AGP Executive Report

Great Lakes Invasive Species: The U.S. Army Corps abruptly paused work on the Brandon Road invasive-carp project near Lake Michigan, then lifted the stop-work order hours after Gov. Gretchen Whitmer called President Trump—highlighting how fast-moving politics can affect urgent water-protection timelines. Michigan Water & Habitat: Caledonia Township approved a $127,900 plan to remove an obsolete causeway on the Shiawassee River, funded by an EGLE DNR fisheries grant, aiming to restore river flow and improve fish and aquatic habitat. Public Health & Plastics: North Carolina and a coalition of states—including Michigan—pushed the EPA to add microplastics to the drinking-water monitoring list, arguing the current oversight leaves communities without basic tracking. PFAS Watch: The Trump administration stalled a wastewater PFAS survey that would help regulators identify which industries are driving contamination. Local Recovery Housing: EGLE awarded $1 million for affordable recovery housing in Kalamazoo, converting a former paper mill site into 48 apartments with support services. Weather & Safety: A tornado watch and severe thunderstorm warning hit Windsor-Essex as storms moved toward lower Michigan. Invasive Species Prevention: Michigan expanded its “Don’t Move Firewood” campaign ahead of Labor Day to curb the spread of pests and plant diseases. Energy & Fuels: An E15 bill would align Michigan’s gasoline rules with federal standards, potentially allowing year-round E15 sales in more counties. Data Centers & Community Trust: A growing backlash over data-center NDAs and impacts on power and water is pushing states toward tighter rules and moratoriums. Wildlife & Outdoors: Northern Michigan groups are promoting water safety and conservation through Great Lakes paddleboarding and kayak tours. Mosquito Alert: Livonia warned residents about a new, daytime-biting Asian tiger mosquito presence and urged steps to eliminate standing water.

Michigan Energy & Industry: EGLE awarded a $1 million grant to help build new affordable recovery housing at the site of a former Kalamazoo paper mill, turning vacant brownfield property into 48 apartments with support services. Clean Energy Manufacturing: LG Energy Solution says its new Lansing battery campus is ramping up, aiming to scale to 35+ gigawatt-hours of lithium cells for both grid storage and EVs, with Toyota sourcing from the site. Climate & Weather: Scientists tied a rare “train” of Pacific hurricanes to historically strong El Niño, warning of dangerous swells and rip currents for Hawaii. Great Lakes & Water Quality: A Sterling Heights green infrastructure project “daylighted” part of the Sterling Relief Drain, adding trees and pollinator plants to filter stormwater and reduce flooding. Local Land Use & Waste: Wexford County voted to hire legal counsel for anticipated litigation over host fees tied to the former Cedar Creek Township landfill. Wildlife & Health: Michigan’s hummingbird migration is underway—experts say keeping feeders clean and stocked through fall can help birds refuel without derailing migration.

Extreme Heat & Schools: Climate Power reports extreme heat is forcing Michigan and other states to cancel classes or send students home early, with 41% of schools lacking adequate HVAC—turning back-to-school into a health risk. Great Lakes Biofuels: Michigan’s Great Lakes Sustainable Fuels Symposium in Detroit focused on building long-term demand for sustainable aviation and maritime fuels, with Michigan Corn leaders pointing to pending state tax incentives. Mining Waste Cleanup & Critical Minerals: Sen. Elissa Slotkin’s Upper Peninsula tour highlighted housing, jobs, education, and mining-linked environmental stewardship, alongside a DOE-backed Michigan Tech effort to recover precious metals from low-quality mining waste. PFAS Detection Breakthrough: MSU researchers say grasshoppers can detect multiple PFAS chemicals via distinct brain responses, pointing toward faster field testing tools. Data Centers Meet Community Pushback: Michigan City is considering a moratorium on future hyperscale data centers as officials and residents debate environmental protections like generator fuel storage and noise. Great Lakes Water Safety: A harmful algal bloom at Crystal Lake triggered beach health concerns, underscoring ongoing risks from toxic algae.

