AGP Executive Report

NYC Sewer Mystery: Police and the city DEP are investigating viral videos of groups entering and exiting New York City sewers via manholes in Brooklyn and Queens, with officials stressing it’s illegal and “extremely dangerous.” State Data Center Fight: New York lawmakers are set to pass a one-year moratorium on new hyperscale data centers, with advocates warning of higher electricity rates and water impacts unless Gov. Hochul signs. Local Governance: Oyster Bay, Long Island, advanced a “Peace and Good Order” local law that would fine public urination/defecation to protect parks and neighborhoods. Wildlife & Community: Robert Moses State Park will host a “Jr. Marine Biologist” program for kids and families to study aquatic wildlife at Fire Island Inlet and the South Shore. Climate & Health Policy: A New Jersey Assembly panel advanced a “Polluters Pay” bill that would require certain fossil fuel extractors to pay for climate harms.

Student Well-Being on Campus: Inside Higher Ed spotlights NYU’s Zoe Ragouzeos on what colleges owe students as loneliness and mental health needs rise, arguing for environments that help people thrive—not just get crisis support. NYC Environmental Maintenance Costs: A report on Jamestown’s deferred environmental maintenance shows how neglected city infrastructure and waterways can pile up costs, even as federal ARPA funding helps fund cleanup and invasive-species work. Climate Data Under Threat: Scientists warn the U.S. is dismantling ocean monitoring sensors, a move that could leave major climate and marine ecosystem signals going dark. Offshore Wind Fight: New York and other states keep challenging the Trump administration’s offshore wind cancellations in court, with multiple lawsuits targeting buyouts and lease terminations. Data Center Moratorium: Albany is moving toward a first-in-nation moratorium on new data center development, with lawmakers citing energy strain and community impacts. Agriculture Frost Relief: New York asked USDA for disaster designation after April frost hit fruit growers across multiple regions, seeking low-interest emergency loans. Wildlife Reminder: DEC urges New Yorkers to leave baby wildlife alone during spring. Global Air Travel Costs: Airline leaders meet amid Iran-war fuel shock, with higher costs and climate-goal pressure shaping route and fare decisions.

NYC Sewer Mystery: Police and the city DEP are investigating viral videos of groups emerging from NYC manholes at night in Brooklyn and Queens. Officials say there’s no public-safety threat after sweeps, but entering sewers is illegal and “extremely dangerous.” Climate Science in Court of Public Opinion: A new study says the “worst-case” 2011 global warming scenario (RCP8.5) is now “implausible,” though risks remain—fueling renewed political fights over climate projections. Offshore Wind Fight: New York and other states are suing the Trump administration over deals to end offshore wind leases, arguing the move harms energy grids and climate goals. Data Center Pressure in Western NY: Tonawanda’s supervisor says a proposed data center at the former Tonawanda Coke site is on hold, citing NYISO grid review delays and a possible statewide moratorium. Solar for Renters: New York is moving toward legal “balcony solar” plug-in panels for apartments and windows, aiming to expand clean power access without rooftop installs. Energy Storage Debate: A look at why battery storage (BESS) is surging—and why it’s controversial as New York’s grid faces tight summer margins.

Sewer Mystery in NYC: Police are investigating videos of groups entering and exiting NYC sewer manholes in Brooklyn and Queens at night, with some carrying headlamps and tools; the city’s DEP says it’s illegal and “extremely dangerous,” and investigators are exploring whether people were searching for valuables. Climate Policy Clash in Albany: A new push would create an Indirect Source Review program that could fine warehouses and distribution centers tied to truck emissions, raising concerns about costs and who should pay for pollution reductions. UN Leadership in New York: Bangladesh’s Khalilur Rahman was elected President of the UN General Assembly’s 81st session, pledging trust-building and a focus that includes climate resilience and environmental sustainability. Outdoor Access for New Yorkers: DEC is bringing back its First-Time Camper Program for 2026, offering a gear-and-setup package and a lottery for new campers across the Adirondacks and Catskills. Long Island Health Expansion: NYU Langone plans a new academic medical center in Melville on a 45-acre site, pending environmental review and local approvals.

