AGP Executive Report

Data Center Fight in Pulaski County: The Pulaski County Quorum Court is set to vote on a proposed 12-month moratorium on hyperscale data centers, with residents flooding officials over fears about water use, power demand, and noise. Private Google Meeting: A separate controversy is brewing in Little Rock, where Google is holding an invite-only meeting about its Port of Little Rock data center—raising questions about who gets access. Invasive Species Watch: Northern snakehead “Frankenfish” is spreading along the East Coast, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service warns it can disrupt native ecosystems. Animal Health Alert: USDA confirmed New World Screwworm in Texas; Arkansas ranchers and pet owners are urged to watch for wounds that won’t heal. Buffalo River Land Protection: The Buffalo River Foundation announced the Hill Hamilton Preserve, adding 120 acres of protected forest and watershed land near the Buffalo National River. Arkansas Water & Land Policy: A new state law targets “buy and dry” water transfers out of the Arkansas River Basin by requiring native revegetation before water can be moved. Wildlife Education Win: Stone County 4-H will represent Arkansas at the National Wildlife Habitat Education Program competition after placing first in state competition. Climate Snapshot: A roundup says Arkansas just saw its coldest Junes since 1895, based on average monthly temperatures.

Autonomous Freight in Arkansas: PepsiCo and Gatik say driverless trucks are now running in live commercial networks, with 35 in Arizona, five in Texas, and one in Arkansas—delivering Doritos and other Frito-Lay snacks plus drinks to stores like Walmart and Dollar General. Water Protection Law: A new Arkansas state law targets “buy and dry” water transfers out of the Arkansas River Basin, requiring land revegetation with native plants before water can be used elsewhere. Invasive Animal Health Alert: USDA confirmed New World Screwworm in two calves in south Texas; Arkansas officials say there are no detections yet, but ranchers and pet owners should stay vigilant and act fast if wounds show signs. Local Environmental Enforcement: The Arkansas DEQ fined the City of El Dorado $4,600 over alleged illegal solid-waste burning and an unpermitted air curtain incinerator at a city property. Fish Passage Work: Arkansas Game and Fish highlights ongoing stream habitat efforts to restore fish migration by removing failing low-water crossings and reducing erosion.

New World Screwworm Alert: USDA confirmed New World Screwworm in two calves in Zavala County, Texas, and Arkansas officials say there are no detections yet—but ranchers and pet owners should stay vigilant for wounds that won’t heal and other warning signs. Wildlife Habitat & Connectivity: Arkansas Game and Fish highlights fish migration gains from removing failing low-water crossings and restoring stream connectivity, a boost for biodiversity in watersheds like the Little River. Local Conservation Education: Stone County 4-H students will represent Arkansas at the National Wildlife Habitat Education Program competition after winning the state event. Air Quality Enforcement: El Dorado was fined $4,600 by the state DEQ over alleged illegal solid waste burning and an unpermitted air curtain incinerator. Severe Weather Watch: A River Valley tornado event produced three EF-1 tornadoes in Sebastian County, with meteorologists noting how terrain can complicate forecasting. Community Outdoor Events: Watershed Resource Conservation Center is hosting a native vs. invasive plants workshop in Fayetteville, plus Ozark Hill Hikers scheduled walks in Bentonville and Fayetteville.

Wildlife & Biosecurity: USDA confirmed a New World screwworm in a calf in south Texas and set a containment area, prompting Arkansas ranchers to watch herds closely as the parasite can affect livestock and wildlife. Local Environment & Health: Tontitown residents are again raising concerns about odors tied to Eco-Vista Landfill leachate, after a council update on lift-station wastewater handling and odor monitoring. Climate & Data: A new column argues the Trump administration is suppressing climate-disaster and public-health data, warning that gaps in records can undermine safety planning. Energy & Pollution: The Guardian reports Trump is using wartime authority to push $700 million for “clean, beautiful” coal support, including keeping plants online in Arkansas and building export capacity. Land Use & Infrastructure: Pulaski County’s data-center moratorium was miscounted and “did not pass,” meaning applications can continue—while a Little Rock panel heard residents’ concerns about transparency and impacts on majority-Black communities. Agriculture Research: Arkansas cotton trials find potassium deficiency can slash yields, with fertilization boosting output and fiber quality in deficient soils. Weather: Forecasts call for showers and storms early in the week, with downpours and gusty winds possible.

