AGP Executive Report

Data Center Pressure in Georgia: Residents in Twiggs County are fighting a proposed hyperscale data center on about 291 acres near the Twiggs–Bibb line, with plans described as a $5 billion investment and about $6 million in tax revenue—while opponents warn about impacts to wildlife and rural character and have already taken the fight to court. Sustainability Leadership: DeKalb County named its first chief sustainability officer and an energy manager to push energy management, conservation, innovation, and resilience across the county. Plastics Policy Fight: Georgia is among 17 states backing a multi-state lawsuit challenging California’s Plastics Act, arguing the rules reach beyond California and could raise costs for everyday goods. Local Environment & Infrastructure: Covington completed a new utilities complex that repurposed two older studio buildings to consolidate water, electric, telecom, and gas operations—aiming to reduce waste and environmental impact. Wildlife & Public Safety: Georgia wildlife officials urged hikers and campers to be “BearWise,” and warned about invasive 4-foot lizards threatening native wildlife. Community Education: Colquitt County’s sheriff promoted internet safety for kids, encouraging parents to attend a webinar as summer screen time ramps up.

Extreme Heat Safety: With Georgia already seeing high-90s temperatures, local guidance from the American Red Cross urges residents to hydrate, avoid strenuous outdoor work, check on neighbors without cooling, and watch for heat exhaustion and heat stroke—especially for kids and pets. Storm Impacts in North Georgia: A severe thunderstorm watch was canceled early as the risk for damaging winds dropped, though rain and lightning lingered in parts of the region. Data Center Push Under Scrutiny: DataBank filed a Development of Regional Impact for a 200MW data center campus near Cartersville, while a new poll finds most Americans who oppose data centers don’t live near one—fueling debate over whether the real concern is construction pace and costs. Public Health at the World Cup: An epidemiologist warns that heat plus crowds plus alcohol and exertion can drive emergency-room visits, with Atlanta among the host cities facing summer conditions. Water & Wastewater Work: Jasper announced a 3–4 week closure of Mineral Springs Road N for sewer master lift station upgrades funded through the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority. Wildlife & Invasive Species: Georgia wildlife officials reiterated guidance on invasive lizards that threaten native wildlife, including advice that residents can kill them on sight.

Chattahoochee River Fish Kill Investigation: Metro Atlanta officials are probing a major Chattahoochee River fish kill tied to heavy storms that overwhelmed underground sewer tunnels, spilling polluted, low-oxygen water into the river and raising questions about infrastructure stress during extreme weather. Coastal Water Quality: Georgia flagged three beaches—parts of Tybee, St. Simons, and Jekyll—for elevated fecal bacteria (enterococci), with public comment on proposed cleanup limits (TMDLs) open until July 16. Stormwater Rules Q&A: The Northwest Regional Planning Commission will host a stormwater informational session Tuesday (June 23) on Georgia’s impervious-surface “three-acre rule,” including how homeowners can meet permit requirements and what a regional stormwater utility study could mean. Wildlife & Habitat Insight: A new study on salamanders finds hidden diversity across the U.S., including as far south as Georgia, after researchers tracked subtle body and skull changes over years of fieldwork. Invasive Species Guidance: Georgia wildlife officials are urging hikers and campers to be “BearWise,” while also highlighting how invasive 4-foot lizards threaten native wildlife and can be killed on sight.

Invasive Species Alert: Georgia wildlife officials are warning residents about the Argentine black-and-white tegu, a large invasive lizard that can threaten native wildlife; the state says people should not handle it and should report sightings. Local Conservation & Education: The Chattahoochee Nature Center in Roswell is set to celebrate its 50th anniversary Wednesday, highlighting its raptor and reptile rehab work and trails, with family-friendly activities like canoeing and a butterfly encounter. Watershed Learning: Ogeechee Riverkeeper and the Chatham County UGA Extension Office are partnering on a Georgia Master Naturalist program starting Aug. 19, with weekly classes and field trips across local ecosystems, including invasive species training. Agriculture & Biodiversity: Georgia’s agricultural research center took part in the “Golden Head” wheat heritage festival, focusing on protecting endemic wheat varieties and agro-biodiversity. Air Quality Context: A report on rainfall history and air pollution notes that where air comes from can matter as much as local rain patterns.

