AGP Executive Report

Drought Response: A company is proposing cloud seeding across 1,100 square miles of Washington’s Mid-Columbia region, saying it could boost seasonal rainfall 10% to 15% for drought-stricken farmers; a USDA grant could help fund a pilot. Coastal Flooding: Southern California faces high-tide flooding through Oct. 29, with low-lying properties, beaches and rail service at risk. Extreme Heat: Eleven U.S. cities are turning to “smart surfaces” to reduce heat, while new research finds people are using online communities to share practical ways to cope with extreme temperatures. PFAS Cleanup: The U.S. Army says cleanup at Kansas’ Sunflower ammunition plant is slowing, and its PFAS investigation still needs funding; a separate report found PFAS in 83% of monitored U.S. waterways. Climate Policy: A new UN report warns U.S. climate pollution is rising as the country retreats from climate action. Wildlife Protections: Conservationists are raising alarms over proposed changes to the Endangered Species Act.

Salton Sea: Researchers, Tribal leaders and officials highlighted new habitat ponds supporting fish and birds while reducing dust from the exposed lakebed, as California plans further restoration. Data Center Pushback: California communities are seeking pauses or tighter rules on data center construction, citing concerns about water use and air pollution; at least 26 local measures are underway. Air Quality: Delaware has launched a $440,000 mobile monitoring unit to test pollution in neighborhoods beyond its 11 permanent monitoring stations. Power and Climate: University of Michigan researchers forecast how warming and changing heating and cooling technology could reshape U.S. electricity-demand peaks through 2060, informing grid planning. A UN report also says U.S. emissions recorded the G20’s largest rise. Water Protection: A federal judge allowed most claims in a Clean Water Act lawsuit against Maine salmon producer Cooke Aquaculture to proceed, including allegations of discharges harmful to aquatic life.

Water Quality: A new study suggests PFAS levels in U.S. drinking water may be more than twice those reported, while EPA awarded $10.1 million for sediment cleanup in Superior Bay. Environmental groups are also suing EPA over weedkiller pollution in Western waterways. Air Monitoring: NASA’s TEMPO satellite is helping track pollution and identify bad-air days. Wildlife: Drought and depleted natural food are pushing bears toward garbage and bird feeders, increasing conflicts across several states. Federal Protections: A report says the Trump administration plans to roll back protections covering 87% of highly protected U.S. ocean waters; separately, the Justice Department is moving to revoke offshore-wind permits. Climate: A U.N. report says U.S. emissions had the G20’s biggest jump, while a new House bill would require heat-island plans.

Air Quality: Dust drove Imperial Valley readings into the EPA’s hazardous range, with PM10 AQI reaching 847 in Niland and 531 in Brawley. Officials warned children, older adults and people with heart or lung conditions to limit exposure. Data Center Impacts: As community opposition grows, Google and Meta are promising greater transparency and steps to limit environmental impacts, amid concerns over the facilities’ effects on local resources. Climate: A new UN report says U.S. emissions recorded the biggest increase among G20 nations, while the world is losing ground on the 1.5°C warming goal. Public Lands and Wildlife: A report says the Trump administration is rolling back protections for 87% of highly protected U.S. ocean waters, while critics warn changes to the Endangered Species Act put threatened wildlife at risk. Water Pollution: Environmental groups are suing the EPA over weedkiller contamination in Western waterways.

Environmental Oversight: West Virginia’s attorney general is investigating environmental groups over their climate advocacy, prompting lawsuits that call the subpoenas political and overly broad. An Ohio judge ruled lawmakers illegally tried to repeal a 50-year-old air-pollution rule. Coasts and Water: California approved two new, tribally nominated marine protected areas and expanded two others. New York added $6.5 million for a Long Island shellfish hatchery, bringing state support to $16.5 million. Climate and Energy: A U.N. report says U.S. emissions rose as global progress toward climate targets falters. University of Michigan researchers warn that climate-driven heat extremes could strain peak electricity demand, even as efficient heating and cooling spread. Pollution Risks: PFAS were detected in 83% of monitored U.S. waterways, according to a new report. Texas data-center growth is also raising concerns about threats to decades of air-quality gains.

Power-Plant Pollution: Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel joined 25 states and local governments in suing to restore federal greenhouse-gas limits for coal- and gas-fired power plants. Climate Warning: A new U.N. report says U.S. emissions have risen as the world falls further behind on climate goals. Great Lakes: The Senate unanimously passed a bill extending the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, with $475 million in annual funding through 2030. Data-Center Pushback: Facing local resistance, tech giants are pledging more community benefits and greater transparency while promising to reduce environmental impacts. Water and Wildlife: A report found PFAS in 83% of monitored U.S. waterways, while conservation groups sued to restore protections for threatened wildlife.

