AGP Executive Report

Data Centers & Water Quality: Virginia’s data center debate is getting sharper as reporting highlights limited tracking of chemicals in cooling-water discharges, including permits tied to creeks feeding Lake Anna—raising concerns about “forever chemicals” and what regulators may be missing. Microplastics: Va. Attorney General Jeff Jackson praised EPA research on microplastics in drinking water but urged mandatory monitoring so communities know what they’re exposed to. Climate Policy: Virginia is set to rejoin the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, with advocates arguing it will push cleaner power and fund flood preparedness and energy efficiency for low-income households. Local Air & Noise: Arlington County is weighing a longer phase-out of gas leaf blowers, with a public hearing set after a vote to consider an 18–36 month transition. Wildlife Health: A rabid raccoon was reported in Waynesboro, prompting exposure warnings and rabies-prevention guidance. Invasive Species: A new warning spreads about toxic, invasive hammerhead worms that can regenerate and are hard to kill. Storm Impacts: A severe storm caused a tent collapse at EastLake Community Church in Moneta, killing one and injuring 22. Public Safety: First responders searched the Potomac near Great Falls for a missing swimmer, later shifting to recovery-focused efforts.

Chesapeake Bay Wildlife: A new study links lower Chesapeake Bay osprey reproduction to food stress tied to reduced access to Atlantic menhaden, adding fuel to the long-running debate over how the forage fishery is managed. River Restoration: After the 200-year Ashland Mill Dam came down, biologists and volunteers reintroduced more than 750 “functionally extinct” freshwater mussels upstream in the South Anna River, restoring a key fish-mussel connection. Eastern Shore Drought: The National Weather Service says drought is worsening across parts of Virginia’s Eastern Shore, with streamflows still far below normal and agricultural stress reported despite some scattered showers. Coastal Erosion: Tangier Island leaders warn that rising waters are shrinking the island fast and pushing residents to leave, calling for more federal help to keep the working community alive. Severe Weather: Storm threats continue across the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast, with lightning and damaging winds possible as heat and humidity linger. Data Centers & Policy: Virginia’s energy and utility politics are heating up alongside broader fights over data center growth, including concerns about rates, grid strain, and environmental standards.

Severe Weather Watch: A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect for the D.C. region through 11 p.m. Sunday, with damaging winds, heavy rain, large hail, and isolated tornadoes possible as storms roll in after hot, humid conditions. Storm Impacts in Virginia: In Bedford County, a church tent collapsed during EastLake Community Church’s 20th anniversary celebration, killing one and injuring 22 as high winds hit within seconds. Wildlife & Invasives: A field trial in Maryland found pet dogs can outperform professional plant disease specialists at sniffing out spotted lanternfly egg clusters, a promising tool as the invasive pest spreads. Local Land Use: Rockingham County supervisors rejected a proposed solar farm near Timberville, with residents citing concerns about stormwater runoff, pollution, and impacts to prime agricultural land. Agriculture & Food Systems: Virginia’s regenerative farming continues to grow, with a young farmer’s vineyard operations earning Certified Regenified status, while a new USDA push aims to expand small meat processing so more Virginia beef can be processed locally. Community Health Data: Virginia’s Cancer Registry released updated pediatric cancer findings in Scott County, saying the cases don’t meet criteria for a cluster and will continue monitoring.

Extreme Weather & Safety: A severe storm cell helped trigger a deadly tent collapse at East Lake Community Church in Moneta, where one person died and 22 were injured during an outdoor 20th anniversary service. Heat & Storm Outlook: Richmond-area forecasts call for hot, muggy conditions with isolated to scattered thunderstorms after mid-afternoon, including damaging wind gusts as the main threat. Data Centers vs. Communities: Virginia remains at the center of the AI data-center backlash, with critics warning about power and water strain and pointing to Loudoun-area impacts; the debate is also spilling into national politics as lawmakers consider new rules and counter-drone authority for critical infrastructure. Marine Heat & Ecosystems: New research from the Virginia Institute of Marine Science finds marine heatwaves are longer than the official “event” label suggests, with warm periods before and after soaking into coastal ecosystems. Wildlife & Habitat: A Virginia Tech study finds pet dogs can outperform humans in spotted lanternfly searches, offering a new tool for managing an invasive pest. Outdoor Recreation: Volunteers with the Lake Gaston Outdoor Club helped improve Buck Spring Park trails, including clearing obstructions and repairing a failing bridge.

