AGP Executive Report

Waste & Health: Montgomery County residents packed a town hall on whether to close or refurbish an aging incinerator, with environmentalists warning of toxic emissions violations and officials pushing for a decision by Thanksgiving. Data Centers & Power: Henry County supervisors approved a revised data center ordinance that sets up a special-use permit process and stricter requirements after residents raised concerns about impacts on communities. Water & Heat Reality Check: A new report and commentary challenge claims that data centers “don’t use water,” pointing to large daily water withdrawals and consumption—while Virginia continues to face late-week heat and severe storm threats. Wildlife Science: Virginia researchers say warming winters may not fully reset black bear hibernation timing, with daylight length also playing a role. Pollinator Habitat: Woodstock accepted a Storm Smart Chesapeake grant to plant native flowers and pollinator species across community spaces, aiming to cut runoff and boost habitat. Local Air Access: Washington Manassas Airport received FAA approval to begin commercial passenger service, expanding regional connectivity.

Data Centers & Community Impacts: Sterling residents say “temporary” natural-gas turbines at Vantage Data Centers’ VA2 site could run until 2040, after a town hall with Loudoun County and Virginia DEQ. Wildlife Health: Crater Health District confirmed rabies in a Jarratt skunk after contact with a dog, urging anyone exposed to call public health and keep pet vaccinations current. Water & Drought: USACE reports Kerr/Buggs Island Lake is far below normal pool, closing boat access as drought tightens across the Roanoke River Basin. Public Safety & Environment: Virginia DEQ and local officials are involved in environmental permitting/public notices, while VDOT schedules lane closures for tree-trimming on I-64 in Albemarle County. Agriculture & Livestock Policy: Rep. Morgan Griffith leads a congressional letter to President Trump urging action to protect cattle producers in Virginia’s Ninth District amid weather and market pressures. Health & Food Security: Charlottesville’s food equity plan is criticized for leaving gaps in grocery access, with rising pantry demand tied to SNAP cuts. Energy Costs: A CAP testimony highlights steep electricity and fuel price increases hitting households and small businesses. Outdoor Recreation: The 50th Virginia Wildlife calendar celebrates decades of conservation storytelling.

Data Centers & Water/Energy Backlash: President Trump escalated his fight over AI data centers, calling opponents “backwards and poor” as public concern grows over electricity, water use, and local costs. Virginia Policy & Regulation: A Virginia DEQ public notice seeks comment on an air permit amendment in Russell County, while another DEQ enforcement action targets wastewater violations at a Dante facility—showing regulators are still tightening environmental oversight. Local Water Quality: Stuart reported blue dye reaching its wastewater plant after a discharge into the sanitary sewer, with the color fading after Aug. 14 and no lingering color by Aug. 18. Heat & Storm Safety: Central Virginia faces continued heat and humidity with First Alert Weather Days for severe storms midweek into late week. Community & Conservation: Catoctin Forest Alliance’s Artist in Residence program highlights nature-based storytelling, and a Blacksburg nonprofit, Hope to Walk, earned finalist status for an international impact award for prosthetics work.

Sewage Crisis Response: Botetourt County supervisors will consider a plan to fund a “Tijuana River Capture and Cleanup Initiative,” including $5.8 million from local funds, faster permitting, and a standing oversight committee to reduce pollution before it reaches communities and the coast. Wildlife Health Watch: Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources reports suspected hemorrhagic disease in deer, noting the seasonal spread and urging people not to handle sick-looking deer. Data Center Backlash, Up Close: In Botetourt County, grading is set to begin for Google’s 312-acre data center site after a land disturbance permit; the county says wetlands won’t be disturbed and that erosion, stormwater controls, and regulated blasting will be required. Public Pressure on AI Infrastructure: A broader debate continues as officials and residents question data centers’ impacts on power, water, and quality of life, while Trump escalates criticism of opponents. Heat Safety Rulemaking: Virginia is moving toward new workplace standards for extreme heat, targeting water, rest, shade/cooling, training, and acclimatization for outdoor workers. Conservation Loss: Wendell Berry, a major agrarian writer and environmental activist, died at 92.

Data Center Fight in Virginia: Trump escalated his backlash against communities opposing data centers, telling protesters they’re “making China very happy” and warning they’ll be “backwards and poor,” as polling shows broad public opposition. Local Governance: Loudoun County is set to vote on a data-center moratorium, while Fairfax County civic groups push back on a proposed Plaza 500 project. Energy + Water Pressure: New reporting highlights how electricity demand and water use are becoming central to the fight over AI infrastructure. Environmental Justice: A wider look at federal rollbacks versus state-level EJ enforcement shows regulators are still moving toward community-focused permitting and compliance. Virginia Policy + Health: Virginia launched a $4.8 million “Earn to Learn” program to pay nursing students for clinical work, aiming to ease workforce shortages. Climate + Wildlife: A new study on Mount Everest links human urine at base camp to glacier melt, adding to the growing list of human impacts on warming ice.

