AGP Executive Report

Controlled Environment Agriculture: NDSU will host the 3rd annual North Dakota Controlled Environment Agriculture Conference Sept. 17–18 in Fargo, focusing on “Precision Agriculture for Controlled Environment Agriculture” with tours, research, and tech on water, nutrients, energy efficiency, and greenhouse/vertical farming. Rural Health + Community Resilience: North Dakota HHS opened new Rural Health Transformation Program funding totaling about $50.5 million, including $22M for rural ambulance upgrades and other grants for records, telehealth, and rural workforce childcare. Wildlife Recovery: A new documentary project highlights the disappearing sage grouse, pointing to rangeland management needs like reducing juniper encroachment to restore sagebrush habitat. Northern Plains Climate Stress: A drought update shows very hot, dry conditions expanding across parts of the Plains and Upper Midwest, raising evaporate demand and worsening flash drought in areas like Minnesota and Wisconsin. Food Safety for Anglers: North Dakota fish disease guidance warns anglers not to eat fish showing “sandy flesh” or other abnormal signs, even when there’s no known transfer to humans. Extreme Heat Grid Risk: The DOE issued emergency power-grid orders as prolonged extreme heat pushes electricity demand toward record levels, including authority affecting a multi-state region that reaches North Dakota.

Rural Health Funding: North Dakota HHS is rolling out $50.5 million in new Rural Health Transformation Program grants, with several application deadlines as soon as July 30 (including wellness equipment for critical access hospitals and rural schools, plus pharmacy dispensing kiosks), and more funding due in August for behavioral health training, rural ambulance upgrades, and childcare support for the rural health workforce. Water & Food Security: Opponents are challenging North Dakota’s approval of a mega dairy water allotment for Riverview Dairy, arguing the Wahpeton Buried Valley Aquifer is already stressed and that the state’s water allocation decision should be reviewed in court. Roads & Environment: ND DOT and Ulteig Engineering are advancing four-laning plans for U.S. Highway 52 between Minot and Voltaire, with a preferred divided design and more public input opportunities before the final environmental document is locked in. Lead in Drinking Water: Jamestown is moving forward with lead service line replacement and offers loan forgiveness for eligible property owners, tied to EPA rules and a city grant covering up to about 60% of replacement costs. Climate Extremes: A record wildfire season in the Northwest has already burned over a million acres, with smoke affecting air quality across much of the U.S. State Rankings (Context): U.S. News ranked North Dakota No. 4 overall in its 2026 Best States list, citing strengths across categories like natural environment and opportunity.

U.S. News Best States: North Dakota jumped to No. 4 in the 2026 rankings (up from No. 12), with strong marks for employment (No. 2), fiscal stability (No. 3), energy (No. 5), and infrastructure/opportunity (No. 7)—while healthcare remains a weak spot. Neighbor Watch: Minnesota landed No. 3 and South Dakota No. 2, keeping the Dakotas region near the top. Local Water & Health: North Dakota HHS opened a new round of Rural Health Transformation funding totaling about $50.5M, aimed at expanding access to care and rural workforce support. Water Quality Alert: A harmful algae advisory was issued for Devils Lake, adding to ongoing water-safety concerns. Water Use Fight: Some North Dakotans are contesting regulators’ approval of a mega dairy water deal tied to a major aquifer draw—oral arguments are set for Aug. 12. Infrastructure Planning: ND DOT is moving forward on U.S. 52 four-laning between Minot and Voltaire, with public input still underway. Drinking Water Safety: Jamestown property owners can still apply for lead service line replacement loan forgiveness tied to EPA rules. Climate Extremes: Coverage continues to track heat dome and wildfire smoke impacts across the region.

Data centers debate in North Dakota: A new op-ed argues the state’s data-center fight is being driven by misinformation and lack of transparency, even as the author says ND already has strong rules—while residents want real answers on power, water use, and noise. Permitting reform talk: A podcast episode spotlights how a bipartisan permitting deal could speed up clean-energy and transmission projects, but raises the question of whether Congress can actually reach one. Pipeline landowner fight: A North Dakota pipeline case heads to the U.S. Supreme Court over whether landowners can recover attorney fees after eminent domain—an outcome that could affect future fights. Wildlife and wetlands policy: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service opened a public comment period on wetland easements and drainage in the Prairie Pothole Region, drawing concern from conservation groups that long-standing protections could change. Public health for anglers: North Dakota Game and Fish shared guidance on fish diseases and whether catches are safe to eat, including “sandy flesh” (not recommended to consume). Extreme heat grid risk: The DOE authorized emergency backup power for 17 states, including North Dakota, to reduce blackout risk during a heat wave.

