AGP Executive Report

Industrial Energy Push in Bradley County: Residents are raising concerns over “Project River,” a proposed $11.3 billion industrial energy campus on 850 acres that would burn natural gas and biomass from forests to generate up to 1,500 MW, with critics pointing to transparency questions. Air Pollution Rule Reversal Fallout: A major chemical plant pollution rule (HON) tied to hazardous air toxics is being unraveled as multiple Biden-era air toxics standards are reported rescinded or reconsidered, renewing worries for communities near petrochemical corridors. Storm Recovery in Memphis: After severe weather left about 148,000 customers without power, Shelby County declared a local state of emergency and nonprofits are distributing food and temporary power. Heat and Rain Outlook: East Tennessee and the Mid-South are moving into a hotter, more humid stretch with only spotty storm chances, raising drought concerns where rain missed. Wildlife & Habitat Learning: UT Arboretum’s Butterfly Festival returns Saturday in Oak Ridge, spotlighting local insects and habitat connections.

Severe Weather & Power Impacts: Storms across the Tennessee Valley knocked out traffic lights and downed power lines, with Highway 157 closed in Lawrence County due to live wires and crews clearing roads. Water Quality & Permitting: Tennessee’s Department of Environment and Conservation is seeking public comment on a South Willow Avenue commercial project by Southern Brew Corp (7 Brew) that could affect aquatic life, including stream encapsulation and wetland impacts. Nuclear Energy & Military Resilience: The U.S. Army’s Janus program selected five vendors and initial host bases for over 20 commercial nuclear microreactors, with Fort Campbell on the Kentucky-Tennessee border among the first sites. Local Housing & Environmental Concerns: Neighbors in West Salem are raising worries about a proposed “Cherry Hill” development near Orchard Heights Road, citing traffic, schools, and potential environmental impacts. Community Water Stewardship: Metro Nashville Water Services launched “Welcome to Water Words,” highlighting drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater work tied to protecting local waterways and wildlife. Tennessee Wildlife & Conservation: Tennessee’s TWRA received a late Sweetwater resident’s gift, supporting wildlife efforts.

Wildlife & Water Policy: The Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission unanimously approved TWRA’s 2027-28 operational budget and moved forward on a new license structure and fee changes, plus added rules including a “No Wake Zone” at Pine Lake in Henderson County. Severe Weather Watch: Forecasters flagged damaging storms across Arkansas and parts of the Southern Plains/Ozarks, with up to 60 mph winds and large hail possible, and Memphis included in the broader risk area. Waste & Landfills: A new look at Tennessee trash warns that most waste still goes to landfills, with Middle Tennessee facing closures and rising disposal costs as recycling confusion and weak incentives persist. Space & Environment: SpaceX unveiled a $100B Starbase Louisiana on Pecan Island, a huge marshland site tied to Starship launches and coastal restoration—while the plan revives debate over environmental impacts. Local Cleanup After Flood Damage: Asheville Watchdog reports a plastics firm linked to Helene-era pipe hazards promised storage changes after years of concern and cleanup work.

TVA and data centers: TVA approved a new rate for data centers at its Memphis board meeting, effective Oct. 1, 2026, with an upfront cost for large customers and a phased-in change aimed at protecting reliability while electricity bills rise about 10% for affected loads. Storm recovery in Memphis: After severe storms knocked out power for more than 100,000 Memphis residents, many were still dealing with outages and water conservation requests as crews worked to restore service. Invasive tick threat: Mississippi State University is tracking the Asian longhorned tick, now confirmed in nearby states including Tennessee, warning it can spread fast and harm livestock and pets. Wildlife management: Tennessee’s three-day antlered-only private-lands deer hunt runs Aug. 28-30, with TWRA rules and bag limits in place. Public lands and fire: A Tennessee-based wildfire response team was among crews working the High Lava Fire incident command center, as officials urge people to avoid the area.

