AGP Executive Report

Data Centers Pause: Dane County approved an 18-month stop on permits for large “hyperscale” AI data centers, joining other Wisconsin local moratoriums as communities push for clearer impacts on land and infrastructure. Wildfire Tech: Xcel Energy is using AI-powered cameras to spot wildfires and smoke across Wisconsin right-of-ways, with more planned for early 2027. Air Quality Upgrade: Milwaukee Public Schools is rolling out 150 electric school buses in phases, aiming to cut diesel costs and improve air for thousands of students. Water & Plastics: Wisconsin AG Kwame Raoul backed EPA research on microplastics in drinking water and urged more monitoring of public systems. PFAS Cleanup: Wisconsin and Tyco reached a $10M PFAS settlement for Marinette County cleanup, continuing the state’s push to reduce contamination. Weather Watch: Central Wisconsin faces heat, humidity, and a heightened severe storm risk midweek, while statewide conditions show May 2026 tied as one of the driest on record. Wildlife & Farms: DNR reported stable 2026 spring turkey numbers, and Wisconsin growers are bracing for fire blight management as warm weather ramps up risk.

Air Quality Alert: Milwaukee’s “clear skies” can still mean unhealthy air—an unusual weather setup trapped ground-level ozone near the surface, prompting an air quality alert earlier this week and raising respiratory risk for residents. Severe Weather Watch: Storm chances are building across the Upper Midwest, with Monday showers and storms in Wisconsin and a broader severe threat expected to shift north and east later in the week. PFAS & Water Cleanup: Wisconsin’s ongoing PFAS fallout remains in focus after Tyco’s settlement tied to contamination concerns, with updates continuing to shape local cleanup and drinking-water plans. Local Public Safety: Milwaukee police are investigating a non-fatal shooting that left a teen injured, while the department also reports a summer rise in critical missing person cases. Community & Youth: Wisconsin students took home cash prizes for innovations on “Project Pitch It,” and the Jerry Awards in Madison highlighted high school musical theater talent statewide. Sports (Wisconsin ties): The American Family Insurance Championship wrapped in Madison with Darren Clarke and Ben Crane winning at TPC Wisconsin.

Severe Weather Watch: Forecasters are flagging a growing Wednesday-night storm threat for southern Wisconsin and the Upper Midwest, with strong tornadoes, destructive hail, and damaging winds all possible as storms organize and intensify. PFAS Cleanup: Wisconsin’s first PFAS settlement with Tyco is moving forward, with state and DNR updates tied to cleanup and drinking-water support in Marinette County. Invasive Species Alert: A Wisconsin gardener is warning people not to mistake showy dame’s rocket for native phlox, since the invasive plant can spread fast and crowd out local biodiversity. Wildlife & Water Safety: J&R Aquatic Animal Rescue is urging Wisconsinites not to release carnival goldfish into waterways, calling it illegal and harmful to native ecosystems. Energy & Climate Policy: A new federal push is backing “clean, beautiful coal” via wartime-style authority, with Wisconsin named among states keeping coal plants online. Northern Lights: NOAA says a strong solar storm could bring auroras to parts of the U.S., with Wisconsin in the broader viewing mix.

Invasive Species Watch: A Wisconsin gardener is warning Midwesterners about dame’s rocket, an invasive look-alike of native phlox that can take over woodlands and ditches; she recommends pulling the whole plant with the root to protect local biodiversity. Wildlife Protection: In lower Green Bay, conservationists documented piping plover nesting on Cat Island, using closed-off habitat and protective cages to keep predators out. Off-Road Safety: The Wisconsin DNR is ramping up ATV/UTV patrols for its Think Smart Before You Start campaign, citing 15 ATV/UTV fatalities in 2026 and urging helmet and seatbelt use. Water & Weather: Milwaukee saw 1.42 inches of rain on June 5—its heaviest day since early April—after tornado warnings hit parts of south-central Wisconsin; more storms and heat are in the forecast. Air Quality & Recycling Risks: A fire at Alter Trading Corp.’s metal recycling facility in Milwaukee sent smoke over the city; officials said firefighting was complicated by limited water pressure from private hydrants. Community & Culture: Cows on the Concourse returned to Madison’s Capitol Square to kick off National Dairy Month, highlighting Wisconsin’s dairy economy and farmers.

