AGP Executive Report

Seismic Scrutiny in Northwest Louisiana: Louisiana’s earthquake uptick since 2022 is drawing fresh attention, with researchers adding seismometers and the EPA pushing the state to examine oil-and-gas activity as fracking expands in the Haynesville Shale. Energy Costs & Water Pressure from Data Centers: A new analysis warns that behind-the-meter gas plants for AI data centers could raise power bills for homes and small businesses, while drought-hit regions are increasingly targeted for new builds. Flood Risk Tied to Wetlands Loss: A Nature Water study links upstream wetland loss to higher residential flood insurance claim payouts, with southeastern Louisiana among the hardest hit areas. New Orleans Recovery Timeline Extended: FEMA approved extending the city’s JIRR infrastructure recovery program through June 2, 2028, giving more time for drainage, sewer, water, and roadway resilience work. Local Nature Spotlight: Webster Parish’s Bodcau Wildlife Management Area is getting attention through a community caravan featuring kayak trips and outdoor tourism. Hydrogen Investment in Louisiana: NovaSpark is expanding in West Monroe and investing $30M in Houma, aiming to scale atmospheric hydrogen generators and create hundreds of jobs. Wildlife & Community Events: LDWF-backed family fishing and outdoor programming continue across the state, including a Father and Son event at LSP’s Lake Killarney.

Wetlands & Flood Costs: A new Nature Water study finds upstream wetland loss has pushed up residential flood insurance claim payments by about $10.1 billion since 1985, with the biggest cost increases flagged for Houston, southeastern Louisiana, and coastal Florida. Diabetes Tech in Louisiana: At ADA’s New Orleans meetings, researchers highlighted continuous glucose monitoring benefits for people with type 2 diabetes not on insulin, while other reports point to rapid uptake of GLP-1 therapies and new trial results. Coastal & Wildlife Watch: Louisiana’s LDWF-backed chronic wasting disease management zones are expanding, and local coverage notes updated rules that could affect how baiting and feeding are handled. Local Health & Community: Baton Rouge General and Mary Bird Perkins hosted National Cancer Survivor Day, featuring state climatologist Jay Grymes sharing his cancer journey. Energy & Environment Tension: Coverage also flags growing debate over carbon capture and decarbonization approaches, with Louisiana tied to the policy fight.

Health & Environment: New Orleans hosted fresh diabetes tech research showing continuous glucose monitoring can improve blood sugar control for adults with type 2 diabetes not using insulin, with major A1C gains reported from the CONNECT trial. Local Water & Wildlife: Air Products backed fisheries research in the Lake Maurepas Basin with a $230,000 grant aimed at habitat assessment, Gulf-striped bass stocking, and strengthening commercial and recreational fishing. Coastal Resilience: Louisiana’s Gulf weather watch continues as forecasters track moisture and potential tropical development, with organizers also adjusting summer fishing plans after rough offshore conditions. Wildlife Policy: The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission approved updated Chronic Wasting Disease Management Zone rules, including changes to baiting and feeding practices. Climate & Land Use: Jeff Davis Parish residents packed a meeting to oppose carbon capture and sequestration projects, arguing they threaten property rights and groundwater. Community Nature: The Feliciana Wildflower Festival in Clinton highlighted native plants and pollinator-friendly gardening. Energy & Materials: St. John the Baptist Parish is set to receive about $67 million for a critical minerals processing facility tied to rare earth supply expansion.

Diabetes & Infection Risk: A major study presented at the ADA Scientific Sessions in New Orleans warns that people with type 1, type 2, and prediabetes face higher infection risks, with infection ranking as a leading cause of death in type 2 diabetes—pushing for infection prevention to be built into diabetes care. Coastal Fishing & Weather: Grand Isle’s Swollfest fishing rodeo is in the spotlight as organizers hope for calmer seas after a tropical system disrupted plans, with events tied to local charities and scholarships. Wildlife Disease Rules: Louisiana wildlife officials approved updated Chronic Wasting Disease Management Zone regulations, including changes that affect how baiting and feeding are handled. Air Quality Permit Review: LDEQ held a public hearing on air emissions permits for the Sungas Renewables plant in Pineville, where supporters backed the project while others raised concerns about emissions commitments. Mangrove Comeback: New research using decades of satellite data finds mangrove forests are no longer in net global decline, offering fresh hope for coastal resilience and climate mitigation. LNG Expansion: Delfin Midstream secured $5 billion to move forward with a floating LNG terminal off Louisiana’s coast, reinforcing the state’s growing LNG role. Food Access in Baton Rouge: A new grocery store plan aims to reduce North Baton Rouge’s food desert problem, targeting long-missing access to fresh food. Online Predator Crackdown: Louisiana authorities highlighted a case involving a sex offender using voice-changing tech on Roblox, underscoring the state’s push to curb online child predators.

