AGP Executive Report

Coal Power Push in Oklahoma: The Trump administration’s $850 million push for coal plant modernization is sending money to keep aging units running longer, including $28.5 million for GRDA’s Unit 2 in Chouteau and $22.5 million for OG&E’s Sooner Power Station near Red Rock, with upgrades aimed at reliability and lower maintenance costs. Local Energy & Grid Pressure: Oklahoma City’s urban heat island mapping shows some neighborhoods can run up to 15 degrees hotter, pushing city leaders toward more trees and green infrastructure as heat waves intensify. Livestock Health Watch: New World screwworm has been detected in the U.S., with experts saying it’s not a beef-consumer risk, but Oklahoma and neighboring states are still watching closely as the pest spreads. Wildlife & Community Conservation: Neighbors rallied to restore Goat Island at Grand Lake after the last goats died, rebuilding the herd with community donations. State Policy on Contamination: Oklahoma lawmakers signed a process to help communities respond to serious residential contamination tied to oil or brine, including reimbursement steps through the Corporation Commission after affected homes are acquired and removed. Data Center Backlash Signals Ahead: A Texas report flags massive data center demand on ERCOT—raising electricity strain concerns that echo the broader fight over data centers across the region.

Coal Policy: The Trump administration announced $850 million for coal plant modernization and two new coal plants, using the Defense Production Act to boost “energy dominance,” drawing criticism that it’s an unnecessary subsidy. Heat & Public Safety: Oklahoma City’s urban heat island mapping shows some neighborhoods can run up to 15 degrees hotter, and local agencies warn extreme heat can also raise stress and conflict. Water & Health: Fourteen state attorneys general, including Oklahoma’s Gentner Drummond, urged the EPA to step up monitoring of mifepristone in drinking-water systems amid abortion-pill contamination concerns. Local Environmental Governance: Norman City Council dropped a proposal that would have allowed front-yard camping for people experiencing homelessness, citing safety and limited shelter capacity. Energy Infrastructure Debate: Oklahoma’s data-center fight keeps spreading, with new reporting highlighting how states are weighing moratoriums, grid impacts, and residential cost burdens. State Law for Contamination Cleanup: A new Oklahoma law (SB 1319) sets a reimbursement process for communities dealing with residential oil/brine contamination. Wildlife & Water Stewardship: A business-news partnership spotlights Kilimo’s drought-era water-saving approach for Oklahoma farmers.

Aluminum Smelter Fight in Inola: Oklahoma AG Gentner Drummond sued to block the proposed “Oklahoma Primary Aluminum” plant, warning it would heavily pollute local air and water; the project is backed by both foreign and U.S. owners and includes major public funding. Local Governance & Water Concerns: Inola residents and officials are split, but Inola Public Schools leaders say the smelter could bring jobs and tax revenue while insisting legitimate environmental and community health concerns must be addressed. Data Centers vs. Water in Oklahoma: Protesters in Luther packed City Hall over a proposed data center moratorium and permit process, pushing officials to explain electricity and water impacts on local households and aquifers. Climate-Linked Heat Relief: OG&E donated 100 box fans to the Salvation Army to help residents cope with early-season triple-digit heat and drought-driven humidity. Livestock Health Alert: New World screwworm cases in Texas and New Mexico are prompting faster reporting and monitoring efforts to protect livestock and wildlife. Energy Policy Push: The Trump administration announced $850 million for coal plant modernization and two new plants, drawing criticism from opponents who call it an unnecessary subsidy.

Data Center Backlash in Luther: Residents packed City Hall and pushed questions about electricity and water impacts, leading officials to postpone a meeting and consider a moratorium study on data center approvals. Aluminum Smelter Lawsuit: Oklahoma AG Gentner Drummond sued to block a proposed Inola aluminum smelter, arguing major foreign ownership raises concerns for air, water, and land impacts. New World Screwworm Alert: USDA confirmed cases in the region, prompting Oklahoma and neighboring states to urge fast reporting and early treatment to protect livestock and wildlife. Heat Relief for Families: OG&E donated 100 box fans to the Salvation Army to help Oklahoma County residents cope with above-normal summer heat and humidity. Oklahoma Environmental Protection Ranking: A SmileHub report placed Oklahoma in the lower tier for environmental protection, citing weaker scores in energy use, water disposal, and pollution. Cicadas in Oklahoma: Periodical cicadas reportedly sang early in parts of south Oklahoma City and Moore, with a larger emergence expected in 2030. Coal Funding Push: The Trump administration announced $850 million for coal plant modernization and new plants, drawing criticism from opponents who call it an unnecessary subsidy.

