AGP Executive Report

Air Quality & Outdoor Sports: The Michigan High School Athletic Association says wildfire smoke should trigger limits at AQI above 150 and rescheduling or cancellation above 200, warning masks won’t protect against hazardous air. Heat & Extreme Weather: A heat dome is driving dangerous humidity across Minnesota, with heat indexes topping 116–123°F in parts of the region. Drinking Water Cybersecurity: Minnesota confirmed a coordinated cyberattack hitting more than 30 community water utilities, with MNIT and the Minnesota Department of Health working to assess impacts and protect public health. Wildlife & Hunting Rules: The DNR is rolling out a four-year chronic wasting disease surveillance plan, with mandatory sampling over opening weekend in parts of the state. Mining & Water Impacts: Near Hoyt Lakes, NewRange submitted updated NorthMet Project changes, including a shorter mine lifespan, higher ore production, and a covered conveyor system, with the DNR deciding whether a supplemental environmental review is needed. PFAS Testing Focus: A new push in PFAS work is shifting from just detecting chemicals to matching testing methods to the specific environmental decision at hand. Mississippi River Cleanup: Sen. Tammy Baldwin reintroduced a federal Mississippi River restoration bill modeled on the Great Lakes program, citing pollution and more extreme flooding and drought.

Water Security: Minnesota officials say a “coordinated cyberattack” hit 30+ community water systems, targeting operational technology; no public health impacts reported so far as state and federal partners investigate. PFAS Fight: Minnesota Attorney General Brown filed comments opposing an EPA rollback of drinking-water limits for four PFAS “forever chemicals,” arguing it would strip protections under the Safe Drinking Water Act. Mining Watch (NorthMet): NewRange Copper Nickel submitted changes to its NorthMet copper-nickel project near Hoyt Lakes, including higher ore output and a shorter mine life, as DNR weighs whether a supplemental environmental review is needed. Wildlife & Hunting: New Minnesota hunting rules take effect Aug. 1, including a four-year CWD surveillance rotation and required testing for certain deer in southwestern zones. Climate & Land: A La Crescent council approved a revised Sustainability & Resilience Plan funded by an MPCA grant, aiming to cut emissions and strengthen resilience. Pollinator Habitat: A North Branch Library native meadow project highlights how Minnesota communities are rebuilding prairie and pollinator-friendly landscapes. Ag Inputs: Minnesota’s Department of Agriculture is seeking public comment on neonicotinoid-treated seed rules, with a July 31 deadline.

Water Security: Minnesota says a coordinated cyberattack hit 30+ community water systems in late July, disrupting operational technology and triggering a state-federal-local response; officials say they’re not aware of active requests for residents to change drinking water use. PFAS Cleanup: Claros secured $55M to expand PFAS destruction technology and related PFAS analytical services, aiming for wider commercial deployment. PFAS Destruction Pilot: 374Water says its mobile AirSCWO system completed Phase 2 in St. Cloud and is moving into Phase 3 as Minnesota evaluates the approach for permanent PFAS destruction. Wildlife Health: Minnesota DNR rolled out major 2026 hunting rule changes, including a new four-year statewide CWD rotational surveillance plan that will expand mandatory deer testing across quadrants. Climate Impacts on Lakes: Minnesota fish and lakes are showing heat stress after record-hot conditions, with reports of fish dying and warmer water driving broader ecological strain. Local Sustainability: Eagan was recognized again in Minnesota’s GreenStep program for energy and resource conservation efforts. Plastics Policy: Mankato leaders are weighing a proposed 10-cent plastic bag fee after hearing claims it can cut disposable bag use. Water Quality Planning: MPCA’s draft impaired waters list proposes removing impairments from 45 waters while adding 46, reflecting shifting pollution pressures and cleanup progress.

Cybersecurity & Drinking Water: Minnesota authorities are investigating a coordinated cyberattack that disrupted operational technology at 30+ community water systems over the weekend, with officials saying drinking water remains safe and residents don’t need to change usage. Food Safety: A Cyclospora outbreak linked to recalled Taylor Farms de Mexico lettuce has now spread across nine states, with experts explaining how contamination can happen anywhere along the farm-to-fork chain. Wildlife & Habitat: Volunteers are being recruited to clear invasive shrubs in Nerstrand prairie as part of efforts to restore native prairie habitat and boost biodiversity. State Wildlife Planning: The Minnesota DNR is taking public input on environmental review documents for projects including the Cedar Lake manoomin restoration and other mitigation work. Agriculture Data: The Minnesota Ag Weather Network is expanding in Southeast Minnesota with new stations to improve hyperlocal weather and soil data for farmers. Climate & Health: A heat dome is pushing extreme heat warnings across millions of Americans, raising risks for outdoor activity and health. Clean Energy Infrastructure: Delta says it will receive sustainable aviation fuel at MSP via a new SAF blending facility at the Pine Bend refinery in Rosemount.

