AGP Executive Report

Missouri River Water Rules: Gov. Larry Rhoden and other governors urged Congress to remove Section 120 from the 2026 Water Resources Development Act, arguing it would require unanimous approval by Missouri River states for diversions and even for the Army Corps to study potential projects. Superfund Cleanup Scrutiny: The EPA said remedies at two Superfund sites—Chemical Commodities Inc. in Kansas and the Minker/Stout/Romaine Creek site in Missouri—aren’t protective, setting up more groundwater and vapor work in Kansas and a removal action for dioxin exposure in Missouri. Nebraska Water Infrastructure: Gibbon secured about $15 million for water and wastewater upgrades, with state funding support highlighted by Gov. Pillen. Livestock Methane Research: University of Wyoming researchers flagged a gap in grazing cattle methane studies, calling for more simultaneous soil carbon and methane measurements to better inform policy. Rural Water Conservation Order: Henderson, citing low Kerr Lake levels, ordered residents to cut non-essential water use until conditions improve. Grid Stress From Demand: A report warns the U.S. electricity grid could face congestion as data centers and electrification grow, potentially raising bills and slowing clean energy buildout.

Endangered Species Policy: As the Trump administration moves to roll back endangered species protections, U.S. lawmakers introduced the Improving Species Recovery Act, aiming to speed recovery through incentives for states and private landowners, “conservation milestones,” and science-based updates to the Endangered Species Act. Flooding in Nebraska: Record rain hit Nebraska overnight into Thursday, with Lincoln breaking its all-time single-day record (156.2 mm) and Omaha setting a new daily record (120.4 mm), prompting local emergencies and ongoing flooding concerns tied to Gulf moisture and remnants of Hurricane Polo. Gas and Diesel Relief: With fuel prices staying high, more states are suspending or reducing gasoline and diesel taxes; Ohio approved a 90-day gas tax holiday, while other states consider regulatory tweaks such as red-dyed diesel rules. Wildlife Recovery in Nebraska: Partners collected seven endangered Jemez Mountains salamanders and transported them to Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo to start the first captive population effort. Rural Trails: A 2026 Nebraska Rural Poll finds many rural residents use paved multi-use trails and natural surface trails, with trail use varying by community size and region.

Agricultural Data Privacy: Nebraska Sen. Pete Ricketts introduced a federal Agricultural Data Privacy Act that would treat farmers and ranchers as owners of data generated on their operations and require written consent before companies use or sell it, building on Nebraska’s April law. Local Accountability: Douglas County officials pushed back on a state auditor’s probe tied to the county’s general assistance program, saying they don’t see criminal wrongdoing, while the sheriff says his investigation will continue. Flood Relief: U-Haul is offering 30 days of free storage and U-Box container use at 35 Nebraska and Iowa locations for residents affected by record rainfall and flooding. Weather & Water: The U.S. Drought Monitor reports drought eased in parts of south central Nebraska after late-September rain, while a broader Central Plains flood threat is tied to tropical moisture from Pacific systems. Rural Recreation: A Nebraska Rural Poll finds trails matter to many rural residents, with use split between paved multi-use paths and natural-surface routes. Education & Food: Nebraska’s Department of Education launched “Battle of the Beans,” a statewide recipe contest to promote Nebraska-grown dry beans in school cafeterias.

Flood Watch: Tropical moisture plus a slow-moving front is setting up repeated heavy rain and a growing flood threat across the Central Plains, with meteorologists warning of “training” thunderstorms. Nebraska Water Concern: Lincoln health officials investigated reports of red, foul-smelling discharge in Antelope Creek near S. 88th St. and Old Cheney Rd., after a resident reported the color change. Drought Update: Oklahoma’s drought is intensifying heading into October, with exceptional drought expanding and most of the state now in moderate-to-extreme conditions. Wildlife Research: UNL researchers are studying how birds’ social and communication networks shape ecology and evolution, including a new NSF-funded project. Local Conservation Funding: Keep Nebraska Beautiful wrapped up its 30th annual Golf For The Environment fundraiser, supporting statewide clean-up and beautification programs. Midterm Politics (Nebraska): National reporting flags Nebraska’s 2nd District as among the House seats Republicans may struggle to hold. Animal Care/Accreditation: The Association of Zoos and Aquariums announced fall 2026 accreditations and awards, highlighting animal welfare and conservation work.

