AGP Executive Report

Extreme Heat Grid Prep: U.S. grid planners are treating extreme heat as a “design baseline” as hotter summers arrive earlier, with reliability groups flagging the overlap of early heat and spring maintenance outages. Hurricane Readiness: South Carolina is running a full-scale hurricane evacuation exercise June 10, testing reversal operations on U.S. 278 and U.S. 21 and urging drivers to watch for traffic control and personnel. Water Planning for Drought: South Carolina’s completed 2025 State Water Plan, built through WaterSC input, aims to protect water availability for the next 50 years as growth and drought strain supplies. Wildlife & Disease Watch: Scientists report a hidden disease crisis in wild snakes, linking snake fungal disease risk to coinfections, raising concerns for native populations. Rabies Alerts: Orangeburg County confirmed a rabid raccoon after a dog exposure, with officials urging people to avoid contact with wild animals and call local professionals. Local Environment Politics: Spartanburg County Council District 6 candidates are clashing over data center decisions tied to community concerns about impacts. Community Safety: Officials also confirmed rabid animals in SC counties, reinforcing the need for pet precautions and public awareness.

Hurricane readiness: South Carolina officials kicked off the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season with a statewide tabletop exercise, urging residents and businesses to review evacuation plans, secure homes, and protect drinking water and wastewater systems, while EPA guidance also highlights preventing and reporting chemical releases during storms. Wildlife health: A rabid raccoon was confirmed in Orangeburg County after it exposed a dog; health officials say no people reported exposure, but they urge anyone who may have had contact to call DPH. Coastal risk and culture: Reporting on the ACE Basin and Gullah-Geechee communities points to saltwater intrusion, flooded streets, and growing pushback against nearby data centers and gas plants—showing how environmental change and development pressures collide. Data centers and water stress: A new analysis finds most planned U.S. data centers are slated for drought-affected areas, raising concerns about water demand as drought worsens. Wildfire outlook: South Carolina’s wildfire activity is expected to stay near normal through at least September, helped by late-spring rainfall but with dry pockets still lingering. Solar industry move: SUNation Energy and Suniva signed a definitive merger agreement to expand U.S. solar manufacturing under the Suniva name.

Hurricane Preparedness: Lowcountry officials are urging residents to get ready now that hurricane season is underway, stressing that one storm can still bring catastrophic inland flooding and warning people to rely on trusted local updates. Wildfire Outlook: South Carolina’s wildfire activity is expected to stay near normal through at least September, helped by unusually wet spring weather, though some dry pockets remain. Flood Risk From Wetland Loss: A new study links upstream wetland destruction since the 1980s to higher flood insurance payouts for coastal South Carolina homeowners, with Charleston-area losses highlighted. Nonprofit Transparency: New SC amendments to the Solicitation of Charitable Funds Act aim to make filings easier for nonprofits while boosting donor transparency during fundraising. Energy & Land: A pipeline company has filed court petitions seeking survey access from South Carolina landowners for a proposed natural gas pipeline tied to a new power plant, as local opposition grows. Weather Watch: Rain chances return Monday in the Upstate, with a stretch of cloudy, stormy days and possible flash flooding. Wildlife & Coasts: SCDNR removed coyotes from Kiawah Island after sea turtle attacks, and a manatee was spotted in the Waccamaw River near Conway.

Flood Costs & Wetlands: A new study says upstream wetland destruction since the 1980s has driven up flood insurance payments for South Carolina coastal homeowners, with major impacts flagged around Charleston County and Myrtle Beach. Hurricane Readiness: Dorchester County hosted a big hurricane expo to help residents prepare, with a focus on inland flooding risks and hands-on emergency response training. Waterway Wildlife: A manatee was spotted in the Waccamaw River near the Conway marina, and SCDNR says sightings are rising as more manatees move through connected waterways. Coastal Ecology & Development: A pipeline company filed court petitions seeking survey access for a proposed natural gas pipeline tied to a new Colleton County power plant, drawing opposition over property impacts and the ACE Basin watershed. Heat & Air Quality: South Carolina is heading into hotter weather with humidity building and air quality alerts in the region, while scattered storms remain possible. Public Safety: Rabies was confirmed in a skunk (Greenwood County) and a raccoon (Orangeburg County), prompting calls to avoid contact and report potential exposures. Local Infrastructure: Highway 17 widening in Myrtle Beach is nearing completion, with added storm drains and lane expansion work continuing into late 2026.

