AGP Executive Report

PFAS Lawsuit: A Montana federal judge allowed local governments’ PFAS firefighter turnout-gear conspiracy case against 3M and DuPont to proceed for now, keeping pressure on manufacturers over contamination claims. Energy Reliability: The U.S. Department of Energy issued an emergency order for 17 states in the Southwest Power Pool region—including Montana—to secure generation and reliability during extreme heat. Grid & Rates: NorthWestern Energy reported second-quarter 2026 results, citing new rates and retail volumes, while noting Montana remains the last regulatory step for its merger. Medicaid Update: Montana’s Medicaid Expansion community engagement requirements kicked in July 1, with 19–64 members needing 80 hours of qualifying activities monthly to keep coverage. Food & Dairy: Montana regulators say Meadow Gold’s Billings plant still has compliance issues after DFA claimed problems were fixed, as milk spoilage complaints continue. Mining & Metals: Tungsten prices have surged tenfold, boosting investor interest and exploration momentum tied to Montana-relevant critical-mineral supply chains. Agriculture: Cover crop seed suppliers urge farmers to book fall needs now as some varieties face tighter supplies and higher prices. Local Business/Community: Pye-Barker Fire & Safety highlighted continued expansion with acquisitions, while Montana fairs and local projects (like a Polson splash pad) move forward with community funding and planning. Workforce Snapshot: A regional unemployment comparison puts Montana near the low end nationally, reinforcing the state’s competitive labor-market story.

Power Reliability: The U.S. Department of Energy issued an emergency order for 17 states—including Montana—to boost generation and reliability maintenance during extreme heat, with Southwest Power Pool able to use backup generation if needed. Food & Agriculture: A Laurel goat farmer is promoting raw milk after reports of spoilage and early expiration issues tied to commercially produced milk in the region, while Montana State University opened a Combined State Labs building to expand agricultural research, diagnostics, and testing for livestock and feed. Energy Infrastructure: Fall River Electric Partners announced a new natural gas-fired power project in northern Idaho aimed at reliable, lower-emitting generation for eastern Idaho and southwestern Montana, with a pathway to hydrogen blending. Mining & Environment: A proposed coal mine expansion in Canada’s Elk Valley is advancing through assessment despite concerns about worsening selenium pollution affecting Montana and Idaho. Local Governance & Industry: Yellowstone County Commissioners tabled a proposed policy that would have restricted political activity and signature gathering on county property after public pushback. Water & Policy: Congressman Troy Downing’s Crow Tribe water rights bill cleared a key House committee hurdle, updating the 2010 settlement to speed reservation water infrastructure and extend hydropower rights. Public Safety: Montana Army National Guard crews completed instructor certification for a new VITA hoist rescue system to expand statewide helicopter rescue capability.

Energy Grid Watch: The U.S. Department of Energy issued an emergency power order for 17 states, including Montana and Wyoming, letting the Southwest Power Pool bring backup generators online as extreme heat pushes demand toward record levels. Mining & Permitting: Bitterroot National Forest has started an environmental review for the Sheep Creek rare-earth exploratory mining project near Darby, with a public comment period expected in August. Tech & Jobs: A new University of Montana report says Montana’s high-tech sector hit $7.9B in 2024, with tech revenue growing faster than the state overall and AI use spreading across firms. Ag Drought: Wheatland County declared a drought emergency after nearly 30 weeks of worsening conditions, citing severe livestock water and feed shortages. Local Infrastructure: Whitefish plans intersection upgrades at U.S. 93 and Montana 40, plus road resurfacing tied to a major housing development. Rural Economy & Succession: A Montana rural retirement dilemma highlights generational farm and ranch handoffs as land values rise and heirs can’t afford to buy in. Farmers Union: Montana Farmers Union opened registration for its 111th annual convention in Bozeman Oct. 15–18. Community & Safety: Montana’s Department of Livestock investigated complaints about milk spoiling early at the Billings Meadow Gold plant, but said no recall was issued.

