AGP Executive Report

Arkansas Water & Cleanup Funding: The EPA awarded $2.5 million for pollution cleanup planning in Arkansas—Russellville gets $1.5 million (covering Dover and Atkins too) for brownfields assessments and cleanup plans, while Crossett receives $1 million to assess and begin cleanup of the former Crossett Municipal Building, a downtown revitalization step. Outdoor Access & Wildlife: The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission approved $5.5 million in boating and fishing access improvements using Marine Fuel Tax funds, including road repairs and upgrades that support access to ramps and lakes statewide. Local Climate/Heat Impacts: A national drought-and-low-water warning highlights how falling reservoir levels can force boating ramp closures and change fishing access—an issue that matters for Arkansas anglers and river users as summer heat ramps up. Energy & Security: Senators Tom Cotton and Mike Lee urged Energy Secretary Chris Wright to restrict Chinese access to sensitive work at U.S. national labs, citing research security and technology transfer concerns. Community Learning: Northwest Arkansas National Airport opened Wonder Wing, a play-and-learning space with the Scott Family Amazeum, giving families a greener, calmer way to pass time during travel.

EPA Brownfields Funding: Russellville and Crossett are set to receive $2.5 million total from the EPA for brownfield site assessments, cleanup planning, and downtown redevelopment work, including Crossett’s former municipal building. AGFC Boating Access: The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission approved $5.5 million in Marine Fuel Tax-funded boating and fishing access improvements, including road resurfacing and upgrades tied to major lakes and wildlife areas. Local Air/Water Monitoring: Fourteen school districts are getting air, energy, and water monitoring tools through a Future-Ready Facilities Grant aimed at improving indoor conditions and reducing hidden infrastructure problems. Arkansas Tech & Climate-Smart Research: UA scientists are targeting soybean cyst nematodes by disrupting their ability to feed, aiming to cut major yield losses with approaches that may reduce reliance on harsher soil treatments. Community Learning & Nature: Amazeum opened a “Wonder Wing” play-and-learning space at Northwest Arkansas National Airport, while Arkansas celebrates Great Outdoors Month with renewed focus on conservation and public access. Tech for Resilience: UA Little Rock secured NSF support to expand quantum computing education and workforce development across Arkansas.

Extreme Heat & Storm Risk: A federal heat risk map warns many states could see dangerous, life-threatening heat index conditions in the coming week, with heat and humidity raising the odds of heat illness—especially for kids, older adults, and outdoor workers. Local Monitoring Push: Fourteen Arkansas school districts are set to receive tools to track air quality, energy use, and water performance, aiming to spot problems early and protect student health. Housing Policy With Environmental Ripples: The U.S. House gave final approval to a bipartisan housing affordability bill that would streamline environmental reviews and speed construction, while also limiting corporate landlords’ ability to buy single-family homes. Arkansas Research & Tech: UA Little Rock secured a $96,313 NSF award to expand quantum computing education and workforce efforts across Arkansas. Wildlife/Outdoors Media: Arkansas TV announced new locally produced programming starting in July, including shows focused on wildlife and outdoor learning. Energy Demand & Nuclear: The White House says $17.5B in loans will help build 10 new large nuclear reactors to meet rising electricity demand tied to data centers.

Housing affordability push: The U.S. House gave final approval to the bipartisan 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, sending it to President Trump after a Senate 85-5 vote. The package aims to boost supply by streamlining environmental reviews, speeding construction, cutting regulatory barriers, and limiting corporate landlords’ ability to buy single-family homes. Extreme heat warning: A federal risk map flags dangerous triple-digit heat index conditions for much of the Central and Eastern U.S. in the week ahead, with public health and outdoor work at the center of concern. Air monitoring dispute: Shelby County Health Department questioned the integrity of a community air monitoring report using PurpleAir sensors in South Memphis, arguing the devices aren’t EPA-approved for regulation and may have sampling error. Arkansas water quality funding: Arkansas received a $3.175M EPA grant for 18 nonpoint-source pollution projects, including work tied to watersheds affecting Northeast Arkansas and the Cache River basin. Wildlife health alert: U of Arkansas Division of Agriculture will host a July 2 webinar on New World screwworm after it was detected in cattle in the U.S.; no confirmed cases reported in Arkansas yet. Local environment programming: Arkansas TV announced new original shows starting in July, including outdoor and wildlife-focused content.

