AGP Executive Report

Water Quality Alert: Nebraska DHHS issued a Harmful Algal Bloom health alert for Rockford Lake in Gage County after microcystin levels topped the state threshold; swimming beaches are closed and people are told to avoid swallowing lake water and keep pets out, though boating and fishing are still allowed with caution. Wastewater Funding: South Sioux City secured a $40 million EPA WIFIA loan for a wastewater treatment plant expansion, covering about 60% of the project and aimed at easing a looming rate increase while protecting the Missouri River. Data Centers & Water: A new report on state tax breaks for data centers shows Nebraska has offered fewer incentives than top states, while Google continues pledges to replenish more water than it uses by 2030 and invest in local water projects, including leak detection in Nebraska. Severe Weather Watch: Tornado alley coverage and storm-chasing commentary keep attention on the Plains and Great Plains risk as the season ramps up. Wildlife & Habitat: A community science push is recruiting more cat owners for a national feline genetics study, including calls for participation from underrepresented states like Nebraska.

Water Quality Alert: Nebraska DHHS issued a Harmful Algal Bloom health alert for Rockford Lake in Gage County after microcystin levels exceeded the threshold; swimming beaches are closed and people are told to avoid swallowing lake water and keep pets out. Wastewater Funding: South Sioux City won a $40 million EPA WIFIA loan to expand its wastewater treatment plant, covering over 60% of costs and aimed at preventing steep sewer bill increases while protecting the Missouri River. Drought Update: UNL’s latest drought monitor shows nearly 600,000 Nebraskans in drought-impacted areas, with western counties facing exceptional drought and the state still seeing widespread extreme conditions. Severe Weather Watch: A tornado warning was issued for Cherry County in the Sandhills after radar showed a classic rotating supercell south of Merriman. Wildlife & Habitat: A piping plover-focused project highlights the species’ fragile nesting needs across protected populations in the Great Lakes, northern Great Plains, and Atlantic Coast. Data Center Water Push: Google pledged to replenish more water than it uses by 2030 and pointed to conservation and reuse efforts, including work tied to Nebraska.

Toxic Algae Alert: Nebraska DHHS issued a harmful algal bloom health alert for Rockford Lake in Gage County after microcystin levels topped the safety threshold; swimming beaches are closed, and people are urged to avoid swallowing lake water and keep pets out. Water Stewardship Scrutiny: Google says it will replenish more water than it uses at data centers by 2030, including a Nebraska leak-detection effort, while a separate report highlights how data-center water plans are drawing public attention. Wastewater Upgrade in South Sioux City: EPA finalized a $40 million WIFIA loan to help South Sioux City leave a neighboring sewer grid and build its own modern wastewater treatment system. Carbon Pipeline Lawsuit: A $15 million lawsuit tied to Summit Carbon Solutions is moving toward trial in Delaware, keeping pressure on the stalled carbon-capture pipeline project. Severe Weather Watch: A tornado warning was issued for Cherry County in the Sandhills after radar showed a classic rotating supercell south of Merriman. Drought Update: UNL estimates show nearly 600,000 Nebraskans live in drought-impacted areas, with extreme drought expanding this year compared with last.

Drought Pressure in Nebraska: UNL reports nearly 600,000 Nebraskans live in drought-impacted areas, with marginal relief in parts of eastern/central counties but worsening extreme drought across the western Panhandle, where exceptional drought and February burn damage remain severe. Data Centers & Water Use: Google says it will replenish more water than it consumes by 2030, backed by $500M+ for water and wastewater work and new funding that includes Nebraska leak-detection efforts—amid growing public scrutiny of AI-driven water demand. Severe Weather Watch: A tornado warning hit Cherry County in the Sandhills after radar showed a classic rotation signature over a remote area south of Merriman. Wildlife & Livestock Impacts: A new explainer highlights how horn flies can cut cattle performance and weight gain, while a separate update notes Nebraska’s drought and heat risks for agriculture. Outdoor Recreation & Community: Wisner’s Family Fishing Night returns June 6 with NGPC providing 50 poles, plus wildlife shows and prizes. Space Weather: Northern lights chances are elevated for Nebraska and Iowa during the Thursday night/Friday morning period, with NOAA forecasting strong geomagnetic storm conditions.