PFAS Cleanup in Focus: Wisconsin and state leaders announced a major Tyco PFAS settlement tied to Marinette County cleanup, aiming to reduce contamination impacts on local water. Energy & Climate Pressure: Trump’s administration is pushing nearly $700M into coal power, including $425M for plants that include Wisconsin—raising new questions about pollution and long-term energy choices. Storms, Heat, and Fire Risk: Forecasts point to a warm, humid weekend with rain and storm chances building early next week, plus elevated heat concerns and a Fire Weather Watch in parts of northern Wisconsin. Milwaukee Air Quality Concern: A fire at Alter Trading Corp.’s metal recycling facility sent smoke over Milwaukee, with firefighters working to contain it while officials investigate the cause. Water & Infrastructure: Grafton delayed dam repairs to get a fuller picture of impacts, while WisDOT scheduled overnight I-41 closures tied to interchange work near the Milwaukee airport. Community Outdoors: Milwaukee-area trail coverage highlights popular routes for walking, biking, and nature time as summer ramps up.

PFAS Accountability: Wisconsin reached a $10 million settlement with Tyco Fire Products over PFAS contamination tied to firefighting foam, with money going into a PFAS cleanup trust and Tyco required to provide replacement drinking water for Marinette-area residents for 20 years. Severe Weather Watch: Tornado warnings hit parts of southeast Wisconsin, including Dodge and Fond du Lac counties, before being canceled; overnight storms still bring a risk of gusty winds. Energy & Land Use: A Wisconsin land trust in Ozaukee County is fighting a proposed power-line route that would cut through its preserve, arguing for better protection as the project is reviewed for data-center power demand. Coal Push: President Trump announced $700 million for coal power projects using the Defense Production Act, including funding that reaches Wisconsin. Outdoor Access: Wisconsin DNR’s Free Fun Weekend waives state park admission, fishing licenses, and trail passes June 6–7. Community Preparedness: UW-Whitewater received $225,000 to build a more technologically advanced, regionally serving Emergency Operations Center.

PFAS Accountability: Gov. Tony Evers and the Wisconsin DNR announced the state’s first PFAS settlement with Tyco Fire Products, requiring Tyco to provide clean drinking water for Marinette-area residents, address ongoing PFAS discharges, and pay an additional $10 million into Wisconsin’s PFAS Trust Fund for future cleanup. Water & Health: Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul said the case stems from Tyco’s alleged failures to report and remediate PFAS contamination tied to firefighting foam at its Marinette facility. Storms & Heat Risk: Southeast Wisconsin is bracing for rounds of showers and thunderstorms, with a stronger storm chance Friday evening, followed by improving conditions—then a push toward the season’s first major heat wave. Infrastructure Disruptions: WisDOT and Iowa DOT set a Mississippi River bridge center-span installation for June 11–12, closing the free car ferry and restricting boat traffic during the work. Local Governance & Land Use: Dane County approved an 18-month moratorium on new hyperscale data center zoning permits, citing concerns over environmental and utility impacts.

Wildlife & Habitat: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service designated about 1.5 million acres as critical habitat for the endangered rusty patched bumble bee, including land in Wisconsin, shaping how federal projects are planned and permitted. Water Quality & Pollution: Wisconsin reached a $10 million PFAS settlement with Tyco Fire Products over Marinette-area contamination, with funds going to the state PFAS Trust Fund and Tyco continuing clean-water well support and monitoring. Climate Resilience & Nature: Green Bay is moving ahead with a $2 million Atkinson Marsh restoration project, funded by a DNR grant, to improve habitat for birds near the Fox River. Severe Weather Watch: Showers and thunderstorms are returning to southern Wisconsin, with Friday’s storm chances rising and some hail or gusty winds possible. Energy Policy: Trump announced $700 million in federal support for coal plants, including potential funding for Wisconsin facilities—an ongoing flashpoint for clean-energy and pollution debates. Local Impacts: Wisconsin childcare centers face tough choices as state funding expires June 30, and some providers warn they may cut services or close.

