AGP Executive Report

Iowa Water & Drought: A new U.S. Drought Monitor update shows northwest Iowa is still the driest part of the state, with most of Iowa not in dry conditions but moderate drought expanding in the region. Weed Resistance: Waterhemp resistance is rising fast, with failures showing up across multiple herbicide groups in Iowa and beyond—pushing growers toward more flexible, field-by-field weed control. Biofuels & Farm Economics: The American Soybean Association warns proposed expansions of small refinery exemptions under the Renewable Fuel Standard could cut soybean biodiesel demand and cost farmers about $1 billion nationwide. Pipeline Safety Oversight: Iowa regulators grilled Black Hills Energy over a high number of pipeline safety violations, including corrosion protection and correction delays, and are weighing penalties and corrective action. Local Water Quality Win: Kent Park Lake in Johnson County was removed from Iowa’s impaired waters list after restoration improved algae and water clarity. Community & Grants: Kahoka and Clark County groups received $50,000 in community grants for senior services, education, and facility upgrades.

Water Quality & Soil Health: Iowa is expanding its Cattle and Conservation Working Lands Program to nearly 30 counties, paying farmers to turn marginal cropland into pasture to help keep nutrients out of waterways and cut drinking-water cleanup costs. Wildlife & Outdoor Recreation: Iowa DNR says 2026 is shaping up for a strong statewide cottontail rabbit season starting Sept. 5, with guidance for scouting and access to private land. Conservation in Action: Practical Farmers of Iowa hosted a field day near Webster City to study restoration of a man-made oxbow on White Fox Creek, with partners including Iowa State and the Iowa Soybean Association. Local Governance & Environment: Marshalltown residents packed a city meeting to question potential environmental impacts of a proposed data center, including visuals, water/power use, and fire-related concerns. Energy & Biofuels Policy: Farm and biofuel groups are pushing back on reports that the White House is considering expanding small refinery exemptions, warning it could slash renewable fuel demand and hit soybean farmers’ revenue. Public Safety & Infrastructure: Linn County’s Palisades-Kepler State Park dam is under review after safety concerns tied to the crumbling 1936 structure, with next steps expected to start in 2028.

Biofuels & Farm Economy: Iowa Biodiesel Board warns the EPA could double small refinery exemptions, a move that could cut renewable fuel demand and cost soybean farmers about $1 billion, as farm and biofuel groups urge Trump to reject the expansion. State Environment Planning: Iowa DNR will host an online stakeholder event Sept. 10 to share results from an Iowa-specific life cycle analysis on waste materials, part of the Sustainable Materials Management effort. Public Health & Pollution Risk: A Whole Foods guacamole dip recall tied to potentially contaminated jalapenos has been upgraded by the FDA to Class I, the highest risk level, with a multistate salmonella-linked investigation underway. Local Climate Action: Iowa City’s Downtown Ambassador Program received a climate grant to buy two electric-assisted cargo tricycles to reduce emissions while improving downtown response. Derelict Buildings Cleanup: Iowa DNR launched a one-time Derelict Building Grant round with $1 million more to help small municipalities remove asbestos in abandoned, dilapidated buildings. Storms & Safety: Coverage highlights how Midwest severe weather and tornado activity are raising concerns about changing patterns and what that could mean for states like Iowa.

Iowa Politics & Climate-Linked Policy: Iowa’s open governor and Senate races are tightening fast, with a Suffolk poll showing Democrat Rob Sand leading Zach Lahn 48%-44% and Sen. Ashley Hinson leading Josh Turek 45%-41%—a reminder that national issues like Iran-fueled costs and local fights like herbicides and water quality are shaping the vote. Biofuels & Farm Economy: The American Soybean Association warns EPA could double “small refinery exemptions,” potentially wiping out about 500 million gallons of biomass-diesel demand and costing soybean farmers roughly $1 billion in lost revenue. Water Quality: A new independent study of eastern Iowa tap water found nitrate levels below the federal limit but often above a long-term health risk threshold, with some of the highest averages in Waverly and Cedar Rapids. Data Centers & Local Impacts: Ames City Council approved a study committee on data-center environmental impacts, including heat, wildlife habitat, and human health, while Hull residents pressed PathOne on trust, water, noise, and wildlife concerns. Wildlife & Outdoor Notes: Iowa’s mourning dove season opens Sept. 1, and DNR expects a busy opener; Central Gardens also plans a Monarch Recognition event honoring local conservation leadership.

