AGP Executive Report

Healthcare & Consumer Relief: The White House says nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including Montana, will get $500 Obamacare overcharge refunds tied to federal exchange “user fees.” Energy & Fuels: EPA granted 29 small refinery exemptions from 2025 Renewable Fuel Standard blending rules and proposed restoring the lost renewable volume for 2026-27. Timber & Conservation: Stimson Lumber completed a 15-year effort with a final Montana conservation easement, putting 130,000 acres under permanent protection while keeping sustainable timber production and public access. Public Works & Transportation: MDT will close the I-15 Spring Creek Interchange (Exit 219) Sept. 14-16 for drainage work, with more ramp closures and paving expected afterward. Food Safety: An Idaho company recalled broccoli sprouts after potential salmonella contamination, following other recent sprouts recalls. Local Government & Services: Kalispell is seeking permits for winter-ready storage sheds for city equipment, including Solid Waste and Water Department gear. Water Policy: A federal judge ruled the Constitution doesn’t guarantee a right to safe drinking water, shifting disputes toward legislation and regulation. Ranching & Trade: Montana ranchers react to beef import tariff changes, saying policies are undermining U.S. cattle producers.

Obamacare Refunds: President Trump says nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including Montana, will get $500 refunds for “overcharges” tied to federal exchange user fees. Fuel Policy: The EPA granted 29 small refinery exemptions from 2025 Renewable Fuel Standard blending rules and says it will reallocate the exempted renewable fuel volume into 2026-27 obligations. Food Safety: An Idaho company recalled 215 cases of broccoli sprouts after possible salmonella contamination tied to a multistate outbreak. Montana Roads: I-15’s Spring Creek Interchange at Exit 219 will close Sept. 14-16 for drainage work, with detours via Exit 226; more ramp closures are expected after paving. Energy/Industry: A federal appeals court tossed a New Jersey permit for a $1 billion underwater gas pipeline, sending regulators back to redo parts of the approval process. Workforce & Research: UW received a $14.8M NSF grant to operate and maintain a King Air atmospheric research aircraft through 2031. Public Safety/Health: A judge ruled the Constitution doesn’t guarantee a right to safe drinking water, limiting lawsuits over water quality.

Obamacare Refunds: The White House says nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including Montana, will get $500 refunds for “overcharges” tied to federal ACA marketplace user fees collected during the Biden years. Data Center Pushback: Construction has started at Quantica’s proposed Broadview data center site, with crews building an access road and preparing well pads as residents continue protesting and seek more say in the project. Energy Planning: Wyoming’s Energy Authority hired Energy Strategies to run a statewide electricity transmission planning study, citing future demand and data center growth. Conservation Easement: Montana officials moved into the second phase of a Cabinet Mountains conservation easement, adding about 13,000 acres while keeping public access for hunting, hiking and other recreation. Outdoor Policy: The U.S. Forest Service is considering revisions to rules governing motorized use, a move that could affect how people access national forest roads and trails. Public Health: Evergreen Fresh Sprouts recalled 215 cases of broccoli sprouts linked to a Salmonella outbreak that has sickened people in Idaho, Montana, Utah and Washington. Workforce & Education: Flathead Valley Community College will host forums with four presidential search finalists next week.

Health & Food Safety: Evergreen Fresh Sprouts LLC (Idaho) recalled 215 cases of broccoli sprouts after a Salmonella link; product may have reached Idaho, Montana and Washington, and consumers are urged to discard affected bags. Public Lands & Recreation: The U.S. Forest Service is weighing revisions to the Travel Management Rule that governs where motorized vehicles can go in national forests, a major shift from the long-standing “closed unless designated open” approach. Healthcare Policy: The White House says nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including Montana, will get $500 Obamacare refunds tied to alleged federal exchange “user fee” overcharges. Energy & Environment: A new study reports obesity blocks a natural breast-cancer defense process, helping explain why obesity raises risk. Local Industry & Growth: Park County approved a commercial subdivision east of Livingston, creating 12 lots near the interstate and railroad. Agriculture & Workforce: MSU’s Steer-A-Year program is back for 2026-27 and is seeking donations of young cattle and feed. Legislation Watch: Montana lawmakers are pushing a statewide kratom ban, while the industry argues regulation is the better path.