Clean Energy Research: Michigan is investing $7.5M to study geologic hydrogen—buried fuel that could help cut emissions from high-polluting sectors like trucking, steel, and cement. Great Lakes & Fisheries Legacy: Howard Tanner, credited as the “father” of the Great Lakes salmon fishery after helping reshape Michigan’s fisheries in the 1960s, has died at 102. Airborne Toxic Algae: New research warns that toxic cyanobacteria blooms may pose risks beyond skin contact, with scientists studying how toxins can become airborne and affect lungs. Local Water Safety: Harmful algae bloom advisories were lifted for Hamlin Lake and Bass Lake, but officials stress conditions can change fast—keep checking. Data Centers & Community Scrutiny: Michigan City, Indiana is weighing a temporary data center moratorium amid resident concerns about air quality and chemicals, while Michigan’s own debate over data centers continues. Transmission Planning: ITC unveiled proposed 345 kV transmission “Copperton Projects” with public open houses planned in Evart and Idlewild. Policy Shockwaves: A federal judge struck down New York’s $75B climate “superfund” law, saying it conflicts with federal authority. Invasive Species Control: MSU researchers released thousands of parasitoid wasps to target the invasive scarlet lily beetle without relying only on chemicals.

Climate Disaster Watch: Catastrophic flooding at the Nepal-Tibet border has killed more than 1,000 people and left thousands missing, with officials directly pointing to human-caused global warming and warning that mountain communities face rising extreme-weather risk. Great Lakes & Water Quality: Michigan AG Jennifer Davenport is pushing the EPA to include microplastics in nationwide drinking-water testing, arguing kids are especially vulnerable and more monitoring is needed to guide action. Local Recycling & Waste Planning: Bay City says its recycling rate hit a new high in 2025, with contamination down and households recycling far more than before, while Michigan’s Heartland region (8 counties) opened public comment on a new regional materials management plan focused on recycling, composting and waste reduction. Invasive Species & Biosecurity: A potentially destructive straw crest moth never before seen at a U.S. port of entry was intercepted at Detroit Metro Airport in passenger luggage, showing how aggressive screening can stop new pests. Community Resilience: Northern Michigan health officials urged residents to prepare for emergencies with household plans, alerts and emergency kits ahead of the season’s storms and outages. Michigan Energy Politics: In Michigan’s 10th District race, candidates’ climate and energy plans are drawing sharp ideological debate over the real-world impact of major clean-energy subsidies.

Great Lakes Water Quality & Health: Scientists are studying whether Lake Erie harmful algae bloom toxins can become airborne, with researchers from the University of Toledo and U-M working to track how far toxins travel and what they do in people’s lungs. Local Environmental Response: Gladwin’s wastewater plant is back online after a July lightning strike knocked out key electrical systems, though residents may notice temporary odors as equipment restarts. Great Lakes Policy: Democrats are pushing back on a Trump executive order to rename Lake Ontario as “Lake America,” filing the “Hands Off Our Great Lakes Act.” Climate Signals: New research using coral records suggests El Niño events have grown stronger over the last 40 years and may be the strongest in at least 1,000 years—raising stakes for Michigan’s weather and air-quality risks. Energy & Pollution Risk: A Line 5 rupture in Wisconsin released more than a million gallons of natural gas liquids, renewing Great Lakes advocates’ calls for regulators to halt risky pipeline work. Hazardous Waste & Compliance: Wexford County commissioners will consider building-department changes, including inspector pay adjustments and legal help tied to host fees for a former landfill.

