AGP Executive Report

Data Centers & Local Control: Pinson City Council approved a one-year moratorium on data centers, citing concerns about AI-focused facilities’ heavy power and water needs, plus noise and strain on local infrastructure. Community Pushback: In Fairfield, residents say a proposed Patmos data center forum was disrupted when the civic center doors were locked, pushing the discussion to a church where people demanded clearer answers and better communication. Water & Habitat Restoration: Albertville authorized a Drum Creek Greenway Master Plan agreement tied to watershed work on impaired waters, aiming to restore stream areas and build an 11-mile trail network. Conservation Land Gains: Forever Wild voted to move forward on acquiring 6,168 acres across six Alabama counties, including tracts tied to drinking water and outdoor recreation. Coastal Heritage: Orange Beach marked National Lighthouse Day by highlighting preservation needs for Gulf Coast lighthouses, including the Sand Island Lighthouse’s erosion and storm history. Heat & Storms: Central Alabama faces hot, humid conditions with scattered afternoon storms and heat index values near or above 100.

Salmonella Update: A jalapeño-linked salmonella strain has sickened at least 345 people across 27 states, with Kansas reporting 7–13 cases; CDC/FDA say no deaths and 36 hospitalizations so far, and the peppers were traced to a common grower in Sinaloa, Mexico. Coastal Conservation: Alabama’s oyster restoration push continues, with additional help tied to cultch planting and other habitat work aimed at boosting larval oyster settlement in key waters. Data Center Backlash in Brookwood: Neighbors in Brookwood are raising environmental and transparency concerns after ADEM approved a permit that could lead to a data center, with worries centered on runoff into Hurricane Creek and impacts to endangered species. Farm Bill Stalemate: The Senate Agriculture Committee rejected a farm bill amid a fight over SNAP cost-sharing for states, leaving current rules in place and pushing uncertainty for farmers and food assistance programs. Hurricane Preparedness: Gulf Coast utilities are promoting safer generator hookups via transfer switches like GenerLink to prevent backfeeding during outages. Forever Wild Land Protection: Forever Wild voted to move forward with acquiring 6,168 acres across multiple Alabama counties, expanding protected lands and recreation. Election Deadlines: Alabama voters have days left to handle absentee ballot steps for the Aug. 11 special primary.

Coastal Safety Rules: Orange Beach is set to update ordinances for rental golf carts, e-bikes, and other micromobility devices, including speed limits, licensing requirements, and insurance rules. Public Health Watch: Alabama’s Cyclospora cases are rising, with North Alabama driving more than 70% of the state total, as officials track the outbreak. Water & Habitat: Gulf Shores is building the 53-acre Laguna Cove Nature Park at Little Lagoon, using a Natural Resource Damage Assessment grant for wetland restoration and low-impact public access. Coastal Funding Input: The Alabama Gulf Coast Recovery Council is asking for project suggestions for RESTORE Act funding, with deadlines set for October. Storms & Heat Risk: Alabama is bracing for hotter, more humid conditions with scattered storms and dangerous heat index values. Food Safety: A jalapeño-linked Salmonella outbreak has sickened hundreds across 27 states, including Alabama, prompting more restaurants to pull the peppers. Permits & Development: ADEM approved a stormwater permit tied to the proposed Brookwood Parkway development, with public records referencing “Brookwood Data Center.” Mitigation Credits: Walton Creek Mitigation Bank in Bibb County received approval for stream and wetland restoration credits in the Cahaba watershed.

Brookwood Data Center Watch: ADEM has approved a permit for a massive 2,000,000-square-foot data center in Brookwood tied to Applied Digital, with stormwater planned to discharge into Hurricane Creek and unnamed tributaries—though the company says no final decision has been made. Public Health: Alabama reported 85 cyclosporiasis cases, with Northern Alabama accounting for more than 70%, and health officials urged prompt care and awareness of food-related risks. Youth Tobacco Prevention: The Alabama Department of Public Health is seeking proposals for grants (up to $125,000) to reduce nicotine initiation and secondhand smoke exposure for students. Water System Check: An ADEM sanitary survey found a public water system in good shape, but flagged high distribution water loss and staffing gaps. Heat & Storms: Summer conditions continue with lower 90s highs, mostly dry days, and a small chance of afternoon showers or storms. Climate Context: A new ranking highlights Alabama’s hottest Augusts since 1895, underscoring how extreme heat is becoming more common.

