AGP Executive Report

Climate & Health: Avera’s 25-foot mobile research unit is bringing NIH-funded child health studies to rural Iowa communities, including Mitchell, with clinic-on-wheels visits and blood collection for the ECHO study. Severe Weather & Water: Iowa’s latest storm round dropped heavy rain across the metro and west/central areas, with Des Moines at 2.38 inches by noon Aug. 13, and more showers possible into Friday. Flood Resilience: Rock Valley is moving forward on FEMA-funded flood buyouts, approving asbestos abatement and demolition contracts so damaged homes can be cleared and converted to permanent open space. Clean Energy Grid Fight: An op-ed and reporting highlight uncertainty for Iowa and the Midwest as the U.S. Department of Energy blocks billions in grid-fix grants, raising reliability and affordability concerns. Pollution & Ecosystems: Gulf of Mexico scientists report a smaller summer “dead zone” than expected, tied to how storms mixed oxygen-rich water—part of the long push to cut nitrogen and phosphorus pollution. Wildlife Protection: An Iowa man faces more than 100 charges in Alabama for allegedly capturing endangered flattened musk turtles, underscoring how tightly protected species are policed.

EPA cleanup funding in Keokuk: EPA officials toured the former Elkem Carbide site and announced another $1 million for cleanup, with extra $1 million awards for Southeast Iowa Regional Planning and Burlington. Community energy and stewardship grants: Alliant Energy and its foundation handed out $708,599 in Iowa/Wisconsin community grants, including environmental-stewardship support for Verona groups. Wildlife protection in Iowa parks: Northern Monkshood, a federally threatened plant, is being safeguarded at Summit Metro Parks, with Iowa holding one of the remaining wild populations. Severe weather watch: The Midwest and Ohio Valley are bracing for more storms after deadly derecho and flash flooding, with widespread power outages reported. Water quality and fisheries: Iowa DNR says gizzard shad numbers in the Iowa Great Lakes are up, tracking a warming-climate shift northward. Data center pressure in Sioux County: Residents pressed PathOne Data Centers for clearer answers at a public meeting; no county approval yet, but the proposal targets a smaller-scale start. Local flood resilience planning: Red Oak received a plan update from ISU students to help homes in floodplains handle flooding risk.

Data Centers & Local Control: Sioux County residents pressed PathOne Data Centers for clearer answers at a nearly three-hour meeting, with the company proposing a smaller “edge” facility near Hull (starting around 10 megawatts, capped at 25) but no county approval yet. Water & Climate Resilience: Iowa’s DNR reports gizzard shad are increasing in the Iowa Great Lakes, a shift tied to warming conditions and potential knock-on effects for lake food webs. Pollution & Plastics: Illinois became the first in the Great Lakes region to require reporting of industrial plastic pellet spills (“nurdles”), treating them as pollution and pushing companies to plan for storm runoff controls. Severe Weather Impacts: A powerful storm system across the Midwest left hundreds of thousands without power and triggered deadly flooding and tornado risk. Cyber Preparedness for Iowa: Free training is available for local Iowa officials to practice backup plans for technology outages, including scenarios affecting essential services. Health & Pesticides: An Iowa senator renewed efforts to ban paraquat, citing links to Parkinson’s risk and urging stronger protections. Wildlife & Habitat: The U.S. removed 100 outdated dams in 2025, reconnecting thousands of river miles and improving habitat access for fish and other wildlife.

Cyber Resilience: Iowa officials can sign up for free training led by Iowa State University to practice what to do when tech systems fail, after recent hacks forced manual operations in schools and water systems. Severe Weather & Flooding: A relentless storm pattern is keeping pressure on the Midwest and Ohio Valley, with damaging winds and heavy rain threats and renewed flooding risk. Nitrate Alarm in Iowa Water: Hydrologist Dr. Larry Weber warns nitrate levels in Iowa rivers are rising toward dangerous long-term averages, linking nutrient trends to cancer concerns and pushing for better monitoring and forecasting. Drinking Water Nitrate Outlook: Experts say recent heavy rains likely won’t spike nitrates in central Iowa’s Raccoon and Des Moines rivers unless prolonged wet weather follows. Recycling Data Push: The Iowa DNR is building a better reporting system to track recycling streams and diversion, saying current gaps make it hard to measure progress and plan grants. Water Quality Education: Des Moines Water Works Park is getting “Water Curia,” a new pavilion meant to teach residents how to protect Iowa’s drinking water. Ag Research Showcase: ISU will bring farmer-focused research— including AI and nitrogen management— to the Farm Progress Show near Boone Sept. 1–3.