Data-center fight in Richmond: House budget talks in Virginia are again snagging on whether data centers keep a sales-tax exemption, with the latest proposal dropping some environmental standards tied to the break—leaving lawmakers to negotiate a “compromise” before June 30. Local impacts of the data-center boom: Prince William County residents are pushing back hard, arguing the promise of jobs and growth can still reshape communities fast, based on their experience with large-scale development. AI and climate risk: A new look at how AI’s power and water needs are turning climate risk into a direct financial issue for investors. Severe weather and public safety: A severe storm cell helped trigger a tent collapse at EastLake Community Church in Moneta, killing 1 and injuring 22; forecasters also warn Sunday could bring damaging winds and isolated tornadoes across parts of the Mid-Atlantic. Ticks and wildlife: Charlottesville-area pest professionals report a tick surge, and Stafford County rescuers say lead poisoning killed one adult bald eagle while others were rescued. Outdoor community wins: The Lake Gaston Outdoor Club is helping maintain trails and a park nature route in Warren County.

Data Center Backlash in Virginia: Warren County approved data center regulations on a first reading, aiming to limit siting impacts with setbacks (500 feet from property lines, 1,500 feet from residences) and requiring closed-loop cooling to reduce water demand. Severe Weather Safety: A church tent collapsed during an outdoor service in Moneta (Bedford County) after a storm cell brought heavy rain, lightning, and strong winds; 1 person died and 22 were injured. Heat and Grid Strain: A hot, storm-prone weekend is expected across the region, with heat stressing power grids and raising the risk of outages. Invasive Species Control: The Forest Service and Virginia agriculture officials plan aerial treatments to slow spongy moth spread in Southwest Virginia, using a pheromone-based approach to disrupt reproduction. Community Outdoors: Richmond SailFest brought tall ships to the James River as part of Virginia’s 250th anniversary celebrations.

Invasive Species Control: The Forest Service and Virginia agriculture officials plan aerial treatments starting June 10 to slow spongy moth spread in Southwest Virginia and nearby Tennessee, using a pheromone that disrupts mating and is described as very low risk to people and wildlife. Wildlife Care: Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center in Roanoke is in its busiest stretch, with 300+ animals in care, including two orphaned bobcat kittens admitted after their mother was killed by a vehicle. Pollinators: A new look at pollination highlights bumblebees’ “buzz pollination” and why their fuzzy bodies make them especially effective at moving pollen across Virginia’s spring and summer blooms. Storms & Heat: The D.C. region and parts of Virginia faced severe thunderstorm warnings and flash-flood alerts amid record heat, with guidance to watch for damaging winds, hail, and downed trees. Hurricane Readiness: Shenandoah Valley Electric Cooperative urged customers to prepare now for hurricane-season outages, including charging devices and planning for medical needs during power loss. Local Roads: VDOT posted multiple lane-closure and slow-roll plans across Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads, including Route 29 widening work and overnight I-64/I-95 maintenance. Drought Relief: USDA emergency loans are available for farmers in nine drought-designated Virginia counties, with an application deadline of Jan. 31, 2027.

Heat & Storm Impacts: A Heat Advisory is in effect for Arlington and the D.C. region Friday, with heat index values up to 107 and Arlington Public Schools limiting outdoor activities; severe storms also knocked out power for thousands in Northern Virginia, including about 3,640 customers in Arlington. Data Center Backlash (Virginia & beyond): A new Virginia law requires data center water usage be made public, as communities nationwide push back on AI-driven growth that strains power and water; in Virginia politics, budget talks are again tangled with data center tax exemptions. Water & Public Health: California AG Rob Bonta joined a multistate push urging EPA to expand monitoring of microplastics in drinking water. Local Environment & Wildlife: Ijams Nature Center is getting support for new community science and playscape updates at Grayson Subaru Preserve. Business & Jobs (Roanoke): RINGANA will invest $85 million in Roanoke, creating 435 jobs, with manufacturing and distribution tied to its U.S. hub.

