AGP Executive Report

Plastics Fight in Court: Seventeen Republican attorneys general, including North Dakota, sued California to block enforcement of the state’s strict single-use plastics and packaging recycling law, arguing it overreaches and could raise costs nationwide. Dakota Access Pipeline Legal Battle: A Dutch court kept Greenpeace’s case alive against Energy Transfer tied to Dakota Access Pipeline protests, meaning the fight continues in Europe while related U.S. disputes play out. Wildlife Update: North Dakota Game and Fish reported 2026 spring pheasant crowing counts up 9% statewide, and it’s starting the pronghorn survey June 28 that will shape fall hunting licenses. Pollinator Gardening Tip: NDSU Extension highlighted showy goldenrod as a late-season, pollinator-friendly native that’s often blamed for allergies unfairly. Local Data Center Pushback: McKenzie County leaders are holding public information sessions to share facts about data centers before proposals arrive, aiming for transparency and community input. Water & Ecosystem Watch: Zebra mussels were confirmed in Richland County’s Horseshoe Lake, prompting emergency rules.

Governance Update: North Dakota’s State Investment Board adopted a modernized governance structure after an independent assessment, aiming for stronger oversight, clearer roles, and a more disciplined multi-year decision cycle. Plastics Fight: A major wave of Republican attorneys general—including North Dakota—has sued California to block its Plastics Act, arguing the single-use plastic and packaging producer rules reach beyond state lines and will raise costs for families; Utah and South Dakota also joined the coalition. Water & Wildlife: North Dakota’s drought picture worsened in the latest U.S. Drought Monitor, with “abnormally dry” jumping sharply, while Game and Fish reported pheasant numbers up and a pronghorn aerial survey set to begin. Local Environment & Outdoors: An ND Game and Fish outreach biologist broke down how “protected slot” limits work for anglers, and the state’s forage conditions are being watched closely as dryness persists. Energy & Industry: Cerilon GTL ND announced a technology licensing agreement tied to its Williams County gas-to-liquids facility, and broadband providers say they’ve deployed AI-optimized optical connectivity linking a North Dakota data center to Chicago.

Nuclear Readiness at Minot: Airmen at Minot Air Force Base’s 91st Missile Wing completed a Simulated Electronic Launch Minuteman test with partners from Vandenberg, focusing on launch control, secure communications, and mission readiness. Drought Watch: The U.S. Drought Monitor expanded dry conditions in North Dakota—moderate drought rose to about 10% and “abnormally dry” jumped to about 43%—as many areas stayed below rainfall averages for weeks. Wildlife Update: North Dakota’s 2026 spring pheasant crowing count climbed 9% statewide, and an aerial pronghorn survey is set to start June 28. Outdoor Rules for WMAs: Fireworks are prohibited on North Dakota wildlife management areas, but the no-camping restriction lifts for the Fourth of July holiday week. Invasive Species Alert: Zebra mussels were confirmed in Richland County’s Horseshoe Lake, prompting emergency rules. Plastics Fight Beyond California: A 17-state coalition, including North Dakota, sued to block California’s plastics packaging producer responsibility law, arguing it reaches across state lines and could raise costs. Local Field Day: NDSU’s Hettinger Research Extension Center field day is July 8, with talks on weeds, wheat disease, nitrogen, and more. Honeybee Incident: Millions of honeybees escaped after a Texas semitrailer carrying hives overturned, with roads closed and crews working to rescue hives.

Roosevelt Library Spotlight: President Trump is set to join Freedom 250 for the July 1 dedication of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in Medora, with the museum opening to the public July 4—an event tied directly to Roosevelt’s conservation legacy and North Dakota’s role in shaping it. Pipeline Update: Federal officials approved a key Dakota Access oil pipeline segment across the Missouri River, keeping the line operating but adding conditions for leak detection and groundwater monitoring; the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe says it will keep fighting in court. Wildlife Rules: North Dakota Game and Fish says fireworks are prohibited on wildlife management areas, while the no-camping restriction lifts for the Fourth of July holiday week. Hazmat Readiness: Stark County emergency responders held a full-scale train derailment exercise with multiple agencies, including BNSF, to practice hazardous materials response and coordination. Invasive Species Alert: Zebra mussels were confirmed in Richland County’s Horseshoe Lake, prompting emergency rules. Outdoor Tech Debate: Forward-facing sonar is changing fishing in North Dakota—boosting anglers’ success while raising questions about how fish and the sport adapt to the new tech.