Obamacare Refunds: The White House says nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including Montana, will get $500 checks in October after “user fees” inflated premiums under the federal ACA marketplace. Mining & Cleanup: A U.S. bankruptcy judge approved the sale of Montana Tunnels Mining’s Jefferson City-area mine property to Silver Bow Mining, clearing the way for new ownership and triggering payments tied to back property taxes and DEQ remediation bonds. Workforce Milestone: Montana’s Labor Day report highlights record labor force levels in 2025 (577,800+) and record wage growth, with healthcare leading job gains. Water Protection Funding: A Livingston invasive-species group says QZAP money meant to protect Montana waters still hasn’t arrived, warning the grant could be returned if not disbursed by month’s end. Energy & Infrastructure: Wyoming selected Energy Strategies for a statewide electricity transmission planning study, aimed at mapping constraints and future build needs. Public Safety: Billings police report two recent child e-scooter/e-bike crashes, underscoring school-zone caution. Environment & Wildlife: Federal agencies closed 20 hazardous uranium mine features in Montana’s Pryor Mountains, using bat-friendly gates and backfilling to reduce risks. Local Business/Training: A new Montana Institute of Esthetics is opening in Butte to fill the training gap left by a long-running beauty school closure.

Healthcare Refunds: President Trump says nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including Montana, will get one-time $500 Obamacare rebate checks starting in October, tied to alleged federal exchange “user fee” overcharges. Food Safety: The FDA and CDC are investigating a Salmonella outbreak linked to recalled Evergreen Fresh Sprouts broccoli sprouts, with 22 reported cases across Idaho, Montana, Washington and Utah; consumers and retailers are urged not to eat or serve the affected products. Tribal & Water Concerns: The CSKT opposes a proposed 32-acre opencut gravel pit near Pablo, citing risks to the Mud Creek aquifer, nearby homes, and water and sewer infrastructure. Manufacturing & Jobs: Gov. Gianforte’s 56 County Tour highlighted southcentral Montana manufacturers, including Crazy Creek Products in Red Lodge and Montana Silversmiths in Columbus. Fiber Expansion: Clearwave and Visionary Broadband plan to combine into a 17-state fiber platform reaching about 700,000 homes and businesses. Tech Economy: A new report says Montana’s high-tech industry grew twice as fast as the state economy from 2014-2024, reaching $7.9B in 2024 revenue. Local Infrastructure: Great Falls’ River’s Edge Trail “Kings Bridge” section will close Sept. 14 for bridge repairs. Agriculture Relief: Farm Rescue’s “Operation Hay Lift” is delivering hay to drought-stressed ranchers across North Dakota, South Dakota and Montana. Mining/Finance: Integral Metals closed a non-brokered flow-through private placement raising C$1.25M for Canadian exploration spending.

OGI Drone Tech: Vision Aerial launched OGI Scout 2.0 for its Vulcan SX, adding Aquanta Vision’s pixel-based “Pixel Analysis Mode” to detect and color methane and other hydrocarbon plumes in-flight. Food Safety: The FDA and CDC are investigating a Salmonella outbreak tied to recalled Evergreen Fresh Sprouts broccoli sprouts, with 22 illnesses reported across Idaho, Montana, Washington and Utah (two hospitalizations). Ag Policy & Public Lands: Montana Farm Bureau submitted comments backing BLM’s updated grazing rules, urging science-based management while protecting rural communities and family ranch transitions. State Labs Upgrade: MSU celebrated the opening of the Combined State Labs building, bringing together the Wool Lab, the Veterinary Diagnostic Lab, and the Montana Department of Agriculture’s Analytical Lab. Livestock Health Watch: Montana Department of Livestock and MSU Extension issued guidance after New World screwworm was detected in Texas, including requirements for animals moving into Montana. Ag Growth Funding: Montana Department of Agriculture announced 2026 Growth Through Agriculture awards totaling $806,596 for 17 value-added projects statewide. Local Industry Leadership: Stockman Bank promoted Scott Johnson to branch manager in Plentywood, with a background in ag lending and community service. Rancher Priorities: Sen. Tim Sheehy highlighted efforts to strengthen “Buy American” rules for school meals, arguing it matters for Montana producers and food supply integrity. Wildfire/Forestry Collaboration: Rep. Ryan Zinke unveiled the “A River Runs Through It Act” aimed at collaborative restoration and fuels reduction across large western Montana acreage. Data Center Tension: Butte-Silver Bow commissioners discussed a potential data center moratorium as residents push for more community input.

