AGP Executive Report

Drought: Virginia’s conditions are mixed: the New River Valley is out of drought-watch status, but Hampton Roads has escalated to a warning for the first time in more than 15 years. The Roanoke River region remains under emergency status. Energy Planning: NASA Langley and Virginia’s Department of Energy will use weather, solar and climate-risk data to help plan a more resilient energy system. Chesapeake Bay: The Bay’s latest water-quality report card recorded its highest score yet, even as a September dead zone and struggling young rockfish point to ongoing challenges. Eastern Shore Oysters: An unusual mahogany tide wiped out an estimated $16 million worth of oysters, underscoring the risks facing Virginia’s shellfish industry. Pollution and Power: A Virginia opinion piece urges lawmakers to do more to curb PFAS in waterways, while plans for a 3-gigawatt Dominion gas plant and growing data-center demand keep environmental and energy concerns in the spotlight.

Chesapeake Bay: The bay earned its highest-ever report card score, 56%, with Virginia’s Lower Bay scoring 76%. Researchers say the improvement is encouraging, though young striped bass remain a concern. Data Center Impacts: A new study found one in four data centers worldwide sits in a water-stressed area, while few states track facility water use. In Virginia, residents are pressing for limits, and lawmakers face calls to strengthen air-pollution rules after neighbors reported diesel exhaust and health effects near a Sterling facility. Energy Costs: Gov. Abigail Spanberger is seeking a six-year electricity-rate freeze if Dominion’s proposed merger with NextEra is approved, as debate grows over the costs and environmental impacts of meeting rising power demand. Home Energy: Norfolk residents can borrow free library toolkits to find drafts, heat loss and wasted electricity, and make homes more efficient.

Utility Rates and Merger: Gov. Abigail Spanberger is calling for a six-year residential rate freeze and larger bill credits if regulators approve Dominion Energy’s proposed merger with NextEra. Dominion’s long-range plan still relies on natural gas and projects steeply higher bills as electricity demand grows. Data Center Pushback: Virginia communities are weighing the power and water demands of new data centers. A proposed federal bill would make the facilities pay the added cost of their electricity, while Franklin County residents pressed leaders for more transparency. Gas Plant Fight: Virginia has approved a 3-gigawatt Dominion gas plant, while Fluvanna residents are challenging the permit for a separate proposed gas facility, alleging questionable financial commitments. Wildlife and Fire Safety: Virginia forestry officials urge caution during fall fire season. A Virginia Tech pilot using solar-powered signs to warn drivers about deer showed measurable changes in driver responses along Route 460. Bay Health: The Chesapeake Bay watershed earned a C+, its highest grade in four decades, though concerns remain.

Data Center Debate: Franklin County supervisors heard concerns about water limits and tax deals at a data center panel, but residents questioned whether the discussion would bring more transparency. In Hampton Roads and Southside, residents are pressing for a statewide pause on new data center approvals; a proposed Pittsylvania County campus could use up to 7 million gallons of water a day. Energy: Cumberland County supervisors approved Dominion Energy’s proposed 3,000-megawatt gas plant near the James River. It still needs state air and utility approvals. Coastal Weather: Subtropical Storm Josephine brought coastal flooding threats and warnings along Virginia’s coast as it moved north offshore. Chesapeake Bay: The Bay’s dead zone swelled in September, while young rockfish continue to struggle—signs of ongoing pressure on the estuary and its wildlife. Conservation: Virginia’s new outdoor recreation director visited Breaks Interstate Park to discuss how the state can support communities while making use of its mountains, trails and waterways.

Power and Rates: Virginia’s push to freeze electricity rates for six years comes as Dominion’s latest plan offers just 3.5 gigawatts of storage toward the state’s 16-gigawatt goal. Cumberland supervisors approved Dominion’s proposed 3,000-megawatt gas plant despite concerns about water use, noise and transmission lines; residents are also challenging a separate Tenaska plant permit in court. Data Center Pushback: Amazon withdrew plans for a data center on George Washington University’s Virginia campus after backlash, while Hampton Roads and Southside residents call for a statewide pause on new projects. Coastal Flooding: Virginia Beach is under a flood warning, with coastal advisories expanded as high surf threatens low-lying areas. Fire Season: Virginia officials warn that escaped yard-waste burns are the leading cause of wildfires as the fall season continues through Nov. 30. Bay Health: The Chesapeake Bay’s dead zone swelled in September, and young striped bass remain in poor shape.