Climate Accountability: A new U.N. report says the world will overshoot the 1.5°C warming limit, with rising U.S. pollution a major setback to global progress. Energy Shift: An Environmental Defense Fund analysis warns fossil fuels could supply 70% of new U.S. power by 2030, as policy changes slow renewable growth. Water Pollution: PFAS was detected in 83% of monitored U.S. waterways, while Great Lakes researchers counted 6,453 oil spills from 2015 to 2024 and urged better cross-border reporting. Public Lands: Conservation groups sued the Forest Service over cuts to Idaho’s Great Burn wilderness protections, citing harm to mountain goat and wolverine habitat. Marine Protection: The Northern Mariana Islands’ governor asked Interior to pause a proposed seabed-mining lease sale until court challenges are decided, citing risks to marine life, fisheries and local communities. Extreme Weather: NOAA sees drought developing or worsening in parts of western Montana, Idaho and the Pacific Northwest; the 2026 wildfire season has already claimed 20 lives and remains underway.

Climate Outlook: A new U.N. report says warming above 1.5°C is now unavoidable, and the United States stands out as the only major economy where climate pollution rose sharply last year, driven by higher electricity demand and fossil-fuel policies. Seabed Mining: Samoan chiefs and conservation groups sued to block a planned auction of more than 31 million acres off American Samoa, challenging federal authority as the first U.S. offshore mining lease sale approaches. Arizona Mine: Hudbay Minerals and Mitsubishi approved construction of the Copper World open-pit mine near Tucson, targeting first production in 2029. Data Center Pressure: A proposed Virginia complex could include 21 buildings, draw up to 3,000 megawatts of power and use 7 million gallons of water a day, intensifying local concerns about the resource demands of AI infrastructure.

Deep-Sea Mining: The U.S. is advancing its first seabed mineral lease sale near American Samoa as claims in the Pacific’s high seas grow sharply. Earthjustice is seeking to block an auction covering 31 million acres, amid concerns about harm to marine ecosystems. Power & Pollution: Data-center demand is testing the grid as federal regulators weigh new rules and Michigan City residents press NIPSCO to retire its coal plant rather than keep it running for new electricity loads. Winter Outlook: NOAA expects warmer conditions across much of the north and wetter weather farther south under a powerful El Niño, warning that heavy precipitation could trigger flash floods and mudslides. Water & Habitat: In the West, conservationists are building beaver “starter homes” to encourage dams that store water, support wildlife and slow wildfires. Cleaner Air: EPA backs a Maricopa County rule that could reward businesses for replacing older, high-polluting construction equipment and locomotives with cleaner technology.

Data Center Footprint: A proposed Virginia campus could put 21 data centers across 1,733 acres at Berry Hill. Its permit filing describes wetlands work and plans for two natural-gas power facilities to help meet a projected 3,000-megawatt demand. Deep-Sea Mining: Federal officials have taken the final step toward a November seabed-mineral lease sale covering 31.4 million acres off American Samoa. A lease would allow preliminary mapping, not immediate mining. Water and Heat: Utah’s record-warm water year and Arizona’s entry into Nevada’s lawsuit over Colorado River cuts highlight mounting strain on Western water supplies. Pollution: San Diego County has named its first pollution crisis chief as reports identify the airport as the nation’s top source of lead pollution, with flight paths over 30 schools. Forest Health: Michigan is promoting certified, heat-treated firewood to curb the spread of tree-killing pests and diseases.

Coastal Weather: A storm-force low off the Southeast coast could bring high winds, coastal flooding and dangerous surf to parts of the East Coast over the next few days; forecasters give it a 40% chance of developing subtropical characteristics within a week. Ocean Protection: California added 15,000 acres of marine protections, bringing 22.2% of its coastal waters under protection and strengthening safeguards for kelp forests, fish and other wildlife. Toxic Chemicals: PFAS were detected at 87% of 108 Massachusetts waterways tested from 2022 to 2024, raising concerns for wildlife, fish and drinking water. Climate Spending: A study of the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act finds that clean-energy investments reached districts represented by both parties: 79% went to Republican districts, and incumbents of either party could benefit electorally. Flood Readiness: Oceanside approved $8.2 million for San Luis Rey River flood protection, as officials prepare for a potentially wet winter and a project expected to help protect about 4,500 homes and businesses.

