AGP Executive Report

Extreme Heat & Cooling Help: Upstate South Carolina is under heat advisories as temperatures near 100°F and heat indexes push past 106°F, with officials urging people to use cooling centers and stay hydrated over the July 4 weekend. Heat-Safety Warnings: Another round of heat advisories hits the Charlotte region, and meteorologists warn storms can pop up fast and turn severe. Storm Threats: Severe thunderstorm warnings in the Upstate call out damaging winds and hail, with residents urged to move indoors. Energy-Saving Thermostat Fight: A national debate flared after NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani urged residents to keep AC at 78°F to ease grid strain; South Carolina Republicans criticized the message even as similar guidance exists from federal energy sources. Plastics Policy in Court: Seventeen GOP attorneys general sued California over its plastics packaging law, arguing it will raise costs nationwide—South Carolina is among the plaintiffs. Data Centers vs. Communities: Greenwood County revised its data center ordinance after residents raised concerns about noise, water, setbacks, generators, and enforcement; separately, a data center rezoning request in Illinois was withdrawn after public pushback. Bumble Bee Survey: Foothills Land Conservancy is hosting a community Bumble Bee Atlas survey, continuing local efforts to track pollinator health. Wildlife & Habitat: South Carolina wildlife agencies are also weighing in on deer hunting with dogs as populations and public input remain in focus.

Extreme Heat & Storm Risk: The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for the Upstate (heat index near 106) and severe thunderstorm warnings for parts of Greenville County, with damaging wind gusts and hail possible. Wildlife Watch: SCDNR is urging caution after a spike in bear sightings around Greenville, noting hot conditions and fewer natural foods; experts say don’t panic, but secure trash and avoid bear attractants. Bumble Bee Conservation: Foothills Land Conservancy will host its next Southeast Atlas Bumble Bee Survey on July 11 at Harris Farm in Rockford, building community science data to track and protect bumble bees. Local Environment & Land Use: Conservation groups and residents continue to push back on development impacts—most recently, Karis withdrew a rezoning request for a data center in Illinois after community concerns about environmental effects and noise. Coastal/Beach Culture: A growing beach shade controversy is hitting the Carolinas as Shibumi-style canopies face complaints about noise, space hogging, and litter. Ports & Trade: South Carolina Ports plans to pause operations at the Leatherman Terminal at the Port of Charleston starting Aug. 1 as volumes soften and trade headwinds mount.

Extreme Heat & Drought: South Carolina is bracing for a Fourth of July heat dome with heat advisories in the Upstate and triple-digit heat index risks, while the latest U.S. Drought Monitor shows 100% of the state abnormally dry and severe drought expanding—prompting water limits and drought-emergency actions in places like Loris. Heat Safety: Local guidance is circulating on recognizing heat exhaustion vs. heat stroke and staying hydrated as temperatures soar. Water & Fireworks Safety: State agencies are coordinating holiday safety tips, including alcohol-free boating and swimming, and urging residents to keep fireworks away from homes and dry vegetation. Conservation & Land: Conservation easements are protecting 1,000+ acres near Cape Romain and Francis Marion Forest, supporting long-term habitat and water-shed resilience. Local Environment Watch: Greenville Zoo shared how animals are getting heat relief through enrichment like sprinklers and frozen treats. Food Waste Policy (National): California’s new “Best if Used By” vs. “Use By” labeling rules aim to cut confusion and food waste—an approach that could influence how packaged food is labeled nationwide.

Child Care Crisis: Laurens County First Steps warns DSS Smart Start Child Care Scholarship cuts will hit working families hard as renewals stall after a December 2025 pause, with only 11 scholarships slated for FY2027 versus 20 in FY2026. Heat & Water Stress: Loris declared a severe drought emergency for the Pee Dee River Basin, tightening GSWSA excess-water thresholds and asking residents to cut use by 25% (and 20% for other users). Wildlife & Fisheries: South Carolina tightened red drum rules starting Tuesday—bag limits drop to one fish per person and hook/size restrictions aim to boost survival. PFAS Watch: The FDA moved to limit PFAS in bottled water, setting up standards tied to EPA drinking-water limits. Coastal Resilience: Isle of Palms begins its first large-scale beach renourishment in six years this month, while SC braces for a heat wave around July 4. Food Waste Policy: California’s “sell by” label ban is part of a broader push to reduce confusion and waste—an issue with national ripple effects. Local Growth & Land Use: Novant filed steps for a new hospital in Nexton, and Costco submitted plans for a North Charleston store near I-26.

