AGP Executive Report

Water Stewardship & Data Centers: Google broke ground on a 1-GW-plus co-located data center and generation complex in Texas’ Panhandle, pairing wind/solar/batteries with on-site gas for reliability, while also pledging to replenish more water than it uses by 2030 and funding water projects across seven states. River & Navigation Planning: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is seeking public comments on an environmental assessment for changes at Lock and Dam 5 in Minnesota City, including removing a guidewall section and building an end cell, with construction eyed for late 2027 or 2028. Medicaid Cuts Hit Providers: Minnesota DHS cut funding to 3,000+ care providers across 13 Medicaid services after a rushed revalidation tied to heightened federal scrutiny, leaving many vulnerable Minnesotans without payments while appeals play out. Tick-Borne Health Watch: A CDC report notes a rare Lyme disease case in New York involving Borrelia mayonii, previously detected in Minnesota and Wisconsin—another reminder that tick risks can shift geographically. Northern Lights Forecast: NOAA upgraded aurora odds for much of northern Minnesota and neighboring states, with a higher chance of bright displays Thursday night. Farm Profit & Conservation: New Minnesota data finds certified farms in the MAWQCP averaged higher net income than non-certified farms for the seventh straight year, reinforcing conservation as a long-term risk reducer.

Water & Climate Credits: Madison Metropolitan Sewerage District says its Yahara WINS watershed project generated verified carbon credits—proof that conserving land to meet phosphorus limits can cut emissions while improving water quality. Air Quality: Olmsted County earned an “F” for ozone and a “D” for particle pollution in the American Lung Association’s State of the Air report, with MPCA pointing to traffic, industry, and wildfire smoke. Pollinator Protection: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service finalized critical habitat for the endangered rusty patched bumble bee, including more than 1.5 million acres across Minnesota and neighboring states. Invasive Species & Monitoring: The Raptor Center at the University of Minnesota is using bird testing to build an early warning system for highly pathogenic avian influenza. Local Sustainability: Hennepin County launched “One, Two, Tree” to help residents plant and care for more trees toward its million-by-2030 goal. Zero Waste in Minnesota: A new zero-waste store in Anoka is pushing shoppers to reuse containers to cut single-use plastic. Water Quality Update: MPCA is set to recommend Lake Zumbro be removed from Minnesota’s impaired waters list.

Great Lakes Spotlight: Minnesota DNR is livestreaming a remotely operated dive to the deepest part of Lake Superior, “Superior Maximus,” June 6–9, letting viewers explore the lake bottom in real time. Water Quality Win: Lake Zumbro has been delisted from Minnesota’s Impaired Waters List after years of improvements tied to dredging, better farming practices, shoreline protection, and zebra mussels. Prairie & Pollinators: A Moorhead tallgrass prairie road trip highlights how birds, bugs, and flowers thrive in restored habitat managed for pollinators and wildlife. Farm Chemical Reminder: Minnesota’s dicamba-tolerant soybean rules kick in during June for over-the-top use, with state-specific restrictions aimed at reducing off-target drift. Invasive Species Watch: Kandiyohi County’s emerald ash borer firewood quarantine has been expanded to the whole county to slow the spread. Local Conservation & Community: Tree Trust marks 50 years of planting trees and training workers, with a free anniversary celebration planned for Sept. 12. Habitat & Infrastructure: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is seeking public comments on an environmental assessment for work at Lock and Dam 5, with construction expected in late 2027 or 2028.

Wildfire Watch: The U.S. Forest Service chief warned lawmakers that large parts of the country face elevated wildfire risk this year, citing expanded firefighting staffing and more hazardous fuel reduction. Invasive Species: University of Minnesota researchers say they’ve found new fungal opponents for the emerald ash borer, offering fresh hope against the invasive beetle that has devastated ash trees. Minnesota Outdoors & Wildlife: Minnesota DNR is rolling out a new electronic hunting and fishing licensing system on June 9, and the MPCA is pushing anglers to “Get the Lead Out” to protect loons from lead tackle. Pollinator Protection: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service finalized critical habitat protections for the endangered rusty patched bumble bee, including counties across Minnesota. Water & Community: Detroit Lakes’ community garden is full again, with more families growing food and building local connections. Energy & Climate: Xcel Energy highlighted grid investments and carbon reductions in its sustainability report as demand grows from electrification and data centers.

