AGP Executive Report

Wildlife Habitat: Louisiana swamps are being highlighted as year-round habitat for a wide variety of native birds, from great blue herons and egrets to migratory species using wetlands along the Mississippi Flyway. Public Safety: A Covington city worker died after jumping into Bayou Lacombe to save his granddaughter, underscoring the risks of holiday water recreation. Invasive Species Update: Saline Lake in Rapides Parish got a temporary reprieve from giant salvinia after heavy rain and wind helped move the infestation, while LDWF continues spraying—though officials warn the plant will likely return. Heat & Health Access: A new map shows extreme heat is colliding with uneven air-conditioning access, with Louisiana among the states where most households have cooling—yet the broader heatwave still raises concerns for vulnerable residents. Community & Stewardship: Shreveport marked Cross Lake’s 100th anniversary, spotlighting its role in drinking water and flood protection. Boating Enforcement: LDWF is stepping up holiday weekend patrols and safety messaging to target impaired boaters. Local Culture: Essence Fest Day 2 drew large crowds to the New Orleans Convention Center, pairing celebration with health outreach.

Coastal Water & Invasive Species: Saline Lake in Rapides Parish got a temporary reprieve from giant salvinia after spraying and help from wind and heavy rain, but officials warn the invasive plant will likely return and the “ongoing battle” continues. Drinking Water & Flood Protection: Shreveport marked the 100th anniversary of Cross Lake, calling it the city’s primary drinking-water source and a key flood-protection asset, with officials emphasizing daily environmental stewardship. Holiday Boating Safety: Louisiana wildlife and partner agencies are ramping up patrols for Operation Dry Water, targeting impaired boaters on high-traffic waterways like False River and urging safer holiday navigation. Heat & Climate Risk: A changing climate is making disasters worse, and this week’s extreme heat and humidity wave across much of the U.S. is a reminder that hotter conditions can strain communities and infrastructure. Wildlife Health Watch: Reports of ticks starting earlier and lasting longer are tied to milder winters, raising concern for tick-borne illness risk in more places, including city parks and suburban yards.

Water safety & enforcement: Louisiana wildlife and local agencies are ramping up patrols for Operation Dry Water this Fourth of July weekend, including heightened checks on high-traffic waterways like False River in Pointe Coupee to crack down on impaired boating. Fisheries management: LDWF is temporarily raising the red snapper recreational limit for the July 4 holiday weekend (five fish per person per day in coastal waters; size rules unchanged). Local water stewardship: Shreveport marked Cross Lake’s 100th anniversary with community events and renewed focus on protecting the city’s primary drinking-water source and recreation hub. Environmental accountability: EPA announced a settlement with Denka Performance Elastomer over mishandling of hazardous chloroprene waste at its LaPlace facility, setting compliance controls if operations resume. Coastal/boating habitat: LDWF highlighted sea turtle habitat work on the Chandeleur Islands as restoration planning continues. Heat risk: A major heat wave with record temperatures and high humidity is driving urgent summer cooling and safety concerns across the region.

Hazardous Waste Enforcement: EPA announced a settlement with Denka Performance Elastomer to resolve mishandling of chloroprene waste at its LaPlace facility, with controls required if operations resume. Coastal & Water Infrastructure: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers says it has identified a recommended long-term plan for Arkabutla Dam after March 2023 concerns, with a draft environmental assessment out for public comment. Industrial Pollution Fight in River Parishes: Residents and groups asked a federal court to halt “Trump speed” permitting for an ammonia plant tied to the RiverPlex MegaPark, citing threats to enslaved ancestors’ graves and historic preservation law. Air Quality & Permits: Louisiana’s Baton Rouge area faces confusion after ending inspection stickers, while emissions tests still apply under federal rules—leaving shops calling it a “gray area.” Transportation Planning: Lafayette officials signed a draft supplemental environmental impact statement for the I-49 Lafayette Connector, unlocking more federal grant applications. Wildlife & Fisheries Recovery: Responsible Anglers United released 5,000 juvenile Florida-strain largemouth bass into Lake Cataouatche to support recovery after Hurricane Ida’s fish kill. Heat & Health: A report highlights how extreme heat is pushing cities toward “temperature maximum” ideas, underscoring housing and health risks for renters without reliable cooling. Public Safety on the Water: LDWF launched Operation Dry Water Weekend to target impaired boaters during July 3–5.

