AGP Executive Report

Drought Pressure on Water Supplies: Central North Carolina is in a severe, long-term drought, with parts of the Triangle and northern Piedmont now in the highest “exceptional” category; reservoirs are dropping and cities are tightening rules, including Durham’s Stage 2 mandatory water-use restrictions starting June 15. Dam Safety Funding Deadline: North Carolina DEQ is taking a second round of applications for the Dam Safety Grant Program, with submissions due by 5 p.m. June 19 for repairs tied to Hurricane Helene damage. Court Fight Over Pipelines: A federal appeals court denied requests to pause Virginia-North Carolina Mountain Valley “Southgate” natural gas pipeline water quality certifications, keeping the project’s legal path moving. Heat Advisory Mode: Dangerous heat and humidity are expected Friday, with feels-like near 100° across parts of the region, raising health risks. Public Health Alert (Rabies): Alamance County reported a third rabies case after a fox tested positive near Snow Camp; residents are urged to monitor pets and seek guidance after any bite exposure.

Coastal Resilience & Shoreline Policy: North Carolina lawmakers are weighing changes that could end the state’s decades-old ban on new hardened coastal structures, with bills aimed at protecting eroding communities like Buxton and enabling pilot projects such as seawalls and wave attenuators. Hurricane Recovery Funding: Gov. Josh Stein asked Congress for about $10.15 billion in additional Helene relief, citing ongoing infrastructure and local recovery needs in western NC. Waterfront Wildlife & Fishing Rules: The NC Wildlife Resources Commission announced a 2026 recreational flounder season for inland and joint waters (Sept. 1–14), with a 15-inch minimum size and a one-fish daily creel limit. Estuary Governance: The Coastal Reserve/National Estuarine Research Reserve is accepting applications for local advisory committees across 10 NC sites, bringing residents and groups into reserve planning. Heat, Turf, and World Cup Impacts: FIFA venues across North America are using specific grass mixes, and Germany flew in a veteran groundskeeper to keep a Wake Forest training pitch in shape during hot, humid conditions. Food Safety: A cheese recall linked to possible Listeria contamination includes sales in North Carolina.

Coastal Resilience Policy: Coastal lawmakers are signaling it may be time to modify North Carolina’s decades-old ban on seawalls after erosion has toppled dozens of structures along the Outer Banks, with new bills proposing a path for hardened shoreline protection and a pilot program for stabilization projects. Air Quality Oversight: The NC Department of Environmental Quality is taking public comment on a draft air permit revision for Egger–Lexington Particleboard Plant in Davidson County, tied to increased resin use and higher potential VOC and hazardous air pollutant emissions, with modeling aimed at keeping health standards in check. Water Safety Updates: Greensboro released its annual drinking water quality report for 2025, saying testing meets state and federal standards, while DEQ’s Western North Carolina recreational monitoring program continues tracking E. coli levels for swimming and other water recreation. Heat + Storm Watch: Forecasters warn of hot, humid conditions with scattered storms and a severe thunderstorm risk through Friday, plus elevated heat index concerns across much of the state. Conservation + Access: Pisgah Conservancy has started construction on the Upper Falls Connector Trail in Graveyard Fields to support restoration and improve access, with limited recreation impacts expected during work. Local Environment Justice: NC’s attorney general is suing Brenntag Mid-South over alleged toxic chemical discharges into a Durham neighborhood creek that feeds into a major drinking water supply.

Water Pollution Lawsuit: North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson and NCDEQ sued Durham-based Brenntag Mid-South, alleging illegal chemical releases into state waters and groundwater contamination flowing into Third Fork Creek near Burton Magnet Elementary School and toward Jordan Lake, seeking an immediate halt and cleanup. Hurricane Recovery: FEMA released $172 million for Helene recovery in 11 Western North Carolina counties, including $29.1 million for 62 property buyouts in Buncombe County under its Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. Coastal Preparedness: New Hanover County urged residents to prepare for the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, pointing people to ReadyNHC.com and the Access and Functional Needs Registry. Wildlife Safety: Piedmont Triad residents are seeing more black bears; officials advise securing trash and pet food and contacting authorities if bears appear in crowded areas with children or pets. Climate & Heat: A new forecast tool highlights how extreme heat is killing wildlife, and separate reporting warns this World Cup could be among the hottest on record, with many games above 90°F. Local Trail Reopening: The U.S. Forest Service and G5 Trail Collective reopened the Gateway Trailhead in Pisgah National Forest after Helene damage, with more trail expansion work underway. Clean Food Innovation: Appalachian State University won a $1.82M grant to turn surplus North Carolina sweet potatoes into plant-based milk and dairy alternatives, aiming to cut waste and create new products.

