AGP Executive Report

Wyoming Education Policy: The Joint Education Committee’s 2026 interim hearing focused on the “basket of goods” for students, including charter enrollment math and funding for college courses in high school, plus guidance on keeping PE from being cut as punishment. Wildlife Conservation: Wyoming Game and Fish is taking public comment on the draft 2027 State Wildlife Action Plan through July 27, with a virtual webinar June 30. Rural Connectivity: Range is expanding fiber in southeast Crook County and northeast Weston County—about 50 miles for roughly 60 rural customers, with service targeted for spring 2027. Water Quality: DEQ released 2021 survey results for the Bear and Snake River basins, finding 73% of assessed perennial streams in “least-disturbed” biological condition, while riparian disturbance and channel instability remain key stressors. Climate Research: A federal judge temporarily blocked the Trump administration’s plan to dismantle NCAR’s supercomputing operations tied to Wyoming, citing possible political retaliation. Public Safety & Health: Experts warn wildfire prevention work is slowing as federal land agencies lose staff, and a new analysis flags tick prevention as cases rise. Tech & Industry: UAV Corp’s Skyborne Technology says it’s moving toward AI-powered wide-area surveillance drone/airship flight tests, with subsystems delivered in early/mid June.

Wyoming Politics: Five Republicans and two Democrats filed for Wyoming’s Aug. 18 primary for the junior U.S. Senate seat, setting up a crowded GOP race that includes Rep. Harriet Hageman and Sam Mead. School Tech Policy: More states are moving toward cellphone limits in schools, with new research questioning whether “phone-free” rules deliver the benefits supporters claim. Public Health Tech: The CDC’s wastewater COVID surveillance program faces major federal funding cuts, raising alarms as a new “cicada” COVID variant spreads in multiple states. Climate Computing (Wyoming link): A federal judge blocked the NSF from transferring control of the NCAR-Wyoming Supercomputing Center, citing likely legal violations and possible political retaliation. Severe Weather AI: Colorado State University and Nvidia say an AI system can forecast severe hail 2–3 hours ahead for the Colorado-Wyoming region. Wyoming Research Insight: UW and partners published a math model suggesting the best ambition level is above average but finite.

AI in healthcare: Intermountain Health says an AI-driven care approach cut hospitalizations 50% and emergency visits 20% for COPD and asthma patients, alongside a 57% cost reduction. Climate science in court: A federal judge blocked the Trump administration from dismantling NCAR’s Wyoming-linked supercomputing operations, citing potential “brain drain” and research disruption. Severe weather tech: Colorado State and Nvidia unveiled an AI hail system that forecasts severe hail 2–3 hours ahead for the Colorado-Wyoming region, aiming to improve emergency response. Wyoming STEM scholarships: Rock Springs High School awarded two students the Larry Gessner Memorial Scholarship—one to UW for construction management, the other to UW for mechanical engineering. Wyoming community governance: Jackson Town Councilor Jonathan Schechter announced a bid for a third term, pointing to housing, traffic, and ecological pressures in a fast-changing tech-connected town. Public health policy: Medicaid work/engagement rules could affect millions of adults starting Jan. 1, 2027, with major exemptions for pregnancy, disability, and caregivers. Wildlife & water: Colorado lifted unlimited fishing limits at Antero Reservoir as it’s drawn down for water transfers, with some fish likely moved or lost. Drought monitoring: FishCast launched in Bozeman to track drought risk for trout rivers.

Climate & Computing: A federal judge temporarily blocked the Trump administration’s plan to dismantle NCAR, ordering the NSF to pause steps that would shift control of the NCAR-Wyoming Supercomputing Center in Cheyenne to a third-party operator—calling the move unlawful and tied to “political revenge” against Colorado. Wyoming STEM & Youth: Cheyenne South High School graduate Denver Priest was selected for the 2026 National Youth Science Camp, and local groups plus Laramie County Library and LCCC are rolling out structured summer activities with a science and learning focus. Wildfire Science: Nevada researchers secured federal support for hazardous fuel reduction near the Little Valley Research Station to lower high-severity fire risk in the wildland-urban interface. Health Tech Research: A University of Utah-led Phase 3 trial found a talazoparib + enzalutamide combo cut the risk of prostate cancer progression or death by 52% in select patients. Policy & Digital Assets: Sen. Cynthia Lummis pushed the Clarity Act as a way for the U.S. to set global standards for digital asset regulation. Fintech Access: An executive order and Federal Reserve proposal signal possible expansion of access to Federal Reserve payment accounts for more fintech and digital-asset firms.

