AGP Executive Report

Great Lakes Water Quality: A Traverse City man, Brent Alan Tompkins, was indicted for allegedly impersonating a U.S. Coast Guard member and discharging sewage into Lake Michigan, with charges tied to the Clean Water Act. Public Health: The FDA and CDC are investigating a multistate E. coli and salmonella outbreak linked to alfalfa sprouts from Everything Sprouts, LLC; Michigan is among the states reporting cases. Invasive Species Control: Macomb County is set to begin phragmites treatment next week across roadside right-of-way in multiple communities, aiming to protect roads, drainage, and local ecosystems. Community Water Stewardship: EGLE is inviting Michiganders to celebrate UN World Lake Day on Aug. 27, with youth-focused ways to get involved—from cleanups to learning and action by water. Local Environment & Infrastructure: Michigan’s Line 5 fight remains tied to election politics, with Bridge Michigan reporting Whitmer and Nessel’s court strategy could shift after November. Energy & Trade Pressure: Canada’s tariff retaliation talk includes possible power export cutoffs or price hikes to the U.S., raising stakes for northern border states.

Data Center Backlash in Michigan and Beyond: Michigan’s data-center fight keeps heating up as lawmakers and candidates respond to local concerns about power, water use, noise, and election impacts, while governors elsewhere push new standards and pauses. Great Lakes Pollution: As microplastics spread through the Great Lakes, scientists are urging governments to step up action on the threat. Wildfire and Climate Impacts: A new look at the West shows bigger, hotter fires permanently shifting forests into shrubland, with knock-on effects for water and wildlife. Midwest Flooding and Crops: Midwest flooding is threatening corn and soybean yields after heavy mid-August rain, leaving farmers watching saturated fields and uncertain harvest prospects. Public Health and Food Safety: Michigan-area families are also facing health worries, from measles-vaccine schedule confusion to a sprouts recall tied to E. coli and Salmonella. Local Environment Cleanup: EGLE is funding brownfield redevelopment in Roscommon to assess and manage contamination as a site moves toward new use. Wildlife and Biodiversity: Michigan researchers report a butterfly returning from the brink, while other coverage highlights invasive species and habitat pressures.

Great Lakes wildlife: Michigan and Wisconsin researchers report lake sturgeon can live far longer than once thought—up to 427 years for females—using decades of data across multiple Great Lakes populations, a finding that could reshape conservation and harvest rules. Pollution and health in Detroit: Residents in Southwest Detroit say decades of refinery and freight pollution are taking a toll, with women and youth pushing for stronger air-quality protections and better monitoring. Line 5 fight: Michigan tribes call a “flawed” federal review of the Line 5 project a treaty-rights violation, even as a key federal permit moves forward for a Straits of Mackinac segment update. Brownfield cleanup and jobs: EGLE is awarding a $400,000 grant for brownfield redevelopment in downtown Roscommon, turning a long-vacant contaminated site into a new restaurant. Soil resilience for fruit: Pear growers in Michigan are being paid to test regenerative soil-health practices as dry spells strain orchards. Climate intervention debate: A Michigan State University scientist discusses research on anti-solar spray concepts to blunt heat waves. National parks perk: The National Park Service’s 110th birthday includes free admission Aug. 25, with Midwest parks like Pictured Rocks and Indiana Dunes eligible. Data center backlash: Texas Gov. Abbott says data center developers helped spark opposition by not engaging communities early, citing concerns over power, water, and local impacts.

Great Lakes Mapping: Advocates for a drinkable, fishable, swimmable Great Lakes are gearing up for the Lakebed 2030 conference at NMC’s Hagerty Center (Sept. 15-17), pushing to map the lakebed in high resolution and fill major gaps that limit research and protection against climate change, invasive species, and pollution. AI Data Center Backlash: A nationwide wave of protests against AI data centers is growing, with organizers citing electricity costs, water use, and limited local benefits—an issue now showing up in bipartisan politics and key midterm races. Michigan Water & Health: Federal health officials say an alfalfa sprouts-linked E. coli and salmonella outbreak has spread to more states, including Michigan, while Wisconsin reports rising blue-green algae blooms and illness concerns—another reminder of how water quality and public health are tied together. Local Conservation: In Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, the UP Land Conservancy’s Art Walk highlighted a managed wetlands preserve, bringing attention to habitat protection right in town. Policy & Communities: A federal judge ruled Washtenaw County can keep its sanctuary policies, blocking ICE from county property—another example of how local governance shapes enforcement on the ground.