Climate & Disasters: A new report warns Americans face a deadlier summer as extreme heat intensifies, tying worsening heat waves to climate change. Northern Lights: NOAA upgraded aurora odds for parts of the northern U.S., including northern Nebraska, with a stronger geomagnetic outlook Thursday night into Friday. Water for Data Centers: Google pledged to replenish more water than it uses by 2030 and announced $17 million in new water stewardship projects across seven states, including Nebraska, as scrutiny grows over AI-driven data center demand. Nebraska Wildlife Management: Nebraska Game and Parks will consider tightening personal antlered deer permit limits to one per year (down from two) starting in 2027, plus other big-game and season changes. Livestock Health Watch: USDA confirmed a New World screwworm case in Texas, prompting containment steps and renewed attention for ranchers across the region. Local Conservation: North Central Nebraska RC&D and partners are running a tire amnesty in O’Neill to reduce illegal dumping and toxic pollution risks.

Livestock Health Watch: USDA confirmed a New World screwworm case in a Texas calf, the first in Texas since 1966, triggering quarantine steps; a Nebraska veterinarian says the risk is serious but not panic-worthy, with wounds needing prompt treatment. Water & Data Centers: Google announced a $10M Texas Water Impact Fund and a broader $17M stewardship push that includes Nebraska, with Omaha’s MUD set to expand leak detection to cut water loss. Energy & Wildlife: Nebraska regulators approved the $800M, 220-mile R-Project transmission line through the Sandhills despite landowner concerns about fragile habitat and species impacts. Community Forests: UNL and PlantNebraska highlight how Nebraska towns are diversifying tree canopies to reduce losses from pests like emerald ash borer. Game Management: Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will consider tighter personal deer permit limits starting in 2027, plus other wildlife rule changes. Agriculture Policy: USDA unveiled a migratory big game conservation framework using Farm Bill tools to protect habitat and improve wildlife movement while keeping working lands working. Cleanup & Health: EPA launched a new Superfund Solutions initiative aimed at speeding contaminated-site cleanups nationwide.

Water & Data Centers: Google announced $17 million for water stewardship, including $3 million to Omaha’s Metropolitan Utilities District to expand acoustic leak detection across 500 miles of priority water lines. Local Energy Policy: Gov. Jim Pillen signed LB 1261, shifting the cost of new generation for large power users like data centers onto those private developers. Grid & Wildlife: Nebraska regulators approved an $800 million, 220-mile Sandhills transmission line over landowner objections, with concerns about impacts to species like the whooping crane and American burying beetle. Community Forests: UNL and PlantNebraska guidance highlights how Nebraska’s aging, drought-stressed tree canopy is being hit by pests like emerald ash borer, pushing towns toward more diverse plantings and ongoing care. Waste Reduction: Pierce County received a state grant for a June 23 scrap tire collection in Plainview. Wildlife Monitoring: Kentucky utilities and wildlife officials are tracking peregrine falcon chicks—an effort that underscores how power sites can support conservation. Education & Content: UNK will discontinue a human sexuality textbook after a complaint about graphic images.

University & Course Content: UNK will discontinue a human sexuality textbook after complaints about “graphic images,” and will add enhanced notice in course materials. Community Forestry: UNL experts are urging Nebraska towns to diversify tree plantings and manage aging street trees as disease pressures grow. Wildlife & Climate Education: A Nebraska Master Naturalist webinar set for June 15 will cover how climate change is affecting species and ecosystems. Local Conservation Planning: A June 11 Local Working Group meeting in Norfolk will shape how federal conservation dollars are targeted locally. Waste Reduction: Pierce County received a DWEE grant for a June 23 scrap tire collection (150 tons planned), limited to county residents. Big Game Migration Funding: USDA expanded a Farm Bill-backed program to support wildlife-friendly practices across 17 states, including Nebraska, to protect migration corridors. Nebraska Water & Fishing Access: Niobrara State Park Pond work is underway to improve aquatic habitat and angler access, with completion expected this fall. Agriculture Vet Pipeline: UNL selected 21 students for the Nebraska Elite 11 Veterinarian Program to address food-animal vet shortages in rural communities. Wildfire Recovery: NRCS extended Nebraska EQIP wildfire recovery applications to July 31. Rail & Environment Review: The Surface Transportation Board paused the Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern merger, asking for more details including environmental impact-related public interest questions.