Coastal & Weather Watch: The National Hurricane Center is tracking Tropical Storm Amanda and monitoring a moisture plume that could bring heavy downpours from southeastern Louisiana toward the western Florida Panhandle, while forecasters say no Atlantic storms are expected to develop in the next few days. Fisheries & Habitat: Air Products backed Lake Maurepas conservation with a $230,000 grant to the LDWF Foundation for Gulf-striped bass research, habitat assessment, and a stocking push. Climate Resilience: A Tulane study reports global mangrove forests are rebounding, with satellite data showing losses largely offset by regrowth and expansion—good news for coastal protection and fisheries. Local Food Access: North Baton Rouge’s food desert fight got a boost as a new Harvest Fresh grocery store is planned for the BLVD at Harding, aiming to open in fall 2027. Public Health & Air Quality: Saharan dust is expected to move across the Gulf Coast this weekend, bringing hazy skies and possible respiratory irritation. Community Wildlife Care: Volunteers in Hammond are continuing wildlife rescue and rehab, including cases like orphaned fox kits and beavers, funded largely by donations. Energy & Industry: Delfin Midstream secured $5B financing for a floating LNG terminal off Louisiana’s coast, positioning the state as a major LNG export hub. Carbon Capture Pushback: Jeff Davis Parish residents packed a meeting to oppose carbon capture projects, warning about risks to the Chicot Aquifer.

Saharan Dust & Air Quality: A plume of Saharan Air Layer dust is expected to move across the Gulf Coast this weekend, bringing hazy skies and possible respiratory irritation for sensitive Louisianans. Wildlife Rescue: A Hammond-area rehab network is caring for abandoned and injured animals—from red fox kits to bobcats and beavers—run largely by volunteers and donations. Carbon Capture Backlash: Hundreds of Jeff Davis Parish residents voiced opposition to carbon capture and sequestration, warning about risks to the Chicot Aquifer and questioning who benefits from injecting CO2 underground. Cattle Biosecurity: Louisiana agriculture officials are urging cattle producers to watch for the New World Screwworm after it was detected in Texas, with daily inspections recommended for early wound treatment. Coastal/Water Safety Education: The BoatUS Foundation expanded its free, state-approved boating safety course to include Louisiana, emphasizing safe and environmentally responsible boating. Local Food Growing: In New Orleans’ Lower 9th Ward, a community garden is facing a setback after the land was sold, raising concerns about losing hands-on food-growing education.

New Orleans Climate Risk: A new study says New Orleans could lose most surrounding wetlands by 2070, leaving the city effectively surrounded by the Gulf—and warns that “no coastal defense” would work if sea levels rise far enough. Heat Impacts: A local column argues New Orleans summer is arriving earlier and hotter, with extreme heat days projected to increase sharply. Coastal & Wildlife Education: Audubon Aquarium is marking World Ocean Day with turtle rescue talks and a sustainable seafood program, plus a Conservation Passport game for visitors. Waterway & Records Fight: Ascension Parish agreed to release documents tied to the proposed RiverPlex Mega Park after a judge’s order, a win for environmental groups challenging denied public records. Boating Safety Access: The BoatUS Foundation expanded its free, state-approved boating safety course to 15 more states, including Louisiana, with an added focus on environmental stewardship. Energy & Jobs: NovaSpark announced a $30M expansion in Houma and workforce growth in West Monroe, aiming to scale atmospheric hydrogen generators. Hurricane Watch: The National Hurricane Center reported quiet Atlantic conditions for the next several days, while monitoring Gulf low pressure for heavy rain risk. Agriculture Disaster Credit: USDA emergency drought loans are available for eligible Louisiana parishes, with an application deadline set for early 2027.

Chronic Wasting Disease: Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission approved new Chronic Wasting Disease Management Zones, setting rules for baiting and feeding inside zones and tying allowances to sampling goals. Cancer Alley Air Permit Pressure: Hyundai Steel in Donaldsonville says it will switch nine gas-fired heaters to electric and add pollution controls, aiming to cut emissions and smog-forming pollution at its proposed plant. Coastal & Waterway Safety: Natchitoches Parish reminded boaters about a strict no-wake zone on Cane River Lake, with citations and jail time for violations. Wildlife Recovery Research: A Tulane-led study reports mangrove forests are rebounding globally after decades of decline, with gains outpacing losses in recent years. Waterfront Erosion Basics: A Louisiana report highlights how bulkheads and docks protect shoreline property as tides, storms, and erosion gradually shift conditions. ICE Facility Oversight: A DHS watchdog report found use-of-force and sanitation problems at Louisiana’s Winn Correctional Center, including prohibited chokehold use. Gulf Weather Watch: Forecasters flagged a “Gulf blob” of storms that could bring heavy rain and localized flooding risk to Louisiana and nearby states.

