AGP Executive Report

Right Whale Rules in the Spotlight: U.S. Rep. Jared Golden’s bill to extend the pause on new right whale protection rules through 2035 cleared the House, a win Maine lobstermen are pushing to keep the industry viable while whales are protected. Lead Tackle Crackdown: Maine’s inland waters now ban certain painted lead jigs starting Sept. 1, aiming to cut lead poisoning deaths in loons. Toxic Cleanup Fight: Maine sued Mallinckrodt over stalled mercury cleanup at the Orrington site along the Penobscot River, arguing the company halted “meaningful work” despite orders. Heat and Power Tradeoffs: A new study says air conditioning saves tens of thousands of lives in the U.S., but also increases climate pollution as cooling demand grows. Gulf of Maine Research Boost: UNH’s Appledore Acoustic Array upgrade expands continuous ocean and acoustic monitoring for ecosystem research. Packaging Policy Watch: A federal court upheld Oregon’s packaging EPR law, a major signal for other states’ producer-responsibility efforts. Coastal Innovation: UMaine launched the 30-foot 3D-printed boat 3Dirigo X, moving large-scale additive manufacturing toward real-world maritime production. Drought Reminder: Commentary and reporting highlight how low water levels and extreme weather are reshaping communities and ecosystems, with glacier-linked risks in Nepal also in focus.

Maine Health Funding: Maine Primary Care Association says the state failed to implement a required $6.5 million cost-of-living increase for federally funded health clinics, putting Penobscot Community Health Care at risk of bankruptcy. Higher Ed & Immigration: Maine public universities are bucking national enrollment declines, with international student numbers rising for a fifth year—driven largely by online programs and Canadian students. Climate & Heat: New research highlights the lifesaving role of air conditioning while warning of its climate cost as cooling electricity demand and emissions grow. Marine Conservation: A Bigelow Laboratory study links Maine kelp forest collapse to microbial shifts, showing how ecosystem change ripples down to microscopic life. Dark Skies in Rangeley: Voters will decide November updates to Rangeley’s lighting and sign ordinances aimed at reducing light pollution. Wildlife & Public Health: Maine’s tick-borne illness surge is prompting renewed calls for stronger research, prevention, and education. Outdoor Safety: Maine’s recent deadliest ATV crashes share warning signs—speed and lack of seat belts or helmets. Coastal Economy: Harpswell’s lobster industry faces uncertainty despite strong recent landings, with climate and trade pressures looming. Community Restoration: A new local group is working to save and restore Skowhegan’s iconic “Skowhegan Indian” sculpture after wildlife damage. Food & Recalls: Multiple 2026 FDA/USDA food recalls are active, including items tied to glass contamination and listeria.

Maine Climate & Energy: A new study links Maine kelp forest collapse to shifts in reef microbes, showing how warming-driven loss of “foundation” kelp can ripple down to microbial life and change coastal ecosystem function. Coastal Wildlife: A deceased minke whale was found off Katama Bay, with NOAA noting an ongoing elevated mortality pattern for minke whales along the East Coast, including Maine. Local Food & Farms: UMaine researchers tested fruit waste in middle school cafeterias and found frozen fruit smoothies boosted what students eat while cutting waste, with a toolkit now available for schools. Working Waterfront & Fisheries: A Maine lobster industry lookback finds landings up sharply in recent years but warns outside forces—trade, regulation, and climate uncertainty—could still shake the fishery. Community & Access: Eastport is set to lose its only full-service grocery store as R&M IGA closes Sept. 3, underscoring how rural Maine access gaps keep widening. Wildlife Conservation: Scientists in Vermont are injecting young elms with Dutch elm disease spores to breed disease-tolerant trees for future restoration. Policy Watch: California AG Bonta and CARB led a multistate pushback against EPA’s proposed move to weaken heavy-duty vehicle NOx rules, arguing it would worsen air pollution harms. Maine Governance: A report alleges Troy Jackson steered $13.4 million toward Maine Maritime Academy while his son was paid as a lobbyist for the school.

Wild Salmon vs. Fish Farms: Maine conservationists are urging regulators to reject renewals for Cooke Aquaculture’s open-net salmon leases, warning that critically low wild Atlantic salmon could be jeopardized by farmed fish impacts. Elm Disease Fight: In Vermont, researchers are using Dutch elm disease itself to test and breed disease-tolerant elms, aiming to restore genetic diversity across New England. Maine Wind Power Push: The Maine PUC approved a major northern Maine wind project and a 111-mile transmission line, but the plan is already drawing political fire over costs and ratepayer impacts. Tyres Turned Into Road Fill: Maine is using shredded scrap tyres as lightweight embankment material to reduce frost and spring damage on weak soils—an engineering fix for both waste and road problems. Coastal Resilience in Action: After 2024 storms washed away dunes, University of New England and volunteers planted 20,000 dune-grass stalks at Biddeford Pool to rebuild beach protection. Ag Plastics Disposal: A new look at farm plastic waste highlights why burning is tempting for some farmers when hauling and recycling options get expensive.

