AGP Executive Report

Nuclear Power Race: A new analysis says China could overtake the U.S. as the world’s top nuclear power generator within five years, fueled by AI-driven electricity demand and faster, cheaper reactor builds—while the U.S. lags on costs and regulation. Food Security & Shipping: UN officials warn the blocked Strait of Hormuz is becoming a “critical failure point” for global food security as fertilizer shipments and prices face major disruption. Climate Litigation Fight: Oil industry allies are pushing back hard on climate attribution science, including efforts to discredit a National Academies report that could strengthen disaster-linked lawsuits. Sunscreen Update: The FDA approved bemotrizinol, a long-used UV filter in Europe, aiming to improve UVA protection and expand safer sunscreen options in the U.S. Public Health & Chemicals: A study finds synthetic dyes show up in about 1 in 5 U.S. packaged foods, with children’s products hit harder, while another report flags pesticide exposure effects that may persist across generations. Coastal & Land Use: Conservation groups sued to stop a SpaceX land swap in Texas wildlife refuge habitat, and a Senate wildfire bill advanced that would repeal the Roadless Rule and expand thinning and prescribed burns.

Coal Power Fight: The U.S. Department of Energy ordered Orlando’s Stanton Energy Center to keep burning coal, drawing Sierra Club criticism and raising fresh air-quality concerns for a major tourist region. Climate Science Under Pressure: The National Science Foundation is dismantling key ocean monitoring arrays years ahead of schedule, threatening long-term data on warming seas, marine heat waves, and hurricanes. Deep-Sea Mining Rules Called Outdated: Legal experts warn U.S. federal plans for seabed lease sales could move ahead with weak safeguards as deep-sea mining faces bans and moratoriums elsewhere. Public Health & Food Additives: A federal voluntary phase-out of six synthetic dyes by end of 2026 is running into hurdles, with major companies not publicly committing and studies linking dyes to behavioral effects in children. Energy Reliability: A new analysis warns the Eastern grid could face emergency peak-power shortfalls by June 2027, increasing blackout risk as demand rises. Batteries & Critical Minerals: DOE-backed work with Idaho National Laboratory and Aqua Metals targets more efficient nickel and cobalt separation for domestic battery recycling.

Food & Health Policy: FDA and HHS announced a voluntary phase-out of six synthetic dyes by end of 2026, but major brands haven’t all committed publicly, and researchers link some dyes to behavioral issues in children. Permitting & Clean Energy: Bipartisan Senate leaders say Trump-era moves are undermining trust in permitting reform, warning that delays could cost a “golden opportunity” for wind and solar. Border & Environmental Law: California and Santa Clara County sued to block a planned ICE facility near Gilroy, arguing federal actions violate environmental and procedural requirements and threaten local ecosystems. Water & Chemicals: EPA fined a Milford pharma maker $859K over hazardous waste and RCRA issues, while authorities served a search warrant at a Southern California chemical site after a methyl methacrylate tank crisis. Wildfire Risk & Farm Policy: Sen. Jerry Moran pushed for stronger CRP flexibility so drought-hit ranchers can hay and graze acres without turning them into wildfire fuel. Energy Reliability: Reporting warns the grid could face emergency peak-power shortfalls by 2027, with data centers and electrification adding strain. Public Health & Regulation: A new sunscreen ingredient (bemotrizinol) was approved for U.S. OTC use after two decades. Environment & Agriculture: Alaska began an environmental assessment for improvements to bison habitat at the Delta Junction Bison Range. Toxic Legacy Cleanup: Utah removed a carp PCB consumption advisory for Utah Lake, citing low enough contamination levels.

Grid Reliability: A new warning flags that the Eastern U.S. power grid could run short on emergency peak capacity by June 2027, with data-center and electrification demand stressing aging infrastructure. Public Health & Water: Indiana advocates say proposed EPA PFAS “forever chemical” rollbacks could weaken drinking-water protections, even as at least one utility is already cleaning PFAS. Chemicals & Health Across Generations: A study links vinclozolin exposure to health effects persisting across generations, raising fresh questions about whether current pesticide safety reviews cover long-term impacts. Clean Energy Policy: A case for utility-scale solar argues it’s fast to build and among the cheapest new power sources, with batteries helping it scale. Environment & Tourism: Colorado is expanding dark-sky tourism with a connected “stargazing trail” to reduce light pollution and draw visitors. Aquaculture Research: NOAA-backed CIFARM will fund aquaculture research and markets, with UH Hilo among core partners. Energy Security & Nuclear: A push argues the U.S. should treat stored used nuclear fuel as a recoverable energy reserve and accelerate recycling. Surveillance & Privacy: A lawsuit challenges Westchester County’s license plate reader system as indiscriminate surveillance.