Hurricane Preparedness: Dorchester County hosted a major hurricane expo in Summerville, pairing emergency experts and first responders with hands-on resources like swift-water rescue demos and a Medical University of South Carolina helicopter, with officials stressing inland flooding as a top killer. Energy & Land Use Fight: A pipeline company filed dozens of court petitions seeking survey access from South Carolina landowners for a proposed natural gas pipeline tied to a new Dominion Energy and Santee Cooper power plant, with opponents citing impacts to the ACE Basin watershed and private property. Wildlife Watch: Manatees are being spotted in the Waccamaw River near Conway, and SCDNR says sightings are rising as the animals migrate and spend time around marinas. Public Health: Virginia reported a record measles surge (77 cases by June 2), raising concerns for travelers moving through major airports like Dulles. Coastal Safety: The National Weather Service issued a rip-current risk for parts of the South Carolina Lowcountry through Wednesday evening. Local Environment Notes: SCDNR also confirmed rabies in a Greenwood skunk and an Orangeburg raccoon, urging residents to avoid wildlife contact and call officials if exposure is possible.

Energy & Water Rights: A gas pipeline company filed 88 court petitions seeking survey access from South Carolina landowners for a proposed Dominion Energy and Santee Cooper natural gas project in Colleton County, with opponents warning of impacts to the ACE Basin watershed and private property. Coastal Pollution: Grand Strand Water and Sewer Authority reported a wastewater spill into the Intracoastal Waterway after a sewer pump station pipe failed in Horry County; officials say drinking water quality wasn’t affected and repairs are underway. Wildlife Watch: A manatee was spotted in the Waccamaw River near the Conway marina, with SCDNR noting sightings are increasing as manatees migrate through connected waterways. Public Safety Outdoors: The National Weather Service issued a rip current risk for parts of South Carolina’s Lowcountry through Wednesday evening. Invasive Species Alert: Georgia officials say Argentine black-and-white tegus have spread and are showing up in South Carolina too, urging residents to report or kill them to protect native wildlife. Hurricane Prep: A South Carolina-focused preparedness guide urges residents to stock supplies, clear hazards, and plan for long-lasting storm impacts.

Arctic Drilling Push: The Trump administration moved ahead with an Arctic National Wildlife Refuge oil lease auction, drawing limited interest and reigniting fights over impacts to caribou, polar bears, and migrating birds. Local Water Pollution: A wastewater spill in Horry County flowed into the Intracoastal Waterway after a sewer pump station pipe failed; officials say drinking water wasn’t affected. Wildlife in the Lowcountry: A manatee was spotted swimming in the Waccamaw River near the Conway marina, with SCDNR noting manatees are increasingly reported in the region. Coastal Safety: The National Weather Service issued a rip current risk for South Carolina’s Lowcountry beaches through Wednesday evening. State Parks & Wildlife Awareness: S.C. state parks are seeing more snake encounters as temperatures rise, with guidance urging hikers to stay alert. Marine Life Conservation: Least terns expanded at Huntington Beach State Park, with nests jumping to 137 after habitat changes tied to dredging. Air Quality Alert: A code orange ozone alert was issued for parts of the Charlotte area and nearby Upstate counties. Heat Outlook: Humidity and temperatures are expected to climb into the 90s over the weekend, with scattered storms possible early next week.

Fisheries & Courts: A legal fight over red snapper rules is reshaping what anglers expected to be the longest season in years, after NOAA moved to loosen federal limits—only to be blocked by a judge—highlighting the push-pull between fishing access and conservation. Coastal Wildlife: Least terns are rebounding at Huntington Beach State Park, with nests jumping to 137 after dredging-created habitat, a hopeful sign for a threatened species. Air Quality: South Carolina’s Upstate and the Charlotte area saw Code Orange ozone alerts, urging sensitive groups to limit time outdoors. PFAS Accountability: Wisconsin announced a major $10 million PFAS settlement tied to Tyco/Johnson Controls, including long-term clean water obligations—another reminder that contamination cleanup can take years. Water Supply Politics: Charlotte’s plan to nearly double a Catawba River water transfer is drawing organized opposition from South Carolina interests. Hurricane Prep: With 2026 hurricane season underway, agencies are pushing residents to stock supplies and clear hazards now. Local Spill Response: Cleanup is underway after a fuel spill near a Gaffney Walmart. Invasive Species Watch: Georgia is warning residents about invasive Argentine tegu lizards, with reports extending into South Carolina and beyond. Sea Turtle Protection: Kiawah Island officials removed coyotes after attacks on nesting loggerhead sea turtles, following multiple incidents. Ongoing Seafood Economy: South Carolina’s shrimp season opened as fuel costs and operating pressures remain top concerns for shrimpers.

