Arkansas Energy and Environment

E&E staff joined Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders in Benton for Capital for a Day this week, meeting with local businesses, community leaders, and residents throughout the day. The day began with a community meet-and-greet at Westside Pharmacy, where attendees connected with state leaders and discussed issues impacting Saline County and the surrounding region. Thank you to @Dale's Donuts and @Lokal Koffee Roasters for providing refreshments for the event. The team also visited CoorsTek to learn more about the company's operations, workforce, and contributions to Arkansas' manufacturing sector. Capital for a Day gives state leaders the opportunity to visit communities across Arkansas, hear directly from stakeholders, and learn more about the issues and opportunities shaping the future of our state.

A Harmful Algal Bloom Advisory has been lifted for Huston Lake on Big Huston Creek in Perryville, Ark., in Perry County. For more information: buff.ly/mbWAE4Z

A clearer, faster path for wastewater permitting is here. The Arkansas Department of Health and the Arkansas Department of Energy and Environment have signed a new agreement that simplifies how domestic wastewater systems are reviewed and permitted across the state. By assigning a single lead agency and point of contact for each system type, the agreement reduces delays, removes unnecessary duplication, and provides greater certainty for applicants. This collaborative effort supports Governor Sanders' Executive Order 26-04 and helps make government work more efficiently for Arkansans. Read the full announcement: buff.ly/xyDwrrI

Our team joined colleagues from across the country at this week's Interstate Oil & Gas Compact Commission (IOGCC) annual conference to engage in regulatory collaborations about the efficient recovery of oil and natural gas resources while protecting health, safety, and the environment. Representing Arkansas were E&E Secretary Shane Khoury and Chief Administrator of Energy and Director of the Oil and Gas Commission Alan York, who participated in discussions focused on fostering strong partnerships and practical solutions to support responsible resource development and conservation. We appreciate opportunities like the IOGCC to exchange ideas, strengthen relationships, and work alongside state and federal partners on issues important to Arkansas and the nation's energy future. #IOGCC #CooperativeFederalism #Arkansas

E&E was proud to participate in the recent AIPRO Annual Meeting in Hot Springs last week. During the State Regulatory Update, Shane Khoury, E&E Secretary, Bailey Taylor, Director of the Division of Environmental Quality and Chief Administrator of the Environment, and Dan Pilkington, E&E Attorney for the Arkansas Oil & Gas Commission, shared insights on regulatory developments and priorities shaping Arkansas' energy and environmental landscape. Events like AIPRO's annual meeting provide valuable opportunities to engage with industry leaders, exchange information, and strengthen partnerships that support responsible energy development and environmental stewardship across the Natural State. Thank you to AIPRO for hosting a successful event and fostering meaningful dialogue on Arkansas' energy future. #AIPRO #ArkansasEnergy #NaturalState #Arkansas

Keeping the Natural State clean, one community at a time! 🌿💚 Almost 50 members of our E&E team rolled up their sleeves to participate in the Keep Arkansas Beautiful Great Arkansas Cleanup last week. Our team split up across two major locations to maximize our impact: •📍 Fort Smith: Beautifying Creekmore Park. •📍 North Little Rock: Tending to the Northshore Business Park and the beautiful trails surrounding our E&E headquarters. Thanks to the incredible dedication of our volunteers, we successfully removed 289 pounds of trash from our local parks and trails! Thank you to everyone who stepped up to support our communities and protect our environment. 🌎💪 #KeepArkansasBeautiful #GreatArkansasCleanup #NaturalState

E&E staff joined Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders in Fort Smith for Capital for a Day this week, meeting with industry leaders and community members across the region. The day began with a natural gas producer's roundtable at E&E's Fort Smith office, where participants discussed issues impacting Arkansas' energy sector and opportunities for continued growth and development. The team then joined Governor Sanders for a community meet-and-greet at the University of Arkansas Fort Smith, connecting with students, faculty, local leaders, and residents. Capital for a Day gives state leaders the opportunity to visit communities across Arkansas, hear directly from stakeholders, and learn more about the issues and opportunities shaping the future of our state. 🎥 Watch our recap from the day:

E&E staff joined Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders in El Dorado for Capital for a Day last week, connecting with community leaders, educators, workforce partners, and industry representatives across South Arkansas. The day began at our El Dorado office before joining Governor Sanders for a community Meet & Greet at the South Arkansas College Library. The team then participated in a Higher Education and Workforce Roundtable focused on energy and the future of energy, bringing together leaders to discuss workforce development, educational opportunities, and the growing role of Arkansas in the energy sector. The day concluded with a tour of the Delek Refinery, where participants learned more about refinery operations and the industry's impact on the region. Capital for a Day provides an opportunity for state leaders to visit communities across Arkansas, hear directly from local stakeholders, and learn more about the industries, institutions, and partnerships helping drive the state's success.

