AGP Executive Report

PFAS Accountability: North Carolina reached a nearly $500 million settlement with Chemours, DuPont and Corteva over “forever chemicals” tied to PFAS discharges into the Cape Fear River and other waterways, with most money flowing to 11 affected municipalities and payments set over 15 years. State Environmental Leadership: NC Attorney General Jeff Jackson and NCDEQ Secretary Reid Wilson are set to make a major environmental announcement with Cumberland County commissioners. Coastal Cleanup Prevention: Coastal officials from NC’s 20 coastal counties will meet Sept. 15 for a workshop on abandoned boats and resilient docks, pushing local rules and dock inspection programs to avoid costly post-storm debris. Grid Stress & Weather Tech: Climavision is opening its private radar network and forecasting platform to AI data centers and grid operators as PJM moves toward requiring large users to secure power by June 2027. Drought Watch: A new drought summary says Oklahoma’s exceptional drought expanded while parts of the central U.S. stayed dry, with some heavy rain easing conditions in scattered areas including parts of eastern North Carolina. Post-Helene Recovery Scrutiny: Two years after Hurricane Helene, reporting highlights ongoing FEMA chaos and the search for a “recovery czar” in western North Carolina.

Peatland Rescue in NC: Scientists and investors are racing to restore a critical North Carolina peatland before it dries out or burns, after decades of drainage left it vulnerable to drought and wildfires and turning it into a major source of climate-warming carbon emissions. PFAS Watch: A federal appeals court upheld EPA’s move to designate PFOA and PFOS as hazardous substances under CERCLA, keeping cleanup and reporting pressure on “forever chemicals.” Air Quality & Wildfire Smoke: Health experts warn wildfire smoke can worsen allergies and asthma well beyond the smoky week, with new hotspots potentially bringing smoky haze to the Piedmont. Local Tech, Privacy & Costs: Catawba ended a 60-day trial of Flock license-plate reader cameras, citing about $20,000 a year in costs and operational hurdles. Community Conservation Milestone: North Carolina Aquariums marked 50 years of education and conservation, celebrating aquatic wildlife rescue and research across the state. Energy Costs Concern: Residents are voicing fears that a Dominion–NextEra merger could raise bills and affect reliability, pushing for more scrutiny and hearings.

Peatland Restoration: Investors and scientists are restoring a 23-square-mile peatland in North Carolina’s Inner Banks to cut climate-warming carbon pollution and rebuild habitat after decades of drainage left it vulnerable to drought and wildfires. PFAS Health Study: NC State won a $4.2 million, four-year grant to track long-term health effects of PFAS and perfluoroalkyl ether acids (including GenX) in more than 1,000 residents across the Cape Fear River Basin. Disaster Housing Recovery: FEMA is expected to deliver $16.8 million to rebuild affordable homes in Hendersonville after Helene, as the area still faces a shortage of housing residents can afford. Cooling in Schools: Davidson County Schools approved a new chiller for North Davidson Middle as parents push for fixes after students faced extreme indoor heat during AC failures. Marine Life Watch: North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries released its annual Fishery Management Plan Review, outlining the health of key coastal species and how science guides fishing rules. Community Resilience: Warren County is holding its “Night to Unite” event to connect residents with first responders and local resources.

Disaster Recovery: FEMA announced nearly $33 million for North Carolina recovery from Hurricane Helene, including $15.8M for the Graham-Mebane Spillway, $9.7M for NCDOT road/bridge repairs, and $1.7M for Laurel Park’s Roberts Drive, plus $618K in hazard mitigation to turn flood-prone properties into permanent open space. Air Quality & Wildfire Smoke: Buncombe County Air Quality recognized partners for the post-Helene particulate monitoring effort, adding new sensors to track smoke impacts from debris burning and dust across more remote areas. Local Climate Resilience: NCDOT says Ogden’s collapsed cut-through will be fixed with a larger, custom pipe and utility adjustments, with repairs targeted for the end of the month. Data Centers & Energy Impacts: Durham residents urged commissioners to tighten its data center pause beyond the 100,000 sq. ft. threshold, warning smaller sites can still drive energy, water, air, noise, and surveillance harms. PFAS & Health: A Chemours/DuPont PFAS case found liable for PFAS entering NC properties, with a jury trial set for March. Weather Watch: A tropical record-setting week is likely as El Niño patterns shift, while North Carolina’s near-term forecast trends dry before humidity and storm chances return.

