AGP Executive Report

Coal push hits Wyoming-linked export plans: The Trump administration is moving nearly $700 million to revive the coal industry, including Defense Production Act funding for 13 existing coal plants and $75 million tied to an Oakland, California export terminal that could ship up to 12 million tons annually—potentially including Wyoming and Montana coal. Energy policy ripple effects: The same week, federal water officials said Colorado River management will shift to a shorter, 10-year framework with new operational guidelines every two years, as states still can’t agree on a long-term deal. Crypto court fight: A New York lawsuit seeking ownership of dormant bitcoin wallets—valued at about $285 billion—has advanced after a long-idle bitcoin address moved coins, with Wyoming LLCs named among the holders of assigned interests. Labor market snapshot: U.S. employers issued fewer mass layoff notices in May while job growth stayed solid, with unemployment steady at 4.3% and WARN filings showing a downward trend. Wyoming business pulse: Wyoming’s gas prices stayed volatile, with GasBuddy reporting some of the week’s lowest midgrade and diesel prices in select counties. Wildfire readiness: Fire mitigation efforts are being tracked as experts warn conditions could still produce an intense season, even where thinning and prescribed burns are showing mixed results.

Coal Policy & Jobs: President Donald Trump announced nearly $700 million in federal support for coal power infrastructure, including $75 million for a long-delayed Oakland export terminal, with Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon touting the plan’s jobs and “clean” coal message. Energy Costs: New data show residential electricity prices rising fast in many states; Wyoming’s average is up about 9.5% year over year, while the biggest jumps are in the District of Columbia and parts of the East. Gubernatorial Race: At a Greater Cheyenne Chamber forum, candidates focused on keeping young people in Wyoming, rural health care, housing, and how data centers could shape the state’s economy. Rural Health Funding: The UW School of Medicine received a $25 million gift to expand rural and Indigenous medical training through a new scholarship program. Water & Drought: Federal officials say Colorado River management will shift to a shorter, two-year renegotiation cycle as conditions worsen, with Lake Powell and Lake Mead at the center of the plan. Local Business & Community: Cheyenne’s Downtown Development Authority says flower thefts are continuing ahead of summer events, while Casper’s Nic Fest and Art Walk collaboration drew large crowds downtown. Environment & Land Use: Wyoming researchers warn cheatgrass is increasing fire frequency in the Bighorn Basin, and a rally at the Capitol highlighted concerns about wind projects’ impacts on wildlife.

Wyoming Wind Energy: A Capitol rally in Cheyenne drew ranchers and wildlife advocates warning that expanding wind farms could harm birds and wildlife, with speakers citing the “Wyoming Wind Wall” concern and the Laramie Range Wind Project’s legal fight and revised proposal. State Fiscal Health: Wyoming again placed near the top for fiscal stability in a national report, ranking 3rd for 2025 budget health and credited to strong reserves and relatively low long-term obligations. Wyoming Data Centers: Wyoming’s push to guide AI data center development continues to draw attention as officials and communities weigh growth, power needs, and local impacts. Regional Water Costs: In a separate development, Kentwood households faced phased water and sewer rate hikes tied to regional infrastructure costs—another reminder that utility spending is showing up in bills. Business & Tech: Banner Health named a new chief AI, data and infrastructure officer, signaling continued investment in AI-driven operations. Energy Markets: National coverage highlighted volatility in housing and electricity costs, while broader energy policy debates—especially around coal—kept moving markets.

Coal policy shake-up: The EPA proposed freeing a Wyoming coal plant from a 12-year shutdown deal, while President Trump announced nearly $700M for coal power and exports nationwide, including potential support tied to Wyoming’s Dave Johnston unit and coal supply chains. Energy transition debate: Wyoming leaders backed the coal investment for jobs and reliability, even as critics warn it could raise costs and environmental risk. Nuclear pivot for AI demand: TerraPower’s Kemmerer SMR project in Wyoming is framed as the next power source for data centers and AI growth, with industry leaders pointing to rising electricity needs. Ranching pressure from drought: USDA data shows drought is tightening cattle and hay supplies nationwide, with pasture stress spreading beyond the West and pushing ranchers toward selling or moving herds. Wyoming workforce bottleneck: A new report finds collision repair training pipelines fill only 42% of demand, with WyoTech ranking among top collision-program producers. Local business support: Wyoming’s childcare start-up grant returns for a fourth round, offering up to $10,000 to help new or expanding providers get licensed and add capacity. Wildlife-friendly fencing: In Jackson, eight local firms became Certified Wildlife-Friendly Fence Professionals, aiming to reduce harm to wildlife while keeping fences functional for landowners.