Data Centers & Water Transparency (Virginia): A new Virginia law requires local water authorities to report data center water use, with figures posted on the Department of Environmental Quality’s website—aimed at making the debate more grounded in public numbers. Local Power & Grid Stress: A new warning argues the Eastern power grid could hit emergency peak-power shortfalls by June 2027, with demand growth from data centers and electrification raising blackout risk. Battery Storage Siting (Chesapeake): The Chesapeake Planning Commission voted 7-1 to recommend denial of a proposed Mill Stone battery energy storage facility, sending the decision to City Council on July 21. Heat & Storm Safety (Virginia/Maryland/DC): Heat advisories remain in effect through evening and return Friday, with officials urging hydration and cooling-center use as humidity pushes heat index values near 107. Drought Watch (Carolinas): Severe, long-term drought conditions persist across central North Carolina, with major precipitation deficits and tightening water supplies. Community Food Infrastructure (Shenandoah Valley): Shenandoah University won a $100,000 GO Virginia grant to plan a shared-use commercial kitchen and culinary hub for local food entrepreneurs. Wildlife & Habitat: The National Park Service acquired land in Wisconsin to reroute part of the North Country National Scenic Trail off roads and onto protected habitat.

Extreme Heat Response: Lynchburg opened multiple air-conditioned cooling centers for mid-90s temperatures Thursday and Friday, urging residents to hydrate and seek relief during peak hours. Extreme Weather Watch: Triad-area forecasts warn very hot conditions could spark late-day severe thunderstorms with strong winds. Aquatic Restoration: Volunteers returned long-missing alewife floater mussels to the South Anna River after the Ashland Mill Dam removal reopened habitat for migratory fish that mussels rely on. Agriculture & Forestry Policy: Gov. Abigail Spanberger signed Virginia’s first Farm & Forest Prosperity Plan, directing the state to build a roadmap to support farmers and foresters facing rising costs and trade uncertainty. Data Center Debate (Virginia context): Virginia lawmakers are questioning the costs of RGGI as the broader data-center boom fuels fights over power, water, and local impacts. Education & Federal Scrutiny: Loudoun County’s superintendent defended district commitments to student needs and parental cooperation during a congressional hearing tied to ongoing federal investigations. Community Safety: Virginia’s Department of Health and local partners are also activating cooling options as heat persists.

Heat Relief in Virginia’s Region: Delaware opened DHSS cooling stations as a first major heat wave pushed heat index values toward triple digits, with sites across New Castle, Kent and Sussex counties. Local River Cleanup: Richmond is starting the first phase of debris removal at Potterfield Bridge, aiming to clear about 17 tons of accumulated material and recycle it into mulch. Extreme Weather Impacts Farms: Shenandoah County asked for an agricultural disaster declaration after a late freeze and dry spring damaged hay, pasture, orchards, vineyards and barley, with groundwater reported at very low levels. Data Centers vs. Power Costs: A new wave of state debate over data center impacts on electricity bills and grid reliability continues, with Virginia’s own budget fight tied to whether sales tax exemptions for data center equipment end early. Public Health Alert: Clover Hill Dairy issued a recall of soft ricotta/requeson cheese in multiple states after illnesses tied to listeria, including cases reported in Virginia. Community Safety Staffing: Warren County supervisors approved applying for a federal SAFER grant to add 18 fire and rescue positions, with local matching costs after the grant period.

Power & Grid Pressure: Virginia’s State Corporation Commission approved a new tariff that makes big data centers (25+ MW) post hefty collateral—$1.5 million per booked megawatt—starting Jan. 1, 2027, shifting more risk onto projects that stall. Local Data Center Backlash: Residents in Frederick County, Md., are pushing back on more “hyperscale” data centers and fear “data center alley” conditions spreading from Loudoun, while Culpeper County supervisors sent PJM a letter opposing changes to the Joshua Falls–Yeat transmission scope over land, farm, historic, and environmental impacts. Climate & Weather: Forecasters warn steamy conditions across the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast could fuel severe storms, with heat and humidity raising instability and flood risk. Wildlife & Public Safety: Northern Virginia copperheads may be showing up earlier than usual, and hospitals are treating snakebite cases as families spend more time outdoors. Coastal Ecology: Virginia researchers are tracking red knots and their prey on the Eastern Shore, highlighting how sea level rise and warming threaten barrier-island habitat and marine food webs. Aerospace at Wallops: Rocket Lab’s HASTE suborbital launch is set for early Thursday from Wallops Island, with rain and cloud cover possible during the window. Policy & Governance: A Delaware nuclear feasibility task force delayed its report timeline, underscoring how energy decisions can slip past legislative deadlines. National Parks & Controversy: Lawsuits and a DOJ response continue over UFC Freedom 250 on White House grounds, raising questions about permits and environmental rule exemptions.

