AGP Executive Report

PFAS Lawsuit in NC: A federal judge ruled Chemours is legally responsible for trespassing and illegally dumping “forever chemicals” into the Cape Fear River, setting up a March jury trial over damages for more than 180,000 affected residents. Public Health: North Carolina health officials say a teen is critically ill after contracting the brain-eating amoeba Naegleria fowleri, with investigators still working to determine how exposure happened in warm freshwater. Climate & Weather: NOAA is tracking El Niño impacts, with forecasts pointing to how warming Pacific patterns can shift rainfall and flooding risk that can reach North Carolina. Community Science: Residents across the Carolinas joined a pollinator census, counting bees, butterflies, flies and other insects for 15 minutes to build a regional picture of pollinator health. Water & Energy Tech: The FAA is expanding its drone testing program BEYOND, adding new participants to study longer-distance and higher-altitude missions that could support environmental monitoring and public safety. Data Centers & Water: A new analysis warns AI data centers could triple cooling water use by 2030 without efficiency gains, adding pressure on local water supplies. Wildlife Restoration: Researchers are using Dutch elm disease spores to test disease-resistant young elm trees for future restoration—an effort to bring back a tree species devastated across the U.S.

Recycling & Fire Safety: A North Carolina fire department is warning that “dead” rechargeable batteries can still spark or ignite, urging residents in Statesville to use a Call2Recycle drum and a Battery Take Back Day on Oct. 5 instead of tossing batteries in household trash. Climate & Heat Risk: A heat dome is expected to push dangerous heat across the Mississippi Valley into the mid-Atlantic and Southeast, with highs in the 90s and heat illness risks rising heading into the Labor Day weekend. Local Policy & Schools: North Carolina lawmakers tightened rules to stop “lunch shaming,” requiring schools to offer the same meal options regardless of lunch debt and banning penalties or different treatment tied to students’ account status. G20 in Asheville: Global finance leaders are in Asheville for G20 talks, with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent pressing trade rebalancing and Iran sanctions while local protesters say Helene recovery funding still falls short. Data Centers & Costs: Democratic Senate nominee Roy Cooper is pitching limits on data center expansion, arguing they should pay for their own power and energy sources to help keep consumer rates down.

Data Centers & Power Costs: Democratic Senate nominee Roy Cooper says he’ll push to rein in data center growth by requiring them to “pay for their own power” and encouraging on-site energy, framing it as part of making costs lower for consumers. Plastics & Recycling Debate: A new explainer challenges “advanced recycling” claims, arguing chemical recycling is largely pyrolysis that can amount to burning plastic rather than true recycling. Heat Risk for Labor Day: North Carolina is bracing for another late-summer heat wave, with heat illness ER visits reported in recent weeks and warnings aimed at students, athletes, and anyone without reliable cooling. G20 in Asheville & Local Pushback: Asheville businesses and residents are preparing for demonstrations tied to the G20 Finance Track, with protesters pointing to ongoing Hurricane Helene recovery needs. Water Safety: Health coverage highlights the rare but deadly brain-eating amoeba risk in warm freshwater, urging people to avoid getting water up their nose while swimming or bathing. Food Safety: The FDA expanded a recall of white rice tied to potential foreign material contamination, affecting more bags and states.

Air Quality Permits: North Carolina regulators cleared air-quality permits tied to an Amazon data center and Duke Energy generators in Richmond County, approving hundreds of diesel backup units for construction—despite a packed public hearing and worries that splitting permits could mean more local smog. Public Health: A North Carolina teen is critically ill after a rare brain-eating amoeba infection, renewing warnings that people should avoid getting warm freshwater (lakes, ponds, splash areas) up their nose. Extreme Weather & Community Aid: Sewa International USA released $100,000 for Nepal flash-flood relief after a glacier-triggered disaster, as Nepalese families in North Carolina rally for help and updates. Climate & Recovery Debate: In Asheville, protesters criticized the G20 for failing to deliver full recovery after Tropical Storm Helene, pointing to inequality, displacement, and ongoing climate impacts. Wildlife & Habitat: A report on black bear recolonization highlights how expanding populations are pushing bears back into parts of the lower Mississippi basin.