I-49 Lafayette Connector: Lafayette Mayor-President Monique Boulet and state officials signed the Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement, clearing the project for more public comment and setting up next steps toward final approval. “Trump speed” ammonia permits: A fast-track push for the proposed Blue Point ammonia plant in Ascension Parish is racing a 45-day deadline, with multiple federal and state agencies still short on filed permits. River Parishes court fight: Residents in the River Parishes asked a federal court to halt an expedited wetlands permit for a CF Industries ammonia plant, arguing it threatens enslaved ancestors’ graves and violates historic preservation rules. Heat and climate pressure: Louisiana logged some of its hottest Julys on record since 1895, underscoring rising temperature trends. Holiday boating safety: LDWF is ramping up enforcement for Operation Dry Water July 3–5, targeting impaired operators and reminding boaters to stay safe. Fisheries recovery: A fish release aimed at boosting Lake Cataouatche’s rebound continues, with juvenile largemouth bass stocked to support recovery after past die-offs.

Coastal Wildlife Watch: Shark populations are rebounding in the Gulf, with researchers saying many species are back near levels last seen in the 1970s—good news for ecosystems, but it also means more beachgoers need to take safety precautions. Holiday Fishing Rules: Louisiana is raising the red snapper limit to five fish per person for the Fourth of July weekend (Friday–Sunday), then dropping back to four on Monday, with a reminder of the 16-inch minimum size. Local Waste Reduction: Hammond is getting a $5,000 Keep Louisiana Beautiful affiliate grant to boost litter prevention and recycling education, including signage plus reusable tote bags and water bottles for residents and events. Environmental Compliance: A Florida investigation found pesticide drift during aerial herbicide spraying tied to a Louisiana firm, leading to a proposed $20,100 administrative penalty and probation for the applicator. Climate Stress on Homes: New research using aerial roof data says Louisiana roofs are among the youngest on average, but broader findings link everyday heat and humidity to faster roof wear and more frequent claims.

Coastal Water Protection Funding: Louisiana is offering up to $4,000 to help homeowners in parts of Ascension, Assumption, Lafourche, and Terrebonne repair or replace failing home sewer systems, with EPA-backed support aimed at protecting nearby bayous. Energy & Land Use: Calcasieu Parish approved a solar farm on more than 1,000 acres, a shift supporters say could improve local power reliability and reduce pollution pressure. Lake Maurepas Setback for Carbon Capture: Air Products says it will not proceed with its Lake Maurepas carbon sequestration plan, a decision welcomed by Tangipahoa leaders after years of opposition. Offshore Drilling Pipeline Scrutiny: Environmental groups criticized Louisiana’s approval of a coastal use permit for a BP-linked offshore oil pipeline, warning of spill and wildlife risks. PFAS in Drinking Water: The FDA moved to regulate PFAS in bottled water, aligning with stricter public-water limits. Extreme Rainfall Record: Avoyelles Parish’s Cottonport area logged 29.06 inches of rain in under 12 hours, setting a new Louisiana 24-hour rainfall record. Wildlife Enforcement: LDWF honored a charter-boat enforcement agent and cited hunters for turkey violations. Gulf Recreation Rules: LDWF temporarily raised the red snapper limit to five fish per person for the Fourth of July weekend, with size rules still in place.

Hydrogen + carbon capture setback: Air Products has canceled its $4.5 billion Louisiana Clean Energy Complex in Ascension Parish, saying the project’s expected returns won’t meet its targets—after years of local fights over Lake Maurepas impacts, pipelines, and wildlife-area concerns. Preservation + climate resilience: New Orleans was named the only entire city on the World Monuments Fund’s inaugural “Irreplaceable America” list, with Tulane and local preservation groups highlighting historic neighborhoods and climate resilience. Coastal + water policy momentum: A national “Great American Water Road Trip” marked its halfway point at the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library, spotlighting local water challenges and solutions in more than 30 cities. Wildlife enforcement: LDWF cited two people for alleged illegal turkey hunting violations in Winn and Caldwell parishes, and cited two others for alleged illegal fishing on the Beouf River. Recreation + fisheries management: Louisiana’s private recreational red snapper landings reached 30.2% of the 2026 allocation through June 14, with the season set to run until the cap is approached. Community outdoors: LDWF reminded boaters about safety and Operation Dry Water over the July 4 weekend.

