AGP Executive Report

Oklahoma Wildlife & Hunting Rules: Oklahoma kicked off deer season with a new chronic wasting disease update: wildlife officials confirmed a sixth CWD-positive wild deer case, found near Optima in the Panhandle, and say it’s not a reason for alarm but a reminder to stay vigilant. The state also rolled out new hunting rules, including a requirement that out-of-state hunters buy deer licenses at least two days before hunting. Inola Aluminum Smelter Fight: A judge in Rogers County heard arguments tied to a citizen petition that could ban primary aluminum smelting within Inola town limits, as the broader legal battle continues over the proposed $4 billion project. Invasive Species & Wildfire Prep: The Oklahoma Conservation Commission is expanding work on invasive red cedars and wildfire mitigation, using tools like prescribed burns and fuel-reduction planning to protect communities and flood-control infrastructure. Public Health & Environment Enforcement: A Bartlesville man faces charges after alleged open burning and dumping construction debris into the Caney River, raising concerns about unstable conditions near nearby homes. Roadkill Cleanup: ODOT says it spent $5 million last year removing roadkill and other debris to keep highways safer, with crews responding quickly to reduce repeat crashes and hazards.

Oklahoma Wildlife & Water: OU architecture students built a wildlife rehab structure for WildCare Oklahoma, creating separate recovery spaces for bats and chimney swifts; the project earned an inaugural Architecture-Design Award. Invasive Species & Wildfire Prep: The Oklahoma Conservation Commission is expanding work on invasive red cedars and flood infrastructure, using prescribed fire and brush-free zones to cut wildfire fuel and ember spread. Public Comment for Hunting Rules: ODWC opened public comment on proposed 2027 Title 800 rule changes, including watercraft draining requirements, updates to deer license timing, and tweaks to hunting and fishing options. Road Safety & Environment: ODOT says it spent $5 million last year clearing litter and roadkill, with crews prioritizing fast removal to protect drivers and prevent more crashes. Energy Costs Pressure: Across the U.S., states are moving to curb gas and diesel prices, including Ohio’s 90-day gas tax holiday tied to higher fuel costs from the Iran war.

Fuel Costs & Policy: States are moving to curb soaring diesel and gasoline prices tied to the war with Iran, refinery disruptions, and low inventories, including steps like pausing enforcement of red-dyed diesel rules and suspending certain gasoline blend requirements—while the White House weighs regulatory relief. Oklahoma Energy Bills: A think tank says federal policy changes since Trump returned to office could raise household energy costs by about $6,500 through 2040, with big increases in several states. Tribal Visit & Campaign Trail: President Trump is holding a rally on the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, part of a broader midterm push as voters weigh the economy and the Iran war. Wildlife on Roads: As October cools, deer-vehicle crashes rise; Oklahoma AAA cites recent fatality and claim-cost trends and urges drivers to watch for animals at night. Drinking Water Update: Hobart lifted a precautionary boil advisory after water samples passed tests following treatment-plant problems. Child Safety Reform: Sen. Carri Hicks says her interim study found gaps between supervised visitation rules and real-world safety, setting up “Lizzy’s Law” for 2027. Wildlife & Community: Grand Lake’s 43rd Pelican Festival returns, celebrating migrating American white pelicans.

Drought Watch: Oklahoma’s drought kept worsening into October, with exceptional drought expanding to 24.39% of the state and moderate-to-extreme drought now hitting 100% of Oklahoma. Stormwater & Drinking Water: Tulsa is building a new Source Water Protection Plan for the Eucha-Spavinaw watershed to safeguard drinking water quality before it reaches the Mohawk Treatment Plant, while Oklahoma City saw more rain in 24 hours than it had in months, triggering flash flooding. Wildlife Health: ODWC confirmed a 6th chronic wasting disease–positive deer in Oklahoma and is expanding/maintaining selective surveillance areas to slow spread. Local Conservation & Community: Grand Lake’s 43rd Annual Pelican Festival celebrates migrating American white pelicans, and Oklahoma lawmakers are also weighing how to regulate fast-growing data centers amid concerns about water use and utility bills. Policy & Climate Courts: Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito recused himself from a major climate case tied to oil and gas interests, raising questions about whether the move changes outcomes. Energy & Nuclear: West Virginia backed away from a nuclear lifecycle campus bid after scrutiny over nuclear waste concerns.

