AGP Executive Report

Climate & Weather Watch: NOAA says spring 2026 was the second-warmest on record for the contiguous U.S., with 38 states in the top five for heat, while Western NC Storms: forecasts call for daily showers and thunderstorms this week, with the biggest risk of localized heavy downpours in the mountains. Earthquake Notes: Three quakes hit eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina within hours, including a small 1.7-magnitude event near Weaverville. Water Quality & Plastics: North Carolina’s AG joined a coalition urging the EPA to prioritize microplastics research and expand monitoring in public drinking water systems. Air Quality & Heat: Hot, humid conditions are expected across the Carolinas with ozone concerns, including Code Orange alerts in the Piedmont Triad. Local Nature: A natural “mass spawning die-off” is blamed for thousands of squid washing ashore in Provincetown—no pollution or red tide.

Ocean Monitoring Cuts: The Trump administration is dismantling the Ocean Observatories Initiative, removing hundreds of sensors that track ocean heat, carbon uptake, and coastal flood risk—an especially bad timing as scientists watch for a strong El Niño. Energy & Climate Policy: A North Carolina bill dubbed the Ratepayer Protection Act would rein in data center power use while also loosening limits on Duke Energy’s fossil fuel—critics say it’s the “terrible combined with the good.” Air Quality & Heat Risk: North Carolina is heading into another hot, humid stretch with ozone issues prompting Code Orange alerts in the Piedmont Triad and warnings about heat illness. Coastal Safety: As summer crowds return, officials are urging beachgoers to watch for rip currents after multiple rescues and missing-swimmer incidents along the Cape Fear coast. Local Water Testing: DEQ has kicked off western North Carolina recreational water quality sampling for summer, as officials track E. coli risks. Wildlife Watch: A young great white shark was tracked near the Cape Cod area, highlighting how seal-rich waters can draw predators close to shore.

Ocean Monitoring Cut: The Trump administration is dismantling the $368 million Ocean Observatories Initiative, removing more than 900 deep-ocean sensors from sites including off North Carolina—raising alarms that scientists will lose crucial data on climate, marine heat waves, and carbon uptake right as conditions intensify. Energy & Air Quality: A Defense Production Act push would funnel nearly $700 million into coal plants, including keeping facilities operating in North Carolina, while residents also face a Heat & Ozone Alert stretch with highs in the 90s, rising humidity, and Code Orange ground-level ozone impacts. Local Water & Health: North Carolina’s drought outlook remains grim, and western DEQ is running Recreational Water Sampling for E. coli. Policy Watch: The Ratepayer Protection Act heads through the NC legislature, aiming to rein in data center power use while also reshaping Duke Energy’s fossil-fuel limits. Community Prep: HVAC crews in western NC report rising demand as summer heat ramps up, underscoring the need for maintenance to avoid breakdowns.

Ocean Climate Monitoring Cut: The Trump administration is dismantling a $368 million deep-ocean observation network, removing 900+ instruments off Oregon, Washington, Alaska, North Carolina and the Irminger Sea, a move scientists warn could weaken tracking of ocean heat, carbon uptake and marine impacts. Drought & Water Stress: North Carolina remains in extreme or severe drought despite some recent rain, with reservoir levels still lagging and streamflows improving only in parts of the state. Heat + Ozone Alerts: A hot, mainly dry weekend is pushing highs into the 90s, with elevated ozone triggering Code Orange air quality in the Piedmont Triad and warnings about heat illness. Fire Danger: Eastern NC faces high fire danger as dry fuels and gusty winds combine; outdoor burning is discouraged. Recreation Water Safety: DEQ has kicked off Western NC’s summer E. coli monitoring season so families can check conditions before swimming, tubing or paddling. Coastal Safety: Wrightsville Beach Ocean Rescue reports unusually high rip current rescues for early summer, urging swimmers to watch flags and never swim alone.

Drought & water safety: North Carolina remains in extreme or severe drought even after some weekend rain, with reservoir levels still lagging and stream flows improving only in parts of the state. Recreational water monitoring: DEQ kicked off its Western North Carolina summer E. coli testing, including sampling on the French Broad River, and urges families to check the online dashboard before swimming, tubing, or paddling. Air quality & heat: The Piedmont Triad saw another Code Orange ozone alert as hot, dry weather pushed temperatures into the 90s, raising health risks and fire danger. Fire danger: Eastern North Carolina faces elevated fire risk this weekend with dry fuels and gusty winds; burning rules still apply and officials warn conditions could worsen. Ocean monitoring cutbacks: The Trump administration is dismantling a major deep-ocean observation system used to track currents and ocean carbon impacts, including off the Carolinas. Energy & pollution pressure: Federal funding is set to boost coal power, including plants in North Carolina, while broader climate and ocean monitoring rollbacks raise long-term environmental stakes.

