AGP Executive Report

Tar Creek and Water Pollution: Miami’s LEAD Agency, founded to help children exposed to mining-related lead, now presses for broader cleanup in northeastern Oklahoma, including action on poultry-farm pollution in local waterways. Inola Smelter: Oklahoma’s attorney general and the Department of Environmental Quality sent warning letters over permitting for the proposed aluminum smelter, as opposition to the project continues. Contaminated Grow Sites: State lawmakers are weighing who should pay to clean up abandoned marijuana operations, where investigators have found sewage, chemicals and polluted water. Data Center Impacts: Oklahoma residents are seeking answers about data centers’ power use, cooling and accountability, while the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes have imposed a three-year construction ban. Heat and Drought: September was Oklahoma’s hottest on record, though recent rain improved drought conditions across parts of the state.

Inola Smelter: Oklahoma regulators are demanding more documentation for a proposed aluminum plant’s pollution and ozone-impact estimates, calling for proof the project would not violate federal air standards. The permit is in Step 4, while Attorney General Gentner Drummond has also pressed the case against the project. Data Center Concerns: Oklahoma residents are seeking firm answers on who will pay for power infrastructure and how facilities could affect water use and nearby communities. Wildlife: Rehabilitators told lawmakers they expect to treat more than 10,000 animals this year—50% above a decade ago—as habitat loss and other pressures increase. Pollution Cleanup: Legislators are studying abandoned marijuana grow sites, where sewage, chemicals and contaminated water pose costly cleanup risks. Heat and Air: September was Oklahoma’s hottest on record, and state officials issued ozone alerts for Tulsa and Oklahoma City on Friday.

Air Quality: Oklahoma DEQ issued an ozone alert for Tulsa and Oklahoma City for Friday, Oct. 9, warning pollution could reach unhealthy levels, especially for children, older adults and people with lung conditions. Wildlife: Oklahoma rehabilitators told lawmakers they expect to treat more than 10,000 animals this year—50% more than a decade ago—as habitat loss and other pressures drive up injuries and admissions. Marijuana Grow Cleanup: Lawmakers are studying who should pay to clean up abandoned commercial grow sites, where investigators have found sewage, chemicals and contaminated water. Water and Weather: Oklahoma lawmakers are also examining rural water system quality and infrastructure needs. Recent heavy rain brought relief to parts of the state after a hot, dry summer, but September was Oklahoma’s hottest on record.

Abandoned Grow Sites: Oklahoma lawmakers are examining how to clean up thousands of abandoned marijuana operations. State agents report finding sewage pits, chemicals, unsecured trash and contaminated water, while cleanup costs and responsibility remain pressing questions. Data Center Debate: Lawmakers are weighing rules for the industry as residents raise concerns about heavy water use and higher utility bills. The Tar Creek Conference also flagged transparency concerns around data center and nuclear development, including Oklahoma’s bid to host a nuclear campus. Water and Weather: State lawmakers are exploring fixes for rural water infrastructure and quality, while recent rain has eased drought in parts of Oklahoma. September was the state’s hottest on record, and officials warn dry conditions can return quickly. Wildlife: OU students have built a recovery space in Noble for injured bats and chimney swifts, giving both species room to heal before release.

Abandoned Grow Sites: Oklahoma narcotics agents report sewage pits, hazardous chemicals, unsecured trash and contaminated water at abandoned marijuana farms. Lawmakers are weighing how agencies should coordinate cleanup and who should pay. Data Centers: State lawmakers are considering rules for the fast-growing industry amid concerns about water use and higher utility bills. The Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes have paused data center construction for three years. Water and Weather: Legislators are also examining rural water infrastructure and quality. September was Oklahoma’s hottest on record, while improved drought conditions offer some relief but moisture remains uneven. Wildlife: Oklahoma has confirmed a sixth chronic wasting disease case in deer, as officials seek public input on hunting and fishing rules.

