AGP Executive Report

Severe Weather Watch: Storms and heat are back in Iowa’s forecast, with showers tonight into Monday and a bigger severe setup possible Tuesday through Thursday, including damaging winds and hail. Wildlife Management: Iowa City’s deer population is up to nearly 560 in just under five square miles, and the state denied a professional sharpshooting request—city leaders say they may need targeted action to cut collisions. Water Quality & Health: Iowa’s PFAS testing is getting a boost, with the Iowa Environmental Protection Commission approving nearly $400,000 in extra funding for EPA-required drinking water tests. Data Centers & Water: Google says it will replenish more water than it uses at U.S. data centers by 2030, as communities push back on AI infrastructure strain. Ag Policy: Congress is weighing rollbacks to state animal welfare rules tied to the federal farm bill, including limits aimed at California’s livestock standards. Community & Energy: Save Morgan Valley plans a June 30 town hall on the proposed Morgan Valley Energy Center and its potential impacts.

PFAS Testing Boost in Iowa: The Iowa Environmental Protection Commission approved nearly $400,000 in extra funding for EPA-required PFAS drinking-water tests, adding up to more than $1.4 million total for sampling. Water Pollution Impacts Iowa Outdoors: New reporting highlights how Iowa’s water pollution is harming public health and cutting into summer recreation, with many rivers and lakes failing to meet standards. Data Centers, Water Use, and Iowa’s Future: Google says it will replenish more water than it consumes at U.S. data centers by 2030, while communities weigh the strain from expanding AI infrastructure. Livestock Welfare Fight in Congress: Congress is considering changes that could block states from regulating livestock raising, targeting laws like California’s Proposition 12. Severe Weather Watch: A major Upper Midwest severe outbreak is developing, with tornadoes, very large hail, and damaging winds possible. Invasive Species Reminder (Iowa): Iowa DNR urges residents to prevent spread by checking gear, cleaning boots, and not moving firewood. Town Hall on Morgan Valley Energy Center: Save Morgan Valley will hold a June 30 meeting on the proposed natural gas plant tied to future high-energy users like data centers. Screwworm Threat Update: USDA confirmed a New World screwworm case in Texas and reports a second confirmed detection nearby, prompting quarantine and response efforts.

Severe Weather & Air Quality: Iowa’s storms brought heavy rain and lightning, with the Iowa Environmental Mesonet topping out at 2.08 inches in Chariton; tornado warnings were issued but no tornadoes were confirmed. An ozone air quality alert also remains in parts of the region, with heat and more storms expected soon. Livestock Health Threat: USDA confirmed New World screwworm in Texas cattle for the first time in decades, triggering quarantines and animal movement stops; a second nearby case was also reported, raising stakes for ranchers and wildlife. Water Quality in Iowa: A Princeton, Iowa well meant as backup drinking water has been offline since 2024 due to nitrate levels above federal standards, highlighting a broader source-water reliability problem for small towns. Drought Watch: Dry conditions worsened across Iowa in late May, with about three-quarters of the state now abnormally dry or worse. Invasive Species Prevention: Iowa DNR and partners urged residents to clean gear, check for spongy moth egg masses, and avoid out-of-county firewood to slow invasive spread. Outdoor Safety: Mosquito and tick season is underway; experts recommend year-round protection and careful tick checks after time outdoors. Local Conservation Events: The Iowa DNR will host a public open house on the Pecan Grove State Preserve, and the Natural Resource Commission meets June 11 in Clear Lake.

Invasive Species: North Iowa Outdoors urges Iowans to help slow the spread of invasive pests by checking plants, cleaning boots, and avoiding out-of-county firewood. Water Quality & Health: Iowa DNR posts swimming advisories at five state park beaches, with crews sampling for bacteria like E. coli and microcystin during peak season. Drought Watch: A new Water Summary Update says dry conditions have expanded, with about three-quarters of Iowa now abnormally dry or worse and topsoil moisture trending downward. Wildlife Habitat: The Natural Resource Commission meets June 11 in Clear Lake, and the DNR hosts a June 16 open house on the Pecan Grove State Preserve’s forest stewardship plan. Outdoor Safety: Mosquito and tick season is underway; Iowa State experts warn that damp conditions boost mosquitoes and ticks can attach along trails. Livestock Biosecurity: USDA confirmed New World screwworm in Texas calves, triggering quarantines and movement restrictions—an Iowa-relevant reminder for invasive pests and animal health.

