AGP Executive Report

Big 4 Climate Disclosure Fight: Nebraska AG Brenna Bird joined a 16-state coalition challenging Deloitte, Ernst & Young, KPMG and PwC over climate-related financial reporting, arguing it could conflict with duties of independence and objectivity and push added compliance costs onto small businesses and consumers. Public Health & Water Safety: Louisiana reported an 8-year-old’s death from the rare brain-eating amoeba Naegleria fowleri, with officials warning residents to avoid Henderson Lake after a blue-green algae bloom. Nebraska Agriculture Weather Watch: UNL Extension climatologist Eric Hunt linked Pro Farmer’s low Nebraska corn ear counts to July pollination stress, including unusually warm nights and calmer winds that may have affected pollen movement. Nebraska Child Care Push: A new statewide campaign, Child Care Can, launched with a focus on Nebraska’s affordability crisis, aiming to keep families and workers in the state through coordinated policy changes. Energy Storage Tech Deal: Colorado’s WATTMORE and Eos Energy Enterprises expanded their partnership, integrating WATTMORE software with Eos long-duration zinc battery systems for projects including utilities and data centers. Water Governance Meeting: The Republican River Compact Administration will hold its Aug. 27 annual meeting in McCook, focusing on compact compliance and basin water issues.

Nebraska Agriculture: Pro Farmer’s crop tour flagged Nebraska’s lowest corn ear count since 2013, and Nebraska Extension climatologist Eric Hunt points to July heat stress during pollination—especially unusually warm nights—and possibly calm winds that may have affected pollen movement, with recent rains helping some fields recover. Wildlife & Habitat: A new report highlights how the Great Plains piping plover (including Nebraska’s breeding population) is threatened by habitat loss, sea level rise, storms, and crowded beaches, with the species listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. Local Water & Health: Nebraska is among 10 jurisdictions winning a federal grant to test predictive analytics in child welfare, while separate coverage notes a health alert tied to Cub Creek Lake—reminding residents that water safety and monitoring still matter. Energy & Land Use: Trump’s renewed talk of reviving the Keystone XL pipeline is drawing mixed reactions in Nebraska, with supporters citing energy reliability and opponents warning about spills and impacts to land and water. Public Safety: Omaha Public Schools and Omaha police agreed to stop using electric-shock gloves after backlash, including reports of use on students.

Child Welfare Data Use: Nebraska won a three-year federal grant to test predictive analytics in child welfare, with DHHS building a statewide system aimed at spotting risk earlier, connecting families to prevention services, and reducing unnecessary foster care entries. Nebraska Water & Livestock Impacts: The state approved a permit for a controversial Cherry County hog operation (up to 4,999 pigs) near the Niobrara River, after public pushback and conditions tied to construction notification and potential future discharge rules. Energy & Land-Use Debate: Trump’s talk of reviving the Keystone XL pipeline is drawing mixed reactions in Nebraska, with supporters citing reliability and affordability and opponents warning about spills, climate impacts, and effects on land and water. PFAS Legal Fight: A federal appeals court upheld EPA’s hazardous substance designation for PFOA and PFOS, keeping the fight alive but shifting pressure toward Congress. Public Safety in Schools: Omaha Public Schools and police agreed to stop using electric-shock gloves after community opposition, following reports of the devices’ use and planned expansion. Wildlife Mystery: A Nebraska-collared cougar found dead on Wisconsin railroad tracks had a necropsy with no clear cause, with key organs missing and no signs of gunshot or poisoning reported. Agriculture Pest Watch: Soybean nematode management guides are being promoted ahead of the best soil-testing window, targeting soybean cyst nematode and other invisible yield thieves.

