AGP Executive Report

New World screwworm: USDA confirmed more flesh-eating screwworm detections, bringing Texas to five cases and marking the first New Mexico case in a dog after travel—prompting expanded quarantines, surveillance, and sterile-fly efforts as officials warn ranchers and pet owners to watch for worsening wounds. Federal-State Response: In Kerrville, federal and Texas leaders backed the “War on Screwworm” push, including sterile insect technology and new preparedness coordination, while Gov. Abbott escalated county disaster declarations. Cross-border fallout: Canada temporarily restricted Texas livestock imports, though Canadian cattle officials say the impact may be limited for now—while urging vigilance and wound monitoring. Public health risk in Texas: A Rio Grande Valley report highlights how pesticide exposure is linked to Parkinson’s disease, putting farmworkers and nearby communities at heightened risk. Water + development: Google says it’s funding wetlands restoration and water stewardship projects, including in Texas, as data centers expand. Grid strain: ERCOT warned summer demand could hit new highs as AI-driven data centers add load on top of extreme heat. Coastal conservation: Nueces County advanced a fully grant-funded Packery Channel boardwalk expansion with native plantings to boost bird habitat and access.

Screwworm Crisis in South Texas: USDA confirmed a second New World screwworm case in Texas, reviving fears among ranchers and wildlife advocates. Ranchers say the response is too slow or too limited, while officials push quarantine and emergency measures as the pest threatens livestock wounds and the beef supply. Flooding & Heat Stress: A new report links wetland loss to higher residential flood insurance payouts, with Houston among the hardest-hit metro areas. Meanwhile, South Texas weather is swinging between brief downpours and a return to hot, humid conditions—exactly the kind of climate stress that raises health risks for Texans. Data Centers vs. Water and Power: Across the country, communities are pressuring lawmakers over data center development, citing electricity strain and water use; the backlash is now shaping policy debates that could spill into Texas. Carbon Capture in the Classroom: Louisiana students learned about carbon capture with Exxon’s help, but critics question whether industry-funded lessons are shaping public opinion.

New World screwworm hits Texas again: USDA confirmed a second flesh-eating screwworm case in a Zavala County calf, just 5.6 miles from the first detection, as Gov. Greg Abbott expanded a statewide disaster declaration and pushed for faster sterile-fly production to stop the parasite’s spread through the summer. Canada livestock ban: Canada temporarily halted imports of Texas livestock after the outbreak, with Abbott calling it an overreaction despite assurances that inspected Texas beef isn’t the issue. Heat and storm risk for Texans: Forecasts point to hot, humid conditions with isolated showers and thunderstorms, plus ongoing flood concerns across parts of the South and Central U.S. World Cup infrastructure and weather pressure: FIFA says Houston’s final hybrid turf installation is complete, but organizers and teams are bracing for lightning delays and dangerous heat during outdoor matches. Animal welfare policy fight: Congress is weighing farm bill changes that could roll back state animal welfare rules, including limits aimed at California’s gestation-crate restrictions.

Invasive Pest Alert: The New World screwworm—an old flesh-eating cattle threat thought eradicated—has been confirmed in Texas again, with a first case in a Zavala County calf and a second case days later nearby, prompting USDA and state officials to expand monitoring and emergency response as Canada moves to restrict Texas livestock imports. Community Health & Water: Hale Center issued a boil-water notice after discolored water complaints, warning residents to boil water for drinking and cooking. Heat & Storms: North Texas and Houston-area forecasts keep residents on alert for rounds of thunderstorms, heavy rain, and flooding risk, while the broader pattern points to hotter, more humid conditions returning after the storms. Data Centers vs. Resources: As AI power demand and water use draw scrutiny, Google says it will replenish more water than it consumes at U.S. data centers by 2030, while Texans continue raising concerns about impacts beyond utilities—like noise. Climate Research: UT Austin research highlights how easily overlooked small wetlands can drive a big share of global methane emissions, underscoring why “small” nature features matter for climate solutions.