Public Health & Safety: North Dakota anglers are getting a reminder to be cautious with fish consumption, with Game and Fish outreach noting some conditions (like “sandy flesh”) are not recommended to eat and may not be safe for pets either. Water & Land Protection: A North Dakota lawmaker is praising the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for reviewing a Biden-era drain tile setback rule after public concerns, while also urging more public input to protect property rights and push for consistent rules. Climate & Weather Risk: A new study finds climate change doesn’t hit every region the same way across the U.S., with many states seeing shifts across their temperature ranges—not just changes in averages—raising the stakes for smarter local adaptation. Energy Reliability: The U.S. Department of Energy authorized emergency backup power for 17 states during a heat wave that’s driving demand and increasing blackout fears, including North Dakota. Local Environment & Wildlife: North Dakota Game and Fish is forecasting a higher fall duck flight for 2026, a boost for hunters and wildlife managers planning ahead. Agriculture & Soil Stewardship: North Dakota soybean industry leadership is turning over, with new council and growers association officers elected to guide policy and opportunities for producers. Tech & Community Debate: Opinion pieces and coverage continue to swirl around data centers in North Dakota, with arguments on transparency, local input, and environmental impacts like power use and cooling. Statewide Recognition: North Dakota jumped to No. 4 in U.S. News & World Report’s Best States rankings, with strengths cited in fiscal stability, employment, and energy—while healthcare and natural environment remain weaker spots.

Heat & Public Health: A dangerous heat dome is pushing triple-digit temperatures across the central U.S., including North Dakota, with major heat risks expected to linger into next week. Water Quality Warnings: Wildfire smoke may be raising contaminants in water, and North Dakota DEQ has posted harmful cyanobacteria (“blue-green algae”) warnings at multiple lakes as heat and low water levels boost bloom risk. Drinking Water & Lithium: A new study finds lithium in tap water across many Western communities, with many samples above a federal screening level, including in North Dakota and South Dakota tribal areas. Invasive Species Cleanup: Grand Forks Prairie Partners is inviting the public to help remove Russian olive and other invasive woody plants at the Turtle River Waterfowl Production Area on Aug. 1. Critical Minerals Processing Plans: A nickel processing project tied to a former North Dakota coal mine is still unclear, with feasibility work also considering shipping material to Michigan. Agriculture & Land Use: North Dakota canola acres hit a record 2.35 million, while the state’s soybean and canola industry pushes back on “seed oil” rhetoric.

Water & Health: The EPA says lingering wildfire smoke can raise contaminants in water, including nitrate, arsenic, and disinfection byproducts, so North Dakotans may need to watch how drinking water is treated as smoke increases. Toxic Algae Alerts: The ND Department of Environmental Quality posted harmful algae warnings for Devils Lake and other waters, urging people and pets to stay out when water looks discolored, has scum, or smells bad. Heat Dome Impacts: A dangerous heat dome is expected to keep pushing triple-digit temperatures across the central U.S., including North Dakota, with major heat risks through Monday—especially dangerous with high humidity and warm nights. Drinking Water Exposure: A new study links household drinking water to long-term lithium exposure, finding lithium levels often above a federal screening level in parts of the Dakotas. Invasive Species Cleanup: Grand Forks Prairie Partners is inviting the public to help remove Russian olive and other invasive woody plants at the Turtle River Waterfowl Production Area on Aug. 1. Climate-Smart Farming: An Alliance to Advance Climate-Smart Agriculture pilot program is bringing conservation support to North Dakota producers.

Extreme Heat Watch: A dangerous heat dome is expected to keep temperatures above 100°F across the central U.S. into next week, with major heat risks flagged for North Dakota and nearby states—especially dangerous for people without cooling or safe hydration. Wildfire Smoke Uncertainty: North Dakota DEQ says Canadian wildfire smoke could return this weekend, and conditions may shift fast with winds, so residents are urged to monitor air quality. Water Safety: The DEQ issued a harmful algae bloom advisory for Devils Lake, warning people and pets to avoid the water if it looks discolored, has scum, or smells bad. Invasive Species Cleanup: Grand Forks Prairie Partners is inviting the public to help remove Russian olive and other invasive woody plants at the Turtle River Waterfowl Production Area on Aug. 1. DEQ Leadership Change: Gov. Kelly Armstrong appointed Beth Jacobson as interim director of the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality starting Aug. 1. Canola Boom: North Dakota canola acres hit a record 2.35 million, while sunflower acreage also rises—good news for oilseed growers despite ongoing debate over seed oils. Agriculture Climate-Smart Pilot: The Alliance to Advance Climate-Smart Agriculture pilot program is benefiting North Dakota producers with conservation-focused support. Water Infrastructure Funding: State revolving fund loans totaling $15.2 million are backing water system upgrades in multiple communities, including lead service line replacements in West Fargo.