Offshore Wind Legal Fight: New York AG Letitia James and six other Northeast states sued the Trump administration over a “sham” deal that canceled a $795M offshore wind lease with TotalEnergies, arguing the refund was effectively swapped into fossil fuel investment. Data Center Pressure in NY: Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie says lawmakers intend to pass a one-year moratorium on new large-scale data center permits while the state studies environmental, energy, and economic impacts; local officials in Fulton County are also moving toward moratoriums as towns struggle to regulate facilities that strain power and water. Heat Pump Reality Check: Experts weigh whether heat pumps are worth the upfront cost, noting they’re efficient and increasingly popular, but may require electrical upgrades and depend on local utility prices. Wildlife & Waterways: DEC conservation officers cited three people for illegally harvesting about 10,000 fiddleheads from a protected ostrich fern site in Ellisburg. Lake Ontario Spotlight: The Lake Ontario National Marine Sanctuary will be featured at a June 6 waterfront festival in Oswego with underwater videos, boating guidance, and sanctuary education. Energy Infrastructure Update: A $711M Gateway tunnel contract for a visible New Jersey surface alignment segment moves forward near the Meadowlands.

Ground Zero Accountability: NYC Council leaders are pushing for $4.5 million to complete and release a long-delayed 9/11 toxins report, aiming to document when city officials learned air quality at Ground Zero was dangerous. Flood Readiness: New York Sea Grant is urging Great Lakes residents to use the MyCoast NY app to log flood impacts with photos that can feed recovery planning and emergency communications. Plastic Packaging Fight: New York lawmakers face pressure to pass the Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act, a proposed EPR shift that would raise costs for manufacturers and reshape recycling rules. Wildlife & Public Safety: DEC is reminding New Yorkers to keep wildlife safe and urges people to “leave it there,” while separate coverage highlights turtles crossing roads and the need for caution. Transit Gaps, Cleaner Rides: TCAT launched an electric microtransit pilot in Ithaca (eRide Ithaca) to serve neighborhoods when fixed routes don’t run.

NYC Sewers Investigation: Police are probing videos of groups of men climbing out of Brooklyn manholes, with officials stressing it’s illegal and dangerous due to gases, unstable surfaces, and flood risk. Climate & Housing Governance: New York is rolling back parts of its environmental review push to speed housing, while separate reporting says the state is also easing SEQRA exemptions for many residential and public works projects—raising concerns about weaker climate protections. State Budget Climate Backslide: Multiple items point to New York’s $268.5B budget as a major setback for landmark climate goals, with critics saying affordability pressures are driving the retreat. Water Infrastructure & Health: A health alert flags that 1.85 million New Yorkers may still be drinking water delivered through lead pipes, with a major Delaware Aqueduct fix delayed again. Wildlife & Public Safety: DEC reminds New Yorkers to “leave it there” when it comes to wildlife, and there’s fresh attention on protecting people and animals as human activity reshapes local habitats. Bronx Zoo Elephant Update: Happy, the Bronx Zoo elephant known for a mirror-test breakthrough, has died at 55, closing a long-running captivity and rights debate.

New York Climate Policy: New York’s climate targets are getting weakened as the state budget rolls back earlier ambitions, adding pressure to meet emissions goals while housing and affordability demands grow. Environmental Justice & Wildlife: A first Long Island snakehead sighting is triggering emergency containment efforts in Suffolk waters, highlighting how invasive species can turn up fast and force rapid local action. Clean Water & Local Infrastructure: Ossining is set to receive $5 million in state funding for a water treatment plant, a reminder that upgrades to wastewater systems are still one of the most direct ways to protect rivers and public health. Native Communities & School Discipline: NYSED ordered reforms in an Akwesasne school after “time out boxes” were found in use, including removing the devices and changing district policies. Conservation & Safety: A dam-removal push in Indiana underscores the broader conservation case for removing dangerous low-head dams—an issue that resonates with New York’s own river and habitat restoration debates. Energy & Housing: New York is also moving ahead with a 100-megawatt solar project after habitat-footprint concerns eased, balancing renewable buildout with wildlife protection.