AI Data Centers Backlash (Michigan): New polling shows opposition to new AI data centers is rising and cutting across party lines, with Michigan named as a key battleground in 2026 Senate races as voters weigh electricity costs, water use, subsidies, and local control. Water Safety & Cybersecurity: The FBI is warning utilities nationwide about cyberattacks targeting water systems, urging Michigan providers to harden controls that run pumps and valves. Harmful Algae: Wisconsin regulators report blue-green algae reports and related illness concerns are up this year, a reminder of how warm weather and nutrient runoff can drive blooms. Foodborne Illness: A multi-state outbreak tied to alfalfa sprouts has expanded to Michigan and more states, with federal health officials tracking cases and hospitalizations. Local Parks Funding: Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund grants are backing West Michigan recreation projects, including accessibility upgrades and new waterfront and shoreline amenities. Washtenaw County Sanctuary Ruling: A federal judge blocked the Trump administration from forcing Washtenaw County to participate in immigration enforcement, allowing local sanctuary policies to continue.

Water Security: The FBI is warning that cybercriminals are targeting water systems nationwide, including Michigan, with attacks aimed at internet-connected controllers that can disrupt pumps, valves, and water pressure. Local Environment Funding: West Michigan recreation projects won Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund grants, including Montague’s Cullen Field accessibility upgrades and Norton Shores’ Lake Harbor Park splash pad. Data Center Noise & Water Concerns: Gaines Township approved an independent environmental study to map baseline noise for a proposed Microsoft data center, while residents elsewhere keep pushing back over impacts tied to the data center boom. Climate & Public Trust: A Michigan Supreme Court decision leaned on the public trust doctrine in a fight over a controversial pipeline, signaling more climate-era legal battles ahead. Wildlife: Michigan researchers and zoos are helping bring back the Poweshiek skipperling butterfly after habitat loss and pesticide pressure pushed it toward collapse. Health & Food Safety: CDC and FDA updates say an E. coli and salmonella outbreak linked to alfalfa sprouts has spread across multiple states. Outdoor Recreation: The state’s 2026 deer hunting rules include major Upper Peninsula changes after a harsh winter reduced deer numbers.

Great Lakes Water Quality: Kent County lifted the no-body-contact advisory for Myers Lake but kept it in place for Wabasis Lake after E. coli levels stayed above Michigan’s standard, with more samples planned. Great Lakes Energy & Pollution Risk: A Line 5 update shows the tunnel permit is granted but construction is still blocked after Michigan Supreme Court action, leaving Enbridge waiting on additional permits and facing ongoing legal fights. Public Health & Food Safety: A multi-state outbreak tied to alfalfa sprouts has spread to 15 states, with Michigan among those reporting cases. Environmental Crime on the Water: A Traverse City man faces federal charges for allegedly impersonating a Coast Guard officer and discharging sewage into Lake Michigan. Wildlife Conservation: A butterfly once near extinction is getting new hope in Michigan through captive breeding and reintroduction efforts. Data Centers Backlash: Republicans are ramping up messaging on data centers after internal warnings that public hostility could hurt election prospects, while Michigan candidates debate moratoriums and local control. Local Nature & Community: Kalamazoo opened six new outdoor pickleball courts at Spring Valley Park, adding to the region’s outdoor recreation options. Climate/Weather Watch: Forecasts point to near-normal late-August conditions, with ongoing drought concerns shaping planning for the next growing season.

State Parks Funding: Michigan’s Natural Resources Trust Fund is doling out $45 million for 75 land and park projects statewide, including Lakeshore-area wins like Holland’s Van Raalte Farm Park boardwalk replacement and Saugatuck Township’s plan to buy 119 acres along the Kalamazoo River for a new destination park and nature preserve. Data Centers & Local Control: The fight over hyperscale data centers is heating up in Michigan and beyond, from Northfield moving to ban them based on power use to Vevay Township landowners seeking annexation for a Mason-area data center amid noise and environmental worries. Solar Dispute: Ranger Power sued Fayette Township after officials denied a special land use permit for the Heartwood Solar II project, with opponents citing farmland loss and local water impacts. Conservation in the U.P.: The DNR secured permanent access to 73,000 acres in the Michigamme Highlands, protecting forests, wetlands, trout streams, and adding 140 miles of public trails. Wildlife Recovery: MSU researchers and the Grand Rapids zoo helped bring back the poweshiek skipperling from the brink, boosting captive numbers for release. Public Health: Michigan confirmed a human eastern equine encephalitis case since 2021 and issued mosquito warnings. Detroit Ethics: Detroit’s Board of Ethics voted to investigate top city attorney Conrad Mallett over alleged undisclosed outside work tied to a company receiving city tax breaks.