Snapper Fight in Court: A legal dispute has halted what was expected to be the longest red snapper season in years, as recreational anglers clash with commercial interests and environmental groups while the Trump administration moves to loosen fishing rules and deregulate the seas. Outer Banks Erosion: A 264,500-pound oceanfront home in Buxton was moved intact before it could be lost to the Atlantic, underscoring how fast shoreline damage is accelerating on the coast. Coal Push, NC Included: The Trump administration is using Cold War-era Defense Production Act powers to funnel $700M into coal power infrastructure, with funding tied to upgrades and life extensions that include North Carolina. Heat + Ozone Alert: North Carolina is bracing for hot 90s this weekend, with major heat-illness risk and a Code Orange air quality alert as ozone rises. Swim Guide Failures: Four Eastern North Carolina recreation sites failed water-quality tests this week, with elevated fecal bacteria levels raising risks for swimmers and pets. Microplastics Watch: California AG Rob Bonta joined a multistate push urging the EPA to keep studying microplastics in drinking water. Local Action for Pollinators: Lee County’s “Connect the Plots” campaign is encouraging residents to earn pollinator-friendly yard certifications as part of a countywide pollinator pathway.

Air Quality & Health: Code Orange ozone alerts are in effect across North Carolina’s Piedmont Triad, with residents urged to cut idling and skip drive-thru windows, postpone gas-powered yard work, and limit time outdoors—especially for people with breathing issues. Water Quality: Sound Rivers reports four Eastern Carolina Swim Guide failures this week due to elevated fecal bacteria at Slocum Creek (Havelock), Pierce Creek (Oriental), Havens Gardens (Washington), and Dinah’s Landing (Goose Creek State Park). Air Permitting: NC DEQ is accepting public comments on a draft major-source air permit for ATI Specialty Materials’ Bakers Plant in Union County, with comments due July 6. Data Centers & Power: Charlotte is weighing a 150-day moratorium on new data centers while the NC House advances Senate Bill 730, and Duke Energy’s proposed 18% rate hike heads toward a Utilities Commission decision amid public pushback. Drought Watch: After a dry spring, severe or extreme drought is stressing NC farmers, with growers warning that timing and heat could cut yields. Climate Signals: A new ranking finds some of the hottest Junes on record in North Carolina since 1895, underscoring warming trends. Pesticide Exposure Risk: A Texas study highlights Parkinson’s links to pesticide exposure, raising concerns for farmworkers and nearby communities. Energy Policy: Trump’s coal push includes $700M+ for upgrades/restarts tied to Defense Production Act efforts, including plants in North Carolina.

Coal Push in NC: President Trump announced $700M for “clean, beautiful coal,” including $425M to support 13 coal plants across states that include North Carolina, plus $75M for a West Coast export terminal—framing it as grid reliability and lower electricity costs. Data Center Water & Ownership Rules: North Carolina Senate Bill 730 would require new data centers to assess impacts (noise and more), set water-use standards and restrict evaporative cooling, and bar certain foreign-linked owners tied to China, Russia, Iran and North Korea. Duke Energy Rate Fight in Durham: Residents and advocates protested proposed Duke Energy residential rate hikes, arguing the increases would help “frontload” economic development tied to data centers; a teach-in urged people to speak at the Utilities Commission hearing. Air Quality Alert: A Code Orange ozone alert is set for the Triad on Friday, with a burn ban in Guilford County as hot, sunny, stagnant conditions drive unhealthy air for sensitive groups. Coastal Erosion Policy: A new NC Senate bill would repeal the hardened coastal structures ban, shifting decisions to the Coastal Resources Commission for case-by-case permits. Wildlife Safety: NCWRC says alligator encounters are rising and urges people not to feed or approach them during mating season. Coastal Learning Event: The Museum of Coastal Carolina’s Sandbar Lecture Series runs Tuesdays in June, spotlighting marine mammals and habitats.