Supreme Court Climate Fight: The U.S. Supreme Court set an Oct. 5 argument date in a case over whether local governments and their hired lawyers can pursue climate-related lawsuits that target major energy companies—an issue that could reshape how climate litigation affects the energy market. Alabama Drinking Water Check: ADEM’s recent sanitary survey found Phenix City’s public water system “in good shape,” with the main concerns being high distribution water loss and staffing needs at the treatment plant. Data Center Pressure in Alabama: New permit details for a Brookwood data center plan describe stormwater runoff draining toward Hurricane Creek and the Black Warrior River, while Alabama counties push back on whether they even have authority to block or pause data centers. Youth Tobacco Prevention Grants: ADPH is seeking proposals for grants to shift social norms around tobacco use and protect kids from nicotine initiation and secondhand smoke, with up to 12 awards. Mobile Bay Oyster Recovery: Volunteers and partners are planting oyster cultch near Cedar Point and placing oysters on restoration reefs, aiming to keep Mobile Bay’s comeback moving. Extreme Heat/Storm Risk: NOAA’s outlook flags extreme heat and rapid-onset drought risk across the Gulf Coast and Deep South, including Alabama, alongside heavy rain threats in the Southwest.

Data Centers & Power Strain: Alabama’s data-center debate is heating up as tech giants pitch growth while residents warn about grid and water stress; a new Alabama Public Service Commission approval clears a solar-plus-battery project tied to Meta’s Montgomery data center. Clean Energy Buildout: The PSC unanimously approved Alabama Power’s “Clearview Ranch” (1,400 acres, 200 MW solar plus 200 MW/2-hour storage) in Macon and Bullock counties, with Meta’s subsidiary covering costs for a 20-year term. Flood Risk & Insurance: Orion180 launched customizable private residential flood insurance in California, offering up to $1 million in building coverage and options like water backup and sump pump overflow. School Policy & Religion: Alabama’s new Ten Commandments display law is moving into implementation, with districts weighing how to handle donated displays and legal challenges looming. Health & Safety: A former Alabama A&M student sued the university under Title IX, alleging officials ignored warning signs before a 2024 sexual assault by a residence hall director.

AI & Consumer Privacy: Alabama AG Steve Marshall joined a 15-state push demanding OpenAI preserve records tied to a July Hugging Face breach, warning that advanced agent testing may have created an “imminent risk of substantial harm.” Pipelines & Waterways: The Southern Environmental Law Center sued the U.S. Army Corps over Nationwide Permit 12, arguing it lets gas pipeline projects move without public input; the suit points to Alabama routes including the South System Expansion 4 and Mississippi Crossing. Food Safety: FDA posted a recall for a BetterGoods Pistachio Nut Butter lot sold in 19 states after Salmonella was found in jars; no illnesses reported. Heat & Storms: Forecasters say Alabama’s hot, stormy pattern continues with scattered showers east of I-65 and heat index values climbing toward dangerous levels later this week. Local Governance & Safety: Orange Beach approved new rules for rental golf carts and micromobility devices, including safety labeling and limits on where rentals can be operated. Pollinator Conservation: Alabama is joining the Great Southeast Pollinator Census Aug. 21-22, inviting residents to count insects on native pollinator plants.

Air Quality & Permitting: A federal court challenge targets the U.S. Army Corps’ 2026 renewal of Nationwide Permit 12, arguing it lets pipeline builders cross more than 1,300 Alabama-area waterways without project-specific review—part of the SSE4 natural gas expansion. Industrial Growth: Minth Group broke ground on a $430M Gadsden project on the former Republic Steel site, aiming for 1,300+ jobs and a more environmentally “friendly” redevelopment. ADEM & Odors: In Bayou La Batre, ADEM closed a complaint over seafood-waste composting, saying Alabama lacks enforceable odor standards and the operation doesn’t need a solid-waste permit. Health Watch: Alabama Cyclospora cases climbed to 85 statewide, with North Alabama carrying nearly three-quarters of infections. Food Safety: Publix expanded a frozen blueberry recall to eight states, including Alabama, due to possible E. coli contamination. Weather: Alabama braces for another round of summer storms and flash-flood risk as conditions shift. STEM & Schools: TVA opened applications for STEM Awards for educators across its service region, including Alabama.