Flood Watch: A level 2 flash-flood risk is active across parts of Kansas, Oklahoma and northern Texas, with storms and heavy rain expected to spread toward Arkansas and Mississippi, bringing 4–6 inches in spots. Water Quality Funding: Arkansas Department of Agriculture secured a $3.175 million EPA grant for 18 conservation and water-quality projects, including work aimed at reducing runoff into the Cache River basin affecting Northeast Arkansas. Trout Under Pressure: Arkansas Game and Fish says rising summer water temperatures and reduced stocking levels mean trout anglers should expect tighter conditions through 2026 and into 2027, with conservative catch-and-release rules likely to continue. Invasive Pigs: USDA APHIS eradicated more than 1,800 invasive wild pigs from Land Between the Lakes in 2026, citing damage to cultural sites, recreation and wildlife impacts. Online Child Safety Lawsuit: Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin sued Roblox and Discord, alleging a “predatory pipeline” that prioritizes profit over child safety—an issue with real-world harm for families in the state.

Physician Shortage Fix: Heartland Whole Health Institute launched a statewide Graduate Medical Education Technical Assistance Center and released a report saying Arkansas has about 430 medical school grads a year but only 375 entry-level residency slots, pushing many doctors out of state; the plan targets expanding residency capacity, especially for rural and underserved communities. Housing Supply Push: The U.S. Senate passed the bipartisan 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act (85-5), aiming to cut red tape and limit Wall Street’s role in single-family home purchases—now headed to the House. Child Safety Lawsuit: Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin sued Roblox and Discord, alleging the platforms engineered unsafe conditions for children and profited while routing minors toward predators; the suit seeks injunctions and penalties. Wildlife & Invasives: USDA APHIS eradicated more than 1,800 invasive wild pigs from Land Between the Lakes, citing damage to cultural sites, recreation, crops, and impacts on wildlife like turkey nests. Water Quality & Nutrients: A multi-state effort is targeting nutrient pollution feeding Gulf hypoxia, with Arkansas included in a 12-state task force aimed at reducing nitrogen and phosphorus runoff. Arkansas Outdoors Leadership: Arkansas Game and Fish Commission elected Rob Finley of Mountain Home as chairman for the coming fiscal year.

Child Safety Lawsuit: Arkansas AG Tim Griffin sued Roblox and Discord, alleging they “engineered” a child-risk pipeline—Roblox for lack of age verification and grooming routing, Discord for easy bypass of parental monitoring—using Arkansas deceptive trade practices and public nuisance claims. Water & Politics: A national opinion piece says 14 GOP attorneys general’s push to get the EPA to treat the abortion drug mifepristone as a water contaminant is a political “head-fake,” noting the EPA says trace levels pose no adverse environmental effects. Local Wildlife & Habitat: Arkansas Game and Fish Commission chose Mountain Home’s Rob Finley as chairman, with a focus on science and resource management. Outdoor Access: A Big Lake National Wildlife Refuge visit story highlights swamps, trails, and wildlife—another reminder that Arkansas conservation and public lands are for everyone. Arkansas Water Quality Funding: Gov. Sanders announced $3.17M for 18 water quality improvement projects statewide.

Food Assistance Fight: A new nonpartisan CBO analysis says a House GOP reconciliation bill would cut nearly $300 billion from SNAP through 2034, potentially stripping food aid from millions—an especially sharp blow as grocery costs stay high. Health Care Pressure: Ohio advocates warn many residents don’t realize Medicaid threats could hit them indirectly, as federal funding and systems shift and states decide how to respond. Reproductive Rights vs. EPA: Republican attorneys general are pushing the EPA to treat the abortion drug mifepristone as a water contaminant, arguing it threatens waterways—while critics say the claim is politically driven and contradicts EPA’s long-held view that trace levels pose no adverse environmental effects. Arkansas Outdoors: Big Lake National Wildlife Refuge is highlighted as a place to see swamps, trails, and wildlife. Wildlife & Invasives: Colorado reports using a genetic approach to stop invasive brook trout—turning future offspring male-only to collapse the population. Local Agriculture Education: UAPB’s AgDiscovery Camp brought students to hands-on learning and career pathways in agriculture. Arkansas Water Quality: Arkansas Gov. Sanders announced $3.17 million for 18 water quality improvement projects statewide. Conservation & Access: AGFC authorized $5.5 million in boating access projects during Doramus’s final meeting. E-Bike Push: An Arkansas e-bike voucher program opens July 6, offering up to $1,200 in participating counties.