Air Quality Public Comment: DEQ is seeking public input on a draft federal operating permit modification for Dickenson-Russell Contura’s McClure River Preparation Plant in McClure, with comments due June 10–July 10. Stormwater Pollution Enforcement: Arlington County arrested two men accused of dumping motor oil and gasoline into storm drains, raising risks for public safety and local water quality. Urban Nature in Charlottesville: Charlottesville Parks and Rec is adding a native wildflower and grass meadow at McIntire Park to boost pollinators and biodiversity while cutting mowing, watering, and chemical use. Wildlife Care: Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center in Roanoke is rehabilitating two orphaned bobcat kittens found beside their dead mother in Russell County. Mosquito Control Research: Virginia Tech researchers report mosquitoes may learn to associate DEET with a reward, a finding that could affect how repellents work in real-world use. Energy Reliability Warning: A new report argues PJM’s grid may run short of emergency peak power by June 2027, driven by rising demand including data centers and electrification. Data Center Backlash (Out of State, With Virginia Relevance): Residents and officials continue to clash over data centers’ water and power impacts, including a Mesa, Arizona fight that echoes concerns Virginia communities are raising.

Data Center Fight in Virginia Budget Talks: Virginia’s top Democrats are clashing publicly over how data centers should be charged for energy use and environmental impacts as budget negotiations drag toward the June 30 deadline, with lawmakers failing to pass a budget earlier and reconvening mid-June. Local Land-Use Pressure: In Loudoun County, residents and school officials are pushing back on Dominion Energy’s proposed Golden-to-Mars transmission line, arguing the route would cut too close to schools, neighborhoods, and the Broad Run waterway. Community Deal Under Scrutiny: In Ashburn, 143 homeowners are weighing a roughly $4.4 million payout tied to a $500 million-plus data center deal, but not everyone wants to sell—raising questions about “community transformation” versus neighborhood change. Plastic Pollution Push: Ahead of World Oceans Day, Oceana is renewing calls to ban or restrict styrofoam/foam food packaging, citing how it breaks into harmful fragments for wildlife and can end up in people. Public Safety & Wildlife: Copperhead snake encounters are rising earlier than usual around the DC area after unusual weather swings, prompting more removals and relocations.

Drought & Water Use: Fauquier County Water and Sanitation Authority has issued mandatory outdoor water restrictions after DEQ’s drought warning and falling groundwater levels, banning most irrigation, outdoor washing, and water-heavy amenities (with limited safety/health exceptions). Ticks & Public Health: Virginia health officials and local providers report a major tick surge, with ER/urgent care visits tied to tick bites or tick-borne illness up sharply this spring; guidance focuses on yard maintenance and tick bite prevention. Data Centers & the Grid: Virginia’s budget talks are stalled again, with a key fight over data center tax exemptions tied to billions in potential revenue, while nationally regulators warn AI-driven power demand could force major grid operator reforms. Land Conservation: Loudoun County land records show Northern Virginia developer Chuck Kuhn’s JK Land Holdings bought more acreage for conservation easements, including the 222-acre O’Connor estate near Balls Bluff Battlefield Park. Wildlife Habitat: After dam removal, freshwater mussel species were reintroduced to the South Anna River, part of ongoing restoration work.

Data centers and local strain: A new wave of public pushback is colliding with AI-driven data center growth, with residents and officials raising alarms about electricity, water, noise, and community impacts—while politicians in some places hesitate to back outright bans. Virginia wind power milestone: Rocky Forge Wind in Botetourt County is finally moving from years of delay to construction, with turbines and blades now being erected after long local opposition. UFC on the White House lawn (lawsuit): Two Virginia residents sued to stop “UFC Freedom 250,” arguing the event lacks proper congressional approval and an environmental review for federal parkland use. Virginia wildlife and hunting: Virginia’s 2026 spring turkey harvest rose sharply—up 17% statewide—after favorable weather kept birds active and hunters in the field. Road safety reminder: A Chesapeake sidewalk death tied to speeding underscores how high-speed driving continues to drive serious crashes in Virginia. Virginia Tech funding: Virginia Tech received a record $75 million gift, with most funds aimed at athletics through its “Invest to Win” initiative. Local governance and representation: The Congressional Black Caucus warns that Southern redistricting could cut Black representation in Congress, with knock-on effects that include environmental protections. Weather: Steamy conditions across the Carolinas raise the chance of scattered storms this week.