AGP Executive Report

Extreme Heat in Alabama: Heat advisories are in effect across much of Central, West, and North Alabama, with heat index values often 105–110°F; Birmingham and other cities opened daytime cooling stations so residents—especially older adults and anyone without reliable air conditioning—can cool down and hydrate. Homelessness and Heat Risk: The Downtown Rescue Mission says extreme temperatures are driving a sharp rise in people seeking relief, with nightly occupancy running 350–400. Wildfire Safety Lessons: Across the West, three federal firefighters died in Colorado while trying to deploy tent-like shelters during a burnover incident; unions and advocates are raising concerns about safety and fatigue as fire seasons intensify. Solar Power, Local Control: Stockton residents voted to create a new zoning district after pushing back on a proposed 4,500-acre solar farm, setting up a local moratorium and planning process. Stormwater and Flooding: Alabama’s Supreme Court ruled municipalities aren’t required to upgrade stormwater systems, even when flooding occurs, shifting responsibility away from individual property owners. Road Work: ALDOT is repaving a five-mile stretch of Highway 43 North in Tuscaloosa County. Animal Cruelty Probe: Jackson County is investigating a cockfighting operation in Bryant, with advocates calling for stronger penalties.

Heat & Storms in Alabama: A Heat Advisory stays in effect across much of West Alabama, with heat index values expected around 105–110°F through Wednesday night, while Tuesday also brings an isolated severe storm risk. The main threat: damaging winds up to 60 mph, with limited rain relief in many areas. Local Land-Use & Data Centers: Cullman’s City Council approved a one-year pause on data-center development to study impacts on zoning, infrastructure, environmental resources, and quality of life—joining other Alabama cities that have moved to slow or review data-center growth. Wildfire Tragedy (National, Alabama link): Federal officials identified three firefighters killed while battling a Colorado wildfire near the Utah border; among them was Sydney Watson, 27, of Warrior, Alabama, who died after being overrun while deploying a fire shelter. Energy & Climate Policy Shift at TVA: TVA’s preliminary 2026 plan scales back wind expectations and leans more on natural gas to meet rising demand across its Southeast footprint, including parts of Alabama. Critical Minerals on U.S. Soil: The U.S. Army awarded contracts to build and operate critical-minerals processing facilities on military installations, including graphite purification at Anniston Army Depot—aimed at reducing reliance on foreign supply chains.

Wildfire Tragedy: Federal officials identified three wildland firefighters killed near the Colorado-Utah border while responding to the Knowles Fire—Emily Barker (Michigan), Nick Hutcherson (Arizona), and Sydney Watson (Alabama). Authorities say the crew deployed tent-like fire shelters but was overtaken during fast-moving conditions as multiple blazes merged into the Snyder Fire, now reported at about 28,000 acres. Heat & Health: Alabama is bracing for dangerous heat with heat advisories and warnings about heat illness risk, especially for people without cooling and those doing outdoor work. Local Land-Use Fight: Morgan County approved a one-year moratorium on data center cryptomining projects, blocking a proposed Bitcoin mining facility near Somerville after residents raised concerns about noise, environmental impacts, road damage, and power infrastructure. Species Recovery in Alabama: Eastern indigo snake restoration continues, with 42 juvenile snakes released—21 in Florida and 21 in Alabama’s Conecuh National Forest—as part of a long-running effort to rebuild a self-sustaining population. Public Safety & Infrastructure: ALDOT began a multi-month resurfacing project on 5.4 miles of US-43 near Lake Tuscaloosa, with possible delays for drivers.

Extreme Heat Response: A Heat Advisory is in effect across central and south Alabama through Tuesday evening, with heat index values expected around 105–110°F—officials urge hydration, limiting outdoor time, and checking on elderly neighbors, kids, and pets. Weatherization Funding: Gov. Kay Ivey awarded more than $6.3 million for home weatherization assistance, targeting energy efficiency upgrades and safety improvements for low-income households, including older adults and people with disabilities. Local Data Center Pause: Cullman joined Birmingham, Leeds, and Homewood by approving a one-year moratorium on new data center development, with staff reviewing impacts on water, traffic, noise, and infrastructure before any zoning changes. Quarry Limits After Complaints: An Alabama quarry near Bella Mina agreed to new restrictions after residents raised concerns about blasting, dust, noise, and possible groundwater disruption—operations must stop overnight and on Sundays, with added buffers and road paving. Shark Safety Alert Law: “Lulu’s Law” would allow emergency wireless alerts to mobile phones for shark attacks, following Alabama Sen. Katie Boyd Britt’s push to improve beachgoer warnings.

