AGP Executive Report

Extreme Heat & Safety: A deadly multi-day heat wave is tightening across the eastern U.S., breaking records and straining the electric grid as Independence Day events ramp up; in North Carolina, a Piedmont Triad extreme heat warning flags heat index values up to about 113°F, with officials urging hydration and heat illness precautions. Local Cooling Options: In Wake County, Fantasy Lake Adventure Park is sold out for two days as families look for ways to beat the heat, with staff emphasizing water and lifeguard monitoring. Holiday Fire Risk: Kure Beach is adding extra fire staffing for the Fourth of July weekend due to dry conditions, reiterating that personal fireworks remain illegal while licensed public displays continue. Hurricane Season Prep: A new column urges North Carolinians to review insurance (including flood coverage), follow shelter-in-place guidance, and watch for contractor scams after storms. Disaster Funding: FEMA approved nearly $197 million in additional support for Hurricane Helene recovery and mitigation projects across North Carolina, including debris removal and road/bridge repairs. Grid & Water Pressure From AI: National coverage highlights how heat waves are raising alarms about power and water demands tied to rapid AI data center expansion. Water & Drought Watch: Brunswick County is under mandatory water conservation alert as drought worsens, and other parts of the state face continued dry conditions. Transportation & Public Safety: Troopers are searching for a hit-and-run driver after a deadly I-73 crash in Montgomery County; separately, Kure Beach and other local agencies are preparing for holiday surges amid hazardous conditions.

Heat & public health: A dangerous, multi-day heat wave is tightening across much of the eastern U.S. ahead of the Fourth of July, with officials opening cooling centers and adding emergency support as humidity raises heat illness risk. Climate link: A new study says this kind of extreme heat would be “virtually impossible” without fossil fuel pollution, underscoring how climate change is worsening summer hazards. Local water & shoreline restoration: Craven County commissioners approved grant administration for the Cypress Bay on the Neuse River living shoreline project, aiming to stabilize vulnerable shoreline areas and restore habitat using natural materials. Data centers & local rules: Residents pressed county staff on proposed data center zoning rules, raising concerns about noise, setbacks, water impacts, enforcement, and backup power. Drought & fire safety: New Hanover County Fire and Rescue urged residents to check burn bans and use extra caution with fireworks due to drought and hot conditions. Policy watch: Gov. Josh Stein signed four bills into law, including changes affecting environmental board oversight and other public-safety and tax measures. Community note: Southport’s Fourth of July festival is underway, with roots traced to 1795 and major events including naturalization, parade, and fireworks.

Crypto Consumer Protection: North Carolina lawmakers advanced House Bill 920 to rein in crypto ATM fraud by bringing kiosk operators under the Money Transmitters Act and adding fraud-screening and oversight. PFAS Accountability: The DOJ, EPA, and West Virginia DEP announced a multi-state settlement with Chemours over “forever chemicals” tied to alleged PFAS discharges into the Cape Fear River and other waterways. Drought & Water Cuts: Brunswick County moved to a Stage 2 mandatory Water Conservation Alert as drought worsens, while Wayne County remains in severe drought and residents are watching for any new restrictions. Dangerous Heat: A heat wave is driving grid strain and health risks across the Carolinas, with advisories warning of extreme heat through the July 4 weekend. Local Resilience: Flat Rock received FEMA funding to repair King Creek after Hurricane Helene flooding damaged trails and eroded creek banks. Harbor Review: USACE released the final environmental review for the Wilmington Harbor Project, starting a required 30-day waiting period before a decision.

Heat & Power: The U.S. Department of Energy declared an emergency for the PJM grid as an extreme East Coast heat wave pushes demand to record levels, with North Carolina in the affected service area. Drought & Water Cuts: Boone, N.C. moved to broader Stage 2 water restrictions as Watauga County stays in extreme drought, limiting lawn watering, pool filling, and other nonessential uses. Coastal Access Funding: NC DEQ’s Division of Coastal Management opened applications for the FY2027 North Carolina Boating Infrastructure Grant Program to improve docks, piers, moorings, pump-out facilities, and other public access. Wildlife Management: The NC Wildlife Resources Commission adopted new deer hunting rules to help manage Chronic Wasting Disease, including a special early antlered season and updated carcass disposal requirements. Helene Recovery & Waterways: Sen. Ted Budd vowed to oppose supplemental funding unless it includes ongoing Hurricane Helene recovery needs for western North Carolina, where debris still clogs waterways. Community Water Action: Registration is open for Beaufort County’s 10th annual Walk for Water, raising money for safe water solutions after disasters including Helene.