Happy Geologic Map Day, Arkansas! 🗺️✨ Geologic maps reveal Arkansas’ deep history from the Ozarks to the Delta and guide the decisions that protect our communities and natural resources. These maps support Arkansas in many ways: • Smarter land development: Understanding what lies beneath helps build safer infrastructure. • Hazard mitigation: Identifying geologic risks supports community preparedness. • Resource management: Mapping our energy, water, and mineral reserves ensures responsible stewardship. See Arkansas in a new way by exploring interactive geologic maps at the Office of the State Geologist website: buff.ly/mtAFTsw #Arkansas #EarthScienceWeek #GeologyRocks

Last week, our team joined environmental professionals from across Arkansas at the Arkansas Environmental Federation Annual Convention in Hot Springs. From discussions on infrastructure and innovation to emerging technologies, regulatory updates, and the growing role of AI in environmental compliance, the conference showcased the ideas and partnerships shaping the future of environmental stewardship in Arkansas. Thank you to the organizers, speakers, and attendees who made this year's event a success. We are proud to be part of the conversation and committed to protecting Arkansas' environment while supporting responsible growth and innovation. Watch our video recap:

E&E staff joined Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders in Springdale for Capital for a Day October 8. The day began at the Springdale Wastewater Treatment Facility, followed by a visit to the Market Center of the Ozarks to learn about water-quality protection efforts through the Illinois River Watershed Project. The team then toured APAC Central, Inc. Sharp’s Quarry, joined Governor Sanders for a community meet-and-greet at AQ Chicken, and visited Tyson Foods, one of Northwest Arkansas’ leading employers and industry partners. Capital for a Day provides an opportunity for state leaders to visit communities across Arkansas, hear directly from local stakeholders, and learn more about the industries and projects helping drive the state's success. Watch our video recap:

Happy Fossil Day, Arkansas! 🦖 Meet Arkansaurus fridayi, our official state dinosaur. This swift, lightweight predator once roamed the Natural State during the Early Cretaceous period. Its discovery is one of Arkansas’ most important paleontological finds. 🎬 Watch our video to see this ancient predator come to life! 🔗 Visit the Office of the State Geologist website to explore more of Arkansas’ prehistoric past: buff.ly/mtAFTsw #FossilDay #Arkansaurus #Dinosaurs #EarthScienceWeek

Happy Minerals Day from the Natural State! 💎✨ Arkansas is home to remarkable geological resources that have shaped our history, strengthened our communities, and continue to support scientific discovery. Here are a few standout Arkansas treasures: • Diamonds you can keep: Murfreesboro is the only public diamond bearing site in the world where visitors can search for and keep real diamonds. • World renowned quartz: The Ouachita Mountains produce some of the clearest and most sought-after quartz crystals found anywhere. • Bauxite that built a legacy: Central Arkansas bauxite deposits supplied the aluminum used in major aircraft production and national defense. Today is a great day to appreciate the natural brilliance beneath our feet. Learn more about Arkansas geology at the Office of the State Geologist: buff.ly/mtAFTsw #Arkansas #MineralsDay #Geology #EarthScienceWeek #GeologyRocks

E&E's Division of Environmental Quality has issued an Ozone Action Advisory for Oct. 9 in northwest Arkansas. For more information, please visit: buff.ly/O9nmXWF

E&E staff joined Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders in Cabot for Capital for a Day this week, meeting with local leadership and touring facilities across the community. The day included a visit to Cabot Wastewater to discuss operations and infrastructure; a Meet & Greet at the Cabot Veterans Park Community Center with residents and local partners; a stop at E3 Environmental to learn more about emergency response and environmental services; and a tour of Pinnacle Structures to hear about ongoing manufacturing and workforce needs. 🎥 Watch our recap from the day below.

A Harmful Algal Bloom Advisory has been lifted for Lake Sophia in Hot Springs Village, Ark., within Saline and Garland counties. For more information: buff.ly/b6Pnpvm

This week, Secretary Shane Khoury joined regional leaders at the @SSEBoard Annual Meeting, strengthening partnerships across the South on energy reliability, innovation, and collaboration. The Arkansas delegation included Secretary Khoury, Arkansas State Senator Mike McKee, and Representative Rick Beck. He congratulated newly elected SSEB Chair, Puerto Rico Governor Jenniffer González-Colón and recognized outgoing Chair, Governor Tate Reeves of Mississippi, for their leadership and service to the Board. Photos include Secretary Khoury with these leaders during discussions on energy infrastructure and regional resilience. #Arkansas #Energy #PublicService #SSEB66

🌿 Stewardship goes beyond compliance; it’s leadership. The Natural State Stewardship Program (NSTEP) recognizes Arkansas organizations that choose to do more for our environment and communities. With three tiers, Diamond, Turquoise, and Quartz, members advance by setting goals, completing measurable projects, and demonstrating real environmental excellence. NSTEP members can also earn the Secretary’s Stewardship Awards for innovation, education, and community impact. Ready to lead? For more information, visit buff.ly/t8j1eSY Join NSTEP and help protect the Natural State for generations to come. buff.ly/T3G89JG

A Harmful Algal Bloom Advisory has been issued for Mom's Lake in Corning, Ark., in Clay County. For more information: buff.ly/46i9SOJ