Nuclear Energy Push: Oklahoma is a finalist for the U.S. Department of Energy’s “nuclear lifecycle innovation campus,” with officials saying it could include reactor work, isotope production, and used-fuel management—plus thousands of jobs—while key questions remain about location and long-term impacts. Tribal & Environmental Tensions: Trump praised a proposed $4B Inola aluminum smelter, but tribal nations and residents are still fighting over potential pollution impacts and oversight as lawsuits continue. Flood & Storm Recovery Funding: FEMA Region 6 announced more than $141.6M in post-disaster funding across Oklahoma and neighboring states, targeting repairs and public safety protections. Weather & Preparedness: The Old Farmer’s Almanac’s October outlook points to cooler-than-normal conditions in much of the eastern U.S., with rain expected later in the month for parts of the region. Community Access: Love County Library launched free adult ESL classes, aiming to improve everyday communication and job prospects.

Data Centers & Local Water Concerns: A rural Oklahoma community near Amber is pushing back against a proposed Aligned Data Centers project, with residents raising alarms about noise, light pollution, impacts to animals, and especially water use as the developer eyes up to 10 data center buildings. Tribal Governance & Environmental Protection: Cheyenne and Arapaho leaders are set to consider a three-year moratorium on data centers on tribal lands, citing potential harm to tribal health, the public, and the environment while they study AI data center impacts. Planetary Boundaries Warning: A new “Planetary Health Check 2026” finds 7 of 9 Earth-system boundaries already crossed, with stress rising across climate, biodiversity, freshwater, land use, ocean chemistry, and pollution. Oklahoma Schools & Community Strain: Oklahoma’s largest districts are planning potential school closures amid the biggest enrollment drop in decades, adding pressure to local budgets and services. Wildlife & Biodiversity Education: A piece highlights how children’s conservation books use deep-time reef history and modern threats to teach biodiversity and why protecting species matters. Public Safety Curiosity: Viral “piranha-like” fish reports in Malaysia are sparking alarm, but officials lack a confirmed specimen, leaving identification uncertain. Food Security: Paycom donated $32,500 to Oklahoma and East Texas food banks to support meal programs for families facing hunger.

Data Centers in the Spotlight: Oklahoma lawmakers held a study on how to regulate fast-growing data centers, weighing resident concerns about higher utility bills and heavy water use against the reality that projects are coming anyway. Sewage Overflow Costs Lawton Home: A Lawton City Council presentation covered nearly $100,000 in damages tied to a May sewage backup that residents said flooded a home with raw wastewater. Water, Weather, and Flood Risk: Forecasters warned that multiple storm systems could merge into a “hybrid storm,” raising the odds of widespread flooding across the central U.S. Local Business Hit by Construction: In north Tulsa, construction near Pine and Mingo is cutting into foot traffic and sales for long-time small businesses, with ODOT saying it’s working on access adjustments. Owasso Odor Scare Clarified: A rotten-egg smell that triggered hundreds of 911 calls was traced to mercaptan being cleaned out of a tanker trailer in Catoosa—not a natural gas leak in Owasso. Disaster Relief Partnership: ADM is partnering with Convoy of Hope, launching an emergency response fund that includes meal kits and support for communities affected by major storms and other disasters.

Data Center Policy in Oklahoma: Oklahoma lawmakers held a study on how to regulate fast-growing data centers, weighing resident concerns about higher utility bills and water use against operator needs, with some local governments considering moratoriums. Energy Costs and Climate Heat Impacts: A new report says record heat drove a surge in U.S. electricity shutoffs, leaving households without power and highlighting how heat and rising bills can become deadly. Oklahoma Drought and Water Stress: Coverage notes Lake Powell hitting a new modern low as the Colorado River system endures a long megadrought, underscoring pressure on water and power supplies. Wildlife and Habitat: Oklahoma’s waterfowl stamp contest winner was announced, with proceeds supporting wetland habitat conservation. Science and Oklahoma Geology: A buried Oklahoma crater’s age was revised, shifting it into a different mass-extinction era and changing how scientists interpret the site’s environmental impact. Food Insecurity Support: Paycom donated $32,500 to Oklahoma and Texas food banks, including funding aimed at feeding children through its Food for Kids initiative.

