AGP Executive Report

Drought Watch: Warren is now in extreme drought (D3) as south Arkansas tightens up, with 88.2% of the state covered by drought and parts of southeast Arkansas in exceptional drought (D4), according to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor. Energy & Air Quality: Entergy Arkansas broke ground on the 446-megawatt Ironwood Power Plant on Lake Catherine, pitching it as “Next Generation Arkansas” with up to 40% better fuel efficiency as older plants are decommissioned. Forest Health Research: UAM will hold a public ribbon-cutting Oct. 2 for the Arkansas Forest Health Research Center, funded with ARPA dollars and aimed at testing for forest diseases, invasive insects and climate threats to protect the state’s forestry economy. Wildlife & Water Safety: Arkansas Game and Fish is investigating the death of Missouri Southern biology professor Alla Barry, struck by a boat while swimming near War Eagle Marina on Beaver Lake. Policy & Climate Litigation: A coalition of 25 state attorneys general is urging the federal government to defund the National Academies over climate-related work tied to climate lawsuits. Invasive Species: Texas is offering $100 per invasive black carp caught and submitted, as the fish spreads through the Mississippi River basin, including waters shared with Arkansas.

Arkansas Lithium & Permitting: The U.S. House passed the Protecting Domestic Mining Act of 2025, which would expand FAST-41 coordinated federal review to include mining and mineral processing—an effort South Arkansas lithium developers say could speed up approvals without skipping environmental reviews. State Water Safety: Colorado lifted a water contact advisory for John Martin Reservoir after E. coli levels returned to state recreation standards following a massive upstream untreated sewage spill; the Arkansas River advisory remains in place farther downstream. Wildlife & Habitat: Scientists report that removing more than 70% of coarse woody habitat from one basin of Wisconsin’s Little Rock Lake caused yellow perch to nearly vanish within two years, underscoring how fallen logs shape freshwater life. Public Health & Food: FDA expanded a frozen-berry recall tied to possible E. coli contamination to Great Value products sold at Walmart in 16 states. Local Education & Environment: Arkansas Colleges of Health Education expanded classroom hydroponics, training 21 teachers to grow food indoors without soil. Arts & Chemicals: UAFS College of Art and Design opens “Glyphosate Dreams,” a show examining glyphosate’s effects on land and aquatic ecosystems. Federal Hunting Rule Change: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service ended annual duck-season rulemaking, moving migratory bird limits into a memorandum cycle. Extreme Heat Watch: The NWS and Weather Prediction Center flagged Labor Day weekend heat and storm risks across multiple regions, including parts of Arkansas.

Extreme Heat Watch: A heat dome is pushing triple-digit temperatures back into the Southern and Central Plains, with Arkansas, Missouri and nearby states facing Heat Advisories and dangerous heat index values through Labor Day. Water Safety Update: Colorado lifted a John Martin Reservoir water contact advisory after E. coli levels returned to state recreational standards following a massive untreated sewage spill upstream; testing continues and advisories remain for parts of the Arkansas River corridor. Glyphosate in Focus: UAFS College of Art and Design opens “Glyphosate Dreams,” a new exhibit using photography, printmaking and video to explore glyphosate’s impacts on land and aquatic ecosystems. Local Energy & Industry: Arkansas Oil and Gas Commission filings detail new drilling permits and recent well completions/recompletions in South Arkansas, including a Columbia County wildcat near Logoly State Park. Lithium Innovation: Arkansas launches its fourth Arkansas Lithium Technology Accelerator Cohort, with a statewide program starting in Magnolia and moving through Little Rock and Northwest Arkansas. Wildlife & Habitat: Scientists removed 70% of coarse woody debris in a Wisconsin lake basin and saw yellow perch crash within two years, underscoring how underwater logs shape freshwater life. Community & Education: Arkansas Colleges of Health Education expanded classroom hydroponic gardens, training 21 teachers across 17 schools to grow produce without soil.