Energy Reliability: A new warning says PJM’s emergency peak power margin could fall dangerously by June 2027, raising the odds of blackouts as demand rises from data centers and electrification. Agriculture & Climate: Diesel prices tied to the Iran conflict are hitting record highs in key farm states, squeezing already-stressed grain and soybean growers. Water Policy: The federal government is shifting Colorado River management to a shorter, 10-year framework with new operational guidelines every two years, with a final environmental review due this summer. Air Quality & Health: Pitkin County is pausing ultra-fine particle monitoring at an airport after local debate over health impacts and measurement limits. Methane Regulation: Environmental groups are challenging an EPA methane rule rollback in federal court. Wildlife Trade: Indonesia is cracking down on illegal hornbill trade, including online sales of live birds and parts. Food & Safety: FDA approved bemotrizinol, the first new sunscreen ingredient in over 25 years. Carbon Capture: A Louisiana school program is using carbon capture lessons to build support, while critics question industry influence.

PFAS & PFAS-like contamination: A new analysis says half of California waterways are tainted by PFAS pesticides, raising fresh alarms for drinking-water and ecosystem risks. Food safety: Consumer Reports and Yuka found concerning levels of additives and contaminants in popular processed snacks, with over a third exceeding recommended safety thresholds. Climate & air quality: A study warns wildfires are reversing years of U.S. air-quality gains, worsening smog and public health impacts. Water & chemicals: A U.S. court restored a 5% safe harbor for wind and large solar tax rules, while another federal judge struck down IRS limits on wind/solar credits—both affecting clean-energy timelines. Invasive species: Scientists report evidence that the bloody red shrimp is now established across all five Great Lakes, adding another uncertainty to Great Lakes food webs. Energy policy: A Fed study finds today’s oil shocks hit inflation and jobs less than in the 1970s, even as Strait of Hormuz disruptions keep pressure on fuel markets. Regulation & health: A new study links pesticide exposure to health effects across generations, spotlighting gaps in how U.S. regulators assess long-term risk.

Clean Energy Court Win: A federal judge vacated Trump-era IRS rules that made it harder for wind and solar projects to qualify for tax credits, a blow to efforts to slow clean power buildout. Great Lakes Cleanup: Michigan and EPA announced $10 million to speed cleanup of toxic sediment in the Detroit River, including dredging plans near Belle Isle. Invasive Pest Threat: USDA confirmed new New World screwworm cases in Texas, prompting emergency guidance for Arizona ranchers and renewed quarantine-style precautions for warm-blooded animals. Water Infrastructure Oversight: Milwaukee’s sewer district approved an independent audit of Veolia’s wastewater operations ahead of a major $700M contract fight. Renewables Deal: 38 Degrees North bought a 104 MW community solar portfolio in Illinois from Cypress Creek, expanding distributed solar expected to come online by 2027. Public Health & Climate Science: A new study links pesticide exposure to health effects across generations, raising fresh questions about gaps in U.S. pesticide safety reviews.

Hurricane Outlook: NOAA forecasts 8–14 named Atlantic storms this season, with El Niño likely lowering South Carolina’s risk of ocean-spawned storms even as forecasters watch for systems that could form closer to the U.S. Climate & Health Housing: Milwaukee’s ECO Healthy Homes Program is restarting to help residents spot environmental hazards and energy inefficiencies after an EPA grant was cut; the effort targets flood- and mold-damaged homes and other common risks like lead. Wildlife & Livestock Biosecurity: USDA confirmed a New World screwworm in a calf in Zavala County, Texas, triggering a containment zone and sterile-fly releases; Arkansas ranchers are urged to monitor herds, and Canada temporarily restricts Texas livestock imports. Air Quality Research: A new study says wildfires may be reversing U.S. progress on ozone pollution, worsening smog conditions. Energy Demand & Grid Pressure: DOE projects data centers could reach up to 12% of U.S. electricity demand by 2028, raising pressure on power plants and transmission buildout. Policy Watch: A House NDAA draft would require a briefing on at-sea reloading plans for Navy VLS cells, reflecting renewed focus on contested maritime operations.

