AGP Executive Report

STEM & Conservation Education: The GSSM Foundation won a $50,000 grant to expand STEM learning statewide, funding GoSciTech Summer Camps and STEM Days with a focus on rural and underrepresented students. Wildlife Learning at Riverbanks: SCETV is launching “Zoo Minutes,” immersive videos from Riverbanks Zoo and Gardens, starting with penguins, fishing cats, and radiated tortoises to boost conservation interest. Rural Health Funding: South Carolina announced nearly $167.3 million in grants to strengthen rural health care, including primary care, maternal/infant health, pediatrics, and behavioral health. Beach & River Cleanup: The 37th annual Beach Sweep/River Sweep returns Sept. 19 with nearly 100 cleanup sites statewide, aiming to remove litter from waterways and beaches. Data Center Pushback (and Local Impacts): Coverage highlights how residents in North Carolina are fighting tolling and how communities are already pushing back on data-center growth—plus South Carolina’s own debate over data centers continues. Public Health Alert: FDA classified a hand soap recall as Class II after reports of possible bacterial contamination in products sold across 15 states. Weather Watch: Videos captured waterspouts along South Carolina beaches, underscoring the need for safety precautions during stormy conditions.

Rare Earth Manufacturing: USA Rare Earth broke ground on a $1.2 billion rare-earth metal and permanent magnet complex in Blacksburg, aiming to produce neodymium-iron-boron magnets and rare-earth metal by 2028, with hundreds of high-skilled jobs. Nuclear Cleanup Milestones: The DOE says more than 13 million gallons of tank waste have been treated and disposed of at South Carolina’s Savannah River Site, with other federal sites also advancing remediation. Local Waterway Cleanup: Bluffton will host the 37th annual Beach Sweep/River Sweep on Sept. 19, with volunteers cleaning the May River area at Oyster Factory Park and on the water. Rural Health Funding: South Carolina received $167M+ in federal grants to expand and modernize rural healthcare, including behavioral crisis teams, hospital cybersecurity, and maternal care upgrades. Drought Impacts: Lake Hartwell anglers report major changes from low water levels, with shallower fishing areas and less shade affecting fish behavior. Public Health—Rabies Alerts: DPH confirmed rabies in an Anderson County skunk, a Horry County cat, and a York County bat, triggering exposure notifications and quarantines. Energy & Industry: Gov. McMaster backed the proposed $85B Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern rail merger, citing safety, congestion relief, and environmental stewardship. Community Environment Debate: McCormick County residents urged a data center moratorium, warning of large water use and air pollution from gas generation as rezoning advanced. Weather: September heat returns to the Upstate with spotty afternoon storms into the weekend.

Drought & Wildlife: Lake Hartwell anglers say prolonged low water is pushing fish into shallower, dustier spots as the Army Corps keeps a lower operating level, while SCDNR says there’s no expected fish-population collapse. PFAS Legal Fight: Corteva’s board approved splitting into Vylor (seeds/genetics) and New Corteva (crop protection), as state attorneys general argue the move could shift liability tied to “forever chemicals.” Public Input vs. Data Centers: A McCormick County council rejected a moratorium as residents warned a proposed 1,000-megawatt data center could consume up to a million gallons of water a day and worsen air pollution. Hurricane Helene Recovery: FEMA announced more South Carolina funding for debris removal, utility repairs, and wastewater resilience projects tied to Helene. Rabies Alerts: SC DPH confirmed rabid animals including a skunk in Anderson and a rabid bat in York, with multiple people and pets exposed and advised to seek care. Energy/Water Infrastructure: FEMA also funded a state assessment of wastewater infrastructure to find hazard-mitigation strategies. Local Environment Watch: A Spartanburg County appeals case dismissed challenges to a conditional RV park approval over whether the court had jurisdiction.

Public Health: A Reuters/Ipsos survey finds trust in measles vaccines has hit a low point as the U.S. faces its worst measles surge in decades, even as most adults still view the shots as safe. Local Environment & Planning: Beaufort County is asking residents for input on its 2040 Comprehensive Plan update, including map-based feedback on conservation and growth priorities. Wildlife & Invasives: Honey bees at a Bluffton church are being relocated after threats from invasive hornets. Infrastructure & Environment: South Carolina’s drought conditions persist, despite some rainy weather. Industry & Clean Energy: Silfab Solar in Fort Mill says it has hired a new environmental health and safety leader after residents raised concerns about its proximity to schools. Air & Weather: The National Hurricane Center is tracking a far-off Atlantic disturbance with a medium chance of development, while South Carolina remains on the edge of a weather pattern bringing scattered showers. Health & Community: MUSC’s Dr. Pinelopi Xenoudi discusses how gum disease starts and how to prevent and treat it.

