AGP Executive Report

Data center backlash hits New England: Vermont Gov. Phil Scott vetoed a bill meant to curb unchecked large data center development, drawing fire from environmental groups that warn of higher utility bills and dirtier air and water. Maine fisheries upgrade: Maine DMR and Wyman’s partnered to extend an alewife fishway on the Narraguagus River, improving access to Bog Brook Flowage habitat. Wildlife protection at the dock: York Harbor installed its first fishing line recycling bins to prevent entanglements, with line sent for recycling. Coastal cleanup grant: NOAA funding will remove four major derelict vessels in Maine starting this fall to reduce ongoing marine pollution. Rodenticide ban: Maine’s Board of Pesticide Control voted to ban a toxic class of rodenticide after concerns about long-lasting harm to predators, including bears and hawks. Eastport underwater AI debate: Residents are pushing for a moratorium on a proposed Passamaquoddy Bay underwater AI data center, citing risks to fisheries and marine life. Climate context: A new UN roundup highlights the growing electricity and water footprint of data centers as AI expands.

PFAS Push: Massachusetts lawmakers are advancing bills that would ban PFAS in food packaging, cookware, kids’ toys and more, with a cleanup fund and possible exemptions for essential products. Wildlife Protection: Maine’s Board of Pesticide Control voted to ban a highly toxic rodenticide after sampling found rodenticide residues in bears and hawks, raising concerns about secondary poisoning. Derelict Vessel Cleanup: NOAA funding will remove four of Maine’s largest abandoned, oil-soaked wrecks starting this fall, improving habitat and reducing marine debris. Data Center Backlash: Eastport residents are debating a proposed underwater AI data center in Passamaquoddy Bay, with worries about impacts on fisheries and marine life; meanwhile, New York passed a one-year pause on new data center approvals to study environmental and ratepayer effects. Climate Heat Signal: A record-hot May in Greenfield, tied to rising greenhouse gases, underscores how quickly extreme temperatures are arriving. Offshore Wind Fight: Maine and other Northeast states sued over a “sham deal” paying TotalEnergies to cancel offshore wind leases, arguing it breaks federal law and undermines clean energy goals. Boating Safety: The BoatUS Foundation expanded its free, state-approved boating safety course to include Maine and 14 other states, adding an environmental stewardship focus.

Data-center rules hit a wall in Missouri: A push to regulate hyperscale data centers failed at the state level, leaving communities to fight back with local moratoriums and contentious elections. Offshore wind legal fight widens: Seven Northeastern states, including Maine, sued the Trump administration over a TotalEnergies offshore wind lease buyout, arguing the deal misused funds and undercut climate and energy goals. Maine energy deal: Burlington Electric signed new hydro power purchase agreements tied to Maine’s Saco River Skelton Hydro facility, extending renewable output through 2026 and beyond. Boating safety in Maine: The BoatUS Foundation expanded its free, state-approved boating safety course to include Maine, adding more access to environmental stewardship and safe operation. Wildlife and water health: A rare Lyme strain (Borrelia mayonii) was found in a New York adult as tick-borne cases surge, and Bowdoin research identified a beneficial Daphnia population in Maine’s West Harbor Pond. Local marine education: Islesboro students launched a scallop farm, turning classroom help into hands-on aquaculture experience.

Rusty patched bumblebee recovery: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service designated about 1.5 million acres as critical habitat for the endangered rusty patched bumblebee, after the species vanished from much of its historic range; the designation doesn’t change land ownership, but it can shape how federal projects are planned and permitted. Maine wildlife, up close: A Maine outdoors feature spotlights a rare, booming American bittern call from local wetlands, while another shows mallard ducklings successfully jumping from what may be Maine’s only proven-use hen house—both reminders that small habitat choices can matter. Aquaculture expansion in Blue Hill area: Deer Isle Oyster Co. is opening a new oyster bar in downtown Blue Hill and a retail shop in Stonington, adding year-round supply and farm tours to connect people with local shellfish growing. Wildfire readiness on the Blue Hill Peninsula: Communities like Surry are building defenses for higher wildfire risk, including plans for more frequent water access and local home risk assessments. Data center backlash spreads: New York moved toward a one-year moratorium on large data center permits, joining a growing wave of state and local pushback over energy and water impacts. PFAS policy watch: Coverage notes EPA PFAS strategy updates and states accelerating their own PFAS rules, with Maine among those moving toward stricter product limits.