Invasive species control: Colorado’s brook trout invasion fight is getting a high-tech twist, using genetic treatments to produce male-only offspring and stop the spread—an approach aimed at protecting native trout in high-country streams. Water quality & state funding: Arkansas Gov. Sanders announced $3.17 million for 18 water quality improvement projects statewide, continuing a push to reduce pollution and improve local waterways. Public access & recreation: The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission authorized $5.5 million in boating access projects during Doramus’s final meeting, targeting better access for anglers and boaters. Local environment & infrastructure: Conway-area property managers are getting expanded pavement services, including striping, crack filling, pothole repair, and sealcoating—small upgrades that can improve safety and traffic flow. Climate resilience research: UAMS launched its “Summer Under the Microscope” camp, training high school students on environmental health science and lab research. Wildlife management: USDA APHIS eradicated more than 1,800 invasive wild pigs from Land Between the Lakes, citing safety, cultural site damage, and impacts to crops and wildlife.

Arkansas Water Quality Funding: Gov. Sanders announced $3.17 million for 18 water quality improvement projects statewide, aiming to cut pollution and strengthen local waterways. Invasive Wildlife Control: Federal officials say more than 1,800 invasive wild pigs were eradicated from Land Between the Lakes, reducing damage to cultural sites, crops, and recreation areas. Boating Access Boost: The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission approved $5.5 million in boating and fishing access improvements, including road and ramp upgrades tied to Marine Fuel Tax funding. Climate-Resilient Rice Research: U of Arkansas researchers are working on more resilient rice varieties as climate change threatens yields, with new projections showing global rice demand staying ahead of production through 2035. Arkansas E-Bike Push: An e-bike voucher program is set to open July 6 in multiple counties, offering up to $1,200 to help residents shift trips away from cars. Community Garden/Outdoor Tips: A “Garden Talk” segment focused on keeping pollinators in mind while planning outdoor and indoor plant care. Local Environment & Policy Watch: A Fayetteville judge ruled the city didn’t violate the Freedom of Information Act in a lawsuit tied to records about Swarm Aero’s drone manufacturing. Outdoor Recreation & Stewardship: Conway-area pavement and parking maintenance services expanded to support safer, clearer parking lots for visitors.

Walkability & local planning: The Congress for the New Urbanism (CNU) held its first Arkansas gathering in Northwest Arkansas, with sessions arguing that mixed-use, connected neighborhoods can pencil out financially—not just look better. Energy costs & grid upgrades: A report warns utilities are pushing expensive new transmission lines while cheaper options like dynamic line ratings and reconductoring are available but not widely adopted. Water access for anglers: The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission approved $5.5 million in boating and fishing access improvements funded by the Arkansas Marine Fuel Tax, including road and access upgrades tied to popular waters. Invasive wildlife control: USDA APHIS eradicated more than 1,800 invasive wild pigs from Land Between the Lakes, citing safety, cultural site damage, and impacts to crops and wildlife. Arkansas agriculture under climate pressure: Researchers highlighted work to make Arkansas rice more resilient as climate change threatens yields, while global rice production is projected to keep lagging demand through 2035. Farm innovation: Arkansas soybean growers can enter the Grow for the Green Soybean Yield Challenge, with entries open through Aug. 1 and cash prizes for top yields. Local environment governance: A Fayetteville judge ruled the city didn’t violate the Freedom of Information Act in a lawsuit tied to records about Swarm Aero.

Climate-smart agriculture: U of Arkansas researchers say global rice production may keep lagging demand through 2035, with Arkansas work focused on making rice more resilient as climate pressures mount. Invasive wildlife control: USDA APHIS eradicated more than 1,800 invasive wild pigs from Land Between the Lakes, citing safety, crop damage, and harm to cultural sites. Water access upgrades: The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission approved over $5.5 million for boating and fishing access improvements using Marine Fuel Tax funds, including road resurfacing and repairs around key lakes and wildlife areas. Pollinator-friendly gardening: “Garden Talk” highlights outdoor plant care that keeps pollinators in mind, even for indoor setups. Community science: UAMS hosted its inaugural “Summer Under the Microscope” camp for nearly 20 students, pairing hands-on lab research with career talks in environmental health and toxicology. Local climate action: Fort Smith is moving ahead on EPA-funded projects, including e-bike vouchers and solar plans, aimed at cutting emissions and lowering costs. Farm incentives: Arkansas soybean growers can enter the “Grow for the Green” yield challenge, with cash prizes and a focus on practices that boost production.

