AGP Executive Report

PFAS Testing Access: A Michigan conservation district story highlights how landowners can tap USDA funding for reduced-cost PFAS soil and water testing through NRCS’s EQIP. Recycling Push in the U.P.: EGLE announced $1.4 million in 2026 Recycling Infrastructure Grants for Upper Peninsula communities, including new curbside carts and equipment to keep recyclables and contaminants out of waterways. Solar Fight in Wexford: Opponents of a proposed 1,500-acre solar array in Wexford County celebrated after the planning commission recommended against a key zoning amendment that would have advanced the project. Wildlife Feeding Law: Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed a new Michigan law allowing limited backyard wildlife and bird feeding near homes, with clear quantity and distance rules. Data Center Noise Lawsuit: Residents in Dowagiac sued an AI data center operator over a constant high-pitched whining sound they say has disrupted daily life. Food Safety Alert: A multistate Salmonella outbreak tied to recalled eggs has sickened nearly 100 people, while Michigan reports cases—another reminder that contamination investigations are still evolving. Cyclospora Outbreak Context: Coverage continues on the fast-growing cyclospora outbreak, including Michigan’s case counts and ongoing questions about sources and response. Great Lakes Science Milestone: GRETA, a new gamma-ray detector at MSU’s FRIB, reached first beam—boosting Michigan-led research that can improve understanding of atomic nuclei and related science. Federal Pipeline Review Fight: Michigan and other states urged FERC not to expand blanket approvals for natural gas pipelines, warning it could raise costs and worsen pollution and climate impacts.

Data Center Fallout in Michigan: Residents near a Dowagiac “Hyperscale Data” facility say a constant high-pitched noise has disrupted sleep and daily life for years, as the company plans an AI-focused expansion. Air Quality Update: The EPA is moving to redesignate parts of southwest and southeast Michigan as meeting smog (ground-level ozone) standards, a change that could ease permitting—though an environmental attorney calls it premature. Toxic Water Alert: Jackson County health officials issued a harmful algae bloom advisory for Center Lake, urging people to avoid swimming, boating, fishing, and even drinking the water. Waterway Stress Under Review: Consumers Energy is considering temporarily reducing flow through the Hodenpyl Dam for inspections, but state regulators and conservation groups warn it could harm wildlife and recreation. Public Health Watch: Michigan is among states tracking a growing cyclosporiasis outbreak, with health officials still working to identify sources.

Great Lakes & Water Quality: A harmful algal bloom was detected in Michigan’s Center Lake (Jackson County), with health officials warning people and pets to stay away from the water and shoreline and avoid swimming, boating, fishing, or jet skiing in affected areas. Wildlife Enforcement: The Michigan DNR says a mid-Michigan man faces 50 counts of firearm and wildlife violations, including allegedly shooting deer from a vehicle at night and leaving carcasses to rot. Climate Policy in Court: A coalition of 19 attorneys general, including Delaware AG Kathy Jennings, filed suit against the EPA over a rule they say weakens protections to phase down hydrofluorocarbons, chemicals far more potent than CO₂. Cross-Border Air & Wildfire Smoke: Senators pushed back on Trump’s idea that Canada should pay damages for wildfire smoke, arguing wind direction can’t be controlled. Local Industry & Infrastructure: Dematic opened a nearly $50 million Solutions Center in Grand Rapids, touting automation and supply-chain tech. Transportation: The Gordie Howe International Bridge officially opened to traffic, with the Howe family among the first to cross.

Food Safety Alert: A salmonella outbreak tied to recalled eggs has sickened nearly 100 people across 17 states, with 26 hospitalizations, as investigators work to confirm the source. Water Quality Watch: Michigan health officials report a harmful algal bloom in Center Lake (Jackson County), urging residents and pets to stay away from affected shorelines and avoid swimming, boating, or fishing there. Public Health: The cyclospora outbreak keeps expanding, with CDC reporting thousands of confirmed cases nationwide and many more suspected, prompting renewed warnings about higher-risk foods like bagged leafy greens. Local Planning & Housing: Traverse City planning commissioners set an Aug. 5 hearing on rezoning the former Copy Central site for a workforce housing project, alongside possible updates to ADU rules and EV parking standards. Recycling Access: Communities statewide are scheduling summer and fall recycling events for hard-to-dispose items, including hazardous materials, batteries, and tires—check local listings or EGLE’s directory. Climate & Energy: A new report flags potential changes to EPA greenhouse-gas reporting obligations, raising concerns about transparency for major polluters. Severe Weather: Forecasts call for strong storms and heavy rain risks across parts of Michigan and the broader Midwest.

