AGP Executive Report

Climate Policy Shake-Up: The Trump administration appointed climate skeptic Matthew Wielicki—described as lacking formal climate training—to lead the National Climate Assessment, raising alarms about how future climate impacts are assessed. Wildlife Protection Fight: The IUCN upgraded gopher tortoises to “critically endangered,” while the Trump administration removed habitat protections for endangered species—critics warn that could speed habitat loss. Air Quality Watch: A Saharan dust plume is expected to move over the Gulf Coast, including Alabama, potentially worsening air quality for sensitive people. Health & Safety at Home: Rainsville Public Library is offering radon detectors for checkout, giving residents a way to check for a lung-cancer risk. Storms & Flood Risk: Multiple reports point to worsening weekend storm coverage across Alabama, with damaging wind/hail possible and flash flooding a key concern. Local Infrastructure: ALDOT will begin a major US-84 resurfacing project in Houston County Monday, running into winter.

Severe Weather Watch: Alabama’s storm risk ramps up into the weekend, with Friday staying mostly hot and humid and scattered storms, then Saturday bringing a Level 2 severe threat for northern counties (damaging wind gusts and hail) and a broader, more widespread storm push Saturday evening into Sunday. Coastal Restoration: Alabama Wildlife Federation and partners began a 50-acre oyster cultch planting in Mobile Bay, using thousands of tons of limestone to rebuild reef habitat and support the state’s oyster restoration strategy. Climate Policy Fight: The Trump administration has named climate skeptic Matthew Wielicki—formerly a University of Alabama professor—to lead the U.S. Global Change Research Program, raising alarms about how the National Climate Assessment will be shaped. Energy Transition Backslide: A report says TVA’s next energy plan may keep coal and gas plants running longer as federal direction shifts away from renewables. Local Infrastructure: Marshall County won a $16.17 million U.S. DOT BUILD grant to improve safety and strengthen a key rural transportation corridor.

Coastal Restoration: Alabama Wildlife Federation and state marine partners kicked off a 50-acre oyster cultch planting in Mobile Bay near Cedar Point, using about 4,600 tons of limestone to give oyster larvae a hard surface to rebuild reefs and strengthen coastal water health. Data Center Water vs. Power: A new look at Alabama’s data-center boom highlights the trade-off communities face: cutting water use can mean higher electricity demand and emissions, while water-heavy cooling fuels public backlash and project delays. State Utility Oversight: The Alabama Public Service Commission opened a process to review Alabama Power’s data center contracts, setting up public comment and a formal procedure after questions and responses. Weather & Flood Risk: Forecasters warn Alabama could see more rounds of hot, humid storms this weekend into next week, with damaging wind and heavy rain possible; a broader flood watch also flags northern Alabama under risk. Public Safety & Evidence Backlog: In Prichard, untested sexual assault kits were transferred to FBI custody after a county inventory found many had sat unprocessed for years. Local Rates: Cullman approved FY2027 sanitation, sewer, and water rates, including optional single-stream recycling pricing. Biodiversity Discovery: UAH researchers reported a new cavefish species found under Redstone Arsenal, adding to Alabama’s subterranean conservation story.

Severe Weather Watch: Alabama’s First Warning team is calling for “Impact Days” Friday through Sunday, with a better chance of widespread storms plus gusty winds, heavy rain, and dangerous lightning, followed by more showers and storms into Monday. Energy & Water: The Alabama Public Service Commission opened a proceeding that could reshape how it reviews Alabama Power contracts for “large load” data centers, as regulators weigh costs and benefits for other customers. Climate Governance: The Trump administration reconstituted the U.S. Global Change Research Program, now led by a former University of Alabama geochemist who has been a vocal climate critic, with the National Climate Assessment back on the agenda. Heat Safety: Health experts are urging steady hydration across Alabama to prevent dehydration and heat illness during hot, humid conditions. Drought & Storm Context: A national drought update notes ongoing dryness in parts of the West and shifting conditions elsewhere, underscoring how quickly weather patterns can change. Local Water Recreation: Lake Martin is highlighted as one of the most snake-encounter-prone lakes in the U.S., driven by its size, shoreline, and summer recreation.

