AGP Executive Report

Court Fight Over Climate Grants: A federal appeals court ruled the Trump administration likely broke the law by trying to cancel a $20 billion clean-energy subsidy program, reviving climate funding even as the EPA’s freeze is challenged. Legal Pressure on Climate Rules: State attorneys general warned the SEC that its plan to drop a corporate climate disclosure rule is “unlawful,” while other court rulings also block EPA efforts tied to climate grant rollbacks. Wildfire + Flood Risk: Crews in Arizona’s Coconino National Forest are restoring 600 acres near Flagstaff to cut wildfire and flash-flood damage, after past fires devastated nearby communities. Drought Watch (Iowa): The U.S. Drought Monitor shows expanding dry conditions across western Iowa, driven by precipitation deficits and crop water demand. Water System Security: Officials warn cyberattacks targeting U.S. water systems are widening, raising concerns about operational disruptions. Air Quality Impacts: Canada wildfire smoke pushed Virginia’s air quality to unhealthy levels for sensitive groups before improving. Local Recycling Funding (Indiana): IDEM is offering SWIFR grants up to $20,000 for municipalities to strengthen recycling and waste planning. Coastal Resilience (Boston): The New England Aquarium backed Boston’s flood-protection plan, urging the city to finish the work to address sea level rise. Energy + Grid Strain (AI Data Centers): A new guide warns AI data center growth is stressing electric grids and could raise water and carbon risks, with utilities facing financial and reliability hazards.

EPA Funding for Small Water Systems: The agency announced $30 million for training and technical help under its Real Water Technical Assistance initiative, aiming to strengthen small and rural drinking water, wastewater, and onsite systems, including support for PFAS testing and lead service line identification. Water Pollution Accountability: Fort Myer Construction will pay $450,000 and upgrade its D.C. maintenance yard after a settlement over alleged long-running stormwater pollution into Springhouse Run. Wildfire Risk Planning: Eugene-Springfield Fire highlighted top wildfire spread risk neighborhoods, including Eugene’s South Hills and Springfield’s Thurston Hills, citing vegetation, dense tree canopy, narrow roads, and close housing. Climate Heat Outlook: Scientists say 2026 is on track to be among the hottest years on record as El Niño strengthens, with 2027 expected to beat it. Rare Earth Supply Chain: Construction has begun on a heavy rare earth expansion at Energy Fuels’ White Mesa Mill in Utah, a step toward reducing U.S. dependence on China for materials used in magnets and advanced tech. Cyber Threats to Utilities: Reports note cyberattacks hitting multiple U.S. water systems, renewing pressure for stronger utility cybersecurity.

Climate & Housing Costs: A new look at relocation shows Americans increasingly factor weather risk into where they live, tying flood, wildfire, extreme heat, insurance costs, and long-term property values into homeownership decisions. Wildfire Health & Safety: The U.S. Forest Service is recommending N95 respirators for federal wildland firefighters and pushing stronger decontamination steps as smoke exposure is linked to serious long-term illness. Wildfire Disaster: Reuters reports major fires near Spokane have destroyed 700+ buildings and forced 64,000+ people to flee, underscoring worsening drought-parched conditions and regional air-quality impacts. Clean Air Act Fight: Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse and Rep. Pramila Jayapal lead 90 lawmakers urging the Supreme Court not to block Boulder County’s climate-related claims against Suncor, arguing federal law doesn’t stop state accountability. Water Scarcity: Tucson officials say they’re preparing for potential Colorado River cutbacks using long-running reclaimed-water and groundwater strategies. El Niño Outlook: An Iowa climatologist warns a strong El Niño could drive one of the warmest years on record, with knock-on effects for fall and winter weather.