Nitrate & Cancer Alarm: At the Boji Cleanwater Jam, University of Iowa researchers warned Iowa is nearing a critical point on long-term nitrate trends, while launching work to explore links between environmental exposures and high cancer rates. Rainfall Watch: Experts say recent heavy rains are unlikely to spike nitrate levels in the Raccoon and Des Moines drinking-water rivers soon—unless prolonged wet weather hits northwest Iowa—because early runoff can dilute nitrates before later soil-and-tile drainage can raise them. Water Monitoring Boost: Iowa is adding $500,000 for 18 new solar hydrostations to expand flood, drought, and water-quality tracking statewide, with data feeding the Iowa Flood Center. Drinking Water Education Art: Des Moines’ Water Works Park is building “Water Curia,” a new outdoor classroom honoring water quality advocate Bill Stowe and highlighting how agricultural pollutants affect nitrates. Cleanup Funding: EPA officials toured Keokuk’s former Elkem Carbide site and announced another $1 million to support ongoing brownfields cleanup and water-quality monitoring. Storm Impacts: A derecho and severe storms knocked out power across parts of the Midwest and East, underscoring how extreme weather keeps stressing Iowa’s water and infrastructure systems.

Data Center Policy Watch (Iowa): Linn County supervisors voted not to move forward with rezoning changes that would have allowed large data centers near nuclear energy facilities, after residents raised concerns about water, power, land use, and environmental impacts; the county will use its moratorium time to shape clearer rules. Local Governance & Water Access (Des Moines): Des Moines and ICON Water Trails won $2 million in federal funding for river recreation upgrades at Birdland and Prospect parks, including shoreline stabilization and trail changes to reduce flooding impacts. Environmental Stewardship Grants (Iowa): Alliant Energy Foundation awarded $708,599 across Iowa and Wisconsin, including nearly $90,000 for habitat conservation plus tree and prairie plantings, and funding for parks and trails. Air & Climate Signals: NOAA reported July 2026 as the hottest month ever recorded in the contiguous U.S., underscoring intensifying heat extremes. Public Health & Food Safety: Salmonella outbreaks tied to eggs and jalapeños are sickening hundreds nationwide, with multiple recalls underway. Severe Weather: Tuesday’s early-morning storms have an enhanced risk for damaging winds in parts of northern Iowa and southern Minnesota. Wildlife Habitat (Regional): A Wisconsin rail corridor abandoned in 1964 has rebounded into a green corridor connecting forests, wetlands, and wildlife habitat.

Climate Heat Record: NOAA says July 2026 was the hottest month ever recorded in the contiguous U.S., with every state in the warmest third of its historical July range—another sign that rising temperatures are intensifying extremes. Air Quality Warning: A new analysis finds wildfire smoke has reversed the national decline in ground-level ozone since 2015, threatening lung health as smoke mixes with local pollution. Iowa Water & Parks: Des Moines and ICON Water Trails won $2 million in federal funding for Birdland and Prospect parks, including river access upgrades and trail changes to reduce flooding impacts. Iowa Conservation Win: The DNR says it restored impaired Lower Gar Lake after decades of work, pointing to nutrient reduction and community participation as the real key. Local Governance & Data Centers: Linn County won’t rezone to allow large data centers near nuclear facilities, citing public concerns about water, power, and land-use. Upcoming Iowa Meeting: The Iowa DNR Natural Resource Commission meets Aug. 13 in Des Moines with wildlife habitat and small game items on the agenda.

Nutrient Pollution Lag: A new USGS study finds excess nitrogen and phosphorus in many rivers can come from nutrients stored in soil and groundwater for years, meaning water quality can stay bad even after farmers and utilities cut runoff. Iowa Water & Health: Iowa is getting $15 million over five years to help rural residents reduce radon exposure, with testing and mitigation training aimed at lowering lung cancer risk. Outdoor Habitat in Iowa: Lake Iowa and Lake Iowa Marsh are drawing visitors as the DNR and partners tackle invasive species like honeysuckle and map infestations with drones. Wildlife Safety at Airports: Sheldon Regional Airport installed solar-powered “sound cannons” to deter birds and deer after costly wildlife strikes. Fertilizer Costs on Farms: A report highlights how on-farm fertilizer storage and early buying helped some Midwest growers dodge high spring prices. Algae Warnings: Lake-goers are urged to watch for harmful algal blooms and avoid swimming or drinking if conditions look suspicious. Radon & Rural Access: The radon program targets areas with limited licensed mitigators, aiming to expand local capacity.