Data Center Pushback: Virginia Beach residents called for a statewide pause on new data centers, while Amazon agreed to drop its proposed campus in Loudoun County after community backlash. The debate is fueled by concerns over power, water use and pollution; a proposed Pittsylvania County campus could use up to 7 million gallons of water a day. Chesapeake Bay: Hypoxia in the Bay swelled in September before a nor’easter, while young striped bass remain below average—fresh signs of pressure on the estuary’s ecosystem. Wildfire Risk: Virginia’s fall fire season runs through Nov. 30. The Forestry Department warns that dry conditions raise the risk and says nine in 10 wildfires are started by people, often through escaped outdoor fires.

Coastal Storm: A slow-moving nor’easter is bringing dangerous surf, strong winds and coastal flooding to the Mid-Atlantic through Thursday. Virginia’s coast and Eastern Shore face hazards as the storm lingers offshore. Energy and Data Centers: Virginia residents are pressing for a pause on new data center approvals, while Gov. Abigail Spanberger is seeking a six-year residential rate freeze as a condition of Dominion Energy’s proposed merger with NextEra. Chesapeake Bay: Young striped bass remain scarce in Virginia waters, and monitoring found substantial low-oxygen conditions in Maryland’s bay waters before the storm. The Chesapeake watershed earned a C+, its best grade in four decades, though concerns persist. Water and Wildlife: Recent rain has eased drought in Southwest, Central and Southside Virginia, but recovery is ongoing. The state also announced a new conservation area at Buffalo Mountain and urged hunters to help manage deer numbers in areas where populations exceed targets.

Data Centers: Southside residents are calling for a pause on new projects, citing water use, rising power bills and impacts on wildlife. A proposed Berry Hill campus could span 1,733 acres, use 3 gigawatts of electricity and include two natural-gas facilities; lawmakers are preparing moratorium bills. Power Costs: Dominion’s long-range plan forecasts higher household bills, while Virginia SCC staff recommend rejecting its proposed merger with NextEra. Drought and Storms: Recent rain has eased drought in parts of Southwest and Central Virginia, but major rainfall deficits and low reservoir levels remain. Forecasters are also tracking a coastal system that could bring dangerous surf, high winds and flooding. Chesapeake Bay: Virginia’s young striped bass count was above its historical average, but Maryland’s remained well below average for an eighth straight year. September hypoxia was unusually high in Maryland waters sampled before a nor’easter; Virginia’s post-storm readings were lower. Conservation: The state has established a new conservation area at Buffalo Mountain, while a new environmental literacy plan aims to connect more Virginia students with outdoor learning.

Coastal Storm: A powerful nor’easter is bringing Virginia’s coast days of hazardous surf, strong winds and possible flooding. Forecasters warn of 9- to 12-foot waves along the Delmarva and minor to moderate flooding, including around Virginia Beach. Data Center Debate: Pressure is building for a Virginia moratorium on new data centers, while a report that a facility ran diesel generators during a Code Red alert has raised questions about DEQ’s authority to stop it. Land Conservation: Gov. Abigail Spanberger announced a new state conservation area at Buffalo Mountain, spanning Carroll and Floyd counties. Chesapeake Bay: The watershed earned a C+, its highest grade in four decades, though concerns remain. Maryland’s striped bass survey also showed improvement, but reproduction stayed below average for an eighth straight year.

Land Conservation: Gov. Abigail Spanberger announced a new state conservation area at Buffalo Mountain, protecting more than 2,000 acres and nearly 14 miles of native trout streams. Coastal Weather: A slow-moving nor’easter could bring strong winds, dangerous surf and coastal flooding from the Outer Banks into Chesapeake Bay, with Hampton Roads on alert. Data Center Pushback: Virginia residents and lawmakers are pressing for a pause on new data center approvals, citing power and water demands, pollution and rising electricity bills. A recent report also found diesel generators ran at a Virginia data center during a Code Red alert, while DEQ could not stop them. Bay Health: The Chesapeake Bay watershed earned a C+, its highest grade in 40 years, though progress remains uneven across the region. Greener Hospitals: A Virginia Tech Carilion study found that changing anesthesia practices cut operating-room emissions in half and costs nearly 40% without compromising patient care.

