AGP Executive Report

Missouri Meta Settlement: Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway says the state could receive $100M–$150M from a proposed $17.1B multistate Meta consumer protection settlement, with Meta required to add new safety features for minors on Instagram and Facebook. Child Welfare Overhaul: Gov. Mike Kehoe signed an executive order creating the Missouri Child Welfare Task Force to recommend unified, statewide child safety standards and improve coordination across agencies, courts, law enforcement, and providers, with a report due by Nov. 15. Water Safety in Maryville: Maryville issued a 45-day advisory starting Aug. 27, switching disinfectants and warning customers may notice stronger chlorine taste/smell and changes during hydrant flushing, while saying drinking water still meets federal and state standards. Native Plants Push: Missouri Department of Conservation opened the next round of native tree and shrub seedling ordering (starting Sept. 1) to support wildlife habitat and soil/water conservation. Data Center Pollution Fight: A major EPA proposal would reduce public notice and comment for air permits for “minor sources,” a change critics say could limit community input on pollution from data centers and backup power. Wildlife Update: After decades of overhunting, black bears are slowly recolonizing parts of the lower Mississippi River basin, with Missouri and nearby states flagged as part of the broader recovery range.

Foreign Money & Politics: A watchdog group is urging Missouri and other states to scrutinize foreign funding flowing into U.S. nonprofits that may shape policy, pointing to a new database tracking billions since 2002. Water & Public Health: Maryville is temporarily switching disinfectants for 45 days, warning residents may notice stronger chlorine taste or smell while the city works to prevent nitrification. Wildlife & Home Safety: University of Missouri Extension shares tips for keeping snakes out of homes as late-summer and fall shelter-seeking ramps up. Native Plants & Habitat: Missouri Department of Conservation is taking orders for native tree and shrub seedlings starting Sept. 1, and MDC also plans a native plant sale Sept. 12 in Kansas City. Local Environment Cleanup: Chillicothe and the North Missouri Solid Waste Management District will host a household hazardous waste drop-off Oct. 17, with options for batteries and other materials. Child Welfare Standards: Gov. Kehoe signed an order creating a Missouri Child Welfare Task Force to unify safety standards across agencies and courts. Youth Online Safety: Missouri Attorney General Hanaway announced a $17.1B Meta settlement, with Missouri set to receive $100M–$150M for child-safety reforms on Instagram and Facebook.

Sewage Pollution Watch: Missouri DNR says a St. Francois County wastewater plant in Leadwood polluted the Big River with sewage, citing degraded treatment equipment and high E. coli readings, with weekly sampling underway. Water Quality Alarm: A new Environment America report finds potentially unsafe bacteria levels at 85% of monitored Missouri water sites, including Southwest creeks where E. coli exceeded federal beach benchmarks—often after rain, with possible sources like sewage overflows and failing septic systems. Local Air Monitoring Update: In Verona, EPA is lifting air quality monitoring requirements at BCP Ingredients after the plant met standards following community health concerns and earlier Clean Air Act violations. Ag & Pollution Policy: EPA’s proposal to end Diesel Emission Fluid “deratements” is open for public comment through Aug. 29, with farmers weighing how changes could affect crop operations. Outdoor Education: MDC’s “Day on the River” returns to Cape Girardeau Riverfront Park Sept. 26 with boat rides, aquatic animal displays, and family activities. Data Center Backlash: Missouri-area debate continues as national reporting highlights growing, cross-party opposition to AI data centers over farmland, water, and electricity impacts.

Water Quality Watch: A new Environment America report flags potentially unsafe fecal bacteria levels at 85% of 200+ monitored Missouri water sites in 2024-2025, including E. coli hits at Newton County’s Shoal Creek. Public Comment Deadline: The EPA is proposing to end DEF “deratements,” with public input due Aug. 29, aiming to keep farmers from losing crops when diesel emission fluid systems alert. Legal Climate: A federal judge dismissed a lawsuit challenging New York’s greenhouse gas reporting rules, saying the court lacks personal jurisdiction over the New York officials. Livestock & Water Concerns: Neighbors in the Sarcoxie Prairie area say Missouri lacks poultry CAFO density limits and setbacks, after notices for multiple new broiler operations near their homes sparked a push for change. Severe Weather Alert: Missouri authorities warn of a damaging wind risk Wednesday, with the highest threat in the southern half of the state. River & Wildlife: MDC is stocking thousands of alligator gar in southeast Missouri streams as part of ongoing restoration, and it’s also set for its free “Day on the River” Sept. 26 in Cape Girardeau. Cleanups: Missouri River Relief’s Big Muddy Clean Sweep returns Sept. 26-29 near Cooper’s Landing, part of a 60-day, 200-mile trash cleanup effort.