Air Quality & Heat: South Carolina’s Upstate is under a Code Orange ground-level ozone action day Friday (10 a.m.–8 p.m.), with temperatures climbing into the upper 80s and weekend heat building to around 90 degrees plus humid heat indexes in the 90s. Coastal Safety: A high rip current risk is in effect for Coastal Georgia and South Carolina, a reminder to swim near lifeguards and heed beach warnings. Fisheries & Food Costs: South Carolina’s commercial shrimp season opened with marine biologists checking spawning levels for sustainability, but fishers say rising fuel costs are squeezing profits. Water & Health: A new water filtration service is being launched in Clover, aiming to improve drinking-water taste and remove contaminants. Wildlife & Invasives: Georgia is warning about invasive Argentine black-and-white tegu lizards that threaten native wildlife and crops, with efforts underway to assess and eradicate them. Hurricane Season Prep: Atlantic hurricane season is underway, and South Carolina coastal officials are urging residents to review evacuation zones, emergency kits, and insurance now. Local Infrastructure: SCDOT plans bridge closures and resurfacing projects in Greenville County, including the East Butler Road bridge over I-385 for summer repairs. Marine Life: Shark bite reporting highlights Florida’s continued lead in U.S. shark bites, with peak activity during summer beach season.

Drought Relief in the Southeast: The latest U.S. Drought Monitor shows improving conditions across the Southeast, with South Carolina and parts of Georgia seeing big reductions in severe drought levels after late-May rains. PFAS Cleanup Funding: New PFAS money is flowing to communities via a nationwide settlement tied to “forever chemicals,” with South Carolina included in the broader case. Energy Infrastructure Jobs: Austria-based Mosdorfer picked Oconee County for a $44.55M facility to make high-voltage transmission hardware, aiming to create 107 jobs. Coastal Conservation: ReWa’s oyster shell recycling program is helping replenish reefs and support coastal water quality. Wildlife Health Threat: A new study warns hidden infections are spreading among Southeast snakes, raising extinction concerns for vulnerable species in Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina. Harbor Dredging Review: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is seeking public input on a Charleston Harbor Environmental Impact Statement that could change dredging timing and methods. Data Center Backlash: A national debate is heating up over whether data centers should be restricted due to energy use, water demand, noise, and waste. Agriculture Costs & Politics: South Carolina’s agriculture commissioner race spotlights rising fertilizer and diesel costs squeezing farmers ahead of the June 9 primary. Trails Month: Beaufort County kicks off “Trails Month” with events celebrating the Spanish Moss Trail.

Coastal Dredging Decision-Making: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is starting a new Environmental Impact Statement for possible changes to Charleston Harbor dredging, asking the public for input on how and when maintenance dredging happens. Hurricane Safety Rethink: A new study argues the current hurricane category system can mislead people because it focuses on wind, while storm surge and rainfall drive many deaths—pushing for a severity scale that better matches real risk. Wildlife & Invasives: Georgia wildlife officials are urging residents to kill invasive Argentine black-and-white tegus, warning the lizards’ spread could harm crops and native species. Marine Life Watch: Harmful algal bloom concerns are back for Lake Hartwell, with a recreational watch issued by state environmental officials. Community Outdoors: Beaufort-area groups are celebrating the Spanish Moss Trail during June with National Trails Day kicking off the month-long push to get people outside. Local Climate Context: South Carolina drought conditions are shifting, with reports noting some improvement after recent rains while vulnerabilities remain heading into hurricane season.

Coastal Safety Alert: A high rip current risk is in effect for parts of coastal Georgia and South Carolina, including Beaufort, Colleton, Charleston and Jasper counties, with officials urging swimmers to stay near lifeguards and avoid the water if they’re not strong. Drought & Storm Readiness: South Carolina’s drought is still lingering even after recent rain, and dry soils could make flash flooding more likely during early hurricane-season downpours. Water Quality Watch: State environmental officials say they found no sign that 683 acres tied to Greenwood Land Holdings II is impacting Lake Greenwood or linked to a recent fish kill. Wildlife & Habitat: Hunting Island’s lighthouse reopened to the public after a $4.75 million restoration, while a UGA study warns wild snakes across the Southeast face a growing mix of diseases that could push vulnerable species toward extinction. Community Cleanliness: SC agencies are ramping up enforcement for “Zero Tolerance for Litter Month,” targeting illegal dumping and unsecured vehicle loads.