Data Centers in the Spotlight (Maine): Gov. Janet Mills’ new Maine Data Center Advisory Council has held its kickoff and is now set to focus on environmental impacts, including water resources and noise, while also weighing ratepayer costs and grid reliability. Policy Pushback (National): New York lawmakers are moving toward a one-year moratorium on new AI-driven hyperscale data centers, echoing Maine’s earlier moratorium effort that was vetoed. Forest Resilience Funding (Maine): The Maine Forest Service launched a $9M WoodsWISE Resilience Program, offering landowners up to $20,000 to improve forest health and diversity on at least 10 acres. Ticks and Lyme Risk: Reports highlight rising tick-bite and Lyme activity in the Northeast and Midwest, plus a first New York case of a rarer Lyme type. Local Water Infrastructure (Maine): Wiscasset officials say the state will fund moves, not upgrades for the Cow Island wastewater plant after storm flooding—setting up a key town decision. Outdoor Community & Nature: Midcoast Maine’s “SEED” art project brings biodegradable, native-seed installations to the St. George River, and Bangor Pride events include a Pride Paddle at Hirundo Wildlife Refuge.

Data Center Backlash in Maine: Gov. Janet Mills has launched a Maine Data Center Advisory Council after vetoing a proposed moratorium, tasking the 17-member panel with recommending how to protect ratepayers, keep the grid reliable, and minimize environmental impacts—especially water use, emissions, and local permitting. Public Pushback on Big Tech Infrastructure: Erin Brockovich has joined the fight by mapping data center plans nationwide through her Brockovich Data Center platform, while a new survey finds Americans’ opposition has surged in months. Local Climate-Linked Housing Pressure: A Florida retiree is moving to an off-grid Maine cabin, citing climate-driven insurance costs and storms back home—highlighting how affordability and housing supply could shape future “climate refugee” moves. Forest Resilience Funding: The Maine Forest Service is rolling out a $9M WoodsWISE Resilience Program to help landowners strengthen forests against storms, wildfires, pests, and disease. Community Resilience on the Ground: A Stockton Springs community garden is expanding with state resilience grant support, growing food and connections for neighbors. Offshore Wind in Court: Maine is among states suing over the Trump administration’s offshore wind lease cancellations, arguing the deal unlawfully redirected taxpayer money and harms clean-energy goals.

Offshore Wind in Court: New York AG Letitia James and a coalition of states including Maine sued the Trump administration over a nearly $1 billion deal to pay TotalEnergies to cancel offshore wind leases off New York and North Carolina, arguing it violates federal law and undermines climate and jobs. Air Quality Rollbacks: State officials warned that Trump-era EPA changes make it harder for states from Virginia to Maine to meet ozone standards, especially by undoing California vehicle-emissions waivers. Energy Costs at Home: A Sierra Club analysis using federal data says Maine’s low-income households face the highest energy burden in the nation, driven by housing barriers and rising electricity and heating fuel costs. PFAS and Biosolids: A new report highlights how PFAS can keep moving through landfills, wastewater, and farmland—raising concerns as fertilizer prices push more farmers toward biosolids. Maine Vape Waste Rule: Maine became the first state to require extended producer responsibility for vapes and e-cigarettes, setting up funded collection and disposal/recycling. Wildlife & Water: Maine game wardens seek an ATV driver who dragged a landowner 75 feet; and York Land Trust urges residents to identify and remove invasive plants early. Gulf of Maine Recognition: Gulf of Maine Council Visionary Awards went to Chris Peter and Todd Selig for salt marsh work and marine stewardship.

Offshore Wind Legal Fight: Maine joined a coalition of states suing the Trump administration over a deal that pays TotalEnergies about $1 billion to cancel offshore wind leases off New York, with the company instead pledging fossil-fuel investment—states argue the move is unlawful and would undercut clean energy goals and jobs. Industrial Safety Funding: As federal investigators dig into a deadly pulp and paper mill implosion in Longview, Washington, lawmakers are debating cutting the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board’s budget by more than 40%, raising alarms that future probes could be slower and less thorough. Watershed & Wildlife Education: The Belfast Bay Watershed Coalition won a Maine Environmental Education Association award for its long-running natural literacy and salmon-raising programs. Plastic Pollution Reality Check: A new study highlights how much “recycled” plastic ends up burned overseas, driving toxic air pollution and health harms. Maine Training Notice: The Maine National Guard says it’s entering peak training season, with more frequent activity and noise expected.

