AGP Executive Report

Gulf Water Quality Funding: The EPA picked 24 projects across the Gulf of America watershed for water-quality work and local economic benefits, with grants ranging from $500,000 to $1 million over 3 to 5 years. Coastal Habitat Under Pressure: Wildlife groups are urging the FAA not to waive environmental review rules tied to SpaceX’s proposed $100 billion Starbase Louisiana on Pecan Island, warning coastal wetlands and migratory species could be harmed. Big Space Expansion: SpaceX says construction on Starbase Louisiana would start next year, with a first Starship launch targeted for 2029, aiming for a “self-sustaining” spaceport that includes fuel, power, shipping, and possibly an airport. Mississippi River Safety Planning: Little Falls is holding a Sept. 17 open house on Highway 27 bridge alternatives, including separating the road from an at-grade railroad crossing to improve safety for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians. Climate Tech Reality Check: A new study questions how much carbon removal “enhanced weathering” from basalt can actually deliver in the real world. Mississippi Science Leadership: MSU’s Jamie Dyer was named director of the Northern Gulf Institute, NOAA’s Gulf-focused research and outreach consortium. Severe Weather Watch: Forecasters flagged a risk of damaging storms across parts of the lower Mississippi Valley, including Mississippi.

SpaceX Starbase Louisiana: SpaceX unveiled a $100 billion, 125,000-acre Starship launch complex on Pecan Island near Pecan Island in Vermilion Parish, with construction starting next year and the first launches targeted for 2029—plans that would reshape coastal wetlands and could affect hurricane protection and wildlife habitat. Local Pushback: Three wildlife groups are urging the FAA not to waive environmental review requirements tied to the project, warning the changes could harm species that live in or migrate through the area. Mississippi Tick Alert: Mississippi State University researchers say the Asian longhorned tick has been confirmed in nearby states but not yet in Mississippi, and they’re asking residents to help detect it early because of the tick’s rapid spread and livestock risk. Severe Weather Watch: Forecasters warn Wednesday storms could bring damaging winds up to 60 mph and large hail across Arkansas and parts of the lower Mississippi Valley, including areas near Mississippi. B-52 Radar Upgrade: The U.S. Air Force awarded Raytheon a $603 million contract for new AN/APQ-188 radar for B-52s, replacing older equipment and improving all-weather targeting and navigation.

Data Center Backlash in Mississippi: A Southaven family says a nearby power plant powering Elon Musk’s SpaceXAI data centers has driven them off ancestral land, with residents citing noise and air pollution and a petition topping 1,400 signatures. Mississippi River & Water Quality: The Mississippi River is on an “Impaired Waters” list, with fish-consumption cautions tied to ongoing water quality concerns. Methane Research: Mississippi State professor Adam Skarke and a Ph.D. student will join a multi-university expedition to study methane emissions from the Atlantic seafloor, aiming to track sources and impacts on ocean chemistry and ecosystems. Public Health & Heat: A new report highlights how extreme heat is persisting across the South and Lower Mississippi Valley, raising risks for heat-related illness. Food-as-Medicine in the Delta: Alcorn State’s demonstration farm in Mound Bayou is reviving a community garden legacy through the Delta GREENS project, boosting fresh produce access for local families. Wildlife & River Learning: Missouri’s MDC is set to host a free “Day on the River” event at Cape Girardeau’s Riverfront Park with boat rides and aquatic wildlife displays.

Extreme Heat in the South: NPR’s senior climate editor breaks down why this week’s “heat dome” is so dangerous, with Extreme Heat Warnings and Heat Advisories affecting more than 80 million people and triple-digit temperatures expected to linger across the Lower Mississippi Valley. Climate & Consumer Fight: Mississippi Attorney General is part of a multi-state push targeting the “Big Four” accounting firms over climate-related financial reporting, arguing the added disclosures could raise costs for small businesses and consumers. Mississippi Delta Food-as-Medicine: Alcorn State’s Demonstration Farm in Mound Bayou is reviving community growing through the Delta GREENS project, sending fresh produce to patients and households. Water Quality Watch: A Mississippi River segment is flagged on Minnesota’s impaired waters list, with fish consumption cautions tied to mercury and PFAS. Wildlife Restoration: Missouri conservation officials continue alligator gar restoration in southeast Missouri, including stocking efforts that also involve Mississippi partners. Methane Research Off the East Coast: MSU geologist Adam Skarke and a doctoral student join a deep-sea expedition to study methane emissions from the Atlantic seafloor. Mississippi Mental Health Funding: Gov. Reeves announced nearly $3.4 million to expand trauma-informed mental health services for young people impacted by COVID-19. Bird Migration Reminder: Birdcast forecasts nearly 300 million birds migrating over the Mississippi River corridor, urging people to dim or turn off unnecessary lights at night.