Extreme Heat & Drought: South Carolina is bracing for a Fourth of July heat dome with triple-digit heat index readings possible statewide, while drought conditions raise wildfire and fireworks-safety worries. Local Infrastructure: SCDOT announced bridge closures for repairs—an Oconee County Stamp Creek Road bridge starting July 7 (reopening around July 17) and the Turkey Farm Road bridge in Richland County already closed for maintenance. Environmental Cleanup Pressure: Residents are frustrated by the pace of environmental cleanups, and South Carolina is also in “Zero Tolerance for Litter Month,” with tougher enforcement aimed at protecting wildlife and public spaces. Coastal & Marine Debris: A Gullah/Geechee CREATE showcase highlights upcycling and community action to tackle marine debris, turning collected litter into art and education. Energy & Power Concerns: Counties across South Carolina are pausing plans for AI data centers amid worries about rising power bills, pollution, and noise. Food Waste Policy: California’s new rules banning “sell by” labels are aimed at reducing confusion and waste—an issue that could resonate with shoppers here during hot, busy holiday weeks.

Extreme Heat & Drought: South Carolina is heading into Fourth of July week with extreme drought across much of the state (including D2 and D3 areas) and a heat dome pushing heat indexes toward triple digits—raising wildfire risk, especially from fireworks, and adding warnings for boaters dealing with shallow, hazardous waters. Energy Bills in Summer: Dominion Energy shared practical ways to keep cooling costs down during hot spells, including setting thermostats around 78°F or higher, using fans, and staying on top of filters, duct sealing, and weather stripping. Broadband Access: The South Carolina Broadband Office says it cut BEAD scope by using other funding sources and has signed more agreements, leaving fewer than 1% of service locations still in the BEAD program. Coastal Safety After Incident: The Coast Guard reported no pollution after a crane toppled into Hilton Head-area waters, while crews worked to lift it. Wildlife & Community: A new “Reading with a Ranger” program is pairing Andrews library kids with Black River State Park rangers, and wildlife photographer Charles “Chas” Glatzer has died after a fatal multi-vehicle crash in South Carolina.

Heat & Health: A heat dome is pushing Upstate South Carolina into dangerous triple-digit heat index territory through the Fourth of July weekend, with the National Weather Service urging people to hydrate, cool off, and plan outdoor activities carefully. Local Nature Education: Black River State Park is partnering with the Andrews branch of the Georgetown County Library for “Reading with a Ranger,” bringing park rangers into storytime to spark kids’ interest in local wildlife and conservation. Water & Drought Watch: Across the region, drought conditions are still driving water restrictions, with officials asking residents to follow local limits and report violations. Wildlife & Land Stewardship: The U.S. Forest Service named Savannah River Site leaders as Forest Fellows, highlighting ongoing work in forest management and wildlife biology. Coastal/Tropical Monitoring: The National Hurricane Center is tracking a western Atlantic disturbance with only marginal odds for development as it drifts toward the Southeast. Transportation Overhaul: South Carolina’s transportation agency is being restructured, with new accountability steps and faster pothole repair targets.

Extreme Heat & Heat Dome: South Carolina is heading into the Fourth of July week under a heat dome, with heat index values climbing into the upper 90s to near 100 and feel-like temps pushing past 100 in many areas—officials urge hydration and extra checks on vulnerable neighbors. Drought & Water Limits: Severe drought has been declared for the Pee Dee River Basin, prompting Grand Strand Water & Sewer Authority to activate its drought plan July 1, tightening the “excess use” threshold and asking customers to cut non-essential water use. Coastal Conservation & Recreation: Gaston County and partners bought a 562-acre Lake Wylie tract for a new Catawba Cove park, adding about 6 miles of trails, public lake access, and wetland/floodplain protection to help filter stormwater. Wildlife Health Alert: A rabid fox bite in Gloverville has triggered rabies treatments and highlights three recent rabies cases across SC, with exposed pets and people being managed under state rules. Plastics Policy Fight: Seventeen state attorneys general, including South Carolina’s, are suing California over its single-use plastics packaging law, arguing it raises costs and oversteps state authority. Transportation Overhaul: Gov. McMaster signed a major S.C. DOT restructuring bill, moving oversight to a single cabinet secretary and setting up “choice lanes” language plus new pothole funding and reporting. Ports Update: South Carolina Ports plans to pause Leatherman Terminal operations Aug. 1 and consolidate container work to Wando and North Charleston amid trade headwinds.