Coal Push in NC: President Trump says he’ll use the Defense Production Act to pour about $700 million into coal plants and a new export terminal, including funding that covers North Carolina among 13 states—raising fresh concerns about pollution and long-term energy choices. Data Center vs. Water/Power: North Carolina lawmakers advanced a bill to add guardrails on data center development while also tying it to keeping Duke Energy’s coal generation online until nuclear is approved, as residents question impacts on electricity and water. Western NC Water Quality: DEQ kicked off its recreational water quality sampling season in Western North Carolina, testing for E. coli across major river basins to help swimmers and paddlers find safer spots. Ocean Monitoring Cutbacks: The U.S. is moving to dismantle parts of a major ocean observing system, with instruments slated to be removed from waters including off North Carolina, worrying scientists who rely on the data for climate and marine forecasts. Recycling Deal: Gordon Recyclers says it acquired Lowe Fur & Herb in North Wilkesboro, aiming to expand local scrap recycling services. Fishing Regulation: NC set 2026 recreational flounder season dates for Sept. 1–14 with consistent rules across jurisdictions.

Hurricane Readiness: Cellphone carriers are stepping up hurricane season prep with AI and drones to keep service running when storms knock out power to towers. Outer Banks Erosion: Another oceanfront home collapsed into the Atlantic in Buxton, the 20th since Sept. 2025, raising debris and environmental concerns as crews plan sand pumping to buy time. Data Centers vs. Ratepayers: The NC House advanced a major data center bill that would require developers to cover grid upgrades, push water-saving cooling, and limit how much strain new facilities place on local utilities. Ocean Monitoring Cutbacks: Scientists warn that dismantling the Ocean Observatories Initiative will put coastal research and climate tracking at risk, including off North Carolina, as sensors go dark. Water Pollution Watch: UNC researchers found antidepressant drugs at potentially harmful levels in NC waterways near wastewater outflows, adding to concerns about what treatment plants can’t fully remove. Controlled Burns: Jones County says smoke may come from permitted agricultural burns after wheat harvest, not wildfires. Local Cleanup: BoatUS and the NC Coastal Federation removed an abandoned boat from Wheeler Creek as part of a NOAA-funded effort to cut harbor pollution. Wildlife/Health: Controlled burns and algae risks both point to a summer of environmental health watchfulness.

Ocean Monitoring Under Threat: The Ocean Observatories Initiative is set to go dark in parts of the Pacific and Atlantic as the NSF dismantles a $368M deep-ocean monitoring network, including instruments off North Carolina—raising alarms as sea temperatures and extreme weather intensify. Offshore Wind in Court: New York and a coalition of states are suing to reverse Trump-era offshore wind cancellations, including a deal tied to leases off New York and North Carolina that would shift money toward oil and gas. Local Data Center Pressure: Surry County approved a 60-day moratorium on data center development while it updates rules over energy use, water demand, and noise. Coastal Safety: With hurricane season underway, experts are also flagging rip currents as a major Eastern North Carolina beach hazard and urging swimmers to know the signs and escape routes. Air Quality Input: Asheville-Buncombe Air Quality Agency is seeking public comment on proposed Air Quality Code revisions through June 21. Hurricane Prep in NC: Gov. Josh Stein urged residents to make plans now, even with forecasts leaning below-normal. Base Environment Incident: Camp Lejeune reported about 8,000 gallons of sewage spilled after manhole blockages, with samples collected and DEQ reviewing.

Ocean Monitoring Under Threat: The Ocean Observatories Initiative—900+ sensors tracking ocean health and climate—will go dark in parts of the system as the NSF “descopes” the network, including instruments off North Carolina, with a June 16 buoy removal off Oregon and broader pullbacks expected by 2027. Coastal Erosion Reality Check: Outer Banks communities keep fighting the shoreline—one Buxton home was moved inland over two weeks in May to avoid collapse, after years of erosion and storm damage. Offshore Wind Legal Fight: New York and a coalition of six states sued the Trump administration over a deal to end offshore wind leases tied to TotalEnergies, arguing it’s unlawful and undermines clean-energy goals—an issue that also touches North Carolina’s lease. Western NC Recycling Recovery: NCDEQ awarded $25 million for 16 projects to rebuild recycling and debris-management capacity after Hurricane Helene, aiming to keep storm waste from overwhelming local systems. Drought Update: Recent rains helped some areas, but most of North Carolina remains in extreme or severe drought, with reservoir and stream levels still below normal.

