AGP Executive Report

Nuclear Tech Hub: The U.S. Economic Development Administration awarded about $31M to the Idaho-Wyoming Intermountain-West Energy Corridor Tech Hub to expand advanced nuclear fuel work, testing, transport, and workforce training. Broadband Rollout: Bluepeak is teaming with Harmonic to speed fiber expansion across Wyoming and other states, using Harmonic’s cOS platform and remote gear to reach more lower-density apartment buildings. AI in Business: Collective 54’s Jackson Hole retreat in Wyoming focused on using AI to redesign services for better margins and scaling. Cybersecurity Startup: Abstract Security raised a $25M Series A extension, reporting 380% growth in recurring revenue as it pushes AI threat detection deeper into security operations. Water & Power Watch: Lake Powell and Lake Mead hit historic lows, raising alarms for Southwest water supplies and electricity generation. Endangered Species Shift: The federal government is rolling back habitat protections under the Endangered Species Act, with states warning they can’t fully replace federal enforcement. Education Tech Policy: Big Horn County School District No. 1 limited device take-home rules, citing concerns about student app use and screen time. Robotics Funding: UK humanoid robot maker Humanoid landed a $152M Series A at a $1.35B valuation after Siemens trials and major manufacturing deals.

Wyoming STEM & education: The Central Wyoming Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration is funding a new Casper College scholarship—$3,600 a year for a student starting 2027–28, with preference for Wyoming residents in geology, geography, engineering, or related physical sciences. Health & research: A new analysis of more than 42,000 multiple sclerosis deaths finds mortality varies by age, geography, and race/ethnicity, with Black patients dying younger and high blood pressure emerging as a growing contributor—underscoring better prevention and co-condition management. Broadband & infrastructure: Bluepeak is accelerating fiber expansion across multiple states including Wyoming, using Harmonic’s cOS platform plus Pearl remote OLTs and the SeaStar optical node to extend service into lower-density MDUs. Wildlife management: Wyoming Game and Fish is urging reversal of Grand Targhee Resort’s expansion approval, arguing the plan would push development into key bighorn sheep habitat. Space weather: NOAA confirms a G1 geomagnetic storm is active, with potential impacts on rainfall patterns near the Rockies.

Endangered Species Act rollback: The Trump administration is removing federal protections for critical habitat, arguing states can manage safeguards—but experts warn most states lack the laws and tools to prevent habitat loss. Colorado River crunch: Lake Powell keeps sliding toward historic lows, forcing marinas and boat ramps to adapt as the broader system hits record-low storage levels. Grid stress in the West: With heat-driven demand and low reservoir support, rolling blackout warnings are spreading, while backup power and grid reliability tech moves from “nice to have” to urgent. AI + power infrastructure: Crusoe and ON.energy plan a 5GW deployment of AI UPS systems to keep hyperscale data centers online and reduce grid strain. Wyoming energy and jobs: The Wyoming Energy Authority highlighted National Coal Council reports urging continued operation of the coal fleet for reliability, while Idaho-Wyoming nuclear tech hubs secured about $31M to grow advanced nuclear supply chains. Defense autonomy: Anduril unveiled “Thunder,” an autonomous rotorcraft concept meant to act as a “loyal wingman” for Apache helicopters. Local tech governance: Green River council debate over license plate readers shows how surveillance tech is becoming a public-safety flashpoint.

Nuclear Energy Push: Idaho National Laboratory will help lead the Intermountain-West Nuclear Energy Corridor (INEC) Tech Hub, landing a $31M federal grant plus $9M in matching funds to grow small modular reactor and advanced nuclear work across Idaho and Wyoming. Grid & Power Reliability: Wyoming Energy Authority welcomed National Coal Council reports arguing the U.S. should keep operating the coal fleet through the 2040s to protect grid reliability as demand rises. Water & Infrastructure: Cheyenne received an $800,000 OWRB grant (loan-forgiveness) for upgrades to the Cheyenne Water Plant, including a new clearwell and pump house. Wildlife Management Fight: Wyoming Game & Fish urged reversal of Grand Targhee expansion, warning it would harm critical bighorn sheep habitat. Tech & Education: Cheyenne’s Nathan Groh earned a master’s in engineering from UW–Madison. AI + Materials: A Sprott report says AI is becoming a major driver of rare earth demand, tied to data-center growth. Healthcare Affordability: WalletHub data says Wyoming silver-plan premiums consume about 17% of median household income, straining families after subsidy changes.