Climate Policy Shake-Up: New York lawmakers finalized a $268B-plus state budget that includes rebate checks and utility-rate changes, but also rolls back landmark climate targets—prompting criticism from environmental groups and climate-law advocates. Wildlife & Invasives: New York is seeing more invasive “Frankenfish” activity, including reports of invasive fish that can survive out of water, while DEC guidance urges people to “give turtles a brake.” Water & Habitat: The state approved a 100-megawatt solar project after footprint cuts eased habitat concerns, and separate coverage highlights clean-water leadership efforts around Lake George. Air & Health: Researchers are calling for wildfire smoke and ozone to be included in social cost of carbon models, as smoke exposure continues to raise public-health alarms. Local Governance & Data Centers: Resistance to data centers is growing, and New York is considering a pause on new data center construction amid affordability and environmental review fights. UN & Fossil Fuels: UN chief António Guterres reiterated that fossil fuels drive the climate crisis as the UN backs international legal steps tied to climate obligations.

Solar Siting Update: New York greenlit the Fort Edward Solar Project (about 100 MW) after regulators said the final design cut its footprint to reduce impacts to grassland bird habitat and farmland in Washington County. Wildlife Science: A new study highlights how bats’ winter skin microbes may help them fight the fungus behind white-nose syndrome, which has devastated North American bat populations since the first New York outbreak in 2006. Local Land-Use Pressure: Long Island’s Golden Globe Diner permanently closed after a landlord fight and backlash tied to the owner’s pro-Israel displays, with police investigating vandalism as a hate crime. Public Safety & Oversight: An AP investigation says ICE detainee suicides have spiked at an unprecedented pace, raising concerns about care and oversight. NYC Community Life: NYC FC announced internal DEI initiatives focused on education, hiring, and mentorship for minority coaches. Climate/Health Angle: A Lake George Association meeting is set to focus on clean water leadership, as communities keep pushing for better water protection.

New York Budget & Energy Relief: Gov. Kathy Hochul signed the $268.5B FY27 budget, with major affordability moves including $1B in energy rebate checks and new oversight aimed at utility rate hikes, plus big investments in child care and public safety. Climate Policy Fight in Albany: Multiple reports say New York lawmakers moved to weaken the state’s landmark climate law through budget changes and rollbacks, setting up a fresh round of legal and political pressure. Data Centers vs. Water & Power: Ohio’s surge in data centers is driving moratoriums and a statewide push for a ban, with legislators launching a fact-finding review of environmental and security impacts—an argument New York communities are watching closely. Outdoor Access on Local Rivers: A new 190-mile New York Susquehanna Basin Water Trail would expand paddling from Corning to Cooperstown, aiming to boost recreation and encourage stewardship of the region’s waterways. Wildlife & Health Watch: Harmful algal blooms were reported in Rockland County lakes, while New York also faces ongoing environmental health concerns tied to pollution and contamination. PFAS & Water Cleanup: New York finalized PFAS and 1,4-dioxane permit strategy for wastewater plants, putting industrial dischargers on notice. Local Governance & Housing: Coverage also highlights how state budget decisions and housing rules are reshaping development timelines and environmental review for new projects.

Food Prices & Climate Impacts: Tomato prices are up about 40% year-over-year, with the Associated Press tying the spike to broader climate-driven cost pressures that are also lifting coffee and seafood costs for New Yorkers. Parks & Public Spending: NYC taxpayers face a $375,000 bill to replace just two water fountains in Riverside Park, with costs driven largely by updated Department of Environmental Protection requirements. Local Conservation & Water: The Rye Sustainability Foundation says it secured a $70,000 grant to complete a Natural Resources Inventory for the City of Rye, and reports major progress on its “250 Acorns to Oaks” native oak planting effort. Wildlife & Animal Welfare: Happy, the Bronx Zoo Asian elephant known for animal-rights legal fights and self-recognition research, was euthanized at 55 after declining health. Environmental Cleanup: Brooklyn’s 175 Third Street redevelopment in the Gowanus Canal Superfund area reports successful hydrocarbon and contamination mitigation work as construction continues. Climate Policy Watch: New York’s budget process is again in the spotlight for scaling back climate goals and reshaping the state’s climate law.

