AGP Executive Report

Energy Costs: A new analysis says federal energy-policy changes could push Wyoming households to about $9,000 more in cumulative energy costs by 2040, with demand shifts toward natural gas and gasoline. Local Power Rates: Torrington electrical customers may face a major bill jump after a 189% transmission-rate increase tied to a provider switch; the city is seeking an interim adjustment from the Wyoming Public Service Commission. Public Lands & Business Impact: MLB has dropped plans to hold a game in Grand Teton National Park after local opposition, underscoring how tourism and land-use decisions can quickly reshape business plans. Tech & Privacy: A Wyoming legislative panel discussed draft rules that would sharply limit Flock-style automatic license plate reader cameras, aiming to curb “casual access” while preserving emergency enforcement. Education Funding: Wyoming community colleges are sounding the alarm on Proposition 1, warning it could destabilize local funding and reduce programs. Finance & Crypto: Wyoming-based Payward is in talks with BNY about a potential crypto partnership spanning custody, trading, payments and infrastructure. Health & Community Services: Southwest Counseling Service won about $2.69M over five years to expand community-based mental health treatment in Sweetwater County. Wyoming Economy: A study reports Wyoming airports generate about $3.5B in annual economic impact.

Water infrastructure: Cheyenne’s Board of Public Utilities says East 19th Street water main replacement work will shift east starting Thursday, with westbound lane closures from Rayor Avenue to the Converse Avenue roundabout for about six more weeks, plus coordinated water shut-offs and possible emergency shut-offs. Higher education & workforce: Laramie County Community College reported nearly 28% enrollment growth over seven years, record 2025-26 graduation numbers (1,070 credentials), and an 83.7% course success rate, with strong demand in IT, health sciences and business/accounting. City planning & data centers: Cheyenne City Council advanced Orchard Hills data center annexation and zoning steps despite resident objections, while also postponing one related land-use designation decision to Oct. 12. Local governance & climate: Cheyenne discussed a comprehensive climate action plan but amended the resolution to acknowledge receipt rather than formally adopt it, funded by a $1 million EPA planning grant. Energy costs: A think tank analysis says federal policy changes could raise energy bills for households through 2040, with Wyoming among the states facing roughly $9,000 more. Economy & jobs: Wyoming’s labor market improved in Q2 2026, with a moderate unemployment dip, job growth led by private education/health services, and higher taxable sales. Regulatory/business news: New York and Wyoming regulators agreed to coordinate crypto oversight to speed up reviews for qualifying firms. Public works & aviation: WYDOT will close WYO 376 (the Belt Loop) for two more days for concrete joint sealing, and the Wyoming Aeronautics Commission meets Oct. 7-9 in Casper.

Defense & Manufacturing: Boeing Defense won a contract for four more MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopters, pushing the program to full-rate production and bringing total aircraft under contract to 42, with 27 already delivered. Agriculture & Water: Severe drought is forcing Wyoming ranchers to ship livestock sooner and destock as pastures dry, hay costs rise, and trucking gets more expensive. Politics & Elections: The Wyoming Supreme Court upheld the state’s crossover-voting ban, clearing the way for the Nov. 2026 general election. Energy & Infrastructure: The U.S. plans $5.25 billion to modernize the national grid to handle growing electricity demand from AI data centers. Health Care & Consumer Costs: Wyoming’s attorney general is among state leaders seeking court approval of a $400 million settlement tied to alleged generic drug price-fixing by Sandoz. Small Business Support: The SBA announced low-interest disaster loans for Wyoming businesses and nonprofits hit by drought in multiple counties. Community & Tourism: Wyoming Community Foundation grant awards totaling $200,000+ support nonprofits in Carbon, Albany and Platte counties, while local chambers highlight tourism impacts from fuel prices and water levels.

Rare Earths Expansion: American Rare Earths updated its Cowboy State Mine plan, outlining a larger 4.5-million-tonne throughput scenario with about $1.07 billion after-tax NPV, higher neodymium/praseodymium output, and a longer 26-year mine life—aimed at strengthening U.S. rare-earth supply. Water Utility Upgrade: Cheyenne’s Board of Public Utilities modernized disinfection at the R.L. Sherard Water Treatment Plant, switching from chlorine gas to on-site sodium hypochlorite generation to improve safety and reliability. Energy & Local Growth: Cheyenne City Council approved annexation and rezoning for the Cox Ranch data center campus, moving the project forward after months of public confusion. Retail Reuse: Cheyenne’s former Kmart site is set for redevelopment with Burlington and Sierra filling two new retail spaces on Dell Range Boulevard. Public Finance Watch: Wyoming reported $151 million in miscellaneous tax revenue in Q1 2026, up 65.9% from the prior quarter. Consumer Protection: Wyoming Attorney General Keith Kautz urged eligible consumers to file claims in the multistate generic drug settlement, with preliminary approval for distribution. Community & Business Support: First Interstate Bank wrapped up its ninth annual Volunteer Day with nearly 400 service projects across 10 states, including Wyoming. Statewide Economic Pulse: A WYDOT study found Wyoming airports generate $3.5 billion annually and support more than 21,600 jobs. Healthcare Access: Meals on Wheels outlined a holiday plan to deliver frozen full meals ahead of closures, relying on local business sponsorships. Game & Fish Budget Pressure: Wyoming Game and Fish interim leadership warned of “dire” future budget cuts as costs rise.