Pipeline & Indigenous Rights: Federal officials approved the Dakota Access oil pipeline to keep operating its Missouri River crossing, adding leak-detection and groundwater monitoring conditions, while the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe says it will keep fighting in court. Legal Fight Over Protests: Greenpeace’s Netherlands case against Energy Transfer is moving forward after a Dutch court rejected a bid to dismiss it, tied to Standing Rock-era protest litigation that already produced a major North Dakota jury award. Wildlife & Water Invasives: Zebra mussels were confirmed in Richland County’s Horseshoe Lake, prompting emergency rules and renewed concern for North Dakota waters. Agriculture & Pollution Pressure: North Dakota agriculture leaders warn farmers are facing “death by a thousand paper cuts” from rising costs and uneven rules, including air-quality requirements that can disadvantage the state. Food & Community Support: Williston’s summer meals program expands free breakfast and lunch for kids and teens, with multiple meal sites across town. Weather & Health: North Dakota’s tornado season context is highlighted by a look back at June 20 storm conditions, while wildfire smoke and measles spread are flagged as major public health and air-quality risks. Energy Infrastructure: North Dakota’s grid reliability gets a boost as a major transmission upgrade grant is reinstated for Minnesota Power, linking to central North Dakota. Livestock Research: NDSU is adding a new swine research facility to expand hands-on training and on-site studies.

Dakota Access Pipeline: Federal officials approved a key Dakota Access oil pipeline segment to keep operating across the Missouri River, adding leak-detection and groundwater-monitoring conditions—while the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe says it will keep fighting in court. Legal Fight Over Protests: A Dutch court advanced Greenpeace’s anti-SLAPP case tied to the 2016-2017 Standing Rock protests, keeping pressure on Energy Transfer across both U.S. and Netherlands tracks. Wildlife & Water Safety: The pipeline fight is still centered on risks to tribal water and sacred sites near Lake Oahe. Severe Weather: North Dakota’s historic tornado season is getting a closer look after June 20, 2025 produced an extreme outbreak, with storm conditions lining up for tornado formation. Ag & Fertilizer: North Dakota’s fertilizer crunch may ease as the Strait of Hormuz reopens, with renewed attention on a Grand Forks fertilizer plant proposal. Invasive Species: Zebra mussels were confirmed in Richland County waters, triggering emergency rules. Public Health: CDC data shows measles spreading across 41 jurisdictions, including North Dakota. Local Research & Farming: NDSU unveiled a new swine research facility to expand hands-on training and livestock research. Energy & Grid: North Dakota-linked grid reliability gets a boost as a major transmission grant is reinstated for Minnesota Power’s upgrade. Air Quality: Early wildfire season is already driving unhealthy smoke across multiple states, raising health warnings.

Severe Weather Watch: North Dakota’s historic tornado season got a closer look after June 20 storm conditions lined up fast—warm, humid air, strong winds at different heights, and a high risk that drew storm chasers to the state. Lake Invasion Alert: Zebra mussels were confirmed in Richland County’s Horseshoe Lake, prompting emergency rules as officials work to slow the spread of the invasive species. Fishing Tech Debate: Forward-facing sonar is changing summer fishing on Devils Lake and beyond, with anglers split between better targeting and worries that high-tech fishing could harm the sport. Farm Costs & Air Rules: North Dakota producers are feeling “death by a thousand paper cuts” from rising costs and uneven regulations, including frustration over air-quality rules that they say disadvantage the state. Fertilizer Supply Pressure: A U.S.-Iran memorandum hints at the Strait of Hormuz reopening, easing fertilizer worries for North Dakota farmers while renewed attention falls on a Grand Forks fertilizer plant proposal. Wildfire Smoke Health: Early wildfire season is already driving unhealthy air across multiple states, raising health concerns as smoke overwhelms gains from cleaner emissions. Livestock Research: NDSU unveiled a new swine research facility to expand hands-on training and boost local research capacity. Native Conservation Spotlight: Interior Secretary Doug Burgum tied North Dakota lessons to his work in Washington, highlighting conservation and public lands as he reflects on his first year.