Heat & storms in Minnesota: Twin Cities residents get a couple of comfortably hot days (upper 80s to low 90s) before widespread showers and thunderstorms return Thursday into Friday, with wildfire smoke lingering midweek but mostly staying aloft. Wildfire response: Gov. Tim Walz visited Ely as northern Minnesota wildfire containment reached 53%, with tens of thousands of acres affected and deep heat in the duff complicating cleanup. Minnesota DNR hunting rules: The state released 2026 hunting and trapping regulations, including a new four-year, rotating chronic wasting disease testing plan and changes to how hunters can move carcasses. Forest management & wildfire risk: A federal bill would expand markets for low-value wood and forest byproducts, aiming to improve forest health and reduce wildfire danger. Air quality & climate messaging: A report highlights how major U.S. outlets often avoid linking extreme weather to climate change, even as attribution science improves. Microplastics research: Dakota State University is surveying microplastics in South Dakota waterways, adding to growing regional concern about plastic pollution. Corporate “clean energy” scrutiny: Meta’s exit from RE100 after backing gas plants for AI data centers underscores the gap between climate promises and real-world emissions. Local conservation education: A Duluth-area grazing class promoted pasture practices framed as better for soil and wildlife habitat.

Pipeline Oversight Fight: Minnesota AG Nick Brown joined a coalition urging the U.S. Supreme Court to block a FERC proposal that would fast-track more natural gas pipelines with less public review—warning it could raise bills and worsen air pollution and climate impacts. Hazardous Waste Safeguards: Brown also backed a Supreme Court filing arguing federal hazardous-waste projects should still get environmental review under NEPA, citing how such scrutiny helped reduce impacts at Hanford. Wildfire Smoke & Heat: Northern Minnesota and much of the U.S. face another round of smoky skies and extreme heat, with advisories urging people to limit time outdoors. Minnesota DNR Planning: The DNR is seeking public input on Leech Lake’s fisheries management plan and released updates on hunting/trapping regulations, including chronic wasting disease surveillance changes. Clean Water Focus: The Izaak Walton League launched Nitrate Pollution Awareness Week, highlighting fertilizer and other sources of invisible nutrient pollution. Local Plastic Policy: Mankato environmental groups are pushing a plastic bag checkout surcharge to cut single-use bags. Air-Quality Tech: University of Minnesota researchers unveiled AI that can monitor scuba diver stress by reading exhaled bubbles.

Heat & Smoke Watch: A heat advisory stays up in the Twin Cities through Monday night, with low-to-mid 90s and patchy wildfire smoke in the air. PFAS Cleanup Dollars: Minnesota is using $20 million from the state’s 3M PFAS settlement for 26 east-metro projects, including restoring parts of St. Paul’s Phalen Creek and turning a Cottage Grove golf course into public green space. Water Quality Tech: Experts say point-of-use reverse osmosis can help some households reduce nitrates, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all fix. Air & Climate Politics: Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy has appealed an MPCA permit for a West River Dairy expansion near Morris, arguing the plan doesn’t adequately address greenhouse gas emissions. Boundary Waters Reminder: A piece highlights how damage in the connected Boundary Waters system can’t be contained—protecting the whole area matters. Food Safety: Target recalled a Good & Gather baby puree due to elevated lead levels. Data Center Fight: A Pine Island hyperscale data center case is paused by a judge, showing how court rulings can stall local development plans.

Wildfire Smoke & Air Quality: Minnesota is again getting hit with hazardous wildfire smoke from Canada and northern Minnesota, with Hastings reporting AQI readings around 444 and outdoor events canceled; the DNR also says fish are under chronic heat stress and asks residents to report fish deaths. Cross-Border Blame & Policy Pressure: Minnesota lawmakers are pushing the EPA to act under the U.S.-Canada Air Quality Agreement, while Trump escalates the rhetoric with an AI “air filter” border image and tariff threats tied to smoke. Heat Risks Across the Region: The National Weather Service warns of “hazardous heat” building through Monday across the Northern Plains and into Minnesota, alongside a separate multiday severe storm threat with damaging winds and flooding. Local Conservation & Waterways: Hastings celebrated a 56-acre school nature preserve with prairie, wetlands and open water, and Boundary Waters advocates stress that harm to one lake affects the whole connected system. Waste & Plastics: Mankato is set to consider a plastic bag surcharge, with a proposed split fee that could fund reusable bags and education. Clean Energy Politics: The Trump administration acknowledged canceling $7.6B in clean energy grants based on the political identity of recipient states. Solar Education: The Electrek American Solar Challenge made a stop in French Island, bringing hands-on science to students.