Invasive Species Alert: Georgia wildlife officials are warning residents about the Argentine black-and-white tegu, a large, fast lizard that can threaten native wildlife and is now legal to kill on sight under DNR guidance. Water Quality Watch: Atlanta is hiring independent investigators after a major fish kill on the Chattahoochee River tied to a Peachtree Creek tunnel overflow that reportedly lasted about four hours, with officials still working to determine what happened and what it will cost. Coastal & Community Resilience: Savannah is moving ahead with a plan to revitalize the Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard corridor, including removing the I-16 flyover that reshaped the area and contributed to the decline of historic Black neighborhoods and businesses. Climate-Smart Farming: University of Georgia researchers are studying controlled environment agriculture—like greenhouses and hydroponics—to help growers manage drought and other climate impacts. Nature Education: Ogeechee Riverkeeper and UGA Extension are launching a Georgia Master Naturalist program with field trips and hands-on classes across local ecosystems, including invasive species topics.

River Pollution Probe: Atlanta is hiring an independent contractor to investigate the Chattahoochee River fish kill tied to a Peachtree Creek tunnel overflow that ran for about four hours after heavy rain, with officials still sorting out what happened and how much it will cost. Invasive Species Alert: Georgia DNR says residents can humanely remove Argentine black-and-white tegus if spotted; the non-native lizards can grow large, swim well, and may survive winters, with documented sightings in Toombs and Tattnall counties. Storm Aftermath: Tropical Storm Arthur’s remnants have moved off the Eastern Seaboard, but Southeast impacts linger as a cold front keeps moisture moving through Georgia and nearby states, with flash flooding still a concern. Climate + Water Pressure: A new pushback against data centers is gaining momentum nationwide as states weigh power and water demands, with El Niño raising drought worries just as more facilities come online. Wildlife Conservation Lawsuit: Environmental groups are suing the U.S. government over seafood imports, arguing regulators aren’t enforcing limits meant to prevent whale, dolphin, and other marine mammal bycatch.

Invasive Species Watch: Georgia DNR says residents can humanely remove an invasive Argentine black-and-white tegu if they spot one, as the lizard’s spread is documented in Toombs and Tattnall counties and officials warn it could expand further. Climate & Water Risk: Meteorologists warn El Niño could worsen drought across the U.S., while Georgia’s data-center boom raises fresh concerns about water demand. Data Centers vs. Communities: Georgia rapper Tyler, The Creator renewed pressure on the state’s data-center expansion, tying it to worries about pollution and environmental justice. Agriculture Biosecurity: Georgia cattle producers are on alert after New World screwworm was confirmed in Texas and New Mexico, with officials watching how the pest could move closer during calving season. Heat Safety in Sports: FIFA’s new mandatory three-minute cooling breaks at the 2026 World Cup drew criticism, even as the policy aims to protect players from extreme heat. Local Environment Leadership: UGA agricultural climatologist Pam Knox retired after more than 25 years directing the university’s Weather Network.

Wildlife & Livestock Health: Georgia cattle producers are on alert after New World Screwworm was confirmed in Texas and New Mexico, a parasite eradicated in the U.S. more than 60 years ago that returns via flies laying larvae in open wounds—especially risky for newborn calves during Georgia’s late-summer calving season. Public Safety Preparedness: Anheuser-Busch and Eagle Distributing delivered more than 14,000 cans of emergency drinking water to volunteer fire departments in East Tennessee, part of a nationwide push to stock up ahead of wildfire season. Coastal & Water Quality: A shoreline health survey for François Lake found 83% of shorelines still in natural condition, with 41% rated high/very high ecological value—data meant to guide development and protect clean water and wildlife. Roads & Storm Readiness: Georgia DOT continues Southeast Georgia road work June 20–26, with lane closures and overnight restrictions on parts of I-95 and other routes; drivers are urged to slow down and watch for crews. Local Governance: Georgia senators praised DHS’s decision to stop pursuing a proposed 10,000-bed ICE detention facility in Social Circle, after months of local opposition.