Great Lakes & Invasive Species: The Trump administration halted work on the Brandon Road Interbasin Project, a $1.15 billion barrier system meant to stop invasive carp from reaching Lake Michigan, after juvenile carp were found closer than ever—prompting calls from lawmakers and Great Lakes groups to resume construction. Michigan Environment & Water: Kent County crews responded to an oil release from a historic, previously plugged well at Millennium Park; a containment boom was set and officials asked people to avoid the affected area while next steps are determined. Michigan Air Quality: EGLE-linked reporting highlights how wildfire smoke can spike pollution; Michigan’s AQI reportedly hit 616 after Ontario smoke crossed into the U.S., with scientists warning warming could make such events more common. Policy & Public Backlash: Across the U.S., opposition to AI data centers is driving political pushback; Trump doubled down by warning communities that resist data centers could end up “backwards and poor,” as polls show strong local opposition. Local Environment Rules: Michigan residents are reminded that open burning of leaves and grass clippings is restricted in larger municipalities unless local ordinances allow it, and state rules also limit burning near city boundaries. Wildlife & Health: A Michigan-focused update notes chronic wasting disease detected in multiple counties, adding pressure to monitoring and management efforts.

Air Quality & Wildfire Smoke: Michigan officials defended the state’s air monitoring network as advocates push for more sites and better accuracy after Canadian wildfire smoke drove Michigan AQI to hazardous levels, including a reported 616 in Grand Rapids—highlighting how fast-changing smoke can leave local gaps. Great Lakes & Pollution: A Michigan man was indicted for allegedly posing as a Coast Guard member and dumping sewage into Lake Michigan, raising fresh concerns about water quality enforcement. Enbridge Line 5: Gov. Whitmer’s attorneys filed response briefs in the Line 5 lawsuit, while regulators demanded Enbridge halt a reroute after a gas-related rupture/spill in Wisconsin—keeping the Great Lakes pipeline fight in the spotlight. Climate Extremes & Food Security: New research warns “Godzilla” El Niño conditions are intensifying with fossil-fuel warming, with potential knock-on impacts like major food insecurity for tens of millions. Forestry Incentives: MDARD opened the Qualified Forest Program for 2027, offering private landowners possible tax benefits for sustainable forest management. Data Centers & Water: Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang argued AI data centers can “reindustrialize” America, but the debate continues over local power and water impacts. Local Water Event: Petoskey’s Water is Life Festival returns with environmental education and community activities along Little Traverse Bay and the Bear River.

Great Lakes Protection Fight: Gov. Gretchen Whitmer filed a response brief in Michigan’s Line 5 lawsuit, arguing the dual pipeline still poses public health and environmental risks and that Michigan must have a say in what runs through the Great Lakes. Pipeline Safety Pressure: Wisconsin regulators demanded Enbridge halt its Line 5 re-routing after a gas rupture and spill, citing “immense frustration” and ordering air monitoring, spill details, and tribal outreach. Water Quality Crime: A Michigan man was indicted for allegedly dumping sewage into Lake Michigan while impersonating a Coast Guard member, raising Clean Water Act concerns for swimmers, boaters, wildlife, and ecosystems. Local Water Infrastructure: St. Charles moved forward with lead service line replacement plans using Michigan Drinking Water State Revolving Fund loans with principal forgiveness, aiming to avoid added water-rate hikes. Metro Detroit Flooding Context: A Planet Detroit report links Southeast Michigan’s flooding to heavier rain, drained wetlands, and aging infrastructure, warning communities and utilities aren’t coping well enough. Contaminated Site Cleanup: East Jordan’s 125-year-old former community center is set for an $8.6M lakeside redevelopment after EGLE grant funding for assessments, demolition, asbestos abatement, and disposal of contaminated soil.

Great Lakes energy fight: Gov. Gretchen Whitmer filed response briefs in the Enbridge Line 5 lawsuit, arguing Michigan must control what runs through the Great Lakes and warning the dual pipelines pose ongoing public health and environmental risks. Local water upgrades: St. Charles Village moved forward on 2027 drinking-water projects using Michigan Drinking Water State Revolving Fund loans, including lead service line replacements with major principal forgiveness. Pipeline spill cleanup & safety: After a Line 5 pipeline strike in Wisconsin, crews worked to clear vapors and a no-fly zone was maintained as officials reported no injuries. Climate extremes research: A University of Michigan study using coral records found El Niño events have strengthened nearly 40% in recent decades, with modern events outpacing the last thousand years. Invasive species pressure: Great Lakes groups called for resuming a barrier project as invasive carp inch closer to Lake Michigan. Biosecurity on farms: MSU Extension urged fairgoers to separate traveling animals from home herds for at least 14 days and disinfect equipment to prevent disease spread. Water quality alerts: Harmful algae bloom risks were reported at Lake Cadillac, with residents warned to watch for impacts.

