AGP Executive Report

Extreme Heat: Record-breaking October temperatures left Central Virginia residents wondering when fall will arrive, another sign of unusual seasonal conditions. Chesapeake Bay: The Bay earned a C+ and its best health score in 40 years. Researchers credit long-running restoration work, while officials say cleanup efforts must continue. Data Center Scrutiny: Environmental concerns are moving into Virginia’s 2026 campaigns. In Stafford County, a hearing on proposed data centers was postponed after county staff urged rejection of most applications, amid residents’ concerns about a project near the Rappahannock River. Pollution Enforcement: Virginia’s Department of Environmental Quality and a Manassas biological resource center reached an order over an oil discharge, bringing a state enforcement action to a local pollution case.

Data Center Oversight: Virginia’s new accountability framework bars state agencies from signing new nondisclosure agreements that conceal proposed projects’ impacts, while major parts still need action from lawmakers. In Stafford County, a data center hearing was postponed after staff urged denial of most applications. Chesapeake Bay: The Bay earned its best health score in decades, though Virginia and Maryland leaders say protection work must continue. Clean Water: Officials are investigating a gas-like odor in Hillsville’s sewer system; crews are flushing and ventilating lines, and authorities say there is no immediate danger. Trees and Wildlife: Virginia’s seedling store has opened with nearly 70 tree and shrub species. Separately, state wildlife officials are restoring grassland in King George County to support declining quail populations and protect the Rappahannock River.

Data Center Scrutiny: Stafford County postponed a hearing on a proposed campus spanning more than 1,500 acres of farmland and forest after staff recommended denying most applications. Separately, Google was cited over sediment runoff at a Virginia data-center site. Chesapeake Bay: The Bay earned a C+, its highest score in 40 years, and Virginia’s lower Bay posted a record high. Researchers cautioned that favorable weather helped, and pollution trouble spots remain. Cleaner Homes: Virginia released $67 million for home upgrades, with funding expected to help about 1,000 households cut energy bills. Outdoor Virginia: Trout stocking has begun in more than 200 waters statewide, though some sites face closures or changing access as repairs continue after Hurricane Helene.

Chesapeake Bay: The Bay earned a C+, its highest score in 40 years of tracking. Researchers credit restoration work and a relatively dry 2025, though some watershed areas still show declining water quality. Forever Chemicals: A George Mason-led study found that school meal participation was linked to lower levels of some PFAS in Hispanic children in Northern Virginia, while eating more animal-based foods was linked to higher levels. Data Center Impacts: Virginia is weighing a proposed Microsoft settlement over data-center generators as concerns grow about pollution from backup power. Google was also cited for sediment runoff at a Virginia data-center site. Home Energy: Virginia has released $67 million for home upgrades expected to help about 1,000 households cut energy bills.

Data Center Oversight: Virginia’s DEQ proposed a nearly $2.5 million settlement over Microsoft’s use of diesel generators beyond permit limits at its Leesburg data center. The deal would fund air monitoring near data centers; residents are also urging a state moratorium, and Google was cited for sediment runoff at a Virginia data center site. Home Energy Relief: The state released $67 million for energy-efficiency upgrades and affordable housing, including $15 million to repair homes that need work before weatherization. Officials expect those repairs to help more than 1,000 homes. Environmental Education: Virginia’s first environmental literacy plan offers schools and community groups a three-year guide to building students’ understanding of local ecosystems and environmental challenges. Wildlife: Six rescued turkeys, including two hatched at the Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center, were released at the Virginia White Oak Management Area.

Water Quality: Virginia DEQ cited Google’s Peanut LLC after sediment from its Chesterfield data center site reached nearly 1.5 miles of a stream flowing toward the James River and covered wetlands. Google says heavy rain overwhelmed stormwater controls and that it has paused construction for cleanup and repairs. Storm Impacts: Isaias remnants brought heavy rain and flooding concerns to Virginia, with rainfall nearing six inches around Floyd; thousands in Southwest Virginia also woke without power. Data Center Pressure: Stafford residents are opposing proposed data centers near the Rappahannock River, amid growing concerns about the industry’s land, water and electricity demands. Chesapeake Restoration: The Chesapeake watershed received $39 million in federal grants for water-quality improvements and habitat restoration.