Grid & Energy: The U.S. Department of Energy issued an emergency order for 17 states, including Montana and Wyoming, letting the Southwest Power Pool bring backup generators online as extreme heat pushes demand toward near-record levels, aiming to prevent outages and avoid a potential Level 3 alert. Food & Safety: Montana’s Department of Livestock investigated complaints about milk spoiling early at the Billings Meadow Gold plant, citing sanitation/contamination-related issues during inspections, but reported no recall was issued. Environment & Health: EPA cleanup work continues in East Helena, with yard excavations planned to remove lead-contaminated soil on properties exceeding federal thresholds. Climate Courts: Youth plaintiffs are asking the full Ninth Circuit to rehear a climate lawsuit after a three-judge panel rejected their claims about unconstitutional executive orders. Agriculture & Workforce: Montana Farmers Union endorsed I-194, “The Montana Plan,” joining a coalition focused on election accountability and pushing farm-and-ranch priorities into the November 2026 debate. Tech & Business: A new report says Montana’s tech industry grew faster than the state overall from 2014 to 2024, reaching $7.9B in revenue in 2024. Nuclear & Defense: Antares raised $470M to advance small modular reactors for U.S. military bases, with Colorado and Montana among the sites in a Defense Department selection process.

Energy & Grid Reliability: The U.S. Department of Energy put Louisiana and 16 other states—including Montana—under an emergency power order as extreme heat raises blackout risk, letting regional grid operators dispatch extra resources. Power & Renewables: Missoula and Bozeman moved closer to a statewide green power option with a new agreement headed to the Montana Public Service Commission. Utilities Planning: Public comments pushed back on NorthWestern Energy’s plan that leans heavily on gas generation and also looks to nuclear replacing Colstrip power later. Agriculture & Ranching: USDA data show pasture and range conditions worsening in major cattle states, including Montana, as heat and dry weather strain grazing. Construction & Infrastructure: Kalispell will start building a new roundabout at Woodland Avenue and Second Street East/Conrad Drive in August to improve safety and traffic flow. Business & Industry Deals: Adapture Renewables and REC Power completed a transaction transferring ownership of a 68 MW operating distributed solar portfolio that includes Montana projects. Food Processing: Georgia finalized a Cooperative Interstate Shipment agreement that expands market access for participating state-inspected meat processors, adding to the program’s reach. Local Economy Watch: Bozeman officials oppose the planned sale of the downtown federal building, arguing it’s a valuable asset for downtown services. Science & Water: MSU Billings researchers are sampling the Yellowstone River to track how water chemistry and microscopic life are changing. Legal/Mining: Montana Tunnels Mining filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection amid an ongoing fight with DEQ over mine cleanup costs and county property taxes.

Labor Market Snapshot: Neighboring states show different economic momentum: Wyoming hit 3.2% unemployment in June, Montana matched at 3.3%, while Idaho sat at 3.7% and Washington lagged at 5.2%, underscoring how industry mix and policy choices shape hiring. Power Grid & Heat: The U.S. DOE issued an emergency order for 17 states, including Montana, authorizing the Southwest Power Pool to tap idle backup generation through Aug. 3 as extreme heat raises blackout risk. Energy Planning Clash: Public comments to Montana’s PSC criticized NorthWestern Energy’s integrated resource plan for leaning heavily on gas and nuclear while raising cost and environmental concerns. Wildfire Smoke Impacts: Montana DEQ issued air quality alerts for 21 counties as smoke pushed readings into unhealthy territory, with more smoke possible over the next week. Agriculture in Motion: North Central Montana grain elevators are running at full speed during harvest, with truck turnarounds measured in minutes to keep producers in the fields. Food & Local Industry: Butte’s Harrington Bottling Company won a national Pepsi quality and safety award, highlighting the role of its aquifer-sourced water. Water Quality Research: MSU Billings researchers are sampling the Yellowstone River for DNA and microbes to spot ecological stress before oxygen problems worsen. Rural Business Expansion: USDA Secretary Rollins and Georgia finalized a cooperative interstate shipment program to expand market access for state-inspected meat processors. Public Works Accessibility: Glendive residents raised ADA concerns about the Bell Street Bridge approach; city officials say the project is still being completed and changes are planned. Recreation & Access: Montana FWP is replacing the Cyr Bridge fishing access boat slide, with temporary evening closures starting July 28.