Nuclear Energy Funding: Idaho and Wyoming are set to receive about $31M in federal support as part of the Intermountain-West Nuclear Energy Corridor Tech Hub, aimed at advanced fuel work, workforce training, and building the nuclear supply chain. AI & Manufacturing: BeeGraphy says it has embedded a native CAM layer into its parametric manufacturing system, aiming to cut the rework that happens when product configurations change. Wildlife Tech in Wyoming: Grand Teton National Park is using robot birds to lure critically declining sage-grouse away from nearby airport impacts and toward restored breeding areas. Data Centers vs. Property Rights: A new report highlights how utilities may be able to force access for data-center transmission lines through eminent domain if landowners refuse. Surveillance Cameras: Officials in Gillette say “Flock” ALPR cameras aren’t in town, after online rumors tied a WYDOT traffic-signal camera to the controversial system. Energy & Grid Pressure: A policy piece argues affordable electricity depends on continued investment as AI-driven data centers strain the Western grid. Weather: Hazy skies with light showers and a chance of weaker thunderstorms are expected across the region.

Nuclear Energy Funding: Idaho National Laboratory is helping lead a new Intermountain-West Nuclear Energy Corridor tech hub after a $31 million federal grant (with $9 million in matching funds) aimed at advanced fuel, workforce training, and supply-chain growth across Idaho and Wyoming. Local Energy Planning: Jerome County leaders are asking whether small modular nuclear reactors could meet rising power needs as federal momentum builds. Environmental Health Research: Wyoming-based researchers helped find that toxins from Florida blue-green algae blooms can become airborne, raising respiratory exposure concerns beyond contaminated water. Data Centers & Water: A Cheyenne data-center project tied to Meta is facing wastewater scrutiny after a rare bacterium was found in the sewer system, spotlighting how new AI infrastructure may strain local wastewater rules. Wildlife Policy Clash: Wyoming Game and Fish is “thoroughly disappointed” with a Grand Targhee Resort expansion approval that would grow into bighorn sheep habitat. Military Tech: Anduril and Archer unveiled “Thunder,” an autonomous armed tiltrotor “loyal wingman” concept for helicopters, timed with Farnborough. Public Health: CDC reports measles cases at 2,260 across 44 jurisdictions, with summer travel raising the risk of more outbreaks. Wyoming Education/Engineering Leadership: Tim McLain was appointed dean of BYU’s College of Engineering, starting July 1. Sports & Community: Wyoming QB Tyler Hughes was named a nominee for the 2026 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team for extensive community service.

Defense Tech: Anduril and Archer unveiled the Thunder armed tiltrotor “loyal wingman” drone at Farnborough, aiming to pair autonomous VTOL scouts with helicopters like the Apache and future Cheyenne II, with internal missile/rocket carriage and first flight targeted for next year. Wyoming Mining: American Rare Earths named Andrew Conover as Chief Development Officer to push the Halleck Creek project through pre-feasibility, final feasibility, permitting, and toward construction, following leadership changes. Public Health: The CDC reported 2,260 measles cases across 44 states and jurisdictions, with summer travel raising the risk of new outbreaks. Environment & Policy: The federal government rolled back Endangered Species Act habitat protections, arguing states can manage instead—critics warn states lack equivalent safeguards. Air Quality Research: A UW King Air research plane is flying over the Salt Lake Valley to map ozone drivers, part of a broader effort to tackle summer pollution. Wildlife: A twice-entangled humpback whale near B.C. was spotted again after last year’s entanglements, highlighting the importance of feeding areas. Wyoming Science: UW researchers tested puzzle boxes on wild raccoons near Laramie; the animals solved them in different ways, showing flexible problem-solving in the wild.

Rare Earths Development in Wyoming: American Rare Earths named Andrew Conover chief development officer to push the Halleck Creek Rare Earths Project from pre-feasibility through final feasibility, permitting, and construction planning. Energy + AI Grid Rush: Lancium says it secured ERCOT-approved interconnects for two gigawatt-scale AI data center campuses in Texas within a week, highlighting how power access is becoming the real bottleneck. Water Stress Across the West: A new report details how Colorado River drought is forcing fights between farms, towns, industry, and power-hungry data centers as federal officials consider major water cuts. Wildlife Rule Shake-Up: The Interior Department canceled an Endangered Species Act rule, shifting threatened species toward individualized protection plans and drawing criticism that it could slow conservation. Wyoming Science in the Wild: UW and UBC researchers tested puzzle boxes with wild raccoons near Laramie; the animals solved them in different ways, showing flexible problem-solving. Wyoming Tech + Education: Eastern Wyoming College board updates included new hires and a director of research transition, while UW Art Museum and Albany County Public Library teamed up for dinosaur-themed art-and-science activities for kids. Local STEM/Research Note: A King Air 350 research aircraft in Utah is mapping ozone precursors with help from universities and federal partners—an example of applied atmospheric science relevant to the region’s air-quality concerns.