Wildfire smoke and heat impacts: Minnesota’s DNR is seeing more fish deaths as prolonged warmth cuts dissolved oxygen, and residents are urged to report dead or distressed fish and avoid handling them. Air quality strain: Hazardous smoke earlier forced cancellations in the Twin Cities and beyond, and even after smoke clears, poor air quality can linger for some communities. Cross-border blame fight: Minnesota lawmakers are again pushing the EPA to address Canadian wildfire smoke impacts, while Trump escalates criticism with an AI-style “air filter” image at the U.S.-Canada border. Local conservation wins: Hastings celebrated a 56-acre school nature preserve with prairie, wetlands and open water, and Mankato is weighing a plastic bag surcharge to cut waste. Climate-driven extremes: A broader heat dome is driving triple-digit temperatures across much of the central U.S., raising major heat risk for millions, including Minnesota.

Wildfire Smoke & Air Quality: Hazardous smoke again pushed Minnesota’s air into dangerous territory, with Hastings canceling outdoor events after AQI hit 444, and the DNR urging residents to report fish deaths as heat-stressed waters drive more mortality reports. Heat Risk: A major heat wave is forecast across the central U.S. through Monday, with Minnesota among states facing major heat risks—especially for people without cooling. Local Conservation: Hastings Public Schools celebrated a new 56-acre nature preserve featuring prairie, wetlands and open water, while Mankato Zero Waste is pushing a 10¢ plastic-bag surcharge for supermarkets and retailers. Wildfire Response Politics: The Trump administration acknowledged canceling $7.6 billion in clean energy grants based on the political identity of grant states, and Minnesota lawmakers are again blaming Canada for wildfire smoke—while cross-border firefighting cooperation remains central to the story. Education & Clean Tech: The Electrek American Solar Challenge made a stop in the Twin Cities area, bringing solar-powered science to students.

Wildfire Response in Northern Minnesota: U.S. Forest Service officials say lightning-caused fires in far northeastern Minnesota and southern Canada have sparked 26–27 wildfires since July 6, with activity ranging from minimal to extreme—especially challenging in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Fish Under Heat Stress: Minnesota DNR reports chronically stressful summer conditions, with surface waters hitting 86°F+ in parts of the state; so far in 2026, there have been 212 fish mortality reports across 102 waterbodies, and the agency is urging people to report dead fish and help protect fisheries. Data Centers and Water Concerns: North Mankato set an Aug. 3 public hearing on a one-year pause for large data centers, defining them partly by water use (50,000 gallons/day) and size; the move follows growing local opposition over zoning and environmental impacts. PFAS Push: Sweden plans to ban “forever chemicals” in consumer products by 2028, adding pressure as Minnesota and the region grapple with PFAS pollution risks. Superfund Cleanup Update (Winona): Work is ramping up on a long-stalled Gilmore Avenue groundwater cleanup tied to past dry-cleaning contamination with PCE, with completion projected in 5–10 years.

Fish & Water Stress: Minnesota DNR says prolonged heat is driving chronically stressful conditions and fish mortality, with surface waters hitting 86°F+ in parts of the state and 212 mortality reports across 102 waterbodies so far in 2026; the agency urges people to report dead fish and follow guidance to protect fisheries. Wildfire Smoke Health: Wisconsin faced record hazardous air from Canadian and Boundary Waters wildfires, with Milwaukee’s AQI topping 600; officials warned residents to limit exposure, and a local developer launched “SmokeDar” to help people understand smoke where they live. Local Wildlife Protection: Hopkins is adding an Audubon-style mural to its public works building through July 31, featuring vulnerable bird species and native plants tied to climate-driven declines. Climate/Ag Accountability: Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy appealed MPCA’s permit for West River Dairy’s expansion near Morris, arguing the permit fails to address greenhouse gas emissions for a proposed jump to 18,855 cows. Policy Fight Over Emergency Funds: Minnesota’s AG coalition news: Arizona and other states sued to block Trump-era conditions tying FEMA/DHS emergency preparedness money to election changes and immigration enforcement.