Coal & Power Policy: The Trump administration announced $850 million for coal plant modernization plus two new plants, using the Defense Production Act—promising grid reliability, but drawing criticism as an unnecessary subsidy for an uncompetitive fuel. Local Environmental Governance: In Inola, city council approved a new community committee (ICARE) as residents push for a possible six-month moratorium on a proposed aluminum smelter, citing safety and permitting concerns. Wildlife & Habitat Funding: The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation awarded nearly $18.5 million to conserve Great Plains grasslands, supporting ranching communities and species like grassland birds, pronghorn, and greater sage-grouse. Clean Energy Trend: A new report says utility-scale solar now leads wind in U.S. clean power capacity, with Oklahoma listed at just over 15 GW. Public Service Safety: Oklahoma is among states passing laws to protect elected officials from threats, harassment, doxxing, and political violence. Oklahoma Outdoors Note: Oklahoma’s Brood II cicadas reportedly showed up early in parts of the state, with scientists saying premature emergences can happen even if the main event is expected in 2030.

Drought & Water Security: Kilimo is moving into Oklahoma with a plan to connect corporate sustainability dollars to farms, aiming to cut irrigation water use as groundwater drops and drought hits most of the state. Local Land Use & Mining: Tulsa County residents near E. 66th Street north are pushing back on proposed mining expansions, warning about impacts on schools and nearby neighborhoods. Fish Passage & Habitat: World Fish Migration Day coverage highlights how removing barriers and restoring stream banks can protect biodiversity and keep fish moving through inland waters. Livestock Biosecurity: USDA updates on New World screwworm show the pest spreading across Texas and into New Mexico, with officials urging fast reporting and wound checks for pets and livestock. Data Centers & Water Demand: Edmond leaders are weighing a temporary pause on new data centers after concerns about water and utility strain. Energy Jobs: A new energy workforce report shows continued growth in Oklahoma’s energy services employment. Public Safety/Recovery: Community input is sought for parks and trails tied to tornado recovery efforts in Marietta. Corrections Oversight: Advocates allege retaliation in Oklahoma’s prison system after a near-fatal stabbing of inmate Charles Tiger.

Extreme Heat Watch: Oklahoma is already seeing mid-July-style heat index readings, with humidity pushing “feels like” temperatures 5–10°F above air temps and Mesonet data showing the heat wave spreading fast. Wind Power Reality Check: A look at why some Oklahoma wind turbines sit still—maintenance lockouts, wind speeds outside the operating “sweet spot,” and grid curtailment when there’s enough power. Coal Push, Environment Backlash: President Trump announced $700 million in Defense Production Act-backed support for coal plants, including keeping some facilities running in Oklahoma and building export capacity—sparking renewed air-quality and climate concerns. Water & Health Risk: A new analysis finds dangerously humid heat days are rising, including in Tulsa, raising health risks as the atmosphere holds more moisture in hotter conditions. Wildlife & Livestock Alerts: USDA confirmed a second New World screwworm case near the first in Texas, prompting heightened detection and movement rules for cattle. Local Politics & Industry: Gov. Stitt defended a proposed Inola aluminum project amid opposition after the AG moved to block it, framing it as national security and domestic manufacturing.

Oklahoma Energy & Industry: Gov. Kevin Stitt is defending a proposed Inola aluminum facility, arguing it’s vital for national security and domestic manufacturing as the Oklahoma AG seeks to block the project. Legal & Accountability: Oklahoma AG Gentner Drummond and Tulsa DA Steve Kunzweiler filed charges tied to an alleged scheme that prosecutors say diverted $779,317 in Tulsa Public Schools bond money through fake roofing work and kickbacks. Climate & Wildlife Threats: The Trump administration agreed to remove endangered species protection for the dunes sagebrush lizard in the Permian Basin, a move tied to a lawsuit and broader rollbacks of environmental rules. Livestock Health: Officials are bracing for the New World screwworm fly as it spreads near the U.S. border, with new monitoring and sterile-fly production efforts aimed at protecting cattle and meat prices. Local Environment & Community: A Guinness World Record attempt in Bethany set a climate-themed soccer juggling mark, with organizers saying the goal is to protect grassroots fields from extreme weather impacts.