El Niño Watch for WNC: A new forecast says this year’s El Niño could be among the strongest in 70 years, with hotter Pacific waters supercharging the pattern. North Carolina’s Blue Ridge may see a warm, very rainy winter—so planners and residents are being urged to prepare for swings in temperature and heavier downpours. Solar on School Roofs: A new analysis finds North Carolina public school rooftops could generate enough electricity annually to match nearly 150,000 homes, with about 2,400 schools showing usable roof area—an early screening-level signal for future clean-energy projects. Home Insurance Data Transparency: A report says many state insurance commissioners aren’t making homeowners market data public, turning the insurance crisis into an information crisis—especially as climate risk reshapes premiums and coverage. Healthy Opportunities Pilot Returns (But Smaller): North Carolina’s Healthy Opportunities Pilot is restarting with $25 million (not the $80 million requested), with food-related services likely to come back first under a new Medicaid waiver structure. Local Governance: Watauga County commissioners rescinded a $12,000 incentive offer to Rootsii after learning the company negotiated deals elsewhere, while also recognizing a longtime community leader and approving animal control vehicle funding.

Western NC Recovery: A new report from the North Carolina Rural Center says western North Carolina’s outdoor tourism economy is rebounding two years after Hurricane Helene, with visitor spending losses slowing as conservation groups work to “restore, rebuild, and back better,” including stabilizing waterways and bolstering vulnerable stretches of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Workers’ Rights: Oxfam ranks North Carolina dead last for worker conditions, citing a $7.25 minimum wage unchanged since 2009 and lack of state guarantees for paid sick leave or paid family/medical leave. PFAS Accountability: A class action lawsuit tied to Chemours’ Fayetteville Works plant is set for a jury trial in March 2027, representing more than 180,000 North Carolinians affected by PFAS contamination in the Cape Fear River. Flooding Watch: In Ogden, heavy rain collapsed a cut-through and sent water surging through a creek, raising fears for homes near the flood-prone area. Native Plants & Climate Resilience: The Cape Fear Native Plant Festival returns Sept. 16–20 with talks on native salt marsh plants, wildlife-friendly landscaping, and building resilient coastal habitats. Aviation Safety (NC link): Federal investigators continue probing an Amazon cargo jet crash in Miami that killed five; the flight was operated by 21 Air, a North Carolina-based cargo airline. Energy & Carbon-Cutting: Endswell Funeral Home opened a third Triangle location in Chapel Hill, expanding aquamation (water-based cremation) and green burial services supported by a USDA grant for solar power.

Coastal Resilience Planning: Oak Island is holding a Sept. 16 drop-in open house to review and vote on proposed initiatives for its Coastal Resilience Strategy, developed with the North Carolina Resilient Coastal Communities Program, aiming to set resilience goals and identify projects to better withstand coastal hazards. Food Insecurity: Hunger is worsening across North Carolina as food banks report more demand alongside federal cuts, with Feeding America data showing 1 in 7 residents unsure where their next meal will come from—about 180,000 more people than in 2021. Public Cleanup: NCDOT’s 2026 Fall Litter Sweep runs Sept. 12-26, inviting volunteers to pick up litter along state-maintained roads and in communities, with free supplies available through county maintenance yards. Weather & Safety: Labor Day brings drier air but also dangerous rip currents along parts of the Outer Banks, with officials urging swimmers to heed beach flags and avoid risky conditions. Fall Forecast: N.C. State forestry expert Robert Bardon expects a “patchwork” fall foliage season, with drought, heat, and rain likely creating uneven color across regions. Aviation & Risk: A deadly Amazon cargo plane crash at Miami International Airport killed five and injured five; the aircraft was operated by North Carolina-based 21 Air, and investigators are focusing on what happened during landing and why the runway overrun occurred.

Severe Weather & Power Risks: Charlotte-region storms and a broader severe thunderstorm watch/alerts across parts of North Carolina and Upstate South Carolina are raising the odds of damaging winds, hail, and lightning over the holiday weekend, with officials urging people to avoid downed power lines. Community Conservation Funding: The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina awarded nearly $395,000 to conservation efforts, including UNC Asheville’s Community Lumber Project to repurpose storm-felled trees and expand wildfire-risk reduction, plus grants to wildlife-crossing work. Volunteer Cleanup Push: NCDOT is inviting North Carolinians to join the 2026 Fall Litter Sweep (Sept. 12–26), offering free supplies to help cut roadside trash ahead of fall foliage season. Local Environmental Stewardship: In Cary, professional pickleball players and Veolia staff helped remove invasive plants and plant herbs in the Carpenter Community Garden’s pollinator area, supporting local food bank donations. Public Health Watch: A recall of frozen berries sold at Walmart in multiple states, including North and South Carolina, has expanded due to possible E. coli contamination. Invasive Species Alert: Researchers are tracking the spread of the blue land crab, a non-native species first spotted in NC in 2023, with confirmed sightings concentrated along the Crystal Coast.

