AGP Executive Report

Heat & Storm Threat: Forecasters are warning Nebraskans to prepare for severe thunderstorms, flash flooding, and damaging winds over the July 4 weekend, with a Level 3 Enhanced Risk upgrade for parts of central Nebraska into Iowa. Wildfire & Air Quality: Panhandle officials stress fireworks safety during dry, windy conditions and point residents to real-time air monitoring as wildfire smoke can worsen lung problems. Data Centers vs. Water: More Nebraska counties are weighing or adopting moratoriums on data centers as residents raise concerns about water use and electricity demand; Gage County is considering an 18-month pause. Plastics Policy Fight: Nebraska AG Mike Hilgers is among 17 GOP attorneys general suing California over its packaging and plastics Extended Producer Responsibility law, arguing it will drive up costs nationwide. Local Nature Wins: Bellevue University is expanding native plantings on campus to cut water and erosion while supporting student research. Community Impacts: South Omaha residents described fast storm damage and power outages, while North Platte’s Connection prepares new duplex housing opening in August.

Native landscaping on campus: Bellevue University is expanding native plants across its 67-acre grounds, using seeds grown in its greenhouse to cut water and fertilizer needs while improving erosion control. Severe weather watch: Forecasters upgraded parts of Nebraska and Iowa to a Level 3 Enhanced Risk for July 3, with the biggest threat tied to fast-growing storm complexes that can bring large hail and damaging winds. Heat and health: A major heat wave is pushing extreme heat illness risk across much of the country, with officials urging people to plan for dangerous conditions over the July 4 weekend. Storm cleanup in Omaha: South Omaha residents described sudden damage from a fast-moving storm, including downed trees and power outages. Data center pushback: More Nebraska counties are considering or adopting moratoriums on data centers as residents raise concerns about water and electricity impacts. Packaging law fight: Nebraska AG Mike Hilgers joined a multi-state lawsuit challenging California’s plastics and packaging Extended Producer Responsibility law. Fireworks safety: Panhandle officials stressed fireworks safety during dry, windy conditions and urged residents to monitor air quality and follow local restrictions. Water and trees for producers: Nebraska soil and water programs highlighted cost-share options for flow meters and tree planting to support smarter water use and conservation.

Data Center Water & Zoning Fight: More Nebraska counties are weighing or adopting moratoriums on data centers, with Gage County residents citing fears over water use and electricity impacts as local rules catch up. Heat & Storm Watch: Forecasters upgraded central Nebraska into a Level 3 Enhanced Risk for Friday, while national coverage highlights dangerous July heat and how drought can intensify heat waves. Water Infrastructure Push: Nebraska’s State Revolving Fund is nearing $2 billion in water commitments, with new Clean Water and Drinking Water plans approved to launch dozens of projects. Packaging Pollution Lawsuit: Nebraska AG Mike Hilgers joined a multi-state lawsuit challenging California’s plastics Extended Producer Responsibility law, arguing it will raise costs and overreach. Mosquito-Borne Health Alert: Lincoln-Lancaster County detected Jamestown Canyon virus in local mosquitoes, urging residents to prevent bites. Ag & Climate Resilience: UNL Extension is running webinars on cow-calf mineral decisions, and Forest Service is hiring temporary regional staff for wildfire, wildlife, and recreation support.

Severe Storm Watch: Forecasters upgraded central Nebraska into Iowa to a Level 3 Enhanced Risk for Friday, July 3, with a more powerful storm complex expected to bring large hail and a stronger wind threat. Heat and Drought Link: A new look at extreme summer heat points to drought as a major amplifier, since dry soil removes the ground’s natural cooling effect. Water Infrastructure Push: Nebraska’s State Revolving Fund program is nearing $2 billion in clean water and drinking water commitments, with a newly approved plan paving the way for at least 40 more projects. Mosquito-Borne Virus Update: Lincoln-Lancaster County detected Jamestown Canyon virus in local mosquitoes, urging residents to prevent bites. Ag and Disease Monitoring: Tar spot concerns are rising in the region as humid conditions persist, with Nebraska listed among states where it’s been detected. Local Water-Saving Tools: The Lower Loup NRD is offering cost-share for flow meters and related systems to help producers avoid overwatering and protect groundwater. Community Safety: Lincoln officials urged safe fireworks disposal to protect waterways and waste crews. Health Beyond Healthcare: Gov. Josh Green is set to lead a Western Governors’ Association focus on expanding mental health access.