Extreme Heat Watch: A heat dome is returning to the Southern and Central Plains, with temperatures near triple digits for nearly 30 million people and heat indexes around 105°F or higher, including Arkansas—heat advisories and warnings are expected to last through Labor Day. Arkansas River Water Safety: Colorado lifted the water-contact advisory for John Martin Reservoir after E. coli levels fell back to recreational standards following a 4.2-million-gallon untreated sewage spill in Pueblo; advisories remain downstream along parts of the Arkansas River corridor. Classroom Hydroponics: Arkansas Colleges of Health Education expanded hydroponic tower gardens in the River Valley, training 21 teachers across 17 schools to grow fresh produce indoors and build nutrition and science lessons. Local Governance: Jacksonville voters will decide in November whether to switch City Council elections from at-large voting to ward-only voting for the two council seats per ward. Clean Tech & Industry: Arkansas launched its fourth Lithium Technology Accelerator Cohort, moving companies through Magnolia, Little Rock, and Northwest Arkansas to connect lithium and battery supply-chain innovators with investors and manufacturers. AI Infrastructure in Arkansas: Google confirmed plans for a major data center in Clarksville, aiming for at least $1B in investment and hundreds of construction jobs plus about 150 permanent roles. Community Health & Food Safety: A frozen-berry recall expanded to Great Value products sold at Walmart in 16 states due to possible E. coli contamination.

Extreme Heat Watch: A heat dome is returning to the Southern and Central Plains, with temperatures near triple digits and heat index values around 105°F or higher across parts of Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri and Mississippi, with Heat Advisories and Extreme Heat Warnings running through Labor Day. Water Safety Update: Colorado lifted a water-contact advisory for John Martin Reservoir after E. coli levels fell back to state recreational standards following a 4.2-million-gallon untreated sewage spill that moved downstream along the Arkansas River corridor. Classroom Gardening: Arkansas Colleges of Health Education expanded hydroponic tower gardens by training 21 teachers across 17 schools in Fort Smith and the River Valley, bringing soil-free growing into classrooms. Food Safety Recall: Frozen berries sold at Walmart were recalled in 16 states over possible E. coli contamination, with no illnesses reported for the specific product. Arkansas River Cleanup Questions: Ongoing fallout from the Pueblo sewage spill continues to affect advisories downstream along the Arkansas River. Local Nature & Wildlife: Arkansas alligator coverage highlights the species’ habitat loss and recent sightings, including a Sherwood-area gator report. Energy & Industry: U.S. Steel says it completed a $350 million reline of Gary Works’ blast furnace #14, while national climate litigation and energy policy fights continue to swirl. Tech & Power Demand: Google confirmed plans for a major data center in Clarksville, Arkansas, with initial power capacity starting at 150 megawatts.

Arkansas River Sewage Cleanup: Colorado lifted the water-contact advisory for John Martin Reservoir after E. coli readings returned to safe recreation levels following a 4.2-million-gallon untreated sewage spill from Pueblo; downstream advisories remain in effect along parts of the Arkansas River corridor. Lithium Push: Arkansas launched the fourth Arkansas Lithium Technology Accelerator (ALTA) cohort, a three-week program starting Sept. 8 in Magnolia and moving through Little Rock and Northwest Arkansas, aiming to grow the state’s battery supply chain. Local Recycling Win: Jonesboro was named Arkansas Recycling Coalition’s 2026 Government Recycler of the Year for expanding recycling access and reducing landfill waste. Clean Infrastructure Upgrade: Arkansas reused crushed old I-30 concrete in place on a 20-mile project, avoiding quarrying 95,000+ tons of new stone and cutting truck fuel use. AI Data Center in Arkansas: Google confirmed plans for a major data center in Clarksville, projecting at least $1 billion in investment and hundreds of construction jobs. Wildlife Spotlight: An Arkansas alligator explainer highlights the species’ wetland habitat loss and where sightings are common in the state.

