AGP Executive Report

Grid Resilience: North Carolina’s Four County EMC won up to $23.2M from the U.S. Department of Energy to modernize rural transmission and strengthen hurricane-proof power reliability. Clean Energy Backup: A western NC food bank in Marshall installed a solar microgrid with battery storage to keep freezers and coolers running during grid outages, part of a push for 26 microgrids statewide. Coastal Climate Watch: Sea levels along the West Coast are expected to rise up to a foot as warm “Kelvin waves” move north, raising baseline flood and erosion risk during storms and high tides. Public Health & Environment: North Carolina’s Advisory Council on Cannabis is drafting rules for public consumption, with a Dec. 31 deadline for recommendations to Gov. Josh Stein. Weather: Eastern NC faces a weekend stretch of scattered showers and thunderstorms with flash-flood risk, especially near Greenville to Morehead City.

Disaster Recovery: FEMA is sending more than $21 million to North Carolina for Hurricane Helene and other recent storms, including over $16 million for public assistance like debris removal, emergency repairs, and damaged infrastructure, plus $4+ million for hazard mitigation such as flood-prone property buyouts and drainage improvements. Flood Risk Weather: A stalled front plus an unusually moist air mass is keeping Eastern North Carolina in a weekend pattern of showers and thunderstorms, with flash-flood risk rising where storms train—especially along a Greenville-to-Morehead City corridor. PFAS Accountability: A new report highlights how “forever chemicals” (PFAS) keep contaminating the Cape Fear River and ultimately drinking water, renewing calls for stronger cleanup and enforcement against polluters. Clean Water & Wastewater: Haw River is set to receive $1.1 million for sewer repairs, part of ongoing efforts to keep local water systems resilient after storm impacts. Wildfire Mitigation: Parkway debris removal is underway near Boone to clear 769 acres and reduce wildfire risk.

Data Centers & Local Rules: Pitt County commissioners plan to review ordinances for data centers and consider options tied to a failing dam at Lake Glenwood, as the county also moves ahead on a nearly $47.7M administrative building project. Corporate Investment & Jobs: Caterpillar is set to invest about $1B in Sanford to expand compact equipment manufacturing, with local leaders calling it a major boost for the region’s workforce and advanced manufacturing. Water Quality & Public Health: A West Virginia well-water investigation highlights how corrosion and taste issues can push residents off private supplies—an issue that echoes across the region’s broader drinking-water concerns. Cannabis Policy: North Carolina’s Advisory Council on Cannabis is weighing public consumption rules ahead of a December deadline for recommendations to Gov. Josh Stein. Agriculture Innovation: N.C. State researchers say a 3D knitted “Plant Armor Gen 2” fabric—born from military textile work—can boost strawberry yields up to 3.56 times by blocking insects while letting air and water through. Weather: A cooler, wetter weekend is forecast for North Carolina, with rain chances rising and flood risk flagged in parts of the region.

Power Plant Pollution Fight: Cities and states, including North Carolina, sued the EPA over its rollback of greenhouse gas limits for coal and gas power plants, arguing the changes will mean dirtier air and higher costs. Data Centers & Water/Electricity: Amazon Web Services announced it will invest $1B+ over five years in communities with data centers, pledging help with energy affordability and water/energy preservation as local opposition grows. Food Access Tech: Food Bank of the Albemarle unveiled a “smart food locker” with 16 climate-controlled compartments, funded partly by NC DEQ, to let people pick up groceries online with less stigma. Coastal Storm Watch: A powerful nor’easter with flooding and outages is hitting the East Coast, with full-moon tides raising coastal risk from North Carolina northward. Drought Update: Reports say more than 60 North Carolina counties remain in some category of drought despite recent rainfall. Local Agriculture Policy: NC Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler discussed farmland preservation, disaster funding, and how water and electricity pressures will shape growth.