Wyoming Energy & Industry: American Rare Earths says its Cowboy State Mine in Wyoming could scale to 4.5 million tonnes per year under an updated scoping study, with an estimated after-tax NPV of about $1.07 billion and a 26-year operating life—aimed at strengthening a domestic rare-earth supply chain. Local Business & Jobs: Scottsbluff approved a $600,000 economic development loan for Langer Industrial to buy a shredder that can process metal and tires together, with job credits tied to hiring growth. Healthcare & Consumer Costs: The Trump administration has started sending $500 ACA refund checks to nearly 1 million people in 30 states, including Wyoming, for those not receiving premium assistance. Tribal Governance: Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribal leaders will consider a three-year moratorium on data centers on tribal lands, with a vote set for this weekend. State Economy Snapshot: BEA data shows Wyoming among the weaker performers in second-quarter real GDP growth, while Wyoming airports were also highlighted for major statewide economic impact. Community & Workforce: Central Wyoming College student Giana Biagioni received a $10,000 equestrian scholarship tied to the National Western Stock Show.

Rare Earths Investment: American Rare Earths says its Cowboy State Mine scoping study for Wyoming now supports about a $1.07B after-tax NPV, with a 26-year operating life and higher projected NdPr output after early core-hole assay results. Local Government & Data Centers: Cheyenne City Council advanced annexation and other projects tied to development, while also rejecting a proposed Hereford Ranch zoning change amid wildlife and Important Bird Area concerns. State Budget Pressure: Wyoming Game and Fish faces a dire outlook as its 2027 budget rises to $110.64M, driven by inflation and higher transportation and staffing costs. AI Oversight: A Wyoming legislative committee discussed a bill requiring meaningful human review for consequential AI decisions by government. Energy & Uranium Watch: Peninsula Energy told investors it’s addressing wellfield ramp-up issues at its Lance uranium project, even as thin contracts leave output exposed to spot pricing. Food Insecurity Costs: Food Bank of the Rockies says fuel costs have jumped sharply, straining operations while demand hits multi-year highs across Colorado and Wyoming. Gas Prices: GasBuddy reports the lowest midgrade and regular prices in parts of Wyoming, with statewide averages edging higher.

Wyoming Budget Watch: Wyoming Game and Fish interim director Eric Wiltanger says the agency’s finances are getting “dire,” even as the commission approved a 2027 budget of more than $108M plus $2M in one-time spending, driven by inflation and rising transportation and staffing costs. Energy & Land Use: Cheyenne council heard a proposal from Hanwha Renewables to lease part of Belvoir Ranch for a 140-megawatt solar project with battery storage, aiming to turn underused ranch acreage into new revenue. Blockchain & Innovation: UW President Shane Reeves will help kick off the Wyoming Blockchain Stampede, with sessions tied to the Legislature’s blockchain committee and a dinner honoring the late Steve Lupien. Defense Contract: Amentum won a $572.3M NORAD contract tied to the Cheyenne Mountain Complex warning system, supporting operations and maintenance for missile launch and surveillance data. Local Business Growth: CGRS acquired Phoenix-based Tank Solutions, expanding its underground and aboveground storage tank services across the region, including Wyoming. Sports Betting: Wyoming reported 1% growth in August sports betting. Fuel Prices: GasBuddy data shows diesel prices in Teton County averaging $6.22 per gallon in the week ending Sept. 19, with one station at $5.54.

Cheyenne Data Center Fight: A Cheyenne resident asked a court to overturn the city’s Microsoft data center annexation, saying the ordinance listed the wrong landowner after Microsoft said it had already bought the property. College Sports Overhaul: The U.S. Senate approved a sweeping college sports bill that would set federal rules for athlete compensation, limit mid-season transfers, and shield the NCAA from some antitrust suits—an issue that could ripple into Wyoming athletics budgets and recruiting. Nuclear Tech Investor Push: Companies from uranium mining to fusion met investors at the inaugural ROTH Emerging Nuclear Technology Conference in New York, signaling continued capital interest in next-gen power. Local Business & Housing: Cheyenne’s council advanced steps toward Bally’s off-track betting facility, tied to the former Thunder Plains Park site. Public Safety & Health: Fremont County’s EMS contract standoff with Priority Ambulance is nearing a Sept. 30 deadline as a strike is set to begin Sept. 28. Energy Costs: Gas prices stayed volatile, with GasBuddy reporting the lowest regular gas in Sweetwater County at $4.29 for the week ending Sept. 19.