Air Quality & Data Centers: North Carolina regulators approved air quality permits for an Amazon data center in Richmond County, including Duke Energy’s construction generators and Amazon’s backup diesel generators—despite residents’ worries about diesel emissions and limited monitoring nearby. Floodplain Planning: Craven County issued a final public notice for floodplain work at Craven County Nature Park, including parking, restrooms, a footbridge, floating kayak dock access, and new trails. Public Health: State health officials reported a central NC teen critically ill with a rare brain infection caused by Naegleria fowleri, emphasizing it’s not spread person-to-person and prevention focuses on avoiding contaminated warm freshwater up the nose. Drought Update: Rain eased drought in parts of NC, but most of the state remains in drought, with hot, dry conditions expected to continue. Weather Safety: Late-week storms are mostly confined to northeastern areas, while beachgoers are urged to heed warning flags and hazards. Community Science: Martin County hosted the Great Southeast Pollinator Census, using a pop-up station to track bees, butterflies, and other pollinators and highlight declines.

Air Quality & Data Centers: NCDEQ’s Division of Air Quality issued two permits in Richmond County for Amazon Data Services and Duke Energy Progress, capping emissions from backup and “bridge power” engines and adding extra monitoring and emissions testing after public concern. Public Health & Climate Risk: A central NC teen is critically ill with Naegleria fowleri, the rare “brain-eating amoeba” found in warm freshwater; officials say exposure source is still under investigation, while experts warn warming waters can expand risk areas. Water Pollution: Granite Falls reported about 500 gallons of untreated wastewater discharged into a tributary of Lake Rhodhiss after a sanitary sewer overflow tied to a failed, decades-old pressure pipe; crews shut down the system and are making a permanent fix. Storms & Flooding Recovery: FEMA is deploying help after historic flooding in Fayette County, and separate Helene recovery funding includes $16.8M for repairs to Green Meadows apartments in Hendersonville. Local Planning & Wetlands: Craven County posted an early notice and public review for wetlands impacts tied to recreation upgrades at Craven County Nature Park, including a footbridge and trail routing to avoid wetlands. Drought Update: Caldwell County’s drought has eased after recent rain, but Stage 2 mandatory water restrictions remain in place. Transit Amenities: Wilmington’s WAVE bus-stop bench debate continues after DSA benches were removed and new steps are discussed, with earlier bench installations tied to recycled-material projects and political messaging. Wildlife Safety: Isle Royale National Park extended a tent-camping ban at four campsites through Halloween due to increased wolf activity around tents.

Nuclear Energy & Resilience: The U.S. Army picked five bases for its $2.2B Janus Program to pilot small nuclear reactors, with Fort Bragg in North Carolina among the sites—aiming for self-contained power not dependent on the civilian grid. Local Governance & Water/Energy: Cary approved an 18-month moratorium on data center development while it studies how to regulate them, after residents raised concerns about ecological and climate impacts plus water and electricity use. Public Health: North Carolina health officials reported a teen with a rare “brain-eating” amoeba infection (Naegleria fowleri), a near-fatal illness linked to warm freshwater entering the nose. Climate & Weather Impacts: A new study says human-caused climate change is intensifying El Niños, which can drive stronger extremes like heat, floods, and droughts. Outdoor Safety: A lightning-safety roundup highlights that North Carolina is among states with the most lightning deaths and injuries, with many fatalities tied to outdoor leisure. Agriculture & Soil: Plantd launched a grass-based biochar line meant to turn manufacturing waste into a soil amendment that can boost crop yields and soil health.

Climate & Weather: A new study in Science says El Niño events are getting stronger as human-caused warming accelerates, with one forecasted strong El Niño expected to be among the biggest on record. Drought Watch: North Carolina’s drought eased in some spots after recent rain, but most of the state still sits in drought—especially parts of the northern Piedmont and eastern counties like Halifax, where officials urge water conservation. Public Health: State health officials report a central NC teen is critically ill with Naegleria fowleri, a rare amoeba infection tied to warm freshwater exposure; it’s not found in salt water or properly chlorinated pools. Coastal Resilience: In Buxton, neighbors and the Coastal Resources Commission discussed whether to overturn North Carolina’s ban on hardened shoreline structures, with residents pushing for more modern erosion-control options. Marine Impacts: UNC research links more frequent marine heat waves to higher risks for children, including death, stunted growth, and wasting. Energy & Environment: The U.S. Army moves ahead with nuclear microreactors at bases, including Fort Bragg in North Carolina, aiming to reduce reliance on the commercial grid.