Coastal Access Funding: The NC Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Coastal Management is taking applications for FY2027 North Carolina Boating Infrastructure Grant Program money, supporting projects like transient docks, piers, mooring buoys, pump-out facilities and other boating access upgrades in the state’s 20 CAMA counties. PFAS Transparency Fight: North Carolina’s new budget sets aside $22M for a new “forever chemicals” study at UNC’s Collaboratory—but critics say the plan would sidestep DEQ and keep results confidential by classifying staff as legislative employees. Heat Safety, Real-Time Risk: A heat advisory is in effect across much of central and northern NC, with heat index values near 105 and dangerous humidity through Thursday evening, as another prolonged heat stretch threatens holiday plans. Water Policy Pressure: Charlotte Water says lawmakers’ extended moratorium on expanding interbasin transfers could delay its plan to increase Catawba River basin water transfers, raising concerns about service impacts. Wildfire Air-Quality Rules: New Hanover and Pender counties were added as high-hazard open-burning areas, tightening permit requirements for land clearing and debris burns. WATERS Summit on Flooding: North Carolina leaders and experts met at the WATERS Summit to push flood mitigation strategies, from better water management to smarter investments across the next 5, 25 and 100 years. Severe Storm Watch: Western NC faces a severe thunderstorm watch with potential damaging winds and large hail alongside the ongoing heat.

Offshore Wind Reversal: Duke Energy is set to receive $129 million after the federal government moves to end its North Carolina offshore wind lease, a sign of how quickly energy plans can flip. Watershed Action: RiverLink’s Creek Week (July 6–11) brings cleanups, hikes, paddles, and family events to protect the French Broad River and local streams after Helene. Wildlife-Safe Roads: A coalition won safer passage for wildlife in the I-40 rebuild in the Pigeon River Gorge, with crossing structures planned alongside reconstruction. Flood Resilience Planning: Black Mountain will hold a public info session July 15 on the Swannanoa River Floodbench and constructed wetlands project aimed at reducing flooding, erosion, and improving water quality. Heat & Drought Pressure: Eastern NC braces for a Fourth of July heat wave with heat risks and safety reminders, while drought conditions continue across the state and farmers prepare for extreme temperatures. Ash Tree Recovery: The Appalachian Trail Conservancy marks 10 years of ash conservation, highlighting resilience efforts against emerald ash borer impacts in the Blue Ridge. Local Clean Energy: Randolph County selected Waga Energy to turn landfill methane from the Great Oak Landfill into renewable natural gas.

Heat & Climate Risk: Buncombe County issued a heat health alert ahead of a holiday-week heat dome, with climate change flagged as a growing driver of prolonged extreme summer conditions. Hurricane Season Prep: North Carolina’s danger zone is stretching farther inland as forecasters track tropical development off the Southeast coast and warn that inland flooding and outages can hit even without a direct landfall. State Budget—Helene Recovery: Lawmakers released a draft $706 million “Disaster Recovery Act of 2026” package, aimed at helping unlock federal disaster aid, boosting temporary housing support, volunteer home repairs, and private road and bridge funding. PFAS & Chemical Recycling: A new report highlights hazardous chemicals stored at “chemical” recycling facilities, including high quantities of sulfuric acid, raising fire and spill concerns. Food Price Collusion: The Justice Department and 17 states reached settlements with major egg producers over alleged price-fixing, with $3.3 million in penalties and 53 million eggs to be donated. Local Water/Infrastructure Oversight: The NC Turnpike Authority is using drone LiDAR to improve construction progress tracking and safety on the Complete 540 project. Community Safety Funding: The Endowment announced more than $12 million in New Hanover County grants, with over $8 million focused on trauma-informed services, crisis care, and prevention/intervention programs. Public Health Outbreak Watch: CDC reports a spreading parasite causing “explosive diarrhea” (cyclospora), with cases across 17 states.

Heat Wave Watch: NOAA is flagging a brutal, record-shattering heat stretch across the eastern U.S., with the hottest risk corridor stretching into North Carolina through the July 4 holiday weekend, and heat indices pushing past 100 degrees. Local Forecast: In the Triad, forecasters warn humidity is climbing and triple-digit heat index values could drive heat illness concerns over the holiday weekend. Tropical Update: The National Hurricane Center is monitoring a low-pressure area off the Southeast Coast; slow development is possible, but North Carolina beaches are expected to see little to no impact even if it becomes tropical. Water & Land Conservation: Gaston County and the Catawba Lands Conservancy are buying a 562-acre Lake Wylie tract for a new park with trails and public access, with floodplains and wetlands helping filter stormwater runoff. PFAS & Energy Policy: The Interior Department says it reached a settlement with Duke Energy that would end an offshore wind lease in Carolina Long Bay and redirect $129 million into other generating capacity—drawing fresh criticism from clean-energy advocates. Public Safety: NCDOT plans overnight I-26 West closures in Asheville for road work tied to the Blue Ridge Parkway Bridge project. Food Safety: The Clover Hill Dairy listeria outbreak has grown to 12 confirmed cases across four states, with Illinois newly added.