AI & Infrastructure: Google confirmed a $1B-plus data center plan in Clarksville (Johnson County), aiming for about 1.2 million sq. ft. and starting with 150 MW of power capacity—more jobs, more electricity demand, and a bigger footprint for Arkansas’ AI buildout. Lithium Supply Chain: The Venture Center launched the fourth Arkansas Lithium Technology Accelerator cohort, starting Sept. 8 in Magnolia, with a statewide push to connect startups to producers, researchers, investors, and manufacturers. Water Quality & Public Health: Colorado lifted the E. coli recreation advisory for John Martin Reservoir after multiple safe readings following a massive Pueblo sewage spill; downstream advisories remain in effect along parts of the Arkansas River corridor. Recycling & Waste: Jonesboro was named Arkansas Recycling Coalition’s 2026 Government Recycler of the Year for expanding recycling access and diverting more materials from landfills. Extreme Weather Watch: Labor Day forecasts flag persistent central heat plus severe storms and flash-flood risk in parts of the country. Local Environment Ops: Arkansas recycled old I-30 concrete in place on a 20-mile project, avoiding quarrying 95,000+ tons of new stone and cutting truck fuel use. Policy & Conservation: House Republicans announced probes into environmental groups, alleging “radical lawfare” tied to litigation funded through fee-shifting.

Sewage Spill Update (Arkansas River): Colorado lifted the recreation and water-contact advisory for John Martin Reservoir after repeated E. coli tests returned to safe levels following a 4.2-million-gallon untreated sewage spill from Pueblo. Public Health (Downstream): A separate advisory remains downstream along the Arkansas River for communities including Blende, Avondale, Fowler, Manzanola, Rocky Ford, La Junta and Las Animas, where the latest E. coli readings still vary widely. Wildlife & Water Safety (Arkansas): The Arkansas Department of Energy and Environment issued a harmful algae bloom advisory for Lake Poinsett near Harrisburg, warning of cyanobacteria toxins and urging extra caution for kids, pets and livestock. Private Land Conservation (Arkansas): The AGFC honored six landowners and partners at the Natural State Private Lands Expo, including awards for wildlife habitat improvements and prescribed fire advocacy. Local Government Recycling (Jonesboro): Jonesboro was named Arkansas Recycling Coalition’s 2026 Government Recycler of the Year for expanding recycling access and reducing landfill waste. Energy & Climate Policy (National): Republicans in Congress announced a probe into environmental nonprofits, while courts upheld challenges to New York’s climate “superfund” style law. Banking (Mid-South): Simmons Bank plans to close 26 branches, including six in Arkansas, citing more customers using digital and self-service options.

Arkansas River Health Watch: After a massive raw sewage spill into the Arkansas River in southeastern Colorado, Colorado Parks and Wildlife expanded water-contact advisories and reported E. coli levels still unsafe downstream, including around John Martin Reservoir and multiple state wildlife areas. State Forestry & Research: Arkansas lawmakers move to preserve the Crossett Experimental Forest under state ownership to keep long-running forestry research and education going, with UAM tied to the mission. New Research Facility: UAM will hold a ribbon-cutting Oct. 2 for the Arkansas Forest Health Research Center, funded with federal and state dollars to tackle forest diseases, invasive insects, and climate threats. Clean Energy Deal: Microsoft signed a long-term power purchase agreement for a Washington solar project, following Google’s earlier anchor role for an Arkansas solar project—another sign of big tech backing renewables. Recycling Win: Jonesboro earned “Government Recycler of the Year” for expanded drop-offs and junk disposal events, though only about a third of residents recycle. Food Safety: Walmart frozen berries were recalled in Arkansas and 15 other states over possible E. coli contamination. Heat & Climate Impacts: A warming climate is pushing marathon organizers to shift dates and routes to keep runners safer in hotter conditions.

