AGP Executive Report

Beach Safety Update: MDEQ lifted remaining beach water contact advisories for Long Beach Beach (Oak Gardens to Girard) and Gulfport Harbor Beach (20th to Thornton Ave), with samples now showing acceptable bacteria levels, though officials still urge no swimming during or within 24 hours of significant rainfall. Air Quality Watch: New air monitoring data shows southeast Mississippi has seen more days of moderate or worse pollution over the past decade, raising respiratory risk in counties including Forrest, Hancock, Harrison and Jackson. Data Center Pollution Fight: NAACP and environmental groups updated their lawsuit against xAI’s Southaven gas plant, alleging unpermitted emissions after discovery showed the turbine count rose to 57, with claims tied to communications involving MDEQ. Coastal Restoration (Regional): Alabama’s Gulf Coast is set to receive $87 million from the RESTORE Act for Deepwater Horizon restoration projects. Wildlife & Habitat: The Mississippi Museum of Natural Science is hosting World Snake Day events featuring hands-on access to 26 native snake species, while Eastern indigo snakes were released in Florida and Alabama as part of a long-running recovery effort. Weather Outlook: NOAA says El Niño conditions have formed and are expected to strengthen, with potential impacts for storms and flooding across parts of the U.S.

El Niño Watch: NOAA says El Niño conditions are now active and likely to strengthen into winter 2026-27, with a 63% chance of a “very strong” event—meaning Mississippi and the wider region could see shifting storm tracks and rainfall patterns. Data Center Backlash in Mississippi: A new Synapse/Earthjustice report estimates Entergy Mississippi customers have already paid $38 million for data-center-related costs, projecting $74 million by year’s end, with the average bill up about $10.60 a month. Lawsuit Over AI Noise: Mississippi residents filed a class-action against xAI and SpaceX over “near-constant” noise and vibrations from a Southaven power plant tied to AI data centers, alleging harm to sleep and property values. Local Rules Catch Up: Across the country, cities are moving toward moratoriums or new ordinances as communities push for limits on data centers while state-level regulation lags. Wildlife & Education: MDWFP urges Mississippians to be BearWise this summer, and Marine Resources hosted “Teachers on the Estuary” to train educators on invasive tallow removal and coastal learning.

Data Center Noise Lawsuits: Southaven residents filed class-action suits against xAI and SpaceX, alleging “near-constant” noise and vibrations from a Southaven power plant are harming sleep, daily life, and property values, with thousands potentially affected. Local Response to AI Buildout: In Murray, residents packed a planning commission hearing on a draft data center ordinance, but many pushed for a ban instead of new rules. Community Education on the Coast: Mississippi’s “Teachers on the Estuary” workshop at the Grand Bay Coastal Resources Center trained educators on hands-on lessons, including removing invasive tallow trees and learning via kayaking. Outdoor Safety & Waterways: Fishing and Boating Week runs June 6-14, with state wildlife officials urging boaters to clean gear and prevent aquatic invasive species spread. Wildlife & Hunting Updates: Louisiana approved a special experimental 9-day black-bellied whistling duck season (Oct. 3-11) with sunrise-to-sunset shooting and reporting requirements. Solar Shift in the U.S.: New national data shows solar overtook coal for the first time in May, underscoring continued clean-energy momentum.

Mississippi Waterways & Safety: Fishing and Boating Week (June 6-14) is encouraging anglers and families to get outside on state lakes and rivers, with reminders to wear life jackets and keep an eye on kids. Park Recovery: George P. Cossar State Park in Mississippi reopened after Winter Storm Fern cleanup, with most camping and day-use back online and a few campground areas still closed. AI Infrastructure Clash in Southaven: Mississippi residents filed a class-action lawsuit against xAI and SpaceX, alleging gas-turbine noise and vibrations from a Southaven power plant powering nearby data centers have become “inescapable,” harming health and property values. Solar vs. Coal Trend: New U.S. energy data shows solar overtaking coal for the first time in monthly electricity share, even as coal gets political support. Aquaculture Push: NOAA launched a new aquaculture research effort with a $13.5 million first-year investment, with the University of Hawaiʻi joining the consortium to expand sustainable seafood production. Wildlife & Habitat: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is inviting people to join the Freedom 250 Refuge Relay Challenge, including stops tied to the Upper Mississippi River refuge system.