Maine Coastal Resilience: University of New England students and volunteers planted 20,000 dune-grass stalks at Biddeford Pool after 2024 storms washed away dunes, continuing a restoration effort expected to help stabilize about 20,000 square feet of beach. Maine Wildlife & Invasives: In York, a growing market for invasive green crabs is turning a destructive species into premium seafood, with local efforts aimed at reducing their impact on native crabs. Maine Energy & Industry: Great Northern Salmon has paused a roughly $300 million Atlantic salmon farm at the former Millinocket mill site, citing uncertainty tied to the U.S.-Canada trade fight and the cost of imported equipment. Maine Policy & Cleanup: Maine DEP has moved to sue Mallinckrodt over cleanup failures at the Orrington site, as regulators push for action at one of the state’s most contaminated locations. Local Land Use: Bow is weighing a new 190-foot cell tower proposal on the south side, aimed at filling coverage dead zones identified in a 2024 town study.

Wildfire & Roads: Firefighters contained a fast-moving Penobscot wildfire that shut Castine Road, with the road later reopening as crews returned for hot spots and officials warned of wildlife on the move. Scrap-Tire Recycling in Maine: Engineers in Maine are turning about 1 million scrap tires a year into tyre-derived aggregate for lightweight highway fill, helping stabilize embankments built on weak marine clay. Northern Maine Clean Energy: The Maine PUC approved an 800-MW onshore wind project plus an 111-mile transmission line to bring power south, aiming to cut grid volatility and support rural jobs. Packaging Waste Policy: A federal judge upheld Oregon’s producer-responsibility plastic packaging law, a decision that could affect similar EPR fights in Maine and other states. Invasive Green Crabs: New markets are growing for invasive European green crabs in Maine and beyond, turning a destructive species into food and other products. Aquaculture on Hold: A planned salmon farm at the former Millinocket mill site is paused due to uncertainty tied to Canadian tariff impacts on imported equipment. Community & Climate Justice: Maine climate protesters rallied against federal “Big Oil immunity” legislation that would block state climate lawsuits and limit a proposed Maine Climate Superfund approach. UMaine Manufacturing: UMaine launched 3Dirigo X, a 30-foot, high-performance 3D-printed boat meant to speed vessel manufacturing for commercial and defense use. El Niño Watch: Scientists say a strong El Niño this winter may collide with unprecedented warming, raising uncertainty for U.S. and global weather impacts.

Maine Wind Push: The Maine Public Utilities Commission approved an 800-MW onshore wind project in Aroostook County plus a 111-mile transmission line, aiming to cut energy-cost volatility and add jobs. Packaging Accountability: A federal judge upheld Oregon’s producer-pay recycling law, a win for extended producer responsibility efforts that include Maine. PFAS Watch: California advanced a bill to require monitoring and disclosure of PFAS pesticide use—another pressure point for “forever chemicals” policy. Polluter Pays Fight: Maine climate protesters rallied against federal moves that could shield Big Oil from climate lawsuits. Aquaculture Uncertainty: A planned salmon farm at the former Millinocket mill site is on hold as tariff uncertainty complicates equipment imports. Invasive Species Turned Into Food: New Englanders are increasingly eating invasive green crabs, building a market to reduce ecological damage. Coastal Wildlife Tourism: Thousands are flocking to Maine to spot elusive puffins on cruises. Research & Resilience: UMaine launched a 3D-printed, high-performance boat (3Dirigo X) to speed up maritime manufacturing.

Maine Climate Accountability: Mainers rallied against a federal push to shield Big Oil from climate costs, arguing Maine taxpayers shouldn’t be stuck with cleanup and storm repair bills. Packaging Pollution Law: A federal judge upheld Oregon’s producer-pay packaging EPR program, a move that could bolster similar state efforts including Maine’s. Offshore Wind in the Crosshairs: California AG Bonta sued over an offshore wind lease “buyout” she says is unlawful, warning it could derail clean-energy commitments. PFAS Transparency: California advanced a bill to require monitoring and disclosure of PFAS pesticide use on produce, spotlighting persistent contamination risks. Maine Aquaculture Watch: A salmon farm planned for the former Millinocket mill site is on hold as tariff uncertainty complicates equipment imports. Local Innovation in Maine: UMaine launched the 30-foot 3D-printed boat 3Dirigo X in Hampden, aiming to speed up high-performance vessel manufacturing for commercial and defense needs. Wildlife & Community: A Rockport library talk kicks off the Maine Bird Atlas series, focusing on aerial insectivores and conservation challenges.

