AGP Executive Report

Superfund Health Research: Emory University won a $15 million, five-year NIH grant to create Georgia’s first Superfund Research Center, focusing on Brunswick and St. Simons-area contamination and how chemicals affect residents’ health—building on a 2023 pilot study in Glynn County. Invasive Wildlife Watch: Wildlife officials are racing to slow the spread of Argentine black-and-white tegus, with reports showing the lizards have turned up beyond Florida, including Georgia, raising concerns for native birds and reptiles. Data Center Backlash in Georgia: Residents in Prichard, Alabama packed town halls to challenge a proposed networking data center over power, heat, water use, and privacy—echoing broader regional fights over environmental and community impacts of data centers. Heat Risk for Southeast Georgia: Bulloch County and Statesboro are bracing for dangerously hot weekend conditions, with heat index values near 110 degrees and major-to-extreme heat risk. Community Safety Policy: Rep. Buddy Carter introduced “Chief Chris Eddy’s Law” to require placards on pressurized refrigerated containers after a fatal refrigerant-related explosion killed a Greene County fire battalion chief.

Invasive Species Watch: Georgia’s Argentine tegus are spreading, with 56 reports logged statewide and the highest counts in Tattnall (16) and Toombs (10), raising concerns for wildlife and public safety. Climate Signals: NOAA has officially confirmed El Niño is underway, a pattern that can shift weather across the U.S. and increase the odds of extreme heat and stormy conditions during the summer. Data Center Backlash: More than 500 groups urged Congress to pause new data centers nationwide, warning of runaway power demand, water strain, and pollution impacts—while EPA chief Lee Zeldin said he won’t use enforcement to set nationwide rules. Local Water & Wastewater: Emory University is set to lead a $15M study on PCBs and a banned pesticide’s health impacts in Glynn County and Brunswick, and Liberty County is weighing wastewater discharge options for a proposed reclamation facility. Public Health: Burke County issued a rabies warning after a fox attack tested positive for rabies. Community Recycling: CHaRM’s recycling center will relocate after 11 years in Chosewood Park, moving to Bankhead by end of 2026. World Cup Weather & Policy: FIFA faces pressure over extreme heat and lightning delays, with no official lightning policy and concerns that summer conditions could disrupt matches. Wildlife & Health: Officials also flagged mosquito risk tips for South Georgia as summer season ramps up.

Rodent Health & Safety: Georgia lawmakers are pressing the IRS to let Chamblee campus employees work remotely while the agency addresses a reported rat and cockroach infestation, citing videos/photos, worker illnesses, and resignations. Water Quality Alert: Chattahoochee Riverkeeper is warning swimmers after a suspected harmful algae bloom in a Lake Lanier cove; officials urge people and pets to avoid discolored or scummy water. Toxic Release Update: A new study on the 2024 BioLab fire in Conyers says the plume’s dominant compound was bromine (not chlorine) and found elevated toxic chemicals far beyond early warnings. Energy & Air Policy: EPA says it won’t set nationwide standards for data centers, leaving decisions to states and communities—while a separate report warns the grid faces growing strain from data center power demand, including in Georgia. Clean Water Enforcement: A Georgia wastewater operator has been indicted for alleged Clean Water Act violations tied to discharges exceeding permit limits at a Fort Gaines facility. Wildlife & Habitat: Georgia’s DNR is addressing Canada geese molting guidance for June and July, as residents see more birds on the move. Local Conservation: Athens-Clarke County Animal Services is expanding its Couch Crashers short-term foster program to reduce shelter stress and improve adoption odds.

Data Center Water & Community Backlash: Erin Brockovich expanded her nationwide data-center concern map, adding thousands of local reports about water, power demand, and infrastructure strain as AI-driven construction accelerates. Local Governance: DeKalb County extended its data center application moratorium 100 days through September, citing residents’ worries about water/sewer capacity and the need for more study time. Wastewater & Coastal Impacts: Liberty County held a packed public meeting on a proposed reclamation facility that would discharge treated effluent to the Laurel View River—or potentially a second option in Riceboro’s North Newport River—after strong opposition from residents. Transportation Funding: Gov. Kemp and SRTA approved $26M for Georgia Transportation Infrastructure Bank grants and low-interest loans, backing 20 roadway projects and regional airport hangars. Wildlife & Invasives: Volunteers targeted garlic mustard along the Appalachian Trail, removing pounds of invasive plants to protect native spring wildflowers. Public Health Staffing: Monroe County Health Department approved its FY27 budget while continuing to struggle with nursing vacancies that limit services and revenue. Animal Welfare: Athens-Clarke County Animal Services launched the “Couch Crashers” short-term foster program to reduce shelter stress for dogs. Heat & Outdoor Events: World Cup coverage highlights rising heat stress risks and FIFA’s hydration-break rules for matches across North America.