Public Health: Michigan confirmed a human eastern equine encephalitis case in Roscommon County, prompting mosquito bite precautions and expanded mosquito trapping and testing. Public Health: Kent County also reported Michigan’s first West Nile virus human case of 2026 after routine blood donation screening, with officials noting mosquitoes carrying the virus across multiple counties. Local Environment & Health: Lansing’s “Restoring Roots” project is using community input to plant more trees in heat-island areas around bus stops and shopping corridors, aiming to cut heat and improve air quality in disadvantaged neighborhoods. Transportation & Environment: MDOT is planning major Portage Lake Lift Bridge repairs and is exploring a faster off-site replacement approach to reduce disruption. Waterways & Community Access: Dearborn marked a milestone on the Rouge River Gateway Greenway with installation of a new pedestrian bridge, advancing a bike-and-walk connection along the Rouge. Wildlife & Climate Resilience: Michigan’s DNR says gray wolves in the Upper Peninsula may be ready for reclassification after a year of trail-camera monitoring suggests numbers have met recovery goals. Forests & Land Use: A proposal to rescind the Roadless Rule could open Michigan national forest roadbuilding and logging, drawing sharp pushback from environmental advocates.

Mosquito-borne health alert: Michigan confirmed a locally acquired eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) case in Roscommon County—its first since 2021—prompting fresh mosquito trapping and testing and urging residents to prevent bites. Public health guidance: An air-quality expert says Michiganders should check outdoor pollution levels daily and limit exposure indoors when air is bad, pointing to health risks from wildfire smoke and other outdoor pollution. Water & algae watch: Harmful algal blooms are back at Bass Lake and Hamlin Lake in Mason County; health officials advise avoiding green/scummy water and bloom areas, noting this year’s lakes weren’t toxin-tested but precautions are based on past patterns. Invasive species concern: Michigan environmental advocates are warning residents to watch for invasive red swamp crawfish and other invasive species that can disrupt local ecosystems. Brownfield cleanup for housing: EGLE awarded $3.9 million for seven brownfield projects across Michigan, aiming to remove contamination and support new housing and jobs. Data center backlash: A new report highlights growing public opposition to AI data center development in North America, driven by energy, water, noise, and community impacts.

Mosquito-borne disease alert: Michigan confirmed its first locally acquired eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) case since 2021, in a Roscommon County resident, prompting state health officials to urge residents to prevent mosquito bites while additional trapping and testing ramps up. Public health watch: The CDC reported 15,716 domestically acquired cyclosporiasis cases nationwide, with Michigan reporting 13,909 cases and two deaths, as investigators track multistate clusters. Energy affordability push: The Michigan Public Service Commission offered recommendations to lower energy costs and improve reliability, including limits on year-to-year rate requests and shifting utilities toward multi-year plans tied to performance. Pipeline fight: The U.S. Army Corps approved a permit for Line 5 work under the Straits of Mackinac, a procedural win for Enbridge that still faces state-level hurdles and ongoing Indigenous opposition. Brownfield cleanup to housing/jobs: EGLE awarded grants to redevelop contaminated sites in East Jordan and Ubly, turning vacant properties into mixed-use projects with new housing and local jobs. Air pollution guidance: A mold and air quality expert urged Michiganders to check outdoor air quality daily and take indoor precautions during high-pollution periods.

PFAS Watch: MSU researchers report locust brain activity can distinguish seven PFAS compounds with high accuracy, pointing to a possible new way to detect PFAS in the field. Great Lakes Invasives: Young silver carp were found about 80 miles from Lake Michigan in the Illinois River, raising fears they could spawn closer as a carp barrier project is paused. Air Quality & Health: A mold and air-quality expert urges Michiganders to check outdoor air daily and limit exposure when pollution spikes, citing health risks from wildfire smoke and other outdoor pollution. Brownfield Cleanup for Jobs: EGLE awarded multiple brownfield grants—$1M in Saugatuck to turn a contaminated waterfront into a mixed-use building, plus grants in East Jordan, Lansing, and Huron County aimed at making long-vacant, polluted sites safe for redevelopment. Local Shoreline Resilience: Lake City’s Grand Central Park work is delayed by winter shoreline damage, with EGLE rejecting sheet pilings and the city shifting to boulder protection along the waterfront. Training for Pollution Response: The Coast Guard and partners will run a two-day pollution response drill in St. Ignace, using non-toxic dye to practice coordination during environmental emergencies. Detroit Metro Smoke-Free Win: Detroit Metro Airport kept its smokefree policy after a proposal for a cigar lounge was rejected, a victory for public health.