PFAS Accountability: Chemours is facing a major $450 million PFAS settlement with U.S. agencies, with North Carolina officials calling it an insult and environmental groups saying it doesn’t go far enough for river and groundwater cleanup. Heat & Drought Watch: A dangerous, potentially record-setting heat wave is building across North Carolina heading into the July 4 weekend, with drought conditions still limiting relief and officials urging strict hydration and heat safety. Water Quality & Public Health: North Carolina DEQ is warning residents to avoid discolored water during the holiday period and is also flagging harmful algal bloom risks. Outdoor Land Protection: Gaston County’s purchase of 562 acres along Lake Wylie will become a public recreation park while preserving wetlands and floodplains that help filter stormwater and protect wildlife. State Infrastructure Updates: NCDOT has launched DriveNC.dot.gov, a new real-time travel site and app with road closures, weather radar, and major-event alerts to help drivers plan around storms and disruptions. Housing After Helene: The state is opening a $70 million Renew NC program for Western North Carolina multi-family construction and repair, aiming to rebuild safe, affordable rentals after Hurricane Helene.

Extreme Heat Watch: A dangerous, potentially record-setting heat wave is building across the eastern U.S. into the July 4 weekend, with heat indices climbing into the 100–110° range and especially high risk for people with respiratory issues and older adults. Storm Setup for NC: North Carolina is also dealing with an early-week mix of lingering showers and isolated strong to severe thunderstorms, with heavy rain and damaging winds possible before the hotter stretch locks in. Invasive Plants, Goats Instead of Chemicals: Raleigh-area residents are using herds of goats to chew back invasive vines like English ivy and kudzu, offering a low-chemical alternative for restoring native vegetation. Wildlife Conservation Win: Biologists report a rare Indiana bat maternity roost rediscovered in the Nantahala National Forest, a boost for an endangered species pressured by habitat loss and white-nose syndrome. Community Water Support: Beaufort County’s Walk for Water is back with registration open, raising funds for clean water solutions that also support disaster-impacted areas like western North Carolina after Helene. Education on the Move: Sturgeon City’s new “STEAM on the Go” bus brings hands-on environmental and science learning directly to schools in Onslow County.

PFAS Fallout in the Cape Fear: Federal and state regulators reached a $450 million settlement with Chemours over “forever chemicals” released into the Ohio, Cape Fear, and Delaware rivers, with penalties and long-term cleanup commitments—though critics say communities still need stronger protections. Heat and Storms on the Way: North Carolina is bracing for another round of showers and storms, with isolated severe risk, followed by a hotter stretch where heat index values can push past 100. Wildlife Safety: The NC Wildlife Resources Commission is urging people not to feed alligators as encounters rise during mating season and warmer months. Drought Pressure: Rocky Mount has started mandatory water conservation, limiting lawn watering and other nonessential uses, with repeat violations risking shutoffs. Wildfire Mitigation Help for WNC: The NC Forest Service is offering free wildfire risk reduction work in 39 Helene disaster-declared counties, including prescribed burns and defensible-space treatments. Local Water Quality Warning: NCDEQ is warning residents to avoid discolored water during the 4th of July period. Community Education Gains: Alamance-Burlington schools previewed preliminary test results showing a jump in student proficiency, aiming to avoid low-performing district status.

PFAS Accountability: Federal and state regulators secured a $450 million settlement with Chemours over “forever chemicals” released for more than a decade into the Cape Fear and other rivers, with the deal including a $22.5 million civil penalty and long-term funding to cut discharges and improve drinking water. Water Under Pressure: Rocky Mount has started mandatory Stage 1 water conservation as drought reduces supplies, limiting outdoor watering to twice weekly and restricting other uses; repeat violators could face shutoffs. Storms & Power Risks: Severe storms moved through central NC, knocking out power for thousands as downed trees and lightning hit utility lines; officials warned outages could continue as additional storms pop up. Wildlife Safety: The NC Wildlife Resources Commission is seeing more alligator encounters and urges coastal residents and visitors not to feed or interact with them, warning that feeding can make alligators less afraid of people. Energy Bills: Duke Energy Carolinas reduced its requested residential rate increase from 18% to 11.6% after public pushback, though the AG says the revised proposal is still too high. Heat & Humidity Watch: Forecasts point to another muggy weekend with scattered storms and a dangerous heat ramp into next week, raising the stakes for outdoor safety.

