AGP Executive Report

Coastal Water Safety: Alabama officials issued a swim advisory for Wolf Bay at Orange Beach Waterfront Park after two back-to-back water tests came back poor, raising illness risk; monitoring continues until bacteria levels drop below EPA’s enterococcus threshold. Recycling Push: ADEM announced nearly $2.5 million in Alabama Recycling Fund grants for fiscal year 2027, including $71,590 for Limestone County, aimed at keeping materials out of landfills and reducing litter and water pollution. Oyster Season Watch: At Bayou La Batre, state marine officials warned this year’s oyster numbers are still in a low period of larval recruitment, with environmental conditions limiting reef recovery. Heat & Fire Readiness: Alabama forestry firefighters are battling multiple wildfires and warn fall could be busy if dry weather holds; meanwhile, emergency managers urged residents to keep hydrating and checking on vulnerable neighbors as late-summer heat lingers. Local Infrastructure: ALDOT plans a nighttime resurfacing project on I-20/59 in Tuscaloosa, and UNA is building a new terraced parking lot—both focused on mobility and campus access.

Recycling Funding: ADEM announced nearly $2.5 million in Alabama Recycling Fund grants for fiscal year 2027, including $71,590 for Limestone County, to keep recyclables out of landfills and reduce litter in land and waterways. Emergency Alerts: Gov. Kay Ivey says Alabama’s new statewide emergency notification system is now active, pushing flood and disaster alerts to phones and local TV/radio, with opt-in options through ALalert/ALinfo. Wildfire Preparedness: The Alabama Forestry Commission rolled out a new online burn permit system for Certified Prescribed Burn Managers, adding fire weather and restriction alerts and phasing out phone permits. Heat & Health: Alabama’s hottest home opener on record brought 21 heat-related EMS calls at Bryant-Denny Stadium, with cooling stations and misting fans deployed. Data Centers & Power Bills: TVA is launching a new rate structure starting Oct. 1 to protect household electric bills as data-center demand surges, including a 10% base rate increase for qualifying facilities plus a capacity charge. Road Work: ALDOT plans nighttime resurfacing on a 2.53-mile stretch of I-20/59 in Tuscaloosa for about three months, with traffic impacts and no lane closures during daytime hours or on Saturdays with home games.

Climate & Finance: A coalition of 25 state attorneys general is urging federal agencies and Congress to defund the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, alleging its climate work has been used to support climate lawsuits against energy companies. Weather & Flood Risk: Forecasters warn that Gulf moisture and a stalled front could bring repeated downpours and flash-flood threats across the Southeast, with Alabama included in a Level 1 threat area through the workweek. Local Infrastructure: ALDOT is starting a three-month nighttime resurfacing project on I-20/59 in Tuscaloosa, with overnight lane closures and restrictions during daytime and on Saturdays for home football games. Air & Health: A new NIOSH study finds black lung is back at levels not seen since 1978 among veteran underground coal miners, driven by increased exposure to silica-rich rock. Energy & Industry: Austal’s Mobile, Alabama shipyard is drawing renewed strategic interest after a higher proposal for its U.S. operations, adding competition to the company’s review. Community & Food Access: Rising diesel prices are squeezing North Alabama’s Food Bank of North Alabama, forcing higher transportation costs for deliveries and pickups.

ADEM Recycling Grants: Alabama Department of Environmental Management announced nearly $2.5 million in fiscal 2027 Alabama Recycling Fund grants to 20 local governments and solid waste groups, including Florence’s Recycle Center ($85,003) and the Shoals Solid Waste Disposal Authority ($89,500), continuing a program that has awarded 339 grants totaling more than $39 million since 2008. Extreme Heat Impacts: Alabama’s extreme heat is disrupting daily life and commerce, with reports of reduced attendance and operational strain at the Alabama Farmers Market in Birmingham as vendors add shade, fans, and cooling options for shoppers and staff. Local Growth & Infrastructure: Trussville’s population surge is strong, but a new focus is emerging on growth management—whether development is “paying its way” through traffic, infrastructure, public services, and schools. Court Fight With Environmental Stakes Nearby: The SEC’s escalating legal action against LSU over eligibility rules is unfolding in federal court in Alabama, adding another high-profile case to the state’s docket. Weather Watch: Forecasters say heat will ease somewhat midweek with drier air, but scattered storms return later in the week.