Water Quality Watch: Lincoln’s Antelope Creek turned red in a specific spot near 86th and Old Cheney Road, and the Lincoln-Lancaster Health Department traced the discoloration to a wastewater discharge from a hydro… source, after residents reported odor and color change. Severe Weather: Southwest Nebraska and southeast Nebraska into far southwest Iowa face continued flood watch conditions, with meteorologists warning of 2–3 inches possible again and locally higher totals that could trigger flash flooding and isolated stronger storms tonight. Data Center Transparency: Nebraska data centers must report water and electricity use, but some filings are being withheld as trade secrets; a public-record request sought redacted usage details tied to a Lincoln Google data center. Digital Ag Push: UNL launched a Nebraska Digital Ag Hub to help producers adopt and test digital agriculture tools, aiming to scale what works on Nebraska farms. Recycling Policy Update: Oregon’s packaging EPR law was upheld in federal court, while other states’ challenges continue—an issue Nebraska producers and businesses may be watching as compliance rules spread. Local Transit Upgrade: Lincoln broke ground on a $33M multi-modal transportation center funded by a $23.6M federal grant to improve StarTran transfers and reduce commute friction. Trails Survey: A Nebraska Rural Poll finds many rural residents use multi-use trails, with paved trails most common and off-road vehicle trails more popular in smaller communities.

Digital Ag Push: UNL launched the Nebraska Digital Ag Hub to help producers adopt and test digital agriculture tools, from decision-support to training the next generation of innovators. Water, Weather, and Harvest Stress: Ohio’s extreme rain is disrupting farm shows and raising questions about fall crop impacts, a reminder that Nebraska’s own wet swings can hit agriculture fast. Big Environmental Compliance Fight: A multi-state legal challenge is taking aim at packaging extended producer responsibility rules, with Nebraska named in a case tied to California’s plastics law—watch how it could reshape what companies must do with packaging. Heat and Public Health: Nebraska’s cooling-center coverage shows how communities are responding to dangerous heat, including Omaha and Lincoln plans that expand help during advisories. Rural Recreation: A Nebraska Rural Poll finds many residents use paved and natural-surface trails, with usage patterns varying by community size and region. Local Industry Growth: Armor Equipment plans to expand in Arnold, adding bays and hiring—an economic story with potential local environmental impacts.

Prairie Change in Nebraska: A new look at Nine-Mile Prairie finds shrubs and trees moving in on tallgrass remnants, driven by shifting conditions like rising CO2 and more atmospheric nitrate—experts say the “game has changed” for grassland conservation. Water Fight: Colorado escalated its Supreme Court fight over the South Platte River Compact, accusing Nebraska of taking water Colorado is owed. Local Housing + Reuse: Beatrice is converting the former Stoddard Elementary School into senior apartments, using low-income housing tax credits to help ease affordability pressures. Public Safety (Blood on Scene): Lincoln Fire and Rescue and the Nebraska Community Blood Bank launched a program to carry packed red blood cells on EMS units so trauma patients can be transfused sooner. College Sports Policy: Nebraska sports leaders praised the Senate’s passage of the Protect College Sports Act, aimed at bringing more stability amid NIL and transfer-portal changes. Health Policy Watch: Early Nebraska data on Medicaid work requirements show many new and renewing enrollees qualify for activities or exclusions, with some denials reported.