Severe Weather Watch: Charlotte-area counties and parts of upstate South Carolina are under severe thunderstorm warnings, with damaging wind gusts up to 60 mph and possible hail as storms develop Saturday into Sunday. Heat & Health: North Carolina is heading into a dangerous heat stretch into early July, with heat illness risk rising as temperatures feel like the 100s around the July 4 holiday. PFAS Accountability: The U.S. Justice Department and EPA reached a major $450 million PFAS settlement with Chemours, renewing pressure on polluters and water-safety protections across North Carolina. Clean Water & Algal Bloom Alerts: State officials are warning residents about harmful algal blooms and urging caution around discolored water ahead of Fourth of July gatherings. Disaster Resilience: DEQ is investing $5 million in emergency microgrids across six western NC counties to keep critical services running during outages like those after Hurricane Helene. Local Conservation Win: A French Broad River access point near Mills River reopened for public use after a conservation partnership helped restore recreational access. Wildlife Protection: An alligator shot near Stumpy Point in the Alligator River Wildlife Refuge area was linked to a guilty plea, highlighting ongoing enforcement against harm to protected species.

PFAS Accountability: The Trump administration reached a multi-state settlement with Chemours over “forever chemicals,” with the company set to pay $450M total—$22.5M in penalties plus about $90M over 15 years for mitigation in West Virginia, North Carolina and New Jersey, including pollution controls and drinking-water support. Local Water Fight: Residents of Robeson County are suing the county over landfill contamination they say is leaching PFAS into drinking water, alleging the county knowingly allowed the pollution to spread since at least 2023. Heat & Flood Risk: The National Weather Service issued multiple flood watches for parts of North Carolina, warning of flash flooding from heavy rain and tropical moisture. Drought & Water Planning: Boone is implementing Stage 2 water restrictions July 1 as extreme drought continues, while other areas weigh conservation as conditions stay dry. Coastal Wildlife: Buxton, NC topped a national dolphin-sighting ranking, and Chincoteague also placed in the top 10—highlighting how sheltered coastal waters support marine life. Public Notice Transparency: An editorial criticizes a bill that would shift local public notices from trusted independent publishers to government-run websites, raising concerns about access and accountability.

PFAS Accountability: Cape Fear Riverkeeper questions how much North Carolina communities will actually benefit from a proposed $450M Chemours PFAS settlement, even as federal regulators call it a landmark deal. Water & Drought: Boone moves into Stage 2 Water Restrictions July 1 as extreme drought persists, limiting lawn watering, pool refills, and other nonessential uses. Drinking Water Funding: EPA announces more than $25M in grants to improve drinking water in small and rural communities, including help targeting PFAS and lead. Flood Risk: NWS issues flood advisories and a flood watch for northwest North Carolina, warning of flash flooding from repeat heavy rain. Coastal Infrastructure: Gov. Josh Stein volunteers at an OBX food pantry and also presses for answers on the long-delayed Mid-Currituck Bridge project. Local Agriculture Tech: Eastern North Carolina farmers are increasingly using drones for crop monitoring and targeted spraying. Community & Nature: Bertie Beach prepares to open for summer with 147 acres of nature-focused recreation along the Chowan River.

PFAS Accountability: The EPA, DOJ and West Virginia DEP reached a landmark $450 million settlement with Chemours over “forever chemicals” released into the Cape Fear River in North Carolina and other waterways, with Chemours set to fund drinking-water alternatives and compliance upgrades. State Pushback: North Carolina’s attorney general called the deal an “insult,” saying the state gets only about $2 million a year for 15 years and is still left to deal with major contamination impacts. Storms + Heat: A new round of storms is expected to return to the Carolinas this weekend, followed by a heat wave with dangerous heat indices into next week. Drought Watch: Camden announced Stage Two mandatory water conservation as dry conditions intensify across the Catawba-Wateree basin. Habitat Protection: Coastal Land Trust and Copper Builders reached an agreement that could preserve more than 3,200 acres of Sledge Forest, including riparian corridors and old-growth areas, if development proceeds as approved. Community Concerns: Residents and advocates renewed criticism of NC data center growth, citing worries about water quality and supply.