Recycling Grants: The Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) announced nearly $2.5 million in fiscal 2027 Alabama Recycling Fund grants to 20 local governments and solid waste groups, including Florence’s Recycle Center ($85,003) and the Shoals Solid Waste Disposal Authority ($89,500), funded through the 2008 Solid Wastes and Recyclable Materials Management Act. Extreme Heat Impacts: Extreme heat is disrupting Alabama Farmers Market activity on Finley Avenue, with vendors using shade, fans, and extra cooling to protect both shoppers and produce. Coastal Cleanup: Orange Beach’s Waterways and Shoreline Enhancement Program (WSEP) has removed 65,000 pounds of debris this year across more than 46 miles of beach and coastal shoreline, supported by Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act funding. Data Center Rules: Anniston adopted a 12-month moratorium to study data-center zoning and infrastructure needs, while Floyd County has already adopted detailed temporary rules for future data centers. Botanical Drugs & Ginseng: The FDA opened a botanical drug docket seeking input on speeding development and regulation, as Appalachian wild ginseng harvest season ramps up under federal trade controls. Public Safety: A Selma woman, D’Anna Harris, was released on $4,000 bond after being arrested for leaving four children unattended in a 99-degree car at a Walmart parking lot.

Coastal Cleanup: Orange Beach’s Waterways and Shoreline Enhancement Program says it has removed 65,000 pounds of debris this year, using sonar, dive teams, and equipment across more than 46 miles of beach, marsh, and shoreline—funded through GOMESA. Climate Policy Fight: Alabama AG Steve Marshall is celebrating a federal court ruling blocking New York’s $75 billion climate “superfund” law, arguing it’s preempted by federal authority and would unfairly penalize lawful energy production. Energy & Air Quality Research: A new Mobile ARM user facility in Alabama is tracking atmospheric data from Canopy, adding to a growing network studying how forests affect humidity, aerosols, clouds, and storms. Heat & Storms: Labor Day forecasts across Alabama point to hot, muggy conditions with only limited rain chances today, then a gradual return of more spotty showers and storms later in the week. Waterways & Safety: Alabama’s Bankhead National Forest observatory is helping researchers connect forest conditions to rainfall and storm behavior, aiming to improve precipitation and radar-tracking tools.

Extreme Heat & Storm Risk: Alabama stayed under Heat Advisory conditions with heat indices pushing 108–109°F in parts of the state, while forecasters warned that storms could bring damaging wind gusts up to 60 mph, frequent lightning, and localized heavy rain/flash flooding. Emergency Preparedness: Alabama EMA launched a new “Ready for Anything” podcast urging residents to plan for more than tornadoes, including major flooding and potential New Madrid Fault Line earthquakes. Coastal Wildlife Protection: The South Alabama Land Trust is hosting a free public event on the endangered Alabama Beach Mouse at Gulf State Park, highlighting how the tiny species supports dune ecosystem health. Food Safety Recall: A precautionary recall expanded for frozen berries sold at Walmart in multiple states over possible E. coli contamination, with no illnesses reported for the specific product so far. Energy & Industry Watch: Coverage highlighted West Virginia’s push to expand power capacity and Hyundai’s $5.8B electric-arc furnace steel mill plan in Louisiana that would supply Alabama and Georgia auto manufacturing—an Alabama-relevant signal for lower-carbon industrial growth.

Heat & Storms Watch: A Heat Advisory covers much of north and central Alabama through 8 p.m. with heat index values around 105–109, plus scattered afternoon/evening storms that could bring damaging wind gusts up to 40–60 mph; drought is also worsening with little widespread rain expected. Disaster Preparedness: Alabama EMA launched the “Ready for Anything” podcast to push residents to plan for more than tornadoes, including major floods and a possible New Madrid Fault Line earthquake. Coastal Wildlife Education: The South Alabama Land Trust is hosting a free Gulf State Park event on the endangered Alabama Beach Mouse, highlighting how the tiny species supports dune ecosystem health. Food Safety Recall: Walmart frozen berries are under an expanded recall across 16 states due to possible E. coli contamination, with no illnesses reported for the specific product. Local Tech & Research: Alabama A&M graduate Taylor Pippins completed a second Army SPARK research fellowship, working on robotics and sensor integration at the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center. Industry & Emissions: Toyota announced a $280 million upgrade plan focused on hybrid engine production at its Huntsville, Alabama plant, aiming to boost lower-emissions hybrid output.