Data Center Watch in Iowa: Ames City Council approved a study on data center environmental impacts, including heat, wildlife habitat, and human health, as it delays a LightEdge proposal. Local Governance: Hull residents pressed PathOne on trust and local benefits at a community meeting, with the company describing smaller “edge” data centers and urging rules on noise, water, lighting, and infrastructure. Water & Pollution Accountability: Food & Water Watch released new research tying Iowa nitrate pollution to fertilizer company profits, arguing industry gains while water quality and cancer risks worsen. Biofuels vs. Pump Prices: The White House asked EPA to approve more small refinery biofuel waivers, a move that could lower costs for refiners but spark backlash from Midwest farm and biofuel interests. Wildlife & Outdoor News: Iowa’s mourning dove season opens Sept. 1, with DNR expecting strong turnout and offering public dove field maps. Community & Conservation: Central Gardens’ Summer Garden Party (Aug. 29) will include a Monarch Recognition honoring North Iowa stewardship leadership.

Wildfire Travel Warning: A Great American Road trip hits a wall as Utah wildfires close roads and turn skies orange, forcing travelers to reroute in real time. Northern Lights + Eclipse: Skywatchers may catch a deep partial lunar eclipse with possible aurora activity across parts of the northern U.S. Iowa Conservation Recognition: Lee County farmers earn Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Award honors at the State Fair for soil and water improvements. Data Center Pushback in Iowa: PathOne holds a Hull meeting as residents question water use, air pollution, noise, and other impacts; meanwhile, Iowa City’s new decision tool aims to help communities weigh data center costs and benefits. Biofuels Under Pressure: Iowa biodiesel leaders warn that reported Renewable Fuel Standard small refinery exemptions could slash demand and destabilize plants and farm income. Public Health Watch: Measles cases rise in southern Iowa, with officials running vaccine clinics and listing exposure sites. Outdoor Season Notes: Iowa’s mourning dove opener is Sept. 1 and cottontail rabbit season starts Sept. 5, with DNR urging scouting and safety.

Iowa Water & Soil: Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig and INREC expanded the free Nitrogen Soil Sampling Project, adding fall 2026 capacity and extending testing to all 22 counties in the Greater Des Moines watershed plus four in the Middle Cedar watershed, aiming to help farmers track nitrogen variability and protect water quality. Local Green Space: Dubuque is building Foundry Square in the Millwork District, replacing a former parking lot with a new park featuring lawns, an event space, play area, and seasonal uses. Pollution & Safety: Northwest Iowa Landfill launched a lithium-ion battery recycling program to keep hazardous batteries out of trash and reduce landfill fire risk. Clean Energy & Waste: A lithium-ion battery recycling effort and other waste-safety moves are gaining attention as communities look for safer disposal options. Ag Policy Pressure: The American Soybean Association warned that reports of surging 2025 Renewable Fuel Standard small refinery exemptions could cut domestic biofuel demand, threatening soybean farmers. Data Centers & Community Impact: Iowa’s data-center debate continues as candidates argue for state-level rules on power use and related impacts, while a University of Iowa tool is helping communities navigate choices. Wildlife & Conservation: Cass County naturalist Lora Kanning highlighted bats’ role in insect control and conservation, pushing back on common fears. Farm Recognition: Thirty-three Iowa farm families received Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Awards for voluntary soil and water conservation practices.

Data Centers vs. Iowa Communities: Zach Lahn says Iowa should pause new data center approvals with a temporary moratorium while the state sets clearer rules; neighbors in places like Arthur and Linn County are asking about water use, noise, fire safety, and electricity impacts. Local Governance: A Cedar Rapids town hall with Linn County Supervisor Sami Scheetz put the spotlight on limited county power when state rules can be overridden, as residents weigh proposed projects like the Morgan Valley gas plant. Waste & Capacity: Dubuque County officials say landfill space could handle data center waste, but capacity is still finite—estimated at under 13 years at current rates. Climate Disclosure Fight: Iowa AG Brenna Bird joined a multi-state push challenging the “Big Four” over climate-related financial reporting, arguing it raises costs for small businesses and consumers. Ag & Water Quality: Iowa corn farmers look to Philippines demand for cleaner-energy-linked ethanol growth, while Iowa Secretary of Agriculture candidates debate long-running nitrate and water quality problems. Public Health: Alfalfa sprouts tied to E. coli and salmonella have been recalled, with cases reported in Iowa and 14 other states. School Safety: A new Iowa law on disruptive students takes effect, aiming to protect educators’ workplace safety while setting processes for removing students.