Heat Dome Watch: South Carolina is bracing for a dangerous stretch of hot, humid weather as a heat dome expands, pushing heat index values into the upper 90s and near/over 100 through the Fourth of July week, with officials urging hydration and extra care for vulnerable neighbors. Coastal & Storm Outlook: The National Hurricane Center is monitoring a disturbance off the Southeast coast with a low chance of tropical development, while forecasters also track multiple tropical waves—so residents are being reminded to stay ready. Wildlife & Public Health: A rabid fox bite in Gloverville led to rabies treatment for a resident, and officials also reported other recent rabies cases in Cherokee and Williamsburg counties. Fishing Rules: South Carolina’s new red drum regulations take effect July 1, cutting the daily harvest limit to one per person, tightening boat limits, and raising the legal size range to 18–25 inches. Community Water Efforts: Beaufort County opened registration for its 10th annual Walk for Water, with events in Port Royal and Bluffton to raise funds for safe water projects. Holiday Safety: Fire officials and local towns are emphasizing safer Independence Day practices, from fireworks rules in Bluffton to statewide firework safety reminders.

Coastal Economy & Shipping: South Carolina Ports says it will consolidate container operations at its Wando and North Charleston terminals, pausing Leatherman Terminal starting Aug. 1 as it faces “headwinds” and aims for long-term, sustainable growth. Wildlife & Fisheries: New red drum rules kick in July 1, cutting recreational harvest to one fish per person per day (and two per boat), tightening the size slot to 18–25 inches, and requiring specific circle hooks for certain bait-and-hook setups. Heat & Storm Safety: Forecasters warn of near-record heat building in the Upstate and nearby regions, with periodic showers and isolated strong storms possible around the Carolinas as the Fourth of July approaches. Local Conservation: Dorchester County’s new state forest adds protected acreage, continuing South Carolina’s push to preserve land for wildlife and public use. Community Food Security: Orangeburg County School District’s “Rolling for a Reason” initiative earned a major state education award for student-led meal service aimed at tackling food insecurity. Energy & Environment Watch: Kershaw County moved forward on incentives for a proposed $900M natural gas plant (“Project Ballast”), drawing fresh questions from nearby residents.

Coastal Fishing Rules: South Carolina red drum limits tighten July 1 after stock assessments found the southern Atlantic population is in trouble—anglers get 1 fish per person per day (down from 2), 2 per boat (down from 6), and a new 18–25 inch harvest slot (up from 15–23). Severe Weather Watch: Upstate South Carolina faces another round of strong storms today, with warnings for damaging winds and hail; forecasters also flag a heat wave building later this week. Tropics Update: The National Hurricane Center is monitoring a low chance of tropical development off the Georgia/South Carolina coast early next week, with slow development possible but tropical impacts not expected right away. Wildlife & Public Safety: Officials say a mosquito-repellent candle sparked a fire that spread to multiple homes in Richland County, displacing at least five people. Energy & Local Impact: Kershaw County moves forward on incentives for a proposed $900M natural gas plant (“Project Ballast”) as neighbors question proximity and details. Climate/Health Reminder: State health officials urge sun-safety to prevent cumulative skin damage and lower long-term skin cancer risk.

Severe Weather Watch: The National Weather Service issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for parts of Upstate South Carolina, including Greenville, Anderson, Pickens and Spartanburg, with damaging winds up to 60 mph and hail possible—officials urged residents to move to interior rooms and stay alert. Storm Timing for Events: Clemson University said gates for the Morgan Wallen concert would open only after rounds of severe weather passed, with fans told to shelter in place as warnings continued. Tropical Outlook: As July approaches, the National Hurricane Center is monitoring a low-pressure area off the Southeast coast near Georgia and South Carolina; development is possible but chances are low, with rougher marine conditions still possible. Plastics Policy Fight: Seventeen Republican attorneys general, including South Carolina’s, filed a federal lawsuit challenging California’s plastics packaging law, arguing it drives up costs and reaches beyond state authority. Conservation Win: Dorchester County dedicated Old Beech Hill State Forest, a 1,643-acre protected area—South Carolina’s sixth state forest and the first in Dorchester County.