Mulberry Fork Fish Kill Probe: Black Warrior Riverkeeper is investigating a fish kill on Alabama’s Mulberry Fork, documenting dead fish and a cloudy, green-algae-tinged stretch that staff suspect ties to low oxygen after warm, nutrient-rich runoff; DCNR and ADEM are leading the response. Extreme Heat and Outdoor Impacts: Heat advisories and storm threats are shaping weekend plans across the region, from delayed games and lightning evacuations to a live-mascot call to keep Arkansas’ Tusk VII off the field for safety. Industrial Decarbonization Push: Toyota announced a $280 million Huntsville-area upgrade to boost hybrid engine production, while Hyundai-Posco’s $5.8 billion Louisiana electric-arc furnace steel mill is pitched as lower-carbon steel for Alabama and Georgia auto plants—both point to cleaner manufacturing supply chains.

Heat & Storm Safety: First Alert Weather Days and a heat advisory keep Alabama in the danger zone through Sunday, with heat indexes near 108°F and scattered storms that could bring heavy rain and lightning. Labor Day Travel Impacts: ALDOT and local agencies are planning for higher holiday traffic, while ALEA urges drivers and boaters to slow down, buckle up, and avoid impaired operation. Energy & Cost Pressure: A report on renewable energy siting bills finds most proposed 2026 measures restrict projects, but many enacted rules are more permissive—researchers expect 2027 to be the biggest year for siting fights as data centers and affordability concerns grow. Local Infrastructure: Huntsville’s US-231/US-431/North Memorial Parkway resurfacing is set to start Sept. 8 at night with single-lane closures, aiming for late-fall completion. Agriculture & Fuel: Record diesel prices are hitting North Alabama farmers, forcing changes like fewer hay cuttings and raising costs for fertilizer and transport. Health Access: Thrive Alabama received a $650,000 federal grant to expand primary care in Albertville, targeting a mid-December clinic opening. Wildlife Note: New research suggests invasive joro spiders may not compete as directly with native orb weavers for food, raising questions about how control efforts could affect yard ecosystems.

Road & Air Quality: Alabama DOT says nighttime resurfacing on 3.5 miles of US-231/US-431/North Memorial Parkway in Huntsville starts Sept. 8, with single-lane closures 6 p.m.–6 a.m. through the week and completion expected in late fall. Extreme Heat: Alabama is still sweltering into Labor Day, with heat indices pushing toward dangerous levels and record temperatures reported across major metros, prompting renewed cooling and hydration reminders. Public Health & Food Safety: A growing E. coli scare tied to frozen blueberries has reached 17 cases, and a separate FDA recall expanded to Walmart frozen berry products sold in multiple states including Alabama. Local Health Access: Thrive Alabama won a $650,000 federal grant to expand primary care in North Alabama, with a new clinic planned for Albertville by mid-December. Energy & Industry: Hyundai Steel broke ground on a $5.8 billion Louisiana electric-arc furnace mill aimed at low-carbon automotive steel, a move that could reshape supply chains feeding Alabama auto plants. Cyber & Court Privacy: Thomson Reuters disclosed a cloud breach that may have exposed sensitive court records, including Social Security numbers and medical info, affecting Alabama among other jurisdictions.

Food Safety Alert: A frozen-berry recall tied to possible E. coli has expanded again: FDA says Great Value Organic Triple Berry Blend (10 oz), lot code 6040 01-6, use-by Feb. 9, 2028, was sold in 16 states including Alabama, with no illnesses reported for this specific product so far. Public Health Update: The broader E. coli outbreak linked to frozen blueberries has now reached 17 confirmed cases, with six hospitalizations and no deaths reported, according to CDC/FDA data. Extreme Heat Watch: Labor Day weekend is bringing dangerous heat to West Alabama, with an NWS Heat Advisory extended through Sunday night and “feels-like” temperatures pushing well above 100 in multiple counties. Coastal Cleanup: Gulf of America Alliance partners removed 32 abandoned and derelict vessels from Bon Secour Bay and the Mobile-Tensaw Delta, removing about 198,600 pounds of debris to improve safety for boaters. Emergency Alerts: Jefferson County is transitioning to Alabama’s statewide Rave ALERT system with Smart911, moving subscribers over automatically and encouraging residents to verify contact settings.