Mississippi Climate & Accountability: Mississippi joined a multi-state push against the “Big 4” accounting firms over climate-related financial reporting, arguing the firms’ climate activism could conflict with audit independence and shift costs onto small businesses and consumers. Coastal & Water Impacts: A Mississippi State University geologist and doctoral student are joining a Navy expedition to study methane emissions from the Atlantic seafloor, using deep-sea sampling to track where the gas comes from and how it affects ocean ecosystems and climate. Birds & Night Lighting: Bird migration forecasts point to a major surge over the Mississippi River corridor, with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service urging people to dim or turn off unnecessary lights at night to avoid disorienting migrating birds. Heat & Safety: With triple-digit heat hitting practice fields, Mississippi teams are adjusting schedules and shortening workouts to reduce heat illness risk. Mental Health Funding: Mississippi is investing nearly $3.4 million to expand mental health services for young people affected by COVID-19, including upgrades to treatment facilities and new healing arts programming. Alligator Gar Restoration: Missouri’s conservation agency continues alligator gar stocking in southeast Missouri, including a multi-state effort that relies on Mississippi-bred fish to help restore the ecosystem.

Water Quality Alert: MDEQ issued a water contact advisory for Biloxi East Central Beach (St. Peter St. east to Dukate St.), warning of higher bacteria risk; it’s not a closure and will be lifted when samples are safe. Coastal Climate Pressure: A report highlights how sargassum seaweed is overwhelming beach cleanup efforts in the Gulf and Caribbean, with Miami-Dade spending $3 million annually yet seeing beaches stay clean for barely an hour a day during peak season. Air Pollution Fight (MS/TN): xAI’s Southaven, Mississippi expansion is drawing backlash from residents and groups over unpermitted gas turbines and alleged Clean Air Act violations tied to Colossus operations. Severe Weather Watch: Southeast Louisiana and south Mississippi are under a storm threat Monday with gusty winds, hail, heavy rain, and a tropical wave being monitored by the National Hurricane Center. El Niño Outlook: NOAA says El Niño is strengthening toward a very strong event, with fall and winter impacts likely to bring more precipitation risk for parts of the region. Wildlife Care: LSU’s Wildlife Hospital of Louisiana is treating a record number of animals despite operating out of three small rooms, with more cases expected during bird migration.

Air Quality & Data Centers: xAI’s Colossus supercomputer expansion is drawing fresh backlash in the Mid-South, with civil rights and environmental groups alleging unpermitted gas turbines are violating air rules—Colossus 1 in South Memphis and Colossus 2 near Southaven, Mississippi. Local Power Demand: Southaven residents also raised concerns after TVA approved an extra 100-megawatt power connection tied to xAI operations, saying it could worsen existing noise and air-quality problems. Food & Weather: A sweet potato shortage could hit grocery shelves ahead of Thanksgiving, tied to back-to-back weather disruptions in North Carolina and drought impacts during key growing periods. Climate Outlook: NOAA says El Niño is strengthening and could become “very strong” this fall and winter, with higher odds of wetter conditions for parts of the U.S. Public Health Watch: An FDA egg recall has effectively expired for shoppers, but investigators say the outbreak probe is still ongoing—so symptoms and awareness remain important. Wildlife & Habitat: A new pet shelter and low-cost vet clinic proposal in Crown Point, Indiana, is moving through rezoning hurdles.

Air Quality & Health: xAI’s rapid expansion is drawing fresh backlash in the Mid-South, with residents near its Southaven, Miss., operations worried about air quality and noise as TVA approved an additional 100-megawatt power connection and neighbors say they weren’t told early enough. Climate & Storm Resilience: Lawmakers introduced a bipartisan $100 million-a-year push to fund fortified roof programs and other disaster mitigation, aiming to reduce damage from storms and lower what FEMA pays after disasters. Water & Weather Outlook: Forecasters say a strong El Niño could bring more rain later in the year, with impacts expected over months rather than immediately. Pollution & Public Health Alerts: Shelby County, Tenn., extended a Code Orange ozone air quality alert through Saturday, affecting DeSoto County, Miss., and urging sensitive groups to limit outdoor exertion. Wildlife & Habitat: Alabama is urging Gulf Coast residents to help migrating birds along the Mississippi Flyway as fall migration ramps up. Local Environment Education: Mississippi State’s Muscadine Field Day highlights low-spray, locally suited fruit growing and organic vineyard practices.