Storms and Drought: Isaias’ remnants brought heavy rain, flood watches and tornado concerns to Virginia. The rain may ease dry conditions, but central Virginia remains abnormally dry, with Charlottesville still about 4.6 inches below average. Chesapeake Watershed: Nearly $39 million in federal grants will support water-quality and habitat restoration projects across the watershed. Data Center Pressure: Chesterfield’s Google data center was cited for seven DEQ violations, while Stafford residents oppose proposed facilities near the Rappahannock River. Virginia’s data-center boom is also raising concerns about pollution, power demand and higher utility bills. Native Plants: Clarke County’s new civic garden awards spotlighted local projects featuring native plants and pollinator-friendly spaces.

Storm Impacts: Isaias’ remnants brought heavy rain, strong winds and flood threats to Virginia, with thousands losing power in Southwest Virginia. Forecasters warned of flash flooding, coastal flooding and isolated tornadoes. Energy and Data Centers: Virginia’s data-center boom is drawing pushback over electricity costs, water use and pollution. Lt. Gov. Ghazala Hashmi opposes the proposed Dominion-NextEra merger, citing ratepayer concerns and worries that the companies are prioritizing data centers. Chesapeake Restoration: Virginia projects are set to receive about $9.6 million from $39 million in federal grants for watershed conservation, habitat restoration and efforts to reduce polluted runoff across the Bay region. Native Plants: The Virginia Department of Forestry’s seedling store is open, offering nearly 70 tree and shrub species suited to the state’s climate.

Flood Risk: A flood watch remains in effect through this evening for Carroll, Floyd, Grayson and Patrick counties, where 1 to 3 inches of additional rain could swell streams and flood low-lying roads. Utility Costs: Lt. Gov. Ghazala Hashmi opposes the proposed Dominion Energy–NextEra merger, warning it could leave Virginians with higher bills and too few safeguards. Data Centers: Opposition is growing over projects’ potential effects on water, electricity costs and neighborhoods; Stafford residents are challenging plans near the Rappahannock River. Chesapeake Wildlife: Ospreys had their worst recorded breeding season in the Bay this year, with scientists pointing to food stress and reduced availability of menhaden. Bay Restoration: The Chesapeake watershed has received $39 million in federal grants for water-quality and habitat projects.

Storm and Flood Risk: Isaias’ remnants are bringing soaking rain and gusty winds to Virginia, with a flood watch for parts of the southwest through Sunday evening. Forecasters warn of 2–4 inches of rain, locally higher totals, and possible stream flooding and landslides. Chesapeake Wildlife: Ospreys in the Chesapeake Bay had their worst recorded breeding season this year, William & Mary researchers say. Food stress linked to declining availability of Atlantic menhaden appears to be a major factor. Data Center Concerns: Stafford residents are opposing a proposed data center near the Rappahannock River, while Google’s Chesterfield data center was cited for seven DEQ violations. Forest Protection: Gov. Abigail Spanberger urged the federal government to keep the Roadless Rule, warning that its repeal could put nearly 400,000 acres of Virginia national forests at risk. Environmental Review: Arlington County sued to halt Trump’s proposed arch at Memorial Circle, arguing the project is advancing without required environmental review.

Flood Risk: A Flood Watch remains in effect through Sunday evening for parts of Southwest Virginia as rain from Isaias’ remnants could bring 2–4 inches, with locally 5–6 inches possible. Flooding and isolated landslides are concerns in the southern Blue Ridge. Forest Protection: Gov. Abigail Spanberger urged the USDA to keep the Roadless Rule, warning its repeal could expose nearly 400,000 acres of Virginia national forests to new roads and threaten wildlife habitat and drinking water. Environmental Review: Arlington County sued to halt President Trump’s proposed 250-foot arch, arguing the rushed review failed to properly assess environmental impacts, including added air pollution and traffic disruption. Energy Development: A proposed small modular nuclear reactor site in Amherst County is under early evaluation; the project would require rezoning and changes to the county’s comprehensive plan.