Heat & Health: Alabama’s dangerous late-summer heat is back in the forecast, with local first responders urging football fans to hydrate early ahead of Saturday’s sellout at Bryant-Denny as game-time temps are expected to hit 91°F+. Cooling Costs: Alabama Power says raising thermostats 2–3 degrees can cut energy use by about 10%, and recommends sealing windows/doors and using LEDs to reduce strain during hot weather. Wildlife & Invasives: A free Wild Pig Workshop in Weogufka next Saturday will bring together state and university partners to cover trapping and management, food safety, and funding options for landowners dealing with expanding wild pig populations. Local Conservation: Coosa County landowners can meet conservation and forestry agencies at “Conservation in Coosa County” Sept. 10 to learn about programs and services. Public Safety Funding: Hanover Volunteer Fire Department received a $10,000 State Farm–NVFC grant for equipment maintenance to keep its emergency fleet safe and reliable. Cyber & Courts: Alabama appellate courts are investigating whether sensitive court-record information was accessed in a Thomson Reuters West Publishing C-Track cybersecurity incident affecting multiple states, including Alabama. Emergency Alerts: Jefferson County has switched to Alabama’s statewide Rave ALERT system with Smart911, replacing CivicPlus. Work Zones: Drivers complain about a reduced speed zone on U.S. 431 near Headland during resurfacing, where police say enforcement is key to protect workers and motorists.

Data Centers & Local Impacts: In Brookwood, residents pressed Mayor Joe Barger and council over proposed data centers, raising worries about Hurricane Creek, power bills, noise, and how close projects sit to Brookwood Middle School. Policy & Accountability: Democratic gubernatorial candidate Doug Jones challenged Sen. Tommy Tuberville to disclose and sell AI/data-center investments, arguing Alabama’s data-center push should come with stronger ethics rules. Cybersecurity & Public Records: Thomson Reuters disclosed a breach of its C-Track court case management system, with potentially exposed sealed and sensitive records affecting Alabama appellate courts and courts across multiple states, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Canada. Public Health & Heat: A National Weather Service heat advisory kept West Alabama in “major” heat risk through Sept. 5, with heat index values pushing past 100°F. Invasive Species Education: Foley Community Library announced a fall speaker series starting Sept. 15 on invasive plants threatening South Alabama ecosystems, with experts from Graham Creek Nature Preserve.

Cybersecurity & Courts: Thomson Reuters says an unauthorized party accessed backup data in its C-Track case management system, affecting court records in Alabama and other states, with some files containing personal information. Energy & Land Use: Huntsville Utilities points to growing natural gas demand behind a proposed 137-mile pipeline from near Florence to Hollywood, with surveys and land access letters already going out. Extreme Heat Safety: UAB doctors urge prevention as Alabama faces dangerous heat, warning that heat illness can hit anyone and citing high death toll estimates. Flood Risk: A Flash Flood Warning was issued for parts of northwestern Genesee County and Orleans County, with heavy rain and dangers emphasized for low-lying areas and vehicles. Local Water Access: A new courtesy dock at Lake Catoma in Cullman is meant to make boat launching safer by reducing risky crossings over riprap. Atmospheric Research: Bankhead National Forest’s observatory tower is advancing forest-atmosphere studies, helping track how forests affect humidity, aerosols, clouds, and storms. Heat & Public Events: Alabama’s sold-out home opener in Tuscaloosa is driving extra hydration, traffic, and security planning as heat index values near 110 are forecast. Data Centers Debate: Doug Jones renews calls for a data center moratorium, arguing proposed projects threaten natural resources and utility ratepayers.

Extreme Heat & Safety: The National Weather Service issued a Heat Advisory for West Alabama through Sept. 5, with “feels-like” values topping 100°F in multiple counties and the Alabama–East Carolina kickoff in Tuscaloosa flagged as potentially near 110°F heat index. Public Health Alert: A rabid bat exposure in Colbert County prompted a safety notice; health officials say Alabama has confirmed 34 rabies cases in North Alabama so far in 2026. Emergency Preparedness: Alabama Emergency Management activated a statewide notification system for floods and other disasters, urging residents to text ALalert/ALinfo for updates. Local Governance & Environment: Data center backlash continues as GOP nominee Tommy Tuberville says communities should be able to reject projects and that data centers should pay full costs—an issue tied to energy use and local impacts. Water & Storms Beyond Alabama: Tropical Storm Edouard triggered flooding and power outages in Deep East Texas, with flash flood warnings and rescues underway. Recycling/Forestry Climate Finance: LandYield announced its first verified forest carbon credits through ACR, aiming to route revenue to small family forest owners.