Energy Reliability: The U.S. Energy Department issued an emergency order letting the Southwest Power Pool tap idle backup power across parts of 17 states as extreme heat raises the risk of blackouts and rotating outages. Manufacturing & Supply Chains: China’s rare-earth magnet push is squeezing U.S. plans, but REalloys says it’s building a North America “mine-to-magnet” pipeline as Pentagon restrictions on Chinese-origin magnets take effect. Defense Drones: Mobix Labs agreed to buy Montana-based Vision Aerial for about $15M, aiming to expand secure drones and aerial intelligence with U.S.-built platforms. Higher Costs at the Pump: GasBuddy reports diesel prices in Missoula County hit $4.19 at the low end for the week ending July 18, while Montana’s diesel average rose to $4.58. Campus Infrastructure: UM’s Grizzly Indoor Practice Facility (“the dome”) is down for manufacturer evaluation after it struggled to hold air, with teams hoping to get it back quickly. Ag & Food: Kansas State University is testing a new durum wheat variety aimed at boosting pasta production as wheat acres shift. Tourism & Local Business: Glacier National Park’s foreign visitor entry fee debate is back in the spotlight after Two Sisters Cafe owners questioned the $100 surcharge.

Sports & Facilities: The University of Montana’s $10M Grizzly Indoor Practice Facility (“the dome”) is still down after it struggled to hold air, and UM says manufacturers are now assessing the root cause—officials believe it may not be the recent thunderstorm. Agriculture & Community: The Flathead Cherry Festival wrapped in Polson, highlighting local orchards and makers and the agritourism draw for Flathead Valley visitors. Energy & Weather: A prolonged central U.S. heat wave is straining power grids, with heat warnings stretching from Montana to Texas and record-setting temperatures possible—bad news for summer electricity demand. Public Works (Bozeman): The city is seeking proposals for renovation of the Bozeman Library Children’s Room, including general contracting, sequencing, and upgrades. Industry & Logistics (Food): Pacific Seafood completed its acquisition of Ocean Beauty Seafoods’ distribution component, aiming to meet growing national seafood demand. Local Culture: Butte Sports Hall of Fame inducted its 2026 class, awarding green jackets to standout athletes and teams.

Workforce & Immigration: Montana Sen. Tim Sheehy is pushing a new Senate bill to pause new H-1B visas for three years and permanently codify the $100,000 fee for new applications—aimed at stopping what he calls loopholes that undercut American workers. Energy & Grid: A prolonged heat wave is baking the central U.S. from Montana to the Gulf, threatening power-grid reliability as demand climbs and wind output may lag. Weather & Impacts: Billings hit 102°F on July 25, breaking a 92-year record for the date, with more heat and isolated storms expected. Local Agriculture & Food: The fourth annual Bodhi Farm-to-Table Food Festival in Montana drew 300+ attendees and featured chefs using Montana-grown ingredients, including bison from a local ranch. Public Works & Construction: Bozeman issued an RFP for renovating the City Library’s children’s room, covering general contracting, sequencing, and MEP upgrades. Fuel Prices: GasBuddy reports show mixed but generally elevated prices statewide, with Dawson County midgrade hitting $4.05 and Fergus County regular as low as $3.88 in the week ending July 18. Defense & Research: U.S. Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll visited Montana State University to discuss expanding university support for national security priorities.

Agriculture & Food: Montana-grown ingredients drew more than 300 people to the fourth annual Bodhi Farm-to-Table Food Festival in Bozeman, where 10 chefs and local food businesses served dishes built from Gallatin Valley farms and ranches, including Swiss chard from Bodhi Farms and bison from North Bridger Bison Ranch. Public Works: The City of Bozeman put out an RFP for general contracting to renovate the Bozeman Library Children’s Room, covering scheduling, construction execution, MEP upgrades, finishes, and furnishings, with proposals due Aug. 13. Energy & Infrastructure: U.S. Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll visited Montana State University to discuss how MilTech and related MSU research efforts support national security needs. Weather & Power Demand: Extreme heat continues to press across the central U.S., with heat warnings/advisories stretching from Montana to Texas and rising electricity demand as a key concern. Local Economy Watch: GasBuddy reported Fergus County’s lowest regular price at $3.88 per gallon for the week ending July 18, while Montana’s average sat at $4.02. Policy & Labor: Sen. Tim Sheehy of Montana introduced a bill to suspend new H-1B visas for three years and tighten eligibility, aiming to curb what he calls program abuse.