Climate & health fight: Attorney General Raoul and a coalition of states and cities sued the Trump administration over EPA’s repeal of 2024 greenhouse gas limits for coal and gas power plants, arguing it will worsen extreme heat, storms, flooding, and wildfire smoke. Local climate pressure: A new NPR/Boston University model estimates North Carolina’s heat-related deaths may be far higher than CDC counts—about 330 a year vs. roughly 19 recorded—highlighting how undercounting can mask the real toll. Water stress in NC: The NC Drought Monitor found 62 counties still in drought, including parts of Guilford and Rockingham in exceptional drought, with coastal areas seeing less-than-normal rainfall. Disaster resilience in WNC: A Western North Carolina tool-library story shows how “chainsaw brigades” and community mutual aid helped neighbors after Hurricane Helene when roads and power were down. Wildlife & habitat: MLB dropped plans to evaluate a game at Wyoming’s Grand Teton National Park after local opposition, underscoring how big events can collide with wildlife and park missions. Air quality risk: A brush fire broke out off Old Georgetown Road near Ocean Isle in Brunswick County, with possible evacuations reported for Shallotte Point. Food security: Winston-Salem pantries warned SNAP changes could force them to turn people away as work requirements expand for some recipients.

Drought Watch: The U.S. Drought Monitor says 62 North Carolina counties are still in some stage of drought, with parts of Guilford and Rockingham in exceptional drought and other areas in extreme drought; officials urge conservation as many river, reservoir, and groundwater levels remain below normal. Coastal Planning: A coalition led by Cape Fear River Watch and others is asking federal officials to reconsider a 135-foot vertical clearance requirement for the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge replacement, arguing it’s based on outdated assumptions and could drive unnecessary environmental impacts. Fisheries Management: The N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries starts a public scoping period for the Red Drum Fishery Management Plan review, running through Oct. 30, with input shaping whether management changes are needed. Energy & Climate Tech: A new study projects AI data centers run by major firms could consume about 1% of global electricity by 2030, raising concerns about power demand growth. Storm Recovery: Two years after Hurricane Helene, the Caldwell County Long Term Recovery Group says it still has about $107,000 in grant funding and is urging residents who haven’t applied to do so through 2026.

Outer Banks Road Repair: After a nor’easter damaged about a thousand feet of NC 12 near Pea Island, NCDOT set up a temporary one-lane gravel detour and Dare County leaders say the fix is also reigniting debate over relocating the road to higher ground. Hurricane Helene Aftershocks: Two years on, Western North Carolina groups warn that FEMA and other aid could be jeopardized as politics creeps into disaster funding. Grid & Resilience Funding: Entergy received $13.7M in federal support for power grid upgrades, while North Carolina also received $21M from FEMA for bridges, repairs, and flood mitigation. Climate Risk Planning: NC experts are urging “pre-recovery” planning as climate-driven damage grows. Local Environment Watch: Oak Island plans mosquito fogging this week, and wildlife agencies adjusted mountain trout stockings due to environmental impacts. Clean Energy Tourism Boost: Buncombe County’s tourism authority awarded $11.2M for projects including a RAD Creative Campus above the floodplain.

Drinking-water chemicals fight: Greensboro City Council approved a $700,000 contract for attorneys challenging the state’s proposed tighter rules on 1,4-dioxane, a likely carcinogen tied to wastewater contamination that can reach downstream communities. Endangered bats in WNC: Researchers say tricolored bats are using UNCA woods in Buncombe County, using spectrogram-based analysis of bat calls amid local development concerns. Local harm-reduction push: Jackson County commissioners heard arguments for syringe service programs and sharps disposal kiosks, with advocates citing higher overdose impacts locally and stressing public health benefits. Coastal resilience funding: North Carolina opened applications for the next phases of its Resilient Coastal Communities Program, aiming to reduce flood risk. Solar disaster backup in WNC: A new microgrid at a Western North Carolina community hub shows how solar-plus-battery systems can keep critical services running during outages. Forever-chemical spotlight: A Wilmington-area report renews attention on PFAS “forever chemicals” in the Cape Fear River tied to Chemours operations in Bladen County.

AI & Data Centers: New reporting flags how the AI data-center boom can strain power and water systems, with environmental impact hinging on electricity source, total demand, and how fast projects come online. Flood Forecasting & Resilience: Researchers are using AI-powered, physics-informed models to better predict hurricane water hazards, emphasizing that flooding—not wind—drives many deaths. Coastal Recovery & Funding: North Carolina is receiving major FEMA support for bridges, repairs, and flood mitigation, while the state also moves forward on coastal resilience grant applications. Historic Site Protection: Wilmington’s Battleship North Carolina faces major restoration and park elevation plans to address recurring flooding ahead of its 2037 centennial. Wildlife & Water Quality: The wildlife agency is adjusting mountain trout stockings due to environmental impacts, and Carteret County issued swimming advisories tied to bacteria levels. Local Environment Watch: Testing near the Norlina Museum train car found lead in soil.