Data Centers & Power: FOX13 Investigates raised questions about XAI’s Memphis-area data centers, citing MLGW bills showing electricity costs climbing sharply in hotter months and sparking concerns about strain on the grid and pollution impacts. Storm Recovery: MLGW CEO Doug McGowen told FOX13 that restoration efforts after the weekend storm have brought power back to about 90,000 customers, with thousands still waiting as crews work through the hardest-hit areas. Water Safety: Tennessee officials issued a precautionary catfish advisory for part of the Duck River, urging children, pregnant people, and nursing mothers to avoid catfish between Cold Branch and I-40 and limiting others to one meal a month. Local Environment Policy: A Conway-area proposal to fill nearly 5 acres of wetlands for a big-box shopping complex is drawing pushback from conservation groups and flood-mitigation concerns. Public Process: TDEC scheduled a public hearing for SRM Smithville Quarry’s revised NPDES permit application, with the hearing set for Sept. 23 in Smithville. Outdoor Grants: Calhoun and Dunlap received state parks and trails funding for river access and a pump track park, respectively. Weather Alert: A Code Orange air-quality alert was issued for the Memphis region, with hot, stormy conditions continuing into Tuesday.

Data Centers vs. Communities: A Tennessee op-ed argues for a statewide moratorium on new data centers, urging answers on water use, electricity demand, infrastructure costs, and who gets a say before more approvals. Water Quality Watch: TDEC scheduled a public hearing for SRM Smithville Quarry’s revised NPDES permit on Sept. 23, with discharges to Drivers Branch; the agency also issued fish consumption advisories for mercury/PCBs in Roane County’s Mitchell Branch Stream. Biodiversity & Outdoor Recreation: TWRA announced the agenda for the Oct. 21 Tennessee Biodiversity Summit, and TDEC announced major parks and trails grants, including funding for a recreational trail in Sunbright. Conservation Win: Scott’s Gulf Wilderness State Park grew by 413 acres through collaborative conservation at Lost Creek, protecting sensitive habitats on the Cumberland Plateau. Wildlife Safety: Tourists in Gatlinburg smashed an SUV window to free a black bear trapped inside. Energy & Climate Pressure: TVA is moving forward with a draft plan that could expand fossil-fuel capacity as demand rises, with data centers cited as a driver. Public Health & Power Reliability: After a Memphis derecho, tens of thousands still faced outages, highlighting how power loss hits communities unevenly.

Severe Weather & Recovery: A powerful bow echo swept through the Mid-South, leaving tens of thousands without power; in Memphis, MLGW reported about 85,000 customers still dark Sunday afternoon after peak outages of 140,000. Water Quality Alerts: TDEC issued precautionary fish consumption advisories for East Tennessee waterways after testing found elevated mercury and other contaminants in fish tissue—covering Mitchell Branch Stream (Roane County) and parts of the French Broad River (Sevier/Knox). Heat & Storm Watch: Forecasters warn hot, humid conditions will linger into the week, with shower and thunderstorm chances returning at times but no organized severe weather expected right away. Festival Weather Fallout: Bonnaroo organizers announced a one-year 2027 hiatus, citing repeated severe weather impacts and the need for recovery at The Farm in Manchester. Wildlife & Public Safety: Tennessee squirrel season is underway statewide, with TWRA noting bag limits and hunter education requirements. Local Environment/Community: Chattanooga’s Tennessee Aquarium IMAX is extending “The Odyssey” after sold-out screenings, reflecting continued public demand for premium local attractions.

Severe Weather & Flood Risk: Forecasters warn that repeated heavy rain and thunderstorms will soak the Southeast and Mid-South starting Tuesday, raising flash-flood concerns. Power Outages: After Saturday storms, about 94,000 MLGW customers in the Memphis area were still without electricity Sunday morning, with crews working to restore service and clear downed trees. Air Quality & Data Centers: In Memphis/Southaven, xAI faces growing backlash over dozens of unpermitted gas turbines tied to its Colossus supercomputer sites, with groups alleging Clean Air Act violations and neighborhood pollution. Wildlife & Public Safety: Tennessee’s squirrel season is underway statewide, while elsewhere a young bear in Denver fell from a tree after wildlife officers tranquilized it and relocated it. Climate-Resilient Planning: Bonnaroo announced a “much-needed” 2027 hiatus after back-to-back storm damage, citing drainage and resiliency upgrades that still need time to recover. Water & Clean Energy Setback: A California lithium and geothermal project was blocked over water supply and air-quality concerns, highlighting how water limits can derail clean-energy plans.