Extreme Heat Alert: The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory for Central Alabama from Monday 11 a.m. to Tuesday 9 p.m., with heat index values around 105–110°F. Officials urge residents to limit outdoor time 10 a.m.–6 p.m., hydrate, and watch for heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Quarry Pollution/Noise Deal: A judge approved a consent order for the Bella Mina quarry after residents’ complaints about blasting, dust, noise, and alleged groundwater impacts; the agreement adds no overnight/Sunday work, setbacks and buffers, road paving to cut dust, and advance notice before blasting. Plastics Policy Fight: Seventeen Republican attorneys general, including Alabama, sued California over its single-use plastics packaging law, arguing it violates state sovereignty and could raise costs nationwide. Tropical Watch: The National Hurricane Center is monitoring a low-pressure area off the Southeast with a near-zero chance of development in 48 hours and 20% over seven days; no watches or warnings yet. Health/Water Misinformation: Anti-abortion advocates are pushing the EPA to review mifepristone as a water contaminant, despite scientists saying there’s no evidence of environmental harm. Local Safety/Traffic: An I-59 crash near Springville injured two people and shut down southbound lanes temporarily; the interstate reopened by evening.

Extreme Heat Watch: Alabama is bracing for a prolonged stretch of dangerous, humid heat with heat index values pushing past 100°F and officials warning that heat advisories could expand early next week. Storm/Tropical Monitoring: The National Hurricane Center is tracking a low-pressure area off the Southeast with a low chance of tropical development, but forecasters say it could still shift moisture and affect Alabama’s weather midweek. Wetlands Under Pressure: Alabama DOT is seeking a U.S. Army Corps permit to fill wetlands and streams for the Northern Beltline highway project north of Birmingham, drawing environmental pushback over impacts to waterways and rare species. Plastics Fight: Alabama and 16 other Republican-led states are suing California over its single-use plastics packaging law, arguing it violates state sovereignty and raises costs nationwide. Local Nature Education: New wildlife kiosks are installed along the Shades Creek Greenway to teach visitors about native species and encourage respectful coexistence. Marine Habitat Milestone: Orange Beach-area officials plan to sink the Argosy VI to create new artificial reef habitat off the coast.

Extreme Heat Watch: Alabama forecasters are warning of a prolonged, dangerous heat stretch into early July, with heat index values often topping 100°F and Heat Advisories possible as humidity lingers. Plastic Pollution Fight: Seventeen Republican attorneys general, including Alabama, sued California over its Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act, arguing it violates state sovereignty and could raise prices on everyday goods. Artificial Reef Off Orange Beach: A former casino riverboat, the Argosy VI, is scheduled to be sunk off Orange Beach to create new marine habitat as part of Alabama’s artificial reef system. Local Wildlife Education: New QR-coded kiosks along the Shades Creek Greenway teach visitors about native species like barred owls, great blue herons, and spotted salamanders. Energy Help for Families: Gov. Kay Ivey awarded $6.3M for home weatherization assistance to cut energy bills and improve safety for low-income households. Waterfront/Boating Safety: Two people were ejected and one injured in a bass boat collision on Lake Mitchell in Coosa County.

Extreme Heat Watch: The National Weather Service in Birmingham is warning of dangerous heat and humidity late this weekend into next week, with heat index values pushing above 100°F and possibly near 109°F in some areas—plus reminders to avoid leaving kids or pets in vehicles. Heat Safety for Pets: A separate local report highlights how quickly dogs can suffer heat illness in Alabama’s humidity, urging shorter outdoor time and extra caution as temperatures climb. Weatherization Funding: Gov. Kay Ivey awarded more than $6.3 million for home weatherization assistance, targeting lower-income households and improving energy efficiency and safety. Artificial Reef Plan: Orange Beach-area officials say a former casino riverboat, the Argosy VI, will be sunk off the coast next week to create new marine habitat as part of Alabama’s artificial reef zone. Water/Infrastructure Note: Alabama’s weatherization and other infrastructure updates come as communities brace for heat and storm impacts. Plastic Fight: Alabama AG Jackley joined a multi-state lawsuit challenging California’s plastics packaging rules, arguing they’ll raise costs for everyday goods.