Sewage Spill Response: Portsmouth praised Hampton Roads Sanitation District’s cleanup after a Douglas Avenue sewer main break spilled about 3.2 million gallons of wastewater, with repairs and pumping efforts underway within 72 hours while DEQ and others assessed the cause. Heat Preparedness: Lynchburg opened multiple air-conditioned cooling centers and water stations as temperatures push into the 90s and heat indices climb, urging residents to check on neighbors during peak hours. Air Pollution Enforcement: Virginia DEQ and Sandston Chemical Manufacturing Facility reached an order by consent over alleged VOC permit violations, including emissions far above the permit limit and requirements for a revised permit application. Water Security & Cyber Risk: A Virginia Tech expert warned that water and wastewater systems are vulnerable to cyberattacks that can precede physical disruption, calling for stronger protections for critical infrastructure. Drone Testing Expansion: The FAA and DOT expanded the BEYOND drone testing program, adding participants to study larger drones, longer distances, and higher-altitude operations—aimed at shaping future safety rules. Wildlife Habitat Fight: A conservation group sued the U.S. Forest Service over a large clearcutting and burning plan in Montana, arguing it harms habitat and connectivity for multiple at-risk species. New River Watershed Work: New River Conservancy was nominated for AmeriCorps NCCC “Partner of the Year” after hosting a team that cleaned up a tire dump, planted trees, and built a rain garden in Pulaski. Data Centers & Power Politics: A new report highlights how data-center demand is outpacing electricity and supply, tightening the race for land, power, and approvals—fueling growing public pushback. Virginia Tech Drone Tech: Virginia Tech opened a new facility to test technology designed to detect and stop drones, reflecting rising security focus. Arctic Military Posture: NATO officials rejected claims that NATO’s Arctic activities threaten Russia, as climate-driven access increases attention on the High North. Local Wildlife Innovation: A Virginia Beach student’s “Dolphin Guard” project earned state merit recognition for using science and technology to reduce human threats to dolphins.

Data Centers & Water: Amazon says it’s changing course on water use for a King George County data center campus after concerns about renewing a groundwater permit tied to the Potomac aquifer, as DEQ warnings point to declining availability east of I-95. Air Quality Monitoring: Virginia is moving toward a long-delayed air study near Norfolk and Newport News coal terminals, with temporary monitoring sites planned for 16 months to assess dust impacts. Public Health & Heat: A heat wave is building across Northern Virginia and the D.C. metro, with heat index values near 100°–105° and limited storm chances midweek. Wildfire Update: The Hawk Fire is 98% contained, with crews shifting to perimeter security, hot spot work, and suppression repair. Wildlife Research: Virginia Tech researchers report that black bear hibernation timing depends on both temperature and day length, adding nuance to how bears “know” when to enter dormancy. AI in Schools: Virginia Beach schools are partnering with OpenAI for a secure, staff-only ChatGPT environment, explicitly not for student use. Recreation & Fees: Virginia is raising hunting, fishing, and boating fees effective Oct. 1, with some nonresident licenses increasing up to $630. Conservation & Education: The Virginia Zoo marks its 125th anniversary with new exhibits and conservation partnerships.

Data Centers & Water/Power Politics: Sen. Raphael Warnock urged a statewide Georgia moratorium on data centers, arguing projects should only proceed with guarantees on utility rates, pollution, and transparency—after regulators approved Georgia Power’s massive power contract for an OpenAI site. Virginia Water Quality: A Virginia-focused op-ed highlights HRSD’s SWIFT approach to replenish the Potomac aquifer while cutting nutrient pollution and slowing saltwater intrusion and land subsidence. Wildlife & Habitat: A Virginia farmer’s decades-long fight helped protect land and build a wildlife corridor—an example of conservation that outlasts development pressure. Outdoor Access & Fees: Virginia DWR raised hunting, fishing, and boating fees effective Oct. 1, with some nonresident licenses jumping up to $630. Heat & Health: A regional heat update warns of hotter, muggy conditions and rising heat-illness risk for students and athletes ahead of Labor Day. Coastal Cleanup: Miami-Dade plans major International Coastal Cleanup events Sept. 19, mobilizing volunteers to protect beaches and marine ecosystems. Local Funding: Gov. Spanberger recommended $80,000 in ARC funding for Smyth County for comprehensive site planning tied to a 213-acre opportunity.

