to generate power in late summer 2027 and cut about 720 metric tons of CO2 annually, with a no-upfront Power Purchase Agreement and projected $10M+ in lifetime savings. Grid Reliability & Wind Access: ISO New England picked Eversource’s TIDE transmission project as its preferred long-term solution, aiming to reduce congestion and support up to 1,200 MW of future onshore wind in northern New England, with construction targeted for 2029 pending approvals. Drought Watch: Central New Hampshire is again seeing drought expand as fall approaches, with more than half of the state in moderate drought and about 41% abnormally dry, despite winter snowfall that didn’t fully refill water supplies. Waterway Cleanup: The Source to Sea Cleanup marks its 30th year, drawing 120+ volunteer groups to clean the Connecticut River watershed across Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. Food Forest Learning: Southwick School in Northfield is converting its orchard into an “edible landscaping” food forest as part of a statewide USDA-funded school program. Community Climate Events: Lebanon’s LebFest returns to Colburn Park with a new Climate Corner featuring renewable energy demos and sustainability-focused activities. Air Quality Note: A national clean-air roundup lists New Hampshire among the top states for lower particle pollution.

Fall Foliage & Outdoor Travel: New England’s peak color may be later than usual, and one easy way to catch it is by train—especially the Mount Washington Cog Railway, offering a three-hour round trip with big summit views. Drought Watch: Central New Hampshire is seeing drought return as winter snow didn’t fully “recharge” the state; scientists say multi-year dry spells are harder to bounce back from, with large areas still abnormally dry. Energy & Land Use: Hooksett is building a 1.34-megawatt community solar array on its capped landfill, joining other NH towns turning closed waste sites into power. AI Power Costs: A bipartisan push in Congress would require large AI data centers to pay the full cost of electricity and grid upgrades, aiming to stop ratepayers from footing the bill. Local Climate Resilience: Waste Management is weighing extending Rochester’s landfill operations beyond 2034, potentially to 2037, as the city plans for the revenue hit. Marine Life Policy: Regional hearings are set for Draft Addendum II to the Atlantic menhaden plan, targeting how fishing caps are reduced and spread out.

AI & Power Costs: A bipartisan House push, the Ratepayer Protection Act (H.R. 9340), would require big AI data centers to cover the full cost of new electricity generation and grid upgrades instead of shifting bills to utility customers. Local Solar on Closed Landfill: Hooksett is building a 1.34-megawatt community solar array on its capped landfill, with about 2,300 panels planned and power expected in late summer 2027. Insurance Transparency: Public Citizen says many states aren’t making homeowners insurance “data call” results public, even as climate-driven insurance pressures grow. Frost Risk in NH: The NWS issued frost advisories for New Hampshire (along with Maine, Vermont, New York, and Idaho), warning of near-freezing temperatures that could damage uncovered plants. Seafood Economy: A new look at NH’s seafood sector puts it at more than 3,700 jobs and about $222 million in annual sales, with the Seacoast as the hub. Aquaculture Tech: UNH researchers and NOAA’s CIFARM initiative are bringing AI and engineering into aquaculture research to boost domestic seafood production. Menhaden Hearing: Atlantic coastal states will hold a virtual public hearing on Draft Addendum II to reduce and rebalance the Chesapeake Bay menhaden cap.

Landfill Decision in Rochester: Waste Management is weighing an extension of its Rochester landfill license beyond the 2034 closure date, with talks about operating until 2037 while keeping within existing permitted capacity. Menhaden Fisheries Hearing: Maine, New Hampshire Fish and Game, and other Atlantic coastal states are holding a virtual public hearing on Sept. 29 on Draft Addendum II to the Atlantic Menhaden plan, which could cut the Chesapeake Bay reduction cap by up to 50% to spread fishing effort more evenly. Sustainable Seafood in NH: UNH’s AquaFort aquaculture project, designed to farm seafood with less habitat impact, is getting federal support and expanding nationwide. Recycling Infrastructure Watch: A new Northeast report highlights glass recycling bottlenecks and points to deposit return systems as a key driver of higher recovery rates. Invasive Species Alert: Massachusetts officials say spotted lanternfly is here to stay, shifting focus to managing and slowing spread. Local Weather Snapshot: New Hampshire’s Sept. 13 rain totals varied widely by town, with heavier amounts in places like Merrimack and Manchester.