Extreme Heat & Storm Safety: National Weather Service Birmingham is flagging a week-long heat wave with heat indexes topping 100+ and possibly near 109, plus lightning and heat-stress risks; officials urge people to slow down, hydrate, seek air conditioning, and protect pets. Animal Welfare in Hot Weather: With Alabama’s new outdoor-dog standards (“Beau’s Law”) rolling out, coverage highlights how humidity makes panting less effective and warns owners to limit time outside as temperatures climb. Weatherization Funding: Gov. Kay Ivey awarded $6.3M for home weatherization assistance, targeting energy-bill relief and safer, more efficient housing for elderly, disabled residents, and families. Drinking Water Grants: EPA announced more than $25M for small and rural drinking-water upgrades, including help addressing PFAS and lead. Plastics Fight: Seventeen GOP attorneys general, including Alabama’s, sued California over its single-use plastics packaging law, arguing it will raise costs nationwide. Public Safety & EMS: HHEMS-Marshall EMS launched a pre-hospital blood administration program to start lifesaving treatment before patients reach hospitals. Local Impacts: Florence crews are repairing a damaged water main near North Alabama Medical Center, and West Alabama agencies received weatherization grant shares. Justice & Community: Federal sentencing in a Bessemer-area dog-fighting case resulted in 10 years and restitution for 78 rescued dogs.

Heat Safety in Alabama: Forecasters warn that the weekend and early next week could bring “feels like” temperatures around 109°F as humidity pushes heat index values above 100, with the National Weather Service urging residents to plan for heat risks and practice basic safety. Mosquito Surge on the Gulf Coast: After heavy rain, Spanish Fort, Daphne, and Fairhope reported swarms of salt marsh mosquitoes and asked residents to clear standing water and help reduce breeding sites. Water & Wetlands Permitting in Alabama: Westwater Resources filed a Section 404 permit application for the Coosa Graphite Deposit, a key step under the Clean Water Act as the project advances through environmental review. Industrial & Jobs Impact: BFGoodrich’s Tuscaloosa plant announced consolidation with its Indiana facility, setting up layoffs over the next two years and prompting local workforce support planning. Local Infrastructure Funding: U.S. Sen. Katie Britt secured $4 million for road and bridge upgrades connecting I-65 to Maxwell Air Force Base, citing improved safety and disaster response access. Extreme Weather Response: Savannah opened cooling centers ahead of a heat advisory weekend, with officials stressing hydration and heat illness prevention.

Wetlands Fight in North Alabama: Alabama is seeking a U.S. Army Corps permit to fill 1.36 acres of wetlands and over 10,000 linear feet of streams for the next phase of the Birmingham Northern Beltline, a 9.5-mile stretch that would cut through thousands of acres of forest and require about 90 stream crossings. Solar Zoning Clash in Baldwin County: Silicon Ranch says it has conditional approval to move forward with a 4,500-acre solar project near Stockton, with construction expected this fall even as opponents push back around a zoning referendum and wetlands protections. Extreme Heat Safety: National Weather Service forecasts call for heat index values above 100 across central Alabama through early next week, with “feels like” readings near 109—warnings focus on hydration, cooling, and limiting time outdoors. Statewide Plastics Lawsuit Wave: Alabama AG Brenna Bird joined a multi-state lawsuit challenging California’s single-use plastics packaging law, arguing it will raise costs and overreach state authority. Wildlife Rehab Update: Mississippi Aquarium released two rehabilitated turtles—one Kemp’s ridley and one loggerhead—back into the water after recovery from injuries and illness. Workforce + Environment Link: Bishop State’s maritime boot camp in Mobile is paying its first cohort as it trains workers for shipbuilding needs, while Alabama’s broader push for jobs continues alongside environmental concerns.

Plastics Fight: Alabama AG Steve Marshall joined a 17-state lawsuit to block California’s single-use plastics packaging law, arguing it violates the U.S. Constitution and would raise costs for consumers nationwide. Stormwater & Water Quality: Orange Beach used an ADEM grant to improve stormwater at its Wind and Water Learning Center, adding permeable pavers, gutters, and a retention pond to cut runoff and sediment into Wolf Bay. Weather & Heat Risk: Alabama faces a weekend heat surge with dangerous heat index values around 105° and only hit-or-miss storms. Severe Weather Watch: Forecasters also warn of a broad flash-flood threat stretching from the Central Plains toward the Gulf Coast, including Alabama, as saturated ground meets repeated heavy rain. Public Land Oil & Gas: Environmental groups are criticizing a plan to include more than 2,000 acres of Conecuh National Forest in an upcoming oil and gas lease sale. Local Weather Tools: University of South Alabama is partnering with Climavision to bring radar data into instruction and research, aiming to strengthen forecasting and severe-weather training.

