AGP Executive Report

Conservation Spotlight: SCDNR and SCETV/SC Public Radio launched “Into the Wild,” a new daily conservation storytelling series debuting Aug. 5 to highlight wildlife, waterways, and people protecting South Carolina’s natural resources. Drought & Heat Impacts: Charleston is still stuck in a drought—recent rain helped, but the city remains well behind normal rainfall totals for the year, while record-warm July nights are raising heat-risk concerns. Waterway Cleanup: Beaufort County and SCDNR removed three abandoned boats from Alljoy Boat Landing, part of a broader push to reduce hazards and protect marsh habitats. Local Flood Resilience: Greenwood County advanced a $3.8M grant-backed buyout plan for the flood-prone Fox Hollow Townhomes, moving toward demolition if owners agree. Sustainable Learning: SC State’s BECT Education and Research Greenhouse opens its fall semester with public workshops, plant sales, and volunteer opportunities focused on sustainable agriculture and pest management. Energy & Climate Tech: A Clemson student-built solar-integrated EV prototype aims to generate more energy than it uses during a daily commute, turning parking time into part of the charging cycle. Weather Watch: South Carolina’s August pattern stays hot with scattered storms, with localized heavy rain and lightning possible.

Flood Resilience in Greenwood: Greenwood County Council unanimously approved a $3.84M state grant (with a $306K local match) to buy and demolish the repeatedly flooded Fox Hollow Townhomes, moving the total project cost to about $4.15M—pending agreement from all 19 owners and city sign-off. Lowcountry Growth Planning: The Berkeley-Charleston-Dorchester Council of Governments won a national award for its regional growth planning effort, using map-based community input to balance development with environmental conservation through 2045. Wildlife & Safety in Horry: A Horry County family says an alligator killed their dog and that their HOA won’t act on an SCDNR nuisance permit—raising questions about local responsibility when wildlife poses risk. Storm Watch for SC: Forecasters warn of a wet weekend pattern for the Southeast, including South Carolina, with thunderstorms and flash-flood risk in some areas. PFAS Legal Fight: California AG Rob Bonta filed an amended PFAS complaint in South Carolina federal court accusing DuPont spinoffs of a “corporate shell game” to dodge cleanup liabilities. Pollinator Action in SC: South Carolina residents are invited to join the Great Southeast Pollinator Census (Aug. 21–22), tracking pollinators for 15 minutes on one plant to help protect habitat. Food Safety: A salmonella outbreak tied to jalapeños linked to Mexico has sickened people across 27 states, with major restaurant chains removing the peppers while investigations continue.

Upstate Weather: South Carolina’s Upstate is in a classic midsummer pattern—more rain and isolated flash-flood risk through Saturday, then warmer, sunnier weather returns with highs near the low 90s. Wildlife & Public Safety: Beaufort County and SCDNR are removing abandoned boats from Alljoy Boat Landing to protect marshes, wildlife habitat, and reduce hazards for boaters. Pollinator Action: South Carolina is part of the Great Southeast Pollinator Census—residents can spend 15 minutes watching one plant and upload results Aug. 21-22 to track pollinator trends. Animal Welfare: A Johns Island woman faces dozens of animal neglect charges after nearly 30 cats were found—most dead—in a vacant home. PFAS Legal Fight: California AG Rob Bonta filed a second amended complaint in South Carolina PFAS litigation, alleging DuPont defendants used fraudulent transfers to dodge liability. Data Center Pressure: Residents and environmental groups are challenging a Spartanburg County data center project before the Public Service Commission, arguing state siting rules may require approvals for large power generation. Health Alert: A Salmonella outbreak tied to recalled jalapeños has sickened people across 27 states, including South Carolina—public health officials urge checking sources and avoiding recalled product. Air Quality Reminder: Officials warn that burning trash violates South Carolina air pollution rules and local ordinances, with fines or jail possible.

Data Center Fight in Spartanburg: Residents and the Southern Environmental Law Center packed a South Carolina Public Service Commission hearing over Valara Holdings’ proposed ~$3 billion, 900,000+ sq.-ft data center—arguing the company’s natural gas power plant should trigger additional state review under the Utility Facility Siting and Environmental Protection Act. Hazmat Incident: A tanker truck carrying about 2,300 gallons of highly reactive diphenylmethane exploded in a Denny’s parking lot in Spartanburg, forcing the restaurant to close and triggering decontamination of employees. Drought Relief for Farmers: The USDA designated 10 South Carolina counties as primary natural disaster areas due to drought, making Williamsburg County and nearby producers eligible for emergency loans to recover from drought losses. Local Water Resilience: Greenwood County advanced a $3.84M grant to buy out and demolish flood-prone Fox Hollow Townhomes, aiming to turn the area into permanent open space. Wildlife & Health: South Carolina reported West Nile-positive mosquitoes, while a Myrtle Beach copperhead bite sent a woman on a three-hospital hunt for antivenom. Raptor Migration Talk: Conserving Carolina and the Landrum Library host a free lecture Aug. 18 on fall raptor migration in the South Carolina mountains.