SEC Climate Disclosure Fight: More than 35 groups urged the SEC to withdraw a proposal that would roll back the 2024 climate disclosure rule, arguing it would cut off investor access to climate risk data, including Scope 1 and 2 emissions. Water Security: Michigan joined Minnesota in reporting cyberattacks on multiple water systems; officials say affected systems kept operating safely while the FBI investigates amid warnings about Iranian targeting of critical infrastructure. PFAS Cleanup in Ohio: Dayton hired Shook Construction to build a $350M PFAS removal facility and retrofit its Ottawa Water Treatment Plant, while the city sues Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and the Defense Department over alleged “forever chemical” contamination. Wastewater Strain in Washington State: Yakima County faces costly wastewater upgrades as aging plants and flooding damage drive methane leaks and equipment failures, with national clean-water needs far outpacing funding. Climate Impacts Abroad with U.S. Relevance: Scientists warn warming is driving invasive species into the Mediterranean, threatening fisheries and coastal livelihoods. Clean Tech & Materials: DOE’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory unveiled RidgeAlloy, a new structural aluminum alloy that turns low-value post-consumer auto scrap into stronger, crashworthy parts for a more domestic supply chain. AI Cyber Testing: The White House finalized voluntary cybersecurity tests for advanced AI models after reports of AI systems breaching other companies’ defenses.

Colorado River Water Cuts: A new federal framework for post-2026 Colorado River operations could mean deeper mandatory reductions for the Lower Basin, with Arizona’s Central Arizona Project warning it could hit cities, farms, and tribal deliveries. Wildfire Carbon From the Ground Up: A new report on Canada’s 2023 fires says most emissions came from soil and peat burning, underscoring how climate-driven megafires can overwhelm normal mitigation. Extreme Heat Impacts: Multiple reports highlight record-breaking western U.S. heat and wildfire risk, plus guidance on cooling strategies beyond air conditioning as heat threatens health and safety. Legal Pressure on Pesticides: The U.S. Supreme Court upheld stricter limits on Roundup-related claims, pushing the fight over paraquat back toward regulators and Congress. Marine Conservation Milestone: A U.S. beach recorded a leatherback turtle nest for the first time, adding momentum to marine protection efforts. Data Center Backlash & Foreign Influence: Reporting says foreign actors may be amplifying U.S. data-center opposition tied to AI and environmental concerns, as public outcry grows. Coastal Resilience Funding: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers outlined a major $10B plan to protect Boston’s coastline. Climate Adaptation Finance: Nauru’s “golden passport” program is being used to fund relocation and adaptation as sea levels rise.

Climate Adaptation & Finance: Nauru (now the Republic of Naoero) is selling “golden passports” to fund relocation of most families and infrastructure to higher ground as sea levels rise, drawing scrutiny over whether citizenship-for-money can be protected. Public Health & Water: Montgomery County lifted its last Potomac River health advisory after a historic sewage spill, saying bacteria levels are back to safe; officials still warn against ingesting river water. Wildfire & Heat Impacts: A heat dome is driving record-breaking temperatures across the West and raising wildfire risk, with smoke compounding dangerous conditions. Water Security: The EPA warned utilities after cyberattacks hit water systems in nine states, prompting boil-water orders in some areas. Great Lakes Infrastructure: Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker urged the Trump administration to reverse a work stoppage on the Brandon Road Interbasin Project, citing threats to invasive-carp controls and drinking water for tens of millions. Energy & Industry: U.S. refiners reported record profits amid a global fuel crunch tied to refinery closures and war-driven supply disruptions. Drought: Oregon’s drought has expanded to most of the state, with severe or extreme conditions affecting more than half. Data Centers Backlash: New reporting says data center construction is accelerating despite widespread public opposition over water and electricity use and local pollution concerns. Pipeline Ruling: Michigan’s Supreme Court ordered regulators to reconsider a key permit for Enbridge’s Line 5 tunnel project, a major setback for the Sarnia corridor. PFAS Accountability: North Carolina officials criticized an EPA-Chemours settlement they say was negotiated “behind our backs,” arguing it doesn’t fix long-term PFAS damage.