Water Safety: A suspected harmful algae bloom has triggered a swimming safety alert for an isolated cove in Lake Lanier near Cumming, with Chattahoochee Riverkeeper urging people and pets to avoid discolored or foul-smelling water and to report sightings. Public Health & Environment: An independent investigation is underway into a major Chattahoochee River fish kill, with officials and advocates pointing to sewage tunnel overflows after heavy rain following a long drought that likely drove oxygen levels down. Energy Efficiency: GEFA says UGA will use an energy savings performance contract to fund efficiency upgrades at five Athens campus facilities, targeting $1.2 million in first-year guaranteed savings and $32.6 million over the contract. Wildlife Management: Georgia DNR explains that Canada geese become temporarily flightless during late-June to early-July molting, so hazing may be less effective and residents should be tolerant until they regrow feathers. Local Governance: Athens-Clarke County commissioners approved the site and preliminary plan for a new $225 million judicial center downtown at 120 W. Dougherty St., choosing it for access and transit connections. Climate & Heat: Fulton County issued heat and humidity guidance for 2026 World Cup events, noting elevated illness risk for Atlanta matches and changes to what water fans can bring.

Wildlife Guidance: Georgia DNR says Canada geese molt in late June into early July, leaving birds temporarily flightless and more likely to cause conflicts; officials urge residents to tolerate them during the short period and use non-lethal deterrents if problems persist. Coastal Planning: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Savannah District, is holding public meetings on an Environmental Impact Statement for Brunswick Harbor dredging, with a June 29 scoping comment deadline. Heat & Public Health: As World Cup crowds head to Atlanta, experts warn that heat and humidity can raise risks for fans and workers even when games are indoors. Mosquito Season: Georgia’s public health officials in South Health District remind residents to prevent mosquito bites and reduce standing water around homes. EVs & Infrastructure: Rivian has begun delivering its R2 SUV, aiming for 20,000–25,000 deliveries by year-end, while Georgia’s broader EV readiness continues to expand. Data Centers & Local Impact: A report highlights how fast data centers are growing while regulation lags, leaving communities to fight moratoriums and local votes.

Marietta Data Center Pushback: Marietta residents plan to pack a June 10 city council meeting to speak during public comment over a hyperscale data center approval tied to Bells Ferry Road—even though the agenda posted for the meeting contains no data-center item. Wildlife Health Watch: University of Georgia researchers report snake fungal disease risk in the Southeast is linked to coinfections, raising concern for rattlesnakes and other native snakes. Invasive Species Alert: Georgia officials are urging residents to report or kill invasive lizards after new sightings and warnings about impacts on birds, crops, and native wildlife. School Safety Guidance: Georgia released a practical implementation guide to align student supports with behavioral threat assessment and management already used in schools. Heat and Worker Safety: A UGA study warns that many FIFA World Cup jobs in host cities—including Atlanta—could exceed safe heat exposure limits, calling for hydration and break-focused safety plans. State AI Governance: Georgia Tech Authority plans statewide AI “guardrails” with Darwin AI to track uses and compliance across agencies.

Protected Species Update: Georgia DNR is taking public nominations through June to revise the state’s protected species list for the first time in two decades, with draft changes tied to the 2025 State Wildlife Action Plan and possible additions, removals, and reclassifications for species like gopher tortoises, saltmarsh sparrows, monarch butterflies, and pink lady’s-slipper orchids. Okefenokee World Heritage Push: The IUCN is recommending UNESCO list Georgia’s Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge as a World Heritage site, a major step in a 40+ year bid (final vote still pending). Water Safety Concern: A new scientific warning highlights free-living amoebae in water systems, including the “brain-eating amoeba,” as heat and aging infrastructure raise local risk—an issue relevant to Georgia’s aging water systems and summer temperatures. Flood Watch: A flood watch is in effect across many north Georgia counties through 9 p.m. Monday as repeated heavy rain and poor drainage raise flash-flood risk. Cleanups & Conservation: Yamaha Rightwaters marks seven years supporting marine habitat restoration, invasive species management, and marine stewardship. Pollution Liability: DOJ and Georgia entered a CERCLA consent decree with Gold Creek Foods over an alleged 2018 ferric chloride spill into Flat Creek, setting a restoration and compensation framework.