Coal Push in Arkansas: The Trump administration is channeling nearly $700 million into coal power using the Defense Production Act, including funding that keeps existing plants running in Arkansas and supports new coal and export infrastructure—raising fresh questions for Air & Climate Impacts and local communities. Wildlife in the Natural State: A western Arkansas roadside sighting turned out to be an American bittern, while central Arkansas videos of “snakes taking over” a vacant home were explained as black rat snakes likely drawn by overgrown cover and nearby food sources—both stories highlight Habitat & Human Encounters. Heat & Storm Watch: Forecasters warn of showers and storms moving into Arkansas for the work week, and separate reporting flags how extreme heat can quickly damage cars’ contents—an urgent reminder for Public Safety. Community Development: UCA’s Center for Community and Economic Development picked 25 Northwest Arkansas leaders for a planned, sustainable development pipeline program—focused on Local Governance. Education & Growth: OSM Aviation Academy is set to scale a pilot training hub at Drake Field in Fayetteville, and Crystal Bridges opened a major expansion in Bentonville, boosting Jobs & Cultural Life.

Coal Funding in Arkansas: President Trump is using the Defense Production Act to push nearly $700 million into coal power, including support that keeps plants running in Arkansas and other states, plus funding tied to a California export terminal. Wildlife Safety in Arkansas: Queen Wilhelmina State Park is issuing a heightened warning after reports of unusually high black bear activity, with multiple sightings in a single month. Local Nature Spotlight: Crowley’s Ridge Nature Center is drawing visitors with wildlife and trail features highlighted in a new local video. Invasive Tick Alert: A new report spotlights the Asian longhorned tick’s ability to reproduce without mating, raising concerns for livestock and tick-borne disease spread. EV Charging Abroad: Guyana says it’s on track for 24 public EV charging stations by year-end, tied to its low-carbon and climate resilience plans. Community Grants: Summit Utilities opens applications for its 2026 Summit Cares Grant Program, prioritizing conservation and energy-efficiency projects alongside basic needs and youth programs.

Coal Funding Push in Arkansas: The Trump administration is set to funnel nearly $700 million into the U.S. coal industry using the Defense Production Act, including about $425 million to extend the life of existing coal plants across multiple states with Arkansas listed among recipients, plus additional DOE grants for new builds and restarts. Data Center Fight in Central Arkansas: Residents and local leaders are clashing over hyperscale AI data centers in Pulaski County and Little Rock, with a public roundtable planned to answer questions ahead of a possible moratorium vote. Environmental Risk at Tarague Beach: A coalition of 21 states and industry groups is backing the U.S. Air Force in a lawsuit over a WWII bomb detonation range in Guam, where activists argue the site is contaminating land and water. Wildlife Safety Alert: Queen Wilhelmina State Park is urging extra caution after reports of unusually high black bear activity, including multiple sightings in a month. Community Grants: Summit Utilities opened applications for its 2026 Summit Cares Grant Program, prioritizing basic needs, student programs, community enrichment, and conservation/energy efficiency. Art With a Water Message: Columbia’s Art in the Park festival features an endangered little blue heron sculpture made from trash collected from Missouri waterways, aiming to spur less-polluting habits.

Coal power push in the spotlight: President Trump says the federal government will spend $700 million to extend or restart coal plants using the Defense Production Act, including upgrades tied to Arkansas and other states. Oil & gas cleanup updates: Arkansas Oil and Gas Commission filings report two South Arkansas wells plugged—one in Miller County and one in Columbia County—under plugging and abandonment reporting. Water quality enforcement: ADEQ and New Five Star Enterprise LLC reached a consent administrative order over alleged Clean Water Act permit renewal problems at a wastewater treatment facility in Crittenden County, with a $1,000 civil penalty. Local environment + community: Columbia’s Art in the Park festival highlights conservation through a sculpture of an endangered little blue heron made from trash collected from Missouri waterways. Public input on big infrastructure: A Little Rock-area roundtable is set to answer questions about hyperscale data centers and a proposed Pulaski County moratorium, with environmental and policy voices on the panel. Wildlife note: Black bear sightings around Lake of the Ozarks are rising as bears come out of hibernation and search for food.