Coastal Storm Watch: The National Hurricane Center is tracking a low-pressure area that could form off the Georgia and South Carolina coast early next week, with slow development possible but tropical impacts looking unlikely right now—still, expect more clouds, showers, and rougher marine conditions. Extreme Heat & Severe Weather: Another round of storms is possible across the Carolinas before a dangerous heat wave builds into the Independence Day stretch, raising the risk of heat illness. Conservation Win: Dorchester County dedicated Old Beech Hill State Forest, a 1,643-acre protected tract—South Carolina’s sixth state forest and the first in the county—secured through a major conservation partnership. Clean Water Lawsuit: Residents are suing Robeson County over alleged landfill contamination tied to PFAS “forever chemicals,” arguing it’s seeping into drinking water and endangering health. Green Burial Trend: Green burials are gaining attention as a more natural alternative that avoids embalming chemicals and vaults, using eco-friendly caskets in designated cemetery sections. Hurricane Prep Power: Dominion Energy is meeting with South Carolina local governments to coordinate hurricane-season response, focusing on vegetation management, restoration plans, and communication before outages hit. Wildlife & Coasts: Data highlights South Carolina’s shark-bite risk as low but notable for Myrtle Beach, while separate dolphin-sighting analysis ranks Chincoteague among the top U.S. spots for dolphin watching.

Hurricane Season Prep: Dominion Energy is holding statewide meetings with South Carolina local governments to coordinate hurricane response, stressing that relationships and storm plans need to be built before outages hit. Stormwater & Growth: Charleston County approved new development review requirements that require staff to assess traffic and stormwater impacts earlier when higher-density rezonings are requested. Data Center Moratoriums: With no statewide rules, Spartanburg County voted for a one-year pause on new data center applications while residents packed a public meeting with state environmental regulators about a major proposed facility. Plastics Fight: Seventeen GOP attorneys general, including South Carolina’s, sued California over its single-use plastics packaging law, arguing it will raise costs nationwide. Drinking Water Funding: The EPA announced more than $25 million in grants aimed at improving drinking water systems in small and rural communities, including help addressing PFAS and lead. Wildlife & Conservation: Volunteers in the Lowcountry helped capture diamondback terrapins for a conservation study, highlighting ongoing local biodiversity work. Outdoor Learning: Santee Cooper Outdoors launched a traveling “Bass Class” program to expand youth fishing education and conservation training across South Carolina.

Plastics Fight: Seventeen Republican attorneys general, including South Carolina’s, sued California over its single-use plastics packaging law, arguing it will raise costs and overreach into national commerce. Heat & Health: South Carolina is seeing dangerous summer heat amplified by climate change, with state data pointing to high heat-hospitalization counties like Richland, Horry, Greenville, Charleston and Lexington. Flood Risk & Credit: A new report warns uninsured flood losses could drive growing credit risk, noting South Carolina among states with the biggest potential uninsured exposure. Conservation Win: Dorchester County’s new state forest, Old Beech Hill State Forest, adds 1,600+ acres, including wetlands, to protect water and wildlife habitat. Wildlife & Education: Santee Cooper Outdoors is expanding youth fishing training statewide through a new traveling “Bass Class” program. Campus Safety: SC State University held a law enforcement summit to tighten safety planning with state and local partners ahead of fall. Local Nature Discovery: A rare bee species was spotted in South Carolina, adding to the state’s biodiversity buzz. Drought Watch: Abnormally dry to extreme drought conditions persist across South Carolina, with some areas also moving toward water conservation.

Conservation & Land Protection: Dorchester County dedicated its first-ever state forest, Old Beech Hill State Forest, preserving 1,600+ acres and protecting timber, wildlife habitat, and future outdoor recreation. Tribal Stewardship: The Lower Eastern Cherokee Nation will hold a ribbon-cutting Saturday for the Lower Eastern Cherokee Nation Tribal Forest in Laurens County, with nearly 23 acres conserved and a hiking trail featuring cultural storytelling. Drought & Water Use: Camden moved to mandatory Stage Two drought restrictions, requiring customers to cut non-essential water use and limit lawn irrigation to twice weekly. Extreme Heat: Upstate South Carolina is bracing for a heat dome with heat indexes up to 113 degrees, with life-threatening conditions possible. Statewide Drought Watch: The U.S. Drought Monitor shows every SC county in some drought stage, with much of the coast in extreme drought and very dry soils in key areas. Ports & Shipping: South Carolina Ports plans to pause container operations at Leatherman Terminal starting Aug. 1 and consolidate work at Wando and North Charleston. Plastics Policy Fight: Seventeen GOP attorneys general, including South Carolina’s, sued California over its single-use plastics packaging law, arguing it will raise costs nationwide. Nuclear Education: Duke Energy opened its Brunswick Energy & Education Center to visitors, highlighting nuclear power and coastal environmental stewardship.