AGP Executive Report

Livestock Emergency: USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins visited a Texas ranch as the New World screwworm response ramps up, with sterile fly releases and calls for ranchers to watch wounds and treat fast—while the warming climate makes the pest spread easier. South Texas Containment: A second screwworm case was confirmed in South Texas, and Canada temporarily halted imports of certain Texas livestock, prompting Texas officials to push back as quarantines expand. Animal Shelter Impact: Austin Wildlife Rescue says it can’t accept animals from quarantined counties tied to the outbreak, underscoring how quickly the crisis is reshaping local wildlife operations. Water & Pollution Policy: Texas regulators are drafting rules that could allow treated fracking wastewater on farmland, a move supporters say could stretch supplies but critics warn could expose communities to contaminants. Courtroom Win for Residents: An El Paso environmental franchise fee was ruled an illegal tax, potentially opening the door to refunds for residents. Severe Weather Preparedness: Gov. Abbott activated state emergency resources ahead of multi-day storms and flash-flood threats across Texas. Border Wall Fight in Big Bend: A bid to block border wall construction in Big Bend National Park failed in a House committee, keeping pressure on environmental protections.

Livestock & Wildlife Health: A second New World screwworm case was confirmed in South Texas, triggering fresh concern for ranchers and prompting Canada to temporarily halt imports of certain Texas livestock while officials work to contain the parasite. Local Preparedness: Goliad County approved a disaster declaration tied to the screwworm threat, aiming to unlock state and federal help if conditions worsen. Food & Consumer Safety: Texas AG Ken Paxton opened an investigation into alleged glyphosate residue in food, issuing Civil Investigative Demands to Bayer and PepsiCo over claims manufacturers may have misled consumers. Energy & Climate Risk: Reuters reports wet weather and a power outage at a major oil sands producer are tightening crude export supply, with potential knock-on effects for inventories at Cushing and U.S. refineries. Community Resilience Planning: Nacogdoches officials set a public meeting to update the county’s Hazard Mitigation Action Plan, inviting residents to weigh in on natural and man-made disaster risks.

Livestock Health Crisis: USDA confirmed a second New World screwworm case in South Texas, and Canada’s CFIA moved to temporarily halt entry of certain Texas cattle, horses and other livestock while officials contain the parasite. Texas leaders have issued disaster declarations and are urging ranchers and pet owners to watch for signs on animals. Policy & Accountability: Texas AG Ken Paxton announced a glyphosate residue investigation, issuing civil investigative demands to Bayer and PepsiCo over alleged consumer-protection violations tied to Roundup’s active ingredient. Extreme Heat Reality Check: With the 2026 World Cup starting Thursday, reports warn that heat and humidity could affect performance in most matches, pushing FIFA to require hydration breaks and prompting cooling upgrades at venues. Local Infrastructure Watch: East Texans voiced safety concerns as Toll 49 expansion plans adjust routes farther from schools, with the project still moving through an environmental review. Energy & Tech Pressure: Coverage highlights how AI data centers are driving power demand and raising heat concerns, while Texas lawmakers push new rules amid grid strain.

Screwworm Alert: A second New World screwworm case has been confirmed in South Texas, triggering tighter containment efforts and renewed worries for ranchers and wildlife; the USDA says mobile response teams and expanded surveillance are underway, while Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has pushed disaster declarations and sterile-fly work to speed the response. Cross-Border Fallout: Canada has temporarily halted imports of certain Texas livestock after the detections, citing precaution—an economic hit for producers already facing rising beef prices. Big Bend Border Build: The Trump administration is again waiving environmental laws to speed border barriers and road upgrades across more than 100 miles, including areas tied to Big Bend National Park. Wildlife Refuge Fight: Environmental groups sued to block a SpaceX land exchange involving the Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge, arguing the deal won’t deliver net conservation benefits. Data Center Backlash: Texas Gov. Abbott is urging regulators to require data centers to fund their own infrastructure and strip sales tax exemptions, as other states debate pauses and oversight. Chemicals in Food: Texas AG Ken Paxton opened an investigation into glyphosate residue in food products, sending Civil Investigative Demands to Bayer and PepsiCo.

Invasive Species & Livestock Health: USDA confirmed a second New World screwworm case in South Texas, and the latest detections are widening the threat to cattle, pets, and wildlife—prompting Texas emergency actions and pushing Canada to temporarily halt imports of certain Texas livestock while officials contain the parasite. Public Health & Agriculture Response: Federal and state agencies are accelerating testing and quarantine steps as more cases appear across counties, with ranchers bracing for impacts on animal movement and costs. Chemicals & Food Safety: Texas AG Ken Paxton announced a glyphosate residue investigation targeting Bayer and PepsiCo, alleging manufacturers may have misled consumers about herbicide levels in food. Energy & Resilience: Gov. Abbott announced $166 million in energy assistance to help low-income Texans buy cooling and heating systems ahead of extreme temperatures. Weather: North Texas is forecast to stay hot and humid with weekend rain chances.

Livestock Health Crisis: New World screwworm keeps spreading. A second case was confirmed in South Texas, and Canada temporarily halted imports of certain Texas livestock while officials work to contain the parasite. State Response: Texas has issued disaster declarations for affected counties as USDA ramps up efforts, including sterile-fly releases, and officials warn ranchers and pet owners to watch for open wounds. Public Guidance: Iowa agriculture officials urged routine wound checks and immediate reporting if maggots are found, while advising isolation and import-rule checks for animals coming from infested zones. Consumer/Regulatory Watch: Texas AG Ken Paxton announced an investigation into glyphosate residue in food, sending Civil Investigative Demands to Bayer and PepsiCo. Local Environment & Safety: A group of Presidio County officials is demanding CBP remove razor wire in the Rio Grande floodplain before seasonal flooding moves it downstream. Energy/Climate Tech: ExxonMobil’s carbon capture education program is reaching middle schoolers, while TIME named General Fusion the top GreenTech company of 2026.

Livestock & Food Prices: USDA confirmed more New World screwworm detections, including a second South Texas case, as Canada temporarily restricts Texas livestock imports—raising fresh alarm for ranchers and adding pressure to already record beef prices. Cross-Border Response: The latest Canada rules target animals from affected Texas areas in the prior 21 days, while Texas officials push back and expand emergency measures. Statewide Guidance: Texas A&M AgriLife released a swine-focused screwworm fact sheet urging daily inspections, wound management, biosecurity, and clear reporting steps. Energy & Climate: A new report says utility-scale solar plus storage now leads U.S. clean power capacity growth, with Texas near 100 GW—another reminder that heat and grid stress are shaping what gets built. Local Land Use: Residents in Taylor are protesting a plan to turn donated parkland into a large data center, spotlighting noise and community impacts as Texas’ data boom accelerates. Policy Watch: Texas AG Ken Paxton opened a glyphosate residue investigation into major food companies, targeting how herbicide levels are handled and disclosed.

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.