AGP Executive Report

Wildlife & Habitat in Iowa: Iowa DNR’s decades-long August roadside surveys show pheasant numbers are up for 2026 (second-highest since 2015) but still far below mid-1990s levels, with habitat availability driving the change. Data Center Fight in Iowa: Clinton residents are organizing a free “No Data Center Concert” and protest against a proposed hyperscale data center, urging more studies on electricity, water, and infrastructure before any go-ahead. Local Government & Environment: Waterloo’s council is set to consider a short moratorium on data centers, as opponents push for interim zoning and stronger local rules. Health & Water Concerns: The Iowa Cancer Summit will spotlight new screening tools and also connect cancer risk discussions to environmental factors like water quality. Energy & Climate Policy: A new Iowa Environmental Council report says Iowa’s coal-fired share ticked up in 2025, while wind still leads—sparking pushback from MidAmerican about reliability and costs. Heat Watch: Labor Day weather brought heat and storms, with extreme heat risks continuing into early September.

Energy & Climate Policy: A new Iowa Environmental Council report says Iowa’s coal-fired power share ticked up in 2025 after years of decline, raising questions about how fast the state can get to a carbon-free electricity future; MidAmerican Energy pushes back, arguing reliability and costs make the transition harder than the report suggests. Extreme Heat: A national look at rising over-90°F days ties the Midwest’s hotter, more humid summers to real-world impacts like early dismissals and health alerts—and urges action beyond doom talk. Water Quality & Pollution: USGS research finds nutrient pollution in many U.S. rivers rose from 2000 to 2020, driven partly by nitrogen and phosphorus stored in soil and groundwater, meaning water cleanup can lag behind reductions. Local Resilience: Rock Valley’s flood buyout process is moving forward, with the city set to begin acquiring and demolishing flood-damaged homes as funding hurdles clear. Community Conservation: Cass County Conservation is inviting volunteers for a Sept. 26 9/11 Day project to remove invasive honeysuckle and restore native habitat. Wildlife & Safety: A fawn trapped in a Michigan subdivision gate was freed after firefighters opened the fence—another reminder to call authorities when animals get stuck.

Severe Weather & Flood Risk: A Labor Day weekend storm setup is primed to bring thunderstorms and a heightened flash-flood threat to parts of northwestern Iowa, with intense downpours possible. Water Quality Science: New USGS research finds excess nutrients in rivers often come from nitrogen and phosphorus stored in soil and groundwater—meaning water can take years to recover even after reductions. Local Flood Recovery: Rock Valley’s flood buyout acquisitions are set to begin after FEMA and state funding milestones, with the city moving toward property demolitions. Utility Accountability: Iowa regulators are weighing penalties after Black Hills Energy logged unusually high probable gas safety violations and took far longer than peers to fix them. Invasive Species Volunteer Day: Cass County Conservation is inviting Iowans to a Sept. 26 9/11 Day of Service project to remove invasive honeysuckle and restore native habitat. Agriculture & Conservation Policy: Iowa cattle leaders are watching drought, feed costs, and pasture limits while state and federal officials discuss cattle and conservation working-land programs.

Data Centers & Water Concerns: A new report says Meta is testing dual-armed robots at its Altoona, Iowa data center to handle cable work—another sign of how fast the AI buildout is moving, even as Iowans worry about impacts on water and community say. Local Governance & Development: In Urbandale, a proposed Buc-ee’s beaver-themed travel center plan hit pushback, with opponents citing environmental and community concerns. Farm & Conservation: Iowa cattle policy is shifting toward pasture expansion and conservation as drought and feed costs pressure producers, with state leaders pointing to working lands programs. Soil Health Spotlight: An Owen County farmer finalist for Farm Progress’ “Women in the Field” award credits no-till and cover crops for building resilient land. Policy Watch: An Iowa Environmental Council report highlights cancer rates and potential pollution risks in the Cedar River area. Outdoor Access: Sioux County Conservation added new Adventure Backpacks at Prairie Woods Nature Center to get families exploring wildlife and nature.