Heat Dome Watch: A dangerous heat dome is expected to keep pushing triple-digit temperatures across the central U.S. into next week, with major heat risks flagged for North Dakota and nearby states as humidity and warm nights raise the danger of heat illness. Air Quality & Wildfire Smoke: North Dakota is also bracing for possible Canadian wildfire smoke this weekend, with state air monitoring guidance pointing residents to AirNow as conditions can change fast. Water Safety: The North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality issued a harmful algae bloom advisory for Devils Lake, warning people and pets to avoid the water if it looks discolored, smells bad, or has scum. Invasive Species Cleanup: Grand Forks Prairie Partners is inviting the public to help remove Russian olive and other invasive woody plants at the Turtle River Waterfowl Production Area on Aug. 1. Climate-Smart Farming: The Alliance to Advance Climate-Smart Agriculture pilot program is showing benefits for North Dakota producers by supporting conservation practices. DEQ Leadership: Gov. Kelly Armstrong appointed Beth Jacobson as interim director of the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality starting Aug. 1.

Extreme Heat Alert: A heat dome is keeping dangerous, humid conditions locked over the central U.S., with triple-digit temperatures pushing into the Northern Plains and “major” heat risks flagged for North Dakota through Monday. Local Heat Impacts: Jamestown logged a six-day streak of 90-degree-plus days, and forecasters warn overnight lows won’t cool enough to reset heat stress. Water Safety: The North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality issued a harmful algae bloom advisory for Devils Lake, urging people and pets to avoid the water if it looks or smells off. Invasive Species Cleanup: Grand Forks Prairie Partners is inviting the public to help remove Russian olive and other invasive woody plants at the Turtle River Waterfowl Production Area near Kellys Slough on Aug. 1. Air Quality Watch: DEQ says Canadian wildfire smoke could move into western North Dakota, with air monitoring available via AirNow. State Environment Leadership: Gov. Kelly Armstrong named Beth Jacobson interim director of the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality starting Aug. 1.

Extreme Heat Watch: A heat dome is expanding across the central U.S., with “hazardous heat” building into the Great Basin and Northern Plains through Monday; the National Weather Service warns major heat risks for millions, including North Dakota, where highs are forecast in the 90s to low 100s and overnight cooling may not be enough to recover. Water Safety: The North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality issued a harmful algae bloom advisory for Devils Lake, urging people and pets to avoid water that looks discolored, has scum, or smells bad. Invasive Species & Habitat: Grand Forks Prairie Partners is inviting the public to help remove Russian olive and other invasive woody plants at the Turtle River Waterfowl Production Area near Kellys Slough on Aug. 1. Local Conservation Wins: Audubon surpassed 20,000 acres of grassland restoration in North Dakota through its Conservation Forage Program, with a new $2.5 million Outdoor Heritage Fund award targeting another 5,000 acres. DEQ Leadership: Gov. Kelly Armstrong appointed Beth Jacobson as interim director of the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality starting Aug. 1. Drinking Water & Health: A new study finds lithium in household drinking water is a widespread, persistent exposure source across Tribal communities in the western U.S., including North Dakota/South Dakota.

Drinking Water & Health: A new Columbia University study finds lithium in household tap water is a widespread, persistent exposure across Western Tribal communities, including North Dakota/South Dakota, with tap water explaining a substantial share of urinary lithium levels. Air Quality Watch: North Dakota is getting a brief reprieve from smoke, but Canadian wildfire smoke could return this weekend, with conditions shifting fast. State Environmental Leadership: Gov. Kelly Armstrong appointed Beth Jacobson as interim director of the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality starting Aug. 1 as Dave Glatt retires. Water Infrastructure: Jamestown is moving ahead on lead service line replacements on 4th Avenue, aiming to remove lead under the EPA Lead and Copper Rule by 2037. Outdoor Conservation: Audubon surpassed 20,000 acres of grassland restoration in North Dakota and is set to restore another 5,000 acres with a $2.5 million Outdoor Heritage Fund award. Drought Signals: Cass County is seeing unusually dry conditions, with the driest year to date in decades. Outdoor Heritage Funding: The Industrial Commission approved $6 million in Outdoor Heritage Fund matching grants for conservation and recreation projects statewide. Heat Risk: A new heat dome is expected to bring triple-digit temperatures back across the Plains, including North Dakota.

