AGP Executive Report

Water Quality Fight: Nebraska and other Republican attorneys general are urging the EPA to classify the abortion pill mifepristone as a water contaminant, arguing it threatens waterways—while environmental health experts say there’s no clear harm shown to drinking water or aquatic wildlife. Public Health & Water Safety: Nebraska issued a harmful algal bloom health alert for Iron Horse Trail Lake and extended it for Rockford Lake, with microcystin levels above the state threshold; swimming beaches are closed and officials warn people to avoid swallowing water and keep pets out. Wildfire Watch (Panhandle): Updates on the South Fork Fire show rapid growth and shifting conditions, with containment rising in some reports and evacuation steps focused on Crawford and nearby areas, plus ongoing air support and road closures. Local Conservation: The Bow Creek Watershed Project plans a 2026 field day in Hartington focused on summer annual forages and small grains, including practical drill and grazing demonstrations. Energy & Land Use: A North Omaha town hall highlighted new Nebraska data center rules, including reporting on power and water use, as residents push for transparency amid rapid development. Livestock Health: Nebraska livestock producers are being warned about the return and spread of New World screwworm, a destructive pest that can affect animals and wildlife. Agriculture & Soil: Research and program coverage this week points to the difficulty of proving results for conservation programs, especially when enrolling farmers and ranchers takes time and staffing.

Wildfire Response in Nebraska Panhandle: The South Fork Fire surged to 28,067 acres with containment up to 7% as crews worked to protect Crawford and Fort Robinson, with about 245 personnel on scene and a community meeting set for 6 p.m. Friday. Public Health—Toxic Algae Alerts: Nebraska issued a health alert for Harmful Algal Blooms at Iron Horse Trail Lake in Pawnee County and extended it for Rockford Lake in Gage County, with swimming beaches closed and residents urged to avoid swallowing lake water and keep pets out. Water Safety—Abortion Pill Traces: A coalition of 14 state attorneys general, including Nebraska, urged the EPA to add mifepristone to its contaminant tracking list, warning wastewater treatment may not remove it. Data Center Scrutiny in Nebraska: North Omaha residents heard lawmakers discuss new data center reporting rules on power and water use, while Lincoln County weighs additional regulations amid concerns about groundwater, electricity demand, and noise. Livestock—New World Screwworm Returns: USDA confirmed the New World screwworm in Texas after decades, raising stakes for Nebraska livestock producers as the pest expands northward.

Wildfire Watch (Nebraska Panhandle): The South Fork Fire surged to 23,112 acres with winds and very dry fuels keeping conditions dangerous; Fort Robinson State Park and Peterson WMA were temporarily closed and evacuations were ordered near Crawford, with crews working to protect at-risk areas and Highway 20 shut between Fort Robinson and Harrison. Public Access & Habitat Incentives: Nebraska Game and Parks is expanding its Open Fields and Waters Program, paying landowners per acre for walk-in hunting and fishing access, with priority for CRP, Wetland Reserve Program easements, and high-quality grasslands. Waste & Recycling Push: A tire amnesty day in O’Neill collected 700 tons of tires in a single day, with materials recycled into products like benches and feed bunks. Agriculture Research (Manure): SDSU Extension highlights precision livestock research at the Cottonwood Field Station, focusing on practical, science-based ways to improve livestock production and returns. Health & Environment (Pesticides): A new review links pesticide exposure during pregnancy and early childhood to higher risks of childhood leukemia and brain tumors. Wildlife Management (Out of state): Disney World removed 414 nuisance alligators over the past decade after a toddler death, underscoring the ongoing challenge of managing wildlife near people.

Wildfire Update (Nebraska Panhandle): The South Fork Fire has surged to 23,112 acres and is only 5% contained, with 145 personnel and National Guard support working to protect Crawford and Fort Robinson; evacuations are underway near Crawford and Fort Robinson State Park has been temporarily closed as crews battle very dry fuels and hazardous terrain. Water & Health Policy: Fourteen state attorneys general are urging the EPA to track whether mifepristone from at-home abortion care is contaminating drinking water, arguing wastewater treatment may not remove the drug’s metabolites. Grasslands at Risk: Nebraska Extension warns eastern red cedar is spreading across grasslands, fueled by fewer frequent fires, threatening wildlife habitat, water resources, and increasing long-term wildfire risk. Farming Research: South Dakota State University is leading a multistate study on swine manure’s effects on crop yields and soil health, testing manure versus commercial fertilizer across multiple states including Nebraska. Composting Tip: A practical home guide says shredded paper can be composted effectively when cut small enough, with cautions about certain document types.