Climate Grants Fight: Two courts blocked the Trump administration from canceling $22B in clean energy and climate justice grants, including a South Carolina–led nonprofit challenge tied to the EPA’s attempt to pull Biden-era funding. Data & Policy: South Carolina lawmakers are backing a new public policy institute at USC to connect and analyze state agency data on education and workforce issues, with possible expansion into public health and infrastructure. Local Resilience Buyout: Greenwood County advanced a $3.8M grant to buy out and demolish flood-prone Fox Hollow Townhomes, aiming to turn the site into permanent open space. Drought vs. Downpours: Drought conditions still cover most of SC, but heavy rain is starting to dent it—plus flash-flood threats linger in forecasts. Water & Wildlife: Richland County confirmed its first West Nile-positive mosquito samples of 2026, while a copperhead bite in Myrtle Beach sent a woman on a multi-hospital antivenom search. Environment in Action: The Catawba Riverkeeper launched a floating classroom on Lake Norman to train future riverkeepers. Energy Infrastructure Watch: Oral arguments began over a proposed 450-megawatt Spartanburg data center, with environmental groups arguing it bypassed required state siting oversight.

Storm Surge & Flood Protection: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is pushing ahead with a multi-layer defense plan for Charleston, including the Battery Extension storm-surge project, with early design work already underway and phased construction targeted for 2027–2031. Energy Policy & Reliability: South Carolina’s inaugural Energy Summit launched a new energy council to shape state power policy, with leaders discussing grid resilience, cost control, and how AI could improve efficiency. Utility Merger Timeline: The S.C. Public Service Commission set a Jan. 29, 2027 deadline to decide on the $67 billion Dominion–NextEra mega merger affecting about 820,000 customers. Wildlife Health Alert: S.C. DPH confirmed rabies in a bat (North Augusta) and a fox (Salley), with one dog exposed and one person referred for care. Coastal Conservation Spotlight: SCDES is accepting entries for its annual Coastal Photography Contest, with winning images featured on the 2027 Tide Tables poster. Telecom Crime: Copper thefts in Richland County have disrupted AT&T lines, raising concerns as AI-driven data center demand also boosts copper prices. Data Centers & Power Demand: Texas moved to require data center compliance before grid connections, citing rising electricity and water needs amid extreme weather pressures.

Coastal Flood Protection: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is pushing Charleston’s multi-layer storm-surge and nuisance-flood plan forward, including early design work for the Battery Extension project to protect the peninsula from hurricane surge. Energy Policy & Reliability: South Carolina’s inaugural Energy Summit launched a new energy council to shape state power policy, with leaders emphasizing grid resilience, cost control, and even how AI could improve efficiency. Public Health—Rabies Alerts: Aiken County officials confirmed rabies in a bat and a fox; one person was exposed and referred for care, and a dog was quarantined. Severe Weather Watch: Forecasters flagged a localized damaging wind threat across parts of the Carolinas and nearby areas, while slow-moving storms keep flash-flood risk active into midweek. Wildlife & Community Safety: Aiken County’s rabies findings add urgency to avoiding contact with wild animals, especially bats. Citizen Science: South Carolina is joining the Great Southeast Pollinator Census (Aug. 21–22), inviting residents to count pollinators for 15 minutes to help track habitat and insect trends. Coastal Photography: SCDES is accepting entries for its annual Coastal Photography Contest, with the winning image featured on the 2027 Tide Tables Poster.