Data Centers & Power: Oregon lawmakers consider a data center moratorium amid public pushback, while South Carolina’s own digital-infrastructure buildout continues—DC BLOX adds leadership focused on energy and policy, and AirJoule Technologies expands cooling for AI/HPC data centers by acquiring BitSink. Nuclear Oversight: The South Carolina Environmental Law Project urges federal agencies to redo environmental reviews for the Surplus Plutonium Disposition Program as plans shift. Heat & Weather: A new heat wave is driving record-breaking “hottest summer” talk and heat advisories across the South, while South Carolina’s forecast swings from sunshine to scattered showers. Wildlife Watch: Fall migration is ramping up—about 600 million birds are expected to cross South Carolina, with Charleston County seeing major nightly flights. Local Environment & Community: City Glass completes insulated Low-E storefront glazing in the Anderson/Greenville area, aiming to cut heat gain and energy costs. Public Health: A hand soap recall in multiple states raises contamination concerns as cold-and-flu season approaches. SC Agriculture Leadership: The SC Department of Agriculture’s Hugh Weathers is honored for 22 years of service at NASDA.

Nuclear Oversight: The South Carolina Environmental Law Project says the federal Surplus Plutonium Disposition Program is changing course without a new supplemental environmental review, urging DOE and NNSA to prepare a necessary supplemental programmatic environmental impact statement. Coastal Wildlife: Fall migration is ramping up, with about 600 million birds expected to make nighttime crossings through South Carolina, including major waves over Charleston County. Air Pollution Watch: A study suggests porous wind fences near Newport News coal terminals could cut coal dust movement by nearly 90%, after long-running resident health concerns. Waterway Cleanup: Bluffton is gearing up for its 37th annual Beach Sweep/River Sweep at Oyster Factory Park on Sept. 19, part of the state’s biggest one-day volunteer cleanup effort. Wildlife & Community: Audubon South Carolina’s Francis Beidler Forest Sanctuary is seeing early migrating shorebirds, as birders track the season’s shifting patterns. Solar Push: A letter argues South Carolina should prioritize solar and efficiency to cut heat-trapping pollution and boost local jobs.

Air Quality & Industry: A new study in Newport News suggests tall porous wind fences (up to 80 feet) could cut coal-dust movement by nearly 90%, after long-running resident complaints about contamination near major terminals. Wildlife & Habitat: App State-linked groups are pushing waterfowl conservation efforts, pointing to declining mallard numbers and the need for wetland and habitat protection. Public Health: The USDA plans to air-drop millions of rabies vaccine baits across the Southeast in October to curb raccoon rabies spread. Community Cleanups: Bluffton is hosting its 37th annual Beach Sweep/River Sweep at Oyster Factory Park on Sept. 19, part of South Carolina’s biggest one-day volunteer waterway cleanup. Weather Watch: Monday in South Carolina looks sunny and warmer, with highs in the low to mid-90s and a late-week uptick in rain and storm chances. Animal Welfare Policy: The South Carolina Animal Welfare Alliance is urging county leaders to update pet ordinances, including microchipping, tethering rules, and affordable spay/neuter programs.

Animal Welfare Policy Push: South Carolina Animal Welfare Alliance advocates are urging county leaders to update local pet ordinances under the Riley’s Act, including mandatory microchipping, stronger tethering rules, affordable spay-and-neuter, and breeder registration to curb shelter overcrowding and euthanasia. Waterway Cleanup: Bluffton is hosting its 37th annual Beach Sweep/River Sweep on Sept. 19 at Oyster Factory Park, with supplies and support from SC Sea Grant and SCDNR. Public Health & Wildlife: USDA plans to air-drop millions of rabies vaccine baits across the Southeast in October, including projects covering parts of the Carolinas, to target raccoon rabies. Lowcountry Energy Fight: Two landowners have appealed the S.C. Supreme Court over Dominion Energy and Santee Cooper’s Canadys Station natural gas plant, arguing environmental and health impacts weren’t adequately weighed. Drought Watch: Reports note drought conditions continue to affect South Carolina despite some rainy periods.