Water Quality Watch: A new analysis of federal records estimates atrazine at harmful levels across about 860,000 miles of U.S. rivers and streams, renewing pressure on the widely used herbicide. Local Water Infrastructure: Gov. Jim Pillen highlighted $15 million for Gibbon’s drinking-water and wastewater upgrades, aimed at addressing elevated manganese. River Politics: Governors including Nebraska’s joined a letter opposing a Missouri River water provision that would require unanimous basin-state approval for certain diversions/exports. Weather & Flood Risk: Forecasters warn a “hybrid storm” from Hurricane Polo remnants could bring days of heavy rain and flash flooding across the central U.S., including Nebraska. Wildlife & Habitat: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is reviewing whether the plains spotted skunk should be listed as endangered as sightings decline. Invasive Weeds Control: A Sandhills Weed Management Area helicopter survey-and-spray project targets invasives like phragmites and purple loosestrife along Nebraska river systems. Agriculture & Markets: Nebraska-focused crop and harvest coverage notes corn/soy conditions holding steady nationally while farmers weigh how to use a grain rally. Campus Safety: UNL’s annual campus security and fire safety report is available ahead of the Oct. 1 deadline.

Water Infrastructure Funding: Gov. Jim Pillen highlighted $15 million in state revolving fund help for Gibbon’s drinking-water upgrades, including nearly $10 million to build a new wellfield to cut elevated manganese. Recycling Recognition: The Nebraska Recycling Council named six businesses for recycling wins, including Lincoln Bike Kitchen, Lincoln Children’s Zoo, and Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska. Trauma Care & Public Health: Lincoln Fire and Rescue is starting a blood-carrying EMS program, adding packed red blood cells to an EMS unit to improve survival chances after traumatic crashes. Flood and Storm Watch: Forecasters warn a “hybrid storm” from Hurricane Polo remnants plus another system could bring days of heavy rain and flash-flood risk across the central U.S., including Nebraska. Agriculture Conditions: USDA crop ratings stayed “good to excellent” for corn and soybeans, with Nebraska’s corn index ticking up. Water Dispute Politics: Governors including Nebraska’s joined a letter opposing a federal Missouri River water restriction unless all basin states agree. Electricity Demand: OPPD reported record summer electricity demand tied to growth and hotter temperatures. Invasive Weeds Control: A Sandhills Weed Management Area helicopter survey-and-spray effort targets invasives like phragmites and purple loosestrife along river systems. Pesticide Pollution Concern: A new review says atrazine is contaminating about a quarter of continental U.S. river miles at levels that can harm wildlife and potentially people. Local Monitoring Upgrade: Omaha District funding supports 35 new mesonet stations to improve water and weather monitoring.

Insurance & extreme weather costs: A new analysis says Nebraska homeowners are paying far more than most states for coverage, driven by the state’s position in Tornado Alley and Hail Alley, with 2025 rates up sharply and more increases projected for 2026. Water monitoring upgrades: The Omaha area and UNL celebrated the installation of 35 new U.S. Army Corps-funded mesonet stations, boosting local weather and water-level data in parts of the Upper Missouri Basin. Invasive weeds by air: A Sandhills Weed Management Area helicopter project is surveying and spraying targeted invasives along central and north central Nebraska river systems, funded through a Nebraska Environmental Trust grant. Pesticide pollution spotlight: A federal-record review finds the hormone-disrupting herbicide atrazine contaminates about a quarter of continental U.S. river miles at levels that can harm wildlife and potentially affect human health. Heavy rain risk: Nebraska is bracing for a major storm bringing widespread rain and thunderstorms midweek, with flash-flood risk flagged. Local recycling help: Clay County held a grant-funded electronics recycling event to keep old devices out of landfills. Data center pressure: A Lincoln County land deal shows continued interest in data-center power demand, raising local questions about water and energy impacts.