Forward-Facing Sonar Debate: Anglers in North Dakota are split on new high-tech sonar that shows fish in real time—some say it boosts the catch, others worry it changes the sport and stresses fish populations. Fertilizer Supply Pressure: A U.S.-Iran memo hints the Strait of Hormuz could reopen, easing fertilizer bottlenecks that have hit North Dakota producers; meanwhile, a Grand Forks fertilizer plant proposal is getting renewed attention amid global nitrogen pressure. NDSU Livestock Research: North Dakota State University is expanding its swine program with a new facility for 600 hogs and a classroom, aiming to grow hands-on training and research for the state’s swine industry. Grid Reliability Funding: The Trump administration reinstated a $50 million grant tied to a major Minnesota Power transmission upgrade that reaches central North Dakota, framing it as a reliability and resiliency win. Wildfire Smoke Health Warning: The 2026 wildfire season is already burning far more acres than the 10-year average, driving unhealthy air quality across multiple states and raising health alarms. Invasive Zebra Mussels: Zebra mussels have been confirmed in Richland County’s Horseshoe Lake, adding to the region’s invasive-species pressure. Agriculture Permitting: Ward County planning commissioners recommended denying a feedlot permit after concerns tied to inconsistent animal-unit plans and questions raised by a carcass-disposal investigation. EPA Support for ND: EPA funding of $684,000 is headed to North Dakota agriculture and environmental agencies. Measles Update: CDC data shows measles spreading across 41 jurisdictions, with North Dakota listed among active areas. Bismarck Floodplain? Interior Secretary Doug Burgum highlighted federal land and minerals accounting in Washington, bringing North Dakota lessons to national policy.

Feedlot Oversight: Ward County’s planning commission voted to recommend denying a Surrey Township feedlot permit after questions about the application, shifting animal-unit numbers, and concerns tied to a law enforcement investigation into alleged improper disposal of dead cattle. Wildfire & Air Quality: A record-early wildfire start has already burned about 2.4 million U.S. acres, triggering unhealthy smoke and PM2.5 alerts across more than a dozen states—raising health alarms for sensitive groups. Measles Watch: The CDC reports 2,104 confirmed measles cases across 41 jurisdictions, with most tied to outbreaks, including North Dakota among the affected states. Bird Flu in Dairy: A new study explains why H5N1 shows up differently in dairy cattle, offering a clearer path to spotting the next shift in the virus. Invasive Species: Zebra mussels were confirmed in Richland County’s Horseshoe Lake, prompting emergency rules. Wildlife Update: North Dakota Game and Fish says the 2026 spring pheasant crowing count rose 9% statewide, with overwinter survival and nesting cover looking strong. Community Food Access: Williston Basin School District #7 is offering free summer breakfast and lunch for kids and teens at multiple sites.

Pesticide Lawsuit Fight: Pesticide makers are pushing “liability shield” laws to block lawsuits from people harmed by products like glyphosate/Roundup, as the U.S. Supreme Court is set to rule in July 2026 on whether federal law blocks state “failure to warn” claims; Georgia and North Dakota already passed similar shields, and more states are considering them. Bird Flu in Cattle: A new study explains why H5N1 shows up in dairy cows as severe udder infections instead of lung disease, offering a faster way to spot the next surprise and strengthen public-health response. Invasive Species Alert: Zebra mussels have been confirmed in Richland County’s Horseshoe Lake, prompting emergency rules. Wildlife Update: North Dakota’s 2026 spring pheasant crowing count rose 9% statewide, with strong overwinter survival and improved nesting cover. Local Food Access: Williston Basin School District #7 is offering free summer breakfast and lunch for kids 18 and under at multiple sites. Community & Outdoors: Northern Lights forecasts suggest aurora visibility may reach parts of North Dakota tonight.

