AGP Executive Report

Drinking Water Funding: The EPA awarded North Dakota $28.7 million for drinking water improvements through the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, supporting planning, design, and construction so communities can upgrade systems and keep water supplies safe. Aurora Forecast: NOAA says the northern lights could be visible Wednesday night across much of North Dakota (with a “low” chance), and Thursday night may be brighter with a higher Kp index. Data Center Pushback: North Dakota officials and agency leaders pushed back on claims that AI data centers will cause major environmental harm, arguing local concerns are being fueled by misinformation during a legislative committee discussion. Bees and Pollination Science: Researchers identified specialized worker honeybees that help build queen cells, using a fever-driven process to melt and blend wax chemicals—new findings that could reshape how we think about hive development. Dakota Access Legal Fight: A Dutch court in Amsterdam ruled it can hear Greenpeace International’s lawsuit tied to Dakota Access Pipeline protest fallout, keeping the case moving despite Energy Transfer’s objections. Agriculture & Wildlife: USDA expanded a Farm Bill-backed migratory big game conservation framework to include North Dakota, aiming to protect habitat and movement corridors for elk, mule deer, and pronghorn while keeping working lands working.

Oregon Ballot Push: A new Oregon measure would expand animal-cruelty law exemptions and could effectively outlaw hunting, fishing, and livestock slaughter—raising alarms for wildlife management and outdoor traditions. Green Courts, Pipeline Fallout: A Dutch court said it can hear Greenpeace’s case against Energy Transfer over Dakota Access pipeline protest fines, after a North Dakota verdict ordered Greenpeace to pay $345 million. Wildlife on the Move: USDA unveiled a Farm Bill-backed framework to fund big-game migration conservation across 17 states, including North Dakota, aiming to keep working lands working while improving habitat connectivity. Bees and Food Security: A report warns USDA plans to close the Beltsville Bee Research Lab, a major U.S. hub for bee disease diagnosis—coming as beekeepers face ongoing varroa and virus pressure. North Dakota Data Center Debate: State officials say local opposition to data centers is fueled by misinformation, while counties weigh impacts like noise, light, wildlife disruption, and water and power demand. Ranch Tech Growth: Fargo’s 701x raised $10M+ in a rancher-funded Series B to expand its GPS cattle tracking and herd management ecosystem. Severe Weather Watch: Storms across the region include tornado and hail risk, with Manitoba reporting multiple tornado touchdowns.

Severe Weather Watch: North Dakota is in the mix for a new round of storms Tuesday, with the Storm Prediction Center flagging large hail, damaging winds, and even a couple tornadoes as cells move east across the state. Wildlife on the Move: USDA is expanding a Farm Bill-funded program to help farmers and ranchers protect big-game migration corridors on private land, now covering North Dakota and 16 other states. Ranching + Conservation Funding: The same migratory big game framework is built to keep working lands working while improving landscape connectivity and forage for elk, pronghorn, and mule deer. Local Land-Use Tension: Grand Forks is moving ahead with an annexation tied to planned industrial development near 70th Avenue North, but nearby landowners are worried about impacts to homes. Bees and Food Security: A report warns that cuts to important bee research could weaken support for beekeepers and the broader food system. Oil Patch Update: North Dakota’s oil sector ticked up in March, with a record number of active producing wells and strong output from McKenzie County. Community Nature Tips: North Dakota Game and Fish is reminding people to leave baby animals alone, since “rescuing” often disrupts natural survival strategies.

