AGP Executive Report

Offshore Wind Fight: California AG Rob Bonta and the California Energy Commission filed a new federal lawsuit accusing the Trump administration of an unlawful $111M buyout tied to canceling the Even Keel Wind project off Morro Bay, adding to a growing legal push against offshore wind deals. Rural Health Push (Missouri): Missouri announced up to $4.2M to expand rural EMS training and add certified EMT/paramedic capacity, alongside about $35M for 20 rural hospital infrastructure upgrades and up to $6.4M to connect rural providers with rapid behavioral and maternal health specialists. Local Accountability (Schools): Missouri State Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick began a performance audit of the Special School District of St. Louis County, citing concerns about child treatment and financial/operational problems. Climate Watch (Missouri): The National Weather Service says a strengthening El Niño could bring a wetter-than-normal, slightly warmer winter to southwest Missouri, shifting odds for precipitation and temperatures. Community Nature: MDC’s “A Walk in the Park” returns in St. Louis City with free, short guided hikes highlighting parks, wildlife, and local history.

Hazardous Waste Access: Chillicothe residents can drop off household hazardous materials Oct. 17, 9 a.m.-noon at the CMU Warehouse, with clear limits (latex paint not accepted). Water Quality Watch: The EPA is launching a study to look for abortion-related drugs and other emerging contaminants in drinking water, adding to the growing scrutiny of what ends up in Missouri’s taps. PFAS Legal Pressure: A new look at PFAS in food and beverage highlights rising FDA testing and expanding water-utility disclosure rules starting in 2027, with more litigation risk for companies using PFAS-contaminated ingredients. Community Conservation: Missouri Conservation Corps hosted monarch tagging with the Monarch Watch program, letting volunteers help track migration through coded tags. Outdoor Season: MDC’s fall color report points to a likely solid season in central and north Missouri, but warns drought in the southwest could mean muted colors and early leaf drop. Local Waste Costs: Joplin trash pickup rates rise to $17.42 per month starting Oct. 1 under a new Republic Services contract, with changes to bulky-item pickup. Agriculture Tech: Virtual fencing collars are changing cattle ranching by using GPS boundaries and training to reduce the need for physical wire.

Energy & Resilience: Puerto Rico Gov. Jenniffer González-Colón was elected chair of the Southern States Energy Board, highlighting grid upgrades like battery storage, new generation capacity, and a shift toward natural gas to cut outages and improve resilience. Missouri Conservation: The Missouri Department of Conservation will temporarily close Spring Fork Lake (south of Sedalia) for aerial lotus plant treatment, with chemicals applied while the public stays out and drinking-water impacts are described as avoided. Climate & Health in Missouri: A new analysis finds Missouri heat-related deaths are likely vastly underreported—CDC lists 26 per year, but researchers estimate 166 more deaths annually may be missed. Wildlife & Habitat: Missouri Botanical Garden experts warn that captive monarch-raising can weaken butterflies and spread disease risk, as monarch populations have fallen sharply with habitat loss. Agriculture Weather: Heavy “ring of fire” rain patterns are stalling harvest across parts of the Corn Belt, with wetter conditions in the East and more workable conditions in the West. Data Centers & Power: A House-passed push would require states to consider making data centers cover the full added cost of electricity and grid upgrades—fueling ongoing local fights over energy, jobs, and impacts. Low-Carbon Industry in Missouri: Prysmian and Rio Tinto say low-carbon aluminum cables made at Prysmian’s Sedalia facility will supply an Amazon data center in Ohio.

Heat & health: NPR and Boston University analysis finds Missouri heat-related deaths are far undercounted—CDC lists 26 a year, but researchers estimate 166 more than reported, because heat often gets recorded as heart or kidney failure. Wildlife & habitat: Missouri Botanical Garden experts warn that captive monarch-raising can backfire: monarchs need native prairie “snacks” for migration, and released captive butterflies may be weaker and carry pathogens. Deer disease watch: Missouri Department of Conservation asks the public to report hemorrhagic disease in deer; symptoms include lethargy and facial/neck swelling, often near water. Climate action locally: Mid-Missouri Peaceworks held a climate rally and 5K walk, urging Columbia to update building codes to newer energy standards. Data centers & community impacts: A Kirksville planning vote recommends zoning limits for data centers, while Missouri Capitol protests push for a statewide moratorium; separate reporting highlights how data-center debates are reshaping politics nationwide. Water infrastructure: House overwhelmingly passed the 2026 Water Resources Development Act, including Missouri River flood-control priorities. Food safety & research: USDA’s Beltsville food-threat lab is slated to close, forcing scientists to relocate.