Offshore Wind Fight: A coalition of seven Democratic-led states sued the Trump administration over a deal that paid TotalEnergies nearly $1 billion to cancel offshore wind leases off New York and North Carolina, arguing it’s an illegal payoff that could raise costs and undercut climate goals. NC Energy Policy: North Carolina AG Jeff Jackson told regulators Duke Energy “overshot the mark” in its proposed rate hike, arguing for lower returns and pushing for separate treatment of data centers in utility rates. Data Centers, Water & Air: North Carolina House lawmakers are fast-tracking the “Ratepayer Protection Act” (SB 730), aiming to require studies and protections tied to noise, water, air quality, and thermal impacts from large data centers. Hurricane Aftermath & Wildfire Risk: Western North Carolina recovery officials warned Helene left behind massive storm debris and damaged forests that could fuel long-term wildfire danger for years. Ocean Monitoring Cutback: The National Science Foundation plans to dismantle parts of the Ocean Observatories Initiative, including instruments along the North Carolina coast, as the network is “descoped.” EV Costs: Used EV sales jumped while a new analysis found EV insurance runs about 42% higher than gas—though the gap shrinks for newer models.

Toxic Cleanup in NC: EPA cleared N.C. State to demolish Poe Hall after studies found carcinogenic polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and exposure concerns tied to higher cancer rates among workers. Hurricane Season Watch: NOAA predicts a below-average 2026 Atlantic season (8–14 named storms), but North Carolina officials and coastal towns are urging residents to prepare anyway—flood risk remains high. Flooding & Wetlands: A new study links decades of wetland loss to higher flood insurance claim payments, including in coastal North Carolina, where wetlands between Masonboro and Mason Inlets helped reduce flood damage. Resilient Waterways: Buncombe County is set to accept a $36.9M USDA grant for streambank restoration after Hurricane Helene, targeting hundreds of vulnerable sites. Coastal Community Input: The NC Coastal Reserve is taking applications for local advisory committees across 10 reserve sites, bringing residents and partners into management decisions. Local Environmental Tension: Vance County residents protested proposed data centers, citing water use, pollution, and weak local safeguards. Wildlife Tech: Australia’s new AI platform aims to speed up processing of millions of camera-trap images to improve wildlife monitoring.

Hurricane prep (June 1 start): Gov. Josh Stein urged North Carolinians to make a plan now as the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season begins, recommending emergency kits, evacuation planning, utility shutoff steps, and multiple ways to get severe-weather alerts. PFAS in drinking water: Carolina Public Press reports the EPA may roll back GenX limits—“forever chemicals” tied to PFAS contamination in Southeastern North Carolina—reversing newer federal rules that utilities must monitor. Local water protection: Cape Fear River Watch marks 30 years and holds a free seminar Saturday in Wilmington on PFAS/1,4-dioxane hearings, a Port of Wilmington expansion, an interbasin water transfer, and industrial livestock impacts. Invasive fish: Fishermen and chefs are pushing to curb invasive blue catfish spreading through the region, including down to North Carolina, by turning them into a food opportunity. Health risk in warm waters: Florida health officials confirmed early-season cases of Vibrio vulnificus, a flesh-eating bacteria that thrives in warm coastal waters and can be contracted through open wounds or raw shellfish.

PFAS Testing in Salemburg: North Carolina DEQ will provide free PFAS “forever chemical” testing for wells in Salemburg, aiming to flag contamination risks in local water supplies. Hurricane Season Prep: WRAL lays out the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season outlook as it begins June 1, with daily updates and a reminder that even a below-average year can still bring major impacts. Western NC Hazard Readiness: A Swannanoa community event offers free, individualized property assessments and guidance on landslide, wildfire, and flood risks. Forest Service Reorg Watch: Western North Carolina’s long-term research sites are expected to be spared from a broader U.S. Forest Service restructuring that threatens dozens of facilities nationwide. Clean Tech & Materials: N.C. State researchers are developing a biomass-to-synthetic graphite process using refinery equipment at reduced temperatures, targeting rising demand for battery and steel supply chains. Local Conservation Support: Mast General Store’s Land Trust Day push (June 6) will benefit Conserving Carolina, highlighting protection of wetlands, habitats, and shared public spaces. Community Resilience After Storms: A Swannanoa event and a “Protect This Place” feature focus on rebuilding resilience in Southern Appalachia after Hurricane Helene.