Hurricane Season & Insurance: With hurricane season underway, a Greenville-based insurer is urging South Carolina homeowners and businesses to review storm coverage after Hurricane Helene exposed gaps for underinsured properties. Weather & Heat Risks: Forecasters say South Carolina will stay in a hot, humid, stormy midsummer pattern, with showers and thunderstorms lingering into the week—while another report warns Friday night football practices can drive heat illness risk, calling for hydration and acclimatization. Coastal Storm Impacts: The National Weather Service confirmed an EF-0 waterspout/tornado that moved onshore at Folly Beach, with minimal damage and no injuries, and says more waterspouts are possible nearby waters. Climate Justice Fight: The EPA is appealing a court order tied to reviving $2.8B in climate justice grants, arguing the money and staff are already gone. Public Health Watch: South Carolina DPH reports more cyclosporiasis cases in July, but says they don’t match the national outbreak’s exposure patterns. Food Safety: Publix expanded a frozen berry recall over possible E. coli contamination, advising customers to discard or return affected products. Conservation Media: SCETV and SCDNR launch “Into the Wild,” a new conservation storytelling initiative spotlighting wildlife and natural resource protection across the state. Water & Resilience: SCOR and Google expanded a Habitat for Humanity partnership to fund weatherization and energy-efficiency upgrades for storm-impacted, resource-constrained households.

Weather & Hazards: The National Weather Service is warning South Carolinians to expect more showers and thunderstorms this week, especially in the Upstate, as Gulf moisture and unstable air keep storms rolling. Coastal Storm Update: NWS also confirmed an EF-0 waterspout/tornado that moved onshore at Folly Beach Saturday, with more waterspouts possible Monday near the Southeast coast. Conservation Media: SCETV and SCDNR are launching a new conservation storytelling initiative, “Into the Wild,” premiering Aug. 5 to spotlight wildlife, waterways, and natural-resource programs. Public Health Watch: DPH says South Carolina has 37 confirmed cyclosporiasis cases for July (43 total this year) and notes the state’s cases don’t match the national outbreak pattern. Food Safety: Publix recalled GreenWise frozen organic blueberries and mixed berries in eight states, including South Carolina, due to possible E. coli contamination. Resilience & Housing: SC Office of Resilience and Google expanded a $1M partnership with Habitat for Humanity SC to scale home weatherization and energy-efficiency upgrades for storm-impacted families. Pipeline Fight: Southern environmental groups sued the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers over a “fast-track” Nationwide Permit 12 renewal, arguing it sidesteps required environmental reviews for natural gas pipelines.

Weather & Flood Risk: The East Coast is bracing for another round of heavy rain and thunderstorms, with flash-flood risk highlighted from the Carolinas northward as El Niño strengthens. Local Storm Outlook (SC): In South Carolina, drier conditions briefly return Monday, but rain chances spike Tuesday and localized flash flooding remains the main concern. Solar Court Fight (York County): York County Council took no action after an executive session tied to a Silfab Solar zoning ruling in Fort Mill; a reconsideration hearing is set for Aug. 26. Invasive Pest Watch (Cotton): Experts say cotton jassid monitoring is ramping up across the Lower Southeast, with field detections in 2026 already showing up on okra and cotton. Septic & Water Quality: A Septic Think Tank workshop in Columbia brought together 100+ South Carolina stakeholders to share septic management strategies that protect drinking water and local ecosystems. Invasive Species/Conservation Note: A separate report flags endangered right whales in busy East Coast shipping lanes, underscoring ongoing habitat pressure.

Energy & Industry: The U.S. Department of Energy is moving ahead with a $100 billion AI data center complex at Kentucky’s Paducah uranium site, pairing it with new natural gas and battery storage—another sign of federal plans to repurpose nuclear-era land for power-hungry tech. Local Infrastructure: SCDOT will close the I-26 eastbound Exit 129 ramp to Highway 21 from Aug. 7 (8 p.m.) to Aug. 10 (6 a.m.) for a ramp alignment project, with a signed detour in place. Water & Plastics: Statehouse Report highlights how nurdles (tiny plastic pellets) are reaching South Carolina waters, raising microplastic risks for the food chain. Storm Watch: Sunday weather remains active across the Carolinas, with rain and storms continuing and flash flooding possible in parts of the region. Community Cleanliness: Fairfield County showcased its litter prevention and cleanup program at a statewide leadership conference, spotlighting local efforts to keep communities clean. Public Health (PFAS): A new report says military PFAS cleanup deadlines are being delayed for decades, leaving contaminated drinking-water impacts unresolved at many bases.

Water Planning & Pollution: Statehouse Report argues South Carolina needs smarter water planning as nurdles (plastic pellets) keep washing into waterways and federal protections for “ephemeral streams” look shakier after a 2023 court decision. Septic & Water Quality: A Columbia workshop (“Septic Think Tank”) brought 100+ people together to share local septic management fixes that protect drinking water and the environment. PFAS Cleanup Delays: A USA Today analysis says U.S. military bases are pushing PFAS “forever chemical” cleanup deadlines out decades, leaving communities stuck with contaminated wells. Heat & Storm Risks: The coast remains under a multiday heat advisory, while weekend forecasts call for showers and thunderstorms with localized flash flooding risk. Road & Construction Impacts: SCDOT will close the I-26 eastbound Exit 129 ramp for bridge work Aug. 7–10, with a signed detour in place. Wildlife Safety: SCDNR is investigating an alligator attack near Myrtle Beach Golf and Yacht Club; officials urge leash-and-distance rules and no feeding.