Wyoming Energy & Infrastructure: Bear River Midstream added a Chief Commercial Officer and Chief Operating Officer, signaling a push to expand natural gas storage services across key Western and Mid-Continent markets. Workforce & Regional Business: The WyCo Regional Job Fair on Oct. 13 will bring 150-plus employers to Cheyenne and six Colorado cities, plus a registered virtual session, with roles spanning defense, tech, infrastructure support, government, finance, health care, retail and hospitality. Data Centers & Policy: A new argument in the data-center debate says attacks and higher taxes/regulation aren’t a winning election strategy, while Wyoming-linked concerns continue to surface as more projects move west. Real Estate & Local Economy: Saratoga officials voted to proceed with buying industrial property for a new public works shop after environmental review steps. Fuel Prices Watch: GasBuddy reports the lowest premium gas in Sweetwater County at $4.83 and the lowest diesel in Crook County at $5.57 for the week ending Sept. 19. Sports Business Tie-In: NDSU and UW will compete annually for “The Battle of the Basins” trophy sponsored by the North Dakota Petroleum Council, tying college football to regional energy branding.

Carbon Markets & Energy Policy: BLM advanced two southwest Wyoming carbon storage projects, offering right-of-way grants for nearly 650,000 acres of federal pore space, as the state and federal agencies continue building out permanent CO2 sequestration capacity. Local Governance & Tax Funding: Sweetwater County Conservation District voters will decide Nov. 3 on a proposed up-to-¼ mill levy to fund conservation services and projects locally. Fuel Costs Watch: GasBuddy reported some of the lowest midgrade and diesel prices across Wyoming counties in the week ending Sept. 19, with Lincoln County midgrade hitting $4.74 and Sheridan County regular at $4.29, underscoring how quickly prices can swing by location. AI Power Demand: A new look at AI data centers highlights how rapidly rising electricity needs are reshaping energy planning and investment decisions, with Wyoming in the broader conversation as power constraints tighten. Tourism & Federal Red Tape: MLB’s interest in playing at Grand Teton is drawing visitor pushback and raising questions about federal approvals and impacts to national parks.

Fuel Prices Watch: GasBuddy data for the week ending Sept. 19 shows Sheridan County’s lowest regular price at $4.29/gal, while Laramie County’s lowest diesel hit $5.37/gal; Wyoming’s statewide averages were $4.44 for regular and $5.94 for diesel, underscoring how energy volatility is still feeding into household and business costs. Education & Costs: A report on diesel’s surge says school districts nationwide are consolidating bus routes and cutting extras to keep buses running as fuel nears record levels. Workforce & Training: UW’s John Hewlett helped organize a Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City roundtable with Wyoming, Nebraska and Colorado producers to discuss agricultural economic conditions. Local Business/Community: Jackson’s water system lifted a boil-water advisory after clean tests, with guidance for residents and businesses on flushing lines. Energy Demand Trend: A new analysis highlights how AI data centers are driving electricity demand sharply higher, reshaping energy planning and investment decisions. Wyoming Education Outcomes: Laramie County colleges conferred 877 degrees and certificates in 2023-24, with welding technology the top field by awards.

Government Transparency: A Wyoming-focused op-ed argues Washington’s public records and open-meetings rules don’t fully cover union grievance and collective bargaining sessions, leaving taxpayer-funded wage talks largely behind closed doors. Public Health & Local Business: Jackson’s boil water advisory was lifted after E. coli was found in untreated well water; officials say residents and businesses should flush unused lines and follow hot-water guidance before resuming normal use. Energy Costs: GasBuddy price checks across Wyoming counties show regular and diesel prices still elevated week over week, with the lowest reported regular in Laramie County at $4.05 and diesel in Natrona County at $5.44 for the week ending Sept. 19. Property Taxes: A Jackson-area ballot initiative would exempt qualified homeowners’ primary residences up to 50% of assessed value, with estimates pointing to major reductions in Teton County tax bills and statewide revenue impacts. Wyoming Economy & Education: The University of Wyoming jumped in national rankings, moving to No. 175 in Forbes’ “America’s Top Colleges 2027” and No. 99 among public universities in Niche. Civic/Community: Laramie city departments are moving back into the renovated City Hall Annex, with multiple services reopening Sept. 28.

