AGP Executive Report

Cleanup Costs & Accountability: Washington will bill Nippon Dynawave for response expenses tied to the Longview white liquor chemical spill, as Ecology continues investigating possible permit and water/air/waste violations and cleanup crews push toward demolition milestones. Public Health & Climate: Scientists warn that extreme heat is reshaping more than comfort—tick season is expanding, with rising emergency visits for tick bites and higher risks of tick-borne illness as warmer conditions move ticks into new areas. Marine Life Response: NOAA awarded nearly $4 million in Prescott grants to 41 groups across 19 states and two Tribes to speed marine mammal rescue and stranding response. Wildlife & Community: Washington Fish and Wildlife is taking applications for its Master Hunter Permit Program, aiming to grow a volunteer corps that mentors hunters and helps manage human-wildlife conflicts. Local Resilience: In Olympia, a social enterprise is hiring newly arrived refugees to make sustainable candles, helping families build English skills and work histories while earning income.

Wildfire Smoke Watch: Vancouver’s air haze from B.C. and Washington wildfires should ease as marine winds shift Tuesday, with officials tracking air quality and expecting no major deterioration. Public Health: Ticks are surging across the U.S., and Washington State University researchers warn warmer conditions are expanding where ticks can survive—raising the risk of Lyme and other tick-borne illnesses. Industrial Safety: Washington’s AG is investigating whether criminal activity played a role in the May 26 Nippon Dynawave white liquor tank implosion in Longview that killed 11 and injured eight; meanwhile, Labor & Industries opened new inspections at two other kraft paper mills. Local Access to Nature: Yakima Valley Libraries are helping residents get outdoors by letting people borrow a Discover Pass and a satchel kit with binoculars and guides. Road Safety: A loose tire from an I-5 semi crash landed in Seattle’s Eastlake neighborhood, causing minor damage but no injuries. Sports & Community: The Pacific Northwest Seismic Network is measuring fan “stomp” activity at Seattle Stadium during the U.S.-Belgium World Cup match.

World Cup energy in Seattle: Fans flooded Victory Hall for a “Night Before” rally ahead of the USA–Belgium match, with locals and visitors describing a citywide buzz and a reputation boost for Seattle’s welcome. PFAS cleanup breakthrough: Two Western Washington companies say they can destroy PFAS instead of just containing it—one targeting concentrated wastewater streams and another treating sewage by-products into a biofuel process. Paper mill safety push: Washington’s Labor & Industries opened new inspections at kraft pulp and paper mills after the Nippon Dynawave tank failure that killed 11 workers, focusing on hazardous chemical and storage-tank compliance. PFAS + public health watch: Shellfish closures tied to “lethal” toxin levels on the WA coast highlight ongoing coastal health monitoring. Wildlife rehab success: WSU’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital rehomed a great horned owl after months of raptor rehab, showing how local care can help injured young wildlife recover. Holiday fireworks injuries: A Kent fireworks incident sent three people to the hospital with critical injuries, with investigations underway.

Wildlife & Water Safety: Washington’s summer crabbing season opens July 2 with specific rules on where and when to harvest, plus warnings about poisoned shellfish in closed zones and other risks like smuggling and tagged crabs. Public Health & Air: A letter from Seattle urges residents to protect shared air and water, tying local wildfire smoke and drought conditions to the need for stronger everyday safeguards. Education Policy: Gov. Jay Inslee’s successor proposed a statewide “Away for the Day” cellphone ban in K-12 schools, aiming to cut classroom distractions tied to heavy student phone use. Heat & Smoke Preparedness: A “Code Red” air-quality alert followed extreme heat and fireworks fallout in Washington, D.C., highlighting what hot, smoky holidays can do to vulnerable people. Local Pollinators: Tacoma is considering joining “Bee City USA,” as beekeepers and pollinator advocates push for habitat and water sources for declining native species. Energy & Environment: Washington’s power bills are rising as heat, wildfires, and grid upgrades strain the system.