Coal & Carbon Capture: LSB Industries says it will buy 100% ownership of its El Dorado carbon capture and sequestration project, aiming for tighter control and more flexibility as it moves toward completion. Energy Policy: President Trump is using wartime Defense Production Act authority to push about $700 million into coal power, including funding to keep plants running in Oklahoma and other states, plus support for new builds and a California export terminal. Wildlife & Livestock Health: Oklahoma and nearby states are bracing for the New World screwworm fly after new cases in Texas; officials are ramping monitoring and sterile-fly production to protect cattle and pets. Local Housing & Homelessness: Tulsa’s Point-in-Time count finds the affordable housing gap is the top driver of homelessness, with rents rising and most people losing housing locally—fueling push toward permanent community solutions. Climate Awareness in Oklahoma: A Bethany Children’s Health Center-led Guinness World Record effort had 511 people juggling soccer balls across 43 cities to highlight extreme-weather and climate impacts on community fields. Severe Weather Safety: A guide for people stuck in cars during tornado warnings urges immediate shelter-seeking and highlights why vehicles are dangerous in tornado conditions.

Wind Power Fight: A new report says Trump’s push against wind is already reshaping U.S. energy deals, including “pay-not-to-play” reimbursements that helped TotalEnergies abandon an offshore wind project. Severe Weather Safety: A practical guide warns drivers not to shelter in a car during tornado warnings, urging immediate action to find safer cover. Livestock Health Threat: Oklahoma and neighboring states are bracing for the New World screwworm fly after a Texas case, with officials expanding monitoring and sterile-fly efforts to protect cattle and pets. Coal Funding in Oklahoma: The Trump administration is channeling nearly $700M into coal power using the Defense Production Act, including Oklahoma Gas & Electric among beneficiaries, plus grants for new builds and upgrades. Local Housing & Homelessness: Tulsa’s Point-in-Time count links homelessness mainly to the affordable housing gap, with rents rising and most unhoused residents losing housing locally. Oklahoma Environment Watch: Oklahoma’s AG moves to halt a proposed aluminum smelter in Inola, citing pollution risks to nearby homes, schools, and farms. Climate Awareness in Oklahoma: Bethany Children’s Health Center helped set a Guinness record for simultaneous soccer juggling across 43 cities to spotlight extreme weather impacts on community fields.

Coal Funding Push: The Trump administration is set to direct nearly $700M into the U.S. coal industry, using the Cold War-era Defense Production Act to modernize 13 coal plants and restart/expand projects, including support tied to Oklahoma Gas & Electric and other utilities. Local Housing Crisis: Tulsa’s Point-in-Time count found 1,443 people experiencing homelessness on a single night, with advocates pointing to rising rents and disability-related barriers as key drivers. Oklahoma Environmental Legal Fight: Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond filed to halt a proposed aluminum smelter in Inola, arguing the project would create serious pollution risks for nearby homes, schools, churches, and farms. Wildlife & Land-Use Pressure: A federal plan in Colorado would open tens of thousands of acres used by the nation’s largest elk herd to oil and gas leasing, raising concerns about impacts to migration and dark-sky tourism. Public Health & Livestock: Oklahoma farmers are monitoring after a deadly livestock pest, New World screwworm, was confirmed in Texas. Accountability in Schools: Tulsa Public Schools bond money theft charges were filed against a former TPS administrator and contractors, alleging an elaborate scheme involving roofing work that wasn’t performed.

Oklahoma Energy & Industry Fight: Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond filed a petition to block a massive aluminum smelter in Inola, arguing it would create serious pollution and public nuisance risks near homes, schools, farms, and the Verdigris River. Coal Policy Push: The Trump administration announced large Defense Production Act-backed funding to modernize and restart coal plants, explicitly naming Oklahoma among the states targeted—drawing criticism from environmental groups. Livestock Health Watch: Oklahoma farmers are monitoring for New World screwworm after a confirmed case in Texas, warning of potential impacts to cattle numbers and beef prices if it reaches the state. Heat & Climate Context: A new look at Oklahoma’s hottest Junes since 1895 underscores how rising temperatures are reshaping summer conditions. Water & Wastewater Regulation: Florida moved to tighten rules on sewage sludge spreading on farmland, a reminder of how biosolids policy can affect water quality and “forever chemicals” concerns. Local Tech Governance: Cities are using AI-powered visual monitoring for dumping and safety issues, but the reporting highlights growing privacy and data-management concerns.