Water Safety & Local Impact: Jackson’s town water system remains under an EPA boil water order after E. coli was found in untreated well water, prompting school closures and operational changes for food service and some businesses while officials plan a Monday reopening. Energy & Costs Watch: GasBuddy price checks show Wyoming drivers still face elevated fuel costs, with Laramie County regular hitting a low of $4.05/gal and diesel in Johnson County as low as $5.65/gal in the week ending Sept. 19. Property Tax Relief Ballot: Voters will decide a 2026 initiative that would exempt qualified homeowners’ primary residences from property taxes on 50% of assessed value, with major projected impacts in Teton County and statewide revenue estimates. Cheyenne Climate Planning: Cheyenne City Council is set to vote on a Comprehensive Climate Action Plan tied to an EPA grant, with critics warning it could affect energy choices and housing costs. Wyoming Business & Education: The University of Wyoming jumped in national rankings, and city of Laramie departments are moving back into a renovated City Hall Annex—both signals of ongoing local investment and workforce focus.

Wyoming Water & Public Safety: Jackson’s water advisory triggered class cancellations and a community scramble for bottled water, with local businesses and even a plumbing shop offering free UV-disinfected water while officials investigate the cause. State Budget & Local Infrastructure: The Wyoming County Commissioners Association honored the Legislature’s Joint Appropriations Committee as 2026 Legislators of the Year for creating more predictable direct distribution funding for counties and towns. Cheyenne Energy Deal: Cheyenne City Council is weighing a lease proposal for Belvoir Ranch that could support a 140-megawatt solar plus battery storage project, with Hanwha Renewables seeking an option-to-lease to run studies first. Business & Finance: Zaria Systems filed with the OCC to charter Zaria National Trust Bank, aiming to bring regulated trust services to structured finance markets. Health Care Access: Chrysalis Health and Curaechoice expanded no-cost mental health services for employer plans, including Wyoming coverage through outpatient and virtual options. Crime & Courts: A Jackson bookkeeper, Laura Means, was sentenced to 46 months in federal prison for embezzling about $1.48 million via wire fraud and tax evasion. Energy Markets: Stocks moved higher as crude prices fell on US-Iran deal hopes, while Wyoming’s diesel squeeze continues to pressure trucking and the state’s freight-dependent economy.

AI Policy & Politics: Trump pushed back on chatter that Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent would be the “super intelligence” czar, while reporting notes Bessent’s ongoing role in AI negotiations and a proposed AI safety notification channel tied to China. Local Business & Community: Exeter’s Valenti Ristorante is opening under new ownership by longtime industry veteran Jim Jake, aiming to bring back the “family restaurant” feel. Wyoming Heritage & Indigenous Links: Rare Lewis and Clark peace medals in Wyoming were authenticated, with researchers pointing to possible connections to Indigenous leaders in what’s now North Dakota. Energy & Jobs: Weld County approved a $1.67B wind-and-solar project that will span into Wyoming, with construction starting in 2027 and major power output targeted by 2029. Cheyenne Data Center: A Cheyenne council committee backed the Orchard Hills data center plan and recommended overruling the Planning Commission’s denial. EV Charging Funding: WYDOT’s first NEVI RFP is now live, seeking proposals for rural and corridor charging clusters statewide. Wild Horses: The BLM announced $30M for fertility control to manage wild horses, a major shift in a long-running debate. Fuel Prices Watch: GasBuddy reported Wyoming’s lowest E85 and regular/midgrade/premium prices across multiple counties for the week ending Sept. 19.

Wyoming Energy & Resources: Peninsula Energy says delineation drilling at the Lance uranium project’s Ross area lifted its Wyoming resource, with more material moving into higher-confidence categories as it pushes toward full-scale in-situ yellowcake production. Wyoming Business & Community: Cheyenne is seeing new growth on the retail front, with a 7Brew drive-thru coffee shop under construction and a south-side Taco Bell moving through planning review, while Depot Plaza in downtown Cheyenne is taking down tents for winter. Banking Update: Hilltop Bank reports most personal and business services are back online after its recent cyber attack, with daily updates and brief nightly maintenance windows. Workforce & Education: The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services awarded $11.2 million for rural medical residency programs, including $750,000 for a new family medicine residency in Buffalo, aimed at keeping more doctors in rural Wyoming. Insurance & Risk: A new report warns surplus lines insurance is increasingly filling gaps as property coverage tightens in the Mountain West, raising concerns about affordability and availability. Local Economy Watch: Gas prices in Wyoming remain elevated versus last year, with multiple county-by-county lowest-price reports showing premium and regular fuel still moving week to week.