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

Capital for a Day: Russellville E&E staff joined Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders in Russellville this week for Capital for a Day! We kicked off the day with a behind the scenes tour of Entergy’s Arkansas Nuclear One facility. From there, we met up with Governor Sanders for a meet and greet at Arkansas Tech University, connecting with students, faculty, and local leadership. We stopped by our Russellville field office to visit with our hardworking E&E staff and highlight the important work happening across the region. We ended the day back at Arkansas Tech University for a forward looking discussion on the future of nuclear education with ATU President Dr. Russell Jones, Jaime Land, Director of Government Relations, and Dr. John Krohn, Associate Dean of Engineering and Computing Science and Professor of Mechanical Engineering. 🎥Watch our full video recap to see the day’s highlights!

A Harmful Algal Bloom Advisory has been reissued for Lake Hogue in Waldenburg, Ark., in Poinsett County. For more information: buff.ly/HIEM6ob

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

Helena West Helena shined as Arkansas’ Capital for a Day last week! Our day began at Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas (PCCUA) in the Hendrix Fine Arts Building Community Room, where Governor Sanders and state leaders met with students, staff, and community members for a warm and engaging meet and greet. Next, we visited the historic Cleburne Hotel, currently enrolled in DEQ’s Brownfield Program. The program has invested about $14,000 in environmental assessments to help determine future remediation needs for this important landmark. To close the day, Governor Sanders hosted a Community Leadership Roundtable with E&E leadership, the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Health, and local leaders. The conversation focused on Helena West Helena’s utility infrastructure, the challenges ahead, and the opportunities to strengthen services for residents. We’re grateful to the community for the warm welcome and look forward to continued partnership and progress in Helena West Helena! 🎥Watch the recap of our visit!

At the 2026 ECOS Fall Meeting in Jackson Hole, WY, Secretary Shane Khoury and DEQ Director Bailey Taylor engaged in sessions tackling today’s top environmental priorities, including AI tools, microplastics, and critical minerals. Secretary Khoury also spoke on a breakout panel focused on emerging technologies. They met with federal leaders including David Fotouhi (USEPA Deputy Administrator), Becky Keogh (Associate Administrator for Policy, U.S. EPA Office of the Administrator), and Scott Mason (EPA Region 6 Administrator), reinforcing strong state federal partnerships on environmental protection.

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/pTuCCGQ

Happy Labor Day, Arkansas! Today we honor the dedication, skill, and public service of our team and all Arkansas workers who help our communities thrive. In observance of the holiday, E&E offices are closed Monday, Sept. 7, and will reopen for regular business hours Tuesday, Sept. 8. Wishing everyone a safe and restful Labor Day!

A Harmful Algal Bloom Advisory has been issued for Lake Poinsett in Harrisburg, Ark., Poinsett County. For more information: ee.arkansas.gov/announcement…