EV affordability and insurance costs: New data shows used EV sales jumped 54% in March, but insuring EVs still costs about 42% more than gas cars—$3,159 a year for EVs vs. $2,218 for gas on average—though the gap shrinks for newer models. Rail and the environment: The federal Surface Transportation Board paused the Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern merger, asking for more details (including public input) before environmental review can proceed. Wildlife migration planning: USDA unveiled a new framework for migratory big game conservation across 17 states, including Nebraska, aiming to improve landscape connectivity and forage while keeping working lands working. Nebraska wildfire recovery: USDA extended Nebraska’s EQIP wildfire recovery application deadline to July 31 for help repairing grazing infrastructure and restoring forage. Plastic pollution research in Nebraska: UNL and UNMC researchers won a nearly $1.48M grant to study how much micro- and nanoplastics people may ingest from everyday beverage containers. Agricultural recycling push: New research suggests recycling plastic mulch film could be feasible, including trials using films from Nebraska farms.

Rail Merger Pause: The U.S. Surface Transportation Board has paused the proposed Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern merger, asking for more details (including public-interest impacts) and warning the environmental review could slow the timeline. Plastics in Your Cup: UN researchers won a nearly $1.5M grant to study how micro- and nanoplastics may leach from everyday drink containers into people. Drought and Rain Quality: Nebraska Extension says recent storms may not be enough; the key is whether rainfall soaks into the root zone, not just how much falls. Water Quality on the Ballot (Iowa): Iowa’s primary spotlights nitrate pollution and cancer risk tied to industrial farming, with candidates pitching new nutrient and manure controls. Cover Crops Incentives: A cover-crop payment program is back with $35/acre support and a new contract structure aimed at boosting adoption. Flood Storage Works: A Corps of Engineers report highlights how tributary dams reduce downstream flood damage by storing and releasing water during major storms. Health Care Access: CHI Health St. Francis will temporarily move its Grand Island inpatient substance-use unit to Kearney while it searches for a long-term site. Campus DEI Review: UNK says an internal investigation found no support for claims of DEI programming or political bias.

Water Quality & Flood Resilience: Plattsmouth’s new wastewater treatment plant is now operating after the 2019 flood damaged the old facility; the upgraded plant sits outside the floodplain and replaces a system that couldn’t treat at full capacity. Aquatic Invasive Species: Volunteers and the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission teamed up for a Prairie Queen Lake cleanup in Papillion, targeting invasive species like curly-leaf pondweed, plus white perch and Eurasian watermilfoil, with a push for “clean, drain, dry” boat habits. Drought Watch: Nebraska Extension says recent rain may slow drought impacts, but the key question is whether storms deliver moisture that soaks into the root zone instead of running off. Agriculture Incentives: A cover-crop program is reopening with higher payments, offering $35/acre/year up to 2,000 acres, aiming to boost soil health and water quality. Energy & Climate Debate: A report highlights growing interest in nuclear power for Nebraska, while another story notes how severe fire season risks are rising nationwide. Local Conservation: A Sarpy County kayak cleanup focused on invasive species awareness at Prairie Queen Lake.

Severe Weather Watch: Forecasters say June’s tornado threat shifts north into Nebraska and the Central/Northern Great Plains as jet-stream patterns and daytime heating boost storm power, with another active severe-weather setup possible into mid-June. Aquatic Invasives: A Sarpy County kayak and scuba cleanup at Prairie Queen Lake highlighted invasive species like curly-leaf pondweed, plus white perch and Eurasian watermilfoil, urging boaters to clean, drain, and dry to stop spread. Water Infrastructure: Plattsmouth opened a new wastewater treatment plant outside the floodplain after the 2019 Missouri River damage, with FEMA covering 90% of the nearly $70 million project. Sustainability in Schools: Central Community College earned a STARS Gold rating for sustainability work spanning campus operations, clean energy, and student research on native plants and pollinators. Climate & Health: Nebraska mental health impacts tied to extreme cold and heat are worsening, especially for low-income residents facing “mental health desert” gaps across much of the state. Wildfire Readiness: National experts warn 2026 could bring worse wildfire conditions as drought and low mountain snowpack limit relief, while staffing and preparedness concerns linger.