Wildfire Smoke Outlook: The MPCA says moderate smoke expected to spread east across northeastern Minnesota on Thursday should be pushed out Friday, but a warming trend could boost fire activity and winds may drive smoke back into the Arrowhead this weekend; Boundary Waters Fire Response: U.S. Forest Service reports 63,696 acres burned along the northern Minnesota border after lightning ignited major fires July 6, with 1,029 personnel working and containment figures shifting with weather; Public Health & Costs: A new look at Canadian wildfire smoke highlights how far it reaches—Midwest and Northeast cities saw hazardous air and health impacts that ripple through hospitals and insurers; PFAS Watch: A searchable database spotlights whether nonstick cookware contains PFAS, after Maine’s PFAS sales ban showed mixed compliance online; Local Water & Invasives: University of Minnesota researchers are expanding aquatic invasive species work, including milfoil control at Long Lake using weevil-based management; Data Center Fight: A lawsuit over the Pine Island data center returned to court after a temporary restraining order halted construction, with the judge taking the matter under advisement.

Wildfire Response: More than 1,000 emergency personnel are deployed in Minnesota’s Superior National Forest as the Bear Trap Fire grows to 63,696 acres, with crews also working inside the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and using helicopters and structure protection efforts. Air Quality & Health: Experts warn that relief from heat and smoke is likely temporary as Canadian wildfire smoke continues to disrupt air quality across the region, with special concern for people who rely on opioid treatment that can be hard to access when travel is unsafe. Clean Water Funding: Minnesota’s Board of Water and Soil Resources awarded $1.16 million in Clean Water Fund grants to groups including the White Earth Nation and Leech Lake Band for projects like shoreline stabilization and drinking water protection. State Environment Policy: Minnesota soybean growers say they’re relieved after the state withdrew its “Clean Cars Rule,” a move tied to emissions standards and zero-emission vehicle requirements. Pollution Enforcement: MPCA fined Bushmills Ethanol $13,215 for air permit violations at its Atwater facility, citing excess particulate matter and VOC emissions. Local Governance: New Ulm is hosting the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities conference, with housing policy and major legislative retirements on the agenda. Community Resilience: United Way of Northeastern Minnesota is coordinating wildfire support for Ely-area crews and evacuees, urging donations to its disaster recovery fund.

Wildfire smoke and drinking water: As smoke lifts after northern Minnesota wildfires, scientists are watching how ash and smoke compounds could affect lakes used for drinking water—especially in surface-water communities like Ely, where treatment may be less robust than in larger systems. Water quality win: Comfort Lake is no longer on Minnesota’s impaired waters list after 24 years, following years of work to cut silt and stormwater runoff. Local river stewardship: Hudson’s St. Croix RiverFest kicked off with its annual St. Croix cleanup, pairing community action with education on invasive species and watershed health. Public health enforcement: Minnesota Pollution Control Agency fined Lakeview Memorial Hospital in Stillwater nearly $16,000 for improper infectious-waste disposal. Community resilience: Ely-area businesses urged visitors to remember “Ely itself is not closed” as wildfire conditions disrupt tourism. Policy watch: Minnesota DNR is seeking input on a three-duck limit option, a reminder that wildlife rules are still actively shaped by public comment.

PFAS Fight in Drinking Water: Minnesota AG Jeff Jackson joined a coalition challenging an EPA proposal that would loosen PFAS testing rules, including for GenX, warning it could harm public health and roll back protections. Air Quality & Wildfire Smoke: Canadian wildfire smoke continues to push hazardous conditions across the U.S., with health risks tied to fine particles and guidance for residents to protect themselves. MPCA Enforcement: Lakeview Memorial Hospital in Stillwater was fined $15,862 for improper disposal of infectious waste, after MPCA found it wasn’t properly separated, labeled, or stored. Local Environmental Review: Cass County opened a 30-day public comment period on an Environmental Assessment Worksheet for a proposed 115-acre residential development near Turtle Lake. Community Forest Funding: The Minnesota DNR will accept applications starting Aug. 3 for $1.7 million in emerald ash borer grants to remove, treat, replace, and manage impacted trees. Invasive Species Outreach Funding: A Montana nonprofit focused on preventing aquatic invasive species says delayed federal funding is threatening its “Clean Drain Dry” education work.