Renewables Fight: An AI-driven misinformation campaign helped stop a $175 million solar farm in Louisiana’s Iberia Parish, with opponents spreading viral claims about toxic panels and health risks despite experts saying the allegations aren’t supported. Air Quality & Health: Shelby County, Tennessee extended a Code Orange ozone air quality alert through Saturday, warning sensitive groups in DeSoto County, Mississippi and nearby areas to limit outdoor exertion. Energy Expansion Backlash (MS): In Southaven, residents near xAI’s operations say they were left in the dark about a new TVA power connection and land moves that could affect air quality and noise. Storm Readiness: U.S. lawmakers from Louisiana and Mississippi pushed a $100 million-a-year bill to fund fortified roof programs and reduce disaster costs after major storms. Coastal & Marine: Mississippi’s Department of Marine Resources launched a photo contest for its 2027 calendar, seeking Gulf Coast marine life, fishing, marshes, and boating shots. Mississippi Agriculture: MSU’s Muscadine Field Day is set for Aug. 27 at the McNeill Research Unit, with talks on pests and organic-friendly vineyard practices.

Mississippi Gulf Coast Marine Life: The Mississippi Department of Marine Resources is running a photo contest for its 2027 calendar, asking for high-resolution Gulf Coast shots of marine life, marsh areas, boating, fishing and seafood (deadline Oct. 16). Air Quality & Health: Shelby County, Tenn., extended a Code Orange ozone air quality alert through Saturday, with DeSoto County, Miss., included; sensitive groups are urged to limit outdoor exertion. Local Environmental Pressure: In Southaven, residents near xAI’s operations say the company’s rapid expansion—plus a new TVA power connection—has them worried about air quality, noise, and transparency. Storm Readiness Funding: U.S. lawmakers including Mississippi Rep. Mike Ezell and Louisiana Rep. Troy Carter introduced a bipartisan $100M-a-year bill to expand fortified roof programs and other disaster mitigation to reduce FEMA rebuild costs. Climate Extremes & Water: The federal government updated Colorado River reservoir operating rules, ordering cutbacks as Lake Powell and Lake Mead hit record lows. Organic Farming in Mississippi: Mississippi State University highlighted the challenges of organic vegetable production in the state, focusing on pest and disease management under organic rules.

Air Quality Alert: Shelby County Health Department extended a Code Orange ozone alert through Saturday for Shelby County, TN, Crittenden County, AR, and DeSoto County, MS, urging sensitive groups to limit outdoor exertion. Wildfire Risk: Rankin County joined a growing list of Mississippi counties under outdoor burn bans, with a 30-day ban starting Aug. 21 and restrictions on open flames and debris burning. Coastal & Water Funding: Alabama announced about $52 million in Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act (GoMESA) projects for coastal priorities like water quality, boating access, and environmental education. Agriculture & Soil Health: Mississippi State University hosted a Muscadine Field Day focused on cultivar selection, leadhopper pests, and disease management, plus an organic vineyard tasting. Organic Farming: MSU Extension highlighted why organic vegetable production is harder in Mississippi—pests and disease pressure stay high, and organic-approved inputs can be limited. Storm Outlook: A developing “super El Niño” could shift late-fall and winter weather patterns, with Oklahoma producers and residents watching for cooler, wetter relief. Pollinators: The Great Southeast Pollinator Census returns this weekend, inviting residents across Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, North Carolina, and South Carolina to count bees and other pollinators. Gulf Energy Prep: BP evacuated some non-essential Gulf workers as Tropical Storm Bertha approached, while other operators monitored impacts.

Pollinator Push in Mississippi: The Great Southeast Pollinator Census is back Aug. 21-22, and Mississippi is joining for a 15-minute “count what lands on your flower” effort aimed at tracking bees and other pollinators as habitat loss and pesticides squeeze populations. Wildfire Risk & Burn Bans: Rankin County has issued a 30-day outdoor burn ban starting Aug. 21 as hot, dry, windy conditions raise wildfire danger, joining other Mississippi counties under similar restrictions. Water Quality Research in Mississippi: Mississippi State University is leading an EPA-funded, three-year study testing a slag bioreactor “edge-of-field” barrier to stop fertilizer nutrients from fueling algal blooms and low-oxygen dead zones in the Mississippi River to Gulf system. Gulf Coast Tech Testing: Saronic Technologies opened a drone boat testing site in Gulfport, expanding autonomous vessel trials with plans to test its 180-foot Marauder. Weather Watch: Gulf South residents are tracking a “super El Niño” that could become the strongest on record, with potential knock-on impacts for Southeast Mississippi and Louisiana.