Supercomputing Fight in Wyoming: A federal judge blocked the Trump administration from dismantling NCAR’s control of the NCAR-Wyoming Supercomputing Center in Cheyenne, issuing a preliminary injunction while UCAR’s lawsuit argues the move was unlawful and possibly politically motivated. School Tech Policy: Pennsylvania’s House advanced a bipartisan bill to require districts to adopt cell-phone bans during the school day, with exceptions for medical or instructional needs, sending it to the GOP-led Senate. Cyber & Weather Research: The same NCAR case highlights how federal policy shifts can directly affect Earth-science computing capacity used for weather and climate work. Backcountry Safety Tech: A Canada-made ski touring navigation app is gaining traction by using 3D satellite data to map safer routes and flag avalanche risk. Wyoming Workforce & Learning: Western Wyoming Community College is hiring an Instructional Technology Assistant, pointing to continued tech support needs in local education. Crypto Payments & Sports Betting: New Paysafe research says Wyoming bettors are already using crypto for wagers, underscoring how state rules can shape adoption. Internet Safety Law Pushback: A bipartisan group of state attorneys general opposes the federal KIDS Act, arguing it would override state child online safety enforcement.

Wyoming Rural Health Funding: Wyoming lawmakers heard a proposal to stretch five years of new federal rural health grants into a “perpetuity” plan, but approval from CMS is the big unknown. Crypto Policy Watch: Sen. Cynthia Lummis is pushing the CLARITY Act as lawmakers race a tight June deadline, with the crypto industry warning the next realistic opening could be years away. Local Tech & Education: Gillette schools are refining a proposed full cellphone ban after educators raised enforcement and medical-exemption concerns. Wyoming Research Pipeline: UW and partners continue to support hands-on STEM, including a report on 129 undergrads getting summer research stipends. Biotech From Wyoming: Kraig Biocraft Laboratories announced a peer-reviewed NAPs publication on transgenic silkworms making spider-silk fusion fibers. Broadcast Tech Cleanup: A FCC licensing data issue is putting some microwave relay and TV pickup services at risk, with calls for database fixes. STEM in Action: Trout in the Classroom wrapped up with a fish release on the Wind River Reservation, funded by Wyoming Game and Fish and run with tribal partners. Energy Tech Uncertainty: North Dakota oil leaders say enhanced oil recovery could extend Bakken production, but there’s still no “silver bullet” method. Legal Tech/Finance: A New York lawsuit claims ownership of 3.8M dormant Bitcoin, including wallets linked to Satoshi, using old lost-property laws. Agronomy Update: UNL adjusted its 2026 Wheat Variety Tour schedule due to drought and freeze damage.

Wyoming Rural Health Funding: Wyoming lawmakers heard a proposal to stretch five years of upcoming federal rural health grants “forever,” using a Rural Health Transformation Perpetuity fund that could pay about $28.5 million annually for scholarships and support for small hospitals and rural ambulance services—though approval from CMS is the big unknown. Agriculture & Climate Impacts: Nebraska’s UNL Wheat Variety Tour is reshuffling due to persistent drought and repeated freeze damage, canceling some field days and moving others indoors to keep growers connected with breeding updates. Broadcast Tech Cleanup: A frequency-coordination report warns that many U.S. microwave relay licenses have missing or incorrect technical data, leaving some broadcast auxiliary links at risk under FCC rules. Local Wildlife Education: On Wyoming’s Wind River Reservation, Trout in the Classroom culminated with students raising rainbow trout fry and releasing them at Ray Lake, blending hands-on science with watershed ecology lessons. Research & Materials: Kraig Biocraft Laboratories says UW and Notre Dame researchers published peer-reviewed work on transgenic silkworms producing spider-silk fusion fibers with improved strength. Digital Policy & Schools: Gillette’s school board is refining a proposed full cellphone ban after public pushback, with educators and parents pressing for clearer enforcement and medical exemptions.

Wyoming Education & Science: Fort Washakie, Wyoming Indian and St. Stephens students wrapped up the Trout in the Classroom program by raising rainbow trout fry for months and releasing them at Ray Lake, with Wyoming Game and Fish funding and Trout Unlimited facilitation. Wyoming Tech & Water: Microsoft held a public meeting in Cheyenne on data center expansion, with residents pressing on water use, jobs, and transparency; UW research points to the need for more data on cooling impacts as power demand grows. Local Governance vs. Tech Growth: Cheyenne residents also voiced distrust and data-center fears during a business park rezone, while Uinta County residents questioned Prometheus Hyperscale’s proposed Evanston data center over water rights and local control. Research Spotlight (Wyoming-linked): UW and partners published a math study on “optimal ambition,” suggesting aiming above average but not unrealistically high can improve decisions in business, politics, and life. Biotech/Materials: Kraig Biocraft Laboratories announced a peer-reviewed PNAS publication describing transgenic silkworms engineered to spin spider-silk fusion fibers with improved mechanical properties. Wildlife & Conservation: A multi-year Jackson Hole study suggests humans and wildlife may coexist on busiest trails without displacing animals the way other places do.

Data Centers in Wyoming: Microsoft held a public community meeting in Cheyenne on its Laramie County expansion, with residents pressing questions about water use, energy impacts, jobs, and transparency; UW environmental engineering research says more data is needed to judge cooling-related effects as power demand could rise sharply. Local Governance: Cheyenne city leaders approved a business-park rezone affecting 1,600+ acres amid public concerns about future data centers, while Uinta County residents also questioned a proposed Evanston data center over water rights and local control. Crypto Policy: Sen. Cynthia Lummis warned the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act could miss its chance this Congress, leaving developers exposed until at least 2030. Wildlife Science: Records show Interior officials delayed the Mexican gray wolf release of Asha after local pushback, highlighting growing resistance to reintroduction as wolf numbers rise. STEM & Research: UW researchers and others are also weighing how housing density affects wildlife movement, with new findings pointing to the need for lots of space between homes.

Data Centers in Cheyenne: Microsoft is seeking major Cheyenne expansion sites and a much larger Laramie County footprint, with the plan overlapping land tied to Sen. Cynthia Lummis—raising local questions about energy and water strain during drought. Rare Earthquake Research: University of Utah scientists confirm a long-mysterious 1979 deep “mantle earthquake” near Randolph, Utah, linking it to a rare class of events also seen in northern Utah and southwest Wyoming. C-sUAS Training at Camp Guernsey: Air Force and joint partners ran a multi-command counter-small unmanned aircraft firing qualification, testing operators against ground and aerial targets. Keystone XL Revival Update: South Bow says it needs a “durable” U.S. presidential permit before moving ahead with its partial Keystone XL revival decision by mid-2027. Wyoming Agriculture & Critical Minerals: REalloys and Ramaco ink an MoU to evaluate rare-earth and scandium supply from Wyoming coal-hosted resources, while Wyoming Sugar Company highlights the industry’s history and economics. Wildlife & Public Safety: Colorado paused beaver dam removal near Cottonwood Creek to reassess flooding and habitat impacts. Animal Rescue: Rescued beagles from a Wisconsin facility are settling into new homes in New York, including eight in Wyoming County.

Rural Childcare Crunch: A new national look at “childcare deserts” flags Wyoming as one of the hardest-hit states, with at least 20% of kids under 6 living where there are no licensed providers. Rare Earths Supply Chain: REalloys and Ramaco Resources signed an MoU to evaluate a long-term partnership for rare earths and scandium from Ramaco’s Wyoming Brook mine, aiming to strengthen domestic critical minerals. Big Game Habitat & Housing: University of Wyoming-led research finds wildlife are less likely to cross narrow open spaces between homes, meaning housing can shrink migration corridors beyond the building footprint—backed by a practical online planning tool. Critical Minerals Drilling in Wyoming: American Rare Earths has started 2026 feasibility-level drilling at its Halleck Creek project in Wyoming, targeting core samples and studies to support a future definitive feasibility study. Internet Safety Policy: Wyoming AG Jay Jones joined a coalition opposing the federal KIDS Act, arguing it would weaken protections for children online. Crypto Court Fight: A New York case seeks legal title to 39,069 dormant Bitcoin addresses, including claims tied to Satoshi-linked and Mt. Gox-related wallets, with Wyoming entities named in the suit. Data Center Backlash: More cities are pausing data center projects amid resident concerns over electricity costs and impacts, even as industry pushes for growth and jobs. Wyoming Education & Youth Sports: Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Wyoming is expanding summer sports programs, including new basketball and lacrosse efforts.

Critical Minerals in Wyoming: American Rare Earths kicked off 2026 feasibility drilling at its Halleck Creek rare earth project, targeting about 3,050 meters across 19 holes to build the lab and engineering base for a future definitive feasibility study. Rare Earth Supply Deal: REalloys announced a non-binding MOU with Ramaco to evaluate a long-term partnership for rare earth and scandium products from Ramaco’s Brook Mine in Wyoming, including potential supply rights up to 20%. Grid & Power Planning: CAISO approved a $6.7B transmission plan for 38 projects to handle California load growth and clean energy needs, with data centers among the major drivers. Local Tech Infrastructure Backlash: Cities across the country are pressing pause on data centers over electricity costs and environmental concerns, while some states and localities move to limit incentives. Wyoming Weather Science: A meteorologist explains why Wyoming’s severe weather season ramps up in June, driven by moisture transport and storm ingredients like instability and lift. Severe Weather Mitigation Economics: New research estimates fuel-reduction and prescribed fire can cut wildfire harm and suppression costs, with larger projects tending to deliver bigger benefits. Crypto Court Fight (Wyoming-linked): A New York lost-property lawsuit seeks control of 39,069 dormant Bitcoin wallets worth about $293B, naming two Wyoming LLCs; Ripple’s David Schwartz warns even a weak ruling could complicate exchange freezes. Youth & STEM-adjacent Community: Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Wyoming is expanding summer sports, adding basketball, lacrosse, and a rebranded flag football league.

Critical Minerals & Manufacturing: The U.S. Department of Energy awarded $45.7M in critical-mineral tech grants, including $10M to Big Blue Technologies in Cheyenne for magnesium metal production in a modular smelter and support for a rare-earth “mine-to-magnet” pilot in Oklahoma. Severe Weather Science (Wyoming): A meteorologist explains why Wyoming’s severe weather peaks in June, driven by Gulf moisture, summer wind patterns, plus instability and lift—so preparation matters before the busiest stretch. Wildfire Economics & Policy: New research estimates Forest Service fuel-reduction work can prevent $2.8B in fire-related harm and that every $1 spent may save $3.75 in property loss, smoke, and health impacts. Water Quality (Wyoming): EPA announced $9.4M for Wyoming to test, plan, and install PFAS treatment in small or disadvantaged communities and private wells. Local Tech Governance: Cheyenne rejected a one-year moratorium on new data center development after public comment, with residents citing water use and property-value concerns. Wildlife & Recreation (GYE): A new study finds recreation and wildlife can coexist in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, but increased use changes animal behavior—so management has to stay active. Internet Safety (Attorney General): Wyoming’s AG Jay Jones joined a coalition opposing the federal KIDS Act, arguing it would weaken state authority to protect children online.

PFAS Cleanup Funding: The EPA announced $9.4 million for Wyoming to test, plan, and treat PFAS and other emerging contaminants in small and disadvantaged communities, including support for private wells. Wildlife & Recreation Research: A new multi-year study in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem finds recreation and wildlife can coexist, but only with ongoing stewardship as human use changes animal behavior. Housing Impacts on Migration: Wyoming-based researchers quantified how much space migrating big game needs around rural homes, offering zoning and planning guidance to reduce barriers for elk, deer, moose, and pronghorn. Cheyenne Data Centers: Cheyenne City Council rejected a one-year moratorium on new data centers after hours of public comment, with residents citing water and property concerns while supporters warned of investment chill. Internet Safety Policy: Wyoming’s AG Jay Jones joined a coalition opposing the federal KIDS Act, arguing it would weaken state authority and shift child-safety enforcement away from tech accountability. Critical Minerals Drilling: American Rare Earths began feasibility-level drilling at its Halleck Creek rare earth project in Wyoming to support a definitive feasibility study. Nuclear Supply Chain: HD Hyundai signed a framework agreement with TerraPower to supply Natrium reactor core equipment, with manufacturing tied to a project in Kemmerer, Wyoming. Wyoming Jobs Snapshot: Wyoming’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate edged down to 3.5% in April, with job gains in several sectors.

Wyoming Critical Minerals: American Rare Earths kicked off its 2026 drilling at the Halleck Creek project, aiming to feed a definitive feasibility study for what it calls the biggest U.S. rare-earth deposit by total rare earth oxide. The company is running up to ~3,050 meters across 19 core holes at the Cowboy State Mine area, with feasibility-stage drilling moving in parallel while it optimizes its earlier work. Education & Leadership: Wyoming Superintendent of Public Instruction Megan Degenfelder is making her case for governor, laying out her ranching roots and policy background. Wildlife Rules: Yellowstone is cracking down on visitors who get too close to animals—recently, even “helping” a bison calf led to fines. Crypto Watch: A New York lawsuit claims ownership of 39,069 dormant Bitcoin wallets, tied to early-miner and Mt. Gox-era addresses, as the broader “lost crypto” fight heats up. Policy & Safety: Montana is preparing to enforce Trump’s Medicaid work rules amid budget strain, raising fears of fewer patients getting care.

Wyoming Energy & Industry: Wyoming’s trona and soda ash producers are warning lawmakers that data-center demand is colliding with power limits—utilities could take about seven years to add the megawatts they need, and even brief outages have already shut down processing. Aviation & Infrastructure: A $12.5 million Wyoming Valley Airport expansion is moving forward with new hangars, taxi access, jet fuel upgrades, and a real-time weather station tied into national networks. Wildlife & Public Lands: The Wyoming Game and Fish Department named Sam Stephens as the new South Jackson wildlife biologist, stepping in after Gary Fralick’s long run. Tech & Health: Sheridan’s Science Kids is gearing up for summer outdoor learning, while Wyoming’s broader tech-and-policy week also included a push for safer online kids’ protections and fresh mortgage stability data nationally. Community & Culture: The Hatfield-McCoy Mountains tourism push keeps spotlighting “teamwork over feuding,” with revitalization efforts tied to the trail system.