Heat & Wildfire Risk: A dangerous heat dome is baking much of the Western U.S., with record or near-record highs from Phoenix to Las Vegas and heightened wildfire danger, including “particularly dangerous” fire conditions in parts of the Pacific Northwest. Climate Trend Check: Independent scientists say 2018 was the fourth warmest year on record, reinforcing that recent “slight dips” aren’t a cooling trend. Flood Recovery Fatigue: Repeated flash flooding is hitting communities again and again across the U.S., turning disaster recovery into a cycle of rebuilding with thinning savings and mounting strain. Water Security: The scope of cyberattacks on U.S. water systems is widening to at least seven states; officials say systems appear to be operating safely so far, but operators are on high alert for control-system disruptions. Climate-Driven Family Planning: More young Americans are delaying or skipping having children due to climate change concerns. Policy & Pollution: Massachusetts PFAS cleanup could sharply raise local water bills, while environmental advocates push to close pollution loopholes. Ocean & Energy: The U.S. moves toward deep-sea mining by planning lease steps around American Samoa, despite opposition. International Maritime Rules: Coverage highlights the need for shared ocean rules as tensions swirl around the Strait of Hormuz.

Cybersecurity & Water Safety: A widening cyberattack on U.S. water systems now involves at least seven states, with officials increasingly pointing to Iran; there’s no sign drinking water was altered, but utilities are bracing for possible computer failures in chemical treatment and pressure monitoring. Extreme Heat & Wildfire Risk: A heat dome is driving record-breaking temperatures across the Western U.S., with dangerous overnight lows and heightened wildfire danger from Arizona and California up through Montana. Great Lakes Energy: Michigan’s Supreme Court ordered regulators to revisit a permit for Enbridge’s Line 5 tunnel under the Straits of Mackinac, raising new questions about spill risk to the Great Lakes. Coal Ash Permitting Fight: A coalition led by AG Kwame Raoul urged EPA to abandon a proposed federal permit program for coal ash disposal that critics say could weaken protections for waterways. Climate in the Media: A National Academies-backed report highlights how climate attribution works, while critics say major U.S. outlets are still downplaying climate links to extreme weather. Solar & Farmland: New York is pushing back on claims that solar farms swallow farmland, arguing leases keep land in use and can be returned to agriculture. Hurricane Season Watch: NOAA says August–October are peak months, with forecasters watching El Niño-driven conditions even as the next week looks quiet. Middle East Travel Alerts: U.S. embassies urged Americans to consider departing or be ready to leave amid heightened Iran-related tensions and possible airspace closures. Invasive Pest Alert: USDA confirmed new world screwworm cases in Texas and New Mexico, triggering movement controls and surveillance near the border.

Colorado River Water: Tucson says its supplies should stay stable as the Bureau of Reclamation’s Colorado River Final Environmental Impact Statement sets a 10-year operating framework through 2036, though it doesn’t lock in 2027–28 cuts yet. Colorado River Cuts: Farmers in Arizona brace for possible up to 3 million acre-feet in annual reductions through 2036, threatening crop output and forcing more land fallowing. Wetlands Mitigation: Indiana’s stream and wetland credit program is under scrutiny as the Army Corps flags major backlogs and delayed mitigation, asking for a corrective action plan. Mining & Water Quality: NewRange Copper Nickel filed for a NorthMet wetland permit and supplemental environmental review, touting design changes to cut discharge and modernize legacy infrastructure. EPA Rulemaking: EPA seeks changes to WOTUS and DEF rules, including replacing diesel DEF derate requirements with warnings while keeping emissions standards. Climate Disclosure: California reopened public comment on updated climate reporting rules, shifting corporate greenhouse gas and climate-risk disclosure timelines. Wildlife & Enforcement: GEO Group faces a court fight over Colorado’s health inspection law for an ICE detention center amid tuberculosis-related tensions. Data Centers & Power: A report warns renewable energy can’t keep up with data center demand, adding pressure to the grid. Heat Safety: The Korey Stringer Institute marks 25 years since an NFL heat-stroke death, highlighting prevention policy changes nationwide. Robots & Security: The FCC added foreign-produced advanced robotic devices to its Covered List, potentially affecting robot vacuums and lawn equipment sold in the U.S.