Hydrogen/Carbon Capture Fallout: Air Products scrapped its $4.5B Louisiana Clean Energy Complex in Ascension Parish, citing financial returns—leaving local leaders split between lost jobs and relief for Lake Maurepas concerns. Coastal Pipeline Fight: Louisiana fishermen and groups, including the Sierra Club, sued in Cameron Parish over a coastal use permit for the Marais Pipeline, arguing regulators ignored cumulative climate and erosion impacts. Heat Pressure on Health: Louisiana summer heat is driving more emergency room visits and deaths, with Climate Central reporting rising temperatures since 1970 and 2023 heat deaths hitting a record 88. Boating Safety Push: LDWF is ramping patrols for the July 4 weekend under Operation Dry Water, reminding boaters about the 0.08% alcohol limit and proper navigation lights. Wildlife/Water Safety: LDWF is investigating a fatal Terrebonne Parish boating incident in Rice Bayou. Red Snapper Rules: Louisiana raised the red snapper bag limit to five fish per angler July 2–5, then returns to four on July 6. Accountability in Wildlife Agency: Former LDWF Secretary Jack Montoucet was sentenced to 27 months in a federal bribery kickback scheme. Data Center Transparency: Entergy Louisiana is facing renewed scrutiny over keeping data-center power forecasts confidential, including expected load tied to Meta’s Richland Parish project.

Carbon Capture Fallout: Air Products is backing out of its $4.5 billion Louisiana Clean Energy Complex, including plans to inject CO2 under Lake Maurepas and in Ascension Parish—citing returns that don’t meet targets and winding down permits and partnerships. Wildlife & Water Safety: LDWF reopened all roads on the Pearl River WMA after flooding closures and is investigating a fatal June 27 boating incident in Terrebonne Parish where a man was found in Rice Bayou without a personal flotation device. Coastal & Climate Legal Fight: Louisiana fishermen and groups sued over a Cameron Parish coastal use permit for the Marais Pipeline tied to the CP2 LNG project, arguing regulators ignored cumulative climate and coastal erosion impacts. Fisheries Management: LDWF increased the red snapper bag limit from four to five fish per person for July 2–5 Independence Day weekend, then returns to four on July 6. Conservation Community: Ducks, Dinner & Dale is set for Sept. 10 in Lafayette to support waterfowl and wildlife heritage initiatives at the Center for Louisiana Studies. Accountability: Former LDWF Secretary Jack Montoucet was sentenced to 27 months in a federal kickback scheme.

Wildlife Reminder: LDWF says unattended white-tailed deer fawns in Louisiana should be left alone; quietly move away and don’t capture or possess deer, since fawns rely on concealment while does return to nurse. Fisheries Management: LDWF set the 2026 Louisiana spring inshore shrimp season to close July 6 at sunset in most inside waters to protect juvenile white shrimp, while keeping size rules in place for saltwater white shrimp. Heat & Air Quality: A “heat dome” is driving extreme heat across much of the eastern U.S., and Saharan dust is also expected to bring hazy skies and added respiratory stress in the region—especially for people with breathing issues. Gulf Ecosystem Watch: NOAA expects a larger-than-average Gulf “dead zone” this summer, with Louisiana researchers urging long-term reductions rather than focusing on any single year. Coastal Fishing Update: LDWF increased red snapper bag limits to five fish per person for Independence Day weekend (July 2–5), then returns to four on July 6. Public Health/Compliance: Northern Louisiana Medical Center faces possible loss of its Medicare provider agreement if it doesn’t correct deficiencies, with a revisit planned by state inspectors. Local Environment-Adjacent Economy: UL Lafayette enters its new fiscal year July 1 with a reported $3.6 million surplus after prior deficits and cuts.

Hurricane Watch: The National Hurricane Center cut the odds for an Atlantic system off the U.S. Southeast to just a 10% chance of developing in the next week, though Florida could still see frequent lightning and heavy downpours as moisture builds. Louisiana Fisheries: LDWF stocked 5,500 Gulf Strain striped bass fingerlings in the East Pearl River for the first time since 2009, aiming to rebuild a local recreational fishery. Clean Shipping Push: U.S. lawmakers reintroduced the Next Generation Shipping Act, proposing a $1B annual program to speed zero-emission ships, cleaner marine fuels, and modern port upgrades. Heat + Bills: A new report warns Louisiana and the broader West South Central region could face some of the highest summer electric bills as hotter weather drives higher cooling costs. Bayou Grosse Tete: A local plan seeks to preserve the bayou’s critical drainage role as conditions change. Data Centers + Power: Commentary highlights how data center growth could strain electricity demand and grid reliability—an issue increasingly tied to local planning decisions. Animal Welfare: Kenner police found 54 Australian shepherds in squalid conditions in an alleged illegal breeding case, with one dead puppy recovered.