Offshore wind fight: Maine is among the states joining New York and other Democratic-led attorneys general in suing the Trump administration over a deal that pays TotalEnergies nearly $1 billion to cancel offshore wind leases off New York and North Carolina, with the coalition calling it “blatantly unlawful” and warning of job and climate impacts. Plastic pollution: A new study highlights how shipping “recycled” plastic waste overseas can drive more open burning in lower- and middle-income countries, spiking toxic air pollution tied to health harms. Maine waste policy: Maine became the first state to create an extended producer responsibility program for vapes and e-cigarettes, requiring manufacturers to fund safe collection and disposal/recycling. Local water protection: The 30 Mile River Watershed Association will host an aquatic invasive species presentation in Chesterville, focusing on prevention and management. Maine infrastructure review: MaineDOT is set to launch its environmental impact statement process for the Machias Dike Bridge. Energy + AI pressure: A new Erin Brockovich-led reporting hub aims to map community concerns about AI data centers, including water and power impacts.

MaineDOT Environmental Review: MaineDOT has officially kicked off the Environmental Impact Statement process for the Machias Dike Bridge, setting up public comment opportunities on purpose/need and alternatives in fall 2026 and on the draft EIS in spring 2027. Working Waterfront Resilience: Stonington is seeking grant funding to stabilize shoreline behind a historic building and build a new public pier and ramp to expand float space and improve resilience as sea levels rise. Rachel Carson Center Opens: A new visitor center at the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge in Kennebunk opened May 27, adding an education hub and refuge offices focused on salt marsh ecosystems and at-risk species. Tick Surge Watch: CDC reporting says ER visits for tick bites are at their highest for this time of year since 2017, with warmer conditions driving increased tick activity in the Northeast and Midwest. AI + Water Pressure: A global pushback against hyperscale data centers is intensifying as communities raise alarms about power and water use, including protests tied to drought-stressed regions. PFAS/Packaging Policy Momentum: Maine and other states are moving forward on PFAS rules and packaging EPR implementation, with new reporting deadlines now shifting attention to how companies redesign and manage materials.

PFAS & Wastewater Legacy: A new look at Maine’s sludge history traces how toxins were spread decades before the PFAS crisis hit, tying past wastewater decisions to today’s costs and health concerns. Invasive Species & Fisheries: Fishermen and chefs are pushing back on invasive blue catfish, hoping to turn a growing ecological problem into a marketable catch. Climate-Linked Wildlife Health: A Grist report highlights a tick boom in Maine tied to warming temperatures, while online conspiracy theories about “tick causes” spread faster than science. Packaging EPR Deadline: Maine’s packaging extended producer responsibility rules are moving from deadlines to implementation, with producers urged to use better data to cut costs and improve recyclability. Data Centers vs. Communities: Progressive Democrats, including Maine’s own Senate hopeful Graham Platner in national coverage, are sharpening arguments that AI data centers raise power, water, and environmental burdens on nearby residents. Old-Growth Forest Protection: A $4.3M effort is helping defer logging in late-successional forests to protect habitat and store carbon. Local Governance Journalism: The Maine Monitor expands into “Monitor Local,” adding civic coverage for rural counties where residents say they’ve lost local reporting.

PFAS Fallout in Maine: A new report revisits how sludge spreading in the 1980s exposed dairy farms to PFAS long before the crisis hit the headlines, underscoring how slow-moving decisions can echo for decades. Tick-Bite Allergy Watch: Maine researchers say lone star ticks are edging closer; alpha-gal syndrome is still considered a low risk, but monitoring is ramping up as the species expands north. AI Data Centers vs. Communities: Sen. Elizabeth Warren warns that AI data centers are driving up utility costs and straining local water and services, adding to the growing backlash over environmental impacts. Invasive Water Plants: Maine is moving toward using an aquatic herbicide to control invasive milfoil in local lakes, a decision that will shape how communities manage freshwater ecosystems. Storm Resiliency Funding: Gov. Mills announced $5.1M in grants aimed at improving storm resiliency and energy efficiency across Maine. Housing Pressure Near Water: Sabattus residents are pushing back against a 96-unit apartment plan near wetlands and the Sabattus River, raising stormwater and traffic concerns. Local Governance Strain: A Portland Press Herald analysis finds Maine towns are struggling to keep managers, with turnover linked to politics, workload, and community conflict. Coastal Wildlife Viewing: A guide highlights where and how to spot whales and puffins off Maine’s coast. Education & Stewardship: UMaine Extension is hosting a June 13 4-H June Jamboree focused on agriculture, environmental stewardship, and outdoor learning. Maine Invasive/Outdoor Safety: Maine’s plans and events this week also include ongoing attention to public safety and environmental stewardship in outdoor settings.