Great Lakes & Energy Politics: A Canada-focused editorial argues Prime Minister Mark Carney and Ontario Premier Doug Ford should resist taxing or curtailing energy exports to the U.S., warning that shutting Enbridge’s Line 5 could trigger an oil crisis across Ontario and Quebec and raise gas prices. Line 5 Update: Enbridge says a Michigan Supreme Court ruling is delaying its Line 5 tunnel plan, after the court ordered regulators to redo an environmental review; the company also pointed to a recent Wisconsin leak tied to a construction-site incident. Michigan Pipeline Oversight & Courts: A report says a fossil-fuel-defeating climate PAC bankrolled $5,000 contributions to two Michigan Supreme Court justices’ campaigns before they vacated Line 5 approval over inadequate environmental impact review. Local Housing/Environment: Cadillac plans to request CDBG funds for a five-year homeowner rehabilitation program, with a broad environmental review finding no serious adverse impacts. Animal Biosecurity: MSU Extension urges fairgoers to separate traveling animals from home herds for at least 14 days and disinfect gear to reduce disease spread. Climate Science (Global, with Michigan relevance): New research finds El Niño events have strengthened nearly 40% in recent decades versus the last 1,000 years, with modern events among the strongest on record. Michigan Weather/Disaster Costs: A report highlights how repeated Michigan drought, frost, and storm disasters are driving up farm insurance costs and food prices.

Pollinator Push in Mid-Michigan: MSU’s “Bee Palooza” returns Sunday in East Lansing with a “Bee Kind” theme, featuring native pollinator education, workshops, and a BioBlitz for iNaturalist. Great Lakes Protection Fight: U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell says she’ll introduce the “Hands Off Our Great Lakes Act” to block Trump’s “Lake America” renaming of Lake Ontario. Line 5 Fallout in the Straits: Enbridge says Line 5 tunnel work faces a significant delay after a Michigan Supreme Court ruling, while crews in Wisconsin keep clearing vapors after a strike-related rupture and keep an evacuation perimeter in place. Oil Leak at Millennium Park: Kent County parks and EGLE are responding to oil leaking from a historic well into a small lake in Walker, with a containment boom and a public “stay away” advisory. Climate Signals from the Coral Record: New research links human-caused warming to stronger El Niño events, raising stakes for Michigan and the Great Lakes as global weather patterns shift. Salmon Rush on Lake Michigan: Anglers in Ludington report strong Chinook activity as water temperatures shift, with DNR tracking the fast-changing bite. Local Environment & Community Notes: Volunteers are asking residents to stop burying pets at Bay County’s Pet Cemetery as new Lansing regulations loom.

Line 5 Fight: Gov. Gretchen Whitmer filed a response brief in Enbridge’s federal lawsuit over the Line 5 dual pipelines, arguing Michigan can enforce its decision to revoke Enbridge’s easement and warning the exposed pipeline poses an “unparalleled risk” to the Great Lakes. Pipeline Safety: A new Line 5 incident in Wisconsin-Michigan followed a semi truck rolling into an excavation site and hitting exposed pipe, triggering a natural gas liquids release that was quickly isolated—adding fresh fuel to calls for work stoppages and stricter safety scrutiny. Water Health: A harmful algae bloom was confirmed at Lake Cadillac, with health officials posting advisories urging people to avoid water contact, not drink untreated surface water, and keep pets away. Local Climate Planning: Ingham County is building a Sustainability Action Plan with environmental justice at the center, using emissions and vulnerability assessments plus community input. Lead Line Replacement: Jackson continues replacing lead water service lines, reporting progress from about 11,000 lead lines to around 9,000 and targeting hundreds more in the next two years. Great Lakes Invasives: Great Lakes groups renewed pressure to restart an invasive carp barrier project after invasive carp moved closer toward Lake Michigan. Cyber & Power: A new pushback against data centers is gaining momentum as communities weigh power, water, and infrastructure limits, while more than 100 firms urge stronger defenses against AI-enabled cyberattacks.