EV affordability squeeze: Used EVs are gaining traction, but new data shows EVs are still 42% more expensive to insure than gas cars—$3,159 a year vs. $2,218—though the gap shrinks for newer models. Rail merger pause: The STB is pressing pause on the Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern merger while it asks for more info, as North Dakota and other states oppose the deal over competition and freight impacts. Big game migration funding: USDA rolled out a migratory big game conservation framework across 17 states, using movement data (including from North Dakota) to better align federal spending and keep working lands working. Permitting fight in court: A coalition led by West Virginia’s AG, joined by North Dakota, urged the U.S. Supreme Court to limit activist groups from blocking federal permitting before states can review. Bees and food security: A report warns that threatened USDA bee research could weaken the nation’s ability to diagnose and respond to bee disease crises. Wildlife-first advice: North Dakota Game and Fish outreach urges people to leave baby animals alone unless there’s a clear health or safety issue. Severe weather watch: Forecasters flagged a North Dakota severe weather risk with hail, damaging winds, and possible tornadoes. Local land-use tension: Grand Forks advanced an annexation tied to planned industry near 70th Avenue North, but nearby landowners raised concerns about impacts to homes. Cover crops support: A cover-crop incentive program reopened with higher payments for eligible producers in North Dakota and neighboring states.

Cover Crops & Soil Health: A USDA-supported Farmers for Soil Health incentive is back, offering $35/acre (up to 2,000 acres) for cover crops in ND and other states, with higher payments and a simpler one-year contract aimed at cutting barriers for producers. Wind & Dust Risk: Forecasters warn of a high wind event risk across the northern Plains from June 8–21, with North Dakota in the zone for damaging straight-line winds and possible derecho conditions. Wildlife Protection Tip: North Dakota Game and Fish is urging people to leave baby animals alone—most “abandoned” young are protected while parents are nearby. Energy & Jobs: The University of North Dakota’s Energy and Environmental Research Center is recalling some furloughed staff after new federal Department of Energy contracts, including work tied to getting more oil from shale. Local Governance & Industry: Grand Forks City Council approved a second reading to annex a right of way near planned energy/soy processing sites, but nearby landowners are worried about impacts to homes and the neighborhood. Outdoor Family Fun: A new Rope and Oak Children’s Nature Park near Fargo is opening as a woodsy, wildlife-and-agriculture learning spot for kids.

Biodiversity & Pollinators: Kansas is calling for volunteers for the Great Plains Bumble Bee Atlas, asking people to survey prairie areas and help build a regional catalogue of bumble bee habitats and populations. Flood Resilience: A new look at tributary dams says reservoir systems across the Upper Midwest and western states reduce downstream flood risk and prevent millions in damage each year. ND Energy & Research: The University of North Dakota’s Energy and Environmental Research Center is recalling some furloughed staff after federal contracts were announced, with work tied to getting more oil from shale formations. Wildlife & Public Guidance: North Dakota Game and Fish is urging people to leave baby animals alone, saying parents are often nearby and moving them can harm survival. Soil Health: A cover crop incentive program is reopening with higher payments for eligible producers, aiming to remove barriers to adoption and support soil and farm resilience. Fire Management: North Dakota is highlighting prescribed burns as a proactive tool to reduce fuel and manage wildfire risk. Community Outdoors: Grand Forks kicked off its summer park planting season with volunteers helping restore green space. Farm Stress & Mental Health: Experts are calling for more sustained support for North Dakota farm families facing extreme weather, financial strain, and rising stress. Recreation on Reclaimed Land: Minot Parks is moving toward EPA approval to turn a long-capped Superfund landfill area into trails and recreation, with a public comment period underway.

Dakota Access Pipeline Fallout: A court fight over Greenpeace’s role in Dakota Access Pipeline sabotage is back in the spotlight, with a recent ruling limiting Greenpeace’s attempt to take the dispute to the EU—another reminder that environmental activism can collide with legal and reputational risk. Bee Lab Shutdown: The USDA plans to close the Beltsville Bee Research Lab, a major U.S. hub for bee disease diagnosis—coming as beekeepers face heavy losses from pesticide-resistant varroa mites and rising costs. Toxic Coal Ash Oversight: The EPA is pushing to shift coal-ash monitoring to states, raising alarms about how toxic waste ponds are watched and cleaned. Lake Winnipeg Pollution Pressure: Manitoba groups warn that proposed mega dairy farms in North Dakota could worsen runoff into Lake Winnipeg, fueling blue-green algae concerns while they continue legal challenges. ND Wildlife Care: North Dakota Game and Fish urges people to leave baby animals alone—most “abandoned” young are protected nearby by parents. Grand Forks Park Planting: Riverside Park’s summer planting event brought community volunteers together, including people with disabilities, to kick off the season with new greenery. Data Center Tensions in ND: Gov. Kelly Armstrong says North Dakota should focus on power and water capacity, local input, and transparency—while warning against deals that hide details or raise rates. Soil, Nitrogen, and Water: A Purdue study suggests corn growers may cut nitrogen without sacrificing yields, aiming to reduce runoff and improve both profits and water quality.