Data Centers & Water in Iowa: A Davenport-area meeting highlighted worries that large data centers using evaporative cooling could draw up to millions of gallons a day, raising concerns about drinking-water safety and health impacts, with residents asking for community buy-in. Heat & Schools: In Starmont, a classroom hit 94°F and students were dismissed early because the district can’t get enough cool air, underscoring how extreme heat is straining Iowa school buildings. Conservation on the Ground: Iowa’s Nitrogen Soil Sampling Project is expanding to four counties north of Cedar Rapids, offering free soil kits to help farmers manage nitrates and protect the Cedar River. Wildlife & Community: A West Des Moines viewer captured a bobcat sighting; DNR says bobcats are a conservation success story and are usually easy to scare off if you give them space. Outdoor Access: Sioux County Conservation added new Adventure Backpacks at Prairie Woods Nature Center, including nature journaling, rocks/minerals, geocaching, and animal tracks.

Water Quality & Nitrates: Iowa expanded a nitrogen soil sampling project to Benton, Black Hawk, Grundy and Tama counties, offering free kits as farmers work to keep nitrates out of the Cedar River. Heat & Schools: With some buildings lacking air conditioning, at least one Iowa district dismissed students early after classrooms hit 94 degrees. Ag Weather: Drought risk is rising across parts of the Corn Belt, including northwest Iowa, as heat and dry conditions threaten late-planted corn and soybeans. Conservation Funding: Iowa farmers have until Sept. 25 to apply for CSP and EQIP through NRCS for 2027 conservation support. Wildlife in Towns: A bobcat sighting in West Des Moines drew confirmation from the DNR, with tips on how to safely discourage wildlife. Data Centers & Water: In the Quad Cities, environmental and consumer groups pushed for state data center rules, citing water use and health concerns. Invasive Species Education: Butler, Bremer and Chickasaw conservation boards plan Halloween Hikes themed on invasive species like zebra mussels and burning bush. Public Lands Jobs: The Iowa DNR is hiring an Engineer EIT to help maintain and improve state parks and wildlife areas.

Heat & Drought Watch: A drought-threat story is building for western and northwestern Corn Belt crops, with dry conditions worsening across the Midwest and exceptional drought flagged in Nebraska and Colorado—plus a heat advisory for SW Iowa/SE Nebraska with heat index values up to 105 through Saturday. Iowa Conservation Funding: Iowa farmers have until Sept. 25 to apply for USDA CSP and EQIP programs that support soil health and water-quality practices. Wildlife in the City: A KCCI viewer shared video of a bobcat spotted in West Des Moines; the DNR says sightings are common near Jordan Creek and recommends simple scare-off steps. Invasive Species Education: Butler, Bremer, and Chickasaw County Conservation Boards are hosting Halloween Hikes (Oct. 20) to spotlight non-native species like zebra mussels and Eurasian collared doves. Water & Infrastructure: Muscatine is moving forward on Phase 6E of its sewer separation work with an $8.3 million SRF loan and a public hearing. Energy Policy: Iowa’s Nuclear Energy Task Force released final recommendations, aiming to expand advanced nuclear as part of the state’s future power mix.

Prairie Restoration: Pottawattamie County Conservation’s “Save the Prairie” workday restored 4.2 acres of rare Loess Hills prairie by removing invasive eastern red cedar and Siberian elm, bringing total restored habitat to 13+ acres over three years. Clean Water in Schools: KCCI Investigates reports North Polk schools added 11 reverse-osmosis systems for cleaner drinking water at bottle-filling stations and teachers’ lounges after parent concerns about what kids drink during the day. Air Quality Oversight: Iowa DNR published draft air permits for public comment, including Title V operating permits for the Iowa Army Ammunition Plant and ANR Pipeline Company compressor site. PFAS Funding Update: Wisconsin’s Marinette County is set to receive nearly $10M for PFAS remediation after a settlement release, with local officials praising the timely funding. Health & Pollution Accountability: A new Iowa Capital Dispatch report highlights Iowa’s cancer-rate report from the Iowa Environmental Council and a separate local ad dispute over whether the state AG pursued pollution enforcement at an ethanol plant. Climate Adaptation: Iowa State climatologist Justin Glisan says Northwest Iowa soil moisture is mostly okay heading into harvest, but drought pockets remain a concern.