Wyoming Data Centers: Cheyenne LEADS says there are 10 operational data center locations in Cheyenne and Laramie County, 5 under construction, and 9 more in planning or due diligence—pushing back on higher “all proposals” counts and renewing the debate over water and power use. Coal Push: President Trump says he’ll use Cold War-era emergency powers to direct nearly $700 million toward coal-fired power plants and a West Oakland export terminal, with Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon calling Asian demand “essential for the lifeblood” of the state’s coal industry. Road Funding Pressure: A new national look at roadway conditions highlights how deferred maintenance is still hurting safety and shipping costs, with IIJA road money set to expire in October 2026. Public Health & Agriculture: Researchers report wildfire smoke can degrade bull sperm quality, raising questions about long-term reproductive impacts for people and workers. Local Governance: Crook County Clerk Melissa Jones received the Benjamin Franklin Award for Open Government for routine transparency and fast public records access. Social Security: A report warns benefits could drop by about $500 a month on average by 2032 if Congress doesn’t act.

Data Centers Policy: Gov. Mark Gordon signed an executive order laying out a “Data Centers the Wyoming Way” framework, aiming to attract AI infrastructure investment while pushing water and wildlife protections, workforce development, transparency, and safeguards for residential electricity customers. Local Governance & Housing: Laramie County commissioners postponed a vote on Iron Guard Workforce Housing’s “man camp” permit after the applicant requested more time to work through contractual issues, kicking the public hearing and decision to a later meeting. Education & Facilities: The Laramie County School District voted to sell or transfer the closed Deming Elementary School building, citing capacity and condition concerns and seeking to reduce long-term maintenance liability. Workforce & Skills: Casper College students won five gold medals at the Wyoming SkillsUSA state competition and advance to nationals in Atlanta. Rural Connectivity: Range announced a new fiber build in southeast Crook County and northeast Weston County—about 50 miles, serving roughly 60 rural customers, with service expected in spring 2027. Public Safety & Business: A South Grand-area business owner reported vandalism at The Gin Room, renewing calls for more police patrols.

State Fiscal Health: A Truth in Accounting report ranks Wyoming among the nation’s most fiscally stable states, placing it 3rd for FY2024, while Washington lands 31st—an issue tied to how states account for costs like pensions and deferred maintenance. Rural Connectivity: Range says it will build about 50 miles of fiber in southeast Crook County and northeast Weston County, bringing high-speed service to roughly 60 rural customers, with activations expected in spring 2027. Elections & Business Leadership: Former Wyoming elections director Charles “CJ” Young launches a bid for Secretary of State, pitching election integrity and support for Wyoming businesses; meanwhile, former state Rep. James Byrd faces newcomer Billy Benavidez in the Aug. 18 Democratic-U.S.-Senate primary field. Healthcare Access: A Becker’s Hospital Review analysis flags 720 rural hospitals nationwide at risk of closure, including nearly 300 at immediate risk—raising concerns for emergency and maternity access. Workforce & Childcare: Wyoming’s childcare provider grants reopen June 1, aiming to expand care and help parents work, with awards up to $10,000. Infrastructure & Safety: WYDOT begins summer bridge deck replacements on two Bear River crossings near Evanston, shifting traffic to alternating lanes with delays up to 15 minutes. Utilities & Regulation: Western utility regulators elected Arizona Commissioner Lea Márquez Peterson vice president of the Western Conference of Public Service Commissioners, reflecting ongoing grid and water infrastructure priorities across the region.

Wyoming U.S. Senate primaries: Five Republicans and two Democrats filed for Wyoming’s Aug. 18 junior U.S. senator nominations, setting up a crowded GOP field that includes Rep. Harriet Hageman and Sam Mead, with other contenders pitching land, rural communities and mental health access. Gaming and tourism investment: Wyoming Downs and 307 Horse Racing broke ground on an $80 million destination near I-25, projecting major job creation and new tax revenue, with a spring 2027 opening targeted. Cheyenne entertainment expansion: Tilt, a 14,000-square-foot indoor arcade/VR/mini-bowling venue, opened at Frontier Mall, giving families another all-seasons option as summer ramps up. Federal court fight tied to Wyoming tech: A judge blocked the NSF from transferring control of the NCAR-Wyoming Supercomputing Center, citing likely legal violations and possible political retaliation. Health care scrutiny in Wyoming region: CMS ratings highlighted poor performance at two Luzerne County nursing homes tied to ownership changes, underscoring ongoing staffing and quality concerns. Immigration medical neglect: A national investigation reports detainees in at least 33 states allege serious gaps in medical care, including delayed medications and untreated conditions.

