AGP Executive Report

Data Centers vs. Water and History: Dinwiddie is weighing the Haven Oak Tech Park, but part of the proposed site sits in the White Oak Road Battlefield, where Civil War-era earthworks and trenches could be disturbed. Heat Safety: Virginia is moving toward a statewide Heat Illness Prevention Standard, with requirements for water, shade, breaks, training, and emergency plans. Public Health: West Nile virus was detected in a mosquito sample at Langley Air Force Base, triggering planned fogging and continued monitoring. Clean Water Infrastructure: Alexandria’s new RiverRenew underground pumping/diversion system is designed to prevent millions of gallons of combined sewer overflows from reaching the Potomac during storms. Groundwater Watch: DEQ released recommendations tied to declining groundwater levels in the state’s largest aquifer system, warning replenishment is slowing and declines may come within 5–10 years. Local Power/Industry Planning: Botetourt County approved an independent commission to assess environmental impacts, especially water, from a proposed Google data center in Greenfield. Community Preparedness: A disaster preparedness workshop in Buchanan County focused on practical steps for floods, winter storms, and outages.

Agrovoltaics 101: A new explainer from Yale Climate Connections breaks down “growing food under solar panels,” highlighting pollinator plantings, vegetables and even sheep as practical ways to pair renewable energy with farm resilience. Data centers meet rural backlash: Willie Nelson added star power to the fight against AI data centers, warning they’re “water thieving” and “light polluting,” and urging communities to resist land grabs. Guardrails for the boom: A Washington Post piece argues the U.S. hyperscale data center rush is accelerating fast enough to demand new state and local protections before more damage hits climate, air, water, and household costs. Local water protection in focus: Albemarle supervisors advanced tighter riparian buffer rules to protect streams and drinking-water sources, while nearby residents push for stronger oversight of concentrated animal feed operations. Community air-quality concerns: Fluvanna residents packed a Tenaska open house over a proposed power plant expansion, pressing for clearer health-impact study plans and closer air monitoring. Wildlife and science: Calvert Cliffs researchers named a new 10-million-year-old fossil pea crab species in honor of a longtime local volunteer.

Data Center Scrutiny in Botetourt: Botetourt County approved an independent commission to assess the proposed Google data center campus’ environmental, infrastructure, utility, and quality-of-life impacts—aimed at adding a public, outside review. Local Environmental Enforcement: Virginia DEQ issued a corrective action request to Faith Mulch after blue-green dyed hydroseeding mulch entered Campbell Branch, with the company working on runoff filtering and containment steps. Clean Energy for Homes: Habitat for Humanity Virginia and GiveSolar hit 100 solar-powered homes statewide, including 20 in the Valley, expanding access to lower energy costs. Extreme Weather Watch: Severe storms and tornado/flood risk hit the D.C. region and parts of Virginia, with flash flood warnings and damaging wind/hail concerns. NOAA Modernizes Forecast Computing: NOAA is migrating its weather supercomputing system to Google Cloud, aiming to reduce infrastructure constraints and speed model updates. Heat Safety Lessons: A new focus on structured heat protections—hydration breaks, shade, and monitoring—highlights growing heat risks for workers and communities.

Data Centers & Water Cleanup: Chesterfield officials are still sorting out who pays for a long-running, $173 million Shoosmith Landfill cleanup overseen by DEQ—while the county worries future costs could land on taxpayers. Local Roads & Infrastructure: VDOT will close a stretch of Old Centralia Road (Route 609) in Chesterfield for daily pipe-replacement work Aug. 3–5, with detours in place. Invasive Species Enforcement: Virginia’s new law ramps up penalties for selling invasive plants without required written notice, with escalating civil fines up to $1,000 per violation. Wildlife & Conservation: The Virginia Zoo in Norfolk is welcoming two new cheetahs, brothers Walnut and Cashew, to its African Safari Trail. Severe Weather Watch: Forecasters flag a tornado risk corridor along coastal Virginia into North Carolina as strong storms move in Tuesday. Energy & Permitting: Tenaska is holding a required open house in Fluvanna to discuss its proposed power plant expansion and DEQ permitting impacts on air and water. Climate/Health Research: A new study reports mifepristone traces in tap water samples, including Blacksburg, raising questions about wastewater treatment and possible long-term effects.