Climate Action Rally: Mid-Missouri Peaceworks hosted a 5K walk and rally urging faster climate action, including Columbia updating building codes—city leaders will decide whether to repeal current standards and adopt the 2024 energy code. Data Center Zoning Fight: Kirksville’s Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously recommended new rules limiting data centers to the M-2 heavy industrial district with a special use permit, sending the proposal to City Council for action in late October. Wildlife Health Watch: The Missouri Department of Conservation is asking the public to report signs of hemorrhagic disease in deer, noting outbreaks often cluster near water sources and are tied to biting midges. Weather & Climate Signals: A meteorologist says El Niño may bring above-average snow to many states this winter, with a map pointing to likely “snow a lot” areas. Outdoor & River Life: Missouri River Outdoor Expo returns for its 21st year at Ponca State Park, highlighting family outdoor activities and wildlife learning.

Data Centers Pushback in Missouri: More than 100 people rallied at the Missouri Capitol for a statewide moratorium on data centers, with residents citing noise, utility impacts, and local officials moving ahead despite concerns. FEMA Disaster Funding: FEMA approved over $33 million in post-disaster help across Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska, including hazard mitigation and repairs to critical infrastructure. Ag Expansion Raises Environmental Worries: A Butterball turkey operation in Bronaugh, Mo., is seeking approval to expand to 267,386 birds, moving it into a higher CAFO class and prompting nearby residents to worry about odor and impacts. Wildlife & Water: Missouri River Expo returns to Ponca State Park for its 21st year, while Missouri conservation updates include invasive brittle naiad detection in Missouri River backwaters and a call to track hemorrhagic disease in deer. Community Outdoors: A 100 Miles, 100 Days walking program is bringing Missourians outside, with tick-safety education and native-plant learning during county walks.

Data Center Backlash in Missouri: More than 100 people rallied at the Missouri Capitol for a statewide moratorium on data centers, with residents citing noise, utility impacts, and ignored local concerns, including a Festus resident warning a planned 300-acre project could make life less affordable. Federal Disaster Funding: FEMA approved over $33 million in post-disaster help for Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska, including hazard mitigation and public assistance for repairs and safety upgrades. Wildlife & Water: Missouri conservation coverage highlights invasive brittle naiad in Missouri River backwaters and urges vigilance, while MDC also asks the public to help track hemorrhagic disease in deer. Solar Momentum: A new report says states that voted for Trump are leading the U.S. in solar buildout, with eight of the top 10 solar-building states among them. Gardening for Biodiversity: Missouri Extension shares fall planting tips like pansies, plus guidance on keystone plants to boost local insects, birds, and pollinators.

Data Center Backlash in Missouri: More than 100 people rallied at the Missouri Capitol for a statewide moratorium on data centers, citing noise, utility strain, and local impacts; the march ended at the Governor’s Mansion with one arrest. Solar Momentum: A new report says states that voted for Trump are driving most of the country’s solar buildout, with Sun Belt leaders like Texas and Florida topping the list. Wildlife Health Update: After a decade of decline from white-nose syndrome, Indiana bats show signs of slow recovery in 2026, thanks to long-term research and response work. Garden & Lawn Season: September is flagged as prime time for cool-season lawn recovery and fall garden prep, including fruit sanitation and turf fertilizing/reseeding. CAFO Expansion Concerns: A Butterball-linked turkey operation in Bronaugh is seeking to expand to more than 267,000 birds, pushing it into a higher CAFO class and raising odor worries from nearby residents. Public Health Watch: A measles case tied to a Jackson County health department exposure has reached more than 250 people so far, underscoring low vaccination pockets. Clean Energy Planning: Mills County approved a conditional permit for a large solar farm near the Missouri River, with debate over wildlife habitat and farmland loss. Sober-Living Support: Healthy Blue awarded a $500,000 grant to open a new sober-living home for women in recovery and their children in Missouri.

Data Center Backlash: More than 100 people rallied in the Missouri Capitol rotunda for a statewide moratorium on new data centers, citing noise, utility strain, and ignored local concerns, then marched to the Governor’s Mansion. Energy Cost Fight: The U.S. House advanced the Ratepayer Protection Act to push large data centers to cover the incremental power and grid upgrade costs they drive, while the Senate stalled a similar push. CAFO Expansion Concerns: A Butterball-linked turkey operation in Bronaugh is seeking approval to expand to over 267,000 birds, moving it into a higher CAFO class and raising worries about odor and environmental impacts. Wildlife & Water Cleanup: UMKC students joined a Kansas River cleanup with Friends of the Kaw to remove trash that can affect drinking water and wildlife. Public Health Alert: Jackson County reported a measles exposure tied to an Amtrak trip, exposing 250+ people and underscoring low vaccination coverage. Climate Action Locally: Mid-Missouri Peaceworks held a Walk for the Climate urging action as extreme weather accelerates. Ag Resilience: MU Extension highlighted how soil testing and cover crops helped an Ozarks hay producer recover after drought-driven yield drops.