Coal Ash Oversight: A Grist report says Georgia regulators have kept coal-ash ponds partly submerged and approved more permits despite community outcry, raising alarms about toxic metals leaching into groundwater and nearby waters. Community Planting: Grand Forks Park District kicked off its summer schedule with a Riverside Park planting event that drew volunteers, including adults from a local day habilitation program. Wildlife Safety: North Dakota Game and Fish is urging people to leave baby animals alone—most “abandoned” young are protected while parents stay nearby. Lake Winnipeg Pollution Fight: Manitoba eco groups warn that proposed U.S. mega dairy farms in North Dakota could worsen runoff and fuel harmful blue-green algae in Lake Winnipeg, even as legal challenges continue. Grid Readiness: A new reliability assessment says the U.S. grid is in decent shape for summer, helped by solar and battery storage additions. Rural Health Funding: North Dakota launched a $40 million grant opportunity to help rural hospitals buy clinical equipment and expand emergency and specialty care. Farm Stress Support: Experts are calling for more sustained mental-health help for North Dakota farm families facing extreme weather, costs, and isolation.

Lake Winnipeg pollution fight: Manitoba eco groups are warning that proposed mega dairy farms in Hillsboro and Abercrombie could send phosphorus and nitrogen runoff into the lake, fueling toxic blue-green algae, even as their legal challenge plays out in North Dakota. Rural health funding: North Dakota is rolling out a $40 million grant opportunity to help rural hospitals buy clinical equipment and expand emergency and specialty care locally. Farm mental health: Experts are calling for steadier support for North Dakota farm families facing stress from costs, extreme weather, and isolation, noting farmers face much higher suicide risk. Soil and water protection: Purdue research suggests corn growers may be able to cut nitrogen use by about 12%–16% without sacrificing yields, easing air and water pollution. Data centers and local control: Gov. Kelly Armstrong says North Dakota should avoid one-size-fits-all rules for data centers, focusing instead on power/water capacity, local input, and public transparency. Superfund-to-trails progress: Minot’s capped landfill near Maysa Arena is moving toward approval for 26 acres of recreation, with a public comment period open until June 1. Wildlife guidance: North Dakota Game and Fish urges people to leave baby animals alone outdoors, saying parents are often nearby. Plant care for cold snaps: A practical frost-protection guide recommends frost cloth, mulch, watering soil, and moving potted plants indoors when temperatures drop.

Rural Health Funding: North Dakota HHS is rolling out a $40 million grant opportunity to help rural hospitals buy clinical equipment and expand emergency and specialty care, aiming to keep more treatment close to home. Farm Stress & Mental Health: Experts are urging longer-term support for North Dakota farm families facing extreme weather, rising costs, and isolation, noting farmers are far more likely to die by suicide and need better access to help. Soil Health & Habitat: The Governor’s Legacy Soil Health and Habitat Program is gaining traction fast, with over 20,000 acres enrolled and federal interest growing as farmers plant perennial grasses for both soil resilience and wildlife cover. Water Safety: NDDEQ is warning residents about blue-green algae blooms in warm weather, reminding people to protect people, pets, and livestock from possible toxins. Nitrogen Smarter Use: A Purdue study suggests corn growers may be able to apply less nitrogen than current recommendations without sacrificing yields, potentially cutting air and water pollution. Data Center Pressure: Gov. Kelly Armstrong says ND should handle data center growth with infrastructure planning, local input, and transparency—while warning not to raise consumer rates. Education Tech Rules: North Dakota’s Department of Public Instruction is surveying families and educators on how students use school technology, including whether device rules should change.