Coastal Resilience Funding: North Carolina DEQ is accepting applications for the next phases of its Resilient Coastal Communities Program, aiming to help communities plan and recover from erosion and storm impacts. Hurricane Recovery (2 years after Helene): Multiple reports look back at Hurricane Helene’s lasting damage across Western North Carolina, including road and infrastructure strain and ongoing recovery needs. Outer Banks Storm Damage & Access: N.C. Highway 12 updates continue as crews address Outer Banks overwash damage, with reopening timelines and emergency ferry schedules affecting residents and visitors. PFAS Concern: A new PFAS “forever chemical” blood-testing effort in England’s Lancashire highlights elevated PFOA levels near a chemical plant, underscoring the health stakes of PFAS pollution. Energy Equity: A report says record heat and rising bills are driving a surge in electricity shutoffs for U.S. households, raising concerns about heat-related harm. Local Community Spotlight: Boone’s Spirit of Boone awards recognized community leaders for Hurricane Helene recovery and local workforce and food-access efforts.

Coastal Resilience Funding: N.C. DEQ’s Division of Coastal Management is now accepting applications for about $2.5 million in Phases 3 and 4 of the N.C. Resilient Coastal Communities Program, aimed at reducing risks from coastal hazards like flooding, sea-level rise, and storm surge; county/municipal governments and eligible tribes can apply by Nov. 10, with an Oct. 13 applicant webinar. Outer Banks Road Recovery: After a nor’easter damaged NC-12 on Pea Island, northbound lanes are set to reopen Wednesday morning, following reports of undermined/broken pavement and ongoing emergency ferry support for Hatteras Island residents. Helene’s Long Tail in WNC: Two years after Hurricane Helene, Western North Carolina communities are still dealing with altered waterways, damaged infrastructure, and lingering wildfire threat, while Henderson County held a remembrance event connecting survivors with recovery resources. Weather Extremes & Climate Signals: Coverage highlights how El Niño may be increasing the odds of more extreme weather, while another story notes September heat could delay fall foliage across North Carolina. Public Safety Reminder: Lightning deaths data shows North Carolina recorded 11 deaths from 2016-2025, underscoring that thunderstorms can be deadly even without severe conditions.

Nor’easter recovery in NC Outer Banks: High tides and pounding surf have damaged Highway 12, with ocean overwash washing out sections near Hatteras Island and leaving residents stranded; NCDOT has set up emergency ferry service between Stumpy Point and Rodanthe with restricted access, while limited ferry routes are resuming south of the damage. Coastal fisheries fight: North Carolina has appealed a court ruling that found the state failed its constitutional duty to protect public coastal fisheries, arguing climate change and budget limits were overlooked as conservation groups warn the appeal could delay fixes. Croatan National Forest roadless rule backlash: Environmental advocates are urging the federal government not to rescind the 2001 Roadless Rule, warning it could open more than 20,000 acres to logging and road building and threaten rare habitats in eastern NC; public comments run through Oct. 6. Water and flooding planning: Edenton advanced waterfront and harbor repairs, including plans for Filbert’s Creek engineering work and a federal grant application to repair Edenton Harbor breakwater structures. AI and water stress from data centers: Reporting highlights how AI data centers are driving new water and pollution concerns, with cooling methods and PFAS-linked expansion raising fresh pressure on communities and regulators. Fiber expansion in Concord: Kinetic says it added nearly 23% more fiber in the greater Concord area, pushing past 38,000 homes passed, and plans a week of community events.