Drought & wildfire risk: Oklahoma officials say the state is in “bad shape” as shrinking water sources, extended dry conditions, and two flash droughts are pushing wildfire danger higher, with the last 365 days ranking among the driest on record. Rain timing for farmers: Oklahoma State Climatologist Gary McManus warns a moisture surge tied to Hurricane Polo could bring both rain and severe weather, with a dry slot possible before storms hit midweek. Water safety in Hobart: Hobart remains under a Precautionary Boil Advisory while officials await required water testing after problems at the Foss water treatment plant. Endangered wildlife watch: The plains spotted skunk is being reviewed for possible Endangered Species Act listing as sightings decline in parts of the Great Plains. Oklahoma’s toxic grow cleanup: Oklahoma’s weed boom has left thousands of toxic, abandoned grow sites, raising concerns about pesticide and chemical leakage into soil and groundwater. STEM for classrooms: ODOT is offering free STEM workshops and classroom kits for Oklahoma teachers, including environmental engineering and hands-on transportation lessons.

Severe Weather Watch: Remnants of Hurricane Polo and Odalys are combining with a western low to bring days of heavy rain and flash-flood risk across the central U.S., with flood watches through Sept. 30 in parts of the Southwest. Water Safety in Oklahoma: Hobart’s Precautionary Boil Advisory stays in effect as the city waits on required DEQ water tests after issues at the Foss treatment plant. Drought & Wildfire Risk: Oklahoma officials say “two flash droughts” and shrinking water sources are worsening wildfire danger, with ponds drying up and 2026 ranking among the driest years on record. Wildlife Conservation: The plains spotted skunk is under a 12-month federal review for possible Endangered Species Act status as sightings decline in parts of the Great Plains. STEM for Teachers: ODOT is offering free 2026-27 STEM workshops and classroom kits for Oklahoma educators, including an environmental engineering option. Local Water Release: Otters are being seen around Oklahoma water releases as Canton Lake refills drought-hit Lake Hefner.

Water & Wildlife: Oklahoma City’s drought recovery got a rare wildlife moment as otters rode a water release from Canton Lake to refill Lake Hefner, with a bald eagle spotted overhead. Drought Response: Officials said the transfer should raise Lake Hefner about 4 feet while lowering Canton Lake about 3.5 feet, after a dry summer left Hefner down at least 8 feet. Local Research & Wildlife Management: Oklahoma State University researchers teamed with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation to study turkey populations in Roger Mills County, aiming to improve wildlife management for hunters. Conservation Funding: Walmart’s Acres for America program says it has helped permanently protect 2.2 million acres of wildlife habitat nationwide, including new 2026 grants. Energy & Land Use: A federal sale leased 2,777 acres in Ohio’s Wayne National Forest for oil and gas development, renewing debate over drilling in protected lands.

Oklahoma Water & Drought Response: Oklahoma City used a major water transfer to refill Lake Hefner after a dry summer, sending 16,000 acre-feet (about 5.2 billion gallons) from Canton Lake; crews spotted otters riding the current and a bald eagle circling nearby woods. Wildlife Management: Oklahoma State University researchers are teaming with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation to track turkey populations in Roger Mills County, aiming to improve game management for hunters. Energy & Heat Resilience: A new look at Oklahoma City’s 2026 summer shows extreme heat stress, with 54 straight days at or above 90°F and multiple daily heat records, underscoring how climate-driven heat can strain public health and emergency response. Renewables & Grid Lessons (Texas): Reporting on Texas’ record electricity demand highlights how solar, wind, and battery storage helped avoid blackouts during historic heat. Data Centers & Water Concerns (Tribal voices): Northern Nevada tribal leaders are speaking out against data centers, warning that water sourcing could threaten endangered fish in the Truckee River watershed.

