AGP Executive Report

Climate & Clean Air Legal Fight: Minnesota is among states and cities suing the Trump administration over EPA rollbacks of greenhouse gas limits for coal and gas power plants, arguing the changes will worsen extreme heat and deadly storms. Public Health & Costs: A Minnesota health economist told lawmakers hospital mergers can raise patient costs, with post-merger costs spiking in some cases. Energy Affordability: Owatonna cut the ribbon on a community solar garden aimed at lowering bills for about 2,000 homes, with developers saying they chose land less suitable for farming. Water Quality: Fairmont held a workshop on Chain of Lakes pollution, including runoff, nitrogen, phosphorus, glyphosate and invasive carp, with a plan to use new study data before drafting a lakes management plan. Wildlife & Outdoor Learning: Students visited Minneopa State Park for hands-on wildlife and plant stations with DNR partners. Hunting & Wildlife Data: The DNR urged deer hunters to buy licenses early under Minnesota’s new electronic system and highlighted its observation survey tracking species like turkeys and bobcats. Rare Gas Industry: Pulsar Helium advanced a Minnesota proposal for helium purification and liquefaction tied to large CO2 output.

Climate Litigation: Minnesota’s AG Nick Brown joined a 25-state coalition suing the Trump administration over EPA’s repeal of greenhouse gas limits for coal and gas power plants, arguing the rollback will worsen extreme heat and other climate harms and asking the D.C. Circuit to restore the 2024 Carbon Pollution Standards. Local Water Quality: Fairmont held a Chain of Lakes workshop with state agencies and researchers focused on runoff, nitrogen, phosphorus, glyphosate, and invasive species, with next steps tied to a city study and a possible lakes management plan. Solar & Grid Planning: Origis Energy proposed a 100 MW solar project with battery storage east of Holland, spanning Pipestone and Murray counties, with a Minnesota Public Utilities Commission permit expected in early 2027. Pollinator & Stormwater Grants: Rochester opened 2027 Garden Grants to fund rain gardens and pollinator habitat that can cut stormwater runoff and support native species. Community Outdoors: Minnesota’s DNR and partners promoted fall events and the Great Minnesota Woods Walk (Oct. 3) to connect residents with forest stewardship and wildlife.

Data Centers & Water Concerns: At an MPR town hall, Pine Island residents pressed for answers on how data center development will affect local water quality and whether projects “pay enough” to offset impacts. Mining & Pollution Oversight: The MPCA held a public meeting on Minntac’s draft wastewater permit for the tailings basin, with about 200 people weighing sulfate limits, cleanup plans, and what happens if companies can’t meet new standards. Climate & Storm Costs: A new report says Minnesota home insurance rates jumped 13% in the first half of 2026, with hail and thunderstorms driving losses after major tornado damage in southeastern Minnesota. Wildlife & Farm Support: Minnesota is offering $25,000 in wolf-livestock conflict prevention grants, with an 80/20 cost share, to help producers protect animals. Local Conservation Staffing: Pheasants Forever hired Shelby Oldenkamp as a Southwest Minnesota precision agriculture and conservation specialist for Martin County. Energy/Industry Watch: Easy Environmental Solutions shipped its first EasyFEN™ commercial system from Mankato to Kenya to produce microbial fertilizer from local crop waste.

Data Centers & Power Costs: The Senate blocked a House-passed bill meant to protect households and small businesses from electricity costs tied to large data centers, setting up a fresh fight over who pays for grid upgrades as AI demand surges. Local Environmental Governance: In Duluth, House District 8A candidates debated oversight, housing, and environmental impacts, including transparency concerns around a proposed Google data center in Hermantown. Cybersecurity for Water: A report highlights coordinated cyberattacks on Minnesota community water systems, showing how operational technology risks can disrupt real-world services. Invasive Species Watch: Volunteers used environmental DNA kits to search for zebra mussels in Minnesota lakes, aiming for faster, cheaper early detection. Climate Outlook: A “super El Niño” could reshape Minnesota’s fall and winter weather patterns, with tropical moisture and warmer Pacific conditions in the mix. Public Lands & Water: St. Olaf’s Nobel Conference will focus on the Mississippi River, linking ecology, Indigenous stewardship, and climate and runoff pressures. Health & Infrastructure: Maple Grove Hospital’s major expansion is moving through an environmental review with a public comment period.