Superfund Oversight: EPA’s Eighteenmile Creek Superfund “public availability” sessions left residents confused after officials offered posters and one-on-one talks instead of presentations. Water Security: A coordinated cyberattack hit water systems across multiple states, triggering boil-water notices and manual operations; officials suspect Iran but haven’t pinned responsibility. Data Centers & Air Pollution: SpaceX said it won’t fully remove unpermitted turbines powering xAI data centers near Memphis until July 2027 as it shifts to a natural-gas plant; lawsuits allege major NOx emissions. Counter-Drone Defense: The Washington National Guard received Anduril’s mobile counter-drone system to detect and coordinate responses to unauthorized drones. Wildlife & Cities: A 10-year U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service study found human-made structures are the leading cause of death for Albuquerque Cooper’s hawks. Local Infrastructure: Rep. Rob Bresnahan announced $1M for Dallas Area Municipal Authority wastewater upgrades, including a backup pipeline under the Susquehanna River. Policy Fight: NAW sued to block Colorado’s extended producer responsibility packaging law, arguing it violates constitutional rights. Climate/Coasts: A report says America’s ocean management system is broken and needs major repair.

Coastal Resilience Funding: Boston’s nearly $10B plan to protect about 16 miles of coastline from flooding and sea-level rise could unlock major federal dollars, with the Army Corps estimating it would prevent $41B in damages. Food Waste + Plastic Tradeoff: New research says nationwide food-waste recycling could cut U.S. emissions by up to 99%, but poor packaging and sorting could spread as much as 20,000 tons of plastic onto farmland. Climate Science Push: A Whitehouse statement on a National Academies report says fossil-fuel-driven climate change is intensifying extreme weather, raising costs from insurance to groceries and power bills. Carbon Removal Bill: Whitehouse, Coons, Peters, and Tonko reintroduced the Carbon Dioxide Leadership Act to invest in carbon dioxide removal technologies. Wildfire Reality Check: Europe’s fires are burning far above average—over 1 million acres so far—while U.S. Pacific Northwest blazes are nearing modern records, prompting fire weather watches. Endangered Species Fight: The U.S. again declined to protect long-tailed macaques used in medical research under the Endangered Species Act. Data Center Backlash: Michigan primary voters are increasingly wary of data centers, with candidates split between tighter rules and a moratorium. PFAS + Water Safety: A North Carolina court fight over EPA’s PFAS deal with Chemours and a separate EPA approval of South Dakota’s 2026 water quality assessment both highlight ongoing pressure on water protection.

Endangered Species Act Rollback: A federal rule set to take effect Sept. 14 would narrow what counts as “harm” under the Endangered Species Act, shifting focus away from habitat damage—sparking alarm from Georgia conservation groups. Oil Spill Preparedness: Rep. Rick Larsen is pressing the Coast Guard for answers after a proposed Canadian oil pipeline would terminate near Point Roberts, raising concerns for nearby waters. Public Health & Climate Links: Health officials warn that a string of outbreaks is worsening amid funding cuts and vaccine resistance, while researchers say mold-related illness may rise as climate-driven disasters increase damp, contaminated conditions. Wildfire Smoke Reality Check: Commentary and reporting highlight how climate-driven wildfire seasons are intensifying smoke impacts across borders, with policy debates following. Clean School Buses: Duval County Public Schools will add 26 electric school buses funded through EPA’s Clean School Bus Program, cutting emissions for daily routes. Data Centers & Power: Veolia was selected to run a 350-MW grid-independent microgrid for an Ohio AI data center campus, aiming to reduce strain on the local grid and improve resilience. Coastal & Cultural Protection: World Monument Fund named New Orleans an “irreplaceable” heritage landscape, warning sea-level rise and land loss threaten historic neighborhoods.

AI Energy Buildout: DOE announced a $100B AI data center campus at the Paducah site, with major partners leasing 785 acres and planning energy infrastructure plus battery storage, aiming for early operations by 2028. Climate & Oceans: Scientists warn the warming Mediterranean is driving hundreds of new invasive fish species, threatening native biodiversity and coastal livelihoods. Heat Messaging: A Rutgers-Yale study finds positive heat-wave images can blunt public concern and weaken climate-risk messages, while neutral/negative images boost worry. Wildfire Risk: California’s wildfire season has been mild, but officials warn a heat wave could rapidly worsen conditions, with fuels already primed. Deep-Sea Mining Backlash: A church coalition in American Samoa formally opposes deep-sea mining in local waters and the EEZ, citing ecological, cultural, and precaution concerns. Public Health & Water/Produce: Health officials continue investigating cyclosporiasis, linked to contaminated produce, with severe diarrhea cases reported across many states. Landslide Risk Mapping: A new national database estimates 6.5M people live in landslide-prone areas and flags where mitigation and education should be prioritized. Data Centers & Local Power: Texas data-center growth continues amid community pushback, as new facilities strain power and spark debate over environmental impacts.