Mosquito-borne virus watch in Lincoln: The Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department detected Jamestown Canyon virus in mosquitoes collected in the city, its first local finding since the virus was identified in Nebraska in 2024; officials say there have been no human cases in Lancaster County and urge residents to keep using EPA-registered repellents and take bite-prevention steps as mosquito activity ramps up. Water infrastructure momentum: Nebraska’s State Revolving Fund program is nearing $2 billion in statewide water infrastructure commitments after the Environmental Quality Council approved the FY2027 Clean Water and Drinking Water Intended Use Plan, setting up at least 40 new projects and more than $175 million in additional assistance. Nebraska-Colorado water fight heads to SCOTUS: The U.S. Supreme Court agreed to hear Nebraska’s lawsuit against Colorado over the Perkins County canal, a dispute tied to South Platte River compact rules and landowners’ refusal to sell. Packaging policy update: A new look at extended producer responsibility (EPR) packaging laws finds Oregon and Colorado are already in operational phases, with registration, reporting, and fees moving from planning into enforcement and litigation risk. Public health and safety reminders: Lincoln and Lancaster County Beautiful and Lincoln Transportation and Utilities urged residents to dispose of cooled fireworks debris properly and not place unexploded fireworks in trash or recycling, citing fire and landfill safety concerns. Job openings for land stewardship: The U.S. Forest Service is accepting applications for more than 900 temporary jobs across Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Wyoming, including roles tied to firefighting, wildlife, recreation, forestry, and administration.

Mosquito-borne risk in Lincoln: Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department detected Jamestown Canyon virus in mosquitoes collected in Lincoln, with no human cases reported in Nebraska or the U.S. this year; officials urge residents to keep using insect repellent and avoid mosquito bites as summer activity ramps up. PFAS bottled-water limits: The FDA says it’s working on rules to limit PFAS in bottled water, tied to EPA’s drinking-water standards, with a deadline late in 2028 (or EPA limits would automatically apply). Severe weather watch: A Severe T-Storm Watch runs until 2 a.m. for parts of southwestern, central and northeastern Nebraska, with threats including damaging winds, large hail and an isolated tornado. Water and wildfire recovery support: USDA’s Emergency Conservation Program offers cost-share help for producers to repair wildfire damage, but it stresses starting documentation and environmental review early for certain work. Nebraska outdoors calendar: Upper Big Blue Natural Resources District highlights year-round recreation areas and reopening campgrounds, while northeastern state parks plan July events tied to Nebraska’s 250th anniversary. Food security and pork: Nebraska Pork Producers Association continues community food-aid efforts, including its Give a Ham program and Pork Cares, as hunger remains a priority. Cybersecurity spillover: A massive password spray campaign tied to LSHIY LLC targeted Microsoft 365 and Azure CLI accounts, leading to at least 78 confirmed compromises across 64 organizations—another reminder that weak password rotation can hit even well-protected systems.