Endangered Species Act shake-up: The Interior Department canceled a rule that would have given threatened species automatic protections, shifting more species to individualized plans that critics say could slow conservation and open the door to industry exemptions. Wildlife management in the West: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is preparing to return grizzly bear management to states under a revised proposal, with Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana pushing for more local control while opponents warn it could worsen outcomes. Wyoming wildlife watch: Yellowstone’s oldest wolf pack, Mollie’s Pack, has left the park, raising concerns about what comes next for the historic group. Local research in the field: UW researchers tested wild raccoon problem-solving with multi-lock puzzle boxes in Laramie, finding the animals used different techniques to open them—evidence of flexible learning in urban wildlife. Energy tech explainer: A new report breaks down microgrids—self-contained power systems that can island during outages—and why they’re gaining traction from campuses to military sites and AI data centers. Wyoming education & STEM-adjacent learning: Eastern Wyoming College students shared results from a Southwest history field experience, blending classroom study with visits to major Indigenous and archaeological sites.

Energy & Power Tech: A King Air 350 research plane is flying over Utah’s Salt Lake Valley to map ozone-forming pollution, aiming to cut harmful ground-level smog. AI Infrastructure & Community Impact: New reporting highlights how AI data centers are expanding fast, but local permitting pauses and backlash are growing as power and water strain becomes a flashpoint. Wildlife Policy: The Interior Department canceled key Endangered Species Act protections for threatened plants and animals, shifting to individualized plans that critics say could slow recovery. Ecosystem Management: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service finalized downlisting for the razorback sucker, while a separate move would return grizzly bear management to states with a reopened public comment period. Wyoming Education & STEM Outreach: Albany County Public Library and the UW Art Museum teamed up for dinosaur-themed, hands-on art-and-science activities for kids. Wyoming Environment & Land Use: Wyoming Game and Fish urged reversal of Grand Targhee Resort’s expansion approval, arguing it threatens bighorn sheep habitat. Public Health: A postpartum depression explainer notes new screening approaches and treatments, including FDA-approved options. Local Tech/Accessibility: A Rock Springs advocate is pushing a “Good Access, Good Business” recognition program for disability-friendly storefronts.

Wyoming Tech & STEM Watch: Eastern Wyoming College’s Board of Trustees approved new hires and updates on enrollment, campus construction, cybersecurity, and athletics, including adding instructors in chemistry and anatomy/physiology and moving a faculty member into a new research leadership role. Public Lands & Wildlife Science: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service finalized downlisting the razorback sucker from endangered to threatened, paired with a limited-take 4(d) rule, while Interior also moved to return grizzly bear management to Western states via a revised proposal and reopened public comment. Conservation Conflict in Wyoming: Wyoming Game and Fish Director Angi Bruce said she was “thoroughly disappointed” with Grand Targhee Resort’s approved expansion into bighorn sheep habitat, urging reversal. AI Infrastructure & Community Impact: A new wave of reporting highlights how data centers are colliding with local power, water, and permitting fights, including Wyoming-linked concerns about water pollution tied to Meta’s data center work and broader backlash against AI builds. Accessibility & Inclusion: A Rock Springs graduate is pushing a statewide “Good Access, Good Business” recognition program to help Wyoming businesses improve physical access, clear information, and inclusive customer service.

AI & Data Centers: Wyoming is getting pulled into the national fight over AI infrastructure as communities push back on power, water, and local control; Cheyenne is cited for having multiple data centers already and facing renewed scrutiny as developers expand. Energy & Water: A federal analysis warns Lake Powell could drop to a level that stops hydropower by March 2027, threatening electricity for millions across the West, including Wyoming. Wildlife & Land Management: Wyoming Game and Fish is “thoroughly disappointed” with Grand Targhee Resort’s approved expansion into bighorn sheep habitat, urging reversal. Cyber & Finance: Federal bank regulators say they’ll notify banks quickly if sensitive exam records are breached, aiming to reduce fallout from data-security risks. Public Safety Tech: Cheyenne’s wastewater rumor about a rare drug-resistant bacteria tied to a Meta data center remains unverified, though officials say they traced a bacteria source to an industrial user and barred it. Science & Discovery: Researchers re-examining a Wyoming dinosaur bonebed find bite marks are rarer than they look—only a handful trace to T. rex. Community STEM: UW and partners highlight targeted grazing and rangeland management at the upcoming Wyoming Sheep and Wool Festival in Powell.