Food Safety: The CDC and FDA are investigating a Salmonella outbreak tied to broccoli sprouts from Evergreen Fresh Sprouts LLC in Idaho; 55 people are sick in Idaho, Montana, Utah and Washington, and Montana officials helped trigger a Sept. 4 recall. Public Health & Access: Planned Parenthood of Montana is moving into Bozeman with a new health center planned for summer 2027, expanding in-person abortion care for about 1,400 Gallatin Valley patients who already travel or use telehealth. Agriculture & Livestock: Montana DOL and FWP are warning about New World screwworm after cases in Texas and New Mexico, urging wound monitoring and adding entry requirements for animals coming into Montana. Conservation & Land Use: Rep. Ryan Zinke is backing a “A River Runs Through It Act” to expand protections and recreation around the Upper Blackfoot River, blending wilderness, timber and wildfire-risk work. Local Infrastructure: Fairfield’s town council is weighing next steps for a water project, including a larger storage-tank option aimed at qualifying for federal grant funding. Policy Watch: Montana lawmakers are considering stronger limits on the “Wild West” kratom industry, including proposals that would ban or tightly control it. Energy & Industry: Hamilton, Montana, is opposing the Sheep Creek rare earth exploration project, citing risks to water, agriculture and fisheries. Media Business: E.W. Scripps is reorganizing local TV leadership into 11 regions and cutting 27 local leadership roles.

Roadless Rule Fight: A new push from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to scrap the Roadless Area Conservation Rule threatens protections for about 10 million acres in Montana and Wyoming, with knock-on risks for drinking-water quality, wildlife habitat, and wildfire prevention. Montana Water Court Ruling: A Montana federal judge temporarily blocked Interior and West Side Ditch Co. from diverting Upper Clark Fork River water when flows fall low enough to likely harm endangered bull trout. Workforce & Training: Montana State University–Northern interim chancellor Dr. Jennifer Brown was appointed to the Montana State Apprenticeship Advisory Council as the education representative, helping guide apprenticeship expansion statewide. Defense Supply Chain: Mobix Labs says it landed its first production order for components supporting the U.S. Air Force F-16 fleet, with shipments planned over the coming weeks. Planned Parenthood Expansion: Planned Parenthood of Montana is renovating a Bozeman building for a new health center, aiming to bring services closer to Gallatin County residents. Local Access Rules: Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks rolled out a Block Management Enforcement Network program, letting participating landowners restrict access for people convicted of violating landowner rules or fish-and-game laws. Agriculture Economy: USDA data shows farmland values hit another all-time high in 2026, even as the pace of increases slows—good for owners, tougher for renters and new operators. Energy & Trade Pressure: A Canada-U.S. tariff fight is spilling into politics and consumer costs, with Canadian retaliation aimed at states with close elections.

Mining & Labor: Sibanye-Stillwater strike activity is steady as picket lines hold at Stillwater Mine and the Columbus metallurgical facility, with East Boulder Mine excluded under a separate agreement while talks continue. State Tax Policy: Gov. Greg Gianforte is proposing a flat 4.7% Montana income tax rate, a shift from the current top 5.4% bracket, with critics warning of revenue impacts. Agriculture & Land Values: USDA data shows farmland values hitting record highs again in 2026, up 3.4% to $4,500 per acre, while cash rents stay sticky and keep pressure on renters. Energy & Housing/Infrastructure: Home insurance rates rose nearly 47% nationwide from 2020-2025, with Montana-area implications as insurers respond to weather-driven losses. Workforce & Business: Montana highlights its 406 JOBS initiative and workforce readiness push as employers seek skilled labor. Data Centers & Local Concerns: Great Falls leaders field questions on data center growth, including energy-cost worries and environmental impact. Legal/Policy: State AGs urge defunding the National Academies over climate-related work tied to climate litigation. Montana Economy/Trade: Alberta promotes stronger North American trade and transportation links, with Montana included among participating states.

Montana Energy & Industry: Domestic Metals Corp. has started a planned 9,000-meter diamond drill program at its Smart Creek copper project near Butte, aiming to test high-grade porphyry copper targets identified in earlier exploration. Federal Land & Ranching: A federal judge granted American Prairie a preliminary injunction, keeping its bison grazing on current federal allotments while the court weighs whether the Bureau of Land Management can revoke permits under a new livestock definition. Local Infrastructure: Sheridan County commissioners approved a license agreement with Montana-Dakota Utilities for an underground power line bored crossing at County Road 104 (River Road). Workforce & Economy: Montana Renewables revised its biorefinery expansion plans, reducing the scope and expected loan draw from the original $1.4 billion approval to $816 million. Agriculture & Environment: A new bird migration explainer highlights how tools like BirdCast and eBird help track massive migration movements over Montana regions. Community Spotlight: The Bitterroot Building Industry Association’s 2026 Tour of Homes runs Sept. 18–20, offering a self-guided look at local home design trends.