Wildlife Health Alert: Missouri Department of Conservation is asking residents to report sick or dead deer as hemorrhagic disease spreads via biting midges, with symptoms like lethargy, drooping head, swollen/discolored tongue, and deer often found near ponds and streams. Drought Impacts: Late-summer heat is browning trees across mid-Missouri, and MU Extension warns fall color may be muted if stress continues. Water & Flood Resilience: Springfield’s “Renew Jordan Creek” daylighting project is nearing completion, reopening about 1,000 feet of channel and adding stormwater features like pervious pavers and water-quality landscaping. Clean Water Policy Watch: A proposed Clean Water Act rule would narrow federal protection for smaller streams and wetlands, raising concerns about environmental fallout in the Prairie Pothole region. Data Center Pushback in Missouri: Hundreds of Missourians rallied at the Capitol for a statewide moratorium on data centers, citing water use, power demands, farmland impacts, and lack of oversight. Solar Development: Mills County approved a conditional use permit for a large Folsom Lake solar project with major battery storage, clearing a key step toward construction. Rare Find in Missouri Waters: MDC reports a rare 37-inch American eel caught during a Mississippi River fish survey near Hannibal.

Data Center Backlash in Missouri: Hundreds of Missourians rallied at the Capitol for a statewide moratorium on data centers, citing impacts to cropland, water use, power demands, and a lack of state oversight; the push followed community concerns tied to an Amazon project in Montgomery County, where at least one arrest was reported during the demonstrations. Local Solar Progress: Mills County’s Board of Adjustment approved a conditional use permit for the Folsom Lake Solar Project, a large utility-scale solar and battery storage plan, clearing a key step for development. Bridge Safety & Environmental Review: St. Francois County moved ahead with plans to replace the Hayden Creek Bridge after inspectors reduced its load limit; required environmental and cultural studies are underway, with state funding covering most costs. Hazmat Cleanup on I-29: A sulfuric acid and nitroglycerin jackknife crash shut down Interstate 29 in Holt County, triggered evacuations, and brought state and cleanup crews into action. Heat and Climate Stress: A late-season heat dome is keeping temperatures in the triple digits across parts of Missouri and the South, raising flash-drought and extreme heat concerns. FEMA Disaster Funding: FEMA approved over $33 million in Missouri disaster recovery and hazard mitigation support, including major repairs for Perry County’s school district.

AI Data Center Backlash in Missouri: Hundreds rallied in the Capitol rotunda calling for a statewide moratorium on hyperscale AI data centers, warning about impacts to water, electricity costs, farmland, and property, and demanding health and environmental protections, transparency, and no tax incentives; the protest spilled toward the Governor’s Mansion and ended with one arrest after demonstrators blocked a roadway. Water Infrastructure Push: The House advanced the bipartisan Water Resources Development Act of 2026, including Missouri River flood and storm risk management and levee-owner collaboration, with provisions aimed at speeding Corps project delivery. Missouri River Education Milestone: Missouri River Days marked 10 years of fourth-grade field trips connecting students to the river through hands-on learning and boat rides, now offering free Every Kid Outdoors passes to participants. Invasive Species Alert: Missouri River backwaters near Niobrara and Bazile Creek saw a new find of brittle naiad, urging waterfowl hunters to take care to prevent spread of the invasive aquatic weed. Local Energy Oversight: Missouri regulators dismissed a complaint against Ameren Missouri tied to the Rush Island coal plant shutdown, leaving five municipalities to absorb rising electricity supply costs.