Coastal Flooding: A nor’easter is bringing strong winds and flood risks to Hampton Roads and the Chesapeake Bay, with Hatteras under mandatory evacuation and Norfolk opening a garage for residents. Chesapeake Bay: The watershed earned a C+, its highest grade in four decades, though progress remains uneven across the region. Data Center Pressure: Virginia lawmakers are preparing bills to pause data center approvals as projects raise concerns about water use, power costs and pollution. A Virginia facility ran diesel generators during a Code Red alert, while DEQ said it lacked authority to stop it. Drought Watch: Recent rain has lifted Smith Mountain Lake levels, but drought concerns persist.

Coastal Flooding: Hampton Roads is bracing for possible major flooding Monday, with Norfolk’s low-lying areas facing forecasts of 1 to 3 feet of water. The city is opening a downtown garage so residents can move cars to higher ground. Data Center Scrutiny: Virginia lawmakers are preparing bills to pause data center approvals, including a proposed three-year statewide moratorium. The debate is sharpened by reports that a data center ran diesel generators during a Code Red alert and state regulators lacked authority to stop it. Pollution: A gasoline leak from a Hillsville station reached the town’s sewer and stormwater system. Crews flushed the lines, and officials said the leak was repaired with no threat to drinking water. Bay Health: The Chesapeake Bay earned a C+—its best grade in 20 years—but leaders say continued protection is needed. Drought and Fire: Recent rains have lifted Smith Mountain Lake levels, though drought concerns linger, and Virginia’s fall wildfire season is underway.

Data Center Debate: Virginia lawmakers are preparing bills to pause new data center approvals, including a proposed three-year statewide moratorium that would also block related power projects. The push comes amid concerns about electricity costs, water use and local impacts. Air Quality: A Sterling data center’s backup diesel generators ran for nearly a day during a Code Red alert after its on-site power plant failed. DEQ said current permit rules left it unable to stop the emergency operation. Coastal Risks: A possible nor’easter could bring strong winds and coastal flooding early next week, with southeastern Virginia among the areas watching for impacts. Water and Wildlife: Recent rain has lifted Smith Mountain Lake levels, though drought concerns linger. The Chesapeake Bay earned its strongest overall health score in decades, while a Rappahannock refuge added 500 acres of trails, river access and habitat. Power Grid: The U.S. Energy Department announced up to $50 million for transmission upgrades in western Virginia, including stronger lines and weather sensors to expand capacity.

Drought Relief: Recent rain raised Smith Mountain Lake more than two feet and eased drought conditions, but the lake remains low and water-conservation requests continue. Central Virginia groundwater and streamflows are also still below normal. Land and Development: A federal judge heard arguments in the fight over Virginia Beach’s proposed sale of a nearly 350-acre golf course for redevelopment, but issued no decision. In Roanoke County, Google is evaluating a proposed data center; meanwhile, Virginia lawmakers are weighing a pause on new approvals, amid concerns about power demand and backup-generator pollution. Chesapeake Bay: The Bay earned its highest overall health score in four decades, though it still has room to improve. Wildfire Season: Virginia officials say the Commonwealth’s fall wildfire season is underway.

Data Center Limits: Virginia lawmakers are weighing a three-year pause on new data center approvals, citing pressure on power, water and communities. A state regulator’s inability to stop a data center’s day-long generator run has also raised questions about oversight. Fire Season: Fall wildfire season is underway across Virginia, with dry conditions prompting caution. Bay Health: The Chesapeake Bay earned its strongest health grade in decades, a sign of progress from cleanup efforts. Conservation: The Rappahannock refuge added 500 acres, expanding trails, river access and wildlife habitat. Energy Costs: A proposed 23% electricity rate increase for parts of Southwest Virginia is headed to state regulators.

Data Center Pressure: Frederick County supervisors have barred data centers as an allowed or conditional use, while a Loudoun senator has proposed a three-year statewide pause to assess energy and resource impacts. A recent grid emergency also renewed concerns about rising demand; in Sterling, backup diesel generators ran for nearly a day during an outage, and Virginia regulators say they lack authority to restrict them during power emergencies. Wildfire and Drought: Virginia’s fall fire season is underway amid dry conditions. The Department of Forestry says nine in 10 wildfires are human-caused, often by escaped outdoor fires. Dry weather is also squeezing Martinsville-area farmers who depend on steady rain for crops. Chesapeake Bay: The Bay earned a C+—its best score in 20 years—but leaders say continued protection is needed.