Mosquito-borne health watch: The Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department detected Jamestown Canyon virus in mosquitoes collected in Lincoln, urging residents to keep using EPA-registered repellents and avoid bites as summer activity rises; officials note no human cases have been reported in Nebraska or the U.S. so far this year. Wildfire recovery for farmers: Nebraska’s Emergency Conservation Program is offering cost-share help for producers repairing wildfire damage, including fences, debris cleanup, water facilities, and shelterbelt rehabilitation—USDA says start documentation early. State recycling and litter funding: Nebraska’s Department of Water, Energy, and Environment opened grant applications for 2027 Waste Reduction and Recycling Incentive, Litter Reduction and Recycling, and Scrap Tire programs, with about $7 million expected statewide. Community science for safer roads: Nebraska Game and Parks is training volunteers for “Dead Ahead: Nebraska’s Roadkill Reporting Project,” feeding roadkill location data into iNaturalist to guide wildlife-vehicle collision prevention. Plastic packaging fight: Nebraska AG Mike Hilgers is part of a 17-state lawsuit challenging California’s single-use plastic packaging law, arguing it raises costs for businesses and consumers. Heat and risk: A major heat wave is pushing dangerous conditions across parts of the U.S., with UN-Omaha climate scientist Daniel Vecellio warning this week’s systems will be “tested.”

Nebraska Environmental Trust Fight: A Lancaster County judge temporarily blocked Nebraska’s plan to transfer about $13.5 million from the Nebraska Environmental Trust while a lawsuit challenges whether the Legislature can divert lottery-funded conservation money to other state uses. Wildfire Update: The Log Road Fire in the Nebraska Panhandle grew to about 1,164.5 acres, with a Type 3 incident management team and heavy air tanker support expected as red flag conditions and possible thunderstorms loom. Water & Soil Stewardship: The Bazile Groundwater Management Area will host a regenerative ag field day July 17 near McLean, featuring speakers on improving soil health, nutrient cycling, and farm returns. Local Governance & Growth: Seward County approved a 12-month moratorium on data center permits and construction, citing concerns about water, electricity, roads, noise, and end-of-life decommissioning. Wildlife Protection Policy: The Trump administration is moving to change federal enforcement rules tied to whooping crane habitat protections, raising worries about wetlands along the birds’ migration route. Recycling Funding: DWEE opened applications for 2027 waste reduction, litter reduction, and scrap tire grants, with about $7 million total expected and decisions due in December 2026.

Local Permitting Pause: Seward County commissioners approved a 12-month moratorium on data center permits and construction, citing resident concerns about water, electricity, noise, roads, and what happens after projects end. Water & Courts: The U.S. Supreme Court cleared Nebraska’s next step in its South Platte River fight with Colorado, setting up continued legal action tied to the Perkins County Canal. State Policy Watch: Nebraska AG Mike Hilgers signed off on the constitutionality of medical cannabis commission regulations; Gov. Jim Pillen must act by July 11 to avoid a lapse. Rural Broadband: Federal rural broadband funds are still delayed, with new guidance promised “this summer,” leaving states waiting on how money will be released. Agriculture Carbon Research: A University of Nebraska-linked project is in the final closeout phase validating carbon sequestration in Midwest corn and soybean systems. Heat & Fire Risk: A major heat wave is building across the Heartland ahead of July 4, raising wildfire and public-safety concerns. Soil Health Events: Bazile Groundwater Management Area plans a July 17 regenerative ag field day focused on soil health, nutrient cycling, and input reduction.

Nebraska Water Court Fight: The U.S. Supreme Court agreed to hear Nebraska’s South Platte River Compact case against Colorado, clearing the way for the state to press its complaint tied to water deliveries and the Perkins County Canal. Environmental Trust Funding: A Lancaster County judge temporarily blocked Nebraska Environmental Trust fund diversions, pausing the transfer/spending of $28.52 million while a lawsuit challenges whether lottery money was used lawfully. Groundwater & Soil Health: The Bazile Groundwater Management Area is hosting a Regenerative Ag Field Day July 17 near McLean, featuring practical lessons on soil health, nutrient cycling, and reducing inputs. Drought & Rain Outlook: Nebraska Extension climatologist Eric Hunt says the recent wetter pattern should repeat through much of July, with more 80s than extreme heat, supporting corn and soybean development. Wildfire Readiness: A broader report warns the West faces a dangerous wildfire year as response capacity and staffing strain continue. Ag Costs: USDA forecasts rising production costs into 2027 for major crops, keeping fertilizer and fuel prices top concerns for Nebraska producers. Local Innovation: A Nebraska startup is developing poultry-barn robotics to help with labor shortages and improve flock monitoring.