Coal Ash Oversight Shift: The EPA proposed moving coal-ash disposal monitoring control to Louisiana, putting the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality in charge of CCR permitting for local landfills. Port Expansion: West Calcasieu Port bought 172 more acres along the GIWW to boost barge-fleeting space and expand dredge spoils reception as Southwest Louisiana industry keeps growing. Advanced Energy Jobs: NovaSpark announced a $30M Louisiana investment—an atmospheric hydrogen generator manufacturing facility in Houma plus West Monroe expansion—aiming for 300 direct and 318 indirect jobs. Wildlife Protection Law: Louisiana’s balloon-release ban takes effect Aug. 1, making most intentional outdoor releases illegal under littering penalties to protect birds, sea turtles, and waterways. Outdoor Recreation: LDWF’s Free Fishing Weekend runs June 6-7 with no license needed, though other rules still apply. Water Safety: A 22-year-old man drowned May 29 at the Toledo Bend Dam spillway in Sabine Parish. Hurricane Prep Reminder: Forecasters say Atlantic conditions are quiet, but residents along the Gulf should keep preparing for the season. Biodiversity Spotlight: LSU researchers found two new firefly species in Louisiana, suggesting more may be hiding locally. Community Water Support: A Lafayette-area specialist is helping small communities maintain water systems through technical assistance and training.

Louisiana Conservation: The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission approved a Notice of Intent for rules tied to the new Louisiana Conservation Incentive Program, aiming to fund private land projects that improve wildlife habitat across the state. Rural Health Workforce: Louisiana opened applications for a new $5.6 million Rural Clinician Credit Bank to help rural providers recruit and retain doctors, nurses, dentists, EMS and behavioral health staff, with a five-year service commitment. Rare Earths in the Bayou State: DOE awarded $67 million to ElementUSA and Colorado School of Mines for a rare earth processing demonstration plant in Gramercy using alumina tailings, building on earlier defense-focused extraction work. Water & Public Safety: A DHS watchdog report says staff at Louisiana’s Winn Correctional Center used a prohibited chokehold and failed to keep safe, sanitary conditions, including leaking vents and ceilings. Mosquito Season Prep: A Baton Rouge-area segment highlights practical steps to reduce mosquito risk while staying mindful of environmental stewardship. Marijuana Penalties: Gov. Jeff Landry signed a law increasing penalties for marijuana use near schools and college campuses, raising concerns about enforcement and secondhand smoke.

Louisiana climate lawsuits shielded: A bill aimed at buffering oil and gas companies from climate-related lawsuits is headed to the governor’s signature, while critics say coastal erosion cases could still be used to argue greenhouse-gas harm. Wildlife safety spotlight: The Wall Street Journal reports major trouble at Magnolia Wilds in Ethel, including escaped animals and federal scrutiny, as the facility shifts toward a new nonprofit sanctuary effort. Prescribed burning push: Landowners and agency staff in Caldwell Parish launched a Central Louisiana Prescribed Burn Association to help private properties burn safely and reduce fuel loads. LDWF outdoor access: Louisiana’s annual Free Fishing Weekend runs June 6–7 with no license needed, though all catch and gear rules still apply. Gulf fisheries update: LDWF says 97,049 pounds of red snapper have been landed through May 17, with the season continuing until allocation is reached. Data center debate in Louisiana: A Louisiana-focused segment highlights claims that data centers can lower energy rates by funding grid upgrades—while local officials raise concerns about bills, noise, and water use. Hurricane readiness comms: Verizon is promoting its storm-response connectivity plan for first responders as hurricane season begins.

Flood Insurance & Climate Risk: A Moody’s white paper warns Louisiana and other coastal states face a widening flood insurance protection gap as outdated FEMA maps and climate-driven rainfall patterns leave more homeowners undercovered, with uninsured losses projected to soar under multiple future flood scenarios. Wetlands Protection: New research in Nature Water links decades of wetlands loss to a $10 billion rise in flood insurance claims, arguing the trend will worsen as climate change ramps up flooding and as federal wetlands protections are rolled back. Balloon Release Ban: Louisiana’s Act 196 takes effect Aug. 1, making large outdoor balloon releases illegal and treating them as littering, with fines up to $2,500—aimed at wildlife harm, litter, and power outages. Local Water & Land Impacts: Caddo Parish leaders are pushing for environmental studies and rainwater collection plans for incoming data center projects, citing flooding, tree removal, and water-use concerns. LDWF Fishing Weekend: Louisiana’s free fishing weekend runs June 6–7, letting people fish without a license in public waters while keeping special rules for certain species. New Orleans Finances: The city advances a medium-term $110M stabilization loan to replace short-term emergency borrowing and move toward longer-term budget stability.