Flood Watch for Georgia: Tropical Storm Arthur’s remnants are still dumping heavy rain across the Deep South, with forecasts calling for 5–10 inches (isolated higher) into parts of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and western Georgia, raising flash-flood and landslide risk. State Weather Alert: Georgia’s National Environmental Agency warns river levels are already high and that late June 19–22 downpours could push the Enguri, Rioni, Aragvi, Iori, and Alazani basins toward dangerous levels, with thunderstorms, hail, and strong winds possible. Data Centers vs. Water & Power: After DHS reversed course on ICE warehouse plans, local leaders are again debating whether to pause new data center development—citing water use, energy demand, noise, and strain on infrastructure. Georgia Energy & Utilities Politics: Counties are recounting votes in Georgia’s District 3 Public Service Commission race after a narrow primary margin, underscoring how PSC decisions shape electricity costs and fuel choices. Wildlife & Habitat: Freshwater Land Trust completed visitor and conservation upgrades at Mardis Mill Falls, protecting habitat tied to the federally endangered Black Warrior waterdog. Invasive Species Watch: Officials warn large invasive lizards are spreading in Georgia and Florida, raising concerns for local wildlife.

ICE Detention Plan Drops in Social Circle: DHS has told Social Circle it’s no longer pursuing an ICE detention facility after the city and residents challenged the plan over environmental review and strain on water, sewer, schools, and public safety. Wildlife & Health Watch: Georgia DNR is warning about invasive Argentine black-and-white tegus—dog-sized lizards that can raid nests and spread parasites—after more sightings in the south. Bird Flu Alarm (Global): New research says H5 bird flu has killed thousands of seal pups on remote Australian sub-Antarctic islands, underscoring how fast outbreaks can spread. Pesticide Lawsuit Shielding: A national push for “pesticide immunity” laws aims to limit future claims tied to pesticide harms, reigniting the fight over warning responsibilities. Power & Climate Policy: Federal regulators ordered grid operators to update rules for data-center power connections, a move with big implications for electricity reliability and rates in Georgia. Local Governance & Utilities: Georgia counties are recounting the District 3 PSC race, a contest that can affect Georgia Power decisions and the state’s energy direction.

Flood Watch: Tropical Storm Arthur’s remnants are still dumping heavy, flooding rain across the Southeast, with flash and urban flooding risks flagged for southern Louisiana, southern Mississippi, southern Alabama, southwestern Georgia and the Florida Panhandle. Storm Track: The system is expected to push farther east through Georgia into the Carolinas, then mix with a cold front as it heads toward the western Atlantic, with the flood threat potentially lingering into the weekend. Heat Safety Reminder: Local officials are urging Georgians to prevent hot-car tragedies—experts say car interiors heat up fast and children can be at risk even on short stops, so caregivers should build a routine of checking the back seat every time. Wildlife Invasives: Georgia DNR is warning about the spread of invasive Argentine black and white tegus, urging residents to report sightings and avoid trying to capture them. Water Safety Rule: New requirements for motorized watercraft registration and navigation certificates are set to take effect July 1 on Georgia’s lakes, rivers and reservoirs, aiming to reduce incidents.

Transit Safety Update: MARTA says crime is down and safety spending is up after a federal audit into assaults on transit workers, reporting a 45% drop in Part 1 crimes since 2020 and adding sworn police staffing (268 now, up from 230 in 2025). Wildlife & Disease: Devastating H5 bird flu findings from Australia’s Heard and McDonald Islands estimate about 13,359 southern elephant seal pups died out of ~17,364 (76%), with up to 97% mortality in one area, and virus detected in multiple seabird and seal species. Climate Risk & Infrastructure: A new analysis says nearly 80% of global data center capacity faces heightened climate hazards like flooding, wildfires, and extreme heat—raising reliability and operating-cost concerns. Outdoor Safety: Georgia DNR urges people to be BearWise—pack out trash and food scraps, keep dogs leashed, and store food properly to prevent wildlife conflicts. Local Growth: Statesboro approved rezoning for a mixed-use Tillman Road project near Georgia Southern, potentially adding a hotel, conference center, brewery, retail, housing, offices, and parking.