Public Lands & Climate: Sen. Elizabeth Warren unveiled a plan for a first-day moratorium on new oil and gas drilling and mining on federal lands, plus methane and clean-air rule reversals, reigniting the fight over public-land energy. Ocean Monitoring: Rep. Mike Levin says the Trump administration’s deep-ocean instrument cuts are aimed at blocking visibility into impacts from future deep-sea mining, as the Ocean Observatories Initiative is dismantled. Water & Drought: Experts warn the Colorado River’s biggest reservoirs are moving toward a “system crash,” raising stakes for states already facing extreme dry conditions. Species Protection & Pesticides: EPA is rolling out a pesticide label directive that sends applicators to an online system (BLT) for location- and month-specific limits to protect threatened species. World Cup Health & Heat: A World Cup security-and-health scramble highlights infectious-disease risks and extreme-heat warnings across North American host cities. Energy Transition: A new IEA investment snapshot finds clean energy drawing about twice the funding of fossil fuels globally, even as fossil still dominates overall spending. Arctic Infrastructure: A report flags the U.S.’s reliance on Norway’s Svalbard satellite station as the Arctic grows more contested. Local Environment: Edmonds launched “Edmonds Serves,” spotlighting community volunteer efforts tied to local stewardship.

Climate & Water Resilience: Highlands, N.J. is still fighting “highwaters” with storm drains, pump stations, wetlands and retention-basin plans after repeated flooding that made roads impassable during Superstorm Sandy. Water Affordability: Michigan’s water bills have surged since 1980, leaving up to 10.75% of households “water-burdened,” while lawmakers push shutoff protections and bill caps. Drought & Crops: Colorado is testing drought-tolerant, less-thirsty crop options as the state’s water crisis deepens. AI Data Centers & Power/Water: A U.S. and Canada-wide backlash is growing as hyperscale AI data centers face protests over land, electricity and water use. Invasive Species: Texas confirmed New World screwworm in a calf, marking a return to U.S. cattle after decades and triggering containment plans. Forests Under Pressure: Massachusetts is tracking emerging threats like emerald ash borer alongside other invasive pests and diseases. Energy Policy: West Virginia leaders praised a Trump push to repurpose about $700M for coal plant upgrades under the Defense Production Act. Marine/Coastal Research: Bermuda is highlighting ongoing ocean science with U.S.-funded research vessels and deep-sea technology testing. Wildlife Tracking: Motus bird tags are helping decode migration as North America’s bird populations keep falling.

Great Lakes Stewardship: Michigan kicked off Great Lakes and Fresh Water Week with a June 6–14 push on community stewardship, education, and the “blue economy,” including a June 13 Free Fishing weekend and shoreline-focused activities at Kahaluu Bay. Screwworm Threat: Canada temporarily banned Texas livestock imports after New World screwworm was detected in South Texas, with USDA confirming a second nearby case—raising stakes for the cattle industry and cross-border biosecurity. Renewable Diesel Push: U.S. biodiesel and renewable diesel producers are ramping up to meet EPA Renewable Volume Obligations for 2026–2027, after higher RVO targets force plants to restart and run near full capacity. Data Centers & Water: Google announced a new Texas water fund as it expands data center development, aiming to address local concerns about water use while scaling capacity. Coastal Oil Protest: California environmental groups staged an emergency protest against restarting the Sable offshore oil project off the Gaviota Coast, after legal fights over jurisdiction continued. Green Litigation: A Dutch court allowed Greenpeace to pursue its case in the Netherlands tied to Dakota Access Pipeline protest-related lawsuits.

Energy Justice: A new Sierra Club tool maps “energy burden” and finds low-income households in Alabama and elsewhere can spend nearly 13% of income on utilities—far above the national average—linking the gap to health impacts like asthma and historic redlining. Climate Extremes: Climate Central research flags the fastest-warming U.S. summer cities, with Reno, Nevada far ahead (+11.3°F since 1970), underscoring how heat is intensifying. Clean Air Fight: Texas lawmakers are pushing a bill that would exempt many low-producing oil and gas wells from Clean Air Act rules, critics say it could cover most wells while driving a large share of pollution. Drought Response: Colorado Gov. Jared Polis declared a statewide drought emergency as nearly 93% of the state faces drought conditions, moving response into the most severe phase. Livestock Biosecurity: USDA confirmed a second New World screwworm case in Texas and expanded quarantine steps, while NRCS says it’s ready to help ranchers reduce spread risk. Water & Food Security: Reporting warns the Ogallala Aquifer—the nation’s biggest groundwater supply—keeps declining, raising stakes for farming and prices. Arctic Drilling Reality Check: An Alaska Arctic National Wildlife Refuge lease auction drew only nine bids, about 10% of offered land, undercutting “liquid gold” promises. World Cup Heat Risks: Climate change is expected to raise heat and humidity risks for the 2026 tournament, with FIFA already discussing schedule shifts after 2030.

