AGP Executive Report

Great Lakes Protection Fight: Gov. Gretchen Whitmer filed a response brief in Michigan’s Line 5 lawsuit, arguing the dual pipeline still poses public health and environmental risks and that Michigan must have a say in what runs through the Great Lakes. Pipeline Safety Pressure: Wisconsin regulators demanded Enbridge halt its Line 5 re-routing after a gas rupture and spill, citing “immense frustration” and ordering air monitoring, spill details, and tribal outreach. Water Quality Crime: A Michigan man was indicted for allegedly dumping sewage into Lake Michigan while impersonating a Coast Guard member, raising Clean Water Act concerns for swimmers, boaters, wildlife, and ecosystems. Local Water Infrastructure: St. Charles moved forward with lead service line replacement plans using Michigan Drinking Water State Revolving Fund loans with principal forgiveness, aiming to avoid added water-rate hikes. Metro Detroit Flooding Context: A Planet Detroit report links Southeast Michigan’s flooding to heavier rain, drained wetlands, and aging infrastructure, warning communities and utilities aren’t coping well enough. Contaminated Site Cleanup: East Jordan’s 125-year-old former community center is set for an $8.6M lakeside redevelopment after EGLE grant funding for assessments, demolition, asbestos abatement, and disposal of contaminated soil.

Great Lakes energy fight: Gov. Gretchen Whitmer filed response briefs in the Enbridge Line 5 lawsuit, arguing Michigan must control what runs through the Great Lakes and warning the dual pipelines pose ongoing public health and environmental risks. Local water upgrades: St. Charles Village moved forward on 2027 drinking-water projects using Michigan Drinking Water State Revolving Fund loans, including lead service line replacements with major principal forgiveness. Pipeline spill cleanup & safety: After a Line 5 pipeline strike in Wisconsin, crews worked to clear vapors and a no-fly zone was maintained as officials reported no injuries. Climate extremes research: A University of Michigan study using coral records found El Niño events have strengthened nearly 40% in recent decades, with modern events outpacing the last thousand years. Invasive species pressure: Great Lakes groups called for resuming a barrier project as invasive carp inch closer to Lake Michigan. Biosecurity on farms: MSU Extension urged fairgoers to separate traveling animals from home herds for at least 14 days and disinfect equipment to prevent disease spread. Water quality alerts: Harmful algae bloom risks were reported at Lake Cadillac, with residents warned to watch for impacts.

Great Lakes & Energy Politics: A Canada-focused editorial argues Prime Minister Mark Carney and Ontario Premier Doug Ford should resist taxing or curtailing energy exports to the U.S., warning that shutting Enbridge’s Line 5 could trigger an oil crisis across Ontario and Quebec and raise gas prices. Line 5 Update: Enbridge says a Michigan Supreme Court ruling is delaying its Line 5 tunnel plan, after the court ordered regulators to redo an environmental review; the company also pointed to a recent Wisconsin leak tied to a construction-site incident. Michigan Pipeline Oversight & Courts: A report says a fossil-fuel-defeating climate PAC bankrolled $5,000 contributions to two Michigan Supreme Court justices’ campaigns before they vacated Line 5 approval over inadequate environmental impact review. Local Housing/Environment: Cadillac plans to request CDBG funds for a five-year homeowner rehabilitation program, with a broad environmental review finding no serious adverse impacts. Animal Biosecurity: MSU Extension urges fairgoers to separate traveling animals from home herds for at least 14 days and disinfect gear to reduce disease spread. Climate Science (Global, with Michigan relevance): New research finds El Niño events have strengthened nearly 40% in recent decades versus the last 1,000 years, with modern events among the strongest on record. Michigan Weather/Disaster Costs: A report highlights how repeated Michigan drought, frost, and storm disasters are driving up farm insurance costs and food prices.