Water & Farming: Missouri agronomists say the state’s spring-heavy rainfall followed by July–September dry spells makes water management a “landscape-driven” planning job, and they point to infrastructure and smarter in-season decisions. Local Water Infrastructure: Missouri DNR received St. Louis’ permit application for a proposed trash transfer facility at 2120 Gasconade Ave., with the city needing an operating permit before any waste can be accepted. Wildlife & Fisheries: MDC continues alligator gar restoration in southeast Missouri, stocking 6,000+ juveniles across the Bootheel since 2013 to support ecosystem health and sport fishing. Native Plants: MDC’s George O. White State Forest Nursery will take online seedling orders starting Sept. 1, pushing low-cost native trees and shrubs for habitat and soil/water benefits. Invasive Control: After fall corn harvest, UM Extension recommends spraying Johnsongrass in the fall to hit the plant as it moves sugars into roots and rhizomes. Climate Policy in Court: A Missouri court dismissed a challenge to Missouri’s greenhouse gas reporting rule, narrowing the fight over how emissions data is handled. Data Centers & Community Strain: A Missouri-focused debate continues over data center growth, with critics citing pressure on power grids and water supplies. Agriculture Trade: Kansas and Missouri lawmakers warn President Trump’s beef import plan could hurt ranchers even as the policy aims to lower prices.

Missouri Conservation & Wildlife: MDC says it’s continuing alligator gar restoration in southeast Missouri, stocking more than 6,000 juvenile gar since 2007 and recently adding dozens of sites across the Bootheel to support healthy waterways and sport fishing. Invasive Species Control: After fall corn harvest, UM Extension urges spraying Johnsongrass with herbicides in the fall for better root-killing results, noting some populations resist certain options. Native Planting: Missouri’s George O. White State Forest Nursery opens online native tree and shrub seedling orders Sept. 1 through April 15, with discounts for Conservation ID holders. Climate Policy in Court: A federal judge dismissed a challenge to New York’s greenhouse gas reporting rules, saying the court lacks personal jurisdiction over New York officials. Water & Waste Innovation: A Missouri-linked wind blade recycling effort is highlighted as turbine blades get reused in cement kilns, aiming to cut emissions and divert composite waste. Community Nature Events: MDC’s Cape Girardeau Nature Center is set to host free September programs, including fly casting and beginner archery.

Midwest Tornado Season: Illinois has logged a record-breaking tornado run, with 207 twisters so far and experts still sorting out what’s driving the surge and whether it’s shifting eastward. Wildlife & Conservation: Genetic work in Madagascar identified a distinct baobab species, which could reshape how threatened tree populations are protected. Local Environment & Tech: Walmart and Wing are exploring drone delivery in St. Charles and Maplewood, but residents raised concerns about noise and impacts on birds, pets, and wildlife. Missouri Water & Health: A report says 85% of Missouri recreational waterways have potentially unsafe feces contamination, adding pressure on water quality and public health. Energy Infrastructure: Survey work is set to begin on the Big Stone South to Alexandria 345-kilovolt transmission line, with environmental and geotechnical checks along a route designed to limit disruption to farmland. Public Trust & Data Centers: In St. Louis, a data-center rule fight is getting messy, with planning commissioners facing behind-the-scenes political pressure that’s now headed back to aldermen.

Drone Delivery & Wildlife Concerns: Walmart is exploring Wing drone delivery in St. Charles and Maplewood, with plans to convert parking lots into runways—while residents raise worries about noise and impacts on birds, pets, and wildlife. Missouri Water & Public Health: A report says 85% of Missouri recreational waterways have potentially unsafe fecal contamination, keeping pressure on local water testing and cleanup. El Niño Heat Outlook: NOAA forecasts a warmer-than-average fall for much of the U.S., with Missouri in the “equal chances” zone—meaning heat could linger longer than usual. Severe Weather Watch: Illinois is seeing record tornado activity this year, a reminder that extreme storms remain a fast-moving risk across the region. Data Center Trust Fight (St. Louis): A St. Louis editorial says secrecy and behind-the-scenes pressure are eroding public support as the city weighs data center rules. Energy Infrastructure in the Midwest: A major 345-kilovolt transmission line survey is set to begin for the Big Stone South to Alexandria project, including environmental and geotechnical checks along the route. Volunteer Fire Safety Grants (Missouri): State Farm’s Good Neighbor program is awarding $10,000 grants to five Missouri volunteer departments for responder safety equipment.