PFAS Cleanup in NH: Derry is turning a capped municipal landfill into a 2.25-megawatt solar site, a bid to cut electricity costs while keeping closed land productive. PFAS Remediation Costs: A Lochmere Village District PFAS upgrade in Tilton adds ion-exchange filtration after years of exceeding state limits, showing how expensive and procedural “forever chemical” fixes can be for small systems. Data Center Pressure: Massachusetts is weighing local veto power over data centers, while Oregon’s proposed moratorium debate highlights how AI-driven power demand is colliding with air, land, water, and community concerns. Outdoor Safety: New Hampshire’s voluntary Hike Safe Card is back in the spotlight after a Franconia Ridge rescue where hikers lacked lights, food, water, and proper cold-weather gear. Invasive Species Watch: Massachusetts officials say spotted lanternfly is here to stay, shifting the focus to managing and slowing spread. Recycling Bottlenecks: A Northeast glass recycling report points to deposit return systems as a key driver of higher recovery rates, with more work needed on collection and processing. Weather & Rain: Town-by-town NH rain totals for Sept. 13 show uneven but meaningful late-week soaking.

Sustainable Seafood Expansion: UNH’s AquaFort aquaculture system—steelhead trout grown alongside mussels and kelp—has landed federal support to take the model nationwide, aiming to cut habitat damage and overfishing while boosting domestic seafood. Clean Energy on Closed Land: Derry is converting a capped municipal landfill into a 2.25-megawatt solar site, expected to save taxpayers about $4 million over 25 years and turn “dead land” into power for hundreds of homes. PFAS Cleanup Costs: A Lochmere Village District PFAS remediation effort shows how expensive and procedural these projects can be, with residents facing long timelines and ongoing compliance work. Outdoor Safety for Fall Hikers: New Hampshire’s Hike Safe Card urges fall hikers to buy in advance, after a Franconia Ridge rescue highlighted risks from poor prep like missing lights, inadequate food, and cold-wind exposure. Wildlife-Safe Memorial Lighting: Mount Washington’s 9/11 light beams are drawing concern from NH Audubon, which says fall migration birds may be confused by outdoor lighting—though a protocol to shut lights off is being tested. Weather Watch: After Sunday rain, Monday looks brighter, with showers returning later in the week and temperatures staying seasonable.

PFAS Cleanup Costs in NH: A Tilton-area water system serving 275 connections is moving forward with PFAS remediation after years of sampling showed multiple “forever chem” compounds above state limits, with officials describing high costs and major equipment and process hurdles. Solar on Closed Landfills: Derry is converting a capped municipal landfill into a 2.25-megawatt solar site, aiming to cut electricity costs for taxpayers while adding clean power to the grid. Data Centers and Power Pressure: Massachusetts’ new approach giving communities more say in data center reviews is raising the stakes for developers nationwide, with local power demand and long electrical upgrade timelines front and center. Birds vs. Memorial Lights on Mount Washington: New Hampshire Audubon says the 9/11 tribute beams could confuse migrating songbirds during peak fall migration, and conservationists are monitoring and testing safety steps. Weather Watch: Rain moves through Sunday with downpours possible, then Monday turns mostly drier; Tuesday stays cool and sunny.

Data Center Power Fight: Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey’s new order gives communities first review and leverage over data center projects, aiming to slow the boom by forcing developers to negotiate community benefits and face higher risk around huge electricity demand. Local Housing & Homelessness: In the Upper Valley, Upper Valley Haven dedicated a new year-round 20-bed shelter and resource center, built to reduce long waitlists and connect guests with meals and support. Wildlife & Light Pollution: New Hampshire Audubon and partners are watching Mount Washington’s 9/11 memorial beams, warning the lights could confuse migrating birds and prompting plans to shut them off if needed. Fall Weather Watch: WMUR reports soaking rain Sunday across much of New Hampshire, with downpours and a few thunderstorms, then drier conditions later. Conservation & Land: NH Fish and Game conserved 1,308 acres for the Theodore W. Walski Wildlife Management Area, expanding habitat protection. Gardening for NH Lawns: Homegrown NH says the best lawn renovation window is after summer heat breaks—soil testing, compost top-dressing, and seeding through early October.