Water Watch: Drought eased across parts of the Carolinas, but officials say conservation still matters as reservoirs and groundwater recover slowly; Storm Readiness: An interactive radar and weekend forecast warn of showers and thunderstorms with isolated flash flooding risk as a frontal system moves in Aug. 1; Road & Air Quality: SCDOT will close an I-26 eastbound Exit 129 ramp in Lexington County for construction Aug. 7–10; Septic & Water Quality: A Columbia workshop, “Septic Think Tank,” brought together utilities, researchers, and agencies to share local septic management strategies that protect public and environmental health; PFAS Cleanup: A new report says U.S. military bases are delaying cleanup of toxic “forever chemicals,” pushing deadlines out decades; Wildlife & Public Safety: DNR is investigating an alligator attack near Myrtle Beach after a dog was taken; Invasive Species: North Carolina confirmed yellow-legged hornets in Matthews, raising alarms for honeybees and pollination; Local Industry: BMW’s Upstate EV battery assembly ramps up in Woodruff, while Silfab Solar temporarily pauses Fort Mill production Aug. 5–11 due to supply delays and routine maintenance.

Drought Crisis: Lowcountry farmers say this summer’s drought and record heat are crushing crop yields, with state climatologists warning South Carolina’s agricultural sector is in a full-blown crisis. Heat & Storm Watch: The Upstate is set for a weekend cooldown and rain chances, with possible locally heavy downpours early next week. Wildlife Safety: SCDNR is investigating an alligator attack near Myrtle Beach Golf and Yacht Club, reminding residents to keep pets leashed and never feed alligators. Invasive Species Threat: North Carolina confirmed yellow-legged hornets, raising alarms for honeybees and pollination; officials say the insect has been expanding its range from Georgia and South Carolina. Local Air Quality Reminder: Burton Fire crews say an unattended trash fire spread to a home in Grays Hill, and officials stressed burning trash violates state air pollution rules. Climate Reporting Spotlight: A new interview highlights how climate journalists stay resilient while covering environmental damage. Energy Jobs Update: BMW’s battery-pack assembly plant near Woodruff is nearing completion, with hiring underway. Solar Supply Chain: Silfab Solar temporarily idled its Fort Mill plant due to material shortages and routine maintenance. Public Health Alert: Greenville health officials reported a rabid bat exposure and urged anyone who may have contact to call DPH.

Drought & Heat Hit Lowcountry Farms: South Carolina climatologists say the worst growing season in years is crushing yields as a long drought and record heat leave many counties in severe drought status, with rainfall deficits reaching 11 inches in 2026 alone. Weekend Weather Watch: The Upstate is set for a cooler break and more rain this weekend into early next week, with possible locally heavy downpours. Wildlife Health Alert: A rabid bat exposure was reported in Greenville; health officials urge residents not to handle bats and to contact providers if there’s any possible contact. Public Safety & Infrastructure: SCDOT will close two southbound I-77 lanes near Rock Hill for bridge repair, and crews are responding to a suspected lightning-caused woods fire in Colleton County. Water Planning Push: State coverage highlights growing concerns about water protection gaps and pollution risks, arguing South Carolina needs better water planning now.

Data Centers & Local Control: Orangeburg County moved toward a temporary pause on new data center development after residents raised concerns about land use, water, power demand, and noise, joining other S.C. counties weighing moratoriums. County Zoning Debate: In Greenwood, council advanced a zoning amendment for data centers despite pushback from residents and planners who urged a longer moratorium to study impacts on water, infrastructure, noise, and land use. Coastal Wildlife: North Atlantic right whales were spotted in a major shipping corridor, underscoring the ongoing risk of vessel strikes and entanglement for a species with fewer than 400 left. Pollinator Season: A reminder that pollinators drive much of South Carolina’s wild plant and crop life—so protecting habitat matters for food and biodiversity. Public Safety & Weather: NWS confirmed Tuesday storms produced a tornado in western North Carolina, a sign to stay alert as severe weather patterns shift. Community Stewardship: IOP Beach Sweep teaches kids to keep trash out of local waters—small actions that protect wildlife and clean water.