Virginia FEMA Lawsuit: Virginia joined a Democrat-led court fight challenging FEMA and DHS grant conditions that could withhold counterterrorism and disaster-response money over unrelated election and immigration demands. Data Center Water & Power Pressure: A new Virginia study and ongoing local debates keep spotlighting how the data-center boom strains groundwater and electricity—raising calls for tighter water rules and more realistic grid planning. Waynesboro Northrop Grumman Permit: Waynesboro residents pressed for transparency around a proposed Northrop Grumman operating permit and potential chemical emissions, with a DEQ public hearing set for July 23. Goochland Data Center Backlash: Goochland residents pushed back on additional data-center development, arguing for stronger environmental safeguards and clearer impacts. Climate-Driven Wildfire Extremes (Europe): “Monster” wildfires in France and Spain displaced hundreds of thousands and even generated their own thunderstorms, underscoring how heat and drought are escalating fire behavior. Storm Safety: Lightning strikes and severe storms continue to be deadly and disruptive, including a fatal strike on hikers in Colorado.

Wildfire Crisis (France/Spain): Massive “monster” wildfires have driven more than 325,000 people from homes across France and Spain, with France reporting an unprecedented pyrocumulonimbus fire cloud and lightning that can spark new blazes; Macron convened a crisis cabinet as firefighters struggle and a new heatwave threatens the Bordeaux region. Virginia Data Centers (Local rules): In the Hampton Roads area, Chesapeake is moving to an eight-month data center moratorium while rewriting rules, and other Virginia localities are ending “by-right” approvals—shifting projects toward public permitting and council oversight. Virginia DEQ Hearing (Northrop Grumman): Waynesboro residents packed a DEQ public comment hearing for Northrop Grumman’s proposed facility, with overwhelming opposition—only one speaker supported the project. Groundwater & Water Permitting (DEQ study): A new Virginia study finds growing pressure on eastern Virginia groundwater and calls for tighter water protections as data center demand rises. Storm Impacts (Central VA): Strong storms brought down trees, hail, and scattered power outages across Central Virginia, with officials urging caution on debris-blocked roads. Public Health (Mosquito spraying, MD): After West Nile detections in mosquitoes in Anne Arundel County, Maryland will conduct unscheduled permethrin mosquito spraying in Crofton and Severn.

Data Centers & Water in Virginia: A long-delayed state study warns eastern Virginia’s groundwater is constrained and likely to decline, urging tighter rules on industrial withdrawals and stronger authority to reject permits. Local Governance: In Fauquier County, residents and the planning commission again pushed back against the proposed Gigaland data center campus, with the commission recommending denial for a second time. Air Pollution Scrutiny: A Politico report says Virginia’s environmental regulator moved quickly to defend a Loudoun County data center that could emit harmful pollution via natural gas turbines. Wildfire & Heat Extremes: France and Spain are battling “monster” wildfires that have driven hundreds of thousands from homes, with a pyrocumulonimbus fire cloud reported in France and more heatwave conditions forecast. Public Health & Water Contamination: A peer-reviewed study reports mifepristone traces in municipal tap water samples, raising concerns about endocrine-disrupting contamination. Community & Culture: Richmond’s One World One Humanity Heritagefest brought together faith, nonprofits, and performers for a day of diversity and dialogue.

Heat & Power Strain: Back-to-back heat waves are pushing U.S. electricity grids to the edge as data centers ramp up demand, with PJM calling on the federal government to require data centers to switch to backup generators during emergencies. Public Health: In Virginia’s Hampton Roads, heat is sending more people to emergency rooms, with 2025 already showing a sharp rise in heat-related visits. Virginia Data Centers Under Fire: Environmental groups are challenging data center air pollution tactics, including claims that some facilities avoided tougher permits by registering as “minor” polluters; in Virginia, internal regulator emails raise questions about how health concerns were handled. Wildfire Reality Check (Europe): Wildfires in France and Spain have driven mass evacuations, with officials warning “difficult hours” ahead. Wildlife in Virginia: A leatherback sea turtle has laid eggs in Virginia Beach for the first recorded nesting in the state. Extreme Weather Readiness (Policy): A bill would push the Pentagon to track the costs and impacts of extreme weather on military bases.