Pollinator Push in Mid-Michigan: MSU’s “Bee Palooza” returns Sunday in East Lansing with a “Bee Kind” theme, featuring native pollinator education, workshops, and a BioBlitz for iNaturalist. Great Lakes Protection Fight: U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell says she’ll introduce the “Hands Off Our Great Lakes Act” to block Trump’s “Lake America” renaming of Lake Ontario. Line 5 Fallout in the Straits: Enbridge says Line 5 tunnel work faces a significant delay after a Michigan Supreme Court ruling, while crews in Wisconsin keep clearing vapors after a strike-related rupture and keep an evacuation perimeter in place. Oil Leak at Millennium Park: Kent County parks and EGLE are responding to oil leaking from a historic well into a small lake in Walker, with a containment boom and a public “stay away” advisory. Climate Signals from the Coral Record: New research links human-caused warming to stronger El Niño events, raising stakes for Michigan and the Great Lakes as global weather patterns shift. Salmon Rush on Lake Michigan: Anglers in Ludington report strong Chinook activity as water temperatures shift, with DNR tracking the fast-changing bite. Local Environment & Community Notes: Volunteers are asking residents to stop burying pets at Bay County’s Pet Cemetery as new Lansing regulations loom.

Line 5 Fight: Gov. Gretchen Whitmer filed a response brief in Enbridge’s federal lawsuit over the Line 5 dual pipelines, arguing Michigan can enforce its decision to revoke Enbridge’s easement and warning the exposed pipeline poses an “unparalleled risk” to the Great Lakes. Pipeline Safety: A new Line 5 incident in Wisconsin-Michigan followed a semi truck rolling into an excavation site and hitting exposed pipe, triggering a natural gas liquids release that was quickly isolated—adding fresh fuel to calls for work stoppages and stricter safety scrutiny. Water Health: A harmful algae bloom was confirmed at Lake Cadillac, with health officials posting advisories urging people to avoid water contact, not drink untreated surface water, and keep pets away. Local Climate Planning: Ingham County is building a Sustainability Action Plan with environmental justice at the center, using emissions and vulnerability assessments plus community input. Lead Line Replacement: Jackson continues replacing lead water service lines, reporting progress from about 11,000 lead lines to around 9,000 and targeting hundreds more in the next two years. Great Lakes Invasives: Great Lakes groups renewed pressure to restart an invasive carp barrier project after invasive carp moved closer toward Lake Michigan. Cyber & Power: A new pushback against data centers is gaining momentum as communities weigh power, water, and infrastructure limits, while more than 100 firms urge stronger defenses against AI-enabled cyberattacks.

Great Lakes & Policy: Trump signed an order directing Lake Ontario be renamed “Lake America,” a move critics say undercuts U.S.-Canada collaboration on Great Lakes science and restoration. Climate Watch: New research links human-caused warming to stronger El Niño events, finding El Niños are now over 36% stronger than pre-industrial levels—raising stakes for Michigan and the Great Lakes as heat, floods, and drought risks intensify. Michigan Water & Energy: Tribal leaders and allies rallied at the state Capitol to demand shutting down Enbridge’s Line 5 instead of building a tunnel; Wisconsin’s DNR also asked Enbridge to halt a reroute after a gas leak. Cybersecurity & Drinking Water: CISA says more than 100 internet-exposed water systems were targeted in July, with Michigan confirming nine incidents—highlighting risks to water and wastewater operations. Farming & Land: MDARD launched a dairy grazing initiative to help small and medium farms cut costs and build resilience, while reporting shows Michigan family farms continue to decline as more acreage shifts into preservation. Local Conservation: Volunteers in Marquette planted dune grass to protect shorelines and support wildlife, part of EGLE’s MI Healthy Climate Fellows program.