Nebraska–Colorado Water Fight: The U.S. Supreme Court cleared Nebraska’s path to press its South Platte River Compact complaint against Colorado, tying the dispute to the Perkins County Canal and raising fresh stakes for western Nebraska water planning. High Court Energy/Permitting: The justices also agreed to hear new environment-and-energy cases, including one over what pipeline developers owe landowners, while Sen. Deb Fischer pushed for faster nuclear investment and Sen. Pete Ricketts argued permitting reform can be bipartisan. Drought & Rain Outlook: Nebraska’s drought is easing, but the state climatologist says a repeating pattern of frontal systems should keep bringing periodic rain through July and into August—good news for crop development. Prairie Conservation on the Ground: Great Plains ranchers battling woody takeover are trying new tactics, including using hungry goats to hold back shrubs and trees and protect tallgrass prairie and oak savanna. Agriculture Costs: USDA forecasts point to record-high production costs ahead for major crops, with fertilizer and fuel prices still a key worry for Nebraska producers. Wildfire Readiness: A broader report warns the West may face a dangerous wildfire year as national response capacity erodes. Packaging Pollution Lawsuit: Nebraska AG Mike Hilgers is among 17 GOP attorneys general suing California over its plastics packaging law, arguing it unlawfully forces nationwide compliance.

Water & Drought: A new look at Midwest farming shows drought pressure in parts of the Dakotas and limited rainfall forecasts that could keep stress on crops and livestock water. Severe Weather Watch: Forecasters warn of a multi-day stretch of damaging storms across the Northern Plains, with strong winds and large hail threats into Monday, plus a heat advisory for parts of Nebraska and South Dakota with heat index values near 104. High Plains Water & Data Centers: Proposed AI data centers are drawing scrutiny over siting near the Ogallala/High Plains groundwater system, raising questions about long-term water use in the same region that supports agriculture. Clean Water Politics: Anti-abortion groups are pushing claims that mifepristone should be reviewed as a water contaminant, but scientists say there’s no support for environmental harm. Nebraska Policy & Agriculture: Nebraska’s AG Mike Hilgers leads a 17-state lawsuit challenging California’s plastics packaging law, arguing it drives up costs nationwide; meanwhile, Nebraska producers are also pressing for faster wildfire disaster assistance through an Emergency Conservation Program Improvement Act. Local Impacts: Beatrice’s EPA brownfields grant for the Dempsters site was denied, potentially delaying a costly cleanup and demolition timeline.

Water & Groundwater: New mapping flags proposed AI data centers sitting over or near the Ogallala Aquifer, raising fresh questions about how Great Plains groundwater can support both agriculture and a digital buildout. Clean Water Politics: Anti-abortion groups are pushing the EPA to review mifepristone as a water contaminant, but scientists say there’s no solid proof of environmental harm. Plastics Fight (Nebraska leads): Seventeen Republican attorneys general, including Nebraska AG Mike Hilgers, sued to block California’s plastics packaging law, arguing it unlawfully forces nationwide compliance and could raise prices. Severe Weather Watch: Storms are building across the Northern Plains with damaging winds and large hail possible into Monday, plus a heat advisory for parts of Nebraska and South Dakota. Nebraska Flood Resilience: Lower Loup NRD approved funds for Broken Bow’s flood risk assessment, while the Sandhills’ controversial transmission line faces another pause after a judge’s injunction. Wildfire Recovery: Nebraska’s wildfire disaster relief push advanced as the Emergency Conservation Program Improvement Act heads to the president for signature.