Water quality & health: Iowa’s DNR is warning swimmers at five state park beaches after routine bacteria testing, as crews sample for E. coli and microcystin all summer. Pollution & outdoor life: A new look at Iowa water pollution ties nitrates and phosphorus to both public health risks and lost summer recreation. Drought pressure: A Water Summary Update says dry conditions are expanding, with about three-quarters of Iowa now abnormally dry or worse. Source-water stress in small towns: Princeton’s backup well has been offline since 2024 due to nitrate levels above drinking standards, highlighting a broader reliability challenge for Iowa communities. Livestock impacts: Experts say ventilation and water access are key to protecting hogs from heat stress. Invasive/animal health threat: USDA confirmed a second New World screwworm case in Texas, prompting movement restrictions—an Iowa-linked reminder of how fast animal health risks can spread. Local conservation events: The Iowa DNR will host a June 16 open house on the Pecan Grove State Preserve and the Natural Resource Commission meets June 11 in Clear Lake.

Wildlife Habitat Win: Polk County Conservation is opening the 1,100-acre Brenton Slough, a rare “stay wild” park purchase that protects migratory birds plus rare turtles and salamanders. Endangered Species Update: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service designated about 1.5 million acres as critical habitat for the rusty patched bumble bee, including parts of Iowa. Drought Watch: New state water data says about three-quarters of Iowa is abnormally dry or worse after below-normal May rainfall, with topsoil moisture still tight. Air Quality & Climate: A new study links wildfire smoke to worsening ground-level ozone, reversing years of U.S. smog progress and raising health risks far from fires. Livestock Biosecurity: USDA confirmed the first New World screwworm case in U.S. livestock in decades from a Texas calf; officials are restricting movement and urging monitoring. Farm Heat Stress: Iowa-area pork experts say ventilation and water access are key to protecting hogs during heat and humidity. Local Water Stewardship: Google says it will replenish more water than it uses by 2030, including projects tied to Iowa agriculture.

Water & Health in Iowa: The University of Iowa is launching INSIGHT, a statewide effort to link environmental exposures (like nitrate and PFAS) to health outcomes, with $5 million from the Kyle J. and Sharon Krause Family Foundation. Drought Watch: Iowa’s dry stretch is worsening again, with about three-quarters of the state now abnormally dry or worse after May rainfall came in well below normal. Air Quality Oversight: The Iowa DNR has draft air permits up for public review, inviting comments before July 4. Climate Extremes: Iowa is seeing “the worst of both” as climate change can mean long dry spells followed by intense downpours and higher flood risk. Wildlife Under Pressure: A lawsuit says the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service missed deadlines to decide on protections for the imperiled Iowa skipper butterfly. Data Centers & Water: Google says it will replenish more water than it uses by 2030 and points to Iowa conservation work tied to its data center expansion. Northern Lights: Strong geomagnetic storm conditions could bring aurora visibility into Iowa and nearby states.

Water Quality & Health: The University of Iowa launched INSIGHT, a 5-year, $10M goal research effort to track how Iowa’s air and water contaminants (including nitrates and PFAS) may be driving rising cancer and maternal/newborn and neurodevelopment outcomes. Livestock Biosecurity: USDA confirmed a New World screwworm case in a 3-week-old calf in Zavala County, Texas—the first in decades—prompting quarantines, movement controls, and expanded sterile-fly releases, with Iowa’s NVSL in Ames involved in testing. Climate Policy Watch: California and New York weakened parts of their climate rules while red states push clean-energy buildout, as advocates warn “affordability” rollbacks could worsen both climate and health risks. Northern Lights: NOAA upgraded aurora odds for parts of the northern U.S., including northern Iowa, with a stronger geomagnetic storm forecast Thursday night into Friday. Local Water Pollution Reality Check: A new Iowa-focused report ties algal blooms, bacteria, and runoff to fewer safe swimming days and ongoing public health concerns.