Wildfire Response in Nebraska: The South Fork Fire has surged to about 8,989 acres, with Fort Robinson State Park and the Peterson Wildlife Management Area temporarily closed as winds and dry conditions keep fire behavior dangerous; Highway 20 remains closed and officials urge residents to shelter in place and avoid active fire zones. Local Conservation & Land Management: Nebraska Game and Parks is also offering additional grazing and haying opportunities on some properties affected by spring wildfires, with short-term leases and hay tracts available on a set schedule. Energy & Infrastructure Fight: A federal judge blocked a Sand Hills power line project, ruling the U.S. Forest Service’s emergency fast-track process didn’t adequately address environmental and cultural impacts. Water & Public Health Policy: Fourteen state attorneys general are pressing the EPA to track potential abortion-drug contamination in wastewater, including calls to add mifepristone to monitoring lists. Climate Context: NOAA reports May 2026 as the world’s second-warmest May on record, reinforcing high odds that 2026 will rank among the warmest years. Agriculture Resilience: Nebraska NRCS extended emergency EQIP signups for wildfire-impacted producers until July 31, supporting repairs and forage restoration. Data Center Planning: Lincoln County has begun reviewing zoning rules that could update power, water, noise, setbacks, and emergency response requirements for new data centers. Health & Environment Research: A new review links pesticide exposure during pregnancy and early childhood to higher risks of childhood leukemia and brain tumors.

Public Health & Environment: A new review links pesticide exposure during pregnancy and early childhood to higher risks of childhood leukemia and brain tumors, with the strongest signals tied to prenatal exposure. Climate: NOAA reports May 2026 as the world’s second-warmest May on record, with high odds that 2026 will land among the four warmest years. Water Quality: Nebraska issued a harmful algal bloom health alert for Rockford Lake in Gage County after microcystin levels exceeded the threshold; swimming beaches are closed and people are warned to avoid swallowing lake water and keep pets out. Wildlife & Land Use: Nebraska Game and Parks is offering additional grazing and haying opportunities on some properties affected by spring wildfires, and will consider changes to deer, turkey, and mountain lion orders at its June 12 meeting. Local Water Protection: LENRD’s Nebraska Environmental Trust vadose zone study is moving forward with requests for proposals to better track nutrient and water movement underground under different farming practices. Energy & Development: Lincoln County planners are starting to review zoning rules for data centers, including power and water needs, noise standards, setbacks, and emergency response planning.

Nebraska Water Safety: Nebraska issued a Harmful Algal Bloom health alert for Rockford Lake in Gage County after microcystin levels rose above the state threshold; swimming beaches are closed, while boating and fishing are allowed with caution and people are told to keep pets out of the water. Wildlife & Hunting Rules: Nebraska Game and Parks will consider changes to deer permit limits at its June 12 meeting in North Platte, including a proposal to reduce antlered-deer permits to one per calendar year starting in 2027, plus updates to turkey and mountain lion regulations. Sandhills Power Line Fight: A judge partially blocked federal approval of a major transmission line through the Nebraska Sandhills, saying required cultural and environmental consultations weren’t properly handled. Grasslands Conservation: The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation announced nearly $18.5 million in Great Plains grants to conserve grasslands and support ranching communities, targeting species like pronghorn and greater sage-grouse. Local Access for Hunting/Fishing: Game and Parks is seeking more enrollments in its Open Fields and Waters program, paying landowners for public walk-in access and habitat improvements. Research to Tackle Blooms: UNL researchers are exploring how “virovory” (organisms eating viruses) could help reduce nutrient-driven toxic algal blooms.

Water Infrastructure Funding: The EPA is backing South Sioux City’s wastewater upgrades with a $40 million WIFIA loan, aimed at cutting operating costs and keeping service local, with the city also planning to collect and sell biogas to offset rate increases. Teacher Pipeline Investment: Nebraska’s Department of Education awarded about $1 million to Midland University and the College of Saint Mary to expand “Grow Your Own” teacher apprenticeship programs, targeting 49 new paid apprentices to help reduce teaching vacancies by 2030. Rural Health Leadership: Box Butte General Hospital named Gabriel Behling as its new CEO, effective June 4, as the hospital continues focusing on rural access to care. Wildfire Recovery for Nebraska Producers: USDA’s NRCS extended the EQIP emergency assistance deadline for wildfire-affected Nebraska farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners, keeping applications open until July 31. Grasslands Conservation in the Great Plains: NFWF announced nearly $18.5 million in grants to conserve grasslands and support ranching communities, with projects benefiting species like pronghorn and grassland birds. Nebraska Science in Space: UNK was selected for the Student Spaceflight Experiments Program, with one student-designed experiment slated for the International Space Station in spring 2027. Data Centers and Water Use: Google says it will replenish more water than it uses by 2030 and is funding water projects in multiple states, including Nebraska, as scrutiny grows over data center impacts.