Livestock & Biosecurity: Canada has temporarily banned Texas livestock imports after the New World screwworm was detected in South Texas, with USDA confirming a second case in a nearby calf—prompting quarantine and expanded surveillance as the flesh-eating parasite threatens cattle, pets, wildlife, and even rare human cases. Agriculture & Climate: Texas A&M AgriLife warns last winter’s lack of “chill hours” could cut yields for peaches and other fruit crops across the state. Weather & Public Safety: Greater Houston is dealing with storms and flooding impacts, including high water on the Katy Freeway and power outages for thousands, while officials also canceled or postponed major community events like the Houston Pride parade due to safety concerns. Water & Infrastructure: A boil-water notice was issued for part of Lilly Grove SUD in Nacogdoches County after an emergency line break. Tech & Water Use: Google announced a new water fund tied to data center expansion in Texas, as residents continue to raise concerns about water demand. State Parks: Texas is moving ahead with new park growth, including progress toward Silver Lake State Park after major acreage acquisitions.

Livestock Health Crisis: USDA confirmed a second New World screwworm case in a Zavala County calf, just miles from the first Texas detection, triggering tighter quarantines, movement controls, and a rapid sterile-fly response as officials expand surveillance around the area. Cross-Border Fallout: Canada temporarily suspended livestock entry from Texas after the detections, adding pressure on ranchers already bracing for potential economic disruption. State Response: Gov. Greg Abbott updated Texas disaster declarations and says there’s no food-safety issue—framing it as an urgent agriculture threat—while Texas and federal teams coordinate an incident command effort. Climate & Heat: A new analysis finds summer warming is accelerating fastest in several U.S. cities, including El Paso, highlighting how Texas and the Southwest are getting hotter at a faster clip. Weather Watch: Southeast Texas faces another wet weekend with scattered storms and flash-flood risk before heat returns. Outdoors & Community: Texas State Parks keeps expanding, with new acreage moving the state toward a future Silver Lake State Park, plus a spotlight on a hidden Inks Lake swimming hole for summer cooling.

Livestock & Wildlife Emergency: Texas confirmed a New World screwworm case in a Zavala County calf, triggering quarantines and a disaster declaration for Uvalde and Zavala as officials rush sterile-fly production and surveillance to stop the flesh-eating parasite from spreading. Cross-Border Controls: Canada’s food agency announced temporary import restrictions on livestock from affected Texas areas, while other states activated precautionary plans. Public Health & Community Impact: Officials say the food supply remains safe, but the coming weeks are critical for ranchers, pet owners, and wildlife monitoring. Heat & Outdoor Safety: Forecasters warn a “first true heat wave” could hit as World Cup crowds arrive in Dallas and Houston, raising heat illness risks for visitors. Water Quality Alarm: A Texas teen’s parents allege chemical burns after showering in Trinidad, pointing to ongoing water quality complaints. Recreation Access: Texas’ statewide Free Fishing Day returns June 6 with no license required.

New World screwworm in Texas: USDA confirmed the flesh-eating parasite in a 3-week-old calf in La Pryor, triggering quarantine and livestock movement restrictions around Zavala County as officials ramp up sterile fly releases and surveillance to protect cattle, wildlife, and pets. Farmworker health risk: A Rio Grande Valley study links Parkinson’s disease to pesticide exposure, raising alarms for farmworkers and nearby communities living with regular spraying. Data center push meets local pushback: Alvin city leaders paused proposed data center development, citing concerns about utilities, drainage, environmental resources, and long-term planning. Heat and public health: Los Angeles County launched a heat illness and mortality dashboard to track emergency room impacts during heat waves, a reminder that extreme heat is a growing Texas-scale threat. Outdoor recreation funding: Texas Parks and Wildlife awarded trail grants, including $300,000 for Tyler’s Park of East Texas to expand year-round access.