Data Center Trust Fight in St. Louis: A local editorial says public support for data centers is being undermined by secrecy and behind-the-scenes political pressure, after a planning commission meeting was reportedly disrupted by an unnamed elected official texting the commission chair to reconsider tighter rules. Severe Weather Outlook: NOAA is forecasting a warmer-than-average fall for much of the U.S., with El Niño strengthening and Missouri among states in “equal chances” territory—meaning heat could linger longer into autumn. Water Quality in Missouri: A report says 85% of Missouri recreational waterways have potentially unsafe fecal contamination, raising public health concerns for swimmers and families. Wildlife & Pollinators: Missouri’s baby squirrel season is back, with rescuers urging people to keep healthy babies with their mothers, and a separate push encourages counting bees to help protect pollinators. Prescribed Fire Education: The Southeast Dakota Prescribed Burn Association is hosting a field demonstration focused on managing woody encroachment and boosting native grasses and wildflowers with fire. Renewables Grid Build: Survey work is set to begin for the Big Stone South to Alexandria 345-kilovolt transmission line, including environmental and geotechnical checks along a route designed to limit impacts on farmland.

El Niño Watch: NOAA is forecasting a warmer-than-average fall across much of the U.S., with a “super” El Niño driving the heat risk and Missouri sitting in the “equal chances” zone—meaning conditions could swing, but the overall trend points to warmer weather. Water & Health: A Jefferson County Health Department roundup shows routine food inspections with scores ranging from 85–100, including multiple restaurants cited for storage, labeling, and sanitation issues. Wildlife & Land Management: Missouri’s baby squirrel season is back, and rescuers say healthy babies belong with their moms—plus Missouri groups are pushing prescribed burns education to manage woody encroachment and support native grasses and wildflowers. Energy & Infrastructure: Survey work is set to begin on the Big Stone South to Alexandria 345-kilovolt transmission line, including environmental and geotechnical checks and easement visits along the planned route. Community Safety: State Farm’s Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program is awarding $10,000 grants to five Missouri volunteer fire departments for responder equipment and safety upgrades.

Rural Health Crisis: A new report finds fewer than half of U.S. rural hospitals still offer labor and delivery, and since 2020, 139 have stopped delivering babies—leaving “maternity care deserts” where no hospital or birth center provides obstetric care and no obstetric clinicians are available. Climate Watch: NOAA and other forecasters say a strengthening “super” El Niño could bring a warmer-than-average fall across much of the U.S., with Missouri and nearby states in a higher-heat risk zone. Water & Cleanup: Residents near a deactivated Cold War missile site in western Iowa are questioning slow progress on groundwater cleanup tied to TCE, with health concerns driving frustration over timelines. Pollinator & Land Stewardship: Missouri conservation updates include dove hunting regulation changes, while regional groups are also pushing prescribed burns and native-plant management to support healthier grasslands. Local Education & Access: Missouri DNR partners are rolling out Home Energy Rebates, aiming to cut costs for households while improving energy efficiency.

El Niño Watch: The U.K.’s Met Office warns a “very strong” El Niño could become the biggest in living memory, boosting odds of hotter global conditions and more extreme weather into 2027. Water & Health: A report says 85% of Missouri recreational waterways have potentially unsafe feces levels, adding pressure on local water quality efforts. Pollution Cleanup Tech: University of Missouri researchers say bioengineered algae can pull microplastics from water, pointing to a new cleanup approach. Rural Environmental Fallout: In western Iowa, residents question slow cleanup of a Cold War missile site after TCE seeped into groundwater, with health fears driving frustration. Local Energy & Permitting: Missouri DNR is partnering on home energy rebates, while a separate national story highlights how EV charging funding can stall under strict rules and budget freezes. Community Action: Volunteers in Iowa removed more than 11 tons of trash from rivers, with most materials recycled.