State Budget & Climate Policy: New York lawmakers finally passed a $268.5B budget, but it includes major rollbacks to the state’s landmark CLCPA climate law, pushing back deadlines and benchmarks tied to emissions cuts. Public Health & Heat Safety: A new report highlights how extreme heat is reshaping daily life—and warns that many people, especially disabled and chronically ill New Yorkers, still lack safe cooling options. Wildlife & Animal Rights: The Bronx Zoo’s Happy, at the center of a long-running animal-rights legal fight, has died at 55, renewing debate over elephant welfare and legal rights for animals. Plastic Pollution: A look at plastic films and bags explains why they’re hard to recycle and how they can persist for centuries, urging New Yorkers to avoid tossing them in recycling bins. Local Conservation Events: Fredonia’s Embrace Fredonia is bringing back Community Planting Day and Attic & Seller Days, pairing neighborhood beautification with community turnout. Energy & Infrastructure: New York is considering a pause on new data center construction, a move tied to growing power demand and sustainability concerns.

Data Centers Pause: New York is considering a three-year moratorium on new data center construction statewide, as residents and Finger Lakes business owners push for time to assess environmental impacts and electricity-bill risks. Nuclear Waste Ruling: A judge permanently blocks radioactive waste shipments tied to Manhattan Project-era sites from going to Wayne Disposal’s landfill in Wayne County, with Republic Services expected to appeal. Workplace Safety at Hospitals: Brooklyn Methodist nurses held a candlelight vigil demanding stronger protections after rising workplace violence, including a fatal shooting earlier this year. Housing Revitalization: Gov. Kathy Hochul announced completion of Harper’s Corner in downtown Rochester, a $12.8M mixed-use project creating affordable homes and commercial space. Climate Policy Fight: New York’s budget package includes changes that weaken the state’s landmark climate law and adjust SEQRA environmental review timelines. Wildlife & Public Health: The USDA declared a disaster designation for New York’s oyster sector after a late April freeze, while officials also urged precautions as tick and mosquito activity increases.

New York Budget & Climate: New York lawmakers passed a $268.5B budget after an eight-week delay, softening the state’s climate goals and rolling back parts of the landmark climate law. Wildlife & Conservation: The Bronx Zoo euthanized Happy, an Asian elephant whose behavior helped shape a high-profile animal rights case; the zoo says age-related kidney/liver decline and severe arthritis and uterine tumors drove the decision. Great Lakes Research: Sen. Gary Peters introduced the Regional Great Lakes Partnership Act to boost federal support for Great Lakes research and conservation by designating the Great Lakes Commission as a NOAA regional partnership. Hudson River Fish: New York researchers used passive underwater listening to better track Atlantic sturgeon in the Hudson, aiming to protect a remnant population that has not rebounded since protections began. Agriculture After Freeze: USDA declared a disaster after a late April freeze wiped out produce across parts of the Northeast, including areas reaching toward New York, unlocking emergency loans and recovery programs for farmers. Local Governance: Dunkirk’s Common Council approved adding a comptroller position to City Hall, with residents and council members debating duties and funding.

Climate Policy Fight: New York lawmakers have voted to roll back the state’s landmark climate law, with the budget set to weaken climate mandates and add more scrutiny for utilities—setting up a major fight over what comes next for emissions rules. Pipeline Pressure: New York DEC is suing FERC over the Constitution Pipeline approval, joining green groups in challenging the decision in federal court as the long-running natural gas expansion battle continues. Water & Wildlife: DEC is reminding boaters to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species, while the state also moves to improve harmful algal bloom reporting through a new online notification system. Local Land & Farming: The NY attorney general and DEC awarded $1.34M in environmental innovation grants to farmers in Delaware and Sullivan counties from a settlement tied to violations at a Delhi food processing factory. Housing & Community: Gov. Hochul broke ground on a $147M affordable housing project in Poughkeepsie, part of a broader Hudson Valley push to create and preserve homes.