Pipeline Fight in Federal Court: Southern environmental groups sued the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers over “fast-track” Nationwide Permit 12 approvals for natural gas pipelines, arguing the process sidesteps required environmental reviews under the Clean Water Act and Endangered Species Act—raising alarms for waterways, wetlands, wildlife, and drinking water across the Southeast. Air Pollution Pressure at Plant Bowen: Environmental groups are challenging Georgia’s air permit for Georgia Power’s Plant Bowen natural gas expansion, saying it will worsen ozone pollution in the Atlanta region even as the utility cites growing demand tied to data centers. Alabama Data Center Backlash: A new Alabama political debate is centering on hyperscale data centers, with residents and public health voices warning about noise, traffic, light pollution, and lack of transparency—while candidates split between backing projects and calling for moratoriums. Food Safety Recall: Publix recalled GreenWise frozen organic blueberries and mixed berries sold in eight states, including Alabama, after reports of E. coli-related illness; consumers are told to dispose or return for refunds. Local Weather Watch: Forecasts point to a cooler early-August start with only isolated showers, then a return to low-90s heat later in the week.

Coastal Water & Sediment Management: Mobile is seeking an engineering/design firm to evaluate marine improvements at McNally Park, including long-term maintenance for the boat launch, jetties and canal—and ways to prevent sediment buildup that threatens access to Mobile Bay. Recycling Access: Baldwin County opened its third hard-to-recycle drop-off site (a CHaRM Center) and plans three more, aiming to keep items like batteries, glass and light bulbs out of trash while expanding processing capacity. Data Center Pressure (Public Forum): A public forum in Demopolis will tackle data center development impacts in Hale and Marengo counties, with speakers focused on best practices, planning, water and rural infrastructure—no company or site announced yet. Storm & Heat Outlook: Alabama’s week begins with a cooler start and spotty showers, then trends back toward hot, humid conditions with isolated storms later in the week. Mosquito-Borne Health Alert: Federal health officials confirmed a rare La Crosse virus case in Claiborne County, a mosquito-borne illness that can become neuroinvasive.

Data Center Debate in Hale/Marengo: A public forum in Demopolis today will tackle how new hyperscale data centers could affect water, rural communities, and planning—without any company or site named yet, but with concerns tied to land optioning along an Alabama Power transmission corridor. Recycling Push in Baldwin County: The county opened a third CHaRM drop-off for hard-to-recycle items like batteries, glass, and light bulbs, with three more planned, plus a 2025 materials recovery facility that can process 40,000 tons a year. Road Work & Traffic Impacts: Mobile County schedules a one-week closure of Haskew Drive near McDonald Road for a five-lane widening tie-in, while Gulf Shores continues nighttime Highway 59 lane closures through Aug. 6. Water Quality Watch: Coosa Riverkeeper’s Week 11 swim guide found high E. coli at five Coosa River recreation sites—avoid swimming where readings were classified high. Severe Weather Outlook: An early August cold front brings cooler, drier air after scattered storms, with flooding and damaging wind risks highlighted in parts of Alabama over the weekend.

Severe Weather Watch: Alabama is under a First Alert Weather Day as storms roll in with flash-flood risk, frequent lightning, and damaging wind gusts possible through the weekend, with a drier pattern expected to follow. Water Quality: Coosa Riverkeeper’s Week 11 Swim Guide found high E. coli at five recreation sites, including Big Canoe Creek (Hwy 231), Black Creek, Cheaha Creek, Risers Park, and Yellow Leaf Creek—swimming is discouraged at high-bacteria locations. Local Growth Planning: Baldwin County released a Draft Master Plan 2026 covering growth, infrastructure, land use, transportation, and environmental stewardship, with public meetings set for Aug. 6 and Sept. 1. Industrial Expansion: Epsilon Industries broke ground on a $15M+ Tuscaloosa expansion expected to add jobs and boost off-site construction capacity. Data Center Pressure (Out of State, Alabama Relevance): New York moved toward a statewide moratorium on large-scale hyperscale data centers, reflecting mounting grid and community concerns that Alabama residents are also raising.