Rural Water Watch: Oklahoma senators Coleman and Hamilton held an interim study on aging rural drinking-water systems, citing boil orders tied to Osage County Rural Water District 21 and warning repairs could top $20 million. Data Center Pushback: Oklahoma lawmakers also dug into how to handle abandoned marijuana grow sites and who should pay for cleanup—an issue that echoes broader concerns about environmental impacts from fast-growing industries. Energy & Infrastructure: ODOT approved its 2027-2034 construction plan with 1,229 highway and bridge projects worth $7.3B, but inflation is pushing some work past the planning window. Emergency Management: Oklahoma Emergency Management director Annie Mack Vest announced she’s leaving for the private sector, with Chief Operations Officer John Dean stepping in as interim director. Wildlife & Land Use: Oklahoma reopened a renovated Lexington shooting range after upgrades, adding covered benches and ADA access. Climate & Agriculture: Drought conditions improved after recent rain, offering limited forage and wheat planting relief, though stocker margins remain tight.

Water Infrastructure: Oklahoma lawmakers held an interim study on rural water and water quality problems, including long boil orders tied to Osage County Rural Water District 21’s treatment plant issues and a costly multi-phase fix that could top $20 million. Wildlife Health: Oklahoma wildlife officials confirmed a sixth Chronic Wasting Disease case in the Panhandle as deer season begins, expanding surveillance around the positive area. Public Access & Recreation: The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation reopened renovated shooting ranges at the Lexington and Canton wildlife management areas, adding covered benches, ADA access, and updated facilities for hunters and recreational shooters. Data Centers & Tribes: The Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes approved a three-year ban on data centers on tribal lands, joining other Oklahoma tribes weighing environmental and community impacts from AI-driven development. Energy & Industry: Scale Datacenters told lawmakers it’s building a behind-the-meter 100-megawatt power plant in Oklahoma City, using imported generators to work around long natural gas delivery timelines.

Wildlife Health: Oklahoma wildlife officials confirmed a new Chronic Wasting Disease case in a Panhandle buck, expanding a selective surveillance area and keeping watch across multiple counties as the fatal cervid disease spreads. Tribal Governance & Data Centers: The Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes voted to impose a 3-year data center ban (until October 2029), joining other Oklahoma tribes raising concerns about environmental impacts and water protection. Climate & Drought: A new climate report says September scorched Oklahoma, breaking heat records and expanding extreme drought, even after late-month rain brought brief relief. State Parks Funding: Oklahoma lawmakers are weighing options to close a roughly $300 million state parks maintenance gap, including possible fee increases and partnerships to run amenities. Invasive Species & Hunting: As hunting season starts, the USDA warns wild pigs can spread serious diseases and may carry pathogens linked to CWD risk. Community Wildlife Gardening: ODWC shared tips for wildlife-friendly yards—food, water, cover and space—using native plants to support birds and pollinators. Prison Policy: ODOC tightened security at Mack Alford Correctional Center by no longer allowing outside books, citing contraband risks through mailed paper. Courts & Energy Liability: The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments in a climate-change liability case that could affect whether communities can hold energy companies responsible for disaster costs.

State Parks Funding Crunch: Oklahoma lawmakers are weighing options to close a roughly $300 million deferred maintenance gap in the state parks system, where annual funding is capped at just over $10 million; proposals include rate hikes (15% to 25% on items like annual passes and even course beer) and partnerships with outside vendors to run amenities. Inola Smelter Showdown: The 2026 governor race is heating up around a proposed aluminum smelter in Inola, with Republican Mike Mazzei backing the project for jobs and income, while Democrat Cyndi Munson opposes it over environmental and foreign land-ownership concerns. Wildlife-Friendly Gardening: Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation is urging residents to plan spring gardens around four habitat needs—food, water, cover and space—using native plants and local habitat knowledge to support more than 800 species. Hunting & Fishing Rule Changes: ODWC is taking public comments on 2027 hunting and fishing rule updates, including changes to crappie limits on “Close to Home” waters and other tweaks to license rules and watercraft requirements. Water Protection Enforcement: A ProPublica/Frontier investigation says an Oklahoma oil disposal well near Enid was plugged after regulators approved it in violation of rules meant to protect nearby municipal groundwater supplies. Drone Testing Push: The FAA awarded $12 million for 19 drone research and testing projects aimed at safer drone integration, including detect-and-avoid and drone traffic management. Heat & Drought Signals: Oklahoma’s September was nearly 3 degrees hotter than the previous record, with drought expanding and wildfire risk rising.