Mississippi Water Quality: Mississippi State University is leading a three-year, $1.4 million EPA-funded study testing a slag bioreactor “edge-of-field” barrier to stop fertilizer nutrients from fueling algal blooms and low-oxygen dead zones from farm fields to the Mississippi River and Gulf. Climate Watch: Scientists are tracking a “super El Niño” that could become the strongest on record, with major knock-on effects for weather across the U.S. Gulf Coast Tech: Saronic Technologies opened a drone-boat testing site in Gulfport, aiming to test its autonomous vessels for missions like maritime rescue. Mississippi Agriculture & Soil Health: MSU research highlights how organic vegetable production is tough in Mississippi’s pest- and disease-friendly climate, and why careful planning matters. Pollinators in Mississippi: The Great Southeast Pollinator Census is live for Mississippi, inviting residents to count pollinators Aug. 21–22 and help build conservation data. Public Health Alert: A jalapeño-linked salmonella outbreak continues to grow nationwide, with hundreds of cases reported across many states.

Beach Updates: Mississippi’s MDEQ lifted a water contact advisory for Pass Christian Central Beach after bacteria levels returned to acceptable ranges, with reminders to avoid swimming during or within 24 hours of significant rainfall. Pollinators: Mississippi is joining the Great Southeast Pollinator Census (Aug. 21-22), inviting citizen scientists to spend about 15 minutes counting bees, butterflies, and other pollinators that support a big share of the food supply. Wildlife Conservation: Two decades of longleaf restoration by Mississippi landowners helped create a new habitat for dusky gopher frogs, with nearly 500 captive-reared frogs released in Hancock County. Drought and Forest Health: A forestry expert warns that prolonged drought is stressing trees by drying soils, making forests more vulnerable to collapse, pests, and disease—highlighting Mississippi’s past pine beetle losses. Community & Environment Planning: Hastings’ Highway 61 reconstruction planning includes an “Open to Business” effort to help corridor businesses prepare for impacts before construction starts.

Beach Water Quality: MDEQ lifted the water contact advisory for Pass Christian Central Beach after bacteria samples hit acceptable levels, with reminders to avoid swimming during/within 24 hours of significant rainfall. Public Health & Water Safety: New Jersey issued swimming advisories at 12 ocean beaches after enterococci tests exceeded state standards, warning swimmers of higher illness risk while follow-up samples are collected. Citizen Science for Pollinators: The Great Southeast Pollinator Census returns Aug. 21-22, with Mississippi residents invited to spend about 15 minutes counting bees, butterflies, and other pollinators to support pollinator habitat planning across the region. Mississippi Conservation Success: Two decades of woodland restoration by Mississippi landowners for gopher tortoises helped create a new home for dusky gopher frogs, with nearly 500 captive-reared frogs released on private working land in Hancock County. Coastal & River Infrastructure: The Port of New Orleans secured federal approval for a $1.8 billion container terminal, a major step for expanding deepwater shipping capacity on the Lower Mississippi. Wildlife & Health: A new study finds cougars can reduce deer-vehicle collisions by creating a “landscape of fear” that shifts deer behavior away from roads.

Invasive Species Watch: Illinois crews found invasive silver carp about 80 miles from Lake Michigan in the Illinois River, removing hundreds of small fish after monitoring and raising fears they could spawn farther upstream. Public Health: Mississippi issued a Gulf Coast advisory after “flesh-eating” Vibrio infections spiked, including Vibrio vulnificus cases, urging people to protect themselves in coastal waters. Energy & Heat: Entergy reported its highest summer electricity use ever as record heat hit Mississippi, temporarily suspending disconnects and reminding customers how to cut cooling costs. Waterway & Habitat: The Army Corps hosted a Lock and Dam 10 open house, highlighting river navigation and safety on the Upper Mississippi. Local Environment Reporting: The Beacon and KBIA-FM won a national Murrow Award for “Dumped in Berger,” a probe into how hazardous material moved from Mississippi to Missouri. Agriculture Policy: MSU faculty member Whitney Crow was appointed to an EPA farm, ranch and rural communities advisory committee, focusing on rural environmental and pesticide issues.