Wetlands Protection Fight: The Trump administration is moving to strip federal oversight of wetlands, leaving local governments to fill the gap as protections weaken. Climate Science in Court: Minnesota AG William Tong led a coalition urging the Federal Judicial Center to keep climate science guidance in its judicial manual, warning removal would hurt courts dealing with climate cases. Pollinator Protection: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service finalized critical habitat protections for the endangered rusty patched bumble bee across parts of Minnesota and the Midwest. Loons and Lead: MPCA’s “Get the Lead Out” program highlights how lead tackle can poison loons during peak summer risk and points anglers to lead-free swaps and rebates. Plastic Pollution Overseas: A new study links “recycling” plastic shipments to higher toxic air pollution from open burning abroad, tied to serious health impacts. Local Housing in Court: Minneapolis’ Heritage Park is in receivership, with MPHA weighing whether to sell or redevelop remaining parcels. Stormwater Heat Fixes: Cities are testing permeable parking and other pavement alternatives to reduce heat and runoff. Nuclear Emergency Drill: Over 20 agencies join a Prairie Island Nuclear Power Plant emergency exercise to test disaster response. Youth Tech Space: Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board is adding a Spark’d Studio and youth tech staff at Phillips Community Center. PFAS/Regulatory Watch: Minnesota continues PFAS policy shifts, including updates to reporting rules and ongoing legal pressure over contamination.

Wildfire Watch (Northeast MN): Evacuations were ordered as a wildfire burned near Burntside Lake, about 8 miles northwest of Ely, reaching roughly 30 acres by evening and threatening areas near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Wildlife Updates (Bear Sightings): The Minnesota DNR is asking people to report black bear sightings outside the primary range as the bear range expands south and west, with a public map temporarily paused during baiting and hunting. Outdoor Health (Ticks): CDC data show tick-bite ER visits are at their highest for this time of year since 2017, with warmer conditions driving higher tick activity across the Northeast and Midwest. Conservation & Water (Groundwater Atlases): The DNR plans voluntary water sampling from about 90 wells in Cook and Yellow Medicine counties to build official groundwater atlases and help guide drinking-water and pollution-sensitivity decisions. Local Environment Courts (Data Centers): A Dakota County judge ruled Lakeville’s environmental review for the Olam property was legally adequate, rejecting claims that the city failed to consider a possible future data center. Policy & Climate (Energy Rebates): DOE guidance ends federal home-efficiency rebates for switching from fossil fuels to electricity for heating, drawing criticism from clean-energy advocates. Great Outdoors Month (MN DNR): The DNR is rolling out June events to get Minnesotans outside, including kid fishing weekend activities. Fire Safety Planning (Statewide Assessment): Minnesota’s State Fire Marshal is launching a statewide assessment of firefighting services, with listening sessions and a report due to the Legislature by Dec. 31, 2026.

PFAS Policy Update: Minnesota’s PFAS reporting rules just got narrower: the MPCA says Gov. Tim Walz signed a bill excluding products made before July 1, 2023, focusing reporting on newer items with intentionally added PFAS (initial reports due Sept. 15, 2026). Data Center Fight: A Goodhue County judge has paused construction of a Google-backed data center in Pine Island, giving opponents a new opening as a lawsuit challenges the environmental study. Flash Drought Watch: Forecasters are tracking a fast-moving drought risk for parts of Minnesota and Wisconsin, with a 40–60% chance of extreme heat over a June 6–8 stretch that could rapidly dry soils. Pollinator Protection: A new push highlights pesticides’ harm to pollinators and people, renewing calls for stronger protections. Air Quality & Ozone Season: The Twin Cities area faces ozone-season health warnings, with officials urging residents to take precautions during alerts. Federal Funding Pressure: The Trump administration is canceling $1.5B in blue-state grants, including Minnesota, citing “waste and mismanagement” concerns.

PFAS Accountability: Australia has launched the largest-ever legal action against 3M, seeking more than $1.4 billion over “forever chemical” contamination from firefighting foam at 28 Defence bases—an escalating reminder of how PFAS cleanup costs keep spreading. Wetlands Protection: A new federal retreat from wetlands regulation and a narrower Clean Water Act approach could strip millions of acres of Minnesota-relevant wetlands from protection, leaving local communities to fill the gap. Local Water & Soil: Minnesota’s Crow Wing SWCD is hosting free soil health events focused on practices like rotational grazing and no-till to improve infiltration and resilience. Data Center Fight (Pine Island): A judge has paused construction of a Google-backed data center in Pine Island, giving opponents a legal opening after the Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy challenged the environmental review. Severe Weather Watch: Forecasts point to tornado risk shifting north in June, with Minnesota and the Northern Great Plains becoming a key target as storms intensify.