Virtual fencing and grazing: At McGinn Ranch near Anselmo, a field day highlighted GPS-collared “virtual fencing” that can help ranchers manage rotational and adaptive grazing without poly wire—aiming to make pasture rest and movement decisions easier as weather and forage change. Water and wastewater funding: Gov. Jim Pillen announced a $38 million ONE RED grant for Norfolk’s wastewater treatment facility, supporting anaerobic digestion, gas collection, and energy infrastructure. Mosquito-borne disease watch: Adams County’s district health department reported more mosquitoes testing positive for West Nile virus and Cache Valley virus, urging Nebraskans to “fight the bite.” Harvest delays from wet weather: USDA’s Midwest Climate Hub director warned repeated rainfall could push harvest back weeks to months across parts of the Corn Belt. Conservation tech growth: Precision Conservation Management (PCM) enrollment continues to expand across Illinois, Kentucky, Nebraska, and Missouri, with more farmers collecting field-by-field data to support conservation practices. Pollution concern: A new analysis says atrazine contaminates about a quarter of U.S. river and stream miles, renewing pressure on pesticide regulation. Electronics recycling: Clay County held a free electronics recycling event funded by a Nebraska grant to keep old devices out of landfills.

Nebraska Water & Air Infrastructure: Gov. Jim Pillen announced Norfolk will receive a $38 million grant under the ONE RED Wastewater Treatment Facility Anaerobic Digestion Program, aimed at expanding digesters and gas-collection systems to produce renewable natural gas while improving wastewater handling. Mosquito-Borne Disease Watch: Health officials in Adams, Clay, Nuckolls and Webster counties reported mosquitoes testing positive for West Nile virus and Cache Valley virus, urging residents to “Fight the Bite” as Nebraska tallies more WNV cases this year. Farm Weather & Harvest Impacts: USDA’s Midwest Climate Hub director warned repeated rainfall could delay harvest across much of the Corn Belt for weeks, even months, with wet conditions affecting soil and field drying. Conservation Data Growth: Precision Conservation Management enrollment continues to expand across Illinois, Kentucky, Nebraska and Missouri, with more farmers and acres collecting field-by-field conservation data. Water Monitoring Tech in Ranching: RanchBot is promoting satellite-connected, real-time monitoring for wells, pumps and storage to help ranchers manage water where cellular service is limited. Chemicals & Water Quality Concern: A new analysis says atrazine contaminates about 25% of U.S. river and stream miles, raising renewed pressure on pesticide regulation. Local Recycling: Clay County held a state-grant-funded electronics recycling event to keep old devices out of landfills.

Nebraska Water & Energy: Gov. Jim Pillen announced a $38 million ONE RED grant for Norfolk’s wastewater treatment facility to expand anaerobic digesters, capture biogas, and convert it into renewable natural gas—aimed at cutting emissions while strengthening local infrastructure. Mosquito-Borne Disease: Nebraska health officials reported Adams County mosquitoes testing positive for West Nile virus and Cache Valley virus, urging residents to “Fight the Bite” with EPA-registered repellents and bite prevention. Ag Weather & Harvest: USDA’s Midwest Climate Hub director warned repeated wet weather could delay Corn Belt harvest for weeks to months, with heavy rain concentrated from eastern Nebraska through southeast South Dakota into parts of the Midwest. Conservation Tech in the Field: Precision Conservation Management (PCM) enrollment continues to grow across Illinois, Kentucky, Nebraska, and Missouri, reaching about 700 farmers and nearly 800,000 acres by year’s end. Water Monitoring for Ranches: RanchBot is expanding real-time, satellite-connected water monitoring for wells, pumps, pipes, and tanks—designed for remote areas with limited cell service. Pollution & Health: A new analysis says the herbicide atrazine contaminates about 25% of U.S. river and stream miles, raising concerns for drinking water and wildlife. Electronics Research: UNL researchers reported hafnium oxide’s intrinsic antiferroelectric structure, pointing to more stable performance for future capacitors, memory, and cooling. Local Recycling: Clay County held a free electronics recycling event funded by a Nebraska Department of Water, Energy and Environment grant to keep circuit boards out of landfills.

