AGP Executive Report

Passamaquoddy Bay: A proposed tidal-powered underwater data center is drawing opposition from tribal and local voices concerned about noise and harm to the bay’s marine environment. Offshore Wind: Senate candidate Troy Jackson wants to revive Maine’s stalled wind-port project, leaning toward Mack Point over Sears Island amid concerns about developing the island. Wildlife and Fisheries: Maine anglers fear for striped bass as young fish grow scarce; scientists cite repeated poor reproduction, warming waters and pollution among the pressures on the species. Clean Water: EPA warnings against eating fish from the Presumpscot River have renewed concern about contamination, while Maine will receive $312,000 to test for lead and replace pipes and fixtures in schools and child-care facilities. Land Conservation: Harpswell Heritage Land Trust is set to acquire 228 acres on Great Island, including salt marsh and wetlands, expanding connected habitat and supporting restoration work.

Offshore Wind: Troy Jackson says he wants to revive Maine’s stalled project, leaning toward a turbine-support port at Mack Point rather than contested Sears Island and saying local residents should decide. Data Center Pushback: A proposed tidal-powered server farm in Passamaquoddy Bay has drawn opposition from tribal and local voices. Concerns over underwater noise and impacts on marine life are part of a wider Maine backlash against data centers. Whales and Lobstering: Sen. Ted Cruz plans to advance a bill extending the pause on new North Atlantic right whale protections, sought by Maine’s lobster industry. The debate pits industry certainty against safeguards for an endangered species threatened by fishing-line entanglement. Fisheries at Risk: Maine anglers report few young striped bass, amid concerns about poor reproduction, warming waters, drought and overfishing. Habitat and Water: A land trust will take ownership of 228 acres on Great Island, including salt marsh and wetlands, creating a large connected wildlife habitat. Separately, a warning against eating fish from the Presumpscot River has raised fresh concern about contamination near an old mill cleanup site.

Data Center Debate: Maine towns are weighing bans on large data centers after Gov. Janet Mills vetoed a proposed statewide moratorium. An underwater data center proposed off Western Passage could also threaten endangered North Atlantic right whales with construction noise. River Contamination: The EPA warned people not to eat fish from the Presumpscot River near the former Keddy Mill site after tests found elevated PCBs; state guidance limits consumption to four meals a year in affected areas. Wildfire Readiness: Amid extreme Midcoast drought, Camden-area communities are starting a wildfire preparedness plan after an August fire on Ragged Mountain. Air Quality: Maine environmental officials recommend new monitoring near South Portland’s oil tanks following concerns about local air pollution. Solar Development: Jay is considering a tax deal for a proposed 150-megawatt solar farm that could cover up to 1,600 acres; the project’s environmental effects are due for discussion. Sebago Lake: The Portland Water District received an $8 million USDA grant to support the lake’s water quality.

Whales and Data Centers: A proposed underwater AI data center off Maine could disturb habitat linked to endangered North Atlantic right whales, with construction noise a key concern. South Portland Air Quality: After a state study found elevated levels of a known carcinogen near petroleum tanks, CITGO pledged more emissions monitoring and faster tank upgrades; officials are considering additional air monitoring. Wildfire Readiness: Amid extreme drought, Camden-area communities are starting a planning process to reduce wildfire risks and improve emergency response. Water and Fish: The EPA warned against eating fish from the Presumpscot River because of contamination, while the Portland Water District received an $8 million USDA grant to help protect Sebago Lake’s water quality. Tracking Climate Change: Maine’s marine agency and UMaine studied whether state monitoring programs can capture climate-driven changes in Gulf of Maine habitats and fisheries.

Forest Climate Plan: Maine is looking to its forests to help meet climate goals. With 94% of forestland privately owned, the state is relying on partnerships and landowner programs to protect carbon storage, wildlife habitat and a major source of jobs. Water and Fish Safety: The EPA warned people not to eat fish from the Presumpscot River because of contamination. Separately, Maine officials found slightly elevated benzene near some South Portland oil tanks and plan another year of air monitoring, drawing frustration from residents who say testing has gone on long enough. Sebago Watershed: The Portland Water District received an $8 million federal grant for forest conservation, land management and stream reconnection to protect drinking water for about 200,000 people. Data Center Debate: At least seven Maine towns are weighing temporary data center moratoriums, amid concerns that the facilities could strain energy and water supplies.

