AGP Executive Report

Wildfire Watch: Washington firefighters downgraded evacuations for the Henderson Fire near Chelan and reported a Walla Walla County blaze 90% contained, as dry conditions keep fire danger rising into the holiday weekend. Public Health & Wildlife: WDFW opened public comment on rule changes to reduce the risk of chronic wasting disease spreading from captive non-native deer in Washington, with proposed testing requirements running through Aug. 7. Climate & Industry: Amazon said its emissions jumped 16% in 2025, driven largely by AI data-center buildout; the report adds pressure on the region’s energy and emissions debate. Salish Sea Risk: A fast-tracked Alberta oil pipeline plan would end near Washington waters and could increase tanker traffic through shared Salish Sea routes, raising spill and noise concerns for orcas and coastal ecosystems. Local Trees: Tacoma is moving ahead with a $1.75 million South Tacoma tree-canopy enhancement project with Ecology, aiming to strengthen green infrastructure and neighborhood livability. Policy Fight: Opponents of Washington’s new high-earners income tax submitted 511,408 signatures to put an initiative on the Nov. ballot to repeal the “millionaires tax.”

Wildfire Risk & Fireworks: Washington fire officials are urging extra caution with Fourth of July fireworks as drought and outdoor burning restrictions raise wildfire danger, noting many fires on state lands are human-caused. Industrial Pollution Response: Ecology says it has wrapped up its response to a deadly May 26 white liquor release at Nippon Dynawave in Longview, with drinking water reported safe after pH levels returned to normal. Shellfish Closures: The state Department of Health warns of lethal paralytic shellfish poisoning toxins and keeps Hood Canal recreational shellfish harvesting closed, expanding restrictions northward for the holiday. Salmon Heat Stress Research: New studies from UBC find warming waters are stressing juvenile Chinook salmon more than current measures suggest, with implications for Washington and the broader region. Water Supply Planning: Ecology and WSU’s Water Research Center released a draft forecast warning Columbia River Basin vulnerabilities could worsen by the mid-2040s amid climate and groundwater pressures. Shoreline Restoration: Ecology reached a settlement requiring a Thurston County property owner to stop unpermitted shoreline development and restore damaged Deschutes River habitat. Local Safety Incidents: Seattle firefighters evacuated buildings in Madison Park after a ruptured gas line, while police investigated a shooting near the UW campus.

Public Health & Climate: Researchers warn that flesh-eating bacteria like Vibrio vulnificus can show up in coastal waters as climate change expands pathogen reach, while federal prevention and response funding has been cut. Jobs & Local Economy: Bellingham’s Alpha Technologies Services will close and cut 75 jobs, adding to a 2026 wave of Washington WARN notices tied to consolidation and out-of-state moves. Salish Sea Risks: A column from Friends of the San Juans flags rising oil tanker traffic in the Salish Sea tied to Canadian tar sands pipeline expansion, warning of spill, noise, and harm to Southern Resident orcas. Regional Climate Policy: Washington, California, and Quebec are moving toward linking carbon markets, a shift that could change costs for major emitters. Water & Health Infrastructure: Lake Meridian in Kent reopened for swimming after bacteria levels dropped, underscoring how quickly local conditions can change. Homelessness Governance: Seattle and King County plan to restructure the regional homelessness authority, pulling back control of contracts and strategy. Heat & Wildfire Pressure: Forecasters warn of potentially record-breaking summer heat across the U.S., with drought and wildfire danger intensifying. Court & Ecology: Gov. Ferguson appointed Kelly Wood to Thurston County Superior Court; Wood currently advises and represents Ecology in major environmental litigation. Energy & Permitting: Spokane approved a one-year moratorium on new data center development as officials weigh land-use and utility impacts.

Water & Habitat: Whatcom County is set to receive millions in Washington Department of Ecology clean water grants and loans for wastewater upgrades, creek restoration, and nutrient reductions, including major support for the Lummi Nation Water and Sewer District and Whatcom County Water District 13. Public Health: Kent’s Lake Meridian swim beach reopened after updated testing showed bacteria levels are low again, with the city warning that natural-water swimming still carries some risk. Flood/Storm Repair: WSDOT will start emergency riverbank repairs along SR 202 in Fall City on July 15, with weekend closures planned as crews rebuild and stabilize the embankment. Water Supply Forecast: Ecology and WSU’s Water Research Center released a draft outlook warning the Columbia River Basin could face growing water shortages by the mid-2040s as climate, groundwater, farming, and population pressures intensify. Aquatic Species Management: WDFW scheduled a July 15 online meeting on proposed rotenone treatments in Spokane County’s Fish Lake and Pend Oreille County’s LeClerc Creek to shift fisheries toward warmwater species and protect native cutthroat trout. Wildlife Enforcement: Washington wildlife officers cited four people for hiding 21 Dungeness crabs in clothing at Tokeland.