Lawsuit Over Data-Center Noise: More than 10,000 Mississippi residents are suing xAI and SpaceX over “inescapable” 24/7 turbine noise from a Southaven power plant, saying it’s harmed health and property values and created a public nuisance. Local Conservation & Wildlife: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is inviting people to earn a free patch through the Freedom 250 Refuge Relay Challenge, with stops across Mississippi River-area refuges. Aquaculture Push: NOAA launched CIFARM, a new aquaculture research and markets effort backed by $13.5 million, with University of Southern Mississippi and Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant among partners. Invasive Species Reminder: MDWFP is urging boaters and anglers to clean, drain, and dry gear to prevent aquatic invasive species spread during National Fishing and Boating Week. Bird Habitat Recognition: Nauvoo, Illinois was named Bird City USA for habitat protection and bird-friendly practices along the Mississippi Flyway. Solar vs. Coal Trend: New national data shows solar overtaking coal for a bigger share of U.S. electricity, even as coal gets political support. Mississippi Litter Fight: Mississippi State Extension is backing “Art Doing Its Part,” a statewide student art and slogan contest linking local litter to waterway pollution. Energy Infrastructure Watch: Amazon opened a new Clinton data center, touting jobs and saying it won’t use water for cooling.

Waterway Pollution & Litter: Mississippi State University Extension is rolling out “Art Doing Its Part,” a statewide high school art and slogan contest linking local litter to waterway pollution, with winners featured in a statewide marketing push. Behavioral Health Funding: U.S. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith says Mississippi has been added to the four-year CCBHC Medicaid Demonstration, aimed at expanding mental health and substance-use treatment and recovery support. PFAS Research Spotlight: The University of Arizona is hosting a national PFAS conference June 8-10, bringing together regulators, researchers, and community advocates to tackle “forever chemicals” and their health impacts. Sustainable Gulf Coast Development: Biloxi’s $150 million Tomaston Medical Park is moving forward with a planned energy system using solar, hydrogen fuel cells, and battery storage to help buildings operate independently. Extreme Heat & the Grid: A new report says U.S. power planners are treating extreme heat as a design baseline as hotter, longer conditions stress reliability. Invasive Species Awareness: A roundup highlights how invasive species spread and why they can damage ecosystems and local quality of life. Mississippi River Safety: Coahoma County officials are investigating a body recovered from the Mississippi River after a multi-agency response.

Extreme Heat & Grid Reliability: U.S. grid planners are shifting from treating extreme heat as a “tail risk” to treating it as a design baseline, citing hotter, longer summers that overlap with maintenance outages and strain aging infrastructure. PFAS Focus: The University of Arizona will host a national “forever chemicals” (PFAS) conference June 8–10, bringing together researchers, regulators, and community advocates to tackle health impacts and environmental transport. Mississippi River Response: Coahoma County officials and multiple agencies recovered a body from the Mississippi River and are investigating, highlighting cross-river emergency cooperation. Wildlife & Hunting: Louisiana set an experimental nine-day black-bellied whistling duck season for Oct. 3–11, with special permit and reporting rules. Mississippi Industry Watch: Nissan is exploring partnerships to build other companies’ vehicles at its underutilized Canton, Mississippi plant, including a potential mid-size pickup. Climate/Health Policy (National): CMS released an interim final rule on Medicaid work requirements, while Congress advanced major funding legislation—policy moves that can affect public health access.

Data & Energy Costs: A new analysis warns that “behind-the-meter” gas plants built to power data centers could raise energy bills for homes and small businesses as projects increasingly skip the grid. Mississippi Industry: Nissan says it’s exploring partnerships to build other automakers’ vehicles at its underutilized Canton plant, with a mid-size pickup on the table. Wildlife & Outdoor Life: The Mississippi Wildlife Heritage Museum in Leland inducted six new members into its Outdoors Hall of Fame, and the state’s public alligator draw is open for applications through June 12. Coastal & Water Stewardship: Mississippi’s Tidelands Trust Fund is accepting proposals for projects in the Gulf counties of Hancock, Harrison and Jackson, with the portal closing July 1. Community & Climate Learning: Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College’s Mississippi Artificial Intelligence Network (MAIN) earned recognition for expanding AI literacy and responsible adoption statewide. Local Nature Events: Yazoo National Wildlife Refuge’s butterfly garden marked 20 years, celebrating pollinators and native plants.