Climate & Accountability: Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird joined a coalition of 16 states warning the “Big 4” accounting firms about potentially illegal climate activism tied to financial reporting, saying costs could hit small businesses and consumers. Water Quality & Ag Politics: Democratic Iowa Secretary of Agriculture candidate Chris Jones says Iowa’s water problems need systemic change, pointing to his background in water testing and monitoring. Local Environment Watch: Iowa DNR is investigating a fish kill in Hecker Creek during the same period as a major fire at the Agri Star meat processing plant in Postville. Recreation & Habitat Planning: Northwest Iowa is seeking public input on a new Little Sioux River water trail plan aimed at improving access, safety, and habitat. Food Safety: Alfalfa sprouts from Everything Sprouts, LLC are recalled after a multistate E. coli and salmonella outbreak that includes Iowa. Community & Jobs: Fort Dodge’s 720-acre Crossroads of Global Innovation industrial park earned Iowa Certified Site status, positioning it for bioscience, advanced manufacturing, and renewable energy investment. Labor & Industry: UAW members rejected John Deere’s contract extension through 2029, setting up bargaining again in 2027.

Wildfire smoke and mental health in Iowa: A northern Iowa smoke advisory is linked to more than breathing trouble, with a clinical psychologist warning haze can raise stress, anxiety, and depression symptoms. Midwest tornado season: Meteorologists say this year’s Midwest tornado surge is baffling, with Illinois seeing record-breaking numbers and questions about whether storms are shifting east. Flood risk to Iowa crops: Mid-August flooding across the Corn Belt is threatening corn and soybean yields as farmers track lodging and saturated fields heading into harvest. Iowa conservation wins: Gov. Reynolds, Ag Sec. Mike Naig, and DNR Director Kayla Lyon honored 33 Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Award families for practices like cover crops, no-till, nutrient management, and buffers. Iowa City Climate Fest: Iowa City’s Climate Fest returns Sept. 22–26 with EV events, compost facility celebrations, habitat tours, and “Planet Soil.” Data centers meet backlash: Iowa-area voters and candidates are increasingly debating data centers over electricity, water use, and local environmental impacts.

Conservation Awards: Iowa recognized 33 farm families with the 2026 Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Awards at the State Fair, highlighting voluntary soil-and-water practices like cover crops, no-till, nutrient management, wetlands, and prairie restoration. Climate Action in Iowa City: Iowa City’s Climate Fest returns Sept. 22–26 with free events, including compost facility celebrations, an EV car show, a Birds & Bees habitat tour, and a “Planet Soil” screening. Youth Climate Funding: Cedar Rapids’ Mayor’s Youth Conference is set for Sept. 30, adding a track tied to Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Mayor’s Youth Climate Action Fund offering up to $5,000 for youth-led climate projects. Water Quality Warning: A new report flags algae blooms tied to ag-industrial pollution, pointing to nitrogen and phosphorus as key drivers (not just weather). Data Centers Backlash: Opposition to AI data centers is growing across party lines, with voters citing electricity and water demands—an issue showing up in Iowa’s toss-up Senate politics. Farm Policy Pressure: Iowa’s ag community is reacting to Trump’s imported ground beef plan, saying it could undercut producers and disrupt cattle markets. Local Land & Pollution Concern: Residents in western Iowa’s Loess Hills are raising alarms about a proposed waste lagoon tied to animal-waste byproducts. State Aviation Funding: Iowa approved $10.2M for its FY2027 aviation program, supporting improvements at 22 airports plus vertical infrastructure at general and commercial sites.

Iowa Water & Agriculture: Iowa’s Democratic secretary of agriculture candidate Chris Jones told State Fair crowds the state needs “systemic change” to fix water quality, criticizing incremental, piecemeal approaches and weighing in on Trump’s plan to allow more imported ground beef. Public Health: The CDC says a multistate E. coli and salmonella outbreak linked to alfalfa sprouts has spread to 15 states, with 55 cases reported and four hospitalizations. Pollution & Enforcement: Iowa DNR is investigating a fish kill in Hecker Creek that occurred during a major Postville meat plant fire, with results still pending. Waste & Recycling: Cedar Rapids’ solid waste agency says new data center construction has generated 40,000 pounds of trash and is violating a long-standing cardboard ban, pushing for stronger local rules. Land Stewardship: Iowa recognized the Longinaker family as 2026 Iowa Outstanding Tree Farmers of the Year, highlighting long-term woodland management that balances timber, recreation, and wildlife habitat. Community & Environment: Ottumwa’s Residential Facility is partnering with Heartland Humane to help residents build skills through animal care and volunteering.