Voting Rights Fight: Native communities and voting-rights advocates warn that a recent Supreme Court decision is already driving states to redraw districts in ways that could further block Native voters ahead of the 2026 midterms. Nitrogen & Water Quality: Purdue research says corn growers may be able to cut nitrogen use by about 12%–16% without sacrificing yields, aiming for better air and water outcomes while lowering costs. Land Reuse in Minot: U.S. Sen. John Hoeven toured a capped Superfund landfill site where Minot Parks wants to build 26 acres of trails and recreation; a public comment period runs until June 1. Soil Health Program Demand: North Dakota’s Governor’s Legacy Soil Health and Habitat Program drew far more interest than funding in year one, with 458 applications for nearly 20,000 acres; leaders are now looking at how to expand. Blue-Green Algae Safety: NDDEQ reminds residents that warm weather can trigger cyanobacteria blooms in lakes and other water bodies, which can harm people, pets, and livestock. Forage & Nitrogen Fixation: NDSU Extension breaks down how nitrogen fixed by legumes can move into non-legume plants through grazing, manure, plant decay, and other pathways. Water Tours: The North Dakota Water Education Foundation schedules summer water tours across the state, focusing on supply, irrigation, and tribal perspectives on water.

Data Centers & Local Control: Gov. Kelly Armstrong says North Dakota should stay focused on power and water capacity, keep local leaders in the loop, and avoid data-center rules that could raise consumer rates or hide details behind non-disclosure agreements. School Tech Rules: The North Dakota Department of Public Instruction is surveying families and educators on how students use school-issued devices, including whether limits should tighten and whether devices should be allowed at home. Soil Health Demand Outpaces Funding: The Governor’s Legacy Soil Health and Habitat Program drew far more interest than available money in its first year, with 458 applications for nearly 20,000 acres, pushing officials to plan how to expand in year two. Wildlife Habitat Payments: A separate roundtable highlights how the program pays landowners to establish perennial grasses on marginal cropland, with federal partners exploring a possible Conservation Stewardship Program match. Water Safety: NDDEQ reminds residents to watch for blue-green algae blooms in warm weather, since toxins can affect people, pets, and livestock. Agriculture Nitrogen Basics: NDSU Extension breaks down how legume nitrogen fixation can move into non-legume crops through pathways like grazing urine, manure, and root decay. Climate Science From the Past: New research using rock samples from Colorado and North Dakota finds a spike in fungi after the Chicxulub asteroid impact, suggesting a worldwide fungal takeover after the dinosaur-killing event. Rural Community Resilience: After a farmer’s death left 1,400 acres unharvested, neighbors coordinated with combines, grain carts, and trucks to get the crop in. Fiber for AI Growth: DCN, Range, and WIN Technology are building the Heartland Fiber Project across seven states including North Dakota to support hyperscaler AI connectivity. Mental Health Access: HHS added North Dakota to the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic Medicaid demonstration, expanding access to mental health and substance-use treatment.

Soil & habitat funding: North Dakota’s Governor’s Legacy Soil Health and Habitat Program is drawing far more interest than the state can pay for yet—458 applications for nearly 20,000 acres, with officials now looking at how to expand in year two. Water stewardship: The ND Department of Environmental Quality is reminding residents to watch for blue-green algae in warm weather, since some blooms can produce toxins that affect people, pets, and livestock. Farmers & wildlife: A separate report highlights how the program pays landowners to establish perennial grasses on marginal cropland, aiming to rebuild wildlife habitat while improving soil. Learning about water: The North Dakota Water Education Foundation scheduled summer water tours across the state (Carrington, Watford City, Dickinson, Belcourt, and Bismarck) focused on local water supply and management. Climate science (beyond ND): A new study links fungal surges in ancient sediments to the period around the dinosaur-ending asteroid impact, suggesting ecosystems may have been under stress before the crash. Local conservation education: Watford City earned Tree City USA recognition again, with students planting trees and learning about environmental stewardship.