Wildlife & Agriculture Emergency: The USDA confirmed New World screwworm in a 3-week-old calf in Texas—the first U.S. case in decades—prompting a quarantine zone, ramped surveillance, and state response plans in Colorado, plus Canada’s CFIA temporarily restricting livestock crossings from affected Texas areas. Climate & Water Stress: Colorado declared a statewide drought emergency as snowpack hit record lows, pushing the state into its most severe response phase and enabling emergency funding. Environmental Policy & Science: A House Science subcommittee hearing featured sharp criticism of EPA science cuts and moves that could weaken greenhouse-gas protections. Local Land-Use Fight: New Mexico Rep. Gabe Vasquez introduced a bill to stop public-land selloffs being slipped into unrelated budget bills. Superfund Jobs: EPA will hold free, in-person information sessions in Chattanooga for Superfund cleanup job training. Data Centers Backlash: Monterey Park voters approved a ballot measure to permanently ban data centers unless future voters overturn it. EV Market Pressure: A report says U.S. EV sales are falling as EPA delays emission-standard compliance, while global EV growth continues.

Coastal Conservation Clash: Thousands of Albanians protested in Tirana against a €1.4 billion Kushner-linked luxury resort near the Vjosa‑Narta protected wetland, with critics warning it could damage flamingo habitat and sea turtle nesting areas. Fisheries Deregulation Fight: A Florida red snapper season dispute is testing Trump-era efforts to loosen ocean rules, after NOAA’s Magnuson-Stevens changes were blocked by a federal judge—raising stakes for recreational anglers and conservation groups. Climate Courtroom Showdown: A Connecticut climate lawsuit against Shell is turning into a test case for how courts treat AI-made expert testimony, as a judge weighs whether AI prompts must be disclosed. Ag & Health Risks: Texas confirmed the New World screwworm for the first time in six decades, triggering quarantines that could hit cattle operations. Pesticide Exposure Alarm: New reporting links Parkinson’s disease risk to pesticide exposure in the Rio Grande Valley, spotlighting farmworker and nearby community health concerns. Local Pollution Pressure: A Michigan township voted to shut down a composting operation after years of odor complaints and state violations.

Coal Push: President Trump says he’ll use the Defense Production Act to funnel nearly $700M into coal plants and a new Oakland export terminal, drawing sharp criticism from health-focused groups. Grid Stress: New data center demand is straining PJM’s power system, with federal officials floating possible breakup of the grid operator as regulators weigh governance reforms. Water Safety: EPA has added microplastics and pharmaceuticals to its national drinking-water watchlist, but final rules could take years. Air Quality: Olmsted County, Minnesota, earned poor grades in the American Lung Association’s “State of the Air,” with an F for ozone and a D for particle pollution. Heat Preparedness: A new Census dataset highlights big gaps in air conditioning access, especially in parts of Alaska, raising stakes for extreme-heat planning. Climate Signals: NOAA and global agencies warn a strong El Niño could intensify extreme weather this year. PFAS/Mold Litigation: With EPA enforcement rolling back, indoor-environment lawsuits are accelerating, including PFAS and mold claims. Invasive Threat: Texas confirmed New World screwworm, triggering quarantine zones and sterile-fly releases to protect livestock. Energy Storage Boom: CATL expects grid storage to make up half of global battery sales by 2030 as renewables expand.

Coastal Resilience in Delaware: University of Delaware researchers are building a “hybrid” living shoreline in Lewes to cut tidal flooding and saltmarsh erosion, partnering with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and using nature-based materials to protect roads, wastewater systems, and homes. Tick-Bite Risk at Home: An Ohio State study finds lone star and Gulf Coast ticks can survive on common indoor flooring for up to about three weeks, underscoring the need to check pets and people and treat clothing promptly. LGBTQ+ Divide by State: A new index says the gap between the most and least LGBTQ+-friendly states is widening, with the Northeast leading on legal protections, healthcare access, and workplace inclusion. Climate Accountability Push: In California’s Tri-Valley, a coalition will hold a “Polluters Pay” climate superfund town hall to back state legislation aimed at making fossil fuel companies pay for environmental damage. Water Supply Deal for the Colorado River: Nevada, Arizona, and California signed an agreement to explore “paper” water exchanges that could help stabilize Lake Mead by leveraging San Diego’s large desalination capacity. Policy Fight Over Permits: A group of state AGs urged the U.S. Supreme Court to protect state control of environmental permitting after a Ninth Circuit ruling halted Guam’s permit review for disposing old munitions.