Himalayan Floods: Nepal’s deadly flash floods, blamed on a suspected melting-glacier collapse, have killed at least three people and left hundreds missing as debris flows tore through border regions. EV Push in NC: A new national Veloz survey finds 74% of non-EV drivers are interested in buying an EV, up from 58% last year after an education campaign. Drought Watch: The latest Drought Monitor shows little change across eastern North Carolina, with some easing in parts of Onslow and Jones and worsening in parts of Edgecombe and Halifax. PFAS Court Fight: A federal appeals decision keeps PFOA and PFOS protections in place after industry groups challenged the EPA’s hazardous-substance designation. Nuclear Microreactors: The U.S. Army selected five companies for the Janus Program, including Antares Nuclear for Fort Bragg, aiming to power bases with up to 20-megawatt microreactors and boost energy resilience. Marine Invasive Alert: NC Marine Fisheries is asking people to report sightings of Blue Land Crabs after confirmed detections, including two this year. Local Water Policy: Davie County ends community drinking-water fluoridation starting Sept. 1, citing Middle East supply chain issues for fluoride chemicals. Data Center Concerns: Pitt County commissioners are reviewing its data-center ordinance after residents raised worries about electricity and water use.

Nuclear Power Push (NC): The U.S. Army’s Janus Program will fund up to $2.2B over five years to deploy more than 20 nuclear microreactors, including Antares Nuclear at Fort Bragg, North Carolina—aimed at keeping bases powered even if the commercial grid fails. Election Access Fight (NC): North Carolina AG Jeff Jackson joined a multi-state lawsuit challenging a USPS mail-in voting rule, arguing it could delay ballots and disenfranchise voters ahead of the Sept. 4 mailing start. Coastal Fisheries Accountability: A North Carolina court ruled the state failed to protect coastal fisheries under the constitution and public-trust duties, ordering stronger management and rebuilding. PFAS Lawsuit (Class Action): A federal class action targets PFOA contamination tied to former Chemfab sites in Bennington and Shaftsbury, highlighting ongoing groundwater harm from PFAS. Local Privacy & Growth: Asheville ended its contract with Flock Safety’s automatic license plate readers while also loosening zoning rules to boost duplexes and accessory dwelling units. Storm Watch: The National Hurricane Center is tracking a tropical wave that could become Tropical Storm Dolly, with the name tied to the Atlantic list—not Dolly Parton’s death. NCDOT Trash Allegations (Hampstead): A Pender County farmer accuses NCDOT of burying construction debris and potentially contaminated materials on his property during a bypass project.

Coastal & Water Restoration: New River Conservancy and the Open Spaces Resiliency Project are partnering to restore South Beaver Creek, using wetlands work and beaver dam analogs to cut sediment pollution and boost habitat for fish and wildlife. Local Governance & Data Centers: Whiteville approved a 12-month moratorium on new data centers and crypto mining, citing worries about water use, electricity demand, diesel pollution, greenhouse gases, and noise—while staff study impacts and draft rules. Marine & Climate Pressure: A new report says the world’s oceans hit record heat, with warmer water driving bigger storms, hotter nights, and stress on marine life and food security. Battery Supply Chain in NC: Asahi Kasei opened a new wet-process lithium-ion battery separator coating line in Charlotte, expanding North American capacity for energy storage and EV-related supply. Clean Fleet Push: NAFA named 2026 Green Fleet Award winners, highlighting sustainability wins from alternative fuel use to greener fleet operations. NC Policy & Women’s Rights: Gov. Josh Stein marked Women’s Equality Day, pointing to ongoing work on ballot access and gender equity.

PFAS & Data Centers: WRAL reports Chemours is developing a fluorinated cooling fluid (Opteon 2P50) for AI data centers, but it raises fresh PFAS concerns as communities ask what new cooling could mean for local water and discharge. Solar Procurement Pause: Clean energy groups warn North Carolina could miss 2026 clean power opportunities after the Utilities Commission paused Duke Energy’s solar procurement, potentially driving up costs later. Coastal Pollution: NCDEQ says a Leland rental home was demolished after a reported 30-gallon diesel release and petroleum contamination; officials say there’s no threat to drinking water beyond the affected property. School Safety: Wake County schools roll out a new Standard Response Protocol, replacing “code” language with plain-language steps for emergencies. Toxic Legacy Cleanup: EPA is sampling Western Montana rivers for PCBs to track watershed-wide contamination pathways. Marine Life & Conservation: The NC Aquarium Society’s “Suds for Sharks” returns in Wilmington to fund shark conservation and public education. Extreme Weather: An EF-0 tornado was confirmed in Cedar Island (Carteret County) after severe storms. Energy & Jobs: Gov. Josh Stein announces a $120M window manufacturing facility in Davie County creating 400 jobs.