Wildfire Resilience: A new push to protect America’s wild places is colliding with worsening fire seasons, as communities argue the federal government is cutting the staffing and preparedness needed to keep disasters from escalating. Data Centers & Power: A Washington lawmaker argues Eastern Washington’s hydropower is attracting AI data centers, but warns families and farmers must not get stuck paying for new power plants, transmission, and water infrastructure without safeguards. Nuclear Preparedness Debate: Washington-area clinicians criticize “product-bundled” nuclear war advice and urge reliance on public health guidance instead of fear-driven kits. Salmon Stress in the Northwest: Warm rivers and low flows in B.C. are expected to mean another weak sockeye return, with impacts rippling through the Columbia system. Monk Seal Protection: A monk seal pup was born at a new beach site near Kalaeloa, prompting calls for stronger oversight of human behavior during the holiday. Lake Chelan Fire Evacuations: A wildfire near Lake Chelan triggered “Go Now” evacuations in Douglas County, with additional areas under Level 2 orders. Heat & Outdoor Safety: Western Washington’s holiday forecast stays mostly dry and mild, but central and eastern areas face elevated fire danger under Red Flag conditions. Public Health & Air Quality: Washington’s nicotine-cessation research from WSU also targets harmful effects from air pollutants, aiming to reduce cravings and limit damage. World Cup in Seattle: The U.S. plays Belgium at Lumen Field as heat and crowd planning remain top concerns for attendees and local watch parties.

Wildfire & fire danger: A fast-growing Chelan Hills wildfire near Lake Chelan triggered “Go Now” evacuations in Douglas County on July 4, with the fire reported to have burned over 2,000 acres by morning, as dry conditions and wind kept fire risk elevated across Washington. Outdoor burning limits: Burn bans are active in multiple Western Washington counties (including Pierce, King, Kitsap, Snohomish, Mason, Clallam, San Juan, and Whatcom), with cities like Seattle and Mercer Island also restricting outdoor fires ahead of the holiday. Heat & safety: Western Washington is seeing mostly dry, partly cloudy Fourth of July weather with highs in the mid-70s, but central and eastern areas face critical fire danger under a Red Flag Warning. Coastal health watch: A national report flags rising risks from climate-stretched pathogens like Vibrio vulnificus, urging caution around coastal water during busy holiday beach days. Local crime: Seattle police are investigating a homicide after a man was found shot in the Lake City neighborhood.

Heat & Safety: A major heat wave is driving extreme conditions across the eastern U.S. around the July 4 weekend, with heat warnings and cooling-center plans in places like Washington, D.C., Chicago, and New York. Holiday Waste: Fourth of July celebrations are generating huge trash totals, including major food waste and large amounts of fireworks debris removed from beaches, including in Washington state. Local Preservation: Shoreline Preservation Society received a grant for a feasibility study on moving a World War II-era Naval Hospital barracks at Fircrest to create a history museum and public gathering space. Public Health Funding: Skagit County’s state preventative health allocation is cut by 25% for next year, tied to changes in how vapor-product tax revenue is directed. Industrial Safety: Washington’s Department of Labor & Industries is launching long inspections of pulp and paper mills after the Longview chemical tank rupture, including sites that use the same “white liquor” chemical. Tribal Restoration: The Stillaguamish Tribe is advancing a multimillion-dollar river restoration effort aimed at improving Chinook salmon habitat. Energy Storage Fight: Snoqualmie residents are protesting a proposed large battery facility, with the county considering whether a moratorium applies.

World Cup in Seattle: U.S. forward Folarin Balogun said he’s “calm” after his red card vs. Bosnia, accepting the one-match ban and focusing on Monday’s Round of 16 vs. Belgium at Lumen Field. Heat & safety: A Seattle forecast calls for Fourth of July sunshine after morning clouds, with highs mostly in the mid-60s to mid-70s, while officials elsewhere warn heat and fireworks don’t mix. Shellfish & crabbing: Washington’s summer crabbing season opens with specific Marine Area schedules and reminders about closed zones and poisoned shellfish risks. Local emergency response: Seattle firefighters responded to a deadly deck fire in View Ridge; a 93-year-old woman died and the cause is under investigation. Zoo security: Woodland Park Zoo evacuated after a bomb threat, then reopened later that day after police cleared the grounds. Community water safety: Snohomish County fire crews, the Stillaguamish Tribe, and partners held Water Safety Adventure Day with life-vest donations for kids near the Stillaguamish River.

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.