Wildlife Health: Wisconsin is seeing nearly 900 reports of dead deer in the southeast tied to an Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease outbreak, with Washington County accounting for about 700 reports and officials warning hunting areas could see far fewer deer this fall. Water Quality & Habitat: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is asking for public comments on a 20-year plan for managing dredged material in Pool 9 of the Upper Mississippi River, while a separate project in Cedar Rapids is building a new wetland at Morgan Creek Park area to cut erosion and treat about 40 million gallons of stormwater yearly. Iowa Climate & Drought: State climatologist Justin Glisan reports near-normal precipitation but slightly above-average temperatures in Northwest Iowa, with drought concerns lingering in parts of the region heading into harvest. Energy & Air Impacts: An Iowa Environmental Council report says coal’s share of electricity generation rose about 50% from 2024 to 2025 even as wind remains the top source, raising health and climate concerns. Farming Conservation: Iowa’s cover-crop program is enrolling a record number of acres—about 315,000 so far this year—targeting the Des Moines watershed to help reduce nitrate pollution. Ag Policy: Iowa’s Renewable Fuels Association leader says EPA small refinery exemptions are a “mixed” outcome, but expects ethanol demand to be protected through proposed reallocation. Outdoor Safety: A new explainer warns hikers that canyon flash floods can be deadly even when storms seem far away.

Biofuels & Iowa Ag: The EPA is letting 29 Iowa oil refineries skip blending ethanol and other biofuels, raising fresh concerns about demand for Iowa corn and soy—though renewable fuel groups are watching for a promised reallocation plan. Energy & Climate: Iowa Environmental Council’s “condition of the state” report says coal’s share of electricity generation rose in 2025, a setback for the push toward carbon-free power by 2035. Water Quality & Farming: Iowa’s ag secretary says the state is expanding cattle conservation efforts and leaning on programs like cover crops and wetlands to tackle nitrate and runoff problems. Local Safety: Ottumwa plans 14 solar-powered lights along a dark Third Street sidewalk to improve safety for pedestrians. USDA Data Modernization: USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins unveiled a plan to reduce reporting burdens and modernize how farm survey data is collected. Wildlife & Outdoors: Iowa’s fall hunting season is underway, with DNR reporting strong pheasant numbers and early dove and teal opportunities. Invasive Species Education: Butler County’s Halloween Hikes returns with a theme on non-native plants and animals that can harm Iowa wildlife.

Renewable Fuels Policy: Iowa Renewable Fuels Association leader Monte Shaw calls EPA’s 34 small refinery exemptions a “bad news-maybe not so bad news” move, saying refineries aren’t suffering while ethanol supporters watch for promised 2026–27 reallocation to protect demand. Water Quality & Cleanup: The Iowa Army Ammunition Plant reports major progress in groundwater cleanup near Wever, with RDX concentrations dropping sharply after enhanced degradation using added materials to boost microbes. Solar & Land-Use Fight: Louisa County’s Board of Adjustment rejected a special use permit for the Southpaw Solar project (450 MW plus storage and agrivoltaics), after hours of testimony and public pushback. Heat & Rain Impacts: State Climatologist Justin Glisan says August’s heat dome shaped Iowa’s rainfall pattern—wetter in a south-bent swath, drier elsewhere—while September begins with a shifted ridge. Agriculture on the Ground: ISU Extension warns crown rot is showing up in some corn fields, urging scouting and harvest prioritization where standability is threatened. Wildlife Funding: Iowa DNR’s annual auction of confiscated long guns runs through Sept. 12, with proceeds going to the Fish and Wildlife trust fund. Bioenergy Innovation: An Iowa-based firm applies for a patent for an algae-based water treatment and bioenergy system tied to ISU research.

Iowa Water & Wildlife: Iowa’s special September teal-only duck season opens Sept. 5 for nine days, with DNR urging hunters to scout because wetland conditions vary widely after this summer’s uneven rain. River Cleanup: Iowa Project AWARE wrapped a weeklong paddling cleanup on the Little Turkey and Turkey rivers, hauling out 11+ tons of trash and recycling 97% of materials removed. Ag & Water Quality: A new NRCS application window is open for Iowa producers seeking FY 2027 conservation funding (through Sept. 25), including wetland, soil health, and easement programs aimed at protecting water and air. Biofuels Policy: EPA approved 29 small refinery exemptions for 2025, raising concerns about reduced renewable fuel demand; Iowa’s Ag Secretary says EPA should fully reallocate waived gallons for 2026-27. Local Environment Watch: Lee County supervisors heard resident concerns about earth-moving at a data center site near Fort Madison despite a moratorium, with questions about whether plans have truly changed. Climate Context: Iowa’s August heat dome left temperatures about 1.2 degrees above normal and rainfall uneven—surpluses in parts of central/eastern Iowa, deficits in the northwest.