Invasive Species Watch: Spotted lanternflies are now reported in 22 states, with officials in the Northeast and beyond urging people to “kill on sight” as the crop-killing pests spread through vineyards and other plants. Wildlife & Public Lands: Mount Washington’s 9/11 light beams are drawing conservation concern during peak night migration, though NH Audubon says a shutoff protocol and monitoring are in place. Local Housing & Homelessness: Upper Valley Haven in White River Junction dedicated a new 20-bed year-round shelter and resource center, with nightly sign-ups and on-site meals and support. Weather: A cool weekend is followed by Sunday rain and possible thunderstorms, with showers wrapping up after mid-afternoon. Fall Planning: Leaf-peeping may start later than usual in parts of the East if warm weather hangs on into September and October. Community Notes: Bank of New Hampshire donated $5,000 to Family Promise of the Lakes Region to support homelessness prevention and stabilization. Construction & Climate Resilience: A New Hampshire-focused “Ask the Builder” column recommends exterior-ready masonry epoxy for cold-climate repairs.

Wildlife & Public Safety: Mount Washington’s 9/11 tribute will project two beams of light into the night sky this weekend, but New Hampshire Audubon says it’s peak fall migration for songbirds and outdoor lighting can disorient migrants. Local Monitoring Plan: NH Audubon says it’s working with Cornell and bird groups plus NH Fish and Game and State Parks, including a test run and a protocol to shut lights off if birds react, with weekend observers using binoculars and thermal tools. Fall Weather & Travel: A separate report warns peak fall foliage may arrive later in parts of the East if warm temperatures linger, with timing driven by temperature, moisture, tree health, and elevation. Statewide Forecast: For New Hampshire, Saturday looks dry and cool, while Sunday brings rain and possible thunderstorms before drier weather returns later in the day. Conservation Policy: Conservationists are also pushing back against a proposed rollback of the U.S. Forest Service roadless rule, arguing it would threaten habitat and wildlife movement in a rare stretch of New England forest.

Mount Washington 9/11 Memorial: Two beams of light are set to shine from the summit this weekend to mark the 25th anniversary of Sept. 11, but Wildlife Watch: New Hampshire Audubon and partners are monitoring concerns that the nighttime display could confuse migrating songbirds and bats, with plans to turn the lights off if needed. Shellfish Health Alert: In Maine’s Harpswell, harvesters report major clam die-offs tied to an algae bloom that isn’t toxic to people but can still suffocate shellfish; the bloom may be drifting toward New Hampshire waters. Conservation & Land Use: A proposed rollback of the federal roadless rule has conservationists warning about habitat and migration impacts in a rare stretch of New England forest. State Outdoors & Learning: NH Fish and Game is sharing classroom resources and curriculum kits to connect kids with wildlife and wild places. Energy & Industry: Vicor is expanding its ChiP chip-fab footprint with new sites in Merrimack and Hooksett, adding nearly one million square feet of capacity.

Roadless Rule Fight: A rare stretch of New England forest near Wheeler Brook in Gilead is drawing conservation attention after the U.S. Department of Agriculture filed to rescind the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule, which would reopen road building, logging, and mining on about 30% of Forest Service lands. Wildlife & Light Impacts: Mount Washington’s 9/11 remembrance beams are set to project from the summit, but New Hampshire Audubon and partners are watching closely for effects on migrating songbirds that fly at night and can be confused by outdoor lighting. Public Health: The FDA/CDC linked a major 2026 cyclosporiasis outbreak to iceberg lettuce from central Mexico, with New Hampshire among the states reporting cases; the parasite’s life cycle helps explain why it isn’t spread person-to-person. Fish & Water: NH Fish and Game says summer fish kills are usually natural low-oxygen events, and it asks residents to report them—especially in shallow, vegetated ponds where algae and temperature swings can be deadly. Local Learning: NH Fish and Game is expanding classroom and home resources, including “Wild Times for Kids” and short-term curriculum kits. Coastal Food Future: UNH’s Center for Sustainable Seafood Systems is running a floating offshore fish farm off Portsmouth to test domestic aquaculture, producing steelhead trout for local markets.