Coal & Grid Funding: President Trump says the Defense Production Act will push about $700 million to modernize and extend coal power, including projects tied to Arkansas in a bid to boost grid reliability—while critics warn it will worsen climate and air pollution. Arkansas Water Compliance: ADEQ and Five Star Enterprise LLC reached a consent order over a wastewater permit renewal lapse at a Crittenden County facility, with a $1,000 civil penalty and a required permit renewal filing. Pulaski County Data Center Backlash: A free public Q&A roundtable in Little Rock (June 6) is set to address residents’ concerns about hyperscale data centers tied to AI, including a proposed Pulaski County moratorium vote. Heat Risk: A first major heat dome is forecast to hit Arkansas next week with temperatures in the 90s and heat index near or above 100. Community Conservation & Waste: Arkansas Extension Homemakers Council is launching a statewide four-year push to reduce fabric waste, with projects and textile work featured at Crystal Bridges. Wildlife & Bears: Missouri’s Lake of the Ozarks sees more black bear sightings as spring food-seeking increases—residents are urged to respond safely.

Heat Watch: Arkansas is heading into its first major heat wave of summer 2026, with a heat-dome pattern bringing days in the 90s and heat indexes near or above 100. Wildlife Safety: Black bear sightings are rising around Lake of the Ozarks as bears come out of hibernation and search for food; residents are urged to know what to do if they spot one. Internet Safety: Arkansas State Police ICAC is pushing parents to step up online protections during Internet Safety Month, citing summer and back-to-school spikes and offering tips on AI safety, privacy settings, and reporting. Coal & Climate Tension: President Trump announced $700 million for coal plants and a new export terminal, including $485 million to protect coal facilities in Arkansas and other states—raising fresh questions about air pollution and long-term climate impacts. Local Governance: Bull Shoals mayor reports conflicting accounts about a voter-approved 1% sewer sales tax tied to a bond, with open-records requests now spotlighting how money was handled. Drought Relief Loans: USDA emergency drought loans are available for impacted counties in Arkansas and neighboring states, with an application deadline set for Feb. 1, 2027. River Logistics: Logistic Services Inc. acquired Five Rivers Distribution, expanding operations along the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System.

Coal Funding in Arkansas: President Trump announced a $700 million coal push using the Defense Production Act, including $425 million to support 13 coal plants across states that include Arkansas, plus money for a new export terminal in Oakland, California—framed as “clean, beautiful coal” and grid reliability. Local Energy & Logistics: Logistic Services Inc. (LSI) acquired Five Rivers Distribution, expanding inland waterways operations on the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System with integrated terminals in Van Buren and Fort Smith. Data Centers, Water, Power: Little Rock approved new data center regulations as Google prepares a major facility at the city’s port, joining a wider wave of local debates over energy and water use. Internet Safety for Kids: Arkansas State Police urged parents during National Internet Safety Month, citing summer spikes and reporting increases in suicide threats and child sexual abuse material complaints. Community Training: Arkansas National Guard and local law enforcement trained for civil disturbance response at North Little Rock’s Burns Park. Arts in South Arkansas: South Arkansas Symphony will move under the South Arkansas Arts Center umbrella in July 2026.

Data Center Rules in Little Rock: The Little Rock Board of Directors unanimously approved an ordinance regulating data center development and operation, directing major/hyperscale projects to industrial zoning and adding requirements tied to noise, landscaping, and utilities—after residents criticized environmental impacts and the process, including a push for a moratorium while stronger rules are drafted. Rural Conservation Planning: The Illinois River Watershed Partnership launched a new conservation planning program for Oklahoma and Arkansas landowners, funded through a Cherokee Nation grant, focusing on riparian restoration, unpaved road improvements, community engagement, and public access. Wildlife & Hunting: The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission opened applications for permit-only deer hunts on wildlife management areas, with a July 1 deadline. Outdoor Recreation & Community: Hot Springs is set to host the Bass Fishing World Championship on Lake Hamilton (Oct. 1–3), and a Kings River Smallmouth Shootout in Berryville raised about $5,000 for the Mayfly Project, mentoring foster kids through fly fishing. Arkansas Tourism Spotlight: A feature highlights Bentonville’s Crystal Bridges expansion and trails as a growing destination draw.