Flash Flood Watch: Heavy rain and tropical downpours are keeping a Level 2 flash-flood risk active from the Central Plains down toward the Gulf Coast, including parts of Alabama and the Florida panhandle, with saturated ground raising the stakes. Local Water Compliance: Dothan received an ADEM drinking-water testing violation notice after a one-day sampling deadline miss tied to disinfection byproducts, though officials say results showed water was safe. Coastal Health: A swimming advisory for Perdido Bay at Kee Avenue was lifted after bacteria levels dropped back to safe limits. AI Data Centers & Local Control: Alabama cities are weighing moratoriums or limits on large data centers amid concerns about noise, power demand, and local impacts, as communities push for stronger community benefits agreements. Plastic Packaging Fight: Alabama is among 17 states suing California over its plastics packaging recycling rules, arguing the mandates are unconstitutional and could raise costs nationwide. Storm Recovery: Alabama Power reported major restoration progress after Tropical Storm Arthur, urging residents to stay clear of downed lines. Wildlife & Habitat: Alabama State Parks is targeting invasive species like kudzu and privet in a new restoration push, while sea turtle rescue efforts continue along the Gulf. Community Resources: A Shoals-area organization is urging residents to use free elderly-care support programs, including meals and caregiver backup help.

Plastics Fight in Federal Court: Alabama joined a 17-state lawsuit seeking to block California’s Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act, arguing the rules are unconstitutional and would raise costs for businesses and consumers. Severe Weather Watch: Forecasters say a band of strong storms could hit southwest Alabama Wednesday afternoon, with damaging winds up to 60 mph the main threat. Heat Risk: The state is also bracing for a dangerous late-week heat wave, with heat index values climbing into the triple digits over the weekend. Water Quality & Fish Advisories: Alabama’s 2026 fish consumption advisories recommend avoiding largemouth bass from two Franklin County areas due to mercury concerns. Coastal Conservation: South Alabama Land Trust is expanding its mission to help protect Alabama beach mouse habitat on the Fort Morgan peninsula. FEMA Mitigation Dollars: FEMA awarded nearly $2 million for hazard mitigation in Alabama’s 4th District, including flood infrastructure work in Jasper and road/bridge restoration in Winston County. Aquaculture Update: An aquaculture project near Fort Morgan has harvested its first fish after permits and agreements cleared.

FEMA Flood Mitigation Push: FEMA has pledged about $50 million for hazard mitigation across seven Southern states, including $17 million for Alabama—highlighting projects like Jasper’s nearly $893,000 flood mitigation infrastructure bid and other Alabama stormwater and drainage upgrades. Severe Weather Impacts: South Alabama saw three tornadoes confirmed from June 18, with EF-1 damage near Magnolia Grove and a second tornado near Spanish Fort; meanwhile, heavy rain is battering South Alabama farms, cracking tomatoes and leaving watermelon fields too wet to harvest. Emergency Alerts Upgrade: Alabama first responders are rolling out the Rave Alert Mass Notification System to speed countywide emergency messaging, inspired by past disaster lessons. Public Lands at Risk: An environmental group is pushing back on plans to open Conecuh National Forest parcels for oil and gas leasing, arguing the forest’s biodiversity and recreation value outweigh drilling. Plastics Fight in Court: Alabama is among 17 GOP-led states suing California to block enforcement of its plastic packaging law, arguing it drives up costs and overreaches state authority. Heat Ahead: A federal heat risk map warns of dangerous triple-digit heat index conditions in the coming week, with public health risks for outdoor workers and vulnerable residents.

Severe Weather & Flood Risk: Alabama is heading into a more active stretch after a quieter Tuesday, with scattered storms possible Wednesday and Thursday and heat index values near 102° by the weekend—officials warn saturated ground can mean localized flooding and downed trees. Water Safety: Alabama’s latest fish consumption advisory list updates where anglers should limit meals or avoid certain species based on fall 2025 sampling. Local Environmental Governance: Anniston says emergency shelter services at Martha’s Hope will continue through July 31 as United Way transitions away from operating the facility. Mining & Land Use: A Limestone County consent order restricts operations at a Bella Mina quarry, including a buffer and limits tied to explosives use, after residents and churches raised environmental concerns. Plastic Policy Fight: Alabama is among states suing California over its single-use plastics law, arguing it drives up costs and reaches beyond state lines.