AGP Executive Report

Coastal Climate Policy: Louisiana lawmakers advanced the “Louisiana Energy Protection Act” (HB 804), aiming to shield energy companies from future climate-related coastal erosion lawsuits while leaving existing cases intact—an effort that could reshape the next phase of the state’s climate litigation fight. AI & Local Power Costs: A new report says Louisiana families and businesses could face billions in added costs for power lines and gas plants to serve hyperscale data centers tied to Meta, Amazon, and others, pointing to opaque deals and possible ratepayer shifts. Community Air & Water Concerns: St. Martinville residents protested a rezoning request tied to a growing bagasse pile, warning of moldy air and contaminated seepage from sugarcane waste. Home Hardening for Storms: Louisiana will expand its fortified-roof grants with a $50 million boost, opening a June 1–19 lottery for 3,000 grants and widening eligibility to more parishes. Youth Safety: Louisiana launched a statewide Youth ATV/UTV Safety Task Force kickoff during ATV Safety Week, focusing on education and crash prevention. Wildlife & Hunting Update: Louisiana eased Chronic Wasting Disease restrictions by shrinking CWD management areas from 25 miles to 15 miles, offering deer hunters some relief. Recreational Fishing: LDWF reports red snapper recreational landings are still early in the season, with the private recreational total at about 40,344 pounds through May 10.

Teacher Pay Push: Gov. Jeff Landry is creating a bipartisan task force to lock in permanent Louisiana teacher raises after voters rejected Amendment 3, aiming to reshape the Minimum Foundation Program so pay isn’t dependent on temporary stipends. Online Child Safety: Connecticut AG William Tong launched an investigation into Roblox over child exploitation concerns, while Louisiana AG Nick Brown joined a coalition opposing the KIDS Act for weakening state protections. Cancer Alley Free-Speech Fight: An award-winning Louisiana “Cancer Alley” documentary was blocked from a parish-owned theater screening, with residents and free-speech experts warning of First Amendment problems. Coastal Risk: Scientists renewed calls for New Orleans relocation planning as sea-level rise threatens to reshape the city’s future. Water Watch: Shreveport sent required public notices after a 2025 drinking-water violation tied to a brief equipment malfunction. Local Economy & Jobs: Central Louisiana officials announced a major AI data center plan in Rapides Parish, pitching big wage growth and hundreds of jobs.

Child Safety Probe: Connecticut Attorney General William Tong announced a multistate investigation into Roblox after reports of child exploitation, aiming to pressure Big Tech to prove what it knew and how it protected kids. Coastal Climate Alarm: A new study warns New Orleans could be surrounded by water within decades, urging residents to start relocating now as sea-level rise and wetland loss accelerate flood risk. Hurricane Outlook: Colorado State University predicts a below-average Atlantic season for 2026, but still flags meaningful chances of major storms. Heat + Runoff Fixes: Cities are swapping hot, flood-prone asphalt lots for cooler, water-absorbing paving like permeable panels and native landscaping—New Orleans is already pushing permeable paving where practical. Public Safety Tech: Iberville and West Baton Rouge sheriffs are adding drones and robot “SPOT” to expand surveillance and first-responder capacity. Local Business Flip: Biloxi’s former Fillup with Billups is reborn as Hotel Biloxi, with a hidden speakeasy-style room for guests.

New Orleans Relocation Warning: A new Nature Sustainability study says the city has hit a “point of no return,” with sea levels and shoreline retreat potentially making it surrounded by water within this century—pushing residents to start relocating now. Coastal Risk Meets Wetland Loss: The analysis ties the danger to disappearing wetlands and decades of land loss, warning of major flood-damage costs if action doesn’t come fast. Hurricane Outlook (Not a Free Pass): Meteorologists are forecasting a below-normal 2026 Atlantic season, but Louisiana officials stress uncertainty and the risk of rapid intensification. Insurance Pressure in the Gulf South: Florida homeowners are seeing steep premium hikes tied to extreme weather and litigation costs—another sign climate risk is landing in household budgets. Coastal Lawsuit Turn: The Supreme Court’s unanimous Chevron ruling keeps Louisiana’s coastal lawsuits in federal court when they stem from federal-contract work, a potential shift after years of stalled restoration promises.

Meta Data Center Fallout: A Louisiana state senator, Jay Morris, helped clear the way for Meta’s Hyperion datacenter—then sold land around it, raising fresh ethics questions as a new investigation details the timeline and possible conflicts. Coastal Alarm: Sargassum is surging again: satellite tracking shows record-level seaweed mats smothering Caribbean beaches and pushing into the Gulf, with more “beaching events” expected. New Orleans at Risk: Scientists say rising seas could overwhelm New Orleans this century, urging relocation planning now as wetlands keep shrinking. Hurricane Watch: Louisiana’s climatologist calls 2026 “average” but warns El Niño could still bring fast intensification and multiple impacts. Local Wildlife: LDWF is investigating illegal Canada goose shootings near LSU lakes. Energy & Jobs: Commonwealth LNG in Cameron Parish cleared a major milestone with a final investment decision, promising construction and long-term jobs. Water Safety: EPA scrutiny continues after residents report brown, contaminated water tied to datacenter construction in Georgia.