Water Safety Alert: A harmful algal bloom has been detected in Michigan’s Center Lake (Jackson County). Health officials warn people and pets to stay away from the water and shoreline and to avoid swimming, boating, fishing, or jet skiing in affected areas. Public Health: The CDC is warning about a growing cyclospora outbreak tied to recalled iceberg lettuce, with Michigan among the hardest-hit states as officials expand investigations and urge consumers to avoid the recalled product. Air Quality & Climate: As wildfire smoke continues to drift across North America, President Trump posted an AI-generated “air filter” image aimed at Canada, escalating a cross-border blame fight over smoke and air quality. Local Accountability: Detroit filed a lawsuit against HGTV personality Nicole Curtis and her company over an allegedly blighted, long-ignored property on E. Grand Blvd., seeking to hold the owners personally liable. Industry Emissions: BP’s Whiting Refinery was included in a new greenhouse gas reporting study, as critics argue EPA reporting obligations are being weakened.

Wildfire Smoke & Heat Impacts: Canadian wildfire smoke is again choking parts of the Midwest, with reports of hazardous air quality readings and breathing trouble as heat and humidity pile on. Air Quality & Health: A separate report notes how wildfire haze can cut light reaching crops like corn, raising concerns for yields even when drought isn’t showing up in Michigan. Wildlife Rescue: Michigan DNR shared video of an officer rescuing an injured bald eagle in Newaygo County, stressing that residents should call trained wildlife staff instead of handling animals themselves. Public Health Watch: The CDC continues tracking a growing cyclospora outbreak tied to recalled iceberg lettuce, with Michigan among the affected states as officials warn cases may rise. Policy & Cost of Care: Medicaid coverage cuts for GLP-1 weight-loss drugs are leaving low-income patients facing steep out-of-pocket costs, including in Michigan. Local Environment & Accountability: Detroit filed a lawsuit over a blighted property tied to Nicole Curtis, alleging ongoing deterioration despite a prior court order. Weather Outlook: Mid-Michigan faces a more active storm setup with possible severe thunderstorms Sunday into Monday. Data Centers Backlash: Governors signed a pledge aimed at shielding ratepayers from data-center energy costs, as the fight over AI infrastructure continues to spread.

Wildfire smoke and extreme heat: Late-week forecasts warn that wildfire smoke could return to the Great Lakes after brief relief, while parts of the U.S. face dangerous late-July heat and storm risks—conditions that can worsen air quality for Michigan residents. Public health and food safety: The CDC says the multistate Cyclospora outbreak linked to recalled iceberg lettuce has expanded to nine states, with Michigan among the hardest hit, as officials investigate symptoms that can take weeks to show up. Great Lakes protection: Michigan regulators have reapproved key Line 5 permits, moving Enbridge closer to construction—drawing renewed criticism from tribes and environmental advocates worried about wetlands and spill risks in the Straits of Mackinac. Air quality and climate pressure: Reports tie Canadian wildfire smoke to persistent Arctic-driven weather patterns, underscoring how climate change is amplifying smoke impacts across the region. Monarchs and habitat: Michigan DNR highlights late-summer monarch breeding on milkweed as the state’s role in the eastern population’s migration cycle. Invasive species help: Ludington residents can apply for a cost-share program to control Oriental bittersweet, an invasive vine spreading through yards and neighborhoods.

Great Lakes air quality win: The EPA has proposed redesignating Muskegon County, Berrien County, and the Detroit area to “attainment” for ground-level ozone after significant pollution reductions—an update that could ease permitting burdens while keeping existing controls in place. PFAS cleanup momentum: A Cascade neighborhood in Grand Rapids is moving closer to permanent drinking-water relief after receiving a $12.1M state grant to expand public water service where PFAS levels exceeded Michigan safety limits. Beach safety alerts: EGLE says multiple Michigan beaches are closed or under advisories this weekend due to high bacteria levels, with swimmers urged to check the state dashboard before heading out. Invasive species help: Ludington residents can apply for a 50-50 cost-share program to control invasive Oriental bittersweet, with treatment planned for this fall. Maritime innovation funding: Michigan awarded $1.5M to support five Great Lakes maritime projects, leveraging $2M in private investment to boost technology, commercialization, and workforce efforts. Outdoor economy angle: A look at how roads, docks, and trails keep Michigan’s outdoor economy moving.