El Niño and climate extremes: A new Science study led by University of Michigan researchers finds El Niño events are getting stronger as human-caused warming heats the planet—about 36% stronger than pre-industrial levels—raising the odds of bigger global heat and other extreme weather impacts. Great Lakes politics and energy: The Canada-U.S. trade standoff is putting extra spotlight on Enbridge Line 5, with Michigan leaders continuing to frame the pipeline as a major Great Lakes risk as negotiations and pressure tactics escalate. Upper Peninsula mining funding: Michigan lawmakers approved $50 million in state-backed grants for the Copperwood copper mine in the western UP, a move that supporters call job-boosting and critics say raises pollution and tourism concerns. Local water safety after sewage spill: Grand Traverse County Health officials kept a Level 2 advisory in place near the Boardman River after a sewer force main buckled, sending untreated sewage into the water and triggering elevated E. coli readings near the source. Data centers hit Michigan’s doorstep: As backlash to data centers grows nationwide, automakers expanding stationary battery storage tied to AI demand are facing a political “tightrope” over environmental and energy concerns. Kids’ social media limits: Michigan is among states in a Meta settlement that would cap Facebook/Instagram use for under-18 users at two hours a day, restrict overnight access, and tighten age checks. Outdoor and wildlife management: Michigan DNR restored additional waterfowl hunting draws at four managed areas after fundraising covered staffing, keeping more access for the 2026 fall season.

Air Quality Monitoring: Michigan’s wildfire smoke season is exposing a basic problem: the state has only 45 monitoring sites, leaving big gaps where residents can’t get reliable, local readings when smoke and other pollution roll in. Line 5 Fight: Indigenous leaders and clean-water advocates rallied at the Capitol as the Line 5 pipeline debate heats up again, with new legal and permitting steps underway. Brownfield Cleanup: EGLE awarded $350,000 to redevelop the former Dunk’s Garage site in Ubly, funding assessments, contaminated-soil work, asbestos abatement, and a vapor mitigation system. Toxicology at EGLE: A look at a day in the life of an EGLE toxicologist, including how risk assessments and tools like the Air Quality Index help protect public health during smoke events. Health & Mosquito Risk: Wayne County reported a West Nile virus case, the state’s second human case this year. Soil Biodiversity: MSU highlights how a teaspoon of healthy soil can hold billions of living organisms—and why losing that life matters for water, plants, and carbon storage. Copperwood Mine Backlash: A $50 million Michigan-backed grant for a U.P. copper mine drew both support and sharp environmental concerns tied to Lake Superior and nearby wilderness.

Water affordability: Lincoln Park residents are warning city leaders that a new water and sewer rate hike could push bills beyond what households can afford, with some increases reported up to 28% as aging infrastructure repairs continue. Wildlife health: Michigan’s agriculture agency confirmed chronic wasting disease in farmed white-tailed deer in Calhoun, Kent and Mackinac counties, underscoring the need for ongoing surveillance and rapid response to limit spread. Public health: Wayne County reported its first human West Nile virus case of 2026, a reminder that mosquito season risk can extend into late summer and early fall. Toxic algae: Mid-Michigan health officials issued guidance after Lake Ovid and Sleepy Hollow State Park tested positive for microcystin, urging people and pets to avoid affected areas. Climate/energy tech: Researchers say EV battery lifespan concerns are often overstated, with heat and cold affecting performance but not necessarily breaking EVs as feared. Great Lakes research funding: NSF announced $90M over five years for three new Science and Technology Centers, including work spanning AI, biotech and robotics.