Drought & Water Management: Oklahoma City is refilling Lake Hefner after a dry summer, sending 16,000 acre-feet (about 5.2 billion gallons) from Canton Lake; crews and wildlife watchers reported otters riding the release and a bald eagle circling nearby woods. Extreme Weather Watch: Direct Relief is tracking Hurricane Nolo’s impacts across the Pacific as Hawaii braces for heavy rain and flooding, while a separate forecast map links Pacific hurricanes to a heightened flash-flood risk for parts of the Desert Southwest and into Oklahoma and nearby states. Local Climate Tech: The state is making “crucial” investments in local climate technology, aiming to boost homegrown solutions. Wildlife & Habitat: Oklahoma wildlife officials are studying turkey populations, and a separate report highlights Oklahoma’s venomous snakes and where they’re found. Energy & Industry: Oklahoma Primary Aluminum released a new economic impact study for a proposed Inola smelter, projecting about $49 billion for Oklahoma through 2060 and roughly 7,000 jobs annually. Heat Impacts: Oklahoma City’s 2026 summer logged record-level heat, with emergency crews responding to hundreds of heat-related calls.

Hurricane Rain Threat: The National Weather Service says active Pacific hurricanes Polo and Odalys could spark a heavy-rain and flash-flood risk across the Desert Southwest and into Oklahoma early next week, with a sharp uptick in rainfall probabilities for Arizona, New Mexico, northern Texas, and parts of Oklahoma, Colorado, and Kansas. Drought & Water Supply: Oklahoma City is refilling Lake Hefner after a dry summer by releasing water from Canton Lake—about 5.2 billion gallons—raising Hefner roughly 4 feet; crews also spotted otters riding the flow and a bald eagle overhead. Wildlife & Habitat: Oklahoma’s venomous snakes guide highlights seven pit vipers found in the state, including rattlesnakes and cottonmouths, with tips on identification and habitat. Outdoor Culture: Oklahoma marks National Hunting and Fishing Day, noting wildlife conservation funding relies heavily on hunters and anglers through licenses and gear. Energy & Industry: Oklahoma Primary Aluminum released an impact study for a proposed Inola smelter, projecting up to $49B in economic impact through 2060 and thousands of jobs. Heat Fallout: Oklahoma City’s summer is described as record-breaking, with emergency crews responding to hundreds of heat calls and a long stretch of days at or above 90 degrees.

Drought & Water Relief: Oklahoma officials opened emergency funding to address drought damage, as conditions worsen and relief needs grow. Public Health & Climate Impacts: A new study links heat to a surge in ER visits for heat-related illness, underscoring how hotter weather is stressing communities. Energy & Industry: Oklahoma Primary Aluminum released an economic impact study for a proposed Inola smelter, projecting about $49 billion for the state through 2060 and thousands of jobs. Wildlife & Habitat: Oklahoma wildlife officials are studying turkey populations, while another story highlights Oklahoma’s venomous snakes and where they’re found. Outdoor Culture: Oklahoma marks National Hunting and Fishing Day, with ODWC noting conservation funding relies heavily on hunters and anglers. Healthcare Costs: Oklahoma ACA premiums are projected to jump sharply in 2026, with some increases reaching 60%–75%, adding pressure to already strained budgets. Local Environment Watch: Reports of a data center proposal in Noble County are drawing concern from rural residents.

Oklahoma Drought Relief: Oklahoma officials opened emergency funding to address drought damage, with the Oklahoma Emergency Drought Committee voting to release $2 million in drought mitigation and additional support aimed at keeping producers and water supplies afloat. Local Water & Power: Oklahoma is also set to receive millions in federal funding for a planned electricity transmission project, as the state works to strengthen the grid amid rising demand. Wildlife & Outdoor Heritage: Oklahoma marked National Hunting and Fishing Day (Sept. 26) with ODWC emphasizing that license and outdoor equipment dollars help fund conservation on more than a million acres of public land. Veterans Benefits: Sen. Nikki Nice presented an interim study on creating a revolving fund to help Oklahoma National Guard families cover memorial marker costs. Data Center Concerns: Residents in Noble County and nearby areas are raising environmental worries about a proposed large-scale AI data center campus, including impacts on light, noise, and rural life. Healthcare Costs: Oklahoma ACA premiums are projected to jump 60% to 75% in 2026, while HealthChoice rates for public workers are also rising. AI Safety Push: Oklahoma’s neighboring-state AGs, including Oregon’s Dan Rayfield, are urging Congress to set federal AI safety rules after incidents involving AI systems accessing networks without authorization.