PFAS & Food Safety: California’s PFAS pesticide tracking bill (AB 1603) heads to Gov. Newsom, aiming to monitor and disclose “forever chemicals” used on crops. Pollution Accountability: A federal judge upheld Oregon’s extended producer responsibility recycling law, a model states including Maine are watching closely. Climate Lawsuit Fight: Maine climate advocates rallied against a federal bill that would block state climate lawsuits and derail Maine’s proposed Climate Superfund. Maine Cleanup: Maine DEP sued Mallinckrodt over failures to clean up the Orrington contaminated site, and Penobscot River mercury cleanup is moving forward. Energy & Industry: A salmon farm planned for Millinocket’s former paper mill site is on hold due to tariff uncertainty. Renewables & Defense Tech: UMaine launched 3Dirigo X, a 3D-printed high-performance 3D-printed boat for faster manufacturing; TurbineOne opened a defense tech manufacturing hub in Old Town. Wildlife & Community: A Maine Bird Atlas talk kicks off Rockport library’s fall series with the Appalachian Mountain Club.

Data Center Debate: Maine’s Data Center Advisory Council held virtual hearings as residents urged a moratorium, warning that an “AI bubble” could leave communities stuck with polluted air, water, noise, and abandoned infrastructure; the council’s final recommendations are due in January 2027. Mercury Cleanup in Penobscot: Crews began a pilot capping project using about 9,400 tons of clean sand to cover six acres of toxic mercury sediment in an Orrington cove, with the goal of reducing exposure and informing future work. Acadia Restoration: Volunteers hauled soil to Acadia’s summits to help restore vegetation trampled by visitors, part of the park’s “Wild Acadia” push to prepare for future climate conditions. Big Oil Liability Fight: Maine climate groups rallied to oppose federal bills that would shield fossil fuel companies from climate-related lawsuits, arguing Maine’s own climate superfund approach could be wiped out. PFAS Watch: California passed a bill requiring tracking of PFAS-containing pesticides in a public database, echoing Maine’s broader push to limit PFAS risks. Shellfish Closure: Scarborough issued an emergency shellfish closure through Sept. 17 after a wastewater pump station failure. Invasive Species: Spotted lanternfly was detected for the first time in New Hampshire (Salem), with surveys underway. Water Safety/Health: A report warns that warming waters may expand Vibrio “flesh-eating” bacteria farther north, including Maine.

Big Oil Liability Fight: Maine climate groups rallied in Portland and Lewiston urging lawmakers to reject federal “Stop Climate Shakedowns” bills that would shield fossil fuel companies from lawsuits and undercut Maine’s climate superfund efforts. Mercury Cleanup in Orrington: After decades of Penobscot River contamination from the former HoltraChem plant, a Thin Layer Cap Pilot began spreading clean sand over mercury-laced flats, with monitoring planned for years. PFAS Pesticide Tracking: California passed a bill requiring the state to flag pesticides containing PFAS in a public database, a move aimed at improving transparency as health concerns mount. Shellfish Closure: Scarborough issued an emergency shellfishing closure through Sept. 17 after a wastewater pump station failure led to river pollution. Northern Maine Energy Push: Maine’s PUC selected Clearway for an 800MW northern Maine wind project, part of a broader renewable buildout. Snowpack Research Grant: UVM and partners won $5.9M to expand real-time snowpack monitoring across Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. Local Composting Education: Merryspring Nature Center hosts a free Sept. 1 talk on the “art and science” of backyard composting. Wildlife Note: A rare young piebald deer was spotted in Cumberland.

Maine DEP Enforcement: The Maine DEP has sued Mallinckrodt US LLC over alleged failures to complete mercury cleanup at the former HoltraChem site in Orrington, saying the company stopped “meaningful work” despite orders. Coastal & River Research: The University of New England won a two-year extension for a proposed Saco River research pier beside its marine science center in Biddeford, despite local backlash over possible impacts to moorings. Northern Maine Clean Energy: Maine regulators selected Clearway Energy for an 800MW onshore wind build in Aroostook County and Avangrid for a new transmission line to move power south. PFAS Watch (Elsewhere, for context): Pennsylvania is moving to curb “forever chemicals” entering the environment via sewage sludge used on farm fields. Trade War Pressure on Fisheries: The Maine Lobstermen’s Association warned that Canada’s planned 25% tariff on U.S. lobster starting Sept. 8 could hit Maine docks fast, with prices and livelihoods at risk. Education & Workforce: Maine Maritime Academy is cutting one ocean studies major and putting another on probation, while expanding into nuclear engineering technology. Local Climate Funding: The Community Resilience Partnership is offering free virtual sessions in September on financing community resilience projects.