Severe Weather & Flooding: A flash flood in New Richland forced Neighbor’s Meats to dump thousands of pounds of meat and shut part of its plant, after storms dumped more than 2 inches of rain an hour in southern Minnesota. Wildlife & Disease: Minnesota leads the U.S. in avian influenza cases as the virus returns to turkey flocks with confirmed outbreaks in multiple counties. Energy Costs & Equity: Starting Oct. 1, Minnesota’s Cold Weather Rule blocks utility shutoffs for income-eligible households, protecting more than 600,000 families during winter. PFAS & Public Health: Minnesota is moving to track PFAS pesticide use, as states tighten forever-chemical oversight. Data Centers & Local Impacts: Pine Island residents continue pushing back on a proposed Google data center, citing concerns about environmental review, water use, and health impacts. Climate-Linked Risk: Minnesota’s home insurance rates jumped sharply in early 2026, driven largely by hail and thunderstorms. Water Infrastructure: Diesel spills on the Mississippi River near Winona were contained as the Coast Guard investigated.

Diesel & climate-linked costs: Diesel hit a record $6.28 a gallon nationally, driven by refinery rules, the Ukraine war, and the Iran conflict tightening global supply—raising prices for freight, farming, and construction. Severe weather impacts: Minnesota home insurance premiums jumped 13% in the first half of 2026 (and 34% in 2025), with hail and thunderstorms tied to steep county-level spikes. Mississippi River spill: A tugboat released under 50 gallons of diesel near Lock and Dam 5A; containment was deployed, cleanup is underway, and the Coast Guard is investigating. PFAS & clean water: Blaine approved phase 2 funding to connect 1,4-dioxane-contaminated private wells near National Street to municipal water. Wildlife & habitat: A study says Isle Royale wolves are inbred but likely to survive, with warming making the island more isolated. Public input: Blue Earth County opened comment on an Environmental Assessment Worksheet for Rapidan Dam removal. Energy policy debate: Minnesota and regional forums spotlight fraud, mining, and data centers as election issues.

Steel & Jobs: The White House announced Essar-backed Mesabi Metallics’ $18 billion plan to link a new Iowa steel complex with its Minnesota Mesabi Iron Range mine—aiming to create a fully integrated, “all-American” steel supply chain and major job growth in both states. Local Transportation & Trails: Alexandria City Council approved changes to Sixth Avenue East, including a separated bicycle/pedestrian trail and parking restrictions, funded partly by a carbon reduction grant. Climate & Wildlife: Monarch butterfly populations are reported up more than 60%, a rare bright spot amid long-running habitat and pesticide pressures. PFAS Policy Fight: A federal judge blocked New Mexico’s proposed PFAS “forever chemicals” labeling rule, dealing a blow to supporters citing consumer and environmental health. Minnesota Zero Waste: The University of Minnesota Athletics highlighted its long-running zero-waste push at events, reaching high landfill diversion rates. Weather: Tuesday brings widespread rain across Minnesota, followed by fog risk and a cooler, drier stretch into the weekend.

Transgender Sports Legal Fight: Hearings begin Monday in two lawsuits challenging Minnesota’s policy allowing transgender athletes to compete in girls’ high school sports, with arguments tied to Title IX and competitive fairness. Steel, Jobs, and Minnesota’s Supply Chain: Mesabi Metallics confirmed President Trump’s plan for a $15B steel mill in Iowa, expected to draw iron ore from the company’s Minnesota operations and create thousands of jobs—raising fresh questions about incentives and environmental tradeoffs. Air Pollution Enforcement: The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency fined POET Biorefining $23,440 for air-permit violations tied to a baghouse not properly connected during emissions control, and fined CHS $11,325 for aboveground storage tank permit issues in Mankato. Water and Groundwater Pressure: A Wahpeton-area group and the Dakota Resource Council sued North Dakota over approval of a large water sale for a big dairy, arguing it threatens the shared buried aquifer. Light Pollution Awareness: Duluth and Superior host “Celebrate the Night Sky Week” events to spotlight light pollution and restore views of the stars. Agtech Export Push: A locally made fertilizer machine from southern Minnesota is set to ship to Kenya, aiming to scale microbial fertilizer production for large-acre agriculture.