Great Lakes Energy & Tribes: The U.S. Army Corps approved a key federal permit for Enbridge’s Line 5 tunnel, but tribal leaders say the decision ignores treaty responsibilities and construction is still delayed after Michigan ordered a redo of its analysis. Public Safety & Pollution Response: Coast Guard partners with federal, state, tribal and local agencies for pollution-response training in St. Ignace, including a drill that releases neon green dye into the Cut River for responders to practice. Local Environment Education: Belle Isle Bee Fest returned to spotlight pollinators, with hands-on activities and talks on biodiversity and bee health; Michigan bee populations have seen major declines in past surveys. Community Cleanup/Planning: Michigan’s expanded Transformational Brownfield Program is set to help cities tackle costly, stalled redevelopment projects tied to environmental investigation and cleanup. Air Quality Health Tips: A mold and air quality expert urges Michiganders to check outdoor air pollution daily and limit exposure indoors during bad-air days, after wildfire smoke drove severe alerts earlier this summer. Wildlife Health Watch: Michigan reported zero bovine TB positives in 863 deer tested from the state’s bovine TB area, offering a rare bright spot for deer and cattle disease risk.

Air Quality in Michigan: A mold and air quality expert urges Michiganders to check outdoor pollution readings daily and limit exposure indoors when levels spike, pointing to wildfire-smoke summers that left major cities with some of the worst air in the world. Water & Sewage Accountability: Cadillac officials faced state scrutiny after a lift-station failure released more than 16 million gallons of partially treated sewage into the Clam River during April flooding—and admitted they missed required public and regulator notification timelines. Invasive Species Fight: Wexford County conservation groups are working to stop invasive Phragmites from spreading along roadsides and into wetlands, where dense stands can crowd out native plants and disrupt wildlife habitat. Great Lakes Climate Watch: New University of Michigan research suggests Great Lakes ice cover decline may see a short-lived pause or even a modest uptick tied to natural weather cycles—while stressing it’s not climate recovery. Metroparks Dam Plan: Huron-Clinton Metroparks will partially remove the aging Flat Rock dam and replace it with rock arches after the city rejected a proposed sale, aiming to protect recreation and wildlife water levels. Local Flood Recovery: FEMA says northern Michigan counties have received millions in individual assistance approvals for April flooding repairs and temporary housing. Community Outreach for Conservation: The Missaukee Conservation District is launching a new water-themed Lake City Ripple Effect Festival to connect residents with local conservation groups. Data Center Community Push: Mason City Council approved a public outreach plan, Mason Connect, as residents voice concerns about potential data center development. Policy & Health Coverage: A new federal rule could limit state Medicaid “innovation,” with implications for how Michigan and other states run waivers. LIV Golf Michigan Cancelled: LIV Golf confirmed it’s canceling its Michigan team championship event, shifting the season finale to Indianapolis.

Outdoor Air Health: A Michigan air-quality expert urges residents to check pollution readings daily and limit exposure indoors when conditions spike, pointing to wildfire-smoke summers and the health risks tied to poor outdoor air. Lyme Risk & Wildlife: New research suggests mice may be a bigger driver of Lyme disease spread than deer, with acorn-heavy years boosting tick numbers through mouse food chains. Energy Costs at the Pump: AAA reports Michigan regular gas averaging about $4.25—up sharply from a year ago—fueling fresh worries about whether $5 gas is next amid refinery and geopolitical pressures. Data Centers & Power Demand: A new inland-build-out debate highlights how hyperscalers’ energy needs are colliding with local grid stability, water stewardship, and community pushback, with Michigan in the mix. Great Lakes & Invasive Species: Monitoring finds young silver carp far upriver in the Illinois River, prompting expanded checks and removal efforts to gauge the scope of a possible spawning event. Local Watershed Funding: UPPCO is accepting proposals for its Bond Falls Mitigation and Enhancement Fund grant to improve aquatic and terrestrial habitat in the Ontonagon River watershed. Policy & Community: A Michigan lawmaker’s “rights of nature” vote in Wisconsin underscores how environmental governance ideas keep colliding with state limits.

Great Lakes & Water Safety: District Health Department No. 10 confirmed a harmful algal bloom in Hamlin Lake and urged people to avoid contact, don’t drink untreated surface water, and limit or avoid eating fish from affected areas—especially important for pets. Public Health & Outdoors: Michigan’s agriculture department reminded pet owners to update vaccinations before late-summer outdoor trips, noting wildlife, ticks, mosquitoes and other sources can raise exposure risks. Air Quality Guidance: A mold and air quality expert urged Michiganders to check outdoor air readings daily and move indoors when pollution spikes, pointing to both short- and long-term health impacts. Antibiotic Resistance Risk: A Michigan State-led, 14-year study found animal manure can harbor antibiotic resistance genes that may spread beyond farms through water, food, or air. Energy & Environment Policy: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers approved a permit for Enbridge’s Line 5 tunnel under the Straits of Mackinac, after Michigan’s Supreme Court ordered regulators to revisit another permit. Local Planning: Traverse City commissioners will consider a contract to assess Clinch Marina and set priorities for future improvements, alongside other city agenda items.