AGP Executive Report

Habitat Restoration: Duluth, Minnesota finished a $1.3M renovation of Buckingham Creek at Enger Park Golf Course, removing barriers and replacing them with bridges to cool water and improve brook trout habitat. Extreme Heat: A second straight day of sweltering conditions pushed heat indices above 105°F across much of the central and southern U.S., with some areas near 120°F, raising health risks and grid strain. Clean Energy Industry: Peak Energy is building America’s first grid-scale sodium-ion battery plant in Sacramento, a $71M project targeting up to 4 GWh annually starting in early 2027. Local Land-Use Fight: Kentucky’s Paducah leaders are reacting to a federal bill that would ban large AI data centers on federal land, potentially affecting the DOE Paducah American Energy Hub. Water & Wastewater Oversight: Hawaiʻi County set an Aug. 20 public meeting on Kaʻū cesspool closures, tied to EPA-required replacements with new wastewater systems. Climate Accountability: Ceres urged the SEC to reject a proposed shift to semiannual climate reporting, warning it would weaken consistent disclosure for investors. Public Health & Food Safety: Doctors highlighted that unwashed produce can be deadly for cancer patients and other immunocompromised people. Wildlife & Grazing Lawsuit: Environmental groups filed notice of intent to sue over Forest Service approval of cattle grazing in grizzly conflict areas of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.

Clean Water Act Fight: The Center for Food Safety sued Seattle-based Pacific Seafood over alleged Clean Water Act violations at its Hood Canal shellfish hatchery, saying the facility has been in “near continuous violation” and repeatedly missed permit monitoring. EV Rebates: California launched “My First EV” rebates for first-time buyers—$3,500 for new EVs under $50,000 and $1,750 for used EVs under $25,000—aimed at replacing lost federal incentives. Repair Instead of Replace: A new Community Repair Hub tool helps people find local fix-it events, targeting waste from discarded items and hazardous e-waste. Air Quality/Emissions: Reports say a Marathon El Paso refinery released harmful gases after a process upset, including 1,3-butadiene, propylene and sulfur dioxide, following a flare-related shutdown. Heat & Drought Impacts: North Dakota is seeing “flash drought” conditions, with more than half the state now in drought, while fishing restrictions expand in the West as record heat warms rivers and threatens trout. Water Security: Separate reporting highlights ongoing concerns about cyberattacks targeting U.S. water systems.

Climate & Water: A climatologist warns an incoming El Niño could deliver “genuinely extraordinary” wet conditions in California, with a high chance of one of the wettest winters on record. Wildfire Health: An environmental health explainer breaks down what’s in wildfire smoke and why breathing fine particles can harm lungs and the body. Coastal Salinity: A University of Guam-led study using AI analysis of decades of water data finds rising sea levels may be increasing salt intrusion in Guam groundwater. Offshore Wind vs Security Claims: Military experts call the Trump administration’s “security risk” argument for offshore wind “ludicrous,” pointing to court wins that let projects resume. Extreme Rain & Flood Risk: A new national landslide exposure database maps building-level risk for 128 million structures, flagging 6.5 million people at landslide risk. Cybersecurity for Utilities: Coordinated attacks on internet-exposed water-system controllers in multiple states show how exposed industrial tech can disrupt essential services. Colorado River: Federal officials say they won’t release “cool water” from Glen Canyon Dam this year to protect a threatened fish, citing hydropower strain. Plastic Waste: A report highlights how toothpaste tubes often end up in landfills and points to limited recycling options and alternatives. Food Safety: Cyclospora linked to iceberg lettuce now involves 15 states, with investigators still working to pin down the source. Local Resilience: Boston Children’s Museum begins a $15M flood-and-sea-level protection plan.

Offshore Wind Rollback: RWE reached a $1.22B settlement with the Trump administration to exit offshore wind projects off New York, California and Louisiana, bringing total lease buyback settlements to nearly $4B and leaving the company with no remaining U.S. offshore wind leases. Extreme Heat Impacts: A new Associated Press-NORC poll finds extreme heat is reshaping Americans’ daily routines, travel plans, sleep and electricity bills, with bigger effects reported in the West and Midwest. Wildfire Climate Signal: Commentary and reporting highlight how hotter, drier, windier conditions plus long-term fuel buildup are driving more damaging wildfires across Europe and the U.S. Grid Strain from Data Centers: A federal report says coal use rose as data-center electricity demand reshaped the U.S. power grid, while analysts warn utilities may extend coal and rely more on gas in the near term. Water Stress in the West: The Bureau of Reclamation released a preferred Colorado River operating path for 2027-28 as basin states negotiate deeper cuts amid drought. Aviation Noise Fight: Arizona senators urged the FAA to revise its Phoenix flight-path modernization plan after residents raised concerns about added noise and a flawed environmental review. Air Quality & Health: Philadelphia’s air pollution near industrial areas and major roads is linked to higher asthma rates, underscoring local health costs of emissions. Climate Courts: Appeals court decisions keep major climate grant funding blocked/unblocked in different cases, showing ongoing legal pressure on federal climate programs.

Deep-Sea Mining Fight in American Sāmoa: The Pacific territory is pushing back as deep sea mining debates intensify across the region, with some leaders arguing the science is too uncertain while others see potential revenue for island economies. Water & Permitting Watch in Colorado: Eagle County says it will “engage in process” as Aurora Water’s proposed Wild Horse Reservoir advances, reviewing NEPA documents that could affect local water rights. Climate-Linked Wildfire Findings: A new study says human-caused climate change doubled the odds of the extreme fire-weather conditions behind Canada’s major wildfires, adding pressure to rethink blame and preparedness. EPA/Local Air Quality Pressure in Los Angeles: After a Lineage cold-storage fire left persistent odors, residents and officials pressed for action at an air quality hearing, with the EPA reportedly sending a letter seeking answers about potential hazardous releases. Invasive Species Funding on Oahu: A U.S. House Natural Resources panel advanced a bipartisan invasive species bill for Oahu, targeting threats like coqui frogs and fire ants with new refuge strike-team funding. Haitian TPS Update: A federal court lifted a stay blocking the end of Haitian TPS, affecting about 350,000 people and raising renewed deportation and compliance concerns. Data Center Power Moratorium in Texas: Texas’ data-center boom faces a new pause as Abbott announces a moratorium pending an audit of grid connections, amid campaign pressure from opponents.

Coastal Resilience: NASA is seeking a federal permit to restore about 15,000 feet of shoreline at Wallops Island, using dredged sand and nearshore breakwaters to protect space and naval facilities from storms and sea-level rise. Climate & Courts: A federal appeals court signaled it may block a lobster defamation case tied to Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch “red list,” raising First Amendment concerns for environmental watchdogs. Plastic Accountability: A Maryland judge dismissed Baltimore’s public nuisance case against Pepsi, Coke and Frito-Lay over single-use plastic bottles, dealing another blow to cities pursuing packaging-litter costs. Wildlife Under Fire: Colorado Parks and Wildlife and fire crews rescued 103 Uncompahgre cutthroat trout from the Gold Mountain Fire area, preserving rare genetics for future restoration. Heat on the Job: Reports say the Trump administration and GOP lawmakers are moving to roll back Biden-era worker heat protections, including hydration and break requirements. Water & Risk Mapping: New research released a nationwide landslide exposure database rating 128 million buildings for susceptibility and resident vulnerability. Energy Policy: DOI finalized updated CERCLA natural resource damage assessment procedures, aiming to speed and simplify restoration-based settlements.

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.