Daylight Saving Time Fight: The House passed the Sunshine Protection Act for year-round daylight saving, but Montana Sen. Steve Daines says it likely won’t clear the Senate—especially with concerns about late winter sunrises for Western states. Foreign Adversary Protections: Gov. Jim Pillen signed Nebraska’s LB 1096 to criminalize illegal import of dangerous pests/pathogens, part of a broader push to protect agriculture and the economy from foreign threats. Workforce Policy: Montana Sen. Tim Sheehy introduced a bill to pause new H-1B visas for three years and tighten eligibility, arguing the program is being abused and harms American workers. Energy & Local Power: Missoula and Missoula County moved closer to a statewide green power program, with a voluntary clean-energy subscription plan headed to the Montana Public Service Commission. Wildlife Management: Montana FWP says wolf numbers were overestimated, recommending cutting the next hunt/trap quota in half. Conservation & Federal Rules: A federal judge denied NPS’s request to pause litigation in the Yellowstone bison herds case. Agriculture Research: Montana State University celebrated a new Combined State Labs building bringing together wool, veterinary diagnostic, and analytical testing labs. Outdoor Economy: Montana State Fair opened in Great Falls with rides, food, and major concerts. Local Development: Bozeman artist selected to paint Montana’s largest mural on Glendive’s grain elevator, tied to downtown tourism funding. Grizzly Safety Debate: Advocates petition Montana to require hunters and trappers to carry bear spray after a fatal Glacier bear attack report.

Local Infrastructure Finance: Dawson County commissioners defended the countywide bond for the West Glendive Levee Project after residents questioned why taxpayers outside the original special district should pay. Tourism & Downtown Development: A Bozeman artist was selected to paint Montana’s largest mural on Glendive’s historic grain elevator, funded through a $1.25M state tourism grant tied to downtown revitalization. Energy & Grid Policy: Gov. Jim Pillen signed a bill aimed at protecting Nebraska’s agriculture and economy from illegal imports of dangerous pests/pathogens, while across the country the “Ratepayer Protection Pledge” expands as data centers face scrutiny over electricity costs. AI Data Center Legal Fight (Montana): Yellowstone County data-center backers are arguing signatures should be paused as a lawsuit challenges the initiative’s validity, with the Right to Compute Act cited in filings. Agriculture & Workforce: Montana Stockgrowers Foundation awarded $26,000 in scholarships to nine students. Public Lands & Wildlife: A federal judge denied the NPS request to pause litigation in the Yellowstone bison management plan case. Safety & Wildlife Management: Montana advocates petitioned to require hunters and trappers to carry bear spray amid grizzly safety concerns. Construction & Transportation: Work on U.S. 93 west of Whitefish continues with closures and delays through fall 2026. Economy Watch: AAA reported gas prices rising nationally, with Idaho averaging $4.23 per gallon.

Energy & Utilities: Montana PSC is taking public comment on NorthWestern Energy’s 20-year Integrated Resource Plan, with speakers criticizing an overreliance on fossil fuels and nuclear assumptions as winter capacity concerns loom by 2027. Infrastructure & Safety: Billings planners laid out four options for the 21st Street underpass, aiming to improve emergency access and reduce clearance-related risks for ambulances and fire trucks. Aerial Tech & Defense: Mobix Labs signed a definitive deal to acquire Vision Aerial, expanding U.S.-built, NDAA-compliant drone systems for national security, wildfire response, energy and infrastructure inspection, and public safety. Coal & Federal Lands: Interior released a major USGS update on coal potential beneath federal lands, highlighting billions of tons of reported reserves and long-term energy supply claims. Environment & Recreation: Glacier National Park will plug a leaking oil well near Kintla Lake starting July 27, with trail and campground impacts during construction. Agriculture & Workforce: Montana Farmers Union is hosting a free “Montana Farmers Markets” day camp for kids, while a Montana Free Press analysis found two southwest counties account for over 40% of certified temporary foreign-worker positions for Montana employers in FY2025. Local Economy: UM’s Lodge Dining Center won national grand prize honors for new facility performance and carbon neutrality. Public Lands & Wildlife: Groups sued the Army Corps over a nationwide permit that would fast-track pipeline construction through wetlands and waterways. Tourism Safety: Yellowstone officials are warning visitors after a viral incident where tourists left boardwalks and walked on fragile hot-spring crust.