Livestock Biosecurity: USDA confirmed a New World screwworm case in a calf in La Pryor/Zavala County, Texas—the first confirmed U.S. case since 1966—prompting quarantines, movement controls, enhanced surveillance, and plans to use sterile flies to stop spread. Iowa Health & Water: The University of Iowa launched INSIGHT, a multi-year effort to study how environmental exposures (including drinking water and air quality) may be driving Iowa’s rising cancer rates and other health problems, with field sampling and lab analysis. Pollinator Protection: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service finalized critical habitat for the endangered rusty patched bumble bee, designating 1.5M+ acres across multiple states including Iowa. Community & Conservation: Iowa’s Regional REAP assembly is set for June 11 in Oskaloosa, and Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig will present the Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award to Steve and Amy Swenka for conservation, animal care, and stewardship. Data Centers & Water: Google announced a Texas Water Impact Fund ($10M) tied to data center expansion, and also flagged similar water stewardship commitments in Iowa and other states.

Iowa Water Quality: Gov. Kim Reynolds signed House File 2771, boosting “Farm to Faucet” funding for water quality upgrades, with nearly $320 million over 12 years aimed at farm-to-stream improvements. Wildlife & Land Use: Interior is seeking flexibility on predator management, including how wolves and grizzlies are handled—an issue that hits ranchers hard and keeps wildlife advocates watching. Prairie Education: Dordt University won an Iowa DNR REAP grant to expand a tallgrass prairie board game (“Perennial”) statewide, using play to teach biodiversity and restoration. Data Centers & Water: Erin Brockovich is pushing for data center transparency, spotlighting how much water cooling can consume—citing a Council Bluffs Google site as an example. Farm Animal Welfare: Congress is weighing a farm bill move that could roll back state animal welfare rules, targeting laws like California’s Prop 12. Local Environment & Community: Iowa’s Keep Iowa Beautiful photo contest highlighted the state’s natural beauty, with winners across multiple categories.

Iowa Politics Sets Up Fall Climate & Water Stakes: Iowa’s June 2 primaries locked in key matchups, including Democrats Christina Bohannan vs. Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks in Iowa’s 1st District and Josh Turek vs. GOP Rep. Ashley Hinson for the open U.S. Senate seat, with voters also choosing nominees for other competitive House races. Statehouse Action: Gov. Kim Reynolds signed the remaining 2026 bills into law, including SF 654 on wildlife (beaver dams, trapping rules, deer depredation) and SF 2168 on workforce matters, while also vetoing some bills and line-item striking parts of appropriations. Pollinator Protection: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service finalized critical habitat protections for the endangered rusty patched bumble bee across 33 counties, including Iowa City and other Midwest urban areas. Heat & Drought Watch: NOAA is flagging above-normal temperatures for Iowa early June, with rapid drying concerns that could stress crops and boost irrigation needs. Invasive Species Reminder: Iowa DNR urged residents to help slow invasive spread by cleaning gear, checking plants, and not moving firewood between counties. Local Conservation Wins: Jasper County Conservation unveiled its long-planned nature center, a new hub for hands-on environmental education.

Water Quality Fight: Environmental groups sued EPA over its about-face removing seven Iowa river segments from the impaired waters list, arguing the change wasn’t science-based and could leave people more exposed to nitrate-linked contaminants. Farm to Faucet Funding: Gov. Kim Reynolds signed HF 2771, sending $166.7 million for agriculture and natural resources and pushing nearly $320 million over 12 years for water quality monitoring, upgrades, and conservation to cut nutrient runoff. Drought Watch: Iowa’s state climatologist says May ended drier than normal after a wet April, with dryness returning in parts of north and eastern Iowa—June may bring some relief. Wildlife Habitat: Iowa Wildlife Federation’s Certified Wildlife Habitat program is expanding, with native plants helping pollinators and other species as development squeezes habitat and corridors. Bats in the Field: Iowa DNR and Iowa State are recruiting volunteers for nighttime bat acoustic surveys across multiple counties in July. Energy & Nuclear: A Clean Air Task Force expert discusses whether Iowa’s Duane Arnold plant could be restarted, focusing on the regulatory path for extending or relaunching decommissioning reactors. Local Housing/Community Impacts: A Waterloo data center proposal drew protests over environmental and taxpayer concerns, while Iowa’s housing market gained spring momentum in April.