Data Center Moratorium Watch (Georgia): Lee County officials say their current data center moratorium may need to run longer because local ordinances don’t yet define how to permit data centers—raising concerns about “grandfathering” before zoning rules are finished. Community Pushback (South Georgia): A Data Center Coalition effort to address fears about water use, noise, and jobs is meeting skepticism from residents who say the promises feel personal and unproven. Water Stewardship (Google): Google says it will expand water “stewardship” at U.S. data centers, pledging to replenish more water than it consumes by 2030, after major backlash over cooling-related water use. Invasive Wildlife (Georgia): State partners are working to remove Argentine tegus; reports are concentrated in counties including Tattnall and Toombs, as officials warn the lizards can threaten native wildlife. Protected Species Planning (Georgia): Georgia is seeking public input on a protected species list update after 20 years. Pollinator Fun (Local): Roswell’s Chattahoochee Nature Center kicked off its Flying Colors Butterfly Festival, highlighting pollinator conservation through hands-on learning. Wildlife Safety (Oakwood): Officers helped relocate a fawn off a road with no citations, reminding residents to leave baby wildlife alone and contact DNR if it remains after 24–48 hours.

Invasive Species Watch: Georgia wildlife officials are working to remove Argentine tegus as reports continue to spread; the University of Georgia tracks dozens of sightings statewide, with the most in Tattnall and Toombs counties. Climate & Heat Risk: New coverage flags how extreme heat and lightning could disrupt summer plans, including World Cup conditions across North America—an issue that matters for Georgia’s own heat and storm readiness. Data Centers & Water: Google says it will expand water stewardship for U.S. data centers, pledging to replenish more water than it uses by 2030, while Georgia communities keep pressing for clearer rules as growth strains local resources. Local Landfill Gas to Fuel: GFL Environmental and OPAL Fuels agreed on two landfill gas projects, including one in Georgia, aimed at producing renewable natural gas for heavy-duty trucking. International Cooperation: Georgia and Türkiye signed forestry and irrigation cooperation deals focused on forest protection, biodiversity, and improving irrigation drainage systems. Wildlife Policy: Georgia is seeking public input on protected species as it prepares its first update in two decades.

Data Centers vs. Water in Georgia: A new pollster report says swing voters are increasingly fired up about AI data centers, with Georgia residents describing water impacts and displacement tied to local fights. Flint River Pollution Watch: Atlanta airport officials are investigating reports of jet fuel in the Flint River, the third spill this year, raising fresh concerns for waterways near major infrastructure. Protected Species Update: Georgia is seeking public input on a protected species list update—the first in 20 years—aimed at better conservation planning. Invasive Wildlife Alert: Georgia warns residents about invasive lizards spreading and threatening native wildlife, with officials urging people to report or kill them. Public Health Inspections: Recent Georgia restaurant health checks show mixed results, including one Richmond Hill site scoring a 70 with violations. Rabies Warning: A dog in Spalding County tested positive for rabies after neurological symptoms, prompting precautions for residents and pet owners.

Data & Water Stewardship: Google says it will spend $1 million on South Georgia wetland restoration near its Douglas County data center, restoring 35 acres of Flint River Wildlife Management Area wetlands as part of a broader push to replenish more water than it uses by 2030. Public Health & Water Safety: An Atlanta-area jet fuel spill investigation continues after reports of petroleum in the Flint River near the airport, with officials probing impacts and cleanup. Wildlife & Invasive Species: Georgia health officials warn after a rabid dog case in Spalding County; meanwhile, invasive lizards continue to spread, including reports of Argentine tegus and Peter’s rock agamas moving through the region. Heat Risk: New reporting highlights extreme heat and humidity concerns for 2026 World Cup host cities, with Atlanta flagged among vulnerable Southern venues. Local Environment Research: Georgia Southern researchers say a safer, progressive physical training program for police cadets can reduce injuries—an example of evidence-based practice shaping public safety training. Community Action: A riverfront cleanup is planned in Paducah to protect Ohio River ecology by removing aquatic trash that harms wildlife and water quality.