Hurricane Watch: Tropical Storm Arthur is now the first named storm of the Atlantic season, forming in the Gulf and setting up a multi-day heavy-rain threat across the Gulf Coast and into parts of Alabama and western Georgia, with flash flooding concerns even after the center moves inland. Heat & Health: World Cup 2026 is drawing fresh debate over mandatory hydration breaks and the wider health risks of extreme heat and humidity for fans and players, with Atlanta flagged among the hottest host cities. Wildlife Conflicts: Georgia wildlife officials say Canada geese become temporarily flightless during late June–early July molting, meaning harassment tactics may fail and residents should use patience and non-harm deterrence until birds can fly again. Local Government: Macon-Bibb commissioners approved a $221M 2027 budget, with public safety taking the biggest share as costs rise and federal funding from the pandemic era runs down. Agriculture Workforce: Georgia growers are backing the Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act, aiming to modernize H-2A rules so more farm operations can access seasonal labor. Invasive Species: Officials warn invasive tegu lizards are spreading in southeast Georgia, urging residents not to handle them and to report sightings.

Data Center Backlash in Georgia: DeKalb County’s development freeze and utility-capacity review drew national attention after rapper Tyler, The Creator posted “death to all data centers,” citing environmental equity and water concerns tied to a proposed tech hub. Wildlife Protections Update: Georgia DNR updated its protected species list for the first time since 2006, adding nearly 90 species and citing threats like water pollution, runoff, development pressure, and data center expansion—Middle Georgia species are included. River Recreation Comeback: A new look at the Chattahoochee River highlights how cleanup efforts have helped it shift from decades of unsafe conditions toward renewed recreation. Air Quality Warning: A national study says wildfire smoke has reversed the long decline in surface ozone since 2015, with ozone-related premature deaths rising. Tropical Weather Watch: Potential Tropical Cyclone One is forming in the Gulf, with heavy rain and flash-flood risk for parts of Texas and the Deep South, including the Southeast. Local Nature Notes: Turtle nesting season is underway in North Fulton and Forsyth, with wildlife officials urging drivers to watch for crossings.

Invasive species: Georgia DNR highlighted young barred owls and American kestrels in its “Georgia Wild” update, while also reminding residents that wildlife monitoring and habitat care matter year-round. Wildlife & public health: Officials warned about invasive tegu lizards spreading in southeast Georgia and urged vigilance to stop egg-raiding before populations grow. Extreme heat & safety: Savannah issued an extreme heat advisory, pushing residents toward cooling centers and heat-safety steps as temperatures climb. Storm watch: A Potential Tropical Cyclone One formed in the Gulf, with forecasts pointing to heavy rain and flash-flood risk across parts of the Southeast. Local environment enforcement: Barrow County revoked Cowart Mulch permits after repeated fire and smoke incidents and concerns tied to the Apalachee River. Water & infrastructure: Google announced water stewardship plans tied to data centers, including replenishing more water than it uses by 2030. Community impacts: Georgia’s carriage horse operators defended heat practices as a new state law challenges Savannah’s rules.

Invasive Species Watch: Georgia DNR is warning that invasive tegus—large, dog-sized lizards—are spreading and can raid nests and harm local wildlife; officials urge residents to report sightings. Air Quality & Wildfire Impacts: A new analysis finds wildfires have reversed the long decline in U.S. surface ozone, driving rising ozone-related health harm since the mid-2010s. Data Centers vs. Water & Environment: Wakulla County commissioners voted for a permanent ban on data centers, with residents citing threats to clean drinking water and pollution concerns; the debate echoes across parts of Georgia and the Big Bend. Water Stewardship: Google says it will replenish more water than it uses at data-center sites by 2030 and is funding hundreds of millions in water and wastewater projects. Coastal Research: UGA Libraries’ Wormsloe Fellows added two doctoral researchers studying southern magnolia pollination and how contaminants affect bats along Georgia’s coast. Public Safety Alerts: The bipartisan Mystic Alerts Act is advancing to the full House, aiming to send emergency warnings by satellite when cell networks fail. Heat & Health: Extreme heat remains a major risk nationwide, with Georgia residents urged to stay safe during worsening temperature swings.