Rabies Response: USDA plans to spread millions of fishmeal-coated rabies vaccine baits across the Southeast in October, targeting raccoon rabies; officials say the sachets should be left undisturbed and are safe for pets if encountered. Lowcountry Energy Fight: Two SC landowners have appealed to the state Supreme Court over environmental and public health concerns tied to the proposed Canadys Station natural gas plant in the ACE Basin watershed. Hurricane Season Reality Check: With the Atlantic season unusually quiet, experts warn SC still needs to prepare—storms can still “homegrow” near the coast or roll in from the Gulf. Coastal Forest Loss: A new map estimates more than 10 million dead trees along the Atlantic coast, driven by saltwater pushing inland and reshaping coastal woodlands. Mosquito-Borne Risk: A USC study finds West Nile exposure is far higher in SC than the national average, with Richland County/Columbia among the hardest hit. SepticSmart Week: SC Dept. of Environmental Services highlights SepticSmart Week, noting about 30% of households rely on septic systems and stressing proper installation and maintenance to protect public health and waterways.

Power Plant Appeal: Two Lowcountry landowners have appealed to the S.C. Supreme Court over environmental and public health concerns tied to the proposed Canadys Station natural gas plant in the ACE Basin watershed. Hurricane Preparedness: With the Atlantic season setting a record for few storms, experts still warn South Carolina should keep preparing—because “it only takes one.” Mosquito-Borne Risk: West Nile virus exposure is unusually high in South Carolina, with research citing about 1 in 10 exposed statewide and even higher rates in Richland County/Columbia. Rabies Watch: A rabid raccoon was confirmed near Johns Island; officials urge people to avoid wildlife and keep pets vaccinated. Septic Care: SCDES is marking SepticSmart Week, noting about 30% of SC households rely on septic systems and stressing proper installation and maintenance. Coastal Forest Loss: A new map estimates more than 10 million dead trees along the Atlantic coast, linked to saltwater moving inland as seas rise. Data Center Transparency: The EPA is moving to reduce public input on air-pollution permits for industrial projects, including data centers—raising concerns for communities. Wildlife Safety: A Savannah River triathlon rehearsal ended with an alligator bite, highlighting how recreation can increase human-wildlife encounters.

SepticSmart Week: S.C. Dept. of Environmental Services is urging homeowners to properly install, use, and maintain septic systems, noting about 30% of state households rely on them and applications for new systems have surged since 2010. Rabies Response: USDA plans to airdrop millions of rabies vaccine baits across the Southeast in October to curb raccoon rabies, while S.C. DPH confirmed a rabid raccoon near Johns Island and says two exposed dogs will be quarantined. West Nile Warning: New research highlights West Nile virus exposure in South Carolina is far higher than the national norm, with Richland County and Columbia seeing the biggest risk. Public Health & Weather: Heat and lightning risks are elevated across parts of South Carolina and Georgia, and a wet weekend forecast raises flash-flood concerns along the East Coast. Local Recycling: SCDES is accepting applications for its Smart Business Recycling Program survey and awards through Oct. 15, aiming to boost waste reduction and track recycling data. Ports & Waterways: SC Ports and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers signed a feasibility study step to deepen the North Charleston Terminal channel.

Drought Watch: South Carolina drought conditions remain stubborn, with SCDNR reporting about one-third of the state still in severe drought and temperatures driving faster evaporation. Water & Habitat Restoration: A Stono River oyster reef project is already showing growth after a year, with volunteers building reefs and planting marsh grass to reduce erosion and boost wildlife. Land Conservation: Upstate Forever helped permanently protect 800+ acres in Laurens and Union counties, including working farms and wildlife habitat, as development pressure mounts. Local Permitting Fight: Jasper County residents are pushing back on a proposed sand mine expansion, citing dust, noise, traffic, and concerns for wetlands and drinking water. Clean Energy Buildout: Suniva confirmed an $835 million raise for a new 4.5 GW solar cell plant in Laurens County, targeting 564 jobs and completion in 2027. Coastal Climate Signal: NOAA’s fall outlook points to above-normal precipitation in SC, even as El Niño reshapes regional weather expectations. Species Protection: Conservation groups are preparing to sue over federal Endangered Species Act protections for the Venus flytrap, arguing habitat loss and climate threats demand action. Community Safety: Charleston County school data show weapons found on campuses remain a serious concern for parents. Fire Risk & Insurance: South Carolina and Indiana approved AAIS’s FLAMES framework, aiming to better match homeowners’ insurance premiums to local fire protection and mitigation efforts.