Invasive Species Alert: Brittle naiad, an aggressive aquatic weed, was found in Missouri River backwaters, forming dense mats that can disrupt fishing, boating, and waterfowl hunting—waterfowlers are urged to stay vigilant to prevent spread. River Education: Missouri River Days is celebrating 10 years of taking fourth graders from Columbia and nearby districts to learn about the river through hands-on activities, including boat rides, and is now offering free Every Kid Outdoors passes for participants. Energy & Pollution Fallout: The Missouri Public Service Commission dismissed a lawsuit by five municipalities over Ameren Missouri’s Rush Island coal plant shutdown, leaving cities to absorb major electricity cost deficits tied to the plant’s earlier pollution-control dispute. Fall Color Watch: The Missouri Department of Conservation is rolling out weekly fall foliage updates, warning that drought in parts of southern Missouri could mean muted colors and a shorter leaf-change window. Accessible Beekeeping: MU Jefferson Farm unveiled wheelchair-accessible beehives for its Heroes to Hives program, aiming to broaden who can learn beekeeping and support veterans’ wellness. Disaster Readiness: Boone County is forming a Community Organizations Active in Disaster coalition to pool local partners’ resources and improve response after flash flooding and tornado season.

Missouri Water Quality Funding: The Missouri Department of Natural Resources awarded $2.86 million to Bunceton for major wastewater treatment upgrades aimed at cutting pollutants and protecting Stephens Branch of the Petite Saline Creek, with work targeted to finish by Nov. 2027. Local Conservation & Habitat: MDC is hosting “Less Lawn, More Life” workshops in Springfield (Sept. 22 in person; Sept. 28 online) to help residents rewild yards with native plants for pollinators and wildlife. Clean Energy Reality Check: Xcel Energy says it removed 603 retired Minnesota wind-turbine blades (about 4,188 tons) in 2022 and processed them into cement-kiln fuel—highlighting the hard-to-recycle blade problem. Heat & Risk: A heat dome is keeping parts of the central U.S., including Missouri, running well above average, with records already falling. Outdoor Events: The Missouri River Outdoor Expo returns this weekend at Ponca State Park, with free family activities and hands-on demos. Wildlife Management: Joplin approved a bow-hunting ordinance inside city limits to curb rising deer numbers tied to property damage, collisions, and ticks. Public Safety Grants: Gov. Mike Kehoe announced $10 million in “Blue Shield” grants for 350 Missouri communities, including Lake of the Ozarks-area jurisdictions, to fund safety equipment and training.

Fireball Sighting: A bright meteor streaked across the Kansas City area early Tuesday, with reports also coming in from Topeka—another reminder that Missouri skies can light up fast. Wildlife & Land Use: Joplin approved a tightly regulated bow-hunting ordinance to curb overgrown white-tailed deer numbers, aiming to reduce property damage, vehicle collisions, and tick pressure. Conservation Research: The Smithsonian is leading a Lewis-and-Clark wildlife resurvey using modern trail cameras and AI, with tribal colleges helping track how mammal populations have shifted over 200+ years. Water Quality Funding: Missouri DNR awarded $2.86 million to Bunceton for wastewater upgrades to protect Petite Saline Creek and cut untreated discharges. Native Landscaping: MDC is hosting a “Less Lawn, More Life” rewilding workshop in Springfield (and online) to help residents swap turf for pollinator-friendly native plants. Public Safety Grants: Gov. Kehoe announced $10 million in Blue Shield grants for 350 Missouri communities, including Lake of the Ozarks-area counties and cities, to fund safety equipment and training. Missouri River Outdoor Expo: The Missouri River Outdoor Expo at Ponca State Park celebrates America’s 250th with wildlife, fishing, kayaking, and other outdoor activities.

Missouri River Outdoor Expo: Ponca State Park is hosting a free America’s 250 celebration Sept. 19-20 with 100+ outdoor activities, wildlife encounters, fishing, kayaking, archery, and more—plus Voices of Nebraska history speakers. River cleanup + recreation: Missouri River Relief’s Race to the Dome returns Oct. 3 with canoe and kayak routes (15.8 or 27.6 miles) that end at Wilson’s Serenity Point, raising funds for hands-on cleanups and environmental education. Water infrastructure: The Missouri Department of Natural Resources awarded Farber a $16,000 Clean Water Engineering Report Grant to assess wastewater system upgrades and meet permit requirements. Data centers meet local pushback: Montgomery County held a town hall on incoming data centers, with residents raising concerns about environmental impacts, water, and electric bills; Franklin County commissioners are set to vote on rezoning and data center rules amid worries about well water use. Wildlife health alerts: CDC is warning of rising rabies exposures nationally; Missouri health officials urge caution around bats and skunks after recent positive tests. Fall nature planning: MDC released weekly fall color updates, noting good color prospects in much of central and north Missouri but possible muted colors and early leaf drop in drought-stressed southern areas. Animal welfare + farming politics: A Missouri hog farmer criticizes mandatory pork “checkoff” fees, arguing they steer money toward lobbying tied to controversial gestation crate practices.