Severe Weather Watch: Alabama is under a First Alert Weather Day as scattered storms roll in with a flash-flood risk, frequent lightning, and damaging wind gusts—especially during the afternoon and evening across central and eastern counties. El Niño Winter Shift: Forecasters say a stronger El Niño pattern could bring colder-than-normal temperatures and more active storm chances across Alabama and the Gulf Coast into winter. Local Growth Planning: Baldwin County released a Draft Master Plan 2026 outlining growth, infrastructure, land use, transportation, and environmental stewardship, with public hearings set for early August and final action in September. Manufacturing Expansion: Epsilon Industries broke ground on a more than $15 million Tuscaloosa expansion expected to add 26 jobs, aimed at boosting off-site construction capacity. Pipeline Decision Pending: A federal ruling at FERC could determine whether a 206-mile Kinder Morgan gas pipeline moves forward in Mississippi, with Alabama-area impacts tied to the project’s proposed route and water crossings. Data Center Pressure: New York’s statewide moratorium on large hyperscale data centers highlights the growing fight over power demand and permitting—an issue Alabama communities are also watching as AI buildouts accelerate. Public Safety Tech Debate: Decatur residents are questioning the city’s use of Flock license-plate cameras after learning the system has been operating for years.

Flash Flood Warning: The NWS issued a flash flood warning for south-central Tuscaloosa County, including Tuscaloosa and Northport, citing heavy rain and flooding risk through 9:30 p.m. CDT Friday—officials urged drivers to turn around and avoid flooded roads. Local Surveillance Debate: Decatur residents are pushing back on Flock license-plate cameras, saying they weren’t told the system was operating for years and raising concerns about how the technology tracks movement. Water & Health: A new report on Vibrio vulnificus highlights rising flesh-eating bacteria risk in warm coastal waters, noting Alabama has recorded cases this year. Wildlife Discovery: UAH researchers reported a newly identified “demon cavefish” species in an Alabama cave, adding to Alabama’s growing conservation and biodiversity story. Environmental Justice & Permitting: Federal prosecutors announced expanded fraud enforcement partnerships with Alabama and other states, while separate coverage points to ongoing fights over how projects get permitted and monitored. Community & Resilience: Birmingham approved Birmingham Oasis, a daytime respite center for unhoused residents, with services aimed at stability and health support.

Severe Weather Watch: Alabama is heading into an active weekend as forecasters issue a First Alert Weather Day for Saturday, with stronger storms, damaging straight-line wind gusts, frequent lightning, and heavy downpours that could trigger localized flooding. Heat & Smoke: Friday stays hot and humid with spotty storms, while hazy skies linger from wildfire smoke moving in from Oregon. Data Center Fight in Mobile County: About 50 residents in Mt. Vernon questioned local leaders over a proposed $6 billion data center in north Mobile County, pressing for accountability and meaningful public input. Landslide Risk Map: A new national study finds 6.5 million Americans live in highly landslide-susceptible areas, with rural households facing the biggest financial hit when disasters strike. Public Health Alerts: A frozen blueberry recall expanded after E. coli concerns sent people to hospitals; Alabama is among the affected states. Local Infrastructure: ALDOT schedules nightly lane closures on Highway 59 in Gulf Shores through Aug. 6 for widening work.

Water Quality Watch: Birmingham’s fuel leak is “under control,” but the Black Warrior Riverkeeper says officials still aren’t being transparent about whether runoff could reach Valley Creek and the Warrior River. Heat & Storms: A First Warning Impact Day flags a return of strong storms and flood risk, while heat advisories keep pushing dangerous temperatures across Alabama. Wildlife & Conservation: Researchers say a “demon” blind cavefish was found in Bobcat Cave near Huntsville, adding a new genus to Alabama’s cave biodiversity story. Local Infrastructure: ALDOT plans to close an Etowah County bridge for about a year starting Aug. 3 as it replaces a 1924 structure on State Route 205. Recycling & Community: Mobile County accepted $13 million in grants for Little Dauphin Island restoration, while other local efforts highlight how recycling and habitat work are reshaping environmental outcomes. Data Centers & Power: New reporting and deals keep tying Alabama’s growth in AI data centers to electricity demand, with community pushback growing elsewhere.