Severe Weather & Air Quality: A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect for the Mid-South until 10 pm, with damaging winds over 70 mph, large hail, and microbursts possible; Memphis and Shelby also remain under a Code Orange Air Quality Alert due to elevated ozone. Heat Advisory: Magnolia is under a Heat Advisory through Sunday night, with highs around 101 and heat indexes pushing past 106 (and up to 112 in the broader region) through the weekend. Local Conservation: Tennessee River Gorge Trust opened the second phase of the Aetna Mountain trail system in Chattanooga, adding 4 miles of beginner-to-intermediate single-track and bringing the total to 8 miles on conserved land. Data Centers & Pollution: xAI is facing backlash in the Memphis area over unpermitted gas turbines tied to its Colossus facilities, with civil rights and environmental groups alleging Clean Air Act violations and neighborhood air-quality impacts. Solar Shift: Tesla is reportedly discontinuing its Solar Roof tiles, continuing only with solar panels—another sign of changing renewable economics. Wildlife: Bear sightings and conflicts are rising in Colorado, driven by drought and food scarcity—an alert for communities as wildlife searches for resources.

Severe Weather Watch: A Severe Thunderstorm Watch covers the Mid-South until 10 p.m., with damaging winds over 70 mph and large hail possible; Memphis also has an Air Quality Alert. Storm Impacts: In Northeast Arkansas, a severe thunderstorm warning for Craighead County was canceled as the storm weakened, but a special statement remains for gusty winds and the watch continues. Heat Relief Forecast: Tennessee Valley weather is trending drier and less humid after a cold front, with Sunday looking mostly sunny and comfortable compared to the weekend’s muggy conditions. Conservation & Waterways: Tennessee State Parks dedicated Clinch River Valley State Park along the Clinch River, adding 21 acres and new access points for the blueway. Wildlife & Safety: Bear sightings and conflicts are rising in Colorado as drought and food shortages push bears toward trash and human-provided food—officials urge people to keep wildlife wild. Local Growth: Chattanooga’s riverfront “The Bend” is set for a $350 million retail and residential district starting in 2027, aiming to expand walkable public space and recreation. Bonnaroo Weather Fallout: Bonnaroo is taking a “much-needed year off” in 2027 after back-to-back storm damage to the grounds.

Fish Advisories: TDEC issued a precautionary PCB catfish consumption advisory for the Duck River stretch in Humphreys and Hickman counties, warning children, pregnant women, and nursing mothers to avoid catfish there and everyone else to limit to one meal per month. Mercury Update: TDEC also extended a precautionary black bass mercury advisory on the Duck River, keeping similar “avoid/limit” guidance in place. Local Wildlife & Waterways: TWRA is holding public input meetings on its statewide Tennessee Black Bass Management Plan, with a related discussion in Birchwood about whether dock owners’ aquatic vegetation spraying could affect Chickamauga Lake fishing. Community Outdoors: TWRA’s Free Hunting Day is set for Aug. 22, waiving resident hunting licenses and encouraging new hunters to get involved—while still requiring hunter education. Heat & Air Quality: Extreme heat and air quality concerns continue into the weekend, with Memphis under an Air Quality Alert. Energy & Environment: TVA is moving toward more fossil fuel capacity, with a draft plan that could expand gas generation by 2040, as data-center demand drives growth.

Air Quality Alert: Shelby County’s Health Department extended a Code Orange ozone air quality alert through Saturday, urging sensitive groups to limit outdoor exertion. Fish Advisories: TDEC issued precautionary advisories for East Tennessee waterways after elevated mercury and PCB levels—pregnant women, nursing mothers, and children should avoid affected fish, while others should limit meals. Wildlife & Invasives: Giant invasive Joro spiders are showing up again, with guidance on what to do if you spot one. State Environment Policy: The Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission approved TWRA’s FY28 operational budget and moved forward on license structure and fees, plus new rules including a “No Wake Zone” at Pine Lake. Extreme Weather & Recovery: Five years after the deadly Waverly flood, officials say recovery continues with ongoing rebuilding and funding needs. Festival Resilience: Bonnaroo is taking a “much-needed year off” in 2027 after back-to-back storm damage, citing the need for grounds to recover. Local Jobs & Industry: Dometic’s manufacturing expansion in White County will add 90+ jobs in Sparta.