Water Pollution Lawsuit: North Carolina AG Jeff Jackson and NCDEQ are suing Brenntag Mid-South to stop alleged illegal discharges into state waters and to force a cleanup plan tied to a tributary of Third Fork Creek that flows toward Jordan Lake. Drought & Agriculture Research: A University of Calgary study finds drought-stressed plants, including canola, can dial down their own iron uptake—potentially reshaping crop nutrition under climate stress. Boating Safety in Low Water: With Lake Norman still 3–4 feet below target, Cornelius officers warn drought-exposed hazards are closer to the surface, urging boaters to give docks and islands extra room. Heat & Storm Watch: Forecasts point to steamy conditions and strong storm risk across parts of North Carolina, with heat index concerns rising. Public Health & Environment: A UN assessment says oceans face “severe and intensifying” stress from pollution, fishing, and climate change, and sea-level rise has accelerated sharply over the past decade.

Living Building Housing: Durham’s Alma Street Commons broke ground as North Carolina’s first Living Building Challenge-certified affordable development, using solar and net-zero carbon design to handle 90+ degree summers. Data Center Scrutiny: Charlotte approved a five-month moratorium on new data center construction to slow rapid growth and protect “clean air, clean water,” while state law limits what can be paused. Hurricane Helene Recovery Funding: U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards announced $172.9M in FEMA Hazard Mitigation and Public Assistance grants for western NC, including $18.1M for Henderson County waterway debris removal and major road and sewer repairs. Fire Risk: Brunswick County issued a burn ban for unincorporated areas due to drought and elevated fire danger. PFAS Update: NC Water Quality Association testimony says PFAS levels have dropped over 90% and urges monitoring and minimization for biosolids. Heat & Air Quality: Forecasts warn of hot, muggy weather with storm chances and ozone concerns, including Code Orange alerts.

Climate & Weather Watch: NOAA says spring 2026 was the second-warmest on record for the contiguous U.S., with 38 states in the top five for heat, while Western NC Storms: forecasts call for daily showers and thunderstorms this week, with the biggest risk of localized heavy downpours in the mountains. Earthquake Notes: Three quakes hit eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina within hours, including a small 1.7-magnitude event near Weaverville. Water Quality & Plastics: North Carolina’s AG joined a coalition urging the EPA to prioritize microplastics research and expand monitoring in public drinking water systems. Air Quality & Heat: Hot, humid conditions are expected across the Carolinas with ozone concerns, including Code Orange alerts in the Piedmont Triad. Local Nature: A natural “mass spawning die-off” is blamed for thousands of squid washing ashore in Provincetown—no pollution or red tide.

Ocean Monitoring Cuts: The Trump administration is dismantling the Ocean Observatories Initiative, removing hundreds of sensors that track ocean heat, carbon uptake, and coastal flood risk—an especially bad timing as scientists watch for a strong El Niño. Energy & Climate Policy: A North Carolina bill dubbed the Ratepayer Protection Act would rein in data center power use while also loosening limits on Duke Energy’s fossil fuel—critics say it’s the “terrible combined with the good.” Air Quality & Heat Risk: North Carolina is heading into another hot, humid stretch with ozone issues prompting Code Orange alerts in the Piedmont Triad and warnings about heat illness. Coastal Safety: As summer crowds return, officials are urging beachgoers to watch for rip currents after multiple rescues and missing-swimmer incidents along the Cape Fear coast. Local Water Testing: DEQ has kicked off western North Carolina recreational water quality sampling for summer, as officials track E. coli risks. Wildlife Watch: A young great white shark was tracked near the Cape Cod area, highlighting how seal-rich waters can draw predators close to shore.