Artificial Reefs: Alabama’s artificial reef zone just grew again: the 408-foot Argosy VI, a former riverboat casino, was scuttled about 23 miles south of Orange Beach to join the New Venture and Lulu reefs. Extreme Heat & Cooling Access: With heat index values around 113–116 forecast, Savannah is extending cooling center and splash pad hours to help residents beat dangerous conditions. Storms & Heat Outlook: Alabama’s summer pattern stays hot and humid with scattered storms most days, but a weekend push could bring more widespread heavy rain. Air Quality Watch: Saharan dust is expected to drift over parts of the Gulf region, including Alabama, bringing hazy skies and potential respiratory irritation. Energy Transition Fight: TVA’s new draft energy plan is moving the utility further toward nuclear, gas, and coal as renewable incentives are rolled back, drawing fresh protest from environmental groups. Coastal Leadership: The Coastal Alabama Business Chamber is taking applications for its Coastal Alabama Leadership League through July 31, with sessions focused on the region’s businesses and coastal environment. Local Infrastructure: ALDOT plans a SR-124 resurfacing project in Walker County starting July 9, with traffic delays possible.

Heat & Storms: Alabama’s summer pattern stays locked in: low-90s highs, muggy nights, and daily scattered thunderstorms through the weekend, with a slight Sunday shift toward upper-80s but a higher rain chance. Public Health: CDC-linked investigations are expanding after cyclosporiasis clusters, including multiple new clusters reported in Alabama; health officials urge caution with produce and food handling. Food Safety: Publix recalled frozen GreenWise organic IQF blueberries in Alabama and other southern states after possible E. coli contamination tied to at least a dozen illnesses. Water Quality & Local Action: Orange Beach used an Alabama DE M grant to cut stormwater runoff into Wolf Bay with permeable paving, gutters, and a retention pond. Coastal Resilience: Gulf of America Alliance announced 20 Gulf Star Program projects, including expanding native plant efforts into Alabama schools and improving early detection of Vibrio bacteria. Community Concerns: Childersburg residents pressed for more transparency over a possible data center at the industrial park while feasibility and environmental studies continue. Ecosystems & Outdoors: A spotlight on Northeast Alabama’s biodiversity and Little River Canyon highlights the region’s wildlife and conservation value.

Stormwater & water quality: Orange Beach’s Wind and Water Learning Center is using an Alabama Department of Environmental Management grant to cut Wolf Bay runoff, adding permeable pavers, gutters, a retention pond, and rain barrels—already reducing localized flooding and sediment. Community planning: Mobile Baykeeper will hold a Smart Growth meeting July 16 in Fairhope, focusing on stormwater runoff, failing sewage, big developments, and flooding. Recycling & manufacturing: Motherson and PureCycle unveiled a Tuscaloosa-made recycled polypropylene bumper prototype using 30% recycled content, aiming to meet tightening EU recycled-plastic rules. Waste & recycling services: Ecowaste Solutions won its first municipal contract in Alabama, starting residential waste collection in Bayou La Batre. Heat & weather watch: Central and south Alabama stay hot and humid with scattered storms through the week and weekend. Public safety for pets: Animal shelters are urging Alabama pet owners to prepare for fireworks-related escapes and anxiety ahead of July 4. Air & health: A study ranks Alabama tied for fifth-highest lung disease risk, citing smoking, secondhand smoke, and fine particle pollution.

Wetlands Fight in Birmingham: Alabama officials are seeking a U.S. Army Corps permit to fill 1.36 acres of wetlands and more than 10,000 feet of streams for the next phase of the Birmingham Northern Beltline, a 9.5-mile interstate stretch north of Birmingham that critics say will cut through sensitive forests, wetlands, and waterways. Extreme Heat Safety: A heat dome is driving dangerous conditions across the eastern U.S., with guidance urging people to avoid strenuous outdoor activity during peak heat and hydrate—especially as heat waves grow more frequent and intense. Health Coverage Pressure in Alabama: New reporting says ACA enrollment dropped sharply in Alabama, raising fears that more people will delay care and rely on emergency rooms as federal subsidy changes and the state’s Medicaid stance leave many uninsured. Mobile Consumer Protection: Mobile police say more than 100 people have filed reports against two companies accused of taking large sums for roofing and window work without delivering results, with the city reviewing licensing issues. Public Health Research: UAB and other partners are highlighted as Suzanne Judd, formerly at UAB, takes a new leadership role in public health research in Cincinnati.