Wildlife & Light Pollution: Conservationists are watching a Mount Washington 9/11 memorial that will project two beams from the summit, warning the timing could disrupt migrating songbirds that travel at night; NH Audubon says it’s testing a plan to shut lights off if birds get disoriented. Aquaculture & Seafood: UNH’s Center for Sustainable Seafood Systems is running a floating fish farm off Portsmouth to grow steelhead trout as a model for “farming the ocean,” aiming to boost domestic seafood supply. Fish Kills (NH): NH Fish and Game says summer fish kills are often natural—driven by low dissolved oxygen as water warms and daylight drops—and asks residents to report unusual die-offs. Climate Resilience (NH): NH Healthy Climate is urging Governor Ayotte and all candidates for governor to prioritize climate adaptation planning across public health, safety, agriculture, tourism, and transportation. Forests & Invasives: A New England-wide look at how invasive pests and disease are reshaping forests, with beech leaf disease and other threats accelerating tree losses. Local Conservation Forum: Tilton is hosting a free land-conservation forum Sept. 14 with legal and conservation partners for landowners.

Forest Health Crisis: New England’s forests are being reshaped fast by invasive pests and disease, from beech leaf disease and hemlock woolly adelgid to emerald ash borer and southern pine beetles—pressures that are worsening as climate stress and imports keep bringing new threats. Local Conservation & Wildlife: Rye voters reversed a town plan to stop maintaining seven trails, choosing to keep them fully open after residents argued access matters—despite the original move aimed at protecting sensitive wildlife habitat. Hazardous Waste Enforcement: New Hampshire AG Dan Rayfield says Pike Industries will pay a $100,000 penalty (with $15,000 suspended) over hazardous waste management violations at its Portsmouth facility. Community Land-Use Help: A free Tilton Conservation Commission forum on Sept. 14 will walk landowners through options to conserve property, with partners from forest and land trust groups. Solar Policy Watch: A regulator in India clarified rules for rooftop solar “behind the meter,” a reminder that permitting and grid-safety processes can make or break clean-energy rollouts.

Hazardous Waste Enforcement: New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella says Pike Industries will pay a $100,000 civil penalty (with $15,000 suspended) after violations at its Portsmouth facility, including missing a certified hazardous waste coordinator, training gaps, and problems with labeling, inspections, storage, and records. Local Land & Environmental Compliance: In Lyme, a judge-ordered cleanout of a property labeled an illegal junkyard is headed for a final deadline, with the town prepared to hire a contractor if the owner can’t clear it by Tuesday. Watershed Restoration: Crews working on the Cold River in Walpole finished a biostabilization project using wood materials like logs and root wads to rebuild eroding riverbanks and reduce damage from flash-flood flows. Native Plants: A guide highlights three native northern New England sunflower species—woodland, pale-leaved, and thin-leaved—plus where they grow, including floodplains and woodland edges. Data Centers & Public Health: Nottingham voters approved a 12-month moratorium on new data center development, citing potential impacts on the regional watershed and local infrastructure. Solar & Grid Rules (Out of State, Relevant Trend): A new decision in India clarifies how rooftop “captive” solar can proceed without certain utility approvals, reflecting broader momentum toward faster behind-the-meter solar deployment. Weather Watch: Northern New England is seeing warm, unsettled conditions with showers possible later, and gusty winds at times.

Wildlife Conservation: New Hampshire Fish and Game finalized a conservation purchase of 1,308 acres in Marlow and Alstead, creating the Theodore W. Walski Wildlife Management Area—protecting forests, wetlands, and the Grassy Brook Corridor while keeping public access for wildlife recreation. Climate & Infrastructure: A new report highlights how rising waters and flooding are driving quarry expansion in New England, with climate-linked demand for construction aggregate raising concerns about impacts from blasting on nearby homes. Water & Cybersecurity: Coverage continues to flag cyber threats to New Hampshire’s water suppliers, underscoring the growing risk to critical services. Local Politics & Environment Policy: With New Hampshire’s Senate race set between John Sununu and Chris Pappas after primaries, environmental priorities are likely to be part of the broader fight over state and federal direction. Community & Outdoors: NH entrepreneurs are promoting outdoor relaxation experiences like floating sound baths, reflecting continued interest in nature-centered activities as summer fades.