Extreme Heat in Oklahoma: September 2026 shattered records, with the state averaging nearly 83°F—about 3°F above the prior record—while drought and wildfire risk kept pressure on communities. Drinking Water Alert: Slick residents were told to boil tap water after E. coli was found in the public supply, with officials working with the state environmental agency to fix the problem. Data Centers vs. Water: Cheyenne and Arapaho tribal citizens voted for a three-year moratorium on data center construction on tribal lands, citing water use, environmental impacts, and transparency concerns. Local Environment Watch: Oklahoma lawmakers and agencies continue weighing how to manage environmental and permitting impacts tied to data centers, as public resistance grows. Wildlife & Health: Oklahoma confirmed a sixth chronic wasting disease case in deer as hunting season begins, raising new concerns for wildlife management. Oklahoma Innovation: A Tulsa team’s NASA food-growing concept for Mars was developed locally and selected as a prize winner, highlighting how local research can reach global environmental challenges.

Oklahoma Water Safety: Slick Public Water Supply customers are under a boil-water order after E. coli was verified in the system on Oct. 3, with officials working with the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality to fix the problem and notify residents when it’s cleared. Oklahoma Wildlife Health: Oklahoma deer season opened with a new chronic wasting disease finding—Oklahoma confirmed a sixth CWD-positive wild deer case near Optima in the Panhandle, and wildlife officials say there’s no need for alarm but hunters should stay alert. Inola Smelter Fight: A Rogers County judge heard a courtroom challenge tied to a citizen petition that could ban primary aluminum smelting within Inola town limits, as the debate continues over environmental and community impacts. Tribal Data Center Moratorium: Cheyenne and Arapaho tribal citizens voted for a three-year moratorium on data center construction on tribal lands, citing water use, environmental effects, and transparency concerns. Oklahoma Deer Rules: New licensing requirements for out-of-state hunters kick in as officials monitor CWD, aiming to reduce last-minute license purchases and improve tracking. Data Center Transparency Push: AWS says it no longer uses nondisclosure agreements with government agencies and plans more public reporting on energy, water use, and carbon-free power—amid ongoing local opposition. Weather Relief for Oklahoma: After months of drought, Oklahoma saw widespread rain in late September as moisture from Hurricane Polo remnants interacted with a larger weather pattern, bringing temporary relief while wildfire risks loom.

Data Centers vs. Oklahoma’s Water and Power: An Oklahoma interim study laid out how data centers could strain electricity and water supplies, while also detailing the permitting process and environmental effects. Transparency Push: AWS says it will stop using nondisclosure agreements with government agencies and plans more public reporting on energy and water use—though local impact debates aren’t going away. Drinking Water Alert (Slick): Slick Public Water Supply customers were told to boil water or use bottled water after E. coli was verified in the system. Wildlife Health: Oklahoma confirmed a sixth chronic wasting disease case in wild deer as the deer season begins, urging hunters to stay alert. Inola Smelter Fight: A judge heard arguments tied to a petition that could ban primary aluminum smelting in Inola, as residents weigh jobs against environmental concerns. Community Water Research: East Central University marked 10 years of water programs, highlighting local groundwater and drinking-water expertise. Wildfire/Storm Context: Coverage noted recent rain relief from Pacific moisture and Hurricane Polo remnants, but drought and wildfire risks still loom for ranchers.

Oklahoma Water & Research: East Central University and the Oka’ Institute marked 10 years of water programs tied to Ada’s groundwater research and the Arbuckle-Simpson Aquifer, highlighting how local water knowledge can drive long-term resilience and economic growth. Wildlife Health: Oklahoma deer season opened with new rules for out-of-state hunters and a fresh chronic wasting disease update—state officials confirmed a sixth CWD case in the wild herd, urging hunters to stay alert. Inola Smelter Fight: A judge heard arguments in Rogers County over whether Inola residents can intervene in a legal challenge tied to a proposed $4 billion aluminum smelter, as Trump promoted the project and criticized wind power during a Durant rally. Public Nuisance & Pollution Risk: A Bartlesville man faces charges after alleged open burning and dumping construction debris into the Caney River, raising concerns about unstable conditions near homes and potential water impacts. Midterm Politics (Context): National reporting says House Republicans are in “triage mode” as Trump’s approval remains low, shaping the political backdrop for environmental and energy debates.

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.