Data Center Water Push: Google says it will spend $1 million on wetlands restoration in South Georgia’s Flint River Wildlife Management Area, restoring 35 acres of wetlands near its Douglas County data center, as the company also pledges to replenish more water than it uses by 2030. Local Governance & Water Quality: Atlanta opened an independent investigation after thousands of dead fish were found in the Chattahoochee River, with officials pointing to a prior storm event and sewage overflow that may have driven oxygen levels down. Invasive Wildlife Alert: Georgia wildlife officials are asking residents to report or kill invasive lizards, including the spreading Peter’s rock agama, after federal research highlighted removal methods and safety limits. Protected Species Update: The Georgia DNR is taking public nominations for the first protected species list update in 20 years, with changes based on the 2025 State Wildlife Action Plan. Spill Watch: A new Flint River spill is under investigation after riverkeepers were alerted over Memorial Day weekend; officials say cleanup crews responded and details on contamination levels are still pending. Policy & Permitting: Statesboro approved new data center rules that create a review pathway while prohibiting hyperscale facilities, following concerns about water, power demand, and environmental impacts.

Climate Adaptation Planning: Georgia has started work on its first National Plan for Climate Change Adaptation, kicking off a capacity-building effort aimed at preparing the state for worsening heat, storms, and other climate impacts. Invasive Species Alert: Georgia DNR is urging residents to report or kill the Argentine black-and-white tegu after sightings spread in parts of the state, warning the large lizard could harm native wildlife and crops. World Cup Heat & Public Health: As Atlanta and other host cities prepare for FIFA World Cup crowds, health officials are focusing on heat-related injuries and other “expected” risks, with Fulton County’s director warning Atlanta will live up to its “Hotlanta” nickname. Water & Outdoor Recreation: Georgia’s National Fishing and Boating Week runs June 6–14, with two free fishing days on June 6 and June 13 to encourage conservation-minded time on the water. Wildlife & Biodiversity Awareness: Georgia marked International Day for Biological Diversity with public engagement and awareness efforts highlighting the state’s living ecosystems.

Invasive Species Alert: Georgia wildlife officials say the Argentine black-and-white tegu has established wild populations in Toombs and Tattnall counties, urging residents to report sightings and help eradicate the large lizard that threatens native wildlife and crops. Water & Public Health: Atlanta hired Brown and Caldwell to independently investigate a Chattahoochee River fish kill after heavy rain, focusing on system operations and a reported sludge residue, while officials still haven’t confirmed the exact cause of the toxic conditions. Energy & Land Use: AJC reports rural Georgia farmers are weighing the promise of solar tax revenue against the loss of prime farmland and concerns about long-term environmental impacts as power demand surges. Climate Resilience: North Georgia drought improved after May rainfall, but officials warn conditions can quickly worsen without more rain. Wildlife Conservation: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service designated about 1.5 million acres as critical habitat for the endangered rusty patched bumblebee, a species that has vanished from much of its historic range. Extreme Heat Prep: Climate Central data suggests Atlanta World Cup matches will likely run above 82°F, with FIFA requiring hydration and cooling breaks for players. Policy & Oversight: Georgia’s state public health board is set to meet again after months-long delays, as leaders discuss how shifting federal priorities are straining public health programs. Local Governance: Hall County is holding public input hearings on updates to its Unified Development Code and comprehensive plan, with heavy focus on a proposed data center ordinance.

Flint River Pollution Watch: Atlanta airport crews are responding again to possible petroleum contamination near the Flint River headwaters, with Flint Riverkeeper staff confirming fuel downstream after a May 24 notification; a prior April incident recovered thousands of gallons of contaminated water, but the source is still under investigation. Invasive Species Alert: Georgia wildlife officials are urging residents to kill invasive Argentine tegus spreading in the state, warning the large lizards can grow up to about four feet and may pose ecological risks. Biodiversity Day in Georgia: Georgia marked International Day for Biological Diversity with a public event highlighting biodiversity conservation work, protected areas, and species restoration, plus awards for a photography contest. Drought Update for the Southeast: The latest drought monitor shows improvement across the Southeast after late-May storms, with parts of Georgia and South Carolina easing from extreme drought conditions, though more rain is still needed. Heat & Schools: A government statement flags heatwave “challenges” during exam season, noting higher-pressure patterns could bring warmer, drier conditions. Local Water Infrastructure: Effingham County launched a new website to track progress on a major county water system expansion drawing from the Savannah River. Energy Costs: Georgia Power customers are set for slightly lower bills after a Public Service Commission rate approval, using federal tax credits to offset costs. Wildlife Health Research: A new study finds hidden infections in Southeast snakes, including high rates of multiple pathogens, raising concerns for vulnerable species.