Water Infrastructure Funding: The EPA approved a $40 million WIFIA loan for South Sioux City to expand and upgrade its wastewater treatment, letting the community treat locally instead of sending wastewater to a neighboring city; the plan also includes biogas collection and sale to offset future costs. Harmful Algal Blooms Research: UNL researchers are testing an unusual approach to toxic cyanobacterial blooms—“virovory,” where organisms eat viruses—to see whether it can reduce nutrient-driven bloom formation and improve water quality. Data Centers, Water Use Backlash: Google says it will replenish more water than it uses by 2030 and fund wetlands restoration and other water projects in multiple states, including Nebraska, as scrutiny of data-center water demand grows. Severe Weather Watch (Nebraska Region): Meteorologists flagged a Wednesday June 10 severe outbreak risk across the Upper Midwest, with Omaha and surrounding areas in a broader damaging-storm zone. Livestock & Veterinary Pipeline: UNL’s Nebraska Elite 11 Veterinarian Program selected 21 students for a new cohort aimed at addressing the state’s shortage of food-animal veterinarians and supporting rural animal health.

Water Infrastructure Funding: The EPA approved a $40 million WIFIA loan for South Sioux City to expand and upgrade its wastewater treatment facility, letting the city treat wastewater locally instead of sending it to a neighboring community; the project is expected to cut long-term operating costs, protect the Missouri River, and includes plans to collect and sell biogas to offset rate increases. Nuclear Power Watch: A new report says Nebraska Public Power District is studying potential new nuclear sites, including a Gage County location, with local support and community siting concerns shaping the conversation. Public Health & Disease Monitoring: A U.S. public health team is preparing to screen wastewater and monitor signals for infectious disease outbreaks during World Cup events, reflecting growing focus on early detection. Local Conservation Input: USDA’s Local Working Group for NRCS conservation programs will meet June 11 in Norfolk, inviting Nebraskans to help shape how federal conservation dollars are targeted locally. Wildlife & Livestock Health: Nebraska’s veterinarian community is weighing concerns as USDA confirms a new world screwworm case in U.S. livestock, underscoring the need for vigilance in animal health. Severe Weather Outlook: Forecasts point to another active severe weather stretch across the Plains and Upper Midwest, with Nebraska in the broader risk area for damaging storms.

Data-center pushback and water worries: Communities across the Midwest are increasingly challenging large-scale data center development over heavy water and energy use, with one Illinois county approving a one-year moratorium while it drafts new zoning rules. Nebraska wastewater funding: South Sioux City won a $40 million EPA WIFIA loan to expand its wastewater treatment plant, aiming to cut long-term costs and protect the Missouri River. Severe weather watch: Forecasters flagged renewed tornado and hail risk across parts of the Plains and Upper Midwest, including areas near the Nebraska Panhandle. Tribes vs. drilling: Nine Native American tribes sued to stop exploratory graphite drilling near a sacred Black Hills meadow, arguing federal agencies violated law and that wildlife would be harmed. Wildlife and health alerts: USDA confirmed a New World screwworm case in Texas, prompting quarantine and control efforts; Nebraska officials also issued a health alert tied to Rockford Lake. Policy and agriculture: Congress is weighing changes that could roll back state livestock animal welfare rules, targeting California’s Proposition 12. Water stewardship by tech: Google says it will replenish more water than it uses at U.S. data centers by 2030, as scrutiny grows.

Farm Animal Welfare Fight: Congress is weighing a farm bill rewrite that could block states from regulating livestock raising, targeting California’s Proposition 12 and its limits on gestation crates—an issue that could ripple into Nebraska’s broader animal agriculture rules. Severe Weather Watch: Meteorologists flag a renewed severe thunderstorm threat across the Plains and Upper Midwest, with damaging winds, large hail, and tornado risk stretching toward Nebraska and the Omaha-to-Kansas City corridor. Tribes vs. Drilling: Nine Native tribes sued to stop exploratory graphite drilling near a sacred Black Hills meadow used for ceremonies and youth camps, arguing federal agencies violated law and that wildlife could be harmed. Toxic Algae Alert (Nebraska): Nebraska issued a Harmful Algal Bloom health alert for Rockford Lake in Gage County, closing swimming beaches and warning people and pets to avoid exposure and swallowing lake water. Wastewater Funding (Nebraska): EPA approved a $40 million WIFIA loan for South Sioux City’s wastewater treatment expansion, aimed at cutting long-term costs and easing pressure on residents’ sewer bills. Data Centers & Water: As AI power demand surges, Google says it will replenish more water than it uses at data centers by 2030, while communities keep asking how new facilities will affect local supplies. Wildlife & Biosecurity: USDA and partners are responding to the return of New World screwworm in Texas with quarantine and sterile fly releases—an early warning for livestock and wildlife health.