Wyoming Data Centers & Growth Pressure: A new report argues Wyoming is chasing a “savior” in data centers, but warns the boom could bring environmental and economic trade-offs as Cheyenne and Laramie County track dozens of active and proposed projects. Public Safety Tech: Wyoming Game and Fish is piloting geofencing on the Beartooth Highway to text bear-safety tips when conflicts rise, aiming to reduce risky encounters. Wildlife Policy Shift: The federal government is proposing to shift grizzly bear management to states, with Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon among leaders backing the move while critics warn it could increase harm. Defense & Tech Testing: Raytheon says it successfully hit targets in Army short-range air defense missile tests, a step toward replacing Stinger. Health Tech: The FDA approved Merck’s first non-injectable PCSK9 cholesterol pill, offering a new option for patients who still need LDL lowering after statins. Everyday Science: A Nature study finds speeding barely saves time but costs drivers money and fuel—supporting posted speed limits. Community Tech & Learning: Laramie County Library System is rolling out a “book bike” for STEM and reading activities around Cheyenne Frontier Days and beyond. Weather: Hot conditions with pop-up showers/storms are expected through the weekend, with gusty storms possible.

Wyoming Education & Tech: Salem-Keizer Public Schools announced new principals and assistant principals across 17 buildings, a reminder that leadership changes can shape how districts adopt new learning tech and support systems. Public Lands & Data-Driven Wildlife: Wyoming Game and Fish is piloting geofencing on the Beartooth Highway to text bear-safety guidance when grizzly activity spikes, aiming to cut conflicts and improve public response. Conservation Policy: The Interior Department proposed a rule to give states more flexibility in grizzly management under the Endangered Species Act, with Wyoming Farm Bureau backing “local science” and critics warning against oversimplifying recovery. STEM in the Community: Laramie County Library System is rolling out a Western-themed “book bike” for mobile STEM activities and reading events. Research & Safety: A new Nature study finds speeding wastes gas and money and barely saves time—drivers spent nearly 12% of trip time above limits. Earth Science Watch: A magnitude 3.3 earthquake hit Yellowstone near the caldera; USGS says it’s not an immediate threat. Defense Tech: Raytheon reported successful Stinger replacement interceptor tests, with every round hitting Army-simulated targets. Healthcare AI Oversight: The Senate rejected a resolution to end a Medicare AI prior-authorization pilot, keeping the debate over AI in medical decisions front and center. Wyoming AI Governance: Wyoming lawmakers debated a draft AI bill focused on “consequential decision making,” including requirements for records and limits on automated decisions. Energy & Critical Minerals: A Wyoming coal company won federal money to extract rare earths and critical minerals, pushing more processing capacity into the state.

Wyoming Data Centers & Water Safety: Cheyenne’s Board of Public Utilities says Meta-linked construction work introduced a harmful bacteria into the city’s wastewater, and Meta has appealed the violation while asking for more details on testing used to trace the source. Cybersecurity & Tech Training: UW and the Wyoming SBDC Network are set to host a comprehensive cybersecurity review webinar July 20, aimed at helping businesses shore up digital defenses. Grizzly Bear Rule Shift: The Interior Department proposed new flexibility for western states to manage grizzlies in areas meeting recovery benchmarks—an approach Wyoming and other governors back, while critics warn it could raise risk to the species. STEM in the Outdoors: UW Extension and the Wyoming Department of Health are rolling out a free “Ready, Set, Thrive” wellness program that encourages outdoor activity and preventive screenings for families. Community Science Events: Barnyards and Backyards, with UW Extension and the Rocky Mountain Herbarium, is hosting a Native Plant Walk and Nature Journaling event in the mountains. Health Alerts: Eastern Idaho Public Health reported a measles case in Teton County with possible exposure at a Driggs grocery store, urging vaccination and symptom monitoring. Policy & Markets: A multistate settlement over alleged generic drug price-fixing (including Wyoming’s region via national coverage) and fresh market jitters tied to AI infrastructure spending are also in the news mix.

Wyoming Data Centers & Public Safety: Cheyenne Fire Rescue says modern data centers are built with layered fire protection and must pass fire-life-safety plan reviews before operating, as residents ask how the city would respond to data-center fires. Water Pollution From AI Infrastructure: Meta appealed a Cheyenne Board of Public Utilities violation tied to a bacteria discharge traced to a contractor working on Meta’s under-construction data center campus, disputing the testing details used to assign the source. Cybersecurity for Small Business: The Wyoming SBDC Network and UW will host a July 20 webinar on practical steps to make small businesses more cyber ready. Grizzly Bear Rule Shift: Interior proposes letting Western states take more day-to-day control of threatened grizzlies via changes to the ESA “4(d)” rule, while keeping federal protections in place; Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon and others back the move as critics warn it could raise mortality. Public Health Alert: Eastern Idaho Public Health reports a measles case and lists a possible exposure at a Driggs grocery store, urging vaccination and monitoring. Tech & Research in the Region: NSF’s ASCEND Engine is supporting Colorado and Wyoming disaster-prep work using advanced sensing and analytics for hazards like wildfire and extreme weather. Dinosaur Science & Markets: A T. rex fossil nicknamed “Gus” sold for a record $50.1 million, while new research highlights rare predator-to-prey bite evidence in tyrannosaur studies.