Storm Watch: Isaias’s remnants could bring rain to Virginia from Saturday evening through Sunday night, with 1 to 4 inches possible in Central Virginia and a risk of strong thunderstorms. Environmental Review: Arlington County sued to stop Trump’s proposed 250-foot arch, arguing federal officials failed to adequately assess its impacts, including added air pollution and noise from flight-path changes. Data Center Oversight: Google’s Chesterfield data center was cited for seven DEQ violations, while Loudoun officials say Amazon needs county approval before building data centers at the former Virginia Science and Technology Campus. Energy Projects: James City County’s planning commission recommended a 650-megawatt battery storage facility on a formerly contaminated industrial site near Grove; the Board of Supervisors will make the final decision amid residents’ fire-safety concerns.

Arlington Lawsuit: Arlington County is suing to halt President Trump’s proposed 250-foot arch near Arlington National Cemetery, arguing the National Park Service skipped required environmental review. The county warns the project could worsen air and noise pollution, disrupt flights and obstruct emergency routes. Data Center Pressure: Loudoun residents say nearby data centers bring intrusive noise and light, while Virginia’s power demand boom raises concerns about higher electric bills and water use. Water and Wildlife: Roanoke remains in emergency drought conditions, and state officials say sustained fall and winter rain is needed to replenish water supplies. Separately, $39 million in federal grants will support water quality and habitat projects across the Chesapeake watershed. Pollution Monitoring: A draft permit for Richmond International Airport would require quarterly monitoring for PFAS, the persistent chemicals found in some firefighting foams.

Drought: Roanoke remains under emergency drought conditions despite recent rain, while state officials say sustained fall and winter precipitation is needed to replenish water supplies. Flood Resilience: Hampton Roads residents are being asked to help improve flood maps during this weekend’s king tide; an EPA grant will support remote monitoring of marsh vegetation. Chesapeake Bay: The watershed received $39 million in federal grants for water-quality and habitat restoration, and Accomack County won $1.25 million to upgrade Horntown housing and septic systems. Energy & Development: Virginia’s energy plan weighs clean-energy goals against rising demand as communities scrutinize data-center growth and its impacts. Pollution: A draft permit for Richmond International Airport would require quarterly PFAS monitoring. Wildlife: Virginia is offering farmers incentives to support grassland birds.

Data Center Debate: Carroll County supervisors unanimously rejected changes that would have given the Blue Ridge Economic Development Authority more independence over Wildwood Commerce Park, where an unnamed company has proposed a 75-acre data center. Residents are pressing for answers about its impacts on power bills, noise and light. Coastal Flooding: Hampton Roads volunteers can help map king-tide flooding this weekend, gathering information on where water reaches communities and infrastructure as high-tide floods are expected to become more frequent. Marsh Monitoring: William & Mary’s Virginia Institute of Marine Science received a $118,318 EPA grant to build drone-based monitoring of marsh vegetation and support restoration planning. Oyster Losses: A harmful algal bloom wiped out an Eastern Shore grower’s crop, killing roughly 250,000 small oysters and devastating the farm’s remaining stock. Bay Restoration: The Chesapeake watershed received $39 million in federal grants for water-quality, habitat and pollution-reduction projects; Virginia projects received the largest share among Bay states. Drought: Recent rain has not eased the Upper James drought warning.

PFAS Watch: A draft permit would require Richmond International Airport to monitor PFAS in stormwater quarterly, develop a pollution-reduction plan and report progress to Virginia regulators. A public hearing is set for Oct. 28 in Henrico. Energy and Data Centers: Virginia’s new energy plan weighs clean-energy options against surging demand, while Gov. Abigail Spanberger’s accountability framework calls for stronger environmental protections and community engagement. State regulators also allege environmental violations at a Google data-center site in Chesterfield. Water Stress: Buggs Island Lake is nearing the level that would trigger mandatory water restrictions for communities around Mecklenburg County, including limits on outdoor watering and pool filling. Outdoor Access: Virginia named forester and planner Heather Barrar its first director of outdoor recreation, tasking her with developing a statewide strategy that brings conservation, tourism and economic development together. Chesapeake Wildlife: Biologists report a severe shortage of menhaden, a key food source for ospreys, whose nesting season in the Chesapeake Bay was among their worst on record.