Data & Water Policy: A Virginia-based op-ed spotlights HRSD’s SWIFT approach to replenish the Potomac aquifer while cutting nutrient pollution into the James, Elizabeth and York rivers—framing groundwater sustainability as a climate and coastal-safety issue. Local Governance & Infrastructure: Virginia is also weighing tougher data center rules as growth spreads beyond “data center alley,” with public hearings and zoning debates continuing across the region. Wildfire Recovery: The Hawk Fire is reported at 98% containment, with crews doing mop-up and repairs; officials warn rain can worsen burned-area mud and flooding risks. Weather & Risk: Forecasters warn of a weekend flash-flood threat across parts of the Southeast into Virginia, with storms lingering into Monday. International Partnerships: Virginia State University formalized a partnership with Ghana’s KNUST, aiming for faculty and student exchanges and joint research. Energy & Politics: Democrats criticized a Trump-backed Venezuela oil deal, arguing it prioritizes private profit over service members’ safety. Community & Health: A column highlights Batten University and Sentara College of Health Sciences expanding healthcare workforce training in Coastal Virginia.

Data Center Backlash in Virginia: A new wave of local rules and state-level scrutiny is colliding with the AI boom, with privacy advocates warning that limits on U.S. data centers could push companies to process sensitive information overseas instead. Conservation & Land Connectivity: In Page County, Virginia farmers helped turn private farmland into a wildlife corridor, using conservation easements to reconnect habitats as development fragments the landscape. Plastic Recycling Breakthrough: Virginia Tech researchers say they’ve developed a way to convert hard-to-recycle PVC into a high-performance lubricant ingredient, aiming to cut landfill waste and reduce the environmental cost of making lubricants. Hampton Roads Flooding Reminder: A Norfolk driver described how one storm left roads impassable, a vivid reminder of how fast heavy rain can overwhelm local drainage. Wildlife & Habitat Fees: Virginia’s Board of Wildlife Resources approved fee increases and new regulations, shaping how hunting and wildlife management will work going forward. Weather Watch: The mid-Atlantic is heading into a heat wave with humidity returning and storm chances rising later in the week.

Data Center Policy Push: Virginia Beach and Chesapeake are tightening the rules as the data center boom spreads, with Virginia Beach pausing permits and Chesapeake ending by-right approvals in some zones—both citing land use, noise, water demand, and rising power costs. Local Permitting Watch: DEQ will hold a second public hearing on Northrop Grumman’s Waynesboro operating permit, but only for people who already commented, focusing on the agency’s responses to concerns about potential emissions. Construction Moves Forward: Google has received a Land Disturbance Permit to begin phased grading for its 312-acre Botetourt County data center campus, with wetlands protected and erosion/stormwater controls required. Grid Cost Concerns Beyond Virginia: Washington state regulators are drafting guidelines so data centers don’t shift electricity costs or risks onto other customers. Weather & Water: Virginia’s drought advisory was lifted for most of Southwest Virginia, though streams and groundwater remain low; meanwhile, severe storms and heat are in the forecast. Wildlife/Community: A Virginia tree frog sighting and a new wildlife bridge dedication in December highlight ongoing habitat efforts.

Military Housing Health Fight: A Navy family in Virginia Beach says mold in military-provided housing made them sick, but their landlord (Balfour Beatty) says inspections found no unsafe conditions. Public Health & Safety: Baxter issued a voluntary recall of two lots of sodium chloride injection after fiberglass-like particulate was detected. Weather & Flood Risk: Virginia faces humid conditions with scattered storms today that could bring heavy rain and gusts over 40 mph; heat and more storms are expected next week. Data Centers Backlash: A new wave of political opposition to AI data centers is spreading, driven by water use, contamination fears, and rising electricity costs—echoing Loudoun-area community complaints. Surveillance & Privacy: A Virginia Center for Investigative Journalism report highlights scripted responses from Flock Safety to questions about how its surveillance data is shared. Chesapeake Bay Restoration: Researchers found crushed waste concrete can serve as a safe base for Chesapeake oyster reefs, with no detectable hydrocarbon leaching. Rural Virginia Health: Virginia has disbursed $122 million from its Rural Health Transformation Fund to support provider retention, tech, and workforce capacity. Wildlife Health: Virginia Beach mosquito testing shows West Nile virus is spiking in local mosquito pools, the highest level in four years.