LNG Push in Cameron Parish: U.S. DOE chief Chris Wright and Gov. Jeff Landry joined Commonwealth LNG for its Final Investment Decision, clearing the way for the Caturus Commonwealth LNG export project near Holly Beach—9.5 million metric tons a year starting in 2030, with $13B in investment and thousands of jobs promised. Water-Quality Alarm at Data Centers: At an EPA hearing, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez held up jars of muddy brown water from Morgan County, Georgia, saying Meta construction is harming pressure and water quality—residents now relying on bottled water. Louisiana’s Voting Rights Fight: The fallout from the Supreme Court’s Louisiana v. Callais decision continues to spark emergency political action and fresh warnings that Black political power is being squeezed. Heat, Pollution, and Health: New reporting highlights how hot asphalt can release harmful fumes, while another study points to simple calorie reduction as a lever for healthier aging. Local Outdoors Watch: Memorial Day weather may bring storms and rougher conditions for anglers, with Louisiana’s fishing plans still shaped by late-spring runoff and muddy waters.

Louisiana public health alert: Acadiana and Lafayette are seeing a sharp rise in flea-borne typhus—17 confirmed cases since 2025, with every confirmed patient hospitalized and two deaths reported. Wildlife & safety: LDWF is investigating after three federally protected Canada geese were shot in Baton Rouge. Local policy watch: A Baton Rouge-area bill would replace vehicle inspection stickers with a $6 QR code, but drivers are worried it could disrupt required emissions checks. Community & culture: Tickets are now on sale for Baton Rouge’s “Newsies Jr.” and Mid City Civic Theatre’s “Much Ado About Nothing,” while Louisiana’s Old State Capitol is running a Louisiana Purchase exhibit through July 11. Outdoors: Memorial Day weekend fishing is being hampered by stormy, muddy conditions, and Louisiana’s recreational alligator hunt season is moving toward a public-comment phase.

Boating Safety & Water Hazards: A boater died after striking an object beneath the recently reopened Chef Pass Bridge in New Orleans area waters, prompting renewed calls for caution as Memorial Day storms roll in. Outdoors Calendar: LDWF and local groups are still lining up fishing and fly-tying meetups across the state, even as rain and rougher coastal conditions are limiting trips. Wildlife & Public Health: Louisiana is investigating after three Canada geese were shot in Baton Rouge, while health officials warn flea-borne typhus is spiking in Acadiana—17 cases since 2025 with hospitalizations and two deaths. Energy & Environment: In New Mexico, public groups are pushing back on a recommended approval of a $1.25B gas utility sale to a Louisiana private equity firm, arguing emissions and ratepayer safeguards were shortchanged. Community Pressure: Hyundai’s proposed steel mill faces fresh demands from local environmental and civil rights groups over toxic dust protections.

Disaster Recovery: FEMA just approved more than $24.2 million in post-disaster aid for Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, and Texas, including $23.9 million for Public Assistance repairs and reimbursements tied to storms, tornadoes, and flooding—money aimed at getting critical infrastructure and public buildings back online and stronger for the next event. Water Safety: Memorial Day weekend is bringing pop-up storms and higher health risks: officials are warning of elevated bacteria at popular swimming spots, and boaters are being urged to prepare for lightning and sudden weather. Local Pressure on Industry: In Louisiana, a coalition is pressing Hyundai over a proposed steel mill, calling out concerns about toxic dust safeguards and health impacts in a heavily polluted community. Coastline & Climate: Sen. Bill Cassidy is still pushing climate- and flood-related work as he heads toward leaving the Senate, including efforts tied to Louisiana’s coastline.

Memorial Day water safety: Pop-up storms are already hitting the New Orleans area, and officials warn lightning is the real danger once you’re on the water—boaters are urged to head indoors fast and use VHF Channel 16 or 911 for emergencies. Public health at the beach: State and local agencies are flagging higher-than-usual bacteria at popular swimming spots, with extra risk for kids, seniors, and people with weakened immune systems. Louisiana oil spill cleanup still dragging on: Nearly three months after the LOOP spill, crews are still working and tar balls and black material are still showing up in oysters, with seafood workers reporting contamination concerns. Local governance pressure: In Lafayette, teens say “third spaces” are disappearing, pushing them toward parking lots and malls; meanwhile, Roanoke’s City Council race adds two new independent challengers. Industry and environment: A coalition delivered demands to Hyundai over its proposed steel mill, citing toxic dust safeguards and health impacts.

Hurricane Readiness: NOAA is forecasting a below-average Atlantic season for 2026, driven largely by El Niño—expect 8 to 14 named storms, 3 to 6 hurricanes, and 1 to 3 major hurricanes—but forecasters stress it only takes one storm to wreck plans. Coastal Runoff Fixes: A new push is replacing hot, flood-prone parking lots with porous pavement and native-plant designs that let rain soak in faster, with New Orleans already requiring permeable paving where practical. Drinking Water Lead: EPA announced $27.46M for Arkansas to find and replace lead service lines, part of a broader push that also includes Louisiana funding. Land & Water Pressure: Louisiana’s Kisatchie National Forest transfer plan faced backlash and was scaled back after outrage from hunters, conservationists, and local leaders. Local Wildlife: An alligator snapping turtle—abandoned as a pet—was found in Massachusetts, a reminder that invasive pets can become public safety and conservation problems.