Heat Watch for Oklahoma: A new ranking of the hottest Junes in Oklahoma since 1895 highlights how extreme summer temperatures are becoming more common, with climate change driving rising heat and record-setting months. Livestock Biosecurity: Oklahoma farmers are monitoring closely after the USDA confirmed New World screwworm in Texas, a deadly wound-infecting pest that could threaten Oklahoma’s already-stressed cattle supply and push beef prices higher. Coal Funding Push: The Trump administration announced $700 million for coal power—upgrading 13 plants and backing new projects, including funding tied to Oklahoma—framing it as grid reliability for AI-driven demand, while critics warn it deepens environmental harm. Oilfield Pollution in Focus: A report says wastewater from Oklahoma oil and gas operations is contaminating drinking water, pointing to failures to stop pollution and hold companies accountable. Data Center Backlash: A growing national debate is pushing some communities toward bans or limits on data centers over concerns about energy use, water impacts, air quality, and noise. School Cellphone Rules: More states are moving toward cellphone limits in schools, as research and policy debates continue over distraction and kids’ screen time.

Oklahoma Energy & Air: A new $400 million “near-net-zero” refinery is under construction in Duncan, aiming to process up to 50,000 barrels per day and create 100+ jobs while cleaning up a century-old, previously contaminated site. Fossil Fuel Push: President Trump announced a $700 million coal initiative using the Defense Production Act, including $425 million for upgrades to 13 coal plants in states that include Oklahoma, plus funding for a West Coast export terminal. Water & Pollution Watch: A new documentary from The Frontier and ProPublica spotlights Oklahoma oilfield wastewater seeping through old wells and contaminating land and drinking water, pointing to regulatory gaps. Drought Update: The U.S. Drought Monitor shows Oklahoma’s drought worsening, with more than 9% of the state in “Exceptional” drought. Wildlife & Safety: A “Tiger King” featured zoo in Florida was cited by the USDA after an endangered clouded leopard lost a leg and a capybara died in breeding incidents. Local Accountability: Tulsa Public Schools bond money is at the center of criminal charges alleging more than $779,000 was stolen through bogus roofing contracts.

Oklahoma Water & Air Pollution: A new documentary from The Frontier and ProPublica spotlights Oklahoma’s oil-field wastewater crisis, describing toxic fluid spreading through old wells and reaching communities, with regulators facing criticism for repeated inaction. Local Legal Fight Over Industry: Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond filed suit to block a proposed aluminum smelter in Inola tied to Emirates Global Aluminum and Century Aluminum, arguing it would create public nuisance and threaten air, water, and nearby farms and schools. Animal Health Watch: After the first New World screwworm case in Texas in decades, Oklahoma Farm Bureau urged producers to stay vigilant, stressing the pest is serious for livestock welfare and producer livelihoods while saying it isn’t a food-safety threat. Conservation Planning: The Illinois River Watershed Partnership launched a conservation planning program for Oklahoma and Arkansas landowners, funded via a grant to the Cherokee Nation, focusing on riparian restoration, unpaved road improvements, and public access. Climate Policy Pressure (National): California and New York weakened parts of their climate rules, while advocates warn affordability arguments are being used to roll back emissions cuts.

Wildlife & Community Health: Stilwell’s free animal care clinic returns to Adair Park on June 6, offering rabies and DHPP vaccinations for the first 250 pets, plus pet food and giveaways; Cherokee Nation Environmental Health and Petco are sponsors. Conservation in the Region: A new conservation planning program launched for Oklahoma and Arkansas landowners through the Illinois River Watershed Partnership, funded by a National Fish and Wildlife Foundation grant to the Cherokee Nation, focusing on riparian restoration, unpaved road fixes, community engagement, and public access. Oklahoma Outdoors: Oklahoma’s Free Fishing Days run June 6-7, letting people fish statewide without a license (private-property permission still applies), with free “Tackle the Basics” clinics also offered at the Oklahoma Aquarium in Jenks. Water Infrastructure: Blackwell officials laid out plans to extend a 1.5-cent sales tax to fund major upgrades to a nearly 100-year-old water treatment plant, with a June 16 vote. Agriculture & Weather: Oklahoma cotton gin rates are set to rise for the first time since 1981 as drought pressures continue to reshape the industry. Climate Monitoring: The NSF plans to dismantle a deep-ocean monitoring system, removing more than 900 instruments that track ocean temperatures, currents, and carbon dioxide uptake.