AI Data Centers Backlash: Opposition to new AI data centers is growing across party lines, with 61% of Americans against them—driven by worries about electricity prices, water use, subsidies, and local control, and showing up in toss-up Senate races including Iowa. Food Safety: A multistate E. coli and salmonella outbreak tied to alfalfa sprouts has reached 15 states, with 55 reported cases and four hospitalizations; Iowa is among the affected states. Water & Pollution Watch: Iowa DNR is investigating a fish kill in Hecker Creek that occurred during a major Postville meat plant fire, with results pending. Local Cleanup Funding: Keokuk officials received an EPA visit and updates on an $8.5 million Elkem Carbide brownfields cleanup aimed at returning the 79-acre site to productive use. Wildlife & Habitat: A monarch tagging program is set for Sept. 3 at the Hanson Nature Center in Leland, as conservation groups track migration amid habitat loss and climate pressure. Education & Safety: Dubuque’s Jefferson Middle School will delay its start after a fire damaged part of the building, with classes now set to begin Aug. 31.

Midterm Politics Meets Power Demand: New polling shows many Americans oppose new data centers, and the backlash is now shaping toss-up Senate races that include Iowa, where voters are weighing what AI infrastructure could mean for local life and electricity. Local Cleanup Funding: Milwaukee approved a $1 million city loan for an affordable apartment project after contamination was found at a former Walmart site, highlighting how redevelopment often depends on environmental cleanup. Brownfields Progress in SE Iowa: Keokuk’s Elkem Carbide cleanup is moving through funded phases, with the EPA backing a major effort aimed at returning the 79-acre site to productive use. Water & Wildlife Watch: Iowa DNR is investigating a fish kill in Hecker Creek that may be tied to a major Postville fire, while results are still pending. Air & Health Risks: A WHO meteorologist in Des Moines shared a Parkinson’s diagnosis, underscoring how health crises are hitting local communities. Food Safety: CDC reports a multistate E. coli and salmonella outbreak linked to alfalfa sprouts, with cases across 15 states including Iowa. Waste & Recycling Pressure: Cedar Rapids says data center construction has generated 40,000 pounds of trash and is allegedly dumping banned cardboard. Climate Impacts on Crops: A new study links rising temperatures to earlier grape development and changing wine quality, a reminder that warming affects Iowa’s broader food system too.

Endangered Species & Habitat: Michigan’s Poweshiek skipperling butterfly is getting a rare shot at recovery after captive breeding raised thousands for reintroduction; the species was listed endangered in 2014 and had only nine counted in the wild by 2022. Public Health: A measles outbreak in southwest Wisconsin is growing, with new cases reported in Iowa’s Lafayette County; officials say there’s no known public exposure, and a community vaccination clinic is planned. Food Safety: An outbreak tied to alfalfa sprouts has spread to 15 states, with U.S. officials reporting dozens of cases and hospitalizations. Local Environment & Health: Western Iowa residents are questioning the slow cleanup timeline at a former Cold War missile site after TCE seeped into groundwater; the Army Corps says federal limits affect how fast solutions can move. Climate & Community: Climate Fest returns to Iowa City Sept. 22–26 with sustainability talks, LED lighting upgrades, and pollinator-focused habitat tours. Agriculture & Water Quality: Iowa State research highlights how controlled drainage can improve nitrogen use efficiency and reduce environmental losses. Farm Stewardship: Iowa recognized 33 farm families with the Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Awards at the State Fair for soil and water protection.

Water & Public Health: Iowa’s Water and Wastewater Workers Week runs Aug. 23–29, spotlighting the operators who keep drinking water safe and protect the environment. River Cleanup: Iowa Project AWARE’s Little Turkey and Turkey River cleanup pulled in 11+ tons of trash over five days, with 97% of materials recycled. Drought Watch: The Iowa DNR says drought watches are active in northwest and southwest Iowa as soil moisture drops and conditions vary across the state. Agriculture Research: Iowa State’s Northeast Research and Demonstration Farm marks 50 years with an open house Sept. 10, featuring guided tours of producer-focused ag research. Energy & Climate Outlook: Iowa climatologist Justin Glisan says El Niño signals are strengthening, with a greater than 90% chance of a very strong event this fall into spring. Local Conservation: Lee County Conservation Board bought an 80-acre former sand plant site, expanding connected public habitat and recreation to 413 acres. Policy & Environment: Cook Political Report moved Iowa’s U.S. Senate race to toss-up and the governor’s race toward Democrats—an election shift that could shape future environmental and agriculture priorities.