Severe Weather Watch: Storms are building across the Northern Plains with damaging winds and large hail possible into Sunday and Monday, including a heat dome that’s already triggering a heat advisory for parts of Nebraska and South Dakota. Heat Risk: The NWS warned of heat index values up to 104°F in Nebraska counties including Cedar, Dixon and Knox, urging residents to avoid leaving kids or pets in cars. Plastics Fight in Federal Court: Nebraska AG Mike Hilgers is leading a 17-state lawsuit challenging California’s Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act, arguing it unlawfully forces nationwide compliance and could raise costs for everyday goods. Wildfire Relief Speed-Up: Sen. Deb Fischer backed the Emergency Conservation Program Improvement Act, aimed at getting wildfire disaster assistance to Nebraska producers faster through advance payments. Sandhills Power Line Stalls Again: A controversial 226-mile transmission line through the Sandhills remains paused after a judge issued a partial preliminary injunction, despite prior federal approvals. Local Water Planning: The Lower Loup NRD approved funding toward a flood risk assessment for Broken Bow’s Mud Creek watershed. Immigration Shockwaves: Supreme Court rulings on Temporary Protected Status and asylum at the border are raising alarms about impacts on Nebraska’s workforce and communities.

Heat Risk in Nebraska: The National Weather Service issued a heat advisory for parts of Nebraska and South Dakota, with heat index values up to 104°F expected Sunday into Monday. Wildfire Recovery Push: Sen. Deb Fischer says the U.S. House passed her Emergency Conservation Program Improvement Act to speed wildfire disaster assistance for Nebraska producers, including advance payments to start repairs sooner. Plastics Fight in Federal Court: Nebraska is leading a 17-state lawsuit challenging California’s plastics packaging law, arguing it unlawfully forces nationwide compliance and could raise costs for everyday goods. Sandhills Power Line Stalls Again: A federal judge issued a partial preliminary injunction that pauses parts of NPPD’s controversial Sandhills transmission project, extending a long legal fight. Water and Drought Pressure: Rock County, Nebraska’s drought has stretched a full year, with officials pointing to lingering deficits despite recent rain. Agriculture and Energy Policy: Sen. Pete Ricketts highlighted support for year-round E15 and discussed housing affordability efforts alongside ag priorities. Local Flood Mitigation: Lower Loup NRD approved funds for Broken Bow’s flood risk assessment scoping work. Wildlife Conservation Watch: Officials warn poachers are exploiting demand for eagle feathers, with investigations tied to illegal trafficking. Community Climate Concern: A poll of homeowners in Iowa, Nebraska, and Kansas finds strong worry about rising home insurance costs, with many urging action on climate and industry drivers.

Immigration & Nebraska impacts: The U.S. Supreme Court expanded the Trump administration’s power to deport migrants and tightened asylum/TPS rules, leaving Nebraska’s legal aid groups warning that workers who’ve been authorized for years could lose status. Wildfire policy: Trump’s budget proposes merging wildland firefighting into a single Interior-run agency, and former officials warn it could disrupt response just as climate-driven fire risk rises. Energy grid & Sandhills: A federal judge paused parts of Nebraska Public Power District’s 226-mile Sandhills transmission “R-Project,” after a lawsuit challenged permits tied to impacts on the American burying beetle. Flood resilience in central Nebraska: Lower Loup NRD approved nearly $48,000 for Broken Bow’s Mud Creek flood risk assessment scoping, aiming to reduce threats and costs for property owners. Drinking water funding: EPA announced more than $25 million for small and rural communities to upgrade drinking water systems and address PFAS and lead. Plastics fight: Seventeen GOP attorneys general led by Nebraska AG Mike Hilgers sued California over its Plastics Act, arguing it will raise consumer costs nationwide. Nebraska drought signal: Rock County, Iowa, remains in moderate drought for a full year, with officials pointing to lingering precipitation deficits affecting agriculture. Wildlife trafficking: Wildlife officials say golden eagles face growing pressure from illegal feather markets, including cases tied to Native ceremonial demand.