PFAS Legal Fight: Minnesota is suing 3M again over ongoing “forever chemical” pollution tied to the company’s Cottage Grove plant, arguing discharges into waters connected to the Mississippi River never stopped and violate permits and state and federal law. Local Governance & Environment: A Goodhue County judge put a temporary hold on a Google-backed data center in Pine Island after a lawsuit said the environmental study was inadequate, giving opponents a new opening to slow or stop the project. Water & Wildlife: A new study highlights how bats’ winter survival is being undermined by the fungus behind white-nose syndrome, with major declines reported at a Minnesota site. Outdoor Recreation: Minnesota DNR reports show ongoing enforcement and wildlife activity as fawns appear and anglers and ATV use pick up. Wildfire Recovery: Minnesota approved a $350,000 relief package for communities hit by the Brimson and Stewart Trail fires, aimed at families, businesses, and tourism rebuilding. Lake Winnipeg Watch: Manitoba eco groups warn that proposed mega dairy farms in North Dakota could worsen pollution and harmful algae in Lake Winnipeg.

Wildfire recovery: Minnesota approved a $350,000 lifeline for communities hit by the Brimson and North Shore Stewart Trail fires, aimed at helping families, businesses, and tourism rebuild. Lake pollution fight: Manitoba eco groups are warning that proposed mega dairy farms in North Dakota could worsen nutrient runoff into Lake Winnipeg, fueling toxic blue-green algae even as legal challenges continue. Air quality & wildfire risk: The Minnesota DNR urged outdoor visitors to use caution during dry conditions, as spring wildfire danger remains high and debris burning restrictions are in place. PFAS and incineration: A new Minnesota-focused report and national experts argue garbage incinerators are failing to eliminate “forever chemical” air pollution, raising health concerns for nearby low-income neighborhoods. Data center backlash: Local debate over data centers is intensifying, with Minnesota communities pressing for clearer environmental review and more public input as projects face lawsuits and court pauses. DNR licensing update: Minnesota’s new electronic license system is set to launch June 9, adding app-based purchasing and easier harvest registration.

Ozone Alert in the Twin Cities: The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency issued its first air quality alert of the year as summer heat and sunshine help form ground-level ozone, with car exhaust and industrial emissions feeding the problem. Drinking Water Update: A new Minnesota Department of Health report says more than 99% of the state’s public water systems met federal drinking-water standards in 2025, while utilities continue lead service line work and expand PFAS monitoring. Tick Season Warning: Metro tick activity is elevated, and officials urge extra precautions in May and June when ticks are most active. Great Lakes & Clean Water Funding: Gov. Tim Walz’s signed bonding bill includes major water-related dollars, including support for Winona’s wastewater treatment upgrades and other local projects. Local Conservation & Habitat: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service designated 1.5 million acres of critical habitat for the endangered rusty patched bumble bee, including Minnesota counties. Outdoor Recreation Boost: Redhead Mountain Bike Park in Chisholm opened a new pump track and skills course, funded by Iron Range Resources and the ENRTF.

Tick Season Alert: The Twin Cities metro is seeing an early, strong 2026 tick season, with blacklegged ticks showing higher-than-average infection rates—MMCD urges extra precautions in May and June. Pollinator Protection: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service designated 33 counties across six states, including parts of Minnesota, as critical habitat for the endangered rusty patched bumble bee. Air Quality & Ozone: Minnesota Pollution Control Agency issued an ozone alert for the Twin Cities Friday noon–9 p.m., warning of unhealthy conditions for sensitive groups. Harmful Algal Blooms: MDH and MPCA remind Minnesotans that some lakes and ponds may have harmful algal blooms that can sicken people and pets—avoid smelly, scummy, or discolored water. Waterfront Health: Officials say to watch for developing algal blooms in area waters. Outdoor Worker Safety: OSHA guidance highlights that bosses can’t ignore heat hazards, and heat illness risk is highest early in hot-weather work. Local Planning Tools: DNR’s aggregate resource mapping program is expanding, helping counties plan for roads, bridges, and stormwater needs using locally available sand, gravel, and crushed stone. Wildlife Stewardship: Minnesota DNR’s summer outdoor skills and stewardship webinar series returns with sessions on muskie fishing, BWCAW surveys, and sampling rare fish.