Cybersecurity & Ports: A North Carolina lawmaker warns the state’s biggest threat may be cyberattacks, pointing to past power-substation sabotage and a recent attack that disrupted Wilmington, Morehead City and the Charlotte Inland Port, forcing manual operations and delaying cargo. Local Governance & Energy Demand: Durham County leaders held a public hearing on a proposed data-center moratorium with exceptions through May 2027, as residents argued the facilities mean higher air pollution, water use and energy demand. Coastal Fisheries: A judge ruled North Carolina failed to protect coastal fisheries, adding pressure on how the state manages coastal resources. Weather & Drought: Heavy rain eased drought stress in Caldwell County, dropping the share of residents affected to 2.9%, while other areas still face dry conditions. Community & Food Systems: A Rocky Mount founder is turning city-provided tires into raised garden beds to grow fresh food and teach beginner gardeners. Marine Life: NC Division of Marine Fisheries will collect flounder carcasses for research during the 2026 season, and anglers can donate them for science. Container Shipping: A Wilmington Port explainer says container volumes have fallen sharply since neo-Panamax ships stopped calling in July 2025, reshaping what residents see on the Cape Fear.

Climate & Oceans: Copernicus reports the world’s oceans hit record heat over the weekend, with sea temperatures reaching 21.1°C, driven by El Niño plus human-caused warming—raising risks for storms, marine life, and food security. NC Coastal Fisheries: A Superior Court ruling says North Carolina failed to protect state-managed coastal fisheries, finding none of 13 stocks are viable long term and pointing to management failures and impacts like shrimp trawling. Coastal Cleanup & Research: NC’s Division of Marine Fisheries will collect flounder carcasses from recreational anglers Sept. 1–14 to support research, with donation sites across the coast and prizes for participants. Soil Contamination in Leland: Demolition is underway at a Leland rental home after testing found petroleum-related contamination (including benzene) tied to an earlier spill during development; officials say it appears isolated to one residence. Floodplain Planning (GSMNP): Great Smoky Mountains National Park is seeking public review of a floodplain study for upgrades to the Oconaluftee River Trail, with comments accepted through Sept. 7. Food Safety: FDA and CDC are investigating a multistate E. coli and salmonella outbreak linked to alfalfa sprouts from Everything Sprouts, LLC, with cases reported including North Carolina. Heat in NC: A new explainer breaks down heat domes and why NC’s humid nights can be especially dangerous for heat-related illness. Nuclear Workforce (UNCW): UNCW is joining a DOE-funded regional effort led by NC State to train the next wave of nuclear workers, partnering with local industry including GE Vernova and Duke Energy.

Food Safety: Everything Sprouts recalled certain alfalfa sprouts after 55 reported illnesses across 15 states tied to possible E. coli and salmonella exposure, with vulnerable groups at higher risk. Coastal & Fisheries: A Wake County judge ruled the state failed to adequately protect coastal fisheries, setting up a remedial phase for the Coastal Conservation Association of North Carolina’s lawsuit. Storm Watch (NC): Eastern North Carolina is under a Level Two Slight Risk for severe storms Monday, with damaging wind gusts the main threat. Atlantic Tropics: Meteorologists are tracking two Atlantic disturbances that could develop into tropical depressions this week, with potential impacts for the Carolinas. Wildlife: Look for piping plovers on NC beaches—scientists warn habitat loss, sea level rise, and storms are squeezing the threatened birds. Public Health (Global): UNC-led researchers report malaria drug-resistance and test-evasion markers are rising across Ethiopia, as cases surge. Recovery (Helene): Two years after Hurricane Helene, WNC recovery shows progress on housing and mitigation, but key needs and deadlines still lag.

Food Safety: A recall was issued for alfalfa sprouts tied to multi-state E. coli and Salmonella outbreaks, blamed for at least 55 illnesses across 15 states; affected products include specific Everything Sprouts, LLC lot numbers and sprout-based mixes—buyers should throw them out and sanitize surfaces. Coastal Wildlife: North Carolina volunteers have spotted almost 2,000 sea turtle nests this year, the second-highest since tracking began in 2009, with hatchlings expected to keep emerging into fall. Storm Recovery: Saxapahaw United Methodist Church in Alamance County reopened for services after Tropical Storm Chantal damage, including months of rebuilding after floodwaters reached two and a half feet inside. Climate + Tech: A new report explores ocean-based data centers for AI, arguing they could cut land and fresh-water use—while raising fresh concerns about marine impacts and regulation. Weather: Sunday brings a quieter, less humid pattern statewide, with storms more likely later and localized flooding possible near the coast.