Nebraska Water & Energy: Gov. Jim Pillen announced a $38 million ONE RED grant for Norfolk’s wastewater treatment facility to expand anaerobic digesters, capture biogas, and convert it into renewable natural gas—aimed at cutting energy costs and emissions while improving how the plant handles high-strength agricultural wastewater. Mosquito-borne disease: Nebraska health officials reported West Nile virus and Cache Valley virus in mosquito samples in Adams County and surrounding areas, urging residents to “fight the bite” with repellents and bite prevention. Farm climate pressure: A USDA Midwest Climate Hub director warned repeated wet weather could delay harvest across parts of the Corn Belt for weeks, even months, even as some drought areas got relief. Conservation tech in ag: Precision Conservation Management (PCM) enrollment is growing across Illinois, Kentucky, Nebraska, and Missouri, with more producers using field-by-field data to adopt practices tied to water-quality goals. Water monitoring for ranches: RanchBot is expanding real-time, satellite-connected monitoring for wells, pumps, pipes, and storage—targeting better water decisions where cell service is spotty. Pollution & health: A new analysis says atrazine—linked to cancer and hormone disruption—contaminates about a quarter of U.S. river and stream miles, raising fresh concerns as federal review continues. Data center debate: Nebraska Public Media reports a purchase option for 560+ acres northwest of Lincoln is being considered for a data center, adding to local opposition and regulation discussions.

Water & Air Infrastructure: Gov. Jim Pillen highlighted Norfolk’s $38 million ONE RED grant to expand wastewater anaerobic digestion, capturing biogas for renewable natural gas and helping the city handle high-strength agricultural wastewater. Public Health & Mosquito Control: Adams, Clay, Nuckolls and Webster counties reported more mosquitoes testing positive for West Nile virus and Cache Valley virus, urging residents to “Fight the Bite” with EPA-registered repellents and bite prevention. Agriculture & Climate Impacts: A USDA Midwest Climate Hub director warned repeated wet weather could delay harvest across parts of the Corn Belt for weeks to months, even as some drought areas got relief. Water Monitoring for Ranches: RanchBot is expanding real-time, satellite-connected water monitoring for wells, pumps and tanks to help producers manage water use remotely. Pollution & Health Concerns: A new analysis says atrazine contamination affects about a quarter of U.S. river and stream miles, renewing pressure on pesticide regulation. Local Environment Policy: Nebraska’s Capitol Environs Commission signaled openness to a revised, scaled-back bronze “Capitol Cat” sculpture honoring Cameron the Capitol Cat. Waste & Recycling: Clay County held a free electronics recycling event funded by a Nebraska Department of Water, Energy and Environment grant to keep circuit boards out of landfills.

Data Centers & Water/Power Pressure: A proposed data center site optioned for more than 560 acres northwest of Lincoln highlights how quickly Lancaster County is getting pulled into the national fight over electricity and water impacts. Livestock & Food Prices: The U.S. plans to reopen a major cattle inspection port on the Mexico border after screwworm concerns, but officials say beef prices likely won’t drop soon because it takes months to ramp up slaughter-ready cattle. Nebraska Water Planning: Nebraska’s 2026 Water Conference is set for Oct. 15–16 at UNL, with sessions spanning groundwater quality, agriculture water use, emerging contaminants, and even water use in data centers. Ag Water Conservation Tech: Husker Harvest Days showcased irrigation products aimed at precision application, conservation, and remote management—tools farmers are using to stretch water while protecting water quality. Ag Data Privacy: Sen. Pete Ricketts introduced an Agricultural Data Privacy Act to block selling or using farm and ranch data without clear written consent. Wildlife & Habitat: Nebraska’s conservation community also gets a boost from recognition of Game and Parks agriculture staff, while broader wildlife coverage includes migration-focused crane events and habitat restoration themes.