Wildfire Smoke & Public Health: Record-breaking fire conditions are blanketing more of the U.S., with forecasts warning some regions could hit extreme fire danger levels, while smoke from Canadian blazes has already pushed unhealthy air across dozens of U.S. cities. Data Centers on Public Land: A Nevada data center approval on federal land is facing a growing legal fight over whether environmental review was bypassed, with opponents warning it could set a national precedent. AI Data Centers Under Scrutiny: Rep. Frank Pallone demanded documents from Elon Musk/xAI over alleged emissions, water use, and permitting gaps tied to its Tennessee and Mississippi facilities. Gas Stoves Study Fallout: The EPA halted a study on gas stoves and asthma, but even partial results are being cited as striking in the ongoing fossil-fuel health debate. Desert Water Pipeline Lawsuit: Tribes and environmental groups sued to overturn renewed federal approval for using a decommissioned Mojave Desert pipeline for a groundwater banking project, arguing it could overdraft aquifers and harm desert ecosystems. Recycling Grants: Michigan’s EGLE announced $1.4M in Upper Peninsula recycling infrastructure grants to expand curbside collection and improve local recycling systems. Nuclear Momentum: Idaho’s High Desert is emerging as a hotspot for new nuclear power efforts, including rapid progress on novel reactor designs and fuel-cycle partnerships. Housing & Foreign Buyers: International buyers purchased fewer U.S. homes over the past year, signaling retreat amid high prices, mortgage rates, and geopolitical uncertainty.

Clean Water Security: Minnesota says a coordinated cyberattack hit 30+ community water systems in late July, with state and federal partners still investigating and working to protect public health. Wildfire & Heat Resilience: West Virginia flood response is shifting from emergency response to long-term recovery, with the National Guard and DEPs teams continuing debris removal and restoring services. Air Pollution Enforcement: Domtar agreed to pay a $1.5M penalty and fund pollution-control projects after DOJ alleged Clean Air Act violations at its Ashdown, Arkansas mill, including inadequate inspection and monitoring. NEPA & Mining Watch: Bitterroot National Forest is starting a NEPA environmental review for the Sheep Creek rare-earth exploratory mining project near the West Fork of the Bitterroot River, with public comment expected in August. E-Waste Scrutiny: Philippines customs kept three suspected U.S. e-waste containers “retain on board” at Subic while questions continue about other shipments tied to the free port. Climate Courts: Boulder’s climate lawsuit is set to proceed after a high court decision, keeping pressure on state and federal climate policy. Energy & Grid Backup: Automakers are pushing vehicle-to-home power options as backup demand grows, with Ford highlighting plug-in capability for certain F-150 models during outages.

Wildfire Smoke & Climate Links: Smoke from major Pacific Northwest fires is again blanketing parts of the U.S., with Boise, Idaho among the worst-hit areas and advisories urging residents to limit time outdoors. State Carbon Oversight: Indiana is drafting rules to regulate CO2 injection and storage wells as it seeks to take over permitting and oversight from the EPA. Lead-Safe Renovations: Denver-area Harmony Painting earned EPA Lead-Safe Certified Firm status under the RRP rule, allowing lead-safe renovation work in pre-1978 and child-occupied facilities. Wetlands Under Appeal: An Amazon contractor has started site work in Eugene despite an ongoing appeal over a wetlands permit, prompting state review. Waste Data for Recycling: Nebraska released its 2025 statewide material characterization study, funded with an EPA recycling infrastructure grant, to guide diversion strategies. Radiological Investigation Outreach: NYSDEC, EPA, and NYSDOH expanded community outreach in Niagara Falls/Erie County, adding hotline and drop-in sessions as property access agreements grow. Nuclear Waste Policy: A leaked White House plan would let “willing states” host nuclear life-cycle innovation campuses, potentially shifting away from Yucca Mountain. ESA Protections Fight: Environmental groups and Native tribes sued after federal agencies rescinded the ESA “harm” definition, arguing it weakens endangered-species safeguards.