Extreme Heat & Power Strain: A record heat dome over the July 4 weekend left at least 25 people dead in New Jersey and pushed millions under heat alerts, with power outages reported even as events were canceled or delayed. Storm Recovery in the Midwest: Severe thunderstorms and heavy rain hammered Branch County and southern Michigan, knocking out power for thousands for days and flooding roads after culverts were overwhelmed. Mobile Consumer Fraud Probe: In Mobile, more than 100 police reports have been filed against two roofing/window companies accused of taking large sums and delivering little or no work; the city is weighing license action as investigators review records. Food Safety Recall: Publix recalled GreenWise frozen organic IQF blueberries in eight Southern states after E. coli O145:H28 illness cases; shoppers are urged to discard or return affected bags. Coastal Habitat Work: Genesis Energy joined the Gulf Star Program to help restore marsh habitat near the Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge by planting native marsh grass. Alabama Infrastructure: ALDOT is moving ahead with major I-565 widening work in Huntsville, with Bradford Creek bridge work nearing completion, and plans a separate $10M traffic study near Highway 31 in Decatur.

Extreme Heat & Power Strain: A searing heat dome across the eastern U.S. is pushing electricity demand toward record levels, forcing delays and closures around the July 4 holiday and leaving many areas under heat advisories, including parts of Alabama. Wildfire Risk: Over the Fourth of July weekend, more than 100 new wildfires flared nationwide as dry conditions and hot weather keep fire restrictions tight, with officials pointing to fireworks as a major ignition source. Alabama Reef Project: The former Argosy VI riverboat casino has been deliberately sunk off Orange Beach to create a new artificial reef, after hazardous materials and gambling equipment were removed to meet environmental standards. Shark Safety Law: Lulu Gribbin’s “Lulu’s Law” is expanding emergency cellphone alerts for shark attacks; Alabama already approved a similar warning system to help beachgoers respond faster. Local Weather Watch: Alabama’s forecast continues to call for hot, humid conditions with storms and heavy rain chances, including a First Warning Impact Day for strong storms. Community & Environment: A Marshall County Animal Shelter renovation will temporarily limit intake while drainage work improves conditions for dogs.

Pipeline Watch: The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission issued its final environmental impact statement for the Mississippi Crossing Project and South System Expansion 4, a natural gas pipeline plan that would run nearly 500 miles across Alabama and into Georgia, drawing sharp criticism from the Sierra Club over public health and environmental risks. Wildfire Memorials: Alabama firefighter Sydney Watson, along with Emily Barker and Nick Hutcherson, was remembered in Colorado after they died battling the Colorado-Utah border blaze; officials say dry conditions and low snow helped fuel the West’s ongoing fire surge. Shark Safety: Lulu Gribbin’s shark-attack story helped drive “Lulu’s Law,” which allows emergency alerts to mobile phones; Alabama already approved a similar warning system. Coastal Restoration: Limestone barges are being used to restore oyster reefs in Mobile Bay, with scientists planning long-term monitoring after the material is placed near Cedar Point. Heat & Storms: Alabama faces a hot, storm-prone week, with First Warning Impact Day coverage highlighting the risk of strong storms and heavy rain. Local Environment & Community: Mobile Bay oyster habitat work and Alabama’s weather risks are front and center as holiday crowds head to water and outdoor spaces.

Coastal Restoration: Limestone barges are hauling oyster “cultch” across Alabama to rebuild Mobile Bay oyster reefs near Cedar Point, with scientists set to monitor the restored habitat for years. Heat & Storm Safety: The National Weather Service extended a Heat Advisory for Alabama with heat index values near 110°F, while forecasts call for scattered strong storms Sunday into the week. Fireworks & Wildfire Risk: Alabama Cooperative Extension urged safer July 4 fireworks practices—clear launch areas, keep distance from vegetation and homes, and call 911 fast if anything smolders. Marine Habitat Boost: Alabama’s Artificial Reef Zone added the 408-foot Argosy VI, scuttled about 23 miles south of Orange Beach to expand offshore fishing and diving opportunities. Local Water Safety: Orange Beach lifeguards reminded visitors to stay hydrated, watch heavy boat traffic, and use daily beach condition alerts during the holiday weekend. Energy Assistance: Gov. Kay Ivey awarded $6.3M+ for weatherization to cut energy bills and improve home safety for low-income households, including grants covering Hale County and surrounding areas. Community Resilience: Malone opened a new volunteer fire station funded after Hurricane Michael damage, improving storm readiness and training space. Public Safety Incident: Montgomery firefighters responded to a Flood Street house fire; no injuries reported and the cause remains under investigation.