Ocean Monitoring Cut: The Trump administration is dismantling the $368 million Ocean Observatories Initiative, removing more than 900 deep-ocean sensors from sites including off North Carolina—raising alarms that scientists will lose crucial data on climate, marine heat waves, and carbon uptake right as conditions intensify. Energy & Air Quality: A Defense Production Act push would funnel nearly $700 million into coal plants, including keeping facilities operating in North Carolina, while residents also face a Heat & Ozone Alert stretch with highs in the 90s, rising humidity, and Code Orange ground-level ozone impacts. Local Water & Health: North Carolina’s drought outlook remains grim, and western DEQ is running Recreational Water Sampling for E. coli. Policy Watch: The Ratepayer Protection Act heads through the NC legislature, aiming to rein in data center power use while also reshaping Duke Energy’s fossil-fuel limits. Community Prep: HVAC crews in western NC report rising demand as summer heat ramps up, underscoring the need for maintenance to avoid breakdowns.

Ocean Climate Monitoring Cut: The Trump administration is dismantling a $368 million deep-ocean observation network, removing 900+ instruments off Oregon, Washington, Alaska, North Carolina and the Irminger Sea, a move scientists warn could weaken tracking of ocean heat, carbon uptake and marine impacts. Drought & Water Stress: North Carolina remains in extreme or severe drought despite some recent rain, with reservoir levels still lagging and streamflows improving only in parts of the state. Heat + Ozone Alerts: A hot, mainly dry weekend is pushing highs into the 90s, with elevated ozone triggering Code Orange air quality in the Piedmont Triad and warnings about heat illness. Fire Danger: Eastern NC faces high fire danger as dry fuels and gusty winds combine; outdoor burning is discouraged. Recreation Water Safety: DEQ has kicked off Western NC’s summer E. coli monitoring season so families can check conditions before swimming, tubing or paddling. Coastal Safety: Wrightsville Beach Ocean Rescue reports unusually high rip current rescues for early summer, urging swimmers to watch flags and never swim alone.

Drought & water safety: North Carolina remains in extreme or severe drought even after some weekend rain, with reservoir levels still lagging and stream flows improving only in parts of the state. Recreational water monitoring: DEQ kicked off its Western North Carolina summer E. coli testing, including sampling on the French Broad River, and urges families to check the online dashboard before swimming, tubing, or paddling. Air quality & heat: The Piedmont Triad saw another Code Orange ozone alert as hot, dry weather pushed temperatures into the 90s, raising health risks and fire danger. Fire danger: Eastern North Carolina faces elevated fire risk this weekend with dry fuels and gusty winds; burning rules still apply and officials warn conditions could worsen. Ocean monitoring cutbacks: The Trump administration is dismantling a major deep-ocean observation system used to track currents and ocean carbon impacts, including off the Carolinas. Energy & pollution pressure: Federal funding is set to boost coal power, including plants in North Carolina, while broader climate and ocean monitoring rollbacks raise long-term environmental stakes.

Snapper Fight in Court: A legal dispute has halted what was expected to be the longest red snapper season in years, as recreational anglers clash with commercial interests and environmental groups while the Trump administration moves to loosen fishing rules and deregulate the seas. Outer Banks Erosion: A 264,500-pound oceanfront home in Buxton was moved intact before it could be lost to the Atlantic, underscoring how fast shoreline damage is accelerating on the coast. Coal Push, NC Included: The Trump administration is using Cold War-era Defense Production Act powers to funnel $700M into coal power infrastructure, with funding tied to upgrades and life extensions that include North Carolina. Heat + Ozone Alert: North Carolina is bracing for hot 90s this weekend, with major heat-illness risk and a Code Orange air quality alert as ozone rises. Swim Guide Failures: Four Eastern North Carolina recreation sites failed water-quality tests this week, with elevated fecal bacteria levels raising risks for swimmers and pets. Microplastics Watch: California AG Rob Bonta joined a multistate push urging the EPA to keep studying microplastics in drinking water. Local Action for Pollinators: Lee County’s “Connect the Plots” campaign is encouraging residents to earn pollinator-friendly yard certifications as part of a countywide pollinator pathway.