Federal court blocks NCAR dismantling: A judge halted the Trump administration’s plan to transfer control of the NCAR-Wyoming Supercomputing Center in Boulder from the National Center for Atmospheric Research to the University of Wyoming, citing the risk of “brain drain” and operational harm. Wyoming childcare funding: Wyoming’s childcare provider grants are reopening June 1, following work by a state childcare working group to get more support out to providers. Energy and transportation pressure: Lawmakers and officials are weighing a potential fuel tax suspension or holiday as gas prices stay high, but WYDOT warns the state could lose roughly $9.5 million to $10.5 million per month, threatening major highway work. EV insurance cost gap: New data shows insuring an EV costs about 42% more than a gas car, though the gap is narrowing for newer models. Local business and growth: Nice expanded Western U.S. representation with Thomasson Marketing Group, covering Wyoming for 2GIG security solutions; and a new vacation rental brand, First Chair Destinations, is launching with a Wyoming presence. Uranium rally: Uranium stocks jumped on expectations of expanded enrichment capacity, boosting Wyoming-linked names like Ur-Energy.

Federal Courts & Science: A federal judge temporarily blocked the Trump administration from dismantling the National Center for Atmospheric Research, calling the move political revenge and pausing steps that would have shifted the NCAR-Wyoming Supercomputing Center in Cheyenne. Rural Health Policy: The Senate unanimously passed legislation to extend the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration for five years, giving rural hospitals more room to test Medicare payment models. Workforce & Childcare: Wyoming’s childcare provider grant program reopens June 1 with applications due July 15; the effort has already distributed nearly $235,000 to 29 providers and aims to stabilize a shrinking licensed childcare base. Local Business & Growth: Cheyenne hosted a data center information panel as residents ask how expansions affect planning and utilities; the city also faces workforce housing debate as Laramie County considers an 800-unit “man camp” proposal. Insurance Costs: A new report finds EVs cost about $3,159 a year to insure—roughly $1,000 more than gas cars—raising the payback timeline for drivers. Energy & Land Use: A major elk-habitat lease sale in northwestern Colorado would open migration and winter areas tied to Wyoming’s elk economy to oil and gas leasing.

Rural Health Funding: A bipartisan push to extend the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration for five more years cleared the Senate unanimously, giving rural hospitals a chance to test Medicare payment models aimed at keeping care close to home. Workforce & Community Childcare: Wyoming’s childcare provider grant program reopens June 1, with applications due July 15 and awards up to $10,000, as the state continues to grapple with a shrinking licensed childcare supply that directly affects parents’ ability to work and businesses’ ability to hire. Wyoming Politics: Wyoming’s crowded 2026 primaries are heating up, with multiple candidates filing for federal and statewide races and legislative contests, including challenges within the Freedom Caucus. Supercomputing & Research: A federal judge temporarily blocked the NSF from transferring control of the NCAR-Wyoming Supercomputing Center in Cheyenne, keeping UCAR in place while a lawsuit proceeds. Energy & Investment: Wyoming State Treasurer Curt Meier is again seeking sponsors for a Wyoming Generational Investment Account that would move reserve funds into a long-term investment strategy to reduce pressure for future tax hikes. Crypto Regulation Watch: Coinbase policy chief Faryar Shirzad says the CLARITY Act could be the biggest crypto regulatory bill since Dodd-Frank, while Sen. Cynthia Lummis warns the current window may close until 2030. Local Business & Payments: New research from Paysafe says crypto deposits are already popular with bettors in Wyoming and Colorado, suggesting sportsbooks could gain an edge where digital-asset payments are allowed. Conservation & Wildlife: Wyoming’s “Path of the Pronghorn” protection effort is nearing a key milestone after decades of work to secure a migration corridor for the species. Local Culture: Ucross unveiled its new “In Company” exhibition, pairing artists-in-residence to spotlight how creative relationships shape work.

Public Lands & Hunting: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service says more than 95% of national refuge lands could be opened to additional hunting and sport fishing under proposed federal changes, following an Interior push to remove barriers across agencies. Energy & Regulation: Colorado’s oil-and-gas ballot fight is reigniting after a fragile 2024 truce, with new measures aimed at tightening liability and reshaping consumer rights. Wyoming Business & Growth: A major new entrant is backing a $1.2 billion Wyoming solar and battery hub tied to Meta data centers, underscoring how power demand is reshaping the state’s development pipeline. Crypto Policy Watch: Wyoming Sen. Cynthia Lummis is warning the CLARITY Act’s legislative window could close until 2030, as crypto firms press for a 2026 vote. Local Economy & Housing: A community effort to help residents buy a mobile home park highlights how resident-ownership models are spreading as affordability pressures mount.