Freshwater Focus: Michigan EGLE and the Office of the Great Lakes are urging residents to join UN World Lake Day Aug. 27 with beach cleanups, harmful algae reporting, and youth-focused stewardship like the Michigan Clean Water Corps. Water Infrastructure Upgrade: EGLE highlighted how Michigan’s modernized State Revolving Fund affordability application now uses GIS-based digital forms (ArcGIS Survey123) to speed reviews and improve access for communities. Pipeline Spill Clarification: After a runaway semi hit Enbridge Line 5 excavation work near the Michigan border, Wisconsin DNR clarified the truck struck a natural gas transmission line; the gas was shut down and air monitoring is underway. Invasive Species Control: Oakland County will treat invasive knotweed and phragmites along Oxford road right-of-ways through October to protect drainage, habitat, and roadway safety. Local Stormwater Education: Oakland County and Birmingham are hosting a stormwater event at Linden Park Aug. 29 to explain how the Rouge River retention treatment basin and tunnel reduce flooding and improve water quality. Public Land & Access: Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund grants announced $108.9M total for 75 projects, including ADA upgrades at Oscoda Beach Park. Data Center Backlash (Local): Garfield Township approved a data center moratorium to study environmental and resource impacts like water and power before drafting future rules. Food Access: Toledo’s Swayne Field pop-up produce market runs Sept. 4-5 and Saturdays through Oct. 24, aiming to expand affordable fresh food from regional growers. Outdoor Recreation Funding: Trust Fund grants also support park and recreation improvements statewide, including new facilities and access upgrades.

Sewage Spill: Traverse City officials say a pipe break sent 200,000 gallons of untreated sewage into the Boardman River near South Airport and Park Drive, triggering state and local environmental health response. Copperwood Mine Fight: Michigan’s Strategic Fund approved $50 million for the Copperwood Mine site readiness in Gogebic County, with opponents warning of impacts near Porcupine Mountains and supporters citing jobs and infrastructure. Great Lakes Protection: EGLE is joining World Lake Day with Michigan events and education aimed at lake stewardship, cleanups, and responsible recreation. PFAS Detection Breakthrough: MSU researchers found locust neurons can “fingerprint” forever chemicals like PFOS, pointing toward faster, portable pollution screening tools. Clean Water Infrastructure: MDOT unveiled plans for flex lanes on I-94 around Ann Arbor-Saline Rd. and State St., with noise and environmental studies planned before construction. Energy & Trade Pressure: Ontario Premier Doug Ford renewed threats to restrict electricity and critical minerals shipments to the U.S. amid tariff tensions.

World Lake Day in Michigan: The UN’s Aug. 27 World Lake Day is prompting Gov. Whitmer and EGLE/OGL to encourage Michiganders to get outside, learn, and help protect lakes through cleanups, education, and stewardship. PFAS push in Bay City: U.S. Sen. Gary Peters visited a PFAS-contaminated Bay City fire station tied to leaking fire-retardant foam, highlighting the high cost of cleanup and the need to prevent PFAS from getting into the ground. PFAS detection breakthrough: Michigan State researchers say locust neurons may be able to sense “forever chemicals” at environmentally relevant levels, pointing to faster, portable water testing. Spring Lake cormorant conflict: Federally protected double-crested cormorants are fouling Village Cove Marina in Spring Lake, damaging boats and property and leaving neighbors with limited options under wildlife law. Renewables at the local level: Hamlin Township tabled a proposed renewable energy ordinance to give residents more time to review utility-scale wind/solar and battery storage rules. Copperwood mine funding debate: A Canadian company is again seeking a $50M Michigan grant for the Copperwood Mine, with officials weighing environmental standards and infrastructure needs. Trade war pressure on energy: Canada’s tariff fight with the U.S. is escalating, with Ontario threatening electricity and critical-mineral cutoffs—raising stakes for Michigan’s auto and steel supply chains. Water security warning: Federal alerts warn of cyberattacks targeting water systems; Michigan is among states cited as impacted.

Great Lakes Water Quality: A Traverse City man, Brent Alan Tompkins, was indicted for allegedly impersonating a U.S. Coast Guard member and discharging sewage into Lake Michigan, with charges tied to the Clean Water Act. Public Health: The FDA and CDC are investigating a multistate E. coli and salmonella outbreak linked to alfalfa sprouts from Everything Sprouts, LLC; Michigan is among the states reporting cases. Invasive Species Control: Macomb County is set to begin phragmites treatment next week across roadside right-of-way in multiple communities, aiming to protect roads, drainage, and local ecosystems. Community Water Stewardship: EGLE is inviting Michiganders to celebrate UN World Lake Day on Aug. 27, with youth-focused ways to get involved—from cleanups to learning and action by water. Local Environment & Infrastructure: Michigan’s Line 5 fight remains tied to election politics, with Bridge Michigan reporting Whitmer and Nessel’s court strategy could shift after November. Energy & Trade Pressure: Canada’s tariff retaliation talk includes possible power export cutoffs or price hikes to the U.S., raising stakes for northern border states.