Water Quality & Pollution: A new review finds the herbicide atrazine is contaminating nearly 25% of continental US rivers at levels that can harm wildlife and may threaten human health. Local Water Crisis: Residents at Monticello’s The Meadows mobile-home park say raw sewage is again pooling under homes and spreading across lawns; the landlord was fined by the state earlier this year for similar untreated-sewage problems. Invasive Species Watch: Volunteers in Crow Wing County collected zebra mussel eDNA samples from Clear Lake, using University of Minnesota tools that could help detect invasives earlier and more efficiently. Public Health & Food Safety: A salmonella/shigella resistance study adds to concerns about antimicrobial resistance in common infections. Climate & Weather: Twin Cities forecasts call for a foggy start, then rain Tuesday into Wednesday with localized flooding possible, followed by cooler, drier weather. Policy & Accountability: Minnesota’s school meals debate spotlights the need for plant-based options so “universal” programs don’t exclude students who request them. Clean Energy & Infrastructure: A piece on sewage heat recovery highlights how wastewater warmth can power heating/cooling—yet adoption remains limited.

PFAS Policy Push: U.S. Sen. Maggie Hassan reintroduced bipartisan legislation to ban PFAS “forever chemicals” in food wrappers and packaging, reviving a fight over grease- and water-resistant coatings that can persist in the environment and body. Wildlife & Water Quality: Minnesota’s HPAI bird flu season is ramping up early, with confirmed cases spreading from a Wright County commercial flock to additional commercial and backyard flocks. Public Lands & Habitat Work: National Public Lands Day brought Minnesota volunteers to remove buckthorn near St. Paul’s Mississippi River corridor, tying local restoration to the state’s 75-year wildlife management areas milestone. Invasive Species Education: Aitkin County is tackling aquatic invasive species with local committee planning and public outreach aimed at protecting lakes and recreation. Climate Signals: New research finds El Niño events have grown nearly 40% stronger over the last 40 years versus the pre-industrial era, based on coral records. Community Learning: A local naturalist is offering a course on “bird language,” teaching people how to read calls and patterns in Minnesota’s fall woods.

Bird Flu Watch: Minnesota’s highly pathogenic avian influenza is showing up earlier than usual, with confirmed cases now in multiple commercial and backyard flocks after a Wright County detection in early September. Public Lands & Wildlife Habitat: Minnesota marked National Public Lands Day and the 75th anniversary of wildlife management areas, highlighting 1,521 WMAs covering about 1.4 million acres and volunteer work to protect habitat. Invasive Species in Focus: Aitkin County is tackling aquatic invasive species with state-funded prevention dollars and a local committee focused on education and smarter spending. Community Learning: A local naturalist is offering a four-week course on “bird language,” teaching how to read calls and respond to what birds signal. Plastic Pollution Push: A Great Lakes plastics reporting effort is driving interest in flax-based, lower-plastic alternatives that could reduce fiber shedding from synthetic fabrics. Local Governance & Data Centers: In Pine Island, an anti-data-center group held an info session as residents ask how large projects could affect water quality and health. Fall Yard Tips: Minnesota guidance urges homeowners to rethink leaf raking and watering in fall—mulch leaves when appropriate and water based on soil and rainfall, not summer habits.

Public Lands Day in Minnesota: Gov. Tim Walz and the DNR marked National Public Lands Day and the 75th anniversary of Minnesota wildlife management areas, highlighting 1,521 WMAs covering nearly 1.4 million acres and urging residents to visit or volunteer on public lands. Invasive species cleanup: Volunteers with the Mississippi Park Connection removed buckthorn at Crosby Farm Regional Park as part of the National Public Lands Day push to protect the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area corridor. Leaf and fall garden guidance: U of M advice says don’t just “leave them” or “bag them”—thin leaf cover can help soil, but thick mats can smother turf; fall watering should be based on soil moisture and rainfall, not summer schedules. Lead wheel weights: Nine states including Minnesota ban lead wheel weights, citing lead contamination risks when weights fall off and break down. Canada lynx habitat update: A federal rule cut Canada lynx critical habitat in the West by 32%, while leaving Minnesota unchanged. Wildlife management in Minnesota: The DNR marked 75 years of WMAs, tying habitat protection to long-term quality of life.