Cyclospora Update: Michigan’s cyclospora outbreak is still expanding, with MDHHS reporting 7,664 cases and 164 hospitalizations as investigators keep tracing possible sources; meanwhile the FDA opened a separate cyclospora cluster investigation tied to 72 confirmed cases, with no source identified yet. Wildfire Smoke & Health: Canadian wildfire smoke continues to disrupt the Midwest, with hazardous air quality readings reported across major cities and warnings that health impacts can linger beyond the immediate haze. Data Centers vs. Communities: Ypsilanti Township residents renewed their fight against a proposed U-M/Los Alamos computing facility, while Salem, Oregon faces backlash over a $5.1 billion data center proposal—both highlighting local concerns over environment, transparency, and community impacts. Clean Energy Policy: Michigan AG Dana Nessel joined a multistate lawsuit challenging an EPA rule that weakens hydrofluorocarbon phaseout deadlines, arguing it undermines climate protections. Hydropower Decision Watch: Consumers Energy’s proposed sale of 13 hydroelectric dams is drawing local pushback as regulators weigh economic and clean-power tradeoffs.

Wildfire Smoke & Public Health: A new report says Canadian wildfire smoke cost Michigan about $4 billion, as smoke alerts spread across the Midwest and Northeast and worsened respiratory and heart risks. Great Lakes Water Management: Presque Isle County’s Circuit Court will hear a plan to set seasonal lake levels on Grand Lake to reduce shoreline erosion, ice damage, and spring flooding. Data Centers & Local Power Costs: Oakley City Council and planners moved toward banning free-standing data centers, citing utility strain and potential health impacts tied to energy demand. Energy Policy: Michigan AG Dana Nessel says Consumers Energy’s plan to sell its hydropower dams isn’t in ratepayers’ best interest, pushing for rejection without conditions. Food Safety: Florida’s cyclosporiasis outbreak keeps climbing, with health officials urging thorough washing and noting cooking is most effective. Great Lakes Wildlife & Fisheries: Lake Erie yellow perch decline is linked to rising walleye and predatory bird pressure, raising concerns for the region’s commercial fishery. St. Clair River Shipping: A Canadian freighter ran aground near Sarnia on the St. Clair River but was refloated with no pollution reported.

Legal Fight Over Emergency Funding: New York AG Letitia James joined a coalition suing the Trump administration to block new FEMA grant conditions that would force states to back mass deportation and change election practices, with critics warning the rules could let FEMA cut off public-safety money at any time. Michigan Water Safety: EGLE water sampling found four Grand Traverse County beaches (TC State Park, Senior Center Beach, Sunset Park, West End Beach) exceed standards, triggering Level-2 partial-body contact advisories while follow-up tests are underway. Great Lakes Microplastics: RIT professor Matthew Hoffman is expanding microplastics research from Lake Ontario to Lake Huron’s Georgian Bay, mapping risks and how particles move through the ecosystem. Youth-Led Sustainability: EGLE launched a Youth Sustainability Project Showcase, a statewide map highlighting student environmental work and inviting new projects. Wildfire Smoke Costs Michigan: A study estimates Michigan lost more than $4 billion from wildfire smoke impacts, including closures, canceled events, and health disruptions. Invasive/Species Watch: Michigan detected an invasive elm zigzag sawfly, while a rare eastern massasauga rattlesnake bite at Proud Lake Recreation Area prompted public reminders for park visitors.

Wildfire smoke’s price tag for Michigan: A new report puts Michigan’s wildfire-smoke economic losses at more than $4 billion, driven by canceled outdoor commerce and events plus health impacts. Public health surge: The cyclospora outbreak keeps climbing, with Michigan reporting 7,171 cases as the national total tops 4,173 across dozens of states, tied to shredded iceberg lettuce. Prison conditions under scrutiny: Families of inmates at Ypsilanti’s women’s prison demand answers after four deaths in two months, alleging dangerous black mold and neglected care, while the state disputes the mold claim. Data center backlash: Williamstown Township tabled proposed data center zoning rules after residents raised concerns about water, wildlife, noise, and public health. Workforce safety & environment: Michigan’s only venomous snake bite case highlights Eastern massasauga risks at Proud Lake Recreation Area. Youth safety reporting: MSP’s OK2SAY system logged 10,777 tips, its second-highest use since 2014. Local grants: Huron County Community Foundation awarded $33,000+ to 23 organizations. AI in Michigan research: U-M Law professors won awards for AI use in legal scholarship.