Climate & Wildlife: New research finds wildlife don’t always shift north or upslope as expected under warming, making conservation planning harder when species responses don’t match projections. Public Health & Climate: Scientists warn that climate change is expanding the reach of certain pathogens, while federal health hazard prevention faces cuts—raising concern about new disease threats. Water Quality: Washington state Ecology is distributing about $158.5 million for 130 clean-water projects, including a $4.5 million Union Gap grant to cut copper, zinc and other stormwater pollution before it reaches Spring Creek and the Yakima River. Extreme Heat: June in Seattle and Olympia ran warmer than normal, with Sea-Tac logging one of the warmest Junes on record. Wildfire Impacts: Lake Chelan is dealing with a major woody-debris logjam tied to the Pioneer Fire and winter storms, trapping boats near Wapato Point. State Energy Politics: A new B.C. electricity plan is drawing criticism for aiming at only 50% system growth by 2050, despite ambitions for faster economic growth. Sports & Community (Local): Six King County kids will serve as flag bearers at Seattle Stadium for Belgium vs. Senegal, part of the World Cup run. Trans Sports: The U.S. Supreme Court upheld states’ authority to ban transgender students from girls sports, setting up Washington’s November ballot fight.

Public Health & Wildlife: WSU says fox tapeworm (Echinococcus multilocularis) has been detected in the Pacific Northwest, raising risk for people and pets; officials urge avoiding wild animal feces and keeping dogs from scavenging. Water & Cleanup: Ecology is taking public comment on a draft Hanford Sitewide Permit renewal covering 52 waste sites and facilities, a key tool for overseeing DOE cleanup. Nuclear Legacy: Hanford’s 222-S Laboratory marked 75 years as the “analytic backbone” for radioactive waste analysis that guides cleanup decisions. Coastal Enforcement: Washington Fish and Wildlife charged four people after they hid nearly two dozen illegal Dungeness crabs in custom clothing pouches at Tokeland. Extreme Heat & Fire Safety: With a dry June, Washington counties move into burn bans and fireworks restrictions ahead of the Fourth of July. Extreme Weather Risk: A report highlights how Europe’s heat wave is pushing climate impacts into everyday life, underscoring heat as a growing hazard.

Data Centers Siting Freeze: Snohomish County leaders approved a six-month moratorium on new data centers in unincorporated areas, aiming to slow down fast construction while communities assess impacts on land use, energy, and water. Carbon Market Reality Check: Washington Rep. Dan Griffey says the state’s carbon market linkage with California and Quebec won’t lower gas prices, pointing to higher recent auction prices and timing that won’t help drivers before the 1.1-cent gas tax increase. Airport Environmental Review: The Port of Seattle is inviting public comment on a draft environmental impact statement for near-term projects in its Sustainable Airport Master Plan, including a second terminal and more gates. Wildfire Response: The Lambdin Fire in Walla Walla County triggered Level 3 “Go Now” evacuations and road closures as crews worked to contain it. Public Health—Backyard Poultry: The CDC reports 513 Salmonella cases tied to backyard flocks, including 134 hospitalizations and one death in Washington, with young children at highest risk. Extreme Heat Context: A new look at heat’s growing toll highlights how warming conditions can hit health and productivity—an issue Washington communities are already feeling. Sports + Climate Watch: Seattle’s World Cup run continues to draw crowds and transit records, while heat and weather remain part of the planning conversation.

Heat & Water Watch: Washington’s drought picture is still grim: snowpack is melting fast, SNOTEL readings are far below normal, and state forecasts warn of lower streamflows through September. Extreme Weather & Safety: A late-June “winter storm” warning is set for high elevations in the Cascades and Sierra, with heavy snow and strong winds possible. Wildfire Risk: Three firefighters died on the Colorado-Utah border while deploying emergency shelters as fast-moving flames overwhelmed them—another reminder of how dangerous this summer’s fire season is. Local Climate Impacts: Lake Chelan is dealing with a post-wildfire logjam after heavy rain dragged debris into the water, trapping boats ahead of Fourth of July. Transportation & Infrastructure: I-5 paving work starts July 6 in south Thurston County, with overnight lane reductions and rest area closures. Recycling & Waste: Seattle’s World Cup crowds are stressing the system—plastic bottle recycling still depends on people actually using bins, as the state’s recycling overhaul rolls out. Cleanup & Accountability: Ecology is taking public comment on a draft Hanford Site permit renewal that would expand rules to 52 waste sites and facilities. Public Health & Preparedness: Five years after the Pacific Northwest heat dome, experts say many people remain vulnerable without stronger support for those without cooling and those who work outdoors. Policy Fight: The U.S. Supreme Court agreed to hear a challenge to Washington’s SB-5599, setting up a major legal showdown over youth shelter notification rules.