PFAS Accountability: Wisconsin DOJ and Gov. Evers announced a major settlement with Tyco Fire Products to address PFAS contamination in Marinette County, including $10 million into the PFAS Trust Fund plus clean-water steps like replacement wells and long-term monitoring. Local Water Quality: Milwaukee County Parks and the Wisconsin DNR are launching a feasibility study for the Veterans Park Lagoon, aiming to tackle algae, invasive species, sediment buildup, and oxygen loss, with a public meeting June 4. Data Center Rules: Madison held a public info session on a data center moratorium to update zoning for future hyperscale facilities, focusing on energy, water, air quality, and emergency impacts. Climate & Health Watch: NOAA upgraded northern lights odds for parts of Wisconsin and the Upper Midwest, while forecasts also point to humid conditions and possible strong storms later this week. Wildlife & Outdoors: Wisconsin DNR is reminding ATV/UTV drivers about enforcement, and there’s renewed attention on tick risk and Lyme prevention as warmer weather boosts activity.

Great Lakes Safety: The U.S. Coast Guard is offering a $1,000 reward after a stolen navigational beacon from the Superior Entry South Breakwater Light on Wisconsin Point, calling it a “reckless” act that could lead to dangerous collisions and fuel spills. Extreme Weather & Health: Dane County officials urged residents to prepare for dangerous heat as Wisconsin marks Heat Awareness Day, warning about heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Air Quality: Milwaukee’s air quality alert is tied to ozone trapped near the ground by a warm, slow air pattern—not Canada wildfire smoke. Outdoor Safety: The Wisconsin DNR says more ATV/UTV enforcement is coming this weekend, after 15 ATV-related deaths this year. Wildlife & Habitat: Wisconsin’s sharp-tailed grouse population has dropped sharply, and DNR advisory committees recommend no hunting season in 2026. Climate Reality Check: A new global assessment says carbon removal plans fall billions of tons short of climate goals. Community & Conservation: Black Birders Week brought inclusive birding events to Havenwoods State Forest, while the Raptor Center expands disease warning efforts by testing birds for avian influenza. Local Resilience: After April flooding, Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewage District data shows billions of gallons of sewage and stormwater discharged into waterways—sparking calls for an independent audit of the private operator.

EPA Safer Choice Push: Over 100 businesses and public health groups urged Congress to authorize and fund the EPA’s Safer Choice program, arguing it helps companies use safer ingredients and delivers real health and economic value. Data Center Water & Secrecy: Wisconsin residents are organizing against hyperscale AI data centers after concerns about water use, grid strain, and opaque decision-making—highlighted by a Charlie Berens event in Eau Claire on June 13. Air Quality Alert: Southeast Wisconsin is under an ozone Air Quality Alert until 11 p.m. Wednesday, with conditions expected to reach “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups.” Heat Preparedness: Dane County marked Heat Awareness Day with reminders to prevent heat illness as extreme temperatures approach. Great Lakes Underwater Look: Wisconsin DNR plans a live-streamed ROV dive to film Lake Superior’s deepest point, “Superior Maximus,” June 6–9. Coast Guard Safety Warning: A stolen lighthouse beacon at Wisconsin Point is being investigated, with officials warning it could create serious navigation hazards. Local Governance & Water: Grafton delayed decisions on repairing a failed dam, weighing long-term ecological impacts.

Off-Highway Rules: Wisconsin DNR says new ATV/UTV law changes take effect June 1, including seatbelt requirements in UTVs, tougher penalties for intentional damage, limits on towing people on ice, and new UTV window tint rules. Outdoor Access: DNR’s Free Fun Weekend runs June 6–7 with state park admission fees, fishing licenses, and trail passes waived statewide. Conservation & Wildlife: Raptor Education Group in Antigo (REGI) is highlighting native bird care and rehab, typically handling 800–1,000 birds a year, while also offering public education. Water & Weather Watch: Milwaukee’s spring was warmer and wetter than last year, with April setting a new rain record, and forecasters are tracking a warmer, more humid stretch with possible storms later this week. Data Centers & Water Use: Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella tried to calm environmental concerns about data centers, pointing to cooling and water-reduction plans tied to Microsoft’s Wisconsin facility. Community Giving: Give Big Valleys 2026 raised $349,751 for nonprofits across Western Wisconsin.