Severe Weather Watch (Iowa): A high-resolution forecast flags an extreme severe setup for Sunday evening across Iowa, with meteorologists pointing to very unstable conditions and strong wind shear that could support long-track, potentially violent tornadoes if storms organize. Wildlife & Runway Safety (Sheldon): Sheldon Regional Airport installed seven solar-powered “sound cannons” to deter birds and deer from lingering near the runway after costly bird strikes—an Iowa example of practical, wildlife-focused infrastructure. Water Safety (Harmful Algal Blooms): A guide for lakegoers explains how harmful algal blooms form and what to look for—blue-green color, foul odor, and scummy surfaces—plus what to do if you or pets get exposed. Local Planning (Floyd County): Floyd County EMA opened a public survey to update its FEMA hazard mitigation plan, asking residents to help identify risks and improve disaster readiness. Science & Nature (Turtle Sex): Iowa State researchers report a new cellular structure that may help connect incubation temperature to turtle sex development, adding to how climate and habitat shape wildlife.

Severe Weather Watch: A high-resolution forecast flags an extreme severe weather setup for Sunday evening across Iowa, with a tornado-capable environment tied to an outflow boundary—meteorologists urge close monitoring. Water & Health: Kansas cyclospora cases climbed to 615 as the multistate outbreak expands, with CDC noting the true number may be higher; Iowa readers should watch for updates tied to produce. Iowa Water Resilience: Federal funding will expand Iowa’s hydrologic monitoring network with 18 new stations in southwestern Iowa, feeding drought, flood, and water-quality information for farmers and communities. Harmful Algal Blooms: A lake-safety guide explains why algae blooms surge in summer and how to spot harmful blue-green scum before swimming or letting pets near it. Local Preparedness: Floyd County’s EMA is taking public input to update its hazard mitigation plan for FEMA aid, with a survey deadline Friday. Wildlife Science: Iowa State researchers link primary cilia—cell “antennae”—to temperature-based turtle sex development, adding a new angle on how warming could shift hatchling ratios.

Severe Weather Watch: A high-resolution forecast flags an extreme severe storm setup for Sunday evening across Iowa and the Corn Belt, with strong instability and low-level wind shear raising tornado risk—plus damaging winds, hail, and heavy rain. Wildlife & Habitat: The Iowa DNR highlights Lake Iowa and Lake Iowa Marsh as a year-round outdoor hub, with invasive honeysuckle mapping and targeted removal using drones to protect habitat. Science in Iowa: Iowa State researchers link turtle sex determination to primary cilia—tiny “antenna-like” cell structures that may help embryos sense the warmth that decides male vs. female. Water Monitoring: Federal funding will expand southwestern Iowa hydrologic monitoring stations, strengthening drought and flood data for farmers and communities. Agriculture Youth: Iowa youth teams competed in the Iowa Youth Crop Scouting Competition, testing integrated pest management skills and advancing top winners toward regional competition. Local Weather/Outdoors: A Saturday fishing report rates early August fishing as good, with lake water temps in the mid-70s and tips for catching bluegill near vegetation and rock piles.

Water Monitoring Expansion: Federal funds will expand Iowa groundwater and drought monitoring to all 3rd District counties, adding 18 hydrologic stations to the state network to track soil moisture, rainfall, and water quality. Cleanups & Pollution: EPA awarded Dubuque a $500,000 Brownfields Cleanup Grant to plan and support cleanup and reuse at targeted contaminated sites, including areas tied to the Port and former industrial properties. Wildlife & Climate Science: Iowa State researchers report that an antenna-like cell structure (primary cilia) may help turtle embryos sense the warmth that determines sex—important as warming nests could skew hatchling ratios. Severe Weather Preparedness: An Iowa State-led workshop will share 3D-printed concrete storm shelter designs built for high-wind events, with FEMA and engineering partners involved. Food Safety: The Cyclospora outbreak tied to recalled Mexican iceberg lettuce now includes Iowa, with health officials reporting thousands of cases nationwide and deaths in Michigan. Agriculture Policy: The farm bill remains stalled in the Senate Ag Committee over SNAP cost-sharing rules, leaving food aid timelines uncertain. Local Schools: Cedar Rapids says student criminal charges dropped sharply since its Safe & Secure Learning Initiative launched, shifting toward early intervention and supports.