Climate & Health: Europe’s record heatwave has killed more than 1,300 people since June 21, with France and Poland reporting drowning deaths and hospitals strained as wildfires spread. Washington Policy: Washington signed a carbon market linkage deal with California and Québec, aiming to cut greenhouse gases and spur long-term clean energy investment. Local Environment & Wildlife: The Makah Tribe is still waiting on NOAA approval to resume its treaty-based grey whale hunt, with no decision date set. Energy Costs & Clean Power: Seattle City Light’s projected electricity rate hikes are driving interest in “plug-in”/porch/balcony solar—portable systems Washington currently doesn’t allow. Data & Cities: Satellite researchers say they can detect an “urban pulse” in Seattle and five other cities, tracking rapid development changes. Weather Watch: Western Washington stays cool and mostly cloudy, with a wind advisory in parts of Central Washington and a drier run-up to the Fourth of July. Tech & Disruption: Hackers breached Brazil’s emergency alert system, triggering millions of false “extreme” broadcasts.

Wildfire Response: A “GO NOW” evacuation order was issued for the whole town of Winthrop, WA as a fast-moving wildfire threatened homes and shut down SR 20 near town; residents were told to evacuate toward Twisp and use the Methow Valley Community Center as a center. Climate & Health: A deadly Europe heatwave broke records across multiple countries, with the WHO reporting more than 1,300 excess deaths since June 21 and warning that climate change made the early-season severity “virtually impossible.” Clean Shipping Push: U.S. lawmakers reintroduced the Next Generation Shipping Act, proposing $1B a year to develop zero-emission ships and cleaner port infrastructure to cut shipping pollution. Data Center Moratorium: Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez introduced a federal pause on new AI data center builds until Congress sets safeguards on energy costs, water use, and local impacts. Local Food & Water Use: Seattle opened Cherry Street Farm and Lab, using a hydroponic trailer and solar power to grow fresh food with very low daily water use for youth education and local supply. Public Lands Funding Concern: Reports say Yellowstone entry-fee money was diverted to “beautification” projects in Washington, D.C., leaving a roof repair project unfunded. Invasive/Outdoor Risk: State and regional coverage also flagged ongoing invasive pest and extreme-weather concerns heading into summer.

World Cup Pride Clash in Seattle: FIFA allowed pride flags for the Egypt-Iran “Pride Match” despite objections from both teams, sparking debate over symbolic inclusion versus real-world safety for LGBTQ people. Local Habitat Protection: A letter urges Washington communities to protect habitat, tying wetland buffer guidance to the fight over how much development should be allowed near streams and wetlands. Transportation & Safety in Walla Walla: The city is reconstructing Pine Street (Second to Ninth) with a new compact roundabout, bike lanes, sidewalks, and ADA upgrades, funded partly by state and federal programs. Invasive Pest Readiness: Washington continues invasive pest work, including gypsy moth and other spring treatments and public advisories to help residents spot problems early. Climate & Energy Watch: Coverage highlights rising costs and scrutiny around keeping a Northwest coal plant on standby, alongside broader climate and extreme-weather concerns. Community PrideFest: Seattle PrideFest drew large crowds on Capitol Hill ahead of the Sunday parade, emphasizing safety and visibility for people traveling from outside the area.

Public Works & Safety: Walla Walla is moving ahead with a $9.1M Pine Street reconstruction (2nd to 9th), including a compact roundabout at Ninth and buffered bike lanes, sidewalks, and ADA ramps—about two-thirds funded through state and federal programs. Air, Water & Health: In Anacortes, residents report sickness and strong odors during Whitmarsh Landfill remediation; the Swinomish Tribal Community is checking complaints while county and Ecology track what’s in the air. Toxic Risk & Accountability: Before a Longview chemical spill, state labor investigators had already opened other Nippon Dynawave cases tied to malfunctioning valves, including one involving hot stock and another involving an ammonia clarifier tank. Climate & Infrastructure Planning: Seattle released a technical analysis of SR 99 through South Park, weighing options that could remove the highway barrier and reclaim up to 117 acres for housing, parks, and restoration. Heat Protections: A national look at outdoor worker heat rules highlights how only a few states—including Washington—require water and shade breaks. Wildlife: The Cascades Wolverine Project continues winter den searches, building on evidence that wolverines have returned to Washington after a century away. Community Impact: A teen was hospitalized after a drive-by shooting at Seattle’s Van Asselt Community Center.