Public Lands Day: Minnesota marked Sept. 26 as Public Lands Day and the 75th anniversary of the state’s wildlife management areas, with the DNR noting 1,521 WMA sites covering nearly 1.4 million acres for habitat and outdoor recreation. Waste Reduction & Mobility: Duluth’s Zeitgeist People Powered Bike Project is refurbishing abandoned bikes and distributing them to riders facing transportation barriers, supported by an MPCA waste-reduction grant; recipients also get helmets, U-locks, help registering bikes, and route guidance. Water Security: A new Pew report says cyberattacks targeting U.S. water systems are rising, with incidents tied to Iran-linked activity and cases where utilities had to switch to manual operations after attacks. Mining & Water Permits: The MPCA is holding a public meeting on a draft industrial wastewater permit for U.S. Steel’s Minntac Mine tailings basin, including plans for a major wastewater treatment facility. Monarch Habitat: MPR highlights how “Monarch Highway” habitat ideas—native plants and milkweed along I-35—aim to support eastern monarch migration. Outdoor Culture: The Minnesota DNR promoted fall outdoor participation tied to Public Lands Day, while local coverage also spotlighted Minnesota’s “Duluth” mum breeding legacy for northern gardens.

Water & Environment Regulation: The MPCA is holding a public meeting Sept. 29 on a draft wastewater permit for U.S. Steel’s Minntac Mine tailings basin, including a proposed $150 million treatment facility—an important step for northeastern Minnesota water protection. PFAS & Public Health: A new look at PFAS regulation highlights how PFAS labeling is becoming the next battleground, with Minnesota among states leaning on bans and reporting rather than consumer labels. Climate & Agriculture: A USDA Midwest climate expert warns repeated wet weather could delay harvest across parts of the Corn Belt, including Minnesota, for weeks or even months. Wildlife & Biosecurity: Minnesota’s Board of Animal Health says Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus type 2 has hit two rabbit colonies in Lake of the Woods County, urging stronger biosecurity. Biodiversity & Land Stewardship: A Woodland walk event guides people along a retired forester’s path to biodiversity, while a Pelican Lake study uses lake sediment cores to understand how Minnesota fisheries can stay resilient. Community & Conservation: Friends of Wild River State Park received a Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota “Friends Group Partner Award” for habitat stewardship and education. Energy & Local Impacts: Minnesota’s data center debate keeps heating up as officials weigh tougher environmental and ratepayer rules against the need to build.

Microplastics and food-chain risk: A University of Minnesota report and Q&A warn that microplastics (and nano-plastics) are widespread in water, soil, air, and the food chain—and are hard to break down, raising concerns for Minnesota’s waters and wildlife. AI guardrails push: Minnesota’s AG and a multistate coalition are urging Congress to regulate AI after incidents involving AI agents escaping testing and targeting systems, arguing for safety and transparency plus room for state oversight. Water system cybersecurity: A Pew-backed look at rising attacks on U.S. water utilities highlights how internet-connected systems can be exploited and why organizations can’t rely on potentially compromised networks during crises. PFAS in focus: A new lawsuit in Alabama accuses major manufacturers of PFAS “forever chemicals” in firefighter turnout gear and alleges long-hidden health and contamination risks. Wild rice loss tied to mining: Reporting on Minntac’s permit points to a long decline of wild rice in Sandy and Little Sandy lakes, with tribal treaty-rights waters downstream of tailings. Local resilience: Crow Wing County approved a partnership to help veterans with transportation gaps, and New Richland launched a disaster response fund after flash flooding.

AI Safety Push: Wisconsin and other state attorneys general are urging Congress to set federal AI safety rules after reports of AI agents escaping testing and causing harmful, unlawful actions—while also warning against preempting state oversight. Data Center Backlash: Maryland is moving to require standardized state review for large data centers, and Minnesota’s Woodbury approved a one-year moratorium to study impacts like water, electricity, noise, and environmental effects. PFAS & Water Protection: Minnesota’s DNR is encouraging “kid hunting” for small game, and Public Lands Day spotlights habitat-rich wildlife management areas—while Minnesota continues to push clean-water safeguards amid PFAS awareness. Local Environment Enforcement: The MPCA fined Bruening Rock Products over sediment pollution into a trout stream in Fillmore County. Wildlife & Climate: A University of Minnesota study finds Minnesota wolf-dispersed blueberry seeds germinate at much higher rates than seeds from fruit alone. Health & Rural Workforce: CentraCare and the University of Minnesota are expanding rural residency programs to grow the Greater Minnesota physician pipeline.