Clean Water Funding: Arkansas Department of Agriculture secured a $3.175M EPA grant to cut nonpoint source pollution, backing projects that reduce sediment and nutrient runoff, boost watershed resilience, expand water monitoring, and fund public outreach. Boating Access: The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission approved $5.5M for boating and fishing access upgrades across Northeast Arkansas, including road resurfacing and repairs to reach key ramps on the Black River, Lake Ashbaugh, Norfork Lake, and the White and Spring rivers. Heat Risk: A major heat wave is pushing 80 million Americans under heat alerts, with officials warning it’s a deadly public health threat—especially for people without reliable cooling and those working outdoors. Climate & Mobility in Fort Smith: Fort Smith is moving ahead on EPA Climate Pollution Reduction Grant work, including repaving alleyways for safer walking and biking, launching an e-bike voucher program, adding EV charging, and installing a solar array to lower costs. Wildlife Safety: AGFC reported a black bear sighting on a Phillips County school campus, urging residents not to feed wildlife and to avoid actions that make bears comfortable around people.

Clean Water Funding: Arkansas Department of Agriculture received a $3.175M EPA Clean Water Act grant for 2026 projects to cut nonpoint source pollution, with subawards for watershed work, monitoring, and outreach across the state. Climate & Mobility in Fort Smith: Fort Smith is moving ahead on EPA-funded Climate Pollution Reduction Grant work, including alley repaving for safer walking and biking, a solar array planned to be energized by September, and new EV charging stations; the city also plans an e-bike voucher program launching July 7 with up to $1,200 for income-qualified riders. Wildlife Watch: The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is reminding residents after a black bear was spotted on the Barton school campus, urging people not to feed wildlife and to avoid actions that make bears comfortable around humans. Invasive Species Alert: Hammerhead worms have been confirmed in 10 Arkansas counties, with guidance on proper disposal. Education & Climate Literacy: A Mississippi State project is using podcasting to build climate science literacy for middle school students, including place-based learning tied to local environmental risks.

Extreme Heat & Storms: With summer still weeks away, tens of millions across the U.S. face dangerous weather this weekend—triple-digit heat in parts of the West and Southeast, plus severe storms from Texas toward Kentucky that could bring damaging winds, large hail, flash flooding, and tornadoes that linger after midnight. Arkansas Wildlife & Invasives: The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission reviewed its 2027 budget, while the state Division of Agriculture warned that hammerhead worms have been confirmed in at least 10 Arkansas counties—urging residents not to cut them and to handle them safely. Food & Farming Resilience: Arkansas researchers are working on more climate-ready rice, targeting heat, high nighttime temperatures, and drought stress, as climate change reshapes crop needs. Aquaculture & Research: The Arkansas Catfish Promotion Board approved more than $80,000 for catfish research and marketing, including outreach and studies on harmful algal blooms. Community Gardens: North Little Rock took a step toward an educational farm and garden at Burns Park, run by St. Joseph Center, to expand native plant gardens and hands-on environmental education. Clean Mobility: Arkansas is rolling out EPA-funded e-bike vouchers—up to $700 or $1,200 depending on income—for eligible counties around Little Rock, Fort Smith, and Northwest Arkansas.

Invasive Species Watch: The Arkansas Department of Agriculture says the New World screwworm infestation is spreading in Texas and New Mexico, and warns livestock owners to stay alert; animal movement into Arkansas from infested zones will be restricted and a state entry permit is required. Local Food & Land Stewardship: North Little Rock took a first step toward an educational farm and garden at Burns Park, with the 42-acre site planned to be run by St. Joseph Center and focused on native plants, community growing, and environmental education. Climate-Friendly Transportation: Arkansas is rolling out an EPA-funded e-bike voucher program for eligible metro areas, offering up to $700 for general residents and up to $1,200 for income-qualified households, with applications opening July 6. Agriculture Resilience: University of Arkansas researchers are breeding rice varieties better able to handle heat, high nighttime temperatures, and drought tied to climate change. Wildlife & Habitat Protection: The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission opened permit-only deer hunt applications on popular WMAs, with deadlines set for July 1. Policy & Environment: Arkansas agriculture regulators ordered nurseries to immediately stop selling prohibited invasive plants, including purple loosestrife, giant salvinia, water hyacinth, and Japanese blood grass. Data Center Debate: A Wrightsville community meeting on a hyperscale data center project drew big concerns about environmental review and community benefits, while the developer AVAIO didn’t attend.