Fish Safety: The EPA advises against eating fish from the Presumpscot River between Little Falls and Mallison Falls dams after tests found elevated PCBs near the Keddy Mill Superfund site. Air Quality: South Portland residents are pressing for answers after six years of monitoring found slightly elevated benzene near oil tanks; officials plan another year of testing. Watershed Protection: A new $8 million USDA grant will support forest conservation and stream restoration in the Sebago Lake watershed, which supplies drinking water to about 200,000 people. Data Center Concerns: At least seven Maine towns are weighing temporary data center bans, amid concerns about projects’ energy and water use; 21 municipalities have already adopted similar measures. Drought and Fire Risk: A prolonged dry spell is raising wildfire concerns across Maine.

Air Quality: Maine DEP recommends more monitoring near South Portland’s petroleum tanks after benzene readings at nine of 11 sites exceeded state limits during some 14-day periods. One site averaged 4.5 times the limit. Climate & Wildlife: Researchers are tracking changes to Katahdin’s treeline as prolonged dry conditions raise fire risk across Maine. Drought also helped push sewage pollution to a record low in 2025. Working Waterfront: Soaring diesel costs are squeezing Maine lobster operators, while a new University of Maine aquaculture center prepares to train the next generation of fish farmers. Energy Debate: Susan Collins and Troy Jackson’s final Senate-race pitches put heating oil and electricity costs at odds, with competing implications for Maine’s clean-energy direction.

Air Quality: Maine DEP is urging a year of added monitoring near South Portland’s oil terminals after six years of data found elevated benzene levels, reaching 4.5 times the state guideline at one site. Warming Mountains: A study using more than 40 years of satellite imagery finds vegetation and trees advancing above the tree line on Mount Katahdin and other regional peaks, shrinking fragile alpine habitat. PFAS Accountability: The Greater Augusta Utility District is suing five paper and packaging companies, alleging industrial pollution contaminated the Kennebec watershed and drinking-water wells; a $2 million filtration system is now treating the water. Dry Conditions: Drought helped push Maine sewage pollution to a record low in 2025, but the prolonged dry spell is raising wildfire concerns.

Wastewater: Maine recorded a low of 153 million gallons of sewage pollution in 2025, helped by dry weather and years of sewer upgrades. The state says pollution per inch of rain also hit a record low. Aquaculture: The University of Maine opened a new Orono research and training center for sustainable fish production, with commercial-scale tanks for research and workforce training. Forest Conservation: Partners agreed to defer logging on nearly 500 acres of rare, older forest in Piscataquis County while they explore longer-term protection. Data Centers: Buxton voters approved a 180-day pause on new data centers amid concerns about their electricity use, water demands, noise and environmental effects. Drought: A prolonged dry spell is raising wildfire risk across Maine, while residents near Poland Spring are raising concerns about pressure on local water resources.

Sewage and Drought: Maine recorded its lowest combined-sewer pollution in 2025, with 153 million gallons discharged. Dry weather helped, but state officials say years of upgrades are also reducing overflows. Forest Conservation: Partners agreed to defer logging on nearly 500 acres of rare older forest in Piscataquis County while they explore lasting protection. Aquaculture: UMaine opened a research and workforce center in Orono, where students and industry partners will study fish health and more sustainable production. Water and Waste: A judge upheld approval of the Juniper Ridge landfill expansion amid concerns over environmental justice; meanwhile, plans are advancing to clean mercury contamination in the Penobscot River. Dry-Weather Risks: Prolonged drought is raising fire danger across Maine and has strained the lobster industry.

Wildlife Health: A raccoon in Auburn tested positive for rabies; Maine officials advise keeping pets vaccinated and avoiding contact with wild animals. Fire Risk: Prolonged dry conditions are raising fire danger across Maine, with fallen leaves and dormant grass posing added fuel. Water and Land: A punishing drought has neighbors questioning Poland Spring’s water use, while a judge upheld the state’s approval of the Juniper Ridge landfill expansion. River Cleanup: The Penobscot Remediation Trust has outlined plans to address river contamination, and officials have briefed the public on a pilot to clean up mercury in the river. Conservation: A conservation group has bought a Boy Scout camp in Belgrade, adding another Maine property to protected lands.

Dry Conditions: Prolonged drought has left Maine at medium fire risk, with officials urging caution around anything that could spark a blaze. Concerns over drought also surfaced at hearings on Poland Spring’s permit renewal. Landfill and Water Quality: A judge upheld approval of the Juniper Ridge expansion as advocates pressed for enforceable PFAS treatment of landfill leachate before it reaches wastewater systems and rivers. Aquaculture: Most of a Clean Water Act lawsuit alleging pollution from Cooke Aquaculture’s Maine salmon farms can proceed, a judge ruled. Rivers and Habitat: Brunswick Dam’s mass fish kill renewed concerns about the Androscoggin, while officials outlined a pilot to clean mercury from the Penobscot River. In Belgrade, 280-acre Camp Bomazeen was sold to a conservation group, protecting wetlands, shoreline and wildlife habitat while preserving Scout use.