Omaha Schools & Police Use: Omaha Public Schools and the Omaha Police Department agreed to stop using electric-shock gloves after backlash from students, parents, and community members, with police saying the gloves were used only twice in the 2025-26 school year. Energy & Water Tensions: Nebraska lawmakers and residents are reacting to President Trump floating a Keystone XL revival, reopening old fights over spills, climate impacts, and land and water rights. Local Environment & Wildlife: A cougar tagged in Nebraska was found dead on railroad tracks in central Wisconsin; a necropsy found no gunshot or poisoning signs, but missing heart and lungs left the cause of death undetermined. Pollution & Land Use: Nebraska approved a controversial Cherry County hog operation (TK Angus) for up to 4,999 pigs near the Niobrara River, after letters and petitions raised environmental concerns. Urban Trees: Concordia removed 17 trees after a Nebraska Forest Service health survey found they were no longer healthy or sustainable, pairing removals with staff training for long-term canopy care. Renewables Revenue Debate: A Grist report highlights how some Nebraska counties tightened rules on renewable energy projects that previously helped fund school expansions through the state’s renewable “nameplate” tax.

Immigration & Human Rights: Nebraska Rep. Don Bacon (R) is pushing back on the Trump administration’s deportation push, calling it an “overreach” in cases like an Omaha woman scheduled for removal despite no criminal record, while the White House rejects the criticism. Renewables & Local Tax Policy: A Grist report highlights how Nebraska’s renewable energy “nameplate capacity” excise tax helped an O’Neill school district fund major upgrades, while some counties have tightened rules on renewable projects amid property-value concerns. Energy Infrastructure Debate: Mixed reactions are rippling across Nebraska after Trump floated reviving the Keystone XL pipeline, reviving long-running fights over spills, climate impacts, and land and water protections. Water & Livestock Impacts: Nebraska approved a permit for a controversial Cherry County hog operation (TK Angus), despite resident opposition and concerns near the Niobrara River. Urban Trees: Concordia’s Buildings and Grounds removed 17 trees after a Nebraska Forest Service health survey found some were no longer healthy or sustainable. Wildlife & Safety: A Nebraska-collared cougar found dead on Wisconsin railroad tracks had a necropsy that couldn’t determine cause of death, with missing heart and lungs and no signs of gunshot or poisoning reported. Weather Outlook: Forecasters say El Niño is strengthening, with a wetter-than-normal autumn expected across parts of the Rockies and central Plains, including drought relief potential for Nebraska.

Renewables Revenue Gap: A Grist report looks at how some Nebraska communities use renewable energy taxes to fund schools and local services, while others fall behind as counties tighten rules and opponents raise property-value concerns. Urban Forestry in Action: Concordia’s Buildings and Grounds used a Nebraska Forest Service survey to remove 17 trees deemed unhealthy or unsustainable, pairing cleanup with staff training to protect the campus canopy. Keystone XL Revival Sparks Debate: Nebraska reactions are mixed after Trump floated bringing back Keystone XL, with supporters citing energy reliability and opponents warning about spills, climate impacts, and land and water risks. Local Water & Livestock Pressure: Nebraska approved a Cherry County permit for a controversial TK Angus hog operation near the Niobrara River, after resident letters and petitions raised environmental worries. PFAS Court Fight: A federal appeals decision keeps EPA’s PFOA/PFOS hazardous-substance designation in place, pushing the fight toward Congress. Wildlife Update: A Nebraska-collared cougar found dead on Wisconsin railroad tracks had a necropsy that couldn’t determine cause, with missing heart and lungs complicating answers. Weather Watch: El Niño is strengthening, with forecasts pointing to wetter-than-normal conditions for the central Rockies and central Plains into winter, including drought relief signals for Nebraska. Community Forestry Recognition: Nebraska’s Tree City USA event highlighted local urban-forest wins and lessons, including spotting emerald ash borer threats. Animal Welfare Contract Tension: Central Nebraska Humane Society leaders say they want to work with Grand Island on a clear, financially sustainable animal-control contract, rejecting claims that sheltering is just “commercial boarding.”