Coastal & Water Policy: Mississippi’s Department of Marine Resources will start accepting Tidelands Trust Fund project applications in June, with the portal closing July 1; proposals must be in Hancock, Harrison, and Jackson counties and can cover conservation, reclamation, preservation, access, and related public improvements. Wildlife & Habitat: The Memphis Zoo and partners released nearly 500 dusky gopher frogs into restored sites in Coastal Mississippi, building on releases that have already repopulated the species in Jackson County. Outdoor & Recreation: Alligator draw applications are open through June 12, with limited permits by zone and no application fee; if selected, buyers have until June 30 to purchase possession permits. Community Stewardship: Volunteers joined the Four Rivers Clean Sweep along the Ohio Riverfront in Paducah to cut trash that harms wildlife and water quality. Energy & Environment Watch: A new look at the data center boom says AI-driven power demand is surging nationwide, including a major planned Amazon complex in Ridgeland that would cover about 800 acres of rural woodland. Weather: Southern Minnesota and the Upper Mississippi Valley face ozone air-quality alerts and a heat-and-storm pattern, with dangerous heat possible midweek.

Mississippi Science Investment: The University of Southern Mississippi is set to add a $30 million state-of-the-art science research facility in Hattiesburg, backing work across biological, biomedical and environmental sciences. Storm Recovery & Access: Two North Mississippi state parks—George P. Cossar and Wall Doxey—have reopened for reservations after Winter Storm Fern, with some campground sites still closed as crews finish debris cleanup. Wildlife Conservation: The Memphis Zoo and partners released nearly 500 dusky gopher frogs into a new captive-release site in Hancock County, building on a long-running effort to restore a critically endangered species. Water & Community Stewardship: Volunteers in Paducah joined a Four Rivers Clean Sweep along the Ohio Riverfront to reduce trash that harms wildlife and water quality. Climate & Ecosystems: New research says mangrove forests are rebounding worldwide after decades of loss, with gains outpacing losses for about 16 years. Energy Demand Watch: A data center boom is driving rapidly rising electricity use, including a planned xAI complex in Ridgeland that would reshape hundreds of acres of rural land. Outdoor Health: Coverage also highlights how water pollution can spoil summer recreation and harm health, with Iowa used as a stark example.

Pollinator Habitat in Mississippi: The Yazoo National Wildlife Refuge marked 20 years with a butterfly garden celebration, highlighting nectar and host plants for species like monarchs and tiger swallowtails. River Cleanup & Watershed Stewardship: Volunteers in Paducah joined the Four Rivers Clean Sweep to remove trash from the Ohio Riverfront, with partners including One Mississippi and ORSANCO. Coastal Mississippi Wildlife Recovery: The Memphis Zoo and partners released nearly 500 dusky gopher frogs at a new captive-release site in Hancock County, building on releases that have helped the species rebound. Marine Funding for the Gulf Coast: Mississippi’s Department of Marine Resources opened the Tidelands Trust Fund application process for eligible projects in Hancock, Harrison and Jackson counties, with the portal closing July 1. State Parks Reopen After Storm Damage: George P. Cossar and Wall Doxey State Parks are scheduled to reopen later this month after the January ice storm, with some camping sites still closed. Heat & Storm Outlook: Forecasts warn of ozone-related air quality concerns and a return of hot, stormy weather across the Upper Mississippi River Valley. Garden Week in Starkville: The Starkville Town and Country Garden Club kicked off National Garden Week with a mayoral proclamation and an education display focused on conserving the environment. Fisheye Film Festival in Ocean Springs: The Walter Anderson Museum of Art will host a free three-day festival on environmental storytelling with films, workshops and discussions June 11-13.

Tidelands Funding Opens: The Mississippi Department of Marine Resources is accepting proposals for the Tidelands Trust Fund, with the online portal closing July 1. Projects must be in Hancock, Harrison, or Jackson counties and fit conservation, reclamation, preservation, acquisition, education, or public access goals. Coastal Wildlife Recovery: The Memphis Zoo and partners released nearly 500 rare dusky gopher frogs at new captive-release sites in Mississippi, building on releases that have repopulated the species in restored habitats. Local Water Resilience: Two Mississippi State Parks—George P. Cossar and Wall Doxey—are reopening after the January ice storm, with some campground areas still closed for debris cleanup. Mississippi Riverfront Cleanups: A riverfront cleanup is set for Saturday in Paducah, aimed at protecting Ohio River ecology as summer activity ramps up. Saharan Dust Watch: A first wave of Saharan dust is expected to reach Mississippi this weekend, which can affect air quality and weather patterns.