Water Safety Crisis: Colorado Parks and Wildlife extended advisories after a massive raw sewage spill into the Arkansas River, with E. coli still far above safe levels and warnings to avoid contact at multiple sites and wildlife areas downstream. Public Health Alert (Arkansas): Arkansas DEQ issued a harmful algal bloom advisory for Lake Poinsett in Poinsett County, urging residents to keep children, pets, and livestock away until the bloom fully dissipates. Local Recycling Win: Jonesboro earned 2026 Government Recycler of the Year for expanding drop-off options and junk disposal events, boosting recycling volumes—though only about a third of residents recycle now. Lithium & Jobs Pipeline: The Venture Center launched the fourth Arkansas Lithium Technology Accelerator cohort, connecting companies with producers and researchers to grow the state’s battery supply chain. Climate & Drought Watch: A flash drought expanded into the Ozarks and parts of Arkansas, stressing forage and raising fire danger concerns.

Arkansas River Health Alert: Colorado Parks and Wildlife expanded its water contact advisory to 10 state wildlife areas after a massive raw sewage spill into the Arkansas River near Pueblo, with E. coli readings reported up to 24 times above normal; officials warn people to avoid swimming, wading, tubing, paddleboarding, fishing, and to keep pets away, including at John Martin Reservoir and the Las Animas Fish Hatchery. Drought Watch: A “flash drought” is spreading from the Southern Plains into the Ozarks, with Missouri and parts of Arkansas seeing worsening dryness and forage impacts, including reports of supplemental feeding and hauling water. Conservation & Community: GARNA marked its 30th anniversary and honored longtime volunteer Alan Robinson with a new Legacy Creator Award for decades of environmental education and stewardship in the Upper Arkansas River Valley. Local Leadership: UAMS Schmieding Kids First in Springdale named Jennifer Ivy as its new director, bringing nearly a decade of experience in early childhood development services. Flood Resilience Funding: E2I2 and VOTE SoAR won Climate Smart Communities Initiative support for “Where It Floods Matters,” a grassroots-led flood resiliency effort in Hempstead and Lafayette counties. Green Jobs Pipeline: UAFS RoarCorps is expanding a community service program with an environmental stewardship component, supported by Engage Arkansas and private funding.

Arkansas River Health Alert: Colorado officials say a 4.2-million-gallon raw sewage spill in Pueblo has stopped, but E. coli remains dangerously high downstream, prompting expanded water-contact advisories along the Arkansas River and at John Martin Reservoir and multiple state wildlife areas. Community Flood Resilience: Two Arkansas groups, Environmental Equity Information Institute (E2I2) and VOTE SoAR, won over $3 million in Climate Smart Community Initiative funding for a year-long, community-led flood resiliency project in Hempstead and Lafayette counties. Conservation Career Pipeline: A Northwest Arkansas workforce program is building a pipeline of conservation professionals, pairing training with local nonprofit work. Local Water & Wastewater Oversight: ADEQ and a Little Rock-area wastewater operator reached a consent order over alleged permit renewal timing issues. Wildlife & Public Safety: A Fairfield Bay restaurant temporarily closed after raccoons caused major damage, with cleanup and sanitization underway. Outdoor Heat Impacts: Arkansas anglers and hunters are dealing with extreme heat that’s reshaping outdoor plans and conditions.

Wastewater Watch: ADEQ and Tisdale Properties & Development reached a July 2 consent order over a Little Rock non-municipal wastewater plant’s Clean Water Act permit renewal timing, with a $1,000 civil penalty and requirements to stay in line with the NPDES permit while renewal is finalized. Clean Water & Public Health: A major sewage dump into the Arkansas River near Pueblo, Colorado—4.2 million gallons of untreated wastewater—has triggered downstream water contact advisories as E. coli levels remain high, with officials warning people to avoid affected river areas. Forestry & Land Stewardship: The “Forestry Forward” conference is set for Sept. 23-24 in Texarkana, bringing Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas leaders together to tackle forest market shifts and push sustainable management. Jobs & Infrastructure: Eaton plans a $242+ million North Little Rock facility to build modular electrical enclosures, aiming to create about 1,200 jobs—an energy-grid boost with ripple effects for data centers and utilities. Drought-Resilient Farming: Arkansas State University is leading an NSF-funded, multi-university project on drought tolerance in rice and wheat using mycorrhizal inoculants. Wildlife & Health: Arkansas researchers are also tracking alpha-gal syndrome’s spread, with suspected cases rising sharply in the state.