Soil & Wildlife Funding: North Dakota’s Legacy Soil Health and Habitat Program is already drawing big interest after five months, with 20,000+ acres enrolled under five-year agreements for perennial grasses, led by Gov. Armstrong and partners including Game and Fish and soil conservation districts. Budget Pressure: Demand is outpacing money in year one—458 applications covering nearly 20,000 acres but with requests around $10.5 million against available funding—so state leaders are looking at how to expand in year two. Tribal Justice Fight: 24 organizations joined a lawsuit challenging USDA’s cancellation of farm grants, including impacts on tribal groups seeking restoration of $127 million in terminated support. Water Education: The North Dakota Water Education Foundation scheduled summer water tours in Carrington, Watford City, Dickinson, Belcourt and Bismarck, with stops focused on local water supply and management. Food Waste to Compost: Prairie Compost is ramping up weekly pickups of household and restaurant food waste in the Fargo area, aiming to divert more waste into garden compost. Habitat-Friendly Recreation: A scenic, mostly flat option is getting attention: the Greater Grand Forks Greenway offers paved riverfront miles for biking and walking. Trees in Towns: Watford City earned Tree City USA recognition again, with Arbor Day tree planting involving elementary students and city staff.

Grants & Local Media: The MacArthur Foundation awarded a $500,000 grant to expand Indigenous Media Freedom Alliance and Buffalo’s Fire, aiming to build more independent Native-led local news infrastructure. Drought & Storms: Forecasters warn parts of the U.S. could see 4–6 inches of rain, but it may not fully break severe to extreme drought, with Gulf conditions being watched for early-June tropical development. Clean Energy & Jobs: Applied Digital plans a $3.6B AI data center campus in Central Louisiana, touting 200 permanent jobs and major construction work—another sign of how power-hungry tech is reshaping regional development. Wildlife & Habitat: A new study links fungal surges to the Cretaceous mass extinction, adding to how scientists read ancient ecosystem upheavals. Food & Waste: Prairie Compost is diverting household food scraps into garden compost via weekly pickups in the Fargo/West Fargo area. Trees & Community: Watford City earned Tree City USA recognition for 35 years, with Arbor Day tree planting led by students and city staff. Policy & Climate Courts: Georgia AG Chris Carr urged the U.S. Supreme Court to reject a Boulder County climate lawsuit targeting oil and gas producers. Bees & Agriculture: USDA plans to close the Beltsville Bee Research Lab, raising alarms for bee health research as beekeepers face ongoing disease and mite pressure. North Dakota Water/Infrastructure: The Army Corps granted final approval for Dakota Access Pipeline operations under Lake Oahe, adding monitoring and leak-detection conditions.

Minot Politics: Minot’s mayoral race is heating up ahead of the June 9 ballot, with interim mayor Mark Jantzer touting downtown revitalization, a new hospital, and a discovery center, while challenger Josiah Roise argues property-tax growth is outpacing population and calls for “constitutional” changes to how city government operates. Conservation Tillage Debate: A new explainer pushes back on “overturning the truth” about conservation tillage—highlighting how modern practices can cut erosion and keep nutrients in place, while acknowledging farmers’ fears about yields and disease. Energy Court Fight: Georgia AG Chris Carr urges the U.S. Supreme Court to reject a Boulder County lawsuit, warning that one city can’t set energy policy for the whole country. Food Waste to Soil: Prairie Compost is ramping up weekly pickups in the Fargo area, turning home and business scraps into garden compost. Kids Online Protections: AG Nick Brown joins a coalition opposing the KIDS Act, backing stronger youth safety duties instead of weakening state authority. Trees in Watford City: Watford City earned Tree City USA recognition for 35 years, with students planting trees during Arbor Day events.