Water Quality & Health: A new report on Iowa’s water pollution highlights how farm runoff can make rivers unsafe and even ruin summer recreation, tying nitrates and phosphorus to Gulf dead zones. Local Parks Recovery: Two Mississippi State Parks—George P. Cossar and Wall Doxey—are set to reopen later this month after the January ice storm, with some campground areas still closed for cleanup. Data Center Water Plans: Memphis confirmed xAI closed on a 13-acre land deal for the Colossus Water Recycling Plant, but construction remains paused, leaving the $80 million greywater project in limbo. Air & Weather: Saharan dust is expected to sweep into Mississippi this weekend, with possible air-quality impacts and dramatic sunsets. Coastal & Legal: A federal appellate ruling addressed oyster farmers’ claims tied to Bonnet Carré Spillway operations, focusing on whether they have a property interest under the Fifth Amendment. Mental Health Funding: Communicare was named a pilot site for Mississippi’s Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic Medicaid Demonstration Program, bringing more stable long-term funding for crisis and addiction care. Wildlife & Invasives: A national roundup warns invasive species are spreading fast, with major risks to agriculture, fisheries, freshwater systems, and public safety.

Air Quality & Health: A University of Mississippi review finds cardiovascular harm can show up even when PM2.5 levels are below current EPA limits, raising questions about whether federal standards protect people enough. Mississippi Water & Food Safety: A federal appellate ruling addressed oyster farmers’ claims tied to Bonnet Carré Spillway operations, focusing on whether they had a property interest under the Fifth Amendment. Local Infrastructure: Washington County plans to tear down the Kermit Museum Bridge in Leland after deterioration and storm damage, but must reroute a sewer line first. Agriculture & Livestock Disease: Mississippi’s agriculture commissioner says a newly confirmed world screwworm case in Texas poses no threat to Mississippi’s meat supply, while urging vigilance for symptoms in animals. Coastal & Fisheries Policy: Mississippi marine officials testified in favor of the Offshore Parity Act to expand state fisheries control from 3 to 9 nautical miles, including for shrimpers. Climate & Weather: Saharan dust is expected to reach Mississippi this weekend, with impacts on visibility and possibly air quality. Research & Jobs: Southern Miss announced a new 93,000-square-foot life sciences research center, backed by $87.5 million in state funds and seeking about $30 million more. Community Outdoors: Leflore County’s youth fishing rodeo heads to Greenwood at Florewood State Park this weekend.

Air Quality & Health: A University of Mississippi review finds fine particle pollution (PM2.5) is linked to heart disease even below EPA limits, raising new questions about how “safe” air is for cardiovascular health. Local Water & Weather Watch: Forecasters are tracking a “Gulf blob” of storms that could bring heavy rain and localized flooding to Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama this weekend. Food Safety & Livestock: Mississippi Agriculture Commissioner Andy Gipson says a new world screwworm detection in Texas poses no risk to the state’s food supply, calling it an animal health issue and pointing to USDA containment efforts. Mississippi Research & Jobs: Southern Miss is moving ahead with a new 93,000-square-foot life sciences research center, backed by $87.5 million in state funding and more support needed. Data Centers & Community Pushback: Jackson residents packed a hearing opposing a rezoning request for a data center expansion to 230 acres, as the city weighs a moratorium and new rules. Invasive Species & Policy: U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker and Sen. Jeff Merkley propose closing a “flags of convenience” loophole tied to foreign fishing vessels. Outdoor Fun: A free Youth Fishing Rodeo is set for Greenwood at Florewood State Park, with registration Saturday morning.

Data Centers & Jobs: Google is moving ahead with a major West Memphis, Arkansas data center buildout, with the city council approving up to $60 billion in industrial development bonds—an economic boost that also raises local questions about power, land use, and environmental impacts. Water Quality & Health: New reporting from Iowa highlights how farm runoff and polluted waterways can spoil summer recreation and harm health, a reminder that Mississippi’s rivers and Gulf beaches face similar pressures from pollution and bacteria. Mississippi Gulf Coast Updates: Mississippi’s MDEQ lifted several beach water contact advisories in Biloxi and Gulfport after bacteria levels fell, while two advisories remain in effect—swimmers are still urged to avoid water after heavy rain. Public Safety & Heat: Mississippi health officials are warning residents about sun and extreme heat risks, emphasizing sunscreen, shade, and protective clothing. Wildlife & Home Safety: Snake calls are rising in the Mid-South, with experts pointing to tiny gaps around roofs and foundations as entry points. Mississippi Conservation: MDWFP announced a record 2026 spring turkey harvest, and Wildlife Mississippi continues its habitat seed program for wildlife food plots. Air Pollution & Heart Health: University of Mississippi researchers say PM2.5 may affect heart health even below EPA limits, adding pressure for stronger air monitoring and protections.