Pesticide Accountability Fight: A new push for “liability shield” laws is gaining momentum as pesticide makers lobby states to block lawsuits tied to cancer risks from products like glyphosate (Roundup), with Georgia and North Dakota already passing similar measures and the U.S. Supreme Court expected to weigh whether federal law blocks state “failure to warn” claims. Invasive Species Alert: North Dakota Game and Fish confirmed invasive zebra mussels in Richland County’s Horseshoe Lake; emergency rules now restrict moving water and bait to slow spread. Local Water & Wildlife Concerns: Public comment at a county commission meeting focused on proposed data center plans, with residents raising questions about health, wildlife, agriculture, and water impacts. Northern Lights Forecast: Aurora may be visible in parts of North Dakota along the U.S.-Canada border, depending on conditions. Disaster Relief: HUD announced federal disaster assistance for Montana tribes after the 2025 winter storm and straight-line winds that also affected parts of the region. Native Arts Education: The American Indian College Fund expanded its Native Arts and Culture curriculum work with a $2.4 million grant.

Invasive Species Alert: North Dakota Game and Fish confirmed invasive zebra mussels in Richland County’s Horseshoe Lake after routine sampling found veligers and later adult mussels, triggering emergency rules that ban moving water and restrict bait and equipment to slow spread. Pesticide Accountability Fight: Pesticide makers are lobbying for “liability shield” laws to block lawsuits tied to glyphosate/Roundup, as the U.S. Supreme Court is expected to rule in July 2026 on whether federal law blocks state “failure to warn” claims. Local Agriculture & Energy Outreach: The North Dakota Grain Growers Association’s E-Tour runs June 22-26, bringing EPA officials to see farms, agribusiness, research, and energy operations across north-central and western ND. Flood & Drought Watch: A new weather roundup notes heavy precipitation across the Midwest and southern Plains, with some drought improvement but ongoing dryness in parts of the East. Northern Lights Forecast: NOAA says aurora may be visible from parts of the U.S.-Canada border region, including a small chance in North Dakota. AI Data Centers Clash: North Dakota officials and residents continue battling over AI data center impacts, with public pushback centered on environmental and drinking-water concerns. Emergency Planning: Bismarck’s 2026 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan was approved by FEMA and state agencies, keeping the city eligible for federal mitigation grants.

Invasive Species Watch: North Dakota Game and Fish confirmed invasive zebra mussels in Richland County’s Horseshoe Lake after plankton samples found larvae and follow-up checks found adult mussels; emergency rules now prohibit moving water away from the lake (including live bait transfers) and restrict bait and equipment to slow spread. Local Energy & Land Use: A Mercer County data center ordinance is headed toward a June 24 public hearing, with a 12-page draft defining data centers and noting that many development rules also come from separate industrial use standards. AI Power Push: Bitzero says it has locked in about 1 GW of planned data center capacity across Norway, Finland, and North Dakota with long-term power deals around $0.02/kWh—fueling the broader debate over electricity demand and environmental impacts. Public Health & Accountability: A new report highlights pesticide makers lobbying for “liability shield” laws to block lawsuits tied to glyphosate/Roundup, as the U.S. Supreme Court is expected to weigh whether federal law blocks state failure-to-warn claims. Scam Alert: A letter warns that QR-code “traffic notice” scams are spreading and calls online fraud a hidden tax on everyday life.