Data Center Rules in Little Rock: The Little Rock board unanimously approved new ordinances regulating data center development and operations, aiming to address resident concerns over noise, water use, environmental impacts, utility capacity, and accountability—especially as Google plans a major facility near the Port of Little Rock. Water & Wastewater Upgrade in Fort Smith: Fort Smith’s board approved $8.57 million for design work tied to a much larger $150 million project at the Massard Water Reclamation Facility, needed to meet a federal consent decree tied to past sewer runoff into local waterways. Conservation Planning for Landowners: The Illinois River Watershed Partnership launched a new conservation planning program for Oklahoma and Arkansas landowners, funded through a National Fish and Wildlife Foundation grant, focusing on riparian restoration, unpaved road improvements, community engagement, and public access. Arkansas Research Boost: UA Little Rock chemistry professor Noureen Siraj received a 2026 Emerging Research Leaders grant to strengthen her research program and help build federal funding capacity. Local Climate-Grant Discussion in Fayetteville: Fayetteville city leaders are set to keep discussing an EPA Climate Pollution Reduction Grant that would conserve 72 acres of city-owned land and restrict certain development activities through 2050. Wildlife Health Note: Wildlife officials warn chronic wasting disease is spreading among Arkansas white-tailed deer and elk.

Data Centers & Water/Power Pressure: Little Rock approved new rules for data centers after hours of testimony from energy and water officials and a Google representative, with residents raising concerns about noise, strain on the power grid, and environmental impacts. Conservation Ordinance: Fayetteville City Council continued work on an EPA Climate Pollution Reduction Grant plan that would protect 72 acres of city-owned land and restrict development through 2050. Arkansas Research Funding: UA Little Rock chemistry professor Noureen Siraj won a statewide Emerging Research Leaders grant aimed at boosting federal funding competitiveness. Port & River Logistics: Logistic Services bought Five Rivers Distribution’s assets, expanding inland waterways operations tied to the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System. Healthcare Restructuring: South Arkansas Regional Hospital announced workforce reductions ahead of joining a larger system, saying patient services won’t be affected. Wildlife & Hunting Policy Watch: Oregon’s ballot measure would expand animal-cruelty laws to cover hunting and fishing, potentially reshaping outdoor recreation and wildlife management. Local Community & Outdoors: Walnut Ridge opened a new 18-hole disc golf course at Stewart Park. Agriculture & Energy Math: A farm-focused piece argues solar on working land is increasingly about keeping operations afloat, not politics.

Data Centers & Water Use: Fayetteville City Council will weigh a conservation ordinance tied to the EPA’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grant, aiming to prevent prohibited development in restoration and conservation areas through 2050. Inland Rivers & Ports: Logistic Services says it bought substantially all assets of Five Rivers Distribution, expanding operations on the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System and integrating Van Buren and Fort Smith terminals. Severe Weather: Strong-to-severe storm clusters are moving across Arkansas with dangerous lightning, large hail, and strong winds prompting safety warnings. Wildlife & Hunting: Arkansas Game and Fish opened applications for permit-only deer hunts on popular wildlife management areas, with special draw rules to protect herd health. Public Land/Outdoor Recreation: Walnut Ridge opened a new 18-hole disc golf course at Stewart Park, part of a broader push for more outdoor activities. Animal Welfare Enforcement (Region): Mississippi authorities arrested 59 people in a cockfighting ring bust, seizing fighting roosters, cash, firearms, and equipment. Air & Climate Policy (Regional): A coalition led by West Virginia AG J.B. McCuskey is urging the U.S. Supreme Court to protect state control of federal permitting, arguing activists are trying to delay or block projects.

Medicaid Work Requirement: A new federal rule will require most Arkansas Medicaid expansion adults to document 80 hours a month of work, school, training or community service to keep coverage—starting state compliance by Jan. 1, 2027—raising the risk that paperwork, not health, pushes people out of care. Wildlife Health: Arkansas Game and Fish is warning that chronic wasting disease is spreading among white-tailed deer and elk, with new detections in multiple counties and higher apparent prevalence in parts of north Arkansas. Storm Safety: Strong-to-severe thunderstorms with large hail and dangerous lightning are moving across Arkansas, with officials urging residents to treat lightning as deadly even when storms look distant. Local Land Use & Data Centers: Little Rock directors are weighing a temporary moratorium on data centers while city rules are debated, citing concerns about electricity costs, water resiliency, environmental exposure and utilities capacity. Outdoor & Conservation Events: Arkansas outdoor groups are hosting birding hikes and nature programs, while AGFC is opening WMA deer permit applications through July 1. Water Pollution Cleanup: Denali Water Solutions says closure of a Crawford County organic residuals lagoon is underway, with residents reporting recurring foul odors.