Bumble Bee Habitat Protections: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service finalized critical habitat protections for the endangered rusty patched bumble bee, covering about 1.5 million acres across 33 counties in Wisconsin and neighboring states. Coast Guard Safety Alert: The Coast Guard is investigating a break-in and theft of a navigational beacon at Wisconsin Point’s Superior Entry South Breakwater Light; a $1,000 reward is offered. Weather Watch for Wisconsin: Forecasters say above-normal rainfall may continue in parts of the Midwest, with southeastern Wisconsin possibly seeing lighter-than-normal totals, while another warm stretch with storm chances returns later in the week. Sustainable Tech in Wisconsin: UW–Stevens Point opened a compostability testing lab to help evaluate materials for commercial and home composting conditions. Green Business Push: Nominations are open for the 2026 Sustainable Business Awards in the Upper Midwest, with winners recognized in Madison this fall. Local Housing Funding: Winnebago County tapped GOEDC to manage a $4.5 million revolving loan fund aimed at speeding up workforce and housing development. Outdoor Free Weekend: Wisconsin DNR’s Free Fun Weekend (June 6–7) waives state park admission, fishing licenses, and trail passes.

Renewables Planning: A new Center for Rural Affairs fact sheet urges Wisconsin counties to plan now for wind and solar decommissioning, so project owners handle removal, site restoration, and end-of-life costs. Weather & Fire Risk: Early June is warm and mostly dry, but forecasts point to increasing storm chances later in the week; officials are also warning about elevated fire danger midweek. Ticks & Lyme Prevention: Dane County is adding free tick check stations at parks as urgent care and ER visits for tick bites spike, while national guidance highlights quick tick removal to lower Lyme risk. Wildfire Watch: Evacuations were ordered near Burntside Lake as a wildfire grew to around 30 acres, with crews and aircraft responding. Local Climate Outlook: UWM’s summer outlook for 2026 expects a cooler-than-usual start to June, then warming toward the 80s, with more rain chances later. Community Outdoors: Wauwatosa’s Mama Rosa troll sculpture is being restored after weather damage, with repairs expected to be ready for early June viewing.

Tribal Fishing Fight: A federal preliminary hearing in Madison put Wisconsin’s authority over nontribal anglers on the line as the Lac du Flambeau Tribe defends its closures of 19 lakes to walleye and muskellunge fishing, arguing state oversight and declining fish populations demand action. Flash Drought Watch: Forecasters are tracking a fast-moving “flash drought” risk for parts of Minnesota and southwest Wisconsin, driven by heat, wind, and rapid soil drying. Great Lakes Wildlife Tech: WPS will band four newly hatched peregrine falcon chicks with real-time smartphone-linked transmitters to map where young birds go in their first year. Energy + Water Demand Concerns: Brown County residents are being urged to back a proposed moratorium on large-scale AI data centers, citing worries about power use, water consumption, and local infrastructure impacts. Road Safety + Air Review Ahead: WisDOT is studying redesign options for the Walker’s Point I-43/94 interchange, with an open house June 3 and potential environmental review later. Dry Start, Storms Later: Southeast Wisconsin wrapped up May as the driest on record, with mostly dry conditions early June but rain and thunderstorms possible later in the week.

Climate Courts: Wisconsin youth are appealing a judge’s dismissal of their climate rights lawsuit, arguing state limits on renewables and fossil-fuel pollution review violate their constitutional rights after flooding and storm harm. Great Lakes Safety: The Wisconsin DNR is asking the public to update its Great Lakes beach list ahead of summer, including proposed changes to monitoring and classifications to keep swimmers safer. Wildlife Crossings: A new push for wildlife road crossings is expanding nationwide to cut animal-vehicle crashes, with Wisconsin cited among states seeing frequent deer-related claims. Severe Weather Watch: Forecasters say June’s tornado threat shifts north toward the Northern Great Plains as jet stream patterns and high instability ramp up. Water Rescue: The body of a missing boater on Whitefish Lake in Lac du Flambeau was recovered with help from DNR sonar and dive teams. Air Quality: Officials warn ozone alerts may become more common as summer heat and stagnant conditions build. Dry Stretch/Next Rain: Southeast Wisconsin remains very dry after May’s low rainfall, with more humid conditions and storm chances returning later in the week.