Data Center Backlash in Michigan and Beyond: Michigan’s data-center fight keeps heating up as lawmakers and candidates respond to local concerns about power, water use, noise, and election impacts, while governors elsewhere push new standards and pauses. Great Lakes Pollution: As microplastics spread through the Great Lakes, scientists are urging governments to step up action on the threat. Wildfire and Climate Impacts: A new look at the West shows bigger, hotter fires permanently shifting forests into shrubland, with knock-on effects for water and wildlife. Midwest Flooding and Crops: Midwest flooding is threatening corn and soybean yields after heavy mid-August rain, leaving farmers watching saturated fields and uncertain harvest prospects. Public Health and Food Safety: Michigan-area families are also facing health worries, from measles-vaccine schedule confusion to a sprouts recall tied to E. coli and Salmonella. Local Environment Cleanup: EGLE is funding brownfield redevelopment in Roscommon to assess and manage contamination as a site moves toward new use. Wildlife and Biodiversity: Michigan researchers report a butterfly returning from the brink, while other coverage highlights invasive species and habitat pressures.

Great Lakes wildlife: Michigan and Wisconsin researchers report lake sturgeon can live far longer than once thought—up to 427 years for females—using decades of data across multiple Great Lakes populations, a finding that could reshape conservation and harvest rules. Pollution and health in Detroit: Residents in Southwest Detroit say decades of refinery and freight pollution are taking a toll, with women and youth pushing for stronger air-quality protections and better monitoring. Line 5 fight: Michigan tribes call a “flawed” federal review of the Line 5 project a treaty-rights violation, even as a key federal permit moves forward for a Straits of Mackinac segment update. Brownfield cleanup and jobs: EGLE is awarding a $400,000 grant for brownfield redevelopment in downtown Roscommon, turning a long-vacant contaminated site into a new restaurant. Soil resilience for fruit: Pear growers in Michigan are being paid to test regenerative soil-health practices as dry spells strain orchards. Climate intervention debate: A Michigan State University scientist discusses research on anti-solar spray concepts to blunt heat waves. National parks perk: The National Park Service’s 110th birthday includes free admission Aug. 25, with Midwest parks like Pictured Rocks and Indiana Dunes eligible. Data center backlash: Texas Gov. Abbott says data center developers helped spark opposition by not engaging communities early, citing concerns over power, water, and local impacts.

Great Lakes Mapping: Advocates for a drinkable, fishable, swimmable Great Lakes are gearing up for the Lakebed 2030 conference at NMC’s Hagerty Center (Sept. 15-17), pushing to map the lakebed in high resolution and fill major gaps that limit research and protection against climate change, invasive species, and pollution. AI Data Center Backlash: A nationwide wave of protests against AI data centers is growing, with organizers citing electricity costs, water use, and limited local benefits—an issue now showing up in bipartisan politics and key midterm races. Michigan Water & Health: Federal health officials say an alfalfa sprouts-linked E. coli and salmonella outbreak has spread to more states, including Michigan, while Wisconsin reports rising blue-green algae blooms and illness concerns—another reminder of how water quality and public health are tied together. Local Conservation: In Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, the UP Land Conservancy’s Art Walk highlighted a managed wetlands preserve, bringing attention to habitat protection right in town. Policy & Communities: A federal judge ruled Washtenaw County can keep its sanctuary policies, blocking ICE from county property—another example of how local governance shapes enforcement on the ground.