Data Centers & Power: A new PJM proposal would require large-load customers like data centers to “bring their own power,” potentially pushing them toward backup generators or load reductions during grid stress—raising fresh concerns about diesel emissions and environmental impacts in Virginia and across the region. Public Opinion: A University of Virginia report finds opposition to local data centers has surged, with more than three in five Americans now against new construction in their own community, citing water use and local environmental effects. Drought & Water: Virginia’s drought picture is easing: DEQ dropped a drought watch advisory for the southwest corner, and nearly 25% of the state is now drought-free, though the worst conditions persist in Southside and around Lynchburg. Wildlife & Health: A Richmond doctor shared a “bat PSA” after a bat appeared to try to burrow into her mouth; she urged people to take possible bat exposures seriously. Community Recycling: Virginia Aquarium’s Sept. 12 e-cycling event will expand accepted items and add cigarette butts and reusable bags to help cut microplastics and litter. Storms & Flooding: The Northeast braces for severe weather and flash flooding that reaches into the Mid-Atlantic, including Virginia. Agriculture Aid: USDA is offering disaster-area loan help to Virginia farmers hit by severe frost and freeze events.

Flooding & Storm Risk: Another round of thunderstorms is expected Thursday across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, with flood watches stretching from New York through New Jersey and into eastern Pennsylvania and a Level 2 severe risk corridor reaching northern Virginia—damaging winds and large hail are possible. Local Flood Resilience: Norfolk City Council approved up to $40 million in stormwater and wastewater financing, including $5 million for the St. Paul’s Blue/Greenway Project and $35 million for wastewater improvements, as residents press for more action on recurring flooding. Data Centers & Water: A new Ceres study estimates data-center electricity use drives freshwater withdrawals totaling about 3.4 trillion gallons annually across seven states, with Virginia tied to 753 billion gallons—highlighting how power generation choices shape water impacts. Data Centers & Policy Pushback: Aurora, Illinois lawmakers advanced rules aimed at data-center water use and zoning, including banning evaporative cooling in certain buildings and limiting siting in mixed-use office-institutional areas near residences. Virginia Governance: Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones is creating a Federal Accountability Unit to challenge federal actions he says exceed authority, including on environmental protections. Wildfire Community Updates: Nevada’s Hawk Fire remains 93% contained at 15,085 acres, with a Thursday community meeting planned and ongoing power restoration for affected customers.

Data Center Pollution Transparency Fight: The EPA proposed removing public notice and a 30-day comment period for “minor source” air pollution permits tied to diesel and natural gas generators that power AI data centers, drawing a wave of backlash from environmental groups, state attorneys general, and former EPA staff. Military Energy Resilience: The U.S. Army is moving ahead with its Janus Program, selecting five companies and five bases (including Fort Hood) for nuclear microreactors, aiming for more than 20 reactors that can keep running even if the commercial grid fails. Virginia Water & Infrastructure: VDOT and a contractor will start work Sept. 1 on Route 3 improvements in Fredericksburg, including lane reconfigurations, storm sewer upgrades, and overnight single-lane closures. Community Stewardship: Volunteers removed 1,650 pounds of litter from the Smith River and roadsides in Henry County as part of the 17th Annual Smith River Cleanup, with new sorting efforts to boost recycling. Weather Watch for the Region: A system bringing showers and thunderstorms is expected to raise severe-storm risk across parts of Virginia and Maryland, with damaging winds and flash flooding concerns.

Data Center Water Fight (King George): Amazon says it’s changing course on water use for its King George data center campus after a groundwater-permit renewal raised alarms about declining Potomac aquifer availability, with Sen. Richard Stuart urging DEQ to deny the request. Local Pushback on Data Centers (Danville): Residents and officials are still sparring over a proposed Berry Hill data-center campus, with questions about environmental impact, power needs, and how approvals were handled. EPA Public-Input Backlash (Data Centers): The EPA is moving to curb public input on data centers by making pollution disclosure optional, prompting fresh criticism from communities worried about transparency. Grid-Upgrade Cost Rules (Power): A new wave of state and federal action is shifting data-center growth from “just build it” planning toward rules that require large-load customers to show how they’ll pay for grid upgrades and manage operations during stress. Wildlife & Habitat (Chesapeake Bay): NOAA is tracking a harmful algal bloom in the lower Chesapeake Bay, underscoring ongoing water-quality pressure in Virginia’s estuary. Community Conservation (Tree Stewards): Front Royal and Warren County volunteers are gearing up for their 30th anniversary with more tree plantings and hands-on tree-care education. Hunting Access (State Parks): Virginia State Parks is continuing managed deer hunts with safety and participation rules, including new opportunities at Clinch River State Park. Meta Settlement (Big Tech): Meta agreed to pay $17 billion to settle a major trial over safeguards for younger social-media users, adding to a busy week of corporate settlements.