Drought Watch: South Carolina DNR says moderate to severe drought still covers about one-third of the state, with some counties improving and others slipping back, and officials point to above-normal temperatures boosting evaporation and water demand. Lake Murray Update: Dominion Energy will begin lowering Lake Murray this fall to control aquatic vegetation and protect water quality, urging boaters to use extra caution as coves and inlets get shallower. Wildlife & Habitat: A conservation group plans to sue the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service over its refusal to grant Endangered Species Act protections to the Venus flytrap, warning development and climate threats are shrinking the plant’s already tiny range. Critical Minerals: Cyclic Materials opened the first commercial-scale rare earth magnet recycling plant in Mesa, Arizona, part of a broader push to build domestic supply chains for EVs and wind. Fire Safety & Insurance: AAIS’s FLAMES fire-risk framework was approved for use by homeowners insurers in South Carolina, aiming to better match premiums to local fire protection and mitigation efforts. Local Jobs: Stöbich Fire Protection Systems will expand its North Charleston operations, adding 33 jobs.

Rare Earth Recycling in the Upstate’s Orbit: Cyclic Materials opened the U.S.’s largest rare earth recycling facility in Mesa, Arizona, aiming to process 25,000 tons a year and ship magnet material commercially soon—while a South Carolina campus is in development. Estuary Health Costs: New RPI research links warming waters, algae growth, and low-oxygen trends in U.S. estuaries to major economic impacts, with South Carolina tied in through the National Estuarine Research Reserve network. Lake Murray Water Drawdown: Dominion Energy will lower Lake Murray to about 350 feet starting this fall, to curb aquatic vegetation and protect water quality—boaters are urged to use extra caution. Data Center Scrutiny in SC: Jasper County is considering a one-year moratorium on new data centers and similar facilities to study environmental and infrastructure impacts, while Spartanburg County held another public safety hearing pressing for credible concerns. Coastal Cleanup & Nature Education: South Carolina’s Sept. 19 Beach/River Sweep is calling for volunteers statewide, and Isle of Palms is rolling out new nature signs to teach residents and visitors about salt marsh life. Heat and Health: A separate heat-related investigation in Iowa highlights how extreme conditions can exceed outdoor safety guidelines—an urgent reminder as summer weather lingers.

Data Centers & Public Safety: Spartanburg County’s Public Safety Committee held a second hearing on data centers, focusing on the NorthMark project and pushing for “credible evidence” on environmental and safety risks; no vote was taken. Lake Murray Water Management: Dominion Energy will begin a Lake Murray drawdown this fall, lowering levels to about 350 feet by December through late January 2027 to curb aquatic vegetation and protect water quality, with boaters urged to use extra caution. Air Quality Watch: New wildfire smoke could raise particulate levels in the Piedmont, with health warnings for people with asthma or heart conditions to monitor AirNow. Solar & Clean Energy Industry: ES Foundry in Greenwood earned ISO 9001, 14001, and 45001 certifications after an audit with zero major nonconformities, while Silfab Solar in Fort Mill hired a new health-and-safety director for operations in SC and Washington. Manufacturing & Materials: Tyson Steel Building Products selected Pickens County for its first SC facility (Liberty), investing $15.15M for about 20 jobs, and USA Rare Earth broke ground on an $1.2B magnet and rare-earth metals plant in Blacksburg expected to create about 490 jobs. Rights of Nature: The Waccamaw Tribe became the first South Carolina governmental body to recognize the Rights of Nature, extending protections to the Yadkin-Pee Dee watershed. Community Litter Action: Kingstree installed a butterfly sculpture designed to hold collected litter, funded through a PalmettoPride grant, as a public reminder to reduce trash.

Land Conservation: Georgetown County backed a plan to permanently protect the nearly 3,500-acre Arcadia East Tract, preserving coastal wetlands, maritime forests, freshwater habitat, and longleaf pine for migratory birds and wildlife. More Protected Acres: Upstate Forever secured three new conservation easements protecting 800+ acres in Laurens and Union counties, including family farms, working forests, clean water, and wildlife habitat. Wildlife & Health: A rabid skunk was confirmed in Pickens County; officials say no human exposure is known, but one dog was exposed and will be quarantined. Weather & Water: NOAA forecasts above-normal precipitation for South Carolina in fall 2026, tied to a developing “super” El Niño. Disaster Recovery: FEMA announced $33M+ for South Carolina recovery and mitigation projects after Hurricane Helene, including major reservoir repairs for Greenville Water. Public Safety: A missing kayaker’s body was recovered from Lake Waccamaw after a multi-agency search. STEM & Environment Education: GSSM Foundation received a $50,000 grant to expand statewide STEM camps and STEM Days, including environmental engineering topics.