Data Center Scrutiny in Virginia: Politico reports Virginia regulators moved fast to defend a Loudoun County data center after internal emails showed concerns about air pollution from natural gas turbines—fueling a broader backlash over the AI power boom. Drinking Water Alarm: A new study found anti-progesterone activity tied to mifepristone in water samples from Austin, Blacksburg, and Carbondale, prompting calls for more monitoring and public health safeguards. Utilities Politics: The White House pushed a voluntary pledge with governors and utilities to shield consumers from higher bills tied to data centers, even as lawmakers and communities question whether costs will truly fall. Energy Grid Pressure: Virginia lawmakers are urging more time on the Dominion–NextEra merger review, warning that acting first could weaken ratepayer leverage. Community Solar Win: Habitat for Humanity Virginia installed its 100th solar roof in Ashland, aiming to cut long-term utility costs for low-income homeowners. Wildfire Response: The Coast Guard and U.S. wildland fire updates highlight ongoing readiness needs as fires continue to threaten communities.

Data Centers & Power Strain: Virginia’s fast-growing data center boom is running into grid delays, with developers increasingly proposing “behind-the-meter” power that raises alarms about pollution, noise, and whether clean-energy goals are still met. Offshore Mining: BOEM extended the public comment period for possible mineral leasing off Virginia’s Eastern Shore through Aug. 22, giving residents more time to weigh environmental and cultural impacts. Public Health & Air Permits: Waynesboro residents packed a DEQ hearing urging the agency to block or delay Northrop Grumman’s operating permit over concerns about hazardous air emissions and health risks. Drought & Water Stress: Virginia is facing one of its worst droughts in 20+ years, with DEQ saying the state needs months of steady rain to recover. Fish Kills From Heat: Extreme heat is stressing Chesapeake Bay waters, contributing to fish kills in the Potomac and Baltimore Harbor as warmer water holds less oxygen. Community Outdoors: Augusta County’s free “Summer Nights on the South River” spotlights river education, fishing, canoeing, and local watershed groups at Crimora Park. Wildlife Gardening: A native butterfly garden at Ouabache Trails is making progress with help from local organizations, expanding habitat for pollinators.

Heat & Wildlife: Chesapeake Bay fish are getting hammered by extreme heat—record-hot Potomac water (94°F) and oxygen swings are linked to fish kills in Maryland and Virginia, with agencies urging anglers to avoid targeting striped bass when conditions are too warm. Offshore Mining: BOEM extended the public comment period for proposed mineral mining off Virginia’s Eastern Shore by 30 days, now running through Aug. 22. Data Centers & Water: Virginia released a long-delayed groundwater study warning that declines are likely in a critical aquifer in the eastern coastal plain and calling for tighter rules on industrial water withdrawals. Local Permitting Pushback: In Pittsylvania County, supervisors backed expedited state permitting for a Berry Hill megasite data center, while residents and senators in Danville pressed for stronger protections around air and water impacts. Grid Stress Snapshot: A transmission fault in Ashburn’s “Data Center Alley” triggered automatic transfers to backup power, dropping more than 3 GW from PJM in seconds—no reliability impact reported.

Data Center Cost Fight in Virginia and Beyond: More than two dozen states sued the Trump administration over new conditions tied to FEMA and DHS disaster and homeland security grants, arguing the rules improperly force election and immigration policy changes. Virginia DEQ and Environmental Justice: DEQ is asking Virginians how to better engage environmental justice communities during permitting, after a new law requires updated guidance and two town halls. Virginia’s Data Center Pollution Scrutiny: Internal emails show DEQ regulators moved quickly after receiving an analysis warning about air pollution from a Loudoun County data center, raising questions about how health impacts were handled. Wildfire Smoke and Heat: Wildfires in France and Spain have triggered evacuations and emergency declarations, with temperatures topping 40C and thousands displaced. Public Health Alert (Richmond): Richmond health officials report two rabid animals found this week, urging residents to keep pets vaccinated and avoid contact with wild animals. Weather Watch: A cold front colliding with tropical moisture is raising flash-flood risk across parts of Virginia and the Mid-Atlantic into the weekend.