Air Quality & Health: Code Orange ozone alerts are in effect across North Carolina’s Piedmont Triad, with residents urged to cut idling and skip drive-thru windows, postpone gas-powered yard work, and limit time outdoors—especially for people with breathing issues. Water Quality: Sound Rivers reports four Eastern Carolina Swim Guide failures this week due to elevated fecal bacteria at Slocum Creek (Havelock), Pierce Creek (Oriental), Havens Gardens (Washington), and Dinah’s Landing (Goose Creek State Park). Air Permitting: NC DEQ is accepting public comments on a draft major-source air permit for ATI Specialty Materials’ Bakers Plant in Union County, with comments due July 6. Data Centers & Power: Charlotte is weighing a 150-day moratorium on new data centers while the NC House advances Senate Bill 730, and Duke Energy’s proposed 18% rate hike heads toward a Utilities Commission decision amid public pushback. Drought Watch: After a dry spring, severe or extreme drought is stressing NC farmers, with growers warning that timing and heat could cut yields. Climate Signals: A new ranking finds some of the hottest Junes on record in North Carolina since 1895, underscoring warming trends. Pesticide Exposure Risk: A Texas study highlights Parkinson’s links to pesticide exposure, raising concerns for farmworkers and nearby communities. Energy Policy: Trump’s coal push includes $700M+ for upgrades/restarts tied to Defense Production Act efforts, including plants in North Carolina.

Coal Push in NC: President Trump announced $700M for “clean, beautiful coal,” including $425M to support 13 coal plants across states that include North Carolina, plus $75M for a West Coast export terminal—framing it as grid reliability and lower electricity costs. Data Center Water & Ownership Rules: North Carolina Senate Bill 730 would require new data centers to assess impacts (noise and more), set water-use standards and restrict evaporative cooling, and bar certain foreign-linked owners tied to China, Russia, Iran and North Korea. Duke Energy Rate Fight in Durham: Residents and advocates protested proposed Duke Energy residential rate hikes, arguing the increases would help “frontload” economic development tied to data centers; a teach-in urged people to speak at the Utilities Commission hearing. Air Quality Alert: A Code Orange ozone alert is set for the Triad on Friday, with a burn ban in Guilford County as hot, sunny, stagnant conditions drive unhealthy air for sensitive groups. Coastal Erosion Policy: A new NC Senate bill would repeal the hardened coastal structures ban, shifting decisions to the Coastal Resources Commission for case-by-case permits. Wildlife Safety: NCWRC says alligator encounters are rising and urges people not to feed or approach them during mating season. Coastal Learning Event: The Museum of Coastal Carolina’s Sandbar Lecture Series runs Tuesdays in June, spotlighting marine mammals and habitats.

Coal Push in NC: President Trump says he’ll use the Defense Production Act to pour about $700 million into coal plants and a new export terminal, including funding that covers North Carolina among 13 states—raising fresh concerns about pollution and long-term energy choices. Data Center vs. Water/Power: North Carolina lawmakers advanced a bill to add guardrails on data center development while also tying it to keeping Duke Energy’s coal generation online until nuclear is approved, as residents question impacts on electricity and water. Western NC Water Quality: DEQ kicked off its recreational water quality sampling season in Western North Carolina, testing for E. coli across major river basins to help swimmers and paddlers find safer spots. Ocean Monitoring Cutbacks: The U.S. is moving to dismantle parts of a major ocean observing system, with instruments slated to be removed from waters including off North Carolina, worrying scientists who rely on the data for climate and marine forecasts. Recycling Deal: Gordon Recyclers says it acquired Lowe Fur & Herb in North Wilkesboro, aiming to expand local scrap recycling services. Fishing Regulation: NC set 2026 recreational flounder season dates for Sept. 1–14 with consistent rules across jurisdictions.

Hurricane Readiness: Cellphone carriers are stepping up hurricane season prep with AI and drones to keep service running when storms knock out power to towers. Outer Banks Erosion: Another oceanfront home collapsed into the Atlantic in Buxton, the 20th since Sept. 2025, raising debris and environmental concerns as crews plan sand pumping to buy time. Data Centers vs. Ratepayers: The NC House advanced a major data center bill that would require developers to cover grid upgrades, push water-saving cooling, and limit how much strain new facilities place on local utilities. Ocean Monitoring Cutbacks: Scientists warn that dismantling the Ocean Observatories Initiative will put coastal research and climate tracking at risk, including off North Carolina, as sensors go dark. Water Pollution Watch: UNC researchers found antidepressant drugs at potentially harmful levels in NC waterways near wastewater outflows, adding to concerns about what treatment plants can’t fully remove. Controlled Burns: Jones County says smoke may come from permitted agricultural burns after wheat harvest, not wildfires. Local Cleanup: BoatUS and the NC Coastal Federation removed an abandoned boat from Wheeler Creek as part of a NOAA-funded effort to cut harbor pollution. Wildlife/Health: Controlled burns and algae risks both point to a summer of environmental health watchfulness.