Invasive Species Alert: North Dakota Game and Fish confirmed zebra mussels in Horseshoe Lake (Richland County), triggering emergency rules to stop water movement and bait transfers. Pesticide Liability Fight: Pesticide makers are pushing “liability shield” laws as the U.S. Supreme Court weighs whether federal law blocks state failure-to-warn lawsuits tied to glyphosate/“Roundup.” Water & Public Health: A state lifts a “No Use Order” for Emerado water after repairs and testing (local drinking-water stability remains a key theme). Outdoor Education: The Missouri-Yellowstone Confluence Interpretive Center is offering free summer family programs through Aug. 29, including history-and-nature walks and Indigenous games. Boating Safety: North Dakota Game and Fish and Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks remind boaters about life jacket rules and required safety training. Energy & Land Use: NDDOT is seeking public comments on a potential subsequent development phase for the U.S. Highway 52 four-laning project, tied to a future federal environmental decision. Local Economy/Environment: Vivakor announced a recurring Bakken crude oil transaction expected to generate about $115M in annualized gross revenue, expanding trading activity through ND infrastructure.

Pesticide Lawsuit Fight: Pesticide makers are pushing “liability shield” laws to block lawsuits from people harmed by products like glyphosate/Roundup, as the U.S. Supreme Court is set to rule in July 2026 on whether federal law blocks state “failure to warn” claims—North Dakota is already among the states that passed similar protections. Water Safety in the Red River Valley: Emerado’s “No Use Order” was lifted after a transmission-line break; testing in Bismarck confirmed the water is safe, though residents may see discoloration as the system clears. Soil Health & Erosion: North Dakota State University soil experts warn that wind-blown topsoil can strip nutrients for centuries, urging no-till and reduced tillage to stabilize fields after severe erosion events. EPA Funding for ND Agriculture & Water: The EPA awarded $684,000 to North Dakota agencies—supporting pesticide regulation work and funding an engineering feasibility study plus upgrades for Maxbass’s water system. Local Community & Public Safety: Hettinger is gearing up for Fourth of July with recreation and safety projects, including upgrades tied to the Armory Fitness Center and emergency access improvements. Disaster Relief Readiness: The North Dakota National Guard will activate 50 troops statewide to support 250th anniversary events, funded through the state Disaster Relief Fund. Food Access Update: Ruby’s Pantry permanently closed all locations, ending pop-up food pantries across multiple states including North Dakota. Transportation Planning: NDDOT is seeking public comments on a STIP amendment for a potential next phase of the U.S. Highway 52 four-laning project between Minot and Voltaire.

Pesticide Lawsuit Fight: Pesticide makers are pushing “liability shield” laws to block lawsuits from people harmed by products like glyphosate/Roundup, as the U.S. Supreme Court is set to rule in July 2026 on whether federal law blocks state “failure to warn” claims. Water Safety in Emerado: North Dakota lifted a “No Use Order” for Emerado after a transmission-line break; lab testing found the water safe, though residents may see discoloration as the system clears. EPA Grants for ND: EPA awarded $684,000 to North Dakota agencies—$475,000 for pesticide regulation work and $209,000 for feasibility and upgrades to Maxbass’s water system. Soil Conservation Push: After wind erosion blackened skies across parts of the region, experts say no-till and reduced tillage are key to stabilizing topsoil and preventing long-term loss. Ag Tech for Ranchers: 701X is expanding connected tools for beef cattle, including GPS-enabled ear tags that alert ranchers to health and reproductive signals. Transportation Planning: NDDOT is seeking public comments on a 2026 STIP amendment that could add a later development phase for U.S. Highway 52 four-laning between Minot and Voltaire. Dakota Access Settlement: North Dakota will recover nearly $38M from the federal government for DAPL protest costs, including $27.8M in the latest settlement. Fishing Tech Debate: Forward-facing sonar is changing angling—boosting catches for some while raising concerns about the sport and fish populations. Wildlife/Outdoors: Theodore Roosevelt National Park visitor tips highlight the North, South, and Elkhorn Ranch units as the new presidential library nears opening.