Air Quality Watch: North Dakota may see another round of Canadian wildfire smoke this weekend, with DEQ staff noting conditions can change fast with weather fronts—after a brief reprieve earlier this month. Heat Risk: A new heat dome is forecast to push triple-digit temperatures across the Plains, including North Dakota, raising health concerns as humidity and heat indexes climb. Water Safety & Infrastructure: Jamestown is moving ahead with lead service line replacements on 4th Avenue, while DEQ-backed State Revolving Fund loans totaling $15.2 million support water upgrades in multiple communities. Toxic Algae Alert: NDSU Extension is urging livestock owners to monitor water for cyanobacteria blooms, which can be deadly to animals. DEQ Leadership Change: Gov. Kelly Armstrong appointed Beth Jacobson as interim director of the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality starting Aug. 1. Conservation Funding: The Industrial Commission approved $6 million in Outdoor Heritage Fund matching grants for habitat, recreation, and working lands projects statewide. Wildlife Policy: A federal rollback of endangered species habitat protections is drawing warnings from states and experts that they can’t fully replace lost safeguards. Outdoor & Community: Morton County residents packed a hearing on a draft ordinance that could limit future data centers, with concerns raised about noise, light pollution, and environmental impacts.

Outdoor Conservation Funding: The North Dakota Industrial Commission approved $6 million in Outdoor Heritage Fund matching grants for six projects, including Game and Fish’s Donation-Supported PLOTS, Audubon Great Plains’ Conservation Forage Program II, and working-lands and grassland efforts aimed at better habitat and access for sportsmen, ranchers, and outdoor recreation. Data Centers & Local Impacts: In Mandan/Morton County, a packed public hearing drew concerns about future data-center limits—especially road costs, noise and light pollution, and potential environmental effects on migratory birds—while purchase agreements show a developer is still evaluating a possible Mandan site. Federal Energy & Land Use: The Interior Department released a major USGS update on coal potential beneath federal lands, highlighting large reserves tied to active mines, including four in North Dakota. Wildlife Protection Shift: A new federal rule rolling back Endangered Species Act habitat protections is raising alarms that states can’t fully replace safeguards for nesting, spawning, and other critical habitat needs. Air & Water Alerts: NDDEQ issued harmful algal bloom advisories for Devils Lake and Lake Brekken, and is monitoring wildfire smoke impacts expected to affect air quality, with eastern ND likely hit harder. Weather Watch: Another heat dome is set to push triple-digit temperatures across the Plains, and NOAA forecasts a chance to see northern lights from parts of the northern US including North Dakota. Controlled Environment Agriculture: NDSU will host its third annual North Dakota Controlled Environment Agriculture conference in September, focusing on precision agriculture for greenhouses and indoor farming.

Northern Lights Watch: NOAA says a geomagnetic storm could make aurora visible Thursday night into Friday, with a chance across parts of North Dakota and the northern Plains (Kp index around 5), then calming over the weekend. Heat Dome Alert: Forecasters warn another round of triple-digit heat is set to spread across the central U.S., including North Dakota, raising heat-stress risks for people and wildlife. Air Quality Watch: North Dakota DEQ is monitoring wildfire smoke impacts expected to affect the state, with eastern areas likely hit harder. Harmful Algae: DEQ issued harmful algal bloom advisories for Devils Lake and Lake Brekken, warning blooms can produce cyanotoxins that may affect people, pets, and livestock. Endangered Species Rule: A new federal change rolls back habitat protections under the Endangered Species Act, and states say they can’t fully replace federal safeguards. Controlled Environment Agriculture: NDSU will host its third annual Controlled Environment Agriculture conference Sept. 17-18 in Fargo, focusing on precision agriculture for greenhouses and indoor farming. Data Center & Land Use: A data center developer has signed Mandan-area purchase agreements, while local officials question jurisdiction—raising questions about power demand and local impacts.

Extreme Heat Watch: Western North Dakota saw triple-digit temperatures again, with Watford City hitting 106°F—still below the 1936 record of 112°F—while a broader heat dome threatens dangerous weekend conditions across the Plains. Wildlife & Habitat Tech: The North Dakota Wildlife Federation is partnering with a western ND rancher to use virtual fencing near the Badlands and Theodore Roosevelt National Park, aiming to reduce conflicts and improve wildlife habitat. Rangelands Spotlight: The UN named 2026 the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists, putting western North Dakota ranching and conservation work in the global spotlight. Endangered Species Rule Backlash: The federal government’s rollback of Endangered Species Act habitat protections is drawing warnings that states can’t replace lost safeguards for forests, wetlands, and other critical habitat. Farm Resilience: USDA restored the prevented planting buy-up option for the 2027 crop year after it was eliminated for 2026, a key safety net for North Dakota growers. Local Water Fixes: Grand Forks County approved a no-interest loan to Emerado for emergency water line repairs after leaks left some residents without water. Mosquito Control in Watford City: The U.S. Air Force Reserve ran an aerial mosquito control mission over Watford City using an EPA-approved adulticide to reduce disease risk.