Sewage Spill Health Alert: Colorado officials say more than 4.2 million gallons of untreated sewage, including E. coli, entered the Arkansas River near Pueblo and contamination was measured up to 24 times above normal; public health warnings urge people to avoid the river east of key areas as bacteria die off with sunlight and dilution. Water & Land Stewardship: Arkansas Game and Fish is taking applications for a feral hog trap reimbursement program through Sept. 11, offering 75% cost share (up to $20,000) for approved trapping systems on qualifying private land. Drought-Resilient Crops Research: Arkansas State University leads a multi-institution NSF project on drought tolerance in rice and wheat, testing mycorrhizal inoculants to help crops handle water stress through 2030. Clean Energy for Schools: A national roundup highlights how solar is cutting costs for schools, with SEIA spotlighting multiple campuses using rooftop power to strengthen local energy resilience. Local Climate Resilience: Fort Smith residents can register for e-bike vouchers through the Arkansas Tri-Region E-Bike Incentive Program before the Sept. 15 random selection.

Arkansas River Sewage Spill: Colorado officials urged people to stay out of the Arkansas River east of Confluence Park after a raw sewage spill of more than 4 million gallons; testing found E. coli up to 24 times above safe levels, with contamination moving downstream and raising food-safety concerns for rural communities relying on the river. Feral Hog Control: The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is taking applications for a feral hog trap reimbursement program through Sept. 11, offering 75% cost coverage (up to $20,000) for approved trapping systems on qualifying private land. Lithium Supply Push in Arkansas: LG Energy Solution signed a long-term deal with Smackover Lithium to secure U.S.-produced lithium carbonate for battery materials, with deliveries beginning in 2029 from Smackover’s South West Arkansas project. Lower Mississippi Habitat Grants: The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation announced nearly $5 million in grants to restore forests and wetlands in the Lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley, aiming to improve habitat and water quality across seven states. Healthcare & Rural Tech Funding: Johnson Regional Medical Center received $974,455 through Arkansas’s Rural Health Transformation Program to expand telecardiology access and modernize cybersecurity and network infrastructure. Cybersecurity for Housing: HUD tightened cyber-incident reporting rules as ransomware attacks on housing authorities rose, prompting new training support efforts for public housing agencies. Climate Superfund Court Win: Republican-led legal challenges helped strike down New York’s $75 billion Climate Change Superfund Act, blocking state penalties on energy producers.

Arkansas River Health Alert: Colorado health officials extended a public health advisory after a 4.2–4.25 million gallon untreated sewage spill near Pueblo sent E. coli levels soaring downstream, with warnings to avoid contact with the Arkansas River and John Martin Reservoir area activities as the contamination moves. Lithium Supply Boost for Arkansas: Smackover Lithium’s Southwest Arkansas project landed a major 10-year offtake deal with LG Energy Solution for 8,000 metric tons of battery-grade lithium carbonate annually (80,000 tons total, about $1.5B estimated), using low-carbon direct lithium extraction and aiming to strengthen U.S. battery supply chains. More Lithium Customers: The LG deal marks a second major customer commitment for the South West Arkansas project, following Trafigura’s earlier agreement. Soot Pollution Fight in Court: Republican attorneys general, including Arkansas, asked the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn a decision upholding tighter EPA soot limits from the Biden era. Heat on the Farm: Northeast Arkansas rice harvest is being pushed by triple-digit temperatures, with growers racing to manage drying and quality. Wildlife Education: The Arkansas 4-H Food Plot Project is open for youth ages 9–19, teaching hands-on wildlife habitat planting and maintenance.