Invasive Species Alert: USDA confirmed New World screwworm in a 3-week-old calf in South Texas, triggering quarantine zones and a sterile-fly response to stop the flesh-eating parasite from returning after decades. Local Conservation & Recreation: Texas Parks and Wildlife awarded Three Rivers a $279,220 Recreational Trails Grant for Kopplin Park trail upgrades, lighting, benches, and connectivity improvements. Port Pollution Win: After years of grassroots pressure, the Army Corps agreed to move Project 11 dredge spoils offshore and retire land-based disposal sites tied to the Houston Ship Channel. Grid & Heat Reality Check: A new tracker makes it easier for Texans to monitor power outages by county and utility—an increasingly urgent tool as extreme weather strains the system. AI/Industry Backlash in Texas: Residents in Grimes County criticized SpaceX’s Terafab chip project as the county approved tax breaks and a reinvestment zone, echoing wider opposition to the AI buildout. Community Climate Resilience: Google and Intersect broke ground on a 1+ GW co-located wind/solar/battery data center complex in the Texas Panhandle, aiming to reduce strain on the local grid.

Livestock Health Watch: USDA opened a new state-of-the-art livestock insects lab in Kerrville to help fight invasive flies and ticks threatening Texas cattle. Border Biosecurity: USDA confirmed a New World screwworm case in a calf in La Pryor, the first in Texas since 1966, triggering quarantines, surveillance, and sterile-fly releases. Water & Wildlife: With no freshwater releases to the Nueces Delta for more than two years, Corpus Christi is weighing changes to when mandatory releases start—scientists are tracking rising salinity and impacts on fish and wildlife. Heat Risk: NPR analysis finds more than one-third of 2026 World Cup matches face dangerous heat risk for players and officials, raising public-health concerns for host cities. Local Climate Resilience: Houston-area weather updates keep an eye on storms and flooding risk as hurricane season ramps up. Data Center Pressure: Erin Brockovich launched a platform mapping U.S. data center growth, spotlighting water and energy demands behind local opposition. Industry & Environment: Siemens unveiled new 3D electrical design tools aimed at reducing rework—small wins that can matter as Texas infrastructure scales.

Water & Data Centers: Google says it’s launching a Texas Water Impact Fund as part of new stewardship commitments, aiming to reduce data-center impacts on local water sources and accessibility; the company says $10 million of a $17 million, multi-state effort will go to Texas. Wildlife & Livestock Health: The USDA says New World screwworm has been detected in Texas and is sending samples for lab confirmation, with federal and state animal health officials already coordinating response steps. Public Health & Heat: East Texas vets warn that extreme summer temperatures are driving dangerous heat risks for pets, urging owners to keep dogs out of hot cars and watch for heat-stroke signs. Local Water Governance: Gov. Abbott’s office criticized Corpus Christi City Council after it delayed action on the Inner Harbor seawater desalination project, pushing the vote to Sept. 1. Recreation & Conservation: Texas Parks and Wildlife’s Free Fishing Day returns June 6, letting anglers fish without a license on public waters statewide. Energy & Environment Policy: Texas AG Paxton’s bid to revisit the endangered-species listing of the Permian Basin dunes sagebrush lizard is moving forward in federal court.

Water & Permitting: Corpus Christi City Council voted 7-2 to table its Inner Harbor desalination plant decision until Sept. 1, extending debate over a far-field study that officials say suggests minimal brine impacts—while opponents warn questions remain for Corpus Christi Bay and the city’s looming water crunch. Industrial Pollution: A new report alleges Tesla’s Robstown lithium refinery discharged black liquid into a drainage ditch permitted by TCEQ, raising fresh concerns about how industrial wastewater is monitored and communicated locally. Public Health Funding: Federal cuts proposed for the CDC’s National Wastewater Surveillance System could slash funding from about $125M to $25M, threatening an early-warning tool as a newer COVID-19 variant spreads. Extreme Weather Readiness: Houston-area storms and flood threats continue this week, with multiple outages reported and officials urging preparation as hurricane season ramps up. Wildlife & Disease at the Border: Texas and USDA continue ramping up defenses against the screwworm threat as detections move closer to the U.S. border.