Microplastics in drinking water: North Carolina AG Jeff Jackson is urging the EPA to add microplastics to its Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule, pushing for tracking in public water systems. Food insecurity: A new Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina report says hunger across a 34-county region is now above pandemic levels, with nearly 630,000 people lacking consistent access to food and pantry visits up sharply. Severe weather/Labor Day impacts: Storms and tornado warnings swept through parts of central and eastern NC over the holiday weekend, with reports of downed trees, power outages, hail, and damaging winds; forecasts also warned of continued thunderstorm risk in the Carolinas. PFAS accountability: A jury trial is set for March after Chemours and DuPont were found liable for PFAS entering North Carolina properties. Wildlife conservation: Three critically endangered American red wolf pups were fostered from the Saint Louis Zoo into a wild NC family to boost genetic diversity. Local environment/community: Spencer is hosting a public workshop to shape a Children’s Discovery and Play Garden at Spencer Town Park, designed around outdoor nature learning.

Hurricane Fran’s 30th anniversary: Eastern North Carolina residents in Jacksonville and New Bern are looking back at Hurricane Fran’s Sept. 5, 1996 landfall—105 mph winds, weeks without power, and major coastal damage that still shapes local memories. Severe storms hit the Labor Day start: A stormy weekend brought downed trees, power outages, hail, and damaging wind gusts across Wake County and the broader Charlotte region, with NWS watches and warnings covering much of central and western NC. Charlotte-area radar and safety reminders: WBTV tracked active alerts as storms moved through, urging people to avoid downed power lines and prepare for wind and hail. Policy watch—hemp/cannabis rules: North Carolina lawmakers are weighing how to regulate intoxicating hemp products as federal rules shift, including a delayed national ban and pressure to reclassify marijuana. PFAS accountability: A new look at 3M’s PFAS handling highlights how internal blood testing and decisions helped delay action on “forever chemicals,” with legal fallout tied to contamination. Wildlife conservation: Endangered red wolf pups were fostered from the Saint Louis Zoo into a wild NC pack to boost recovery. Agriculture update: Despite drought and storms, a Surry County farm reports its strongest pumpkin and apple harvest yet heading into fall. Food safety note: Experts warn that blueberry nutrition can vary based on storage and preparation, and recent reports also point to E. coli concerns tied to frozen berries.

PFAS & PFAS lawsuits: A jury trial is set for March after Chemours and DuPont were found liable for PFAS entering North Carolina properties. Water & public health: Mecklenburg County is warning about a West Nile virus uptick after three positive tests in Charlotte. Drought & heat: Drought conditions are worsening in parts of northern N.C., even after recent rain, as heat advisories and severe storm threats keep cycling through the state. Coastal water safety: Fresh shellfish harvesting closures were issued along the N.C. coast due to poor water quality. Wildlife conservation: The Phoenix Species Project is launching a global effort to bring 100 of the world’s most threatened species back from the brink. Local governance & resilience: N.C. officials are urging residents to prepare for disasters, including how to handle flood risks and evacuation zones. Energy & pollution: A watchdog report highlights ongoing pollution concerns tied to a biogas facility racking up thousands in unpaid fines.

PFAS Accountability in NC: A federal judge ruled Chemours and DuPont are liable for PFAS entering thousands of North Carolina properties tied to the Fayetteville Works plant, clearing a key trespass question ahead of a March 2027 jury trial on damages. Storms & Heat Watch: The NWS issued severe thunderstorm warnings and watches across parts of the Piedmont and broader alerts for the Charlotte region, with damaging wind and hail possible, plus lingering heat advisories into the weekend. Coastal Flood Risk Education: Ahead of Hurricane Fran’s 30th anniversary, forecasters in Wilmington are using a portable, color-coded storm-surge pole to help residents visualize how far inland dangerous water can reach. Climate Goals Falling Behind: A new report says many states are cutting or scrapping 2030 climate targets as emissions lag and costs rise. Data Center Tax Fight (Stokes County): A watchdog report challenges projected tax revenue from a proposed Stokes County data center, arguing the numbers are far too high. Mosquito Health Alert: Mecklenburg County is urging vigilance after three West Nile virus positives, noting September typically brings a surge. FEMA Recovery Money: Gov. Josh Stein says North Carolina is set to receive $15M more in FEMA aid to speed up storm recovery reimbursements after Hurricane Helene. Local Sustainability Spotlight: Charlotte’s Around the Crown race is leaning into sustainability with reusable items and transit-friendly options.