Workforce & Education: Dawson Community College’s Cyber Camp is using the University of Montana’s CyberMontana Grant to teach Eastern Montana kids cybersecurity plus hands-on coding, 3D modeling, electronics, and game design. Local Infrastructure: Gallatin County and MDT are installing barricades at Axtell Bridge near Gallatin Gateway to enforce a strict five-ton weight limit on the 1919 bridge—single light vehicles only; trailers and heavy loads must detour. Energy & Utilities: A North Dakota Supreme Court ruling backs regulators and utilities in a high-voltage power line dispute, finding notice to local governments was adequate. Tourism & Public Safety: Yellowstone officials are warning visitors after tourists walked off-boardwalks onto Grand Prismatic Spring’s fragile microbial mats, risking burns and long recovery damage. Environment & Land Management: Glacier National Park will plug a leaking oil well near Kintla Lake starting July 27, with trail and camping impacts during construction. Montana Economy: Montana’s unemployment rate held at 3.3% in June, with Park County at 2.4% and only a few counties lower. Community & Events: The Montana State Fair returns July 24–Aug. 1 in Great Falls, and a new Monforton playground will honor Layton Smith’s life. Green Power: Missoula and Bozeman are moving toward a Green Power Program agreement, with city council action in Missoula.

Tourism & Jobs: Montana saw fewer visitors in 2025 (13.2 million, down 4%), but spending rose to $5.6B, with tourism supporting 52,610 jobs and $360M in state/local taxes. Workforce & Training: Montana unemployment fell to 3.3% in June, while labor leaders point to major gaps in health care, construction, advanced manufacturing, computing, education, childcare, financial/professional services, and energy; the state is expanding registered apprenticeships with nearly 3,000 apprentices and 800+ employers. Agriculture Policy: A major win for farmers’ right to repair—FTC secured a settlement with John Deere after an anti-trust lawsuit, requiring tools to diagnose and repair equipment at a reasonable cost. Tribal Water Infrastructure: Crow Tribe Water Rights Settlement Amendments Act (H.R. 726) advanced in the House Natural Resources Committee, aiming to modernize water projects and extend hydropower development rights through 2030. Local Community Build: Montana National Guard engineers and volunteers worked on Legion Park improvements in Culbertson, including maintenance, a shelter, and campsite upgrades. Ranching & Land Use: Montana Stockgrowers Association raised concerns during DNRC scoping tied to American Prairie’s bison grazing proposal, especially around removing fencing and enabling year-round grazing. Energy & Grid Costs: A White House “ratepayer protection pledge” now covers about 80% of U.S. power, but critics say tariff-based grid cost rules still limit real bill protection.

Grizzly Policy Shake-Up: U.S. Fish and Wildlife proposed a new 4(d) rule that would give Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks more flexibility to manage grizzlies in areas meeting federal recovery benchmarks, renewing debate over Endangered Species Act protections. Defense & Misinformation: A fight over a National Defense Authorization Act Israel tech cooperation provision turned into a misinformation-driven spectacle, breaking a long-standing bipartisan NDAA tradition. Child Care Push: Zero to Five Montana wrapped up an 11-stop policy roadshow in Hamilton, bringing providers, business leaders, lawmakers, and parents together to identify barriers and shape next steps. Local Housing & Tribes: Great Falls officials approved annexation for the Little Shell Tribe’s “Good Medicine” development, a 4-1 vote tied to concerns like traffic and neighborhood infrastructure. Jobs Watch: Montana’s unemployment rate dipped to 3.3% in June, with Missoula at 2.9%. Water & Industry Risk: A Bitterroot Water Partnership report highlights fears that a rare-earth mining proposal at Sheep Creek could threaten headwaters and watershed health. Energy & Costs: New research points to West Coast climate policies as a driver of higher gas prices, while Montana unemployment and gas-price coverage continues to track day-to-day economic pressure.