Extreme Heat & Climate Links: A record-breaking heatwave forced major July 4 cancellations and changes across the U.S., with advocates framing it as a sign the country can’t “declare our independence from fossil fuels” fast enough. Heat Safety in Alabama: Alabama’s Heat Advisory was extended through Saturday night, with heat index values near 110°F and a daily risk of pop-up storms—plus reminders to hydrate, stay in air conditioning, and watch for lightning. Severe Storm Outlook: Forecasters flagged an “Impact Day” for Sunday with hot, humid conditions and scattered strong storms capable of heavy rain, intense lightning, and damaging wind gusts. Fireworks & Wildfire Risk: The Alabama Cooperative Extension urged safer Independence Day fireworks practices—clear launch areas, keep distance from vegetation and structures, and call 911 immediately if anything ignites. Artificial Reefs: Alabama added the 408-foot Argosy VI to its Artificial Reef Zone off Orange Beach, joining other scuttled vessels to boost dive and fishing opportunities. Weatherization Funding: Gov. Kay Ivey awarded over $6.3 million for home weatherization, targeting lower-income households in Hale and surrounding counties to cut energy bills and improve safety. Local Resilience: Malone opened a new volunteer fire station damaged by Hurricane Michael, funded by post-storm recovery grants.

Heat & Power Strain: A searing heat wave has pushed about 238 million Americans into heat alerts, with Alabama included, as humidity and triple-digit heat indices threaten outdoor plans and stress the grid. Storm Shift After the Heat Dome: Forecasters warn the heat break will come with severe thunderstorms, damaging winds, and flash flooding risk as the “heat dome” collapses and moisture is wrung out. Local Weather Warnings: Alabama’s Independence Day weekend brings First Alert Weather Days, including a central Alabama heat advisory and only isolated storm chances—plus guidance for fireworks watchers and runners. Artificial Reef Expansion: Alabama deployed the 408-foot Argosy VI as the newest artificial reef about 23 miles south of Orange Beach, joining other ship-size reefs to boost dive and fishing opportunities. Energy Assistance for Families: Gov. Kay Ivey announced $6.3M+ in weatherization grants, including $510,759 for Hale County-area households, to cut bills and improve home safety. Public Health Watch: CDC reports a rise in Cyclospora-linked “explosive diarrhea” cases across multiple states, urging caution with raw produce this holiday. Voting Rights: Advocates warn Alabama and other Southern states could see reduced turnout as ID rules and redistricting disputes follow a Supreme Court ruling affecting majority-Black districts.

Extreme Heat & Storms: A searing heat dome is pushing electricity demand toward record levels over the July 4 holiday, with heat advisories stretching as far south as Alabama and power strain already showing up in outages. Severe Weather After the Heat Dome: Forecasters warn the heat wave is beginning to break, but the transition could bring damaging winds, lightning, torrential rain, and flash flooding across the Midwest and Northeast. Alabama Reef Expansion: The 408-foot Argosy VI has been scuttled off Orange Beach to join Alabama’s Artificial Reef Zone, adding a major new dive and fishing destination. Shark Alerts Law: “Lulu’s Law” is now set to enable emergency cellphone alerts for shark attacks, and Alabama already approved a similar warning system. Public Health Watch: A produce-linked parasite, Cyclospora, is sickening people across multiple states this summer, prompting extra caution with raw fruits and salads. Local Development Pressure: A proposed $6B data center campus in Calvert is drawing questions from residents about land use and utilities.

Shark-safety alerts: President Trump signed “Lulu’s Law,” clearing the way for emergency cellphone alerts when a shark bites nearby—Alabama already approved a similar system. Animal cruelty enforcement: A Bessemer man, Carlton Lenard Adams, was sentenced to 10 years after pleading guilty in a dog-fighting case involving 78 rescued pit bull-type dogs, with restitution ordered. Heat and power strain: A brutal July 4 heat dome is pushing electricity demand and stressing grids; Alabama is under heat advisories while outages elsewhere show how extreme heat can trigger equipment failures. Gulf reef expansion: Alabama’s artificial reef zone grew again as the 408-foot Argosy VI vessel was sunk to create more habitat for fish and divers. Plastic packaging fight: Seventeen GOP attorneys general, including Alabama’s, sued California over its single-use plastics packaging law, arguing it will raise costs nationwide. Waterfront safety reminders: Alabama Cooperative Extension urged families to take sun and water risks seriously as Independence Day approaches. Hospital waste reduction: DCH Regional Medical Center earned a Stryker Environmental Platinum award for cutting waste and conserving resources through reprocessing. Wildfire response tech: An Alabama company shipped electric UTV fire skids to Idaho to help crews respond faster during wildfire season. Data centers and local pushback: A data center rezoning request in Illinois was withdrawn after residents raised environmental and noise concerns.