Coastal Resilience Funding: The H&B Young Foundation awarded $100,000 to St. Mary Excel to advance the Atchafalaya River Coastal Hub (ARCH), a planned Morgan City facility aimed at strengthening coastal resilience. Habitat Restoration in Action: Students from Morgan City and Patterson High School planted 5,000 smooth cordgrass plugs as part of a Wetland Day project, earning NOAA Ocean Guardian School designation for habitat restoration work. Gulf Beach Impact: Researchers warn a major sargassum seaweed bloom could worsen along Gulf Coast beaches this summer, with rotting mats threatening wildlife and tourism. Storm Costs for Homes: Louisiana homeowners are facing a “hurricane tax” as insurance renewal prices rise, coverage shrinks, and deductibles and non-renewals increase. Anti-Litter Enforcement: Louisiana’s new Act 196 bans intentional outdoor balloon releases, treating them as littering and citing harm to wildlife and waterways. Public Health Watch: Ouachita Parish mosquito surveillance confirmed West Nile virus in adult mosquito populations, prompting targeted adulticide and calls to remove breeding sites. Energy & Environment: A federal appeals court appears poised to uphold the Trump administration’s authorization for the Delfin LNG deepwater port off Louisiana, as environmental groups challenge the approval.

Louisiana Forestry Initiative: LDWF and LDAF just launched the Louisiana Forestry Initiative, a $3+ million, four-year cost-share program to help private landowners improve forest health and wildlife habitat, with support for prescribed burning, planting, and stand improvement. Applications run June 1–30, and landowners can work with LDWF biologists and LDAF foresters. Free Fishing Weekend: LDWF’s annual Free Fishing Weekend is set for June 6–7—no fishing license needed, but all regulations still apply; a free Recreational Offshore Landing Permit is required for certain offshore species. Oil/tar spill response: Hazmat crews responded to the LSU Lakes after rain washed road tar or oil into the water; cleanup and monitoring are underway, with the case turned over to Louisiana DEQ. Hurricane readiness update: The National Hurricane Center is expanding its forecast cone to include inland watches and warnings, aiming to make wind risks clearer for people farther from the coast. Wildlife refuge event canceled: High water on the Pearl River has canceled a June 6 youth fishing rodeo at Bogue Chitto National Wildlife Refuge for visitor and volunteer safety. Wildlife protection law: Louisiana’s new ban on outdoor balloon releases (Mylar/latex helium) takes effect August 1, citing risks to wildlife and power lines.

Hurricane readiness: Louisiana kicked off the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season with NOAA forecasting a below-normal year (8–14 named storms; 3–6 hurricanes) and local officials pushing preparedness, including a New Orleans emergency response structure under Mayor Helena Moreno and TV coverage of risks from forecasting to food safety and coastal land loss. Resilience infrastructure: Community Lighthouse volunteers are expanding “power when the grid goes down” solar-and-battery sites across the state, with organizers stressing sustainability and disaster resilience. Coastal erosion settlement: Louisiana and Exxon reached a tentative agreement to resolve coastal land disputes, including plans tied to orphan wells—an issue with major environmental stakes for the state’s shrinking coastline. Air/wildlife rules in the pipeline: Argent LNG filed four more FERC resource reports for its Port Fourchon LNG project (water, fish and wildlife, land use, air/noise), moving its NEPA review forward. Wildlife protection update: Louisiana’s new ban on most outdoor balloon releases starts Aug. 1, aiming to cut litter and protect wildlife. Carbon capture concerns: A June 4 community meeting in Jennings will focus on carbon capture and sequestration risks, especially impacts to the Chicot Aquifer and agriculture. Mosquito control debate: A Google-backed plan seeks federal approval to release “good” Wolbachia-carrying male mosquitoes in other states—raising questions Louisiana residents are watching closely.

LNG Permitting Push: Argent LNG filed four more Resource Reports with FERC for its 25 MTPA Port Fourchon export terminal, covering water use & quality, fish & wildlife, land use, and air & noise—a key step in the federal NEPA review. Hurricane Readiness: New Orleans kicked off June 1 hurricane season with updates from the Moreno administration, including a new deputy-mayor structure inside NOCEM to coordinate shelters and evacuations faster. Heat & Storm Watch: Southern Louisiana faces hot, humid, stormy conditions with heat indices in the upper 90s to low 100s and a gradual return of daily rain chances later in the week. Air Quality Alert: Parts of Texas, Louisiana, and Arkansas saw unhealthy to very unhealthy air quality pockets, raising health risks for kids, seniors, and people with asthma or heart/lung conditions. Coastal Flood Defense Tech: Tulane-linked reporting says engineers are using Bentley digital tools to digitize New Orleans flood defenses, including a digital twin of the 17th Street Canal Pump Station. Wildlife Protection Law: Louisiana’s new balloon release ban starts Aug. 1, targeting intentional outdoor releases that can harm wildlife and litter waterways.