Data Centers & Power Deal: Enbridge is moving ahead with a $1.2 billion “Cowboy Project” near Cheyenne—365 MW of solar plus 200 MW/1,600 MWh of batteries—to supply electricity for Meta data centers, with service targeted for late 2027. Crypto Policy: Sen. Cynthia Lummis warned the CLARITY Act could miss its chance this Congress, pushing meaningful digital-asset rules out until 2030. Rural Health Funding: Wyoming lawmakers are weighing a plan to stretch five years of new federal rural health grants “forever,” using a Rural Health Transformation Perpetuity fund—though federal approval is uncertain. Insurance & Housing Finance: New VA home-loan figures show Wyoming had 279 VA-funded purchases in Q1 FY2026 totaling $108M, down from 307 purchases and $119.2M in Q4 FY2025. Public Lands & Energy Tension: A federal BLM lease sale in Colorado would open hundreds of acres tied to the nation’s largest elk herd, with migration and dark-sky tourism concerns spilling into southern Wyoming.

Rural Health Funding: Wyoming is looking to make five years of upcoming federal rural health grants last “forever,” proposing a plan that would turn awards from the Rural Health Transformation Program into an ongoing state fund for scholarships and support for small hospitals and rural ambulance services, though federal approval is uncertain. Data Centers & Power: Enbridge is moving ahead with a $1.2 billion “Cowboy Project” near Cheyenne—365 MW of solar paired with 200 MW/1,600 MWh of batteries—to supply electricity for Meta data centers starting in late 2027, highlighting how major tech buildouts are reshaping Wyoming’s grid planning. Crypto Regulation: Sen. Cynthia Lummis says the CLARITY Act—aimed at setting federal rules for crypto markets—may not get another real chance until 2030 if Congress misses this window, keeping developers and enforcement in limbo. Public Lands & Recreation Economy: A Wyoming-focused public lands push is framed around the economic value of hunting, fishing, and recreation on federal lands, arguing public lands are the backbone of western communities. VA Home Loans: Wyoming saw 279 VA home purchases in Q1 FY2026 totaling $108 million, down from 307 purchases and $119.2 million in Q4 FY2025.

Insurance & Consumer Protection: Illinois’ House cleared two bills that would give the state Insurance Department authority to regulate auto and homeowners insurance premiums, after lawmakers and Gov. JB Pritzker pointed to sharp, “unexplained” rate hikes. Crypto Policy Watch: Wyoming Sen. Cynthia Lummis says the CLARITY Act’s next realistic chance could be until 2030 if Congress doesn’t act now, warning developers and law enforcement could stay without clear rules. Housing & Lending: VA data shows Wyoming had 279 VA home purchases in Q1 FY2026 totaling $108 million, down from 307 purchases and $119.2 million in Q4 FY2025. Local Business & Jobs: Stinker Stores named owner Nancy Jones as CEO and promoted several C-suite leaders after Nate Brazier stepped down. Wyoming Energy & Environment: Critics testified against a proposed $4 billion pumped-water storage project near Seminoe Reservoir, arguing it could harm the North Platte “Miracle Mile” trout fishery and a bighorn sheep herd. Public Safety: Cheyenne and Rock Springs police reported card skimmers found on gas pumps, urging customers to be vigilant.

Crypto Regulation: Sen. Cynthia Lummis says the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act has a narrow path and warns the next realistic legislative window could be 2030 if Congress doesn’t act now. Local Business & Jobs: Stinker Stores is reshuffling leadership after CEO Nate Brazier’s departure, naming owner Nancy Jones as CEO and promoting executives across operations, tech, and customer experience. Affordability & Household Pressure: A new survey finds 42% of adults 30+ feel financially insecure, with many citing rising prices outpacing income—an issue AARP Wyoming says is top of mind for retirement planning. Data Centers & Water Concerns: Microsoft held a public Cheyenne meeting on data center expansion, with researchers urging deeper review of water and energy impacts as power demand grows. Community & Small Business: A Cheyenne flower shop, Bouquets Unlimited, is closing July 1 after 44 years, citing rising costs and competition. Consumer Safety: Rock Springs police found a card skimmer at a Maverik pump, and Cheyenne police say similar scams could happen locally. Entrepreneurship Pulse: Wyoming led the nation in new business applications per capita in a recent LendingTree analysis, with especially strong interest among younger adults.