Climate & Water Monitoring: NSF reversed course and will redeploy parts of the Ocean Observatories Initiative after backlash and a Senate push to preserve ocean monitoring, a win for long-term climate and ocean science. Carbon Markets: Washington signed a deal to link its carbon market with California and Quebec, expanding regional emissions trading. Agriculture Emissions: Commerce awarded $13.804M for seven dairy digester projects across mostly rural counties, cutting methane from manure while improving wastewater and creating renewable energy. Farm Costs: Skagit County farmers say higher fuel and fertilizer prices tied to the Iran conflict are squeezing already-thin margins. Wildlife Crime: Wildlife officials warn of a growing black market for eagle feathers used in Native ceremonies, including a Washington man’s case tied to killings of thousands of birds. Outdoor Recreation: The Enchantments in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest will add more rangers and trail crews for this summer, but staffing gaps and heavy July Fourth pressure remain. Public Health & Environment: Washington eases an organics contamination limit in a proposed rule, aiming to improve recycling/composting outcomes. Local Salmon & Dams: Skagit County and state agencies reached agreement on salmon recovery planning, while the county weighs concerns tied to dam relicensing settlement talks.

Climate Policy: Washington signed an agreement to link its carbon market with California and Quebec, with joint permit auctions expected to launch in 2027—supporters say it will stabilize prices and cut pollution, while critics warn costs could flow to drivers. Water & Fish Recovery: Skagit County is weighing a roughly 1,000-page settlement tied to relicensing Seattle City Light’s Skagit River dams, including major funding for mainstem and estuary restoration and fish passage; local officials are also raising concerns about who gets a seat on the habitat-funds committee. Public Health & Environment: Ecology issued an asbestos reminder near Sumas Mountain after a slow landslide sends naturally occurring asbestos into Swift Creek and the Sumas River when riverbeds dry, urging people to avoid creek beds and sediment piles. Wildlife & Habitat: The Swinomish Indian Tribal Community says the Skagit dam settlement should jump-start salmon recovery, citing large commitments for restoration and ongoing science. Community & Waste: Sedro-Woolley Goodwill hosted an Earth Week workshop using upcycled glassware for planters and garden art. Disaster & Safety: A Whidbey Island fireworks explosion destroyed multiple homes and injured firefighters; the ATF is investigating.

World Cup Pride fight in Seattle: Iran and Egypt have formally urged FIFA to keep Pride-related ceremonies and “Pride Match” branding out of the Egypt-Iran match at Lumen Field, even as FIFA says rainbow flags are allowed inside the stadium and that community Pride events outside venues aren’t under FIFA control. Local organizing response: Seattle host officials say the Pride weekend celebrations outside the stadium will proceed as planned, with the “Pride Match Day” framing set before the teams were drawn. Seafood leadership moves: High Liner Foods named Nina Stangeland incoming exec VP for procurement and salmon strategy, while the Norwegian Seafood Council appointed Jan Eirik Johnsen as Japan country director. Marine/atmospheric science pushback: A Senate vote blocked efforts to dismantle the Ocean Observatories Initiative and its deep-sea buoys, with Washington’s Cantwell and Murray cited among key supporters. Public safety—industrial incident: Washington labor investigators previously opened multiple cases tied to Nippon Dynawave Packaging in Longview, including concerns about malfunctioning valves and toxic exposure risk. Weather outlook: A major cooldown is expected to linger into the Fourth of July, with highs mostly in the 60s in western Washington and only limited shower chances.

Puget Sound Wildlife: Washington’s killer whales are shifting—southern residents that rely on salmon keep declining while Bigg’s killer whales that hunt marine mammals are rising, based on decades of sightings. Transit Funding: Sound Transit approved about $423.3 million in budget amendments to push the West Seattle and Ballard Link light-rail extensions forward. Wildlife Rescue: Bald eagle chicks were rehabilitated after an emergency nest removal near power lines in Wenatchee, then placed into a wild foster nest. Clean Energy Rebates: Clallam County PUD won a $1.13 million HEAR grant to fund heat-pump rebates for about 158 low-income households, building on last year’s first round. Invasive Species & Agriculture: WSDA continues invasive pest and bird-flu response work, including new HPAI detections and expanded trapping/treatment efforts. Local Environment & Water: Bellingham Rock pieces will be given out July 11 as the city moves ahead with fish-passage restoration work. Public Safety: Fire Weather Alert issued for gusty, dry conditions ahead of the Fourth of July, with local officials warning about elevated wildfire risk.