Extreme Heat Watch: A new forecast says the Baton Rouge area could see feels-like temperatures of 105–110 degrees early in the week, with storms possibly bringing brief relief midweek—an urgent reminder that cooling costs and heat illness risks rise fast in Louisiana summers. Clean Water Misinformation: Anti-abortion groups are pushing the EPA to review mifepristone as a water contaminant, but reporting notes scientists say there’s no proof it harms people or the environment—raising concerns about how clean-water fears get politicized. Local Animal Cruelty Case: Kenner police and animal welfare workers removed 54 Australian shepherds (and found one dead puppy) from a suspected illegal breeding operation, charging a man with dozens of animal-cruelty counts. Energy + Grid Pressure: A national report projects average summer residential electricity bills could hit about $792, with Louisiana among the regions facing the biggest cooling-cost increases. Policy + Industry: Louisiana’s orphan wells cleanup is under scrutiny after a legislative auditor report described conflicts and self-dealing in the state’s plugging efforts.

LNG & Coastal Impacts: A new report spotlights how Venture Global’s LNG buildout in Cameron is rising behind a storm-surge steel wall, as residents say the project has reshaped a Gulf community after major hurricanes. Flood Disaster Response: Gov. Jeff Landry asked President Trump for a major disaster declaration for six Louisiana parishes after Tropical Storm Arthur delivered historic rainfall, flooding, and tornadoes. Orphan Wells Oversight: A Louisiana Legislative Auditor report says the state’s orphan-well plugging effort has been tangled in conflicts and self-dealing, raising alarms about groundwater risk and accountability. Air & Industry Pressure: Residents in Gary say US Steel is jeopardizing jobs and air quality by failing to install modern furnaces—another reminder of how pollution fights land on working communities. Policy & Plastics: Seventeen Republican attorneys general, including Louisiana, sued to block California’s plastics packaging law, arguing it drives up costs nationwide. Heat & Storm Season Watch: As July approaches, forecasters note warmer waters and changing patterns that can set up tropical threats, while Louisiana’s anglers and wildlife officials keep adjusting to storm-driven conditions.

Severe Flooding After Tropical Storm Arthur: Gov. Jeff Landry asked the White House for a major disaster declaration after historic rainfall and flooding hit Louisiana, including a “thousand-year event” in Avoyelles Parish (about 29 inches in 12 hours) and 14 tornadoes statewide; Landry’s request seeks Individual Assistance for Avoyelles, Lafourche, Pointe Coupee, St. Landry, St. Tammany, and Terrebonne. Hurricane Season Watch: As July begins, forecasters say tropical development chances remain limited but could grow as warm waters and more supportive patterns set the stage for later-season impacts—so Gulf Coast residents are urged to stay ready. Industrial Zoning Fight in St. James: St. James Parish rezoned about 1,400 acres of farmland for heavy industry near the historic Black community of Romeville, a move that could feed an ongoing discrimination lawsuit and raise environmental justice concerns. Plastics Policy Clash: Seventeen Republican attorneys general, including Louisiana, sued to block California’s plastics packaging law, arguing it drives up costs and forces nationwide compliance. Heat & Water Safety: Ochsner Health highlighted summer risks—dehydration, skin damage, and boating or slip-and-fall injuries—urging people to take precautions before heading outdoors.

Coastal & Flood Protection: Louisiana’s Army Corps “Summit at Sea Level” in Baton Rouge brought Gov. Jeff Landry and state agencies together to speed coastal, transportation, and flood-protection projects—while raising questions about how much permitting timelines can realistically shrink under federal rules. Wetlands Loss in Cameron Parish: A new report highlights how the Calcasieu Ship Channel funnels salt water into marshes, pushing fishermen farther from shore and weakening the storm-buffering wetlands that protect communities during hurricane season. Pipeline Permit Fight: Louisiana Bucket Brigade, FISH, and Sierra Club sued over LDCE’s approval of the Marais Pipeline coastal use permit, alleging the state failed to properly analyze climate and other impacts before allowing wetland disturbance. Air Quality & Health Research: LSU researchers are testing whether home air purifiers and improved indoor air can ease asthma symptoms for children, with HEPA filtration and vacuum upgrades provided to participating families. Drinking Water Upgrade: Blanchard is set to rebuild its aging wastewater treatment plant with a $5.5 million state grant, aiming to cut high ammonia levels and improve compliance. Wildlife & Fisheries: LDWF released updated recreational red snapper landing estimates, and separate LDWF reporting notes ongoing enforcement and wildlife-related incidents across the state. Disaster Recovery for Farmers: USDA announced technical and financial assistance for Louisiana producers hit by recent flooding, including livestock and feed loss support programs.