Hurricane Watch: NOAA just released its 2026 Atlantic outlook: a below-average season is expected, with 8–14 named storms, 3–6 hurricanes, and 1–3 major hurricanes—but forecasters and the New Orleans weather service are warning that “one storm” can still be catastrophic for Louisiana and the Gulf. Coastal Climate Debate: A New Orleans opinion piece argues biomimicry and nature-based approaches should be treated as serious climate tools, not overlooked fixes. Local Water & Wildlife: Louisiana’s LOOP oil spill cleanup is still ongoing along the coast, while an Opelousas man’s body was recovered after a Calcasieu River drowning near Oberlin. Policy Pressure: Senator Bill Cassidy’s draft plan to transfer about 140,000 acres of Kisatchie National Forest to Grant Parish is drawing widespread backlash, including from local officials. Health & Safety: Louisiana is also set to receive $27.456M from EPA to replace lead pipes, and deer baiting rules changed statewide to curb chronic wasting disease spread.

Hurricane Watch: NOAA is forecasting a below-average 2026 Atlantic season—8 to 14 named storms, 3 to 6 hurricanes, and 1 to 3 major storms—pointing to a return of strong El Niño, but warning that “it only takes one.” Public Records Fight: A judge ordered Ascension Parish to release nondisclosure deals tied to the RiverPlex MegaPark industrial project after environmental groups challenged secrecy claims. Air & Water Accountability: Louisiana’s LOOP oil spill cleanup is still dragging—officials say more than 50 miles of shoreline remain under work months later—while a separate court ruling clarifies whether Louisiana environmental groups can publish pollution data. Coastal Pressure: A new “doomsday” debate over New Orleans’ future is reigniting calls for managed retreat versus staying put. Wildlife: An endangered alligator snapping turtle was found in Massachusetts and sent for treatment, underscoring how illegal releases can ripple across ecosystems. Energy & Growth: Louisiana continues to weigh LNG and data-center expansion as lawmakers clash over carbon-capture rules and permitting.

Oil Spill Cleanup Dragging On: Louisiana officials say LOOP oil from a February spill is still hard to clean up, with about 54 miles of marsh shoreline (21%) reported not fully cleaned nearly three months later—an update heard by seafood leaders in Terrebonne Parish. Drinking Water Lead Push: EPA announced $76.6M for Texas to find and replace lead service lines, aiming to cut childhood lead exposure at the source. Carbon Capture Fight: Louisiana lawmakers rejected bills that would have let parishes vote on carbon-capture projects, while one environmental study resolution advanced. Local Enforcement Gets a Boost: St. Tammany Parish used newly installed surveillance cameras to catch illegal dumping in Lacombe and issue a gross littering citation. Boating Safety Reminder: Gulf Coast agencies urged Memorial Day weekend caution—wear life jackets, boat sober, and watch weather closely. Wildlife News: Jeff Davis Parish reports four whooping crane families thriving in private crawfish fields.

Coastal Risk Warning: New NOAA-style mapping is putting a spotlight on what a ~3-meter sea-level rise could do to U.S. cities—chronic flooding and partial submersion for major hubs from the Gulf to the coasts. Local Water Trouble: In New Orleans East, Sewerage & Water Board officials say they’ve made headway on raw sewage leaks in the Dwyer Canal area, with repairs completed on parts of the underground line and more testing/repairs underway. PFAS & Industry Scrutiny: A new report flags PFAS “forever chemicals” tied to AI data-center expansion and herbicide manufacturing, with concerns about groundwater and soil contamination near facilities. Energy & Climate Policy: Sen. Bill Cassidy says he’ll keep pushing a plan to price certain polluting imports, while separate coverage points to big U.S. solar manufacturing investment growth by 2027. Fisheries Update: Louisiana is temporarily raising the red snapper bag limit to five fish per person for Memorial Day weekend.

Telehealth in Louisiana: Ochsner Health is leaning hard on virtual care—built since the late 1990s—to support inpatient teams, cut falls, and standardize safer treatment across hundreds of beds. PFAS alarm near growth sites: A new national report flags “forever chemical” PFAS contamination risks tied to expanding AI data centers and herbicide manufacturing, with calls for state and federal follow-up. Air quality vs. farm costs: The EPA says it plans to eliminate diesel exhaust fluid requirements for agricultural equipment, arguing it will reduce breakdowns and burdens on farmers. Fisheries boost: LDWF increased the Memorial Day red snapper bag limit to five per person per day for 5/22–5/25. Local environment wins: Rapides Parish schools helped Glass Act recycle nearly 3 tons of glass, and Baton Rouge’s community garden is expanding food access with sustainability workshops. Public safety at events: After fights at Baton Rouge graduations, EBR schools are adding security and tighter campus entry rules.