Data Center Water Fight in Virginia: Google says its Botetourt County data center will use air-cooling for the first building, cutting water use from Carvins Cove—but residents and a Virginia Tech researcher warn the switch may shift environmental trade-offs. Local Water Quality Help: A Virginia DEQ-funded septic cost-share program is now accepting applications in the Knox and Papaw watersheds, with $200,000+ available for pump-outs, repairs, and replacements to reduce E. coli pollution. Energy Affordability Pressure: A new federal “Ratepayer Protection Pledge” expands to more governors and utilities, aiming to keep data-center grid upgrade costs off consumers’ bills—while D.C.-area advocates push PJM to give ratepayers more say. Wildfire Heat Reality Check: Extreme wildfires in southern Europe have forced mass evacuations and killed firefighters, with officials warning climate change is intensifying fire behavior. Roads and Weather Impacts: VDOT is closing Stevensburg Road (Route 663) overnight for pipe repairs in Culpeper County, and a Henry County road (Route 777) remains shut after a pipe washout.

Data Centers & Power Costs: A new PJM electricity auction is expected to add $6.3 billion in future power costs, with data-center growth blamed for demand outpacing supply—fueling fights in D.C., Northern Virginia, and Maryland over where facilities go and who pays. Environmental Justice in Virginia: Virginia DEQ held a Henrico town hall on updated environmental justice guidance, with residents pressing for DEQ to consider cumulative pollution impacts and to share draft materials earlier. Landfill Fallout: DEQ updated Chesterfield officials on Shoosmith Landfill, saying it must treat leachate, manage gas, and complete closure after elevated temperatures altered leachate chemistry and harmed sewer treatment systems. Local Road Impacts: VDOT scheduled pipe-replacement closures on Matoaca Road and Hickory Road in Chesterfield, plus a Falstone Road segment closure for July 28–30. More VDOT Repairs: Route 867 bridge over I-81 in Rockingham County will close for up to a week starting July 30, with detours in place. Solar Grazing Insight: A national look at solar farms finds sheep grazing is now widespread—about 113,000 sheep on 129,000 acres across 500 sites—after researchers studied soil and performance under the panels.

Flooding & Storm Risk: A multiday flash-flood threat is hanging over the Mid-Atlantic and Carolinas, with flood watches in effect for parts of Virginia and the Eastern Shore as heavy rain continues and runoff could trigger flash flooding. Generator Safety: After storms knocked out power in Central Virginia, Henrico Fire warned residents about carbon monoxide risks from improper generator use and dangerous “back-feeding” into the grid. Data Centers & Water: In Botetourt County, Google says its first data-center building will use air-cooling and expects lower overall water demand, while the Western Virginia Water Authority says existing agreements remain in place. Local Data-Center Pushback: North Port, Florida moved toward an 18-month retroactive moratorium on large-scale data centers, reflecting growing community resistance to hyperscale projects. Osprey Debate: Ocean Harvesters responded to an osprey study dispute, arguing the research doesn’t prove menhaden fishing caused Chesapeake Bay osprey reproductive declines. Air Quality & PFAS Concerns: A new discussion highlights ongoing worries about microplastics and PFAS in human bodies, including emerging questions about tire-wear chemicals like 6PPD. Public Health: Maryland confirmed two measles cases tied to recent travel and listed exposure sites and times for residents to check.

Data Centers & AI Policy: Sen. Mark Warner unveiled a new AI package that would require large AI data centers to publicly report energy, water, emissions, and backup generation, and tie federal tax benefits to “high efficiency and sustainability” standards. Flooding & Storm Risk: A moderate flood risk remains for parts of Virginia and North Carolina, with repeated heavy downpours raising the odds of water overtopping low roads. Water Security: A $25 million, two-year study (“Secure the Source”) is set to find alternatives to Potomac River drinking water supplies for millions across the region. Drinking Water Pollution Research: Virginia Tech research warns nanoplastics in drinking water may strengthen harmful bacteria and make treatment harder. Solar for Affordable Housing: Habitat for Humanity marked its 100th solar installation in Ashland, aiming to cut residents’ electricity costs and protect families from rising bills. Virginia Infrastructure: VDOT will close two Route 288 ramps in Midlothian July 27–30 for paving. NOAA Mapping Partnership: W&M’s VIMS and Batten School teamed with NOAA as a “Trusted Node” to expand shallow-water bathymetric data collection.