Fluoride Fight: A new round of public controversy is swirling around fluoride in drinking water, with Florida and Utah restricting it and Nebraska lawmakers previously advancing bills that stalled—while a recent NIH toxicology review is cited by supporters as showing no major harm. Wildfire Readiness: Fire experts warn 2026 could be worse than last year as drought, low mountain snowpack, and staffing upheaval raise concerns for the Central Plains and beyond. Climate and Care Gaps: Nebraska researchers and advocates link climate stress to rising mental health needs, pointing to “mental health deserts” and limited access to counseling. Sustainability in Schools: Central Community College in Grand Island earned a STARS Gold rating, highlighting native plant/pollinator research, EV charging, and clean-energy progress. Local Wildlife Safety: Nebraska drivers are urged to watch for turtles during nesting season as females cross roads—often with deadly results. Severe Weather Watch: Forecast coverage flags an active severe weather setup across Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, and Wyoming into early June. Rural Hospital Funding: The Rural Community Hospital Demonstration is set to continue for five more years, including Nebraska hospitals in the program. Data Centers and Power Bills: States are responding to the data center boom with a patchwork of incentives and new guardrails aimed at protecting grids and ratepayers. Nebraska Aviation Grants: The FAA awarded $523M to 332 airports nationwide, including Omaha for terminal and boarding bridge reconstruction. Plant Protection: A practical guide shares frost-protection steps for Nebraska gardeners, from frost cloth to mulch and cold-frame options.

Severe Weather Watch: Meteorologists are flagging a more active, potentially dangerous Central Plains pattern through early June, with Nebraska, Kansas and nearby states in the main corridor for instability and tornado risk. Rural Health Policy: The Rural Community Hospital Demonstration Reauthorization Act cleared the U.S. Senate, extending Medicare payment tests for rural hospitals for five more years; Nebraska is among the participating states. Data Centers & Power Costs: States are responding to the data-center boom in a patchwork way—some add guardrails or consider moratoriums as lawmakers weigh grid, water and household bill impacts. Nebraska Conservation Tech: Researchers are repurposing old smartphones into biodegradable, battery-free ecosystem monitors to track climate change impacts on nature, partnering with UNL and other institutions. Wildlife on Roads: Nebraska drivers are being urged to watch for turtles during nesting season, when females cross roads and many get killed. Aviation Infrastructure: The FAA awarded $523M in airport grants nationwide, including $10.5M for Omaha terminal and boarding bridge reconstruction. Local Sustainability: Central Community College earned a STARS gold rating for sustainability work, including native plant and pollinator research. Agriculture & Water Quality: A Purdue study suggests corn growers may be able to cut nitrogen without sacrificing yields, with potential air and water benefits.

Wildfire Readiness: Local, state and federal partners across the region are gearing up for a severe fire season, with officials pointing to drought and early-drying fuels as risk factors. Road Safety for Wildlife: Nebraska drivers are being urged to watch for turtles crossing roads during nesting season, a deadly trek for adult females leaving aquatic habitat. Sustainability in Higher Ed: Central Community College in Grand Island earned a STARS gold rating for sustainability work spanning academics, engagement and campus operations, including native plant and pollinator research. Food & Feed Exports: A Nebraska-hosted seminar brought Mexican feed nutritionists to learn how U.S. corn co-products like DDGS can support livestock diets and “sustainable supply chains.” Agriculture & Water Quality: A Purdue study suggests corn growers may be able to use less nitrogen without sacrificing yields—potentially cutting pollution and improving profits. Rural Vet Shortage: A Nebraska case highlights the persistent access gap for large-animal veterinarians, with states exploring incentives and training to fill the void. Energy Infrastructure: The FAA awarded $523M in airport grants nationwide, including $10.5M for Omaha terminal and boarding bridge reconstruction.

Severe Weather Watch: A high-tornado-risk setup is building across Nebraska and Kansas this weekend, with forecasts pointing to a focused corridor for rotating storms Saturday and continued danger Sunday. Water & Wildlife Recreation: Niobrara State Park is drawing visitors for its quiet camping and river access, with the park noting it moved to its current spot after flooding and is adding yurts for more lodging. Farm Inputs & Pollution: A Purdue-led study says corn growers may be able to cut nitrogen without sacrificing yields, aiming to reduce runoff and air impacts while protecting profits. Clean Water Rules in Court: Idaho and other states are urging the U.S. Supreme Court to tighten how the Clean Water Act applies to wetlands after the Sackett decision, arguing lower courts have stretched federal reach. Rail & Public Review: Regulators accepted Norfolk Southern–Union Pacific’s merger application but paused progress pending more details and an environmental review with public meetings. Nebraska Policy: Nebraska enacted a state mini-WARN law requiring 90 days’ notice for certain mass layoffs and business closings, effective July 17, 2026. Energy & Community: Nebraska Public Power District is studying potential new nuclear sites, including a Gage County city, as local interest grows. Wildfire Preparedness: Wyoming officials say fire danger is higher than usual due to drought and early-drying fuels, with agencies preparing for an active season.