Energy Storage: Illinois’ first battery-storage incentive auction secured 600 megawatts—short of its initial target, with just one 80-megawatt project selected for northern Illinois as data centers drive up demand. Data Center Pollution: U.S. senators are investigating an EPA decision to exempt data-center power plants from acid-rain protections, while a California community is raising concerns about a power plant approved through a shortcut permit. Land and Oversight: A federal judge ordered a halt to tree removal at Washington’s East Potomac Golf Links after crews cut about 500 trees, amid a lawsuit over the renovation. Water Quality: A lawsuit says the Trump EPA has failed to curb atrazine pollution in waterways and drinking water; Arizona has also joined a challenge to the federal government’s Colorado River plan. Climate and Conservation: Forecasters expect a warmer, wetter U.S. winter, with snow chances shifting south. California redwoods are struggling in the heat, and this year’s costly wildfire season is not over. Public Lands: A proposed repeal of the federal roadless rule could affect Missouri’s national forest.

Public Lands: A federal judge blocked further tree-cutting at Washington’s East Potomac golf course as the Trump administration faces a legal challenge over environmental review. Trump has announced plans to rebuild the course for major tournaments. Energy Demand: The administration is backing efforts to restart three shuttered nuclear plants, including Michigan’s Palisades, to supply growing demand from data centers and industry. At Palisades, regulators approved a plan to recover damaged fuel, while an inspection flagged workers’ reluctance to report safety concerns. Climate Outlook: Forecasters expect a strong El Niño to shape a warmer, wetter U.S. winter, though snow chances may shift south. New maps also highlight elevated wildfire risks in some states. Pollution and Water: Environmental groups sued the EPA over its failure to curb atrazine pollution in waterways and drinking water. Arizona has joined a lawsuit challenging the federal government’s Colorado River plan, while a Michigan permit review details potential environmental impacts from a proposed data center. Climate in Court: The Supreme Court heard Boulder County’s climate case, and Montana energy regulators face a separate lawsuit over climate risks.

Data Center Backlash: Residents across the U.S. are challenging new data centers over their heavy water and power demands, with the issue gaining traction ahead of November’s midterms. Water Quality: Environmental groups are suing the Trump EPA over alleged failure to curb atrazine pollution in waterways and drinking water; a new FIU tool could detect PFAS in water in 30 minutes. Climate in Court: The Supreme Court heard Boulder County’s climate case, while Arizona joined a lawsuit challenging federal plans for Colorado River cuts. Extreme Weather: North America had its warmest September on record as oceans logged a fourth straight monthly heat record. The 2026 wildfire season has already taken a heavy toll and is not over. Energy Transition: States are advancing climate and energy policies amid federal retreat, while Congress faces pressure to protect offshore wind. In the Gulf of Maine, a controversial test released lye into U.S. waters to study whether it could remove carbon dioxide from the air.

Energy Demand: The U.S. is moving to restart three shuttered nuclear plants, adding 2.25 gigawatts as electricity demand from data centers grows. Two projects have contracts with tech companies, putting renewed focus on who pays for power and how quickly it’s needed. Winter Outlook: NOAA says El Niño could bring drought to parts of the northern Rockies, eastern Washington and northeastern Oregon, even as other regions are forecast to improve. Pollution and Climate Lawsuits: A new suit challenges the Trump EPA’s failure to curb atrazine pollution in waterways and drinking water. New England states are also challenging the EPA’s rollback of power-plant emissions limits, while the Supreme Court heard a climate case brought by Boulder County. Water and Local Impacts: Arizona joined Nevada’s lawsuit over Colorado River cuts. In Mason County, permit filings detail environmental concerns tied to a proposed data center, while California redwoods are showing signs of heat stress. Coastal Restoration: Louisiana is reconsidering how river diversions could help restore its eroding coast.

Climate in Court: The U.S. Supreme Court heard Boulder County’s climate case, while New England states joined a lawsuit challenging the EPA’s repeal of power-plant emissions limits. Water and Pollution: A new report finds harmful atrazine levels in nearly a quarter of U.S. river miles. Arizona also joined a lawsuit over federal plans for Colorado River cuts. Rising Risks: This year’s wildfire season has taken a heavy toll and is not over; a new climate report says Earth’s vital signs have reached record extremes. Power and Permitting: Federal officials fast-tracked an 86-mile Arizona-to-California transmission line to expand grid capacity. Senators are also investigating the EPA’s decision to exempt data-center power plants from acid-rain protections. Water Testing: Florida International University researchers say a new method can detect PFAS in water in 30 minutes.