Wildfire Recovery: Lake County held a Stewart Trail Fire property-owner outreach at Sonju Arena in Two Harbors, with DNR, Red Cross, United Way, and local agencies offering help; residents who can’t attend can contact StewartTrailFireRecovery@lakecountymn.gov or 218-225-1712. PFAS Accountability: Australia filed a record lawsuit seeking more than A$2B against Minnesota-based 3M over “forever chemical” PFAS contamination tied to firefighting foam used at 28 defense bases, alleging 3M withheld harmful testing. St. Louis River Cleanup: EPA and MPCA marked completion of sediment cleanup on the Minnesota side of the St. Louis River Area of Concern, including major work at Thomson Reservoir. Tribal Land Return: Minnesota signed legislation to return the 3,400-acre Cloquet Forestry Center to the Fond du Lac Band, restoring land long held by the state and enabling future research and stewardship. Fishing Pressure Recalculated: A new federal study estimates Minnesotans catch and keep about 80 million pounds of freshwater fish annually—far above the state’s prior estimate—raising questions for future management. Air Quality Alert: MPCA issued a Twin Cities ozone alert for Friday (noon–9 p.m.), urging people with breathing conditions and outdoor workers to take it easy. Agriculture Soil Health: MDA opened grants to help early-stage continuous living cover crop enterprises build markets and supply chains. Data Center & Community Pollution: Residents pressed Minneapolis Mayor Kaohly Her about pollution concerns from the Northern Iron foundry, as regulators pursue permit violations.

Pine Island Data Center Fight: A Minnesota judge issued a temporary restraining order halting construction of the Project Skyway data center, pausing the timeline while a nonprofit challenges whether the environmental review was adequate. Wild Rice Water Protection: A local op-ed urges Gov. Tim Walz to uphold Minnesota’s sulfate standard for wild rice waters, warning sulfate pollution can drive mercury methylation and threaten public health. Water Quality & Harmful Algal Blooms: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is seeking public comments on a draft plan to test clay in Minneapolis stormwater ponds to manage harmful algal blooms, with comments due June 29. PFAS Accountability: Australia filed a record lawsuit against Minnesota-based 3M over PFAS “forever chemicals” in firefighting foam used at defense bases, seeking more than A$2 billion in damages. Community Food Infrastructure: Minneapolis’ NEON Collective Kitchens opened as a $22 million shared-wealth food hub, aiming to cut the high cost of commercial space for food entrepreneurs. Local Roads & Growth: Isanti County is advancing design work to reconstruct a mile of CSAH 5, targeting safety and drainage upgrades along Heritage Boulevard. Heat Outlook: Minnesota is set for very warm, mostly dry conditions into early June, with Twin Cities highs in the 80s to near 90. Dog Safety: USPS says employees reported more than 5,200 dog attacks last year and is urging pet owners to secure dogs before deliveries.

PFAS Lawsuit: Australia filed its biggest-ever PFAS “forever chemicals” lawsuit, seeking more than A$2 billion against Minnesota-based 3M over firefighting foam used at 28 defense bases, alleging 3M gave unsafe disposal assurances. Local Courts & Energy: A Goodhue County judge temporarily halted Google’s Pine Island data center, “Project Skyway,” after the Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy said the environmental review lacked detail. Great Lakes Conservation: Sen. Gary Peters introduced bipartisan legislation to strengthen federal support for Great Lakes research and conservation by designating the Great Lakes Commission as a NOAA regional partnership. St. Louis River Cleanup: Leaders marked major progress toward finishing the St. Louis River “area of concern” restoration, with contaminated sediment removal completed and habitat and water-quality work continuing. Minnesota Climate Outlook: Minnesota’s summer forecast leans drier than average, with drought conditions persisting and elevated fire risk possible if rain stays scarce. Tech & STEM: Eden Prairie students earned recognition in the MnAiC computer science awards, highlighting growing access to STEM mentorship and opportunities. Wildlife & Habitat: Minnesota’s e-waste recycling push gained attention on the Iron Range, aiming to recover valuable metals while reducing toxic landfill impacts.

Minnesota DNR: The state is rolling out a new electronic licensing system on June 9, replacing a 25-year-old platform and letting anglers and hunters buy licenses via mobile app, online, or in person, with options to store licenses as PDFs or in the app; sales pause June 2–8. Water & Land Protection: A Goodhue County judge temporarily halted construction of Google’s Pine Island data center after a lawsuit argued additional environmental review is needed, with residents raising concerns about power costs and water impacts. Clean Water Fight: The Mille Lacs Band’s Kelly Applegate is urging public attention on the “Water Over Nickel” campaign against a proposed Tamarack nickel-sulfide mine, warning past mining history points to pollution and environmental damage. Wildlife Education: Five Minnesota wildlife centers are launching a “Minnesota Wildlife Passport to Adventure” starting June 1 to boost awareness and encourage visitors to tour multiple sites. Outdoor Recreation: A new Rum River RV Resort opened in Isanti after Investorade acquired the former Country Camping property, aiming to keep the camping feel while investing in upgrades.