Farm Neighbor Recognition: Iowa Agriculture Secretary Mike Naig presented Todd and Nikki Carlson of Page County with the Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award, praising their livestock care, land stewardship, and community involvement. School Safety & Equity: Cedar Rapids Community Schools reports student criminal charges dropped more than 76% since its Safe & Secure Learning Initiative launched in fall 2023, with declines tied to early intervention and restorative supports. Severe Weather Watch: A Severe Thunderstorm Watch runs until 10 PM for north-central Iowa, with damaging wind gusts, large hail, heavy rain, and lightning possible. University Efficiency Review: The Iowa Board of Regents selected Huron Consulting for its REAPS revenue and productivity study, aiming to find savings and new sustainable revenue streams at public universities. Water & Cleanup Funding: Dubuque won a $500,000 EPA Brownfields Cleanup Grant to plan and support cleanup and reuse of contaminated properties. Food Safety Alert: The Cyclospora outbreak tied to Mexican iceberg lettuce has expanded to Iowa, with CDC reporting thousands of confirmed cases nationwide. Data Center Planning Tool (Iowa City): The University of Iowa released an “Iowa Data Center Decision Tool” to help communities ask the right questions before hosting new facilities.

Monarch Migration & Habitat Connectivity: A new interview marks 30 years since National Geographic’s monarch “Mexican haven” cover, spotlighting how wildlife corridors help monarchs cross borders and protected-area lines. Water & Drought Watch: Iowa’s Water Summary Update keeps drought watches active in the northwest and adds a new watch for the southwest as soil moisture drops and rainfall stays uneven. Public Health—Cyclospora Linked to Iceberg Lettuce: After two deaths, Sysco says it’s stopping iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms; Iowa is now among 15 states tied to the cyclospora outbreak, with FDA still investigating. Permitting & Infrastructure: Gov. Reynolds signed an agreement with the Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council to streamline environmental reviews and opt into FAST-41, aiming to reduce delays for major projects. Local Conservation Funding (REAP): Residents in four counties voted on REAP motions, including a push to fully fund REAP at $20 million in perpetuity. Air Quality Permits: Iowa DNR posted draft air construction permits for public review, inviting comments before late September deadlines.

Permitting Overhaul in Iowa: Gov. Kim Reynolds and the Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council signed an MOU to streamline federal and state reviews, with Iowa opting into FAST-41 and aligning environmental review timelines. Drought Watch: Iowa’s late-July dryness is still biting, with moderate drought (D1) expanding across much of North Iowa and abnormally dry (D0) conditions nearby, while streamflow stays mostly normal. Data Center Fight in Woodbury County: Woodbury County is suing Salix over annexation tied to a potential data center site, arguing residents weren’t properly notified and annexation rules weren’t followed. Water Protection Funding: USDA is investing $3M to support wetland mitigation banking projects, aiming to restore wetlands while giving farmers a clearer compliance pathway. Food Safety Alert: A salmonella outbreak in Colorado is linked to jalapeños grown in Mexico and served by Chipotle and Qdoba, though officials say there’s no ongoing risk. Ag Leadership Focus: Iowa’s secretary of agriculture candidates are centering water quality in the Nov. 3 race, with incumbent Mike Naig facing challenger Chris Jones.

Data Center Policy Fight in Iowa: Democratic gubernatorial candidate Rob Sand is pushing to end state tax breaks for data centers and require public tracking of water and energy use, plus consumer protections and limits on secrecy deals. Local Water Quality Funding: Linn County is investing $100,000 in real-time water quality monitoring through the IIHR sensor network at the University of Iowa, aiming to protect drinking water and support nutrient reduction goals. Prairie Wetlands at Risk: A U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service rule change could loosen drain-tile limits near protected wetlands in Iowa’s Prairie Pothole region, threatening shallow ponds where ducks breed. Heat and Rain Watch: Heavy rain has continued across Iowa, with some areas seeing more than 3 inches in 48 hours, and more showers possible as fog lingers into Thursday. Watershed Action in Northwest Iowa: The Okabena-Ocheda Watershed District is buying a drone to map aquatic invasive species in Lake Okabena and discussing algae-control buoys. Community Climate Tech: Cedar Rapids is launching a bike-reuse program, CR Momentum, pairing residents with refurbished commuter bikes to improve access to jobs and healthcare.