Nor’easter Impacts Outer Banks: A powerful nor’easter is battering the East Coast, and North Carolina’s Highway 12 remains closed after ocean overwash and damage near Pea Island, with NCDOT working to assess repairs. Emergency Access for Hatteras: With NC-12 cut off, Dare County and NCDOT launched 24-hour emergency ferry service between Stumpy Point and Rodanthe, but entry to the island is restricted to essential personnel, critical vendors, and permanent residents. Helene Recovery, Still Uneven: Two years after Hurricane Helene, Western North Carolina communities are still rebuilding after catastrophic flooding, with residents and local nonprofits describing progress that varies by neighborhood and ongoing needs. Disaster Readiness Lessons: One Helene survivor turned storm lessons into “The Resilient Kitchen,” focusing on practical household preparedness when roads, power, and access fail. Mountain Trout Stocking Delayed: The NC Wildlife Resources Commission will wait until November to stock Delayed Harvest Trout Waters after unusually hot summer conditions and drought plus Helene damage reduced hatchery fish survival. PFAS Settlement Watch: North Carolina’s Chemours settlement is drawing mixed reactions—promising relief for local governments, but criticized by advocates as too small for decades of pollution.

Wildlife & Water Temperatures: The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission will delay fall 2026 Delayed Harvest trout stocking after unusually hot summer water temperatures, drought, and Hurricane Helene impacts left hatchery supplies short—staff estimate about 70% of trout lost at Armstrong State Fish Hatchery since June. Air Pollution Oversight: Environmental advocates accuse datacenter developers of dodging tougher EPA review by splitting emissions into smaller “minor” permits; in North Carolina, Amazon and Duke Energy’s diesel generator plan for a hyperscale center is cited as avoiding a major review in a low-income area already hit by pollution. Storm Impacts Beyond NC, With NC Ripples: A powerful nor’easter continues to batter the U.S. Northeast with flooding and outages, while North Carolina’s Outer Banks face ongoing damage and ferry disruptions; N.C. Ferry Division resumes key routes and plans emergency service between Stumpy Point and Rodanthe while N.C. 12 remains closed. Conservation Access & Land Use: The U.S. Forest Service is considering a rule shift that would presume many trails open to ATVs, dirt bikes, and 4x4s unless marked closed, drawing criticism from conservation groups over habitat and erosion risks. Community Reuse: Savers thrift opens a new Donation Drop Spot in Salisbury to route reusable items to the American Red Cross, aiming to keep clothing and housewares out of landfills.

Nor’easter Impacts (NC to New England): A powerful, slow-moving nor’easter is battering the East Coast with heavy rain, dangerous surf, and high winds that have knocked out power and triggered flooding warnings from North Carolina up through New England, with officials urging people to stay out of the water. Outer Banks Access Crisis: Dare County declared a state of emergency for Hatteras Island after N.C. Highway 12 was severely damaged by ocean overwash, cutting road access between the Marc Basnight Bridge and Rodanthe; emergency ferry service between Stumpy Point and Rodanthe is being set up, and residents are told not to head to terminals until schedules are announced. Helene Recovery, Still Ongoing: Two years after Hurricane Helene, Western North Carolina recovery work continues—NCDOT reports nearly all Helene-related road incidents are now open, while local groups and case-management hubs say many residents still need help. Public Health Watch: Forsyth County reported a human West Nile virus case tied to an infected mosquito, reminding residents to tip and toss standing water. Policy & Environment: NC Attorney General Jeff Jackson is pushing Congress for AI guardrails, citing concerns about harmful AI activity.

Coastal Storm Watch: A powerful nor’easter is battering the U.S. Northeast with heavy rain, damaging winds, coastal flooding, and widespread power outages, with warnings stretching from North Carolina’s Outer Banks up through New York and New England. Outer Banks Impacts: NCDOT says parts of NC12 remain closed due to ocean overwash and sound-side flooding, including areas between the Basnight Bridge and Rodanthe and on Ocracoke near the ferry terminal. Hurricane Helene Aftermath (NC): Two years after Hurricane Helene, Western North Carolina recovery still lags in some rural communities, with ongoing questions about repairs, funding gaps, and what’s left to rebuild. Water & Infrastructure: Hendersonville honored a long-time water treatment operator as North Carolina’s A-Surface Operator of the Year, highlighting the people keeping drinking water running through extreme weather. Public Health in Rural NC: ECU research supports free Narcan vending machines across rural counties to improve overdose preparedness and access to harm-reduction tools. Electric Aviation: Raleigh Exec Jetport hosted an eLIFT-NC showcase, with Gov. Josh Stein flying on an electric aircraft as the state expands electric and autonomous aviation links for health care access and disaster response.