Water Quality Push: Gov. Kim Reynolds signed the Farm to Faucet water-quality package (HF 2771), steering about $319 million over 12 years toward nitrate-removal upgrades and rural and urban water treatment improvements, including a $25 million boost for Central Iowa Water Works. Nitrate Pollution Alarm: A new NRDC report warns lax rules and mismanaged nitrogen are driving nitrate pollution that harms water, air, wildlife, and public health, calling for “commonsense guardrails” to cut runoff without hurting farm productivity. Bats in the Night Sky: Iowa DNR and Iowa State University are recruiting volunteers for nighttime acoustic monitoring surveys of nine bat species across multiple counties in July. Wildlife Update: Black bear sightings are rising in northeast Iowa as bears reclaim native range, with experts pointing to increased movement back into wooded areas. Local Data Center Debate: Waterloo’s proposed south-side data center plan is drawing protests over whether it makes “environmental” and taxpayer sense. Veterans Mental Health: A new mobile mental health unit for Iowa veterans and first responders launched in Cedar Rapids, aiming to reduce hotline delays by bringing therapy on-site.

Rural Health Funding Prep: Iowa Primary Care Association will host two technical assistance sessions in Osceola on June 4 to help organizations prepare for upcoming Iowa HHS rural coordinated-care funding—one on Communities of Care co-location and one on the Hometown Connections school-based initiative. PFAS & Refrigerants Watch: HVACR regulators are flagging two fast-moving areas for contractors and manufacturers: patchwork PFAS “forever chemical” rules and evolving building codes tied to A2L refrigerants. Water Quality Pressure: At Backbone State Park, E. coli levels spiked above safe limits over Memorial Day, with locals saying the problem fluctuates and keeps some swimmers out. Cover Crops Incentives: The Farmers for Soil Health program reopens for enrollment with higher annual payments ($35/acre, up to 2,000 acres) and a new one-year contract structure to reduce barriers for farmers. Ag Policy & Water Accountability: Gov. Reynolds’ Farm to Faucet initiative faces criticism as “too little too late,” with opponents arguing it lacks teeth to hold polluters accountable as nitrate and drinking-water concerns persist. Precision Ag in Schools: Iowa State’s PATCH program is giving high school students hands-on precision agriculture lessons using GPS-guided equipment to show how modern guidance can improve field accuracy. Severe Weather Reminder: Forecast coverage notes tornado risk shifting northward in June, with Iowa and the Northern Great Plains increasingly in the main threat zone.

Soil & Water Monitoring: University of Illinois researchers used satellite imagery and machine learning to map corn and soybean tillage from 2000–2022, aiming to better track how no-till and strip-till affect erosion and water management. Water Quality in Iowa: Backbone State Park saw E. coli spike above safe swimming limits over Memorial Day, with locals saying levels fluctuate and geese droppings are a key driver. Severe Weather Watch: Forecast coverage says June’s tornado threat shifts north into the Central and Northern Great Plains, including Iowa, with conditions primed for powerful storms. Wetlands Protection: A report warns the federal government is stepping back from regulating wetlands, potentially leaving millions of acres more vulnerable as protections weaken. Wildlife & Habitat: Iowa State’s campus wildlife activity surges when students leave, with residents and sustainability staff noting more deer, rabbits, owls, and other animals during quieter months. Public Health & Environment: Southwest Iowa counties are weighing regional public health planning, including environmental health responsibilities. Ag & Climate Tech: Separate coverage highlights how rare-earth training and refining talent in China keeps the supply chain strong—an issue tied to clean energy and electrification.

Iowa Primary Focus: Iowa voters head to the polls Tuesday as Democrats chase a comeback in a state that’s leaned Republican for years, with attention on an open Senate seat and competitive House races that could shape control of Congress. Mississippi River Tourism & Change: A new look at the Mississippi River follows a longtime riverboat captain, highlighting how floods, droughts, invasive fish, and shifting trade routes keep reshaping the waterway that runs through the region. Animal Welfare in Iowa: The Iowa Animal Rescue League removed 21 horses and a donkey from multiple Des Moines-area properties after neglect charges, citing underweight animals, hoof problems, parasites, and untreated injuries. Rural Health: The U.S. Senate unanimously passed a bill extending the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration for five more years, keeping payment flexibility for rural hospitals in Iowa and across the country. Data Center Water Fight (Palo): Palo’s council will consider a first reading of a Google data center ordinance near the Duane Arnold Nuclear Power Plant, with residents raising concerns about water use and oversight. Factory-Farm Health Link: A new study reports higher cancer risk near factory farms, including Iowa counties with high concentrations of concentrated animal feeding operations.