Urban Forestry: Concordia’s Buildings and Grounds used a Nebraska Forest Service urban forest health survey to flag 17 trees for removal, citing poor health, end-of-life conditions, and trees outgrowing their planting spots. Energy & Climate Politics: Nebraskans are split after President Trump floated reviving the Keystone XL pipeline, with supporters framing it as energy reliability and opponents warning about spills and climate impacts. Livestock & Water Quality: Nebraska approved a permit for TK Angus to build a Cherry County hog operation near the Niobrara River, after resident concerns and letters to the state; the approval includes steps tied to underfloor pit construction. PFAS Legal Fight: The DC Circuit upheld EPA’s hazardous-substance designation for PFOA and PFOS, pushing the fight over liability relief toward Congress. Public Lands Access: The Trump administration’s push to revise the Forest Service Travel Management Rule drew criticism as a “one-two punch” alongside roadless protections, with wildlife advocates warning of more harm to habitat. Water Monitoring: NDWEE reports Lake Yankton’s E. coli levels have dropped below the state health alert threshold. Community Forestry Recognition: Nebraska Community Forestry Council honored Tree City USA communities, including North Platte, with a focus on invasive ash and community-led planting efforts.

El Niño Watch: The National Weather Service says El Niño is strengthening, with a 90%+ chance of a “very strong” event this fall and winter 2026-27, pointing to wetter-than-normal conditions across the central Rockies and central Plains and drought relief as far north as Wyoming and Nebraska. Beef & Water Impacts: Tyson Foods’ shutdown of beef plants in Illinois and Utah (plus a planned sale of a Washington plant) is already rippling through cattle markets, while Nebraska’s Beach Watch reports Lake Yankton’s E. coli levels have dropped below the state health alert threshold. Local Water Infrastructure: Gov. Jim Pillen announced $7.5 million in State Revolving Fund support for Ogallala wastewater upgrades, including loan forgiveness and low-interest financing. Outdoor & Wildlife Access: Nebraska state recreation areas close to hunting until Sept. 8, with early September seasons set to reopen. Clean-up & Public Health: Nebraska extended a Harmful Algal Bloom health alert for Cub Creek Lake, with weekly monitoring continuing through mid-September. Community Climate Grants: Lincoln launched a Youth Climate Action Fund offering grants up to $5,000 for youth-led climate and sustainability projects. Agriculture Economy: A Midwest crop tour found “disappointing” corn yields, helping push corn futures above $5 a bushel for the first time since May.

Plastics Fight in Federal Court: Nebraska AG Michael Hilgers and a coalition of 17 Republican-led states asked a California federal court to block California’s disposable-plastics ban, arguing the state can’t impose its rules nationwide. Water Quality Watch: Nebraska extended a health alert for Harmful Algal Blooms at Cub Creek Lake after microcystin levels rose above the threshold; swimming beaches stay closed while boating and fishing continue with caution. Wastewater Funding for Ogallala: Gov. Jim Pillen highlighted $7.5 million in State Revolving Fund support for Ogallala’s wastewater upgrades, including loan forgiveness and low-interest financing to cut resident costs. Agriculture Resilience: USDA expanded emergency haying and grazing options on CRP acres for wildfire-impacted livestock producers, including in Nebraska. Local Climate Action: Lincoln launched a Youth Climate Action Fund with grants up to $5,000 for youth-led projects on resilience, local food, waste reduction, and transportation. Superfund Cleanup Update: EPA removed three water-focused Superfund sites from the National Priorities List and partially deleted the Hastings groundwater contamination site in Nebraska. Wildlife & Public Lands: Nebraska reminded hunters that state recreation areas are closed to hunting until Sept. 8, with specific rules for early September seasons. Grasslands Research Grant: A $3.1 million FFAR-funded project with partners, including Nebraska researchers, aims to keep Great Plains grasslands intact while supporting ranchers and wildlife.