Great Lakes & Policy: Trump signed an order directing Lake Ontario be renamed “Lake America,” a move critics say undercuts U.S.-Canada collaboration on Great Lakes science and restoration. Climate Watch: New research links human-caused warming to stronger El Niño events, finding El Niños are now over 36% stronger than pre-industrial levels—raising stakes for Michigan and the Great Lakes as heat, floods, and drought risks intensify. Michigan Water & Energy: Tribal leaders and allies rallied at the state Capitol to demand shutting down Enbridge’s Line 5 instead of building a tunnel; Wisconsin’s DNR also asked Enbridge to halt a reroute after a gas leak. Cybersecurity & Drinking Water: CISA says more than 100 internet-exposed water systems were targeted in July, with Michigan confirming nine incidents—highlighting risks to water and wastewater operations. Farming & Land: MDARD launched a dairy grazing initiative to help small and medium farms cut costs and build resilience, while reporting shows Michigan family farms continue to decline as more acreage shifts into preservation. Local Conservation: Volunteers in Marquette planted dune grass to protect shorelines and support wildlife, part of EGLE’s MI Healthy Climate Fellows program.

El Niño and climate extremes: A new Science study led by University of Michigan researchers finds El Niño events are getting stronger as human-caused warming heats the planet—about 36% stronger than pre-industrial levels—raising the odds of bigger global heat and other extreme weather impacts. Great Lakes politics and energy: The Canada-U.S. trade standoff is putting extra spotlight on Enbridge Line 5, with Michigan leaders continuing to frame the pipeline as a major Great Lakes risk as negotiations and pressure tactics escalate. Upper Peninsula mining funding: Michigan lawmakers approved $50 million in state-backed grants for the Copperwood copper mine in the western UP, a move that supporters call job-boosting and critics say raises pollution and tourism concerns. Local water safety after sewage spill: Grand Traverse County Health officials kept a Level 2 advisory in place near the Boardman River after a sewer force main buckled, sending untreated sewage into the water and triggering elevated E. coli readings near the source. Data centers hit Michigan’s doorstep: As backlash to data centers grows nationwide, automakers expanding stationary battery storage tied to AI demand are facing a political “tightrope” over environmental and energy concerns. Kids’ social media limits: Michigan is among states in a Meta settlement that would cap Facebook/Instagram use for under-18 users at two hours a day, restrict overnight access, and tighten age checks. Outdoor and wildlife management: Michigan DNR restored additional waterfowl hunting draws at four managed areas after fundraising covered staffing, keeping more access for the 2026 fall season.

Air Quality Monitoring: Michigan’s wildfire smoke season is exposing a basic problem: the state has only 45 monitoring sites, leaving big gaps where residents can’t get reliable, local readings when smoke and other pollution roll in. Line 5 Fight: Indigenous leaders and clean-water advocates rallied at the Capitol as the Line 5 pipeline debate heats up again, with new legal and permitting steps underway. Brownfield Cleanup: EGLE awarded $350,000 to redevelop the former Dunk’s Garage site in Ubly, funding assessments, contaminated-soil work, asbestos abatement, and a vapor mitigation system. Toxicology at EGLE: A look at a day in the life of an EGLE toxicologist, including how risk assessments and tools like the Air Quality Index help protect public health during smoke events. Health & Mosquito Risk: Wayne County reported a West Nile virus case, the state’s second human case this year. Soil Biodiversity: MSU highlights how a teaspoon of healthy soil can hold billions of living organisms—and why losing that life matters for water, plants, and carbon storage. Copperwood Mine Backlash: A $50 million Michigan-backed grant for a U.P. copper mine drew both support and sharp environmental concerns tied to Lake Superior and nearby wilderness.