Road & Construction Updates: SCDOT will close the Berry Shoals and Duncan Reidville Roads intersection in Spartanburg County starting June 5 for roundabout work, with reopening expected within three months. Stormwater & Water Quality: A new look at the Lowcountry’s stormwater ponds and community lakes explains how these systems act as the first defense against polluted runoff—and what happens when they fail. Climate & Flood Risk: A Moody’s analysis warns flood insurance gaps could be far worse than expected, especially as outdated FEMA maps and future climate scenarios expand uninsured losses. Wildlife Health: A University of Georgia study finds wild snakes across Georgia, Florida, and South Carolina are carrying multiple deadly pathogens, raising extinction risk for vulnerable species. Hurricane Prep: The Coast Guard Southeast District urges South Carolinians to get ready for the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, with planning tips for boats, households, and inland risks. Community & Wildlife-Friendly Fun: Riverbanks Zoo and Garden brings back “Toucan Tuesdays” with Harvest Hope Food Bank to help fight food insecurity while supporting local wildlife education. Outdoor Safety: Myrtle Beach officials warn beachgoers about Portuguese man o’ war washing ashore—don’t touch, even if it looks dead. Energy & Permitting: A coalition led by West Virginia AG J.B. McCuskey challenges activist groups’ ability to sue and delay federal environmental permitting before states review projects.

Permitting Fight: West Virginia AG J.B. McCuskey is leading a 21-state push at the U.S. Supreme Court to stop activist groups from suing to block federal environmental permits before states can review them—arguing it could delay or halt housing, energy, and military projects. Coastal & Water Safety: South Carolina’s summer water safety push continues as agencies share tips for pools, lakes, and rivers, while the state also warns about storm impacts and breezy, cooler conditions with a few showers. Hurricane Season: The 2026 Atlantic hurricane season is underway; forecasts call for a slightly below-normal season, but experts stress staying prepared for any storm. Upstate Stormwater: Dorchester County residents are demanding more transparency after a stormwater stop-work order tied to failed erosion controls at The Ponds, raising concerns about sediment and watershed impacts. Fisheries: New red drum management steps are moving forward after assessments found the southern stock overfished and under rebuilding pressure, with options aimed at reducing harvest and protecting breeding fish. Jobs & Minerals: USA Rare Earth selected Cherokee County for a rare earth magnet manufacturing and refined metals operation, targeting hundreds of high-skill jobs and expanded domestic magnet production.

Hurricane Season Prep: NOAA says the 2026 Atlantic season is forecast to be below average (8–14 named storms), but South Carolinians are still urged to stay ready—there’s no “just a” storm, and the Carolinas remain a higher-risk target. Severe Weather Impacts: Upstate and parts of Northeast Georgia saw hail, downed trees, and power outages along the I-20 corridor, with more storm chances possible later. Local Water & Marine Science: A free NOAA Gray’s Reef open house in Savannah (June 21) will let the public tour the NOAA Ship Nancy Foster and learn how the sanctuary protects biodiversity. Energy Policy Watch: New U.S. Department of Energy guidance weakens popular home energy rebate programs by limiting upgrades like gas-to-heat-pump swaps, raising concerns for households trying to cut pollution and bills. Forest Service Restructuring: The U.S. Forest Service reorganization could close research facilities nationwide, but Western North Carolina’s research land and stations are reportedly spared—still, local groups worry about long-term science impacts. Microplastics Legal Pressure: Charleston Waterkeeper notified groups it may sue over microplastic pollution, keeping pressure on local water quality efforts.

Water Safety: South Carolina DPH is urging extra caution as summer water recreation ramps up, citing 85 unintentional drowning deaths in 2024 and the highest risk for kids ages 1–4; officials recommend a “Water Watcher,” barriers and alarms for home pools, and swim lessons. Hurricane Season Prep: With the Atlantic season starting June 1, NOAA calls for a below-normal year tied to El Niño, but South Carolina and nearby communities are still pushing family emergency plans and disaster kits—plus Dorchester County’s hurricane expo and new chainsaw training for deputies. Local Environment & Recreation: Lake Hartwell is under a harmful algal bloom recreational watch, and SC agencies are also sharing guidance for safe summer swimming across pools and lakes. Health & Risk Online: A KFF Health News report highlights rising GLP-1 overdoses linked to telehealth prescribing, including one case where a patient received about nine times a typical first dose. SC Politics (Election Watch): South Carolina’s June 9 primary ballot preview covers contested races, including attorney general and commissioner of agriculture. Wildlife & Nature: A report flags disease risks to rattlesnakes and other wildlife, adding pressure to already vulnerable species.