Rail & Roads: Norfolk Southern plans road closures west of Mebane next week for track work, with crossings like Private Roberts Crossing and Stone Street shut Tuesday–Thursday starting as early as 6 a.m., plus detours for drivers. PFAS Cleanup Delays: A new report says the Pentagon has pushed back PFAS “forever chemical” cleanup timelines at 243 military sites, including major North Carolina bases such as Seymour Johnson AFB, Cherry Point, and Fort Bragg—raising fresh concerns about contaminated groundwater and drinking-well testing. Hurricane Fran Anniversary: Eastern North Carolina marks 30 years since Hurricane Fran hit near Cape Fear on Sept. 5, 1996, bringing hurricane-force winds, heavy rain, major power loss, and billions in damage. Flood Resilience Planning: Pender County is seeking public feedback on a draft Resilient Pender County Plan aimed at flooding and wildfire hazards, with comments due by Sept. 23. Heat Watch: First Warning Forecast highlights another round of dangerous heat and humidity across the Carolinas, with a heat advisory and storm chances shifting later Friday. Coastal Fisheries: A Wake County Superior Court ruling backs plaintiffs arguing the state failed to protect North Carolina’s coastal fisheries, putting public-trust protections back in the spotlight.

Extreme Heat & Storms: Eastern North Carolina daycares are shifting schedules as heat index values push dangerous levels, with playground surfaces reportedly reaching up to 140°F; the National Weather Service also issued a Heat Advisory for parts of the Outer Banks and nearby counties, with possible strong to severe thunderstorms Friday. Public Health Water Alert: NC officials are warning residents to avoid discolored or scummy water that could signal harmful algal blooms ahead of the Labor Day weekend, noting blooms can’t be identified just by sight. Energy & Power Costs: Duke Energy reported a transmission-line outage that left nearly 22,000 customers without power in Cary and Morrisville during peak heat. Clean Energy Jobs Push: NC A&T joined an NSF clean-economy initiative aimed at turning rural crop fibers into materials for vehicles, construction, and packaging, with workforce development for higher-wage jobs. Microplastics Monitoring: NC AG Jeff Jackson urged the EPA to add microplastics to drinking-water monitoring rules. Solar Recycling Economics: A new look at solar panel recycling highlights how recovered metals can make recycling viable, but demand for key commodities like silver is crucial. Coastal Learning: UNCW added the R/V Osprey research vessel to expand hands-on marine science offshore. Hunger Deepens: A regional report says food insecurity in North Carolina is worsening, with more than 700 pantries seeing rising demand.

Extreme Heat & Storm Setup: A dangerous heatwave is pushing heat index values near 110 across parts of the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic, with severe thunderstorms and flash-flood risk expected to shift south toward the Carolinas over the weekend. Coastal Resilience Funding: North Carolina opened grant applications for the Resilient Coastal Communities Program, offering $2.5 million for “shovel-ready” projects like wetland restoration and stormwater upgrades to cut flood impacts. Landfill Backlog Exposed: A state audit says hundreds of old North Carolina landfill sites still haven’t been investigated, including many near homes, schools, and daycare centers, raising concerns about methane and contaminated groundwater. Coastal Erosion Policy Fight: The NC Coastal Resources Commission declined to endorse a push to repeal the state’s hardened structures ban, keeping the current erosion-control limits in place while the bill heads through the legislature. Local Power Plant Scrutiny: Duke Energy’s open house in Mocksville drew public questions about environmental impacts and whether the project could spur data-center growth. Cyber Preparedness: North Carolina’s National Guard wrapped up a multi-agency cybersecurity exercise at the Raleigh emergency operations center, aimed at defending critical infrastructure.

G20 Finance & Markets: Bank of England chief Andrew Bailey warned global markets are primed for a “potentially disorderly” correction, pointing to sovereign-debt fragilities, leverage, private credit risks, and stretched valuations tied to AI spending. Trade Politics: China urged G20 members to uphold free trade and multilateralism while Germany signaled a tougher stance on China after G20 talks—raising concerns for cross-border investment and supply chains. AI & Power Demand: At a Chapel Hill G20 innovation event, Nvidia’s Jensen Huang pushed leaders to treat AI as infrastructure and build more data centers—while North Carolina communities increasingly question the strain on water and the grid. Local Environment & Infrastructure: Wilmington’s Cape Fear Memorial Bridge replacement plan is back in the spotlight, with residents and council debating two billion-dollar options and potential tolling. Public Health: North Carolina reported a teen critically ill with a rare brain-eating amoeba, renewing warnings about warm freshwater exposure. Coastal Resilience: Nags Head is moving ahead with a living shoreline project at the Harvey Soundside site, but safety concerns are emerging for soundside recreation. Air Pollution Rule: NC AG Raoul joined a multistate push against an EPA proposal that would weaken NOx limits from heavy-duty vehicles, citing asthma and environmental justice impacts.