AGP Executive Report

Colorado River Water Fight: Sen. Mike Lee warned Arizona and other Lower Basin states that suing over Colorado River operations could cost them about $354M in expiring conservation aid, pushing the basin closer to a court battle as the 2026 deal nears. Wildlife & Public Health: Teton County is considering testing town water after chronic wasting disease was found on the National Elk Refuge, even as officials say the risk to humans appears low. Fire Risk: Park County fire officials say drought is worsening across the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and Big Horn Basin, with above-normal fire potential and calls for early, aggressive suppression. Energy & Jobs: Renewable groups sued the Pentagon over stalled national security reviews for new wind farms, arguing the logjam threatens $47B in investment and thousands of jobs. Wyoming Safety: State parks and WYDOT urged travelers to stay wind-aware on I-25, I-80 and U.S. 287, warning high winds can be deadly for RVs and trailers. Local Conservation: Cheyenne’s 27th annual goat cleanup is underway to reduce weeds, erosion and flood-prone trash buildup in creek beds.

Wildlife & Public Health: Teton County is weighing whether to test local drinking water after Chronic Wasting Disease was detected on the National Elk Refuge, with officials saying the risk to humans appears low but the situation is new. Recreation Safety: Wyoming State Parks and WYDOT are urging drivers to “stay wind aware” this summer, warning that gusts on I-25, I-80 and U.S. 287 can be dangerous for RVs, trailers and other high-profile vehicles. Fire Risk: A Red Flag Warning is in effect for much of southeast Wyoming until 8 p.m. Friday, with warm temps, low humidity and strong winds raising wildfire danger. Community & Wildlife Management: Cheyenne’s 27th annual “goats clean up” effort is underway, using a herd of 300 goats to control weeds, reduce erosion and help limit flood-prone trash buildup in creek areas. Outdoor Incident Watch: Jackson Hole Fire/EMS reports four e-bike crashes with injuries in three days, including incidents at intersections, prompting renewed calls for helmet use and safer riding. Water & Climate Impacts: Flaming Gorge’s rapid drop is hitting local businesses on the Utah-Wyoming border as federal actