AGP Executive Report

Fuel and Farm Freight: Gov. Mark Gordon temporarily eased weight and height limits on agricultural shipments and adopted a federal hours-of-service waiver for fuel deliveries, aiming to help Wyoming businesses amid drought and high fuel costs. Cheyenne Power Lines: Residents are questioning the route of a proposed 16-mile transmission line for the $1.67 billion Chalk Bluffs wind, solar and battery project, citing impacts on homes, property and wildlife. Data Center Investment: Black Hills plans a $1.8 billion power expansion, including new gas capacity, to serve Google’s planned Cheyenne data center. The industrial boom is also driving Laramie County to require workforce housing in new development. Skills and Research: Riverton’s Wind River Job Corps is drawing students back to hands-on petroleum training, while a nearly $994,000 federal grant will support UW research into materials for quantum technologies.

Power & Data Centers: Black Hills plans $1.8 billion in new gas generation and a privately managed microgrid to serve Google’s planned Cheyenne data center, including 564 megawatts of new capacity and about 2.1 gigawatts of third-party resources. Utility Costs: Torrington has sought approval for a temporary rate adjustment after an unexpectedly high transmission bill; if regulators approve, rates would rise by 2 cents per kilowatt-hour starting Nov. 1. Wyoming households also face higher heating bills this winter. Workforce: Wind River Job Corps in Riverton is drawing students back to petroleum technician training as employers seek skilled trades workers. The University of Wyoming’s WORTH Institute won a $2.5 million federal grant for rural career pathways, while Laramie County’s industrial boom is driving a new workforce-housing requirement. Rural Infrastructure: Wyoming is inviting companies to propose EV charging stations, with federal funds covering up to 80% of project costs. Ranching: The U.S. agriculture secretary urged federal grazing permit holders to use new guidance intended to expand livestock grazing on public lands.

Industrial Development: Laramie County is requiring large projects, including wind farms and data centers, to arrange construction-worker housing outside the local market to limit pressure on scarce homes and rentals. Winter Energy Costs: Wyoming families face higher heating bills this winter; natural-gas costs are projected to rise 5.8%, while LIEAP is accepting applications through April 30 for eligible households. Transport and Agriculture: Gov. Mark Gordon temporarily eased load restrictions for agricultural products and hours-of-service rules for fuel deliveries, aiming to help businesses and consumers amid drought and high fuel costs. Workforce Training: UW’s WORTH Institute won a $2.5 million federal grant to build rural career pathways in tourism, hospitality and outdoor recreation, with paid internships and apprenticeships planned. Cheyenne Power Supply: Black Hills Corp. plans a $1.8 billion investment to serve Google’s planned data center, adding to the region’s industrial development momentum.

Energy Infrastructure: Black Hills plans a $1.8 billion investment in gas generation and infrastructure to serve Google’s planned Cheyenne data center, as communities weigh the costs and impacts of new facilities. Household Energy: Wyoming heating bills are forecast to rise this winter, while LIEAP is accepting applications through April 30 for eligible households needing assistance. Mining: Premier American Uranium reported a drilling intercept at its Kaycee project, adding fresh activity to Wyoming’s uranium exploration sector. Skilled Trades: Cheyenne’s SteelDays welding competition will bring 44 high-school finalists from Wyoming and neighboring states to compete for $45,000 in scholarships. Agriculture: Wyoming ranchers continue to contend with drought, while the Bean Commission is set to review budgets and dry-bean assessment rates.

Data Center Power: Black Hills plans to invest $1.8 billion in new natural-gas generation to help serve Google’s planned Cheyenne data center, with agreements extending through 2048. Local Oversight: Cheyenne’s Planning Commission postponed proposed rules for data centers and power plants, seeking more detail on water, noise and facility size. In Fremont County, officials say the Lost Cabin project is part of a potential $66 billion buildout, while limited county zoning leaves few controls. Utility Costs: Wyoming customers spoke out against Rocky Mountain Power’s proposed 8.8% rate increase; the Public Service Commission will consider the case at a Dec. 1 hearing. Mineral Exploration: Premier American Uranium reported a 10-foot interval of uranium mineralization in ongoing drilling near Kaycee. Road Work: Paving is starting on a $6.57 million improvement project covering 10.9 miles of US 16/20/Wyoming 789 north of Worland.

Power and Data Centers: Black Hills Energy plans to invest $1.8 billion from 2027 to 2029 to add 564 megawatts of natural-gas generation for Google’s planned Cheyenne data center, with customer protections built into the agreements. In Fremont County, officials say a data center near Lost Cabin is part of a proposed $66 billion development, intensifying calls to address local oversight. Utility Costs: Attendees at a Wyoming Public Service Commission hearing questioned Rocky Mountain Power’s proposed 8.8% rate increase, following earlier increases; the commission is gathering public comments ahead of a Dec. 1 hearing. Mining and Waste: Premier American Uranium reported a 10-foot intercept grading 0.064% eU₃O₈ in ongoing drilling near Kaycee. Thermopolis has also opened public comment on a permit for a municipal transfer station serving the town and Hot Springs County. Agriculture: Wyoming ranchers are managing extreme drought, with coverage highlighting both the pressure on cattle operations and relief efforts following the Morrill-area fire.

Data Centers & Power: Black Hills Corp. signed agreements to supply electricity for Google’s planned Cheyenne data center, building 564 MW of new natural gas generation at its Cheyenne Prairie Generating Station and managing a broader 2.7 GW resource mix; deliveries are set for late 2027 with peak capacity expected in 2030, and Google covers the full power costs so other customers shouldn’t see added charges. Local Development: Cheyenne City Council’s Public Services Committee advanced annexation, zoning, and land-use steps for the Hitching Post District and the Orchard Hills data center proposal, moving both toward final votes. Mining & Permitting: Meta Critical Minerals received BLM approval for a 10,500-foot drill program at the Dugout Creek deposit in Wyoming’s Arcadia project, with a reclamation bond posted. Oil & Gas Regulation: Wyoming DEQ proposed approval of a permit request for 250 temporary portable natural gas generator engines at oil and gas well sites across multiple counties. Community & Food Access: Cheyenne first lady Jennie Gordon helped dedicate small “take-what-you-need” pantries at Meals on Wheels Cheyenne, with Fortis Construction support, expanding access across several city locations. Public Safety & Roads: Wyoming’s Recreation Advisory Committee meets Oct. 13 in Cheyenne to discuss federal recreation fee changes; meanwhile, local updates flagged a Sheridan road detour and other statewide notices.

Google Power Buildout in Cheyenne: Black Hills Corp. signed agreements to supply electricity for Google’s planned Cheyenne data center, adding 564 MW of new generation and spending $1.8B (2027-2029) to support the project, with Google covering full supply costs so they aren’t passed to other customers. Trapper’s Point Wildlife Crossings: Wyoming Game and Fish and WYDOT approved using Wildlife Conservation License Plate funds to extend the Trapper’s Point fence project near Pinedale, adding 1.4 miles of fence to reduce winter wildlife-vehicle collisions. Air Quality Permit Notice: Wyoming DEQ’s Division of Air Quality posted a public notice proposing approval of a request for 250 temporary portable natural-gas generator engines at oil and gas well sites across multiple counties. Water Affordability Pressure: A national analysis says water rates rose 62% over the past decade, outpacing inflation and forcing households to cut other essentials. Rock Springs Civic Center Repairs: Old Timers Civic Center LLC completed its first repair project—roof stair access—after city engineers flagged a safety issue, aiming to keep the facility operating. Skilled Trades Funding: Mitchell Technical College Foundation received $945,000 to expand rural energy trades training for 240 participants across Wyoming and the region.

Tribal Data Center Moratorium: The Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes voted 261-83 to ban data center facilities until October 2029, citing environmental and water concerns and comparing the push to past resource exploitation. Energy Costs: A think tank modeling report says households across the U.S. could pay about $6,500 more for energy through 2040, with Wyoming among the hardest-hit states. Transportation & Infrastructure: Grand Teton National Park and the FHWA announced emergency erosion roadwork on U.S. Highway 26/89/191 at Moran Junction, with one-lane traffic and up to 20-minute delays through about 12 weeks. Agriculture & Drought Relief: USDA designated Carter County (plus additional contiguous counties) a primary natural disaster area due to drought, unlocking emergency credit for Wyoming and neighboring producers. Public Safety: The American Red Cross urged fire-prevention steps during Fire Prevention Week, noting cooking and home heating as top causes of home fires. Wyoming Workforce Policy: Lawmakers discussed a draft bill to extend workers’ compensation coverage to volunteer ski patrollers, including potential mental injury coverage. Local Business/Community: Wyoming Air National Guard will host Discovery Day 2026 in Cheyenne to showcase STEAM careers with aircraft, drones, robotics, and AI demos. Food Recall: EAK Distribution of Casper issued a recall of Home Grown Green Sprouting Calabrese Broccoli Seeds sold on Amazon due to possible Salmonella contamination.

Workers’ Comp for Volunteers: Wyoming lawmakers are weighing a draft bill that would let volunteer ski patrollers qualify for workers’ compensation, including mental health coverage, by adding them to “first responder” and “extrahazardous” definitions. Public Safety & Outdoors: A Lincoln County hunting accident killed a 16-year-old; Wyoming Highway Patrol also reported a fatal two-pickup crash near Pinedale, while Albany County shared a bear “break-in” incident. Infrastructure & Transport: Grand Teton National Park and FHWA plan emergency erosion roadwork on US 26/89/191 at Moran Junction, with one-lane traffic and up to 20-minute delays through October–December. Energy Costs: A think tank says federal policy changes could raise household energy bills through 2040, with Wyoming among the hardest-hit states. Food Supply Watch: EAK Distribution of Casper recalled Amazon-sold broccoli sprout seeds over possible Salmonella contamination. Cyber & Tech Workforce: Cheyenne will host Cyber Cheyenne 2026, a regional summit on AI, cyber threats, and protecting critical infrastructure. Agriculture Relief: USDA designated Carter County and nearby areas as primary natural disaster zones due to drought, unlocking emergency credit for producers. Business & Defense Tech: AIBotics announced it will acquire Wyoming-based Empulser, tied to wireless power and autonomous systems.

Wyoming Tech & Defense Deal: AIBotics says it will acquire Empulser Enterprises, a Wyoming company tied to Patrick Tsang, aiming to commercialize wireless power and AI-enabled autonomous systems for defense and other markets. Tribal Data Center Moratorium: Cheyenne and Arapaho tribal citizens voted to pause data center construction on tribal lands for three years, citing water use, environmental impacts, and transparency concerns. Energy & Uranium Update: Peninsula Energy lifted the uranium resource at its Lance project in Wyoming and reported stronger flow rates from newer wellfields, while resetting its operating plan after withdrawing production guidance. Wildlife & Ranching Pressure: Colorado temporarily suspended its chronic wolf removal directive as ranchers raise concerns, while the state continues investigating additional wolf mortality. Food Safety Recall: Casper-based EAK Distribution recalled HOME GROWN Green Sprouting Calabrese broccoli seeds sold on Amazon nationwide over possible salmonella contamination. Education/Workforce: Sweetwater County School District 1 won a $15,000 CTE Cutting Edge Grant to build a high school unmanned aircraft systems engineering pathway. Public Lands/Industry Watch: MLB floated the idea of a future game in Grand Teton National Park, drawing quick pushback from environmental groups.

Wildfire Response: Wyoming cut the ribbon on a new $7.5 million Casper aviation helibase, built to speed wildland firefighting and improve logistics for state aircraft. CTE & Aviation Training: Sweetwater County School District No. 1 won a $15,000 CTE Cutting Edge Grant to launch a high school unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) engineering pathway—students will build, test, and troubleshoot drones. Energy Affordability: A think tank says federal energy policy changes could push Wyoming households to pay about $9,000 more for energy by 2040, with higher demand driving costs. Water & River Use: Wyoming’s new commercial fishing guide regulation and Snake River recreation fees are already reshaping how the river is used in Teton County, with more permits sold than any other county in the first year. Food Safety: EAK Distribution recalled broccoli seeds sold on Amazon nationwide due to potential salmonella contamination tied to a multi-state outbreak. Tribal Data Centers: Cheyenne and Arapaho tribal citizens voted for a three-year moratorium on data center construction on tribal lands, citing water, environmental, and transparency concerns.

Food Safety: Casper-based EAK Distribution recalled HOME GROWN Green Sprouting Calabrese Broccoli Seeds sold on Amazon nationwide due to possible salmonella contamination tied to a sprout grower linked to a multi-state outbreak; no illnesses reported, but buyers are urged to discard and request refunds. Energy & Industry: The NRC issued TVA a construction permit for a small modular reactor in Tennessee, noting it as a key licensing pathway; the milestone follows a separate NRC approval for a Wyoming project. Finance & Tech Regulation: Arizona regulators issued a temporary cease-and-desist against a Wyoming-registered stablecoin seller, alleging unregistered securities sales tied to “Iron Vault Tokens” and investor solicitations. Wyoming Economy & Housing: A Wyoming Low Income Energy Assistance Program update says an energy bill assistance application period is now open. Local Business/Real Estate: An off-grid Earthship home in Wheatland hit the market for $625,000, touting solar, geothermal cooling, and backup power. Sports (Wyoming): Wyoming was shut out 28-0 by North Dakota State in the Battle of the Basins, with an early interception setting the tone.

Insurance & Growth: Farm Bureau Insurance of Idaho completed its acquisition of Mountain West Farm Bureau Insurance, creating a larger regional insurer for Idaho, Washington, Montana, Wyoming and Colorado, with about 250 agents, 450 employees, 130,000+ members and $800M+ in annualized premium. Energy & Nuclear: The NRC issued TVA a construction permit for a small modular reactor in Tennessee, following March’s permit for TerraPower’s Wyoming project—another sign nuclear licensing is moving faster. Wyoming Policy & Roads: WYDOT’s Safe Pass Program now requires self-certification for heavy vehicles (10,000+ GVW) before driving Teton Pass beyond the Idaho/Wyoming border. Finance & Crypto Oversight: Arizona’s Corporation Commission filed a temporary cease-and-desist against a stablecoin seller tied to a Wyoming-registered LLC, alleging unregistered securities sales. Healthcare Costs: A ValuePenguin study says ACA marketplace selections fell 4.9% in 2026 while premiums rose 19.7%, with Wyoming seeing a 40.9% drop in new consumer plan selections. Local Utilities: Torrington is disputing a major electricity transmission cost jump after a provider change, seeking interim rate relief through the Wyoming PSC.

Teton Pass Safety: WYDOT’s new Safe Pass Program now requires drivers of vehicles over 10,000 pounds to self-certify before heading beyond the Idaho/Wyoming border, with signs and online materials guiding motorists. Cheyenne Growth & Zoning: Cheyenne City Council advanced multiple annexations and zoning items, including Orchard Hills and the Hitching Post District, with final votes expected in October. Data Center Politics: Natrona County’s data center tour drew criticism after Republican candidates were invited while Democratic county commission candidates were not, as Prometheus Hyperscale seeks an industrial zoning path. Energy Costs in Torrington: Torrington says electricity transmission charges jumped 189% after a provider change, filed a dispute, and is seeking interim rate relief through the state PSC process. Wyoming Elections: Candidates for secretary of state and governor traded priorities on election oversight, education, healthcare, and water rights ahead of the Nov. 3 vote. Workforce Pipeline: Sheridan College and UW launched a new express transfer agreement for multiple degree pathways, aiming to speed students into bachelor’s programs. Education & Taxes Debate: Wyoming community colleges and other voices are warning Proposition 1 could destabilize local funding tied to residential property taxes.

WYDOT Safe Pass: Drivers of RVs, trailers, and vehicles over 10,000 pounds must self-certify before crossing Teton Pass under the new WY22 SAFE PASS program, with online steps and safety materials now available ahead of the October start. Long-Range Planning: WYDOT is finalizing its 2050 long-range transportation plan and is inviting public input through Oct. 4 via an online forum. Local Data Center Politics: A Natrona County data center site tour drew GOP candidates while excluding Democrats, raising questions about how the project is being shaped before any formal application. Energy Costs: A new study projects U.S. households could pay about $6,500 more in energy costs through 2040, with Wyoming among states facing roughly $9,000 increases. Education Pipeline: Sheridan College and the University of Wyoming launched a Future Cowboys express transfer agreement with co-advising and new degree pathways for 2026-27. Public Health: CDC reports 3,887 measles cases in the U.S. as of Oct. 1, with most tied to outbreaks.