Data Center Water Pressure: Google says it will replenish more water than it uses at U.S. data centers by 2030, including air-cooling in at-risk watersheds, reclaimed wastewater, utility upgrades, and public reporting—plus a $17 million push across states like Georgia and Iowa. Nebraska Water Safety: Nebraska DHHS issued a Harmful Algal Bloom health alert for Rockford Lake in Gage County after microcystin levels exceeded the safety threshold; swimming beaches are closed and people are urged to avoid exposure. Wastewater Upgrade Funding (Nebraska): EPA approved a $40 million WIFIA loan for South Sioux City’s wastewater treatment expansion, covering about 60% of the project and aimed at easing residents’ sewer bill pressures. Carbon Pipeline Lawsuit: A $15 million damages case tied to Summit Carbon Solutions heads toward trial in Delaware after settlement talks stalled. Severe Weather Watch: Forecasts flag hot, muggy conditions and the chance of strong storms with damaging winds, hail, and lightning in parts of the region.

Water Quality Alert: Nebraska DHHS issued a Harmful Algal Bloom health alert for Rockford Lake in Gage County after microcystin levels topped the state threshold; swimming beaches are closed and people are told to avoid swallowing lake water and keep pets out, though boating and fishing are still allowed with caution. Wastewater Funding: South Sioux City secured a $40 million EPA WIFIA loan for a wastewater treatment plant expansion, covering about 60% of the project and aimed at easing a looming rate increase while protecting the Missouri River. Data Centers & Water: A new report on state tax breaks for data centers shows Nebraska has offered fewer incentives than top states, while Google continues pledges to replenish more water than it uses by 2030 and invest in local water projects, including leak detection in Nebraska. Severe Weather Watch: Tornado alley coverage and storm-chasing commentary keep attention on the Plains and Great Plains risk as the season ramps up. Wildlife & Habitat: A community science push is recruiting more cat owners for a national feline genetics study, including calls for participation from underrepresented states like Nebraska.

Water Quality Alert: Nebraska DHHS issued a Harmful Algal Bloom health alert for Rockford Lake in Gage County after microcystin levels exceeded the threshold; swimming beaches are closed and people are told to avoid swallowing lake water and keep pets out. Wastewater Funding: South Sioux City won a $40 million EPA WIFIA loan to expand its wastewater treatment plant, covering over 60% of costs and aimed at preventing steep sewer bill increases while protecting the Missouri River. Drought Update: UNL’s latest drought monitor shows nearly 600,000 Nebraskans in drought-impacted areas, with western counties facing exceptional drought and the state still seeing widespread extreme conditions. Severe Weather Watch: A tornado warning was issued for Cherry County in the Sandhills after radar showed a classic rotating supercell south of Merriman. Wildlife & Habitat: A piping plover-focused project highlights the species’ fragile nesting needs across protected populations in the Great Lakes, northern Great Plains, and Atlantic Coast. Data Center Water Push: Google pledged to replenish more water than it uses by 2030 and pointed to conservation and reuse efforts, including work tied to Nebraska.

Toxic Algae Alert: Nebraska DHHS issued a harmful algal bloom health alert for Rockford Lake in Gage County after microcystin levels topped the safety threshold; swimming beaches are closed, and people are urged to avoid swallowing lake water and keep pets out. Water Stewardship Scrutiny: Google says it will replenish more water than it uses at data centers by 2030, including a Nebraska leak-detection effort, while a separate report highlights how data-center water plans are drawing public attention. Wastewater Upgrade in South Sioux City: EPA finalized a $40 million WIFIA loan to help South Sioux City leave a neighboring sewer grid and build its own modern wastewater treatment system. Carbon Pipeline Lawsuit: A $15 million lawsuit tied to Summit Carbon Solutions is moving toward trial in Delaware, keeping pressure on the stalled carbon-capture pipeline project. Severe Weather Watch: A tornado warning was issued for Cherry County in the Sandhills after radar showed a classic rotating supercell south of Merriman. Drought Update: UNL estimates show nearly 600,000 Nebraskans live in drought-impacted areas, with extreme drought expanding this year compared with last.