Missouri Energy Rebates: The Missouri Department of Natural Resources says it’s partnering to deliver over $151 million in Home Energy Rebates, including whole-home efficiency upgrades and heat-pump support for low-to-moderate income households. Water Quality & Pollution: A new report flags that 85% of Missouri recreational waterways have potentially unsafe feces levels, adding pressure for faster cleanup and better runoff controls. Local Flood Mitigation: Springfield’s Renew Jordan Creek phase 1 is nearing completion, aiming to reduce downtown flooding and improve resilience. Pollinator Push: Missouri residents are being encouraged to help count bees and other pollinators this weekend as part of a multi-state census effort. El Niño Watch: NOAA forecasts point to a strengthening El Niño, with Missouri among states facing mixed odds for fall temperatures and rainfall. Invasive Species Control: New research highlights how early native plant restoration after buckthorn removal can help prevent the invasive shrub from bouncing back. Clean-Up Funding: EPA brownfields grants are moving forward in southeast Iowa, a reminder of how federal dollars can tackle contaminated sites across the region.

Toxic Cleanup Watch: A packed public meeting in Missouri Valley, Iowa heard that trichloroethylene (TCE) contamination from the former Cold War Atlas “D” missile site still has no long-term cleanup plan, with the Army Corps of Engineers saying it could take two more years. Energy Rebates in Missouri: The Missouri Department of Natural Resources selected BDO Government Services to deliver over $151 million in U.S. Home Energy Rebates, including whole-home efficiency upgrades and heat-pump rebates for low-to-moderate income households. Invasive Plant Control: New University of Minnesota research says removing buckthorn and quickly restoring with native grasses and wildflowers can curb reinvasion, even when managers delay herbicide on resprouts. Native Planting Payoff: A separate report highlights how upfront investment in native plants can help suppress buckthorn over the long run. Brownfields Funding: Southeast Iowa cities are using EPA brownfields grants—$8.5 million for Keokuk’s former Elkem Carbide site and additional funding for other cleanup projects—to turn blighted industrial land toward redevelopment. Wildlife & Community: Missouri’s MDC is hosting a free “Birthday Bash” for Peanut the Turtle at Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center Aug. 29.

PFAS Watch in Missouri: A Missouri-focused consumer watchdog says California’s PFAS disclosure rules helped it build a database of 200+ cookware items, so shoppers can check whether products include “forever chemicals.” Water Safety Concern: A new report says potentially unsafe fecal contamination shows up in 85% of Missouri’s monitored recreational waterways, raising fresh alarms after recent E. coli warnings. Local Public Health Tech: A new Safe Haven Baby Box opened in Camdenton, giving parents a secure, anonymous, temperature-controlled option under Missouri’s Safe Haven law. Wildlands Under Review: The Trump administration is moving to dismantle the Roadless Rule, which protects millions of acres of federal forest and wildlands from road building and logging. Monarch Habitat Tips: Garden guidance highlights late-season nectar plants to support monarch migration as wild reserves shrink. Wildlife Spotting: Birders report an anhinga sighting at Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area, an unusual mid-Missouri visitor tied to wetland habitat and seasonal movement.

Water Safety in Missouri: A new report says potentially unsafe fecal contamination shows up in 85% of Missouri’s monitored recreational waterways, raising fresh concerns after recent E. coli warnings. Wildlife & Habitat: Missouri Department of Conservation reminds people that summer wildlife encounters are best handled by watching from a distance and letting animals stay wild. Local Water Infrastructure: Missouri DNR awarded $30,000 to Cole County’s Public Water Supply District No. 5 to assess drinking-water system upgrades and help meet water quality standards. Ozarks Conservation Spotting: Bird-watchers report an unusual anhinga (“snakebird”) sighting at Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area, with experts pointing to normal post-breeding movement patterns. Sustainable Development in the Show-Me State: SEMO Industrial Park earned Missouri’s first Platinum REDI Sites designation, a national validation aimed at attracting industrial investment. Agriculture & Climate Stress: University of Missouri Extension explains “corn sweat,” where heat and humidity boost corn’s transpiration and can make air feel even stickier. Waste & Resources: SWANA named 2026 award recipients, with the ceremony set for St. Louis in late September. Community Safety Innovation: Camdenton firefighters dedicated the Ozarks’ first Safe Haven Baby Box, funded by private donations and designed for anonymous, 24/7 newborn surrender.