Border Biosecurity: USDA says the New World screwworm is now detected in Mexico’s Coahuila just 25 miles from the Texas border—the closest yet—prompting a ramped-up federal response and renewed debate after a lawmaker claimed it was “one mile away.” Public Health & Water: Health experts warn warmer weather can boost blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) risks, especially after heavy rain that feeds nutrient runoff into ponds and waterways. Severe Weather: Houston-area storms triggered severe thunderstorm warnings and a ground stop at Bush Intercontinental as conditions shift fast. Disaster Recovery: SBA disaster loans were approved for South Texas counties hit by spring severe weather, including Cameron County. Local Land Use: Tyler’s planning commission denied a rezoning request that would have added heavy industrial metal recycling to a residential area. Energy & Climate Resilience: A new reliability outlook points to solar and storage as key summer grid supports, even as some regions remain vulnerable. Wildlife & Conservation: Texas Parks and Wildlife approved millions in trail grants statewide, supporting outdoor access and habitat-connected recreation.

Hurricane Season Prep: Galveston County kicked off the Atlantic hurricane season (June 1–Nov. 30) by urging residents to review evacuation plans and restock emergency supplies, stressing that preparation is “all year” for coastal communities. Extreme Weather Reality Check: A new study warns warmer conditions could mean more hailstorms and bigger, more damaging hail, raising the stakes for Texas homes and infrastructure. Local Water & Permitting Tensions: In Victoria County’s “crossroads” growth debate, residents raised concerns about water-heavy facilities like data centers and nuclear plans, urging people to push back through local lawmakers and TCEQ permitting. Heat + Storm Pattern: South Texas is in for sticky conditions with spotty showers and more pop-up downpours through the week, plus a higher rain chance overnight and into the weekend. Wildlife & Habitat: Texas Parks and Wildlife-related coverage highlights ongoing conservation work, including pollinator corridor survey efforts and wildlife protection themes.

Hurricane Season Watch: NOAA-style guidance for 2026 says a “below normal” Atlantic season is likely, but the Gulf Coast still faces meaningful major-storm risk—so Texas families should treat June 1 as a real start date, not a forecast footnote. PFAS & Military Pollution: A New Mexico dairy case spotlights how PFAS “forever chemicals” can spread from military training foam into local water supplies, fueling lawsuits and raising alarms for Texas communities near bases. Texas Solar Power: Vesper Energy closed $236M financing for the 201 MW Nazareth Solar project in Swisher County, aiming to add reliable generation to ERCOT and bring tax revenue to local schools and services. Dog Bite Safety: USPS reports 2025 dog attacks on mail carriers—Texas ranked high for incidents—adding pressure for better owner precautions and safer delivery practices. Data Centers & Water/Energy: Opposition and planning continue as Waco-area residents weigh data-center growth against water and electricity strain. Wildlife & Heat: Texas AgriLife highlights praying mantids’ role as garden predators, a reminder that “pest control” can be ecological, not chemical.

Wildlife & Water Quality: Fish and mussels are rebounding in rivers after decades of cleanup, including the Trinity River in Texas—yet new threats are already looming for aquatic life. Federal Species Protection: A Tucson environmental group sued over a decade-long delay in deciding whether the desert springsnail (Quitobaquito tryonia) should be listed as endangered, arguing the snail’s habitat and population are still slipping. Texas Weather & Risk: Coverage highlights how tornado activity is shifting east into “Dixie Alley,” with Tennessee seeing more destructive nocturnal tornadoes—an urgent reminder for the broader region as storm season ramps up. Heat & Air: Denton County’s May rainfall lagged normal, and summer ozone risk is flagged as heat and sun boost ground-level pollution. Texas Tech & Industry: Samsung plans to move its U.S. headquarters to Plano, Texas, while major AI/data-center buildout pressures keep growing across the state. Permian Water & Seismicity: New reporting warns that produced-water injection changes are raising risks in the Permian, including pressure impacts on legacy wells and potential groundwater concerns.