PFAS in Michigan water: A new study tied PFAS found in Dexter’s waterways to everyday products, raising fresh questions about household sources and what upgrades are needed in local infrastructure. Climate rule fight: Michigan AGs joined a coalition suing the EPA over a rule that weakens the phaseout of highly potent greenhouse-gas refrigerants (HFCs), arguing it will harm the environment and drive uncertainty for businesses. Wildfire smoke pressure: Canadian wildfires continue to blanket parts of the U.S., with Michigan still dealing with hazardous air at times and public health guidance on masks and staying indoors. Public health outbreak: Cyclosporiasis cases tied to contaminated lettuce keep climbing, with Michigan reporting thousands of infections and officials urging careful food and water handling. Local conservation: Little Traverse Conservancy broke ground on The Malcolm Center in northern Michigan to expand land protection and environmental education. Wastewater planning: Ohio and neighboring states are tightening data-center power rules to protect ratepayers, a sign Michigan communities may face similar pressure as AI demand grows.

Wildfire Smoke & Air Quality: Canada’s wildfire smoke pushed Michigan’s air into “unhealthy for sensitive groups” levels before conditions improved; the statewide alert was dropped Tuesday as AQI readings fell to “good” to “moderate,” though light smoke may drift back in. Food Safety & Water/Soil Contamination: Health officials are still investigating a multistate cyclospora outbreak tied to iceberg lettuce; CDC reports thousands sick, with Michigan among the hardest hit, and federal testing has been complicated by a withdrawn positive result—so cases may keep rising even after recalls. Data Centers & Power/Water Pressure: A new national assessment says backlash to AI data centers is spreading into legislatures and Michigan is considering a moratorium, as residents raise concerns about electricity, water use, and local oversight. Climate Policy in Court: Michigan is among states suing EPA over a rule that weakens hydrofluorocarbon phaseout deadlines, arguing it violates the AIM Act and raises climate risks. Local Water Infrastructure: Smallwood Dam’s refilling and substantial completion were delayed into early August due to heat and air quality issues during final inspections. Public Health/Environment Funding: FEMA approved $15.8M to help Michigan agencies and a Northern Michigan utility recover from the March 2025 ice storm.

Climate & Clean Air (Michigan): EGLE says wildfire-smoke conditions have eased, with Michigan’s statewide air quality alert dropped; Tuesday AQI is mostly “good” to “moderate,” though Metro Detroit hit 106 for “unhealthy for sensitive groups.” Public Health (Michigan): Michigan reported 6,571 cyclosporiasis cases, up 423 since Monday, with 102 hospitalizations and no deaths; officials say the outbreak is tied to contaminated produce while FDA guidance continues to evolve. Local Environment (Detroit): Detroit’s Construction and Demolition department updated council on contaminated dirt removal, replacing tainted backfill at 100+ properties and tightening approval and sampling of construction fill sources. Forever Chemicals (Bay City): Bay City leaders debate replacing Fire Station 2 due to PFAS contamination, weighing cleanup and costs against keeping south-end response times. Food Safety (Cyclospora): Health officials warn the parasite outbreak could spread further into South Carolina as more exposed people develop symptoms. Policy Fight (National): AG Nick Brown co-leads a lawsuit challenging an EPA rule that weakens HFC limits, a move critics say will raise greenhouse gas emissions.

Wildfire Smoke & Health: Canadian wildfires are still driving hazardous air across Michigan and the Midwest, with alerts lingering and officials urging people—especially kids, older adults, and those with asthma or heart conditions—to limit outdoor strain as conditions slowly improve. Food Safety: The Cyclospora outbreak tied to iceberg lettuce continues to roil Michigan and beyond, as FDA traceback work and recall updates shift amid “false positive” confusion, leaving consumers trying to figure out what’s safe. Invasive Species: Michigan’s first detection of the invasive elm zigzag sawfly has been confirmed in St. Clair County, prompting residents to watch elms and report sightings. Great Lakes Chemicals: New research tracks how PFAS move through Great Lakes ecosystems and into people via the food web. Local Energy & Efficiency: Cadillac approved an energy infrastructure upgrade deal aimed at cutting municipal costs and improving resilience, while Michigan debates the broader environmental impacts of big energy projects. Data Centers & Public Pressure: A nationwide protest against AI data centers is planned in Traverse City, reflecting growing concerns about power, water, noise, and local control.