Data centers in the spotlight: A new Gallup poll finds 71% of Americans oppose AI data centers in their area, citing water and power use, environmental impact, and higher utility bills—while communities keep fighting back. Local pushback spreads: In New Hampshire, a proposed data center in Nottingham triggered petitions and protests, leading the applicant to withdraw the application “for now.” Maine angle on housing strain: In Sabattus, residents are rallying against a 96-unit apartment plan near wetlands and a stream feeding the Sabattus River, arguing town services and traffic can’t handle the jump. Maine conservation and wildlife: A Maine legislative session opinion highlights “big wins for wildlife,” while a free High Peaks Alliance walk series invites people to learn tree and bird habitat basics. Outdoor wildlife viewing: A guide to seeing whales and puffins off Maine’s coast points readers toward seasonal nature watching. Public safety support: Portland’s community fundraiser honors Baxter, Maine’s first emergency communications comfort dog, after his death last year.

Rural Health Funding (Maine): The bipartisan Rural Community Hospital Demonstration Reauthorization Act cleared the U.S. Senate, extending Medicare payment tests for rural hospitals for five more years; Maine is among the participating states. Wildlife & Habitat (Maine): A new High Peaks Alliance series of free guided tree and bird walks is set for Walrath Woods (Strong) and Mosher Hill Falls Community Forest (Farmington), with hands-on learning for families and beginners. Invasive Plants (Maine): Maine DEP is moving forward with proposed use of an aquatic herbicide to control invasive milfoil in local lakes. Energy & Housing (Maine politics): Gubernatorial candidate Nirav Shah outlined first-day executive orders focused on housing affordability, rural health, energy costs, and Wabanaki Nations, aiming to tackle cross-cutting affordability pressures. Conservation Plan (Maine politics): Troy Jackson released a conservation plan calling for a standalone Department of Conservation, a Forest Advisory Board, expanded public access, and more funding for Land for Maine’s Future. Outdoor Health (region): RFK Jr. announced new Lyme disease research funding and renewed calls to reauthorize the Kay Hagan Tick Act ahead of what he expects to be a heavy tick season. Community Food Support (Piscataquis): Piscataquis Regional Food Center won Maine Cancer Foundation funding for “Nourish Piscataquis,” bringing meal kits, cooking education, and wellness activities to rural residents facing food insecurity.

Wildlife & Climate Resilience: A Maine birding report finds nest failure is common for species like eastern phoebes, but many pairs “renest” quickly—an adaptive response to spring weather swings and food shortages. Public Health & Environment: Maine’s PFAS fight stays in the spotlight as states seek federal help for PFAS cleanup costs, including a Maine agreement tied to PFAS-containing firefighting foam. PFAS Waste & Environmental Justice: Maine Monitor reports the proposed expansion of the Juniper Ridge landfill in Old Town/Alton as a flashpoint over where PFAS-contaminated sludge goes, with Penobscot Nation and C&LF challenging impacts to air and water. Invasive Species Control: Maine DEP is moving toward using an aquatic herbicide to control invasive milfoil in local lakes, with another story noting the state’s plan to use herbicide against invasive water plants. Data Centers & Local Impacts: A Maine case study shows how a proposed data center derailed a rural affordable housing project, while other coverage highlights growing community pushback on “AI data center” proposals. Conservation Politics: In the governor’s race, Troy Jackson unveiled a conservation plan focused on re-establishing a standalone Department of Conservation, boosting public access, and tackling PFAS and glyphosate. Outdoor Education: Educators are invited to a forest-based learning workshop at Holt Research Forest in Arrowsic, pairing field teaching with Maine woods data-collection.

Data center debate in Maine: A South Portland panel revisited Gov. Janet Mills’ veto of a bill that would have banned new data centers, with residents and advocates pressing on water use for cooling and PFAS-related discharge limits, while developers argued projects can plug into existing power without grid upgrades. PFAS sludge landfill pressure: Maine’s DEP is weighing an expansion of the Juniper Ridge landfill in Old Town/Alton to handle PFAS-contaminated wastewater sludge, as the Penobscot Nation and Conservation Law Foundation appeal, warning of air and water pollution impacts to the Penobscot River. Invasive milfoil herbicide permits: DEP is seeking permits to use ProcellaCOR on variable-leaf water milfoil in Messalonskee, Androscoggin, and Little Sebago Lakes, with public meetings set in June and treatments planned for July/August. Boating safety access: The BoatUS Foundation expanded its free, state-approved online boating safety course to 15 additional states, including Maine, emphasizing environmental stewardship alongside navigation and safety. Wildlife education: Students released endangered Atlantic salmon into the Kenduskeag Stream after raising eggs through a school program, highlighting hands-on conservation.