Iowa Agriculture & Weather: Iowa corn is nearing harvest, with just 6% of acres mature (behind last year), while 77% of corn and soybeans rate good-to-excellent as warm weather keeps pushing development. Biofuels Policy: Iowa Ag Sec. Mike Naig criticized EPA’s Renewable Fuel Standard small refinery exemptions, saying the exemptions are “unfortunate,” but urged EPA to fully reallocate waived gallons on schedule. Waterfowl & Wetlands: Iowa’s special September teal-only season opens Sept. 5 for nine days, with hunters urged to scout wetland water levels and access as conditions vary statewide. Outdoor Cleanup: Iowa Project AWARE wrapped a weeklong paddling cleanup on the Little Turkey and Turkey rivers, hauling in 11+ tons of trash and recycling 97% of removed materials. Climate & Health: A heat advisory remains in effect for parts of eastern Iowa and nearby regions, warning of heat index values up to 104 and urging hydration and rest breaks. Rural Health Tech: Federal funding is sending millions to Iowa for robotic surgical systems and rural healthcare upgrades through the Rural Health Transformation Program. Cybersecurity: After a Canvas-related breach exposed student info at Iowa State and the University of Iowa, both schools are seeking new incident response and digital forensics support. Data Centers & Climate Debate: A Nepal glacier collapse has reignited online backlash over the rapid expansion of data centers powering AI.

Local Wildlife & Community Care: Cedar Rapids rolled out a new “community cat” policy that formalizes Trap-Neuter-Return for outdoor felines, aiming to reduce harm while keeping long-running volunteer efforts in place. Public Health (Iowa): Iowa residents are urged to test for radon, with a new reminder that the state’s indoor levels run far above the national average and can be addressed with simple mitigation. Water Quality (Cedar Valley): A study of five Cedar Valley cities found nitrate levels can vary a lot even within the same community, pushing the case for neighborhood-level testing. Biofuels & Air (Policy): EPA granted 29 small refinery exemptions tied to the Renewable Fuel Standard for 2025, while farm and biofuel groups react and Iowa’s broader air-quality fight continues in court over soot limits. Iowa Outdoors: Iowa DNR plans changes at Riverton Wildlife Management Area, including expanding a waterfowl refuge and adjusting access to cut disturbance during teal and duck seasons. Nature Watch: A guide to Iowa’s jumping spiders highlights how to spot them easily without disturbing them.

Waterfowl Habitat Plan: Iowa DNR is planning to expand the waterfowl refuge at Riverton WMA and reduce disturbance by taking out a crop field and closing an access road during key dates for teal and duck seasons. Air Quality Fight: Iowa-linked GOP AGs are asking the U.S. Supreme Court to reverse Biden-era soot pollution limits, arguing EPA overstepped; the case could reshape future air standards. Biofuels & Farm Impacts: EPA waived 1.76B gallons from the 2025 Renewable Fuel Standard, with promises to reallocate in 2026–27—farm and biofuel groups say timing is critical. Wildlife & Land Protection: After more than 200,000 comments, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service delayed further Prairie Pothole wetland easement changes tied to drain-tile setbacks. Local Climate Action: Dubuque is offering youth micro-grants up to $5,000 for projects aligned with its 50% by 2030 climate plan. Food Safety: A sprouts recall was expanded after salmonella/E. coli concerns, with illnesses reported including in Iowa. Ag Update: USDA reports Iowa corn and soybeans continue progressing toward harvest as late-summer heat and scattered showers help development.

Data Center Backlash in Iowa Politics: A CNN analysis finds voters are increasingly turning against AI/data centers, with candidates and groups spending heavily on anti–data center ads—an issue that’s landing in Iowa races too as campaigns scramble to respond. Local Climate & Health Anxiety: A separate report highlights how opposition is spreading nationwide, with Americans strongly rejecting data centers near home over energy, water, and health fears. Iowa Nature Watch: Late-summer butterfly spotting is heating up, with Iowa DNR noting monarch migration peaks around mid-September and many species still active through September. Wind Power Recycling in Iowa: Regen Fiber’s Fairfax facility is mechanically shredding retired wind turbine blades into materials for concrete, mortar, and asphalt—an Iowa step toward cleaner end-of-life for wind. Heat Alert: Forecasts call for heat index values up to 105 across parts of Iowa, with warnings about heat illness and the need for cool-down breaks. Farm & Water Tech: USDA/Iowa State research points to nitrate bioreactors working faster when woodchips are replaced with corn cobs.