Heat & Forecast: NOAA’s fall outlook shows Tennessee has about equal odds of a warm, cool, or average fall, while the Southeast leans wetter and much of the country stays hotter than normal. Air Quality: Shelby County issued a Code Orange Air Quality Alert for Friday as summer conditions continue to stress residents. Severe Weather Watch: A magnitude 2.5 earthquake rattled western Kentucky as storms produced an EF-1 tornado and damaging winds—another reminder that weather can turn fast across the region. Outdoor Grants: TDEC announced more than $20M for 19 Tennessee communities to expand parks, trails, and recreation, including funding for Calhoun and Dunlap. Wildlife & Conservation: Zoo Knoxville’s All Vol Day is set for Aug. 22, and the UT Arboretum Society’s 11th Annual Butterfly Festival returns Aug. 29. Invasive Species: Reports of more Joro spiders spreading again are prompting renewed “what to do if you see one” guidance. Local Nature Notes: Middle Tennessee residents are also seeing more rattlesnakes during peak summer season. Energy & Data Centers: TVA approved a new data-center rate and discussed long-term energy planning as communities raise concerns about power demand and household impacts. Wildlife Relocation: Roger Williams Park Zoo plans to move three aging elephants to a Tennessee sanctuary in late 2027.

TDOT I-65 Study: Tennessee is asking the public for input on a 34-mile stretch of I-65 congestion and safety fixes in Maury, Williamson and Davidson counties, with open houses held Aug. 13-18 and results expected early next year. Extreme Heat & Storms: The Mid-South and parts of Tennessee are bracing for hot, humid conditions and scattered storms, with heat risks still high as temperatures push toward record levels across the South. Data Centers & Power Bills: TVA is expected to consider a new data-center rate class after a report found communities hosting data centers saw bigger electricity bill increases than the statewide average, raising questions about who pays for grid upgrades. Invasive Joro Spiders: Joro spiders are being spotted again, including in Tennessee and around the Great Smoky Mountains, and park officials are asking visitors to report sightings. Coal Plant Cleanup Hearing: TDEC held a hearing on options for closing coal combustion residual units at the Kingston Fossil Plant, weighing “closure in place” versus removal. Wildlife & Water Safety: TWRA reported the recovery of a man’s body from Percy Priest Lake after a swimming incident, underscoring the lake’s hidden hazards. Hunting & Conservation: TWRA also announced a major gift to support fish and wildlife work, plus ongoing permit and hunting-related updates.

Severe Weather: A Severe Thunderstorm Warning is active for Clarksville and Montgomery County until 2:30 a.m. CDT, with storms capable of 70 mph wind gusts and quarter-size hail; a Severe Thunderstorm Watch also covers much of Middle Tennessee through early Thursday morning. Heat & Public Health: Memphis is seeing extreme heat that isn’t cooling off at night, with Climate Central noting more warm nights than in 1970—raising risks for dehydration and heart strain. Childcare Safety: In Cordova, a 6-year-old died after being left in a hot daycare van; state inspectors say Kid University failed required checks, and the center has surrendered its license and closed. Wildlife & Outdoors: Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency says squirrel season opens Saturday, Aug. 22, with a free hunting day for Tennessee residents (hunter education still required). Data Centers Backlash: Local concerns about AI data centers are growing, with residents citing energy, water, noise, and community impacts—part of a wider national pushback. Water & Storm Risk Beyond TN: Flood risk is rising in the Ohio Valley, with a moderate flood risk expanding across parts of Ohio and Indiana.

Wildlife Policy Reversal: U.S. wildlife officials rescinded a directive to euthanize a rescued bald eagle in Tennessee, keeping “Phoenix” alive at a raptor center. Public Safety & Water: TWRA recovered the body of a missing kayaker on Tellico Lake after a week-long search, noting the victim wasn’t wearing a flotation device. Waste & Recycling Leadership: Nashville’s Waste Services Director Tracey Thurman won a SWANA public-sector award for modernization and service improvements. Outdoor Access: Tennessee’s Free Hunting Day is set for Aug. 22, when residents can hunt without a license as squirrel season opens. Local Infrastructure: Clarksville Gas & Water canceled a Peachers Mill Road water outage and lane closure due to weather, rescheduling valve work for Thursday night into Friday morning. Data Center Backlash: A national political memo warns data centers could become a major election issue, as communities push back over power and environmental impacts. EV Tire Push: Hankook showcased its EV-only iON tire lineup at Demo Days Bay Area with ride-and-drive events.