Northern Maine Clean Energy: The Maine Public Utilities Commission picked Clearway for an 800MW onshore wind project in Aroostook County and Avangrid for a new transmission line to move power south, with officials touting major job and cost-savings impacts. Penobscot River Mercury Cleanup: Maine DEP filed a complaint against Mallinckrodt US LLC over cleanup failures at the Orrington/HoltraChem site, where mercury pollution has been a long-running problem for the river and estuary. Plastic Pollution Push: Ocean Conservancy’s 2025 International Coastal Cleanup found plastic bottles and caps are the most common items worldwide, underscoring ongoing risks to marine life. Lobster Under Tariff Threat: The Maine Lobstermen’s Association warned that Canada’s planned 25% tariff on U.S. lobster starting Sept. 8 could slash prices and push fishers out of the water during the fall season. Community Resilience Funding: The Community Resilience Partnership is offering free September virtual sessions on climate finance and municipal reserve budgeting to help towns fund resilience projects. Housing Pressure: A Maine Affordable Housing Coalition survey found housing costs and availability are top voter concerns, with most respondents saying they’ve been harmed in daily life. Invasive Green Crabs: New Englanders are increasingly turning invasive green crabs into food, including gourmet products, as a way to reduce ecological damage.

Cleanup in court: Maine DEP has filed a formal complaint against Mallinckrodt US LLC over cleanup failures at the former HoltraChem site in Orrington, saying mercury and other contamination remain above required standards in soils, groundwater, and the Penobscot River. River restoration: A Penobscot Estuary Mercury Remediation Trust project has started capping 6.3 acres of contaminated river sediment in Orrington with sand, with multi-year monitoring planned for fish and other wildlife. Northern Maine energy push: The Maine PUC selected Avangrid/CMP for a new transmission line and Clearway Energy for an 800-megawatt onshore wind project under the Northern Maine Renewable Energy Development Program, aiming to unlock renewable power and jobs. Farm resilience funding: Hannaford and Wolfe’s Neck Center are backing the Northeast Farmers Fund with grants and technical help to improve soil health and climate resilience for hundreds of regional farmers. Coastal aquaculture education: A Petit Manan Oyster Farm open house in Steuben highlighted how oyster farming works and how aquaculture can be more environmentally sustainable. Workplace privacy: A new report finds some employee-monitoring apps share workers’ personal data and online activity with major tech firms, raising concerns about notice and consent.

Toxic Cleanup in Orrington: Maine DEP sued Mallinckrodt US LLC over stalled cleanup at the former HoltraChem site on the Penobscot River, saying contamination like mercury remains above required standards and seeking civil penalties. River Mercury Remediation: A separate Penobscot River mercury cleanup project has started capping contaminated sediment with sand in Orrington, with multi-year monitoring planned for fish, plants, and wildlife. Northern Maine Clean Energy Push: The Maine PUC selected Avangrid/CMP for a new transmission line and Clearway Energy for an 800-megawatt onshore wind project in Aroostook County, aiming to unlock about 600 MW for Maine and cut costs while creating jobs. Farm Climate Adaptation Funding: A Maine nonprofit-backed $20M Northeast Farmers Fund is launching to help farmers adopt climate-friendly practices after federal grant delays. Coastal Aquaculture Education: An open house at the Petit Manan Oyster Farm in Steuben highlighted how oyster farming works and how aquaculture can be both profitable and more environmentally sustainable. Ocean Carbon Removal Study: Researchers are testing how ocean carbon removal could affect lobsters by exposing them to different alkalinity levels after a Gulf of Maine release.

Mercury cleanup in Penobscot River: A pilot project in Orrington will cap about 6.3 acres of tidal flats in East Cove 3 by spraying roughly 9,400 tons of sand over the next few weeks, aiming to reduce mercury exposure after decades of contamination from the HoltraChem plant. Coastal development rules in Kittery: The town approved new Coastal Hazard Overlay Zone standards to steer building away from flood- and sea-level-rise risk, including requiring many new or improved homes to be built about a foot higher than normal floodplain rules. Underwater AI data center fight in Eastport: Eastport residents will weigh two ordinances aimed at stopping a proposed 27-acre, $100 million underwater AI data center near the working waterfront, after FERC accepted a preliminary permit for DeepGreen’s studies. Local energy infrastructure review in Rockport: The Rockport Planning Board will consider proposed propane storage tanks on Route 90 and also discuss additional housing development at a nearby site. Fall foliage planning: Maine’s DACF will kick off the 2026 fall foliage reporting season Sept. 9 and invites communities and event organizers to submit fall happenings for inclusion in weekly updates.