Energy & Costs: AAA reports Labor Day gas prices hitting record highs nationwide, with Montana averaging about $4.38 a gallon as Middle East-related supply disruptions keep pressure on pumps. Power Infrastructure: Sheridan County commissioners approved a license agreement with Montana-Dakota Utilities for an underground power line bored crossing on River Road, clearing the way for the project. Workforce & Growth: Montana Renewables says it’s revising its biorefinery expansion plans—cutting the expansion scope and expected loan draw from $1.4B to $816M—aiming for a more efficient, cost-effective build. Mining & Labor: Sibanye-Stillwater faces a strike at its Montana PGM operations, spotlighting tensions over health care and benefits. Environment & Public Lands: A new study warns Yellowstone geysers could become far less active as warming reduces snowpack, with ripple effects for tourism and wildfire risk. Safety: Montana Highway Patrol says a Billings man died after being ejected from his truck and run over; investigators are seeking a suspect vehicle.

Labor & Politics: Union endorsements are crossing party lines in Montana’s federal races, with candidates backing collective bargaining rights and leaning on labor support as working-class voters become a key battleground. Energy Costs: Americans are staring at the most expensive Labor Day gas prices on record, with the national average topping about $4.14 a gallon as Middle East tensions keep crude prices elevated. Mining & Jobs: Sibanye-Stillwater miners at Montana palladium operations began a strike over health benefits and incentive pay, raising near-term production risk for the U.S.’s main primary palladium source. Workforce Development: Gov. Greg Gianforte highlighted Montana’s 406 JOBS initiative, focusing on pathways into good jobs and tackling barriers like childcare, transportation, and housing. Local Infrastructure: Whitefish City Council will discuss using federal community project funding for a Big Mountain Road/East Lakeshore Drive roundabout aimed at improving safety and traffic flow. Public Safety: Montana’s Workforce is Ready for What’s Next also ties into broader state efforts to protect youth and improve community wellbeing.

Energy & Costs: Americans are bracing for record Labor Day gas prices, with the national average projected around $4.03 a gallon and already near $4.14 amid Middle East-driven oil volatility. Workforce & Policy: Gov. Greg Gianforte is pushing stronger protections for Montana children from harmful social media effects, citing rising screen time and mental health concerns. Ranching & Water: Eastern Montana ranchers are getting creative as drought dries up cattle water, including using portable “sketchy” hauling tanks to keep livestock alive. Wildlife & Agriculture: A lightning strike killed 220 sheep in the Gravelly Mountains, prompting rapid carcass disposal and predator-deterrent fencing efforts across western Montana. Defense & Infrastructure: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers updated plans for a Sentinel missile underground communications network tied to Montana’s Malmstrom missile field. Local Health Training: Life Flight Network opened a new clinical training center in Idaho to strengthen air medical care across Montana and the region.

Energy & Costs: Americans head into Labor Day with record-high gasoline prices, with GasBuddy projecting the national average could hit about $4.03 a gallon as war-linked supply pressures keep fuel expensive. Federal Policy & Wildlife: President Trump signed an executive order pushing Interior to consider rolling back Endangered Species Act protections for gray wolves and Mexican gray wolves, including changes aimed at livestock predation standards and state coordination. Defense Infrastructure: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers updated a Sentinel Utility Corridor plan for the underground communications network supporting the LGM-35A Sentinel missile system, estimated at $1.4B–$2B. Workforce & Training: Montana is highlighting 406 JOBS and a growing digital Talent Marketplace effort to connect workers with training and employers. Agriculture & Drought: Eastern Montana ranchers are improvising to keep cattle watered as drought deepens, including portable tank setups. Local Industry & Data Centers: Custer County zoning hearings drew calls for stronger rules or a moratorium on hyperscale data centers, with residents focused on water, power, noise, and unclear size thresholds. CDL Pipeline: Miles Community College is expanding its CDL program to meet ongoing demand for commercial drivers.

Workforce & Training: Montana’s Workforce Warrior campaign launched with tribal leaders and state officials to spotlight Native career paths in skilled trades, health care, education, public service, business, and entrepreneurship. Workforce & CDL Pipeline: Miles Community College is expanding its CDL program as trucking demand grows, aiming to close a national driver shortage. Energy & Cost Pressure: Labor Day is shaping up with record-high gasoline prices, with analysts projecting the U.S. average could hit about $4.03 a gallon as Middle East tensions keep fuel supplies tight. Local Industry & Permitting: Custer County zoning hearings put data centers under the microscope, with residents urging stronger rules or a moratorium over water, power, and noise impacts. Wildlife & Land Management: Yellowstone National Park is closing part of Buffalo Creek and using fish poison to remove invasive rainbow trout to protect native cutthroat trout. Agriculture & Food Safety: Montana and Washington are investigating a Salmonella outbreak tied to broccoli sprouts, with no recall issued so far. Economy & State Spending: Montana reported $9.8 billion in FY26 spending, with federal funds making up 43% of the total.