Lobster Industry: Maine lobstermen face diesel at $6.49 a gallon, up nearly 45% in a year. One captain says he starts each day about $1,000 in the hole, with rising bait and maintenance costs adding pressure. Coastal Resilience: Rockport Harbor received a $698,750 federal grant for upgrades designed to protect its working waterfront from coastal storms. Waste & Water: A judge allowed most of a Clean Water Act lawsuit against Cooke Aquaculture to proceed over alleged harmful discharges from Maine salmon farms. Separately, a judge upheld the public-benefit finding for Juniper Ridge landfill’s proposed expansion, despite opponents’ concerns about PFAS and pollution. Conservation: Camp Bomazeen’s 280 acres on Great Pond are now owned by conservation group 7 Lakes Alliance, preserving wetlands, forest and shoreline while keeping the camp available for Scouts. Wildlife & Development: A loon study found declines in breeding productivity across much of Canada, though Maine showed a slight increase. Buxton voters also approved a 180-day pause on data centers.

Working Waterfront: Maine lobstermen are facing diesel at $6.49 a gallon, alongside rising bait and operating costs, while warming waters and declining catches add pressure on the industry. Wildlife: A rare gray heron in Cape Elizabeth—the first recorded in Maine—has drawn birders, while a cross-border study found loon productivity falling in many regions but marginally rising in Maine. Clean Water: A federal judge allowed most claims in a lawsuit over alleged pollution from Cooke Aquaculture’s Maine salmon farms to proceed. Land Conservation: Camp Bomazeen’s 280 acres on Great Pond are now owned by 7 Lakes Alliance, which plans to conserve its forests, wetlands and shoreline. Waste and PFAS: A judge upheld the state’s public-benefit finding for the proposed Juniper Ridge landfill expansion, despite opponents’ concerns about PFAS and pollution along the Penobscot River. Sustainable Seafood: UMaine’s new aquaculture center will research land-based fish farming and train students for the industry. Dark Skies: A Rockport library talk on Nov. 4 will explore why protecting Maine’s unusually dark skies matters for wildlife and people.

Aquaculture: A federal judge allowed most of the Conservation Law Foundation’s Clean Water Act lawsuit against Maine salmon producer Cooke Aquaculture to proceed, including claims of harmful discharges and unclear permit requirements. Land Conservation: The 280-acre Camp Bomazeen in Belgrade has been sold to 7 Lakes Alliance, protecting its wetlands, forests, shoreline and wildlife habitat while keeping outdoor opportunities open. Wildlife: A study found loon productivity declining across much of Canada and several U.S. regions; Maine showed a marginal increase, though researchers caution that long-term declines elsewhere could signal future population losses. Waste and Development: A judge upheld state approval of the Juniper Ridge Landfill expansion, which would add nearly 12 million cubic yards of capacity, despite opponents’ concerns about pollution and effects on Penobscot River communities. Buxton voters, meanwhile, approved a 180-day pause on data center development to give officials time to consider local rules and impacts. Sustainable Seafood: UMaine opened a new facility for research and workforce training in land-based fish farming, aimed at developing more sustainable aquaculture practices.

Landfill Fight: A Maine judge upheld the state’s public-benefit finding for the proposed Juniper Ridge expansion, which would add nearly 12 million cubic yards of capacity. The Penobscot Nation and environmental groups oppose the project, citing pollution and community impacts. Wildlife: A study tracking loon breeding across Canada and parts of the U.S. found declines in many regions; Maine showed a marginal increase, though researchers say long-term trends warrant attention. Toxic Chemicals: A Portland nonprofit says Crayola failed to report formaldehyde in some children’s art supplies as required by Maine law. The DEP has contacted the company for more information. Water Under Pressure: Drought is intensifying a dispute in Denmark over Poland Spring’s groundwater withdrawals, as residents press for answers during the company’s permit renewal. River Health: A mass fish kill at Brunswick Dam has renewed concerns about the Androscoggin River, while officials have also briefed the public on a pilot to clean mercury from the Penobscot River. Wetland Restoration: A nine-acre hayfield in Kennebunkport is being restored as wetland along the Batson River.