Water Infrastructure: Gov. Jim Pillen announced $7.5 million for Ogallala to modernize wastewater treatment, including $1.6 million in loan forgiveness, aiming to protect residents and slow rate hikes. Wildlife & Land Stewardship: Nebraska Conservationist Stephen Kennedy earned national recognition for NRCS work improving soil health, erosion control, grazing, wildlife support, and livestock waste management across Nemaha County. Rural Conservation & Food Systems: A rural America roundup highlights record beef prices tied to a shrinking U.S. cattle herd, while pointing to grazing and prairie conservation efforts that aim to balance ranching with habitat needs. Outdoor Habitat Programs: Two Rivers Public Health Department is launching its Nuisance to Nature program, offering help to clean up properties and install pollinator gardens. Data Centers & Water: Pillen named 17 members to a new Data Center Task Force to evaluate impacts on Nebraska’s water resources, power grids, and local infrastructure, with county zoning tools on the agenda. Drone Delivery Debate: Amazon says Prime Air will expand to nearly 500 cities and towns by end of 2026, including Omaha-area operations, renewing questions about safety and local readiness. Local Environment Culture: The Great Plains Art Museum will host Elizabeth Burden’s prairie-focused residency, with public studio access during museum hours.

Data Center Water Watch: Gov. Jim Pillen named 17 members to Nebraska’s newly created Data Center Task Force, tasked with weighing impacts on water resources, the power grid, and local infrastructure, plus helping counties plan with zoning and policy tools. Local Water Infrastructure: Ogallala is getting $7.5 million to modernize aging wastewater treatment, funded through the Nebraska State Revolving Fund, with loan forgiveness and low-interest financing aimed at protecting residents from steep rate hikes. Agriculture Innovation: USDA is directing $37 million to build a new Agricultural Research Service facility at UNL’s Nebraska Innovation Campus focused on resilient and regenerative precision agriculture, including water and climate resilience. Wildlife & Community Outdoors: Upper Niobrara NRD announced winners of its 2026 Amateur Photo Contest, and Two Rivers Public Health is launching a “Nuisance to Nature” program that pairs cleanup help with pollinator garden installs. Public Health in the Field: CDC’s Mobile Examination Center is in Northeast Nebraska through October, collecting health data via randomly selected households. Trade & Energy Ripples: Nebraska’s water-and-energy debate is echoing beyond state lines as Trump pauses 50% tariffs on Canada for three days and hints Keystone XL could be “awoken,” while Amazon expands Prime Air drone delivery to nearly 500 U.S. cities by end of 2026.

Data Center Watch: Gov. Jim Pillen appointed 17 members to a new Nebraska Data Center Task Force to study how data centers could affect water supplies, the electric grid, and local infrastructure, with DWEE overseeing the work and a first meeting expected in September. Lead Cleanup Spotlight: Flatwater Free Press reporter Chris Bowling discussed his investigation into Omaha’s residential lead Superfund site on NPR’s “Here & Now,” highlighting the lack of routine retesting to ensure yards stay lead-free. Biosecurity Law: Nebraska’s LB1096 passed despite strong opposition, creating new biosecurity and critical-infrastructure restrictions tied to foreign principals and allowing certain records to be withheld. Water & Wildlife: Ontario reopened sandhill crane hunting for the first time in a century, with the federal government allowing a short fall season after farmer complaints, while conservationists urge conservative harvest limits. Storms & Heat: Forecasts for Cheyenne Wells and nearby areas call for a hot stretch with a marginal daily severe storm risk through the weekend. Local Safety Grants: State Farm awarded $10,000 grants to six Nebraska volunteer fire departments for equipment.

Nebraska Data Center Watch: Gov. Jim Pillen named 17 members to a new Data Center Task Force to weigh how data centers affect Nebraska’s water, power grids, and local infrastructure, with oversight by DWEE and a first meeting expected in September. State Law on Biosecurity: The Legislature passed LB1096 over strong opposition, creating new biosecurity and foreign-contract restrictions, expanding threat controls, and allowing certain critical water infrastructure records to be withheld. School Safety Fight: Omaha Public Schools asked that school resource officers no longer be authorized to carry shock gloves on school grounds, after public backlash and amid federal plans tied to ICE. Corrections Infrastructure: Nebraska corrections leaders say a new Lincoln prison is on track, aiming to replace the 1869-era penitentiary and improve long-term sustainability and services. Public Health in Nebraska: The CDC’s Mobile Clinic is arriving in northeast Nebraska as part of a national health survey effort. PFAS Court Update: A federal appeals court upheld the EPA’s hazardous PFAS designations for PFOA and PFOS, rejecting waste-industry challenges. Outdoor Nebraska 250: Nebraska’s America250 push is underway with the Outdoor Nebraska 250-Mile Challenge and other statewide Fourth of July events.

Tribal Health Housing Boost: The U.S. Indian Health Service awarded $15.3 million for eight tribal health workforce housing projects, including $977,000 for a fourplex for employees at Winnebago Comprehensive Healthcare System in Nebraska, as IHS tackles persistent staffing shortages. Nebraska Budget Pressure: After Gov. Jim Pillen’s budget memo and hiring freeze, Nebraska agencies are pitching cuts and fee increases to cover at least 5% withheld allotments, with the state facing major deficits. Wildlife & Public Health: A rabies-positive bat found in Cherry County has sparked more bat sightings; Nebraska experts say it’s likely normal seasonal visibility, while warning that bat declines from white nose syndrome would be a real loss. Omaha Schools Shock Gloves Backlash: Parents and advocates are raising concerns after Omaha Public Schools’ use of shock gloves by school resource officers, with police saying the devices were used twice last year and opponents arguing they’re inappropriate for children. Prairie Conservation Story: A Daily Yonder essay highlights how subtle prairie ecosystems can be undervalued, pointing to a Nature Conservancy partnership with a rancher in eastern Colorado to protect native habitat. Rangeland Invasives: Nebraska Extension reports cheatgrass is infesting millions of acres in the Panhandle and is pushing ranchers toward management tools and training to reduce fire risk and protect forage. CRP Emergency Haying: USDA expanded emergency haying and grazing authority on CRP acres for wildfire-affected livestock producers, including in Nebraska, directing people to contact local FSA offices first.

Nebraska Environmental Trust Grant: A Lincoln-area man, Nolan Lemna, is using a $200,000 Nebraska Environmental Trust Grant to buy food from conservation-minded farmers and donate it to Catholic Social Services in Lincoln and Community Action in Kearney, linking wildlife- and soil-focused practices like cover cropping to both market support and food relief. Wildfire Relief for Ranchers: The Nebraska Cattlemen Disaster Relief Fund will stop accepting donations and applications Sept. 1, with 100% of funds going to producers with fire-related property damage reported through the NEMA Watch Center. Rangeland Invasive Cheatgrass: Nebraska Extension highlights how invasive cheatgrass—estimated at 20%+ of Panhandle acres—raises fire risk and threatens native forage, and points to rancher training and test-plot results for managing it. State Policy Watch: The Legislature advanced LB905, a sweeping cleanup of boards and commissions by shifting duties into existing agencies, and LB1048, which streamlines state reporting and eliminates the Suggestion Award Board and employee suggestion system. Storms & Heat Risk: Forecasts warn of renewed storm chances Tuesday, while the week’s broader weather coverage keeps an eye on Plains storm impacts.

Nebraska Worker Protections: The Legislature advanced LB921, adopting a Nebraska Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act that requires many employers to give 60 days’ written notice before certain mass layoffs or business closings, with limited exceptions and civil penalties. State Government Oversight: Lawmakers also passed LB1048, a broad bill that streamlines and consolidates state agency reporting and oversight, including changes tied to water and energy reporting links, and it eliminates the Suggestion Award Board and employee suggestion system. Health Care Access: LB929 would let Medicaid managed care organizations pay enrollees’ cost sharing, while LB955 expands pharmacist practice agreements to include physician assistants. Severe Weather Watch: A multiday storm setup is returning to the Midwest and Plains with damaging winds, hail, and flash-flood risk—an echo of last week’s destructive flooding. Water Supply Stress: Lake Powell hit a new record low, underscoring worsening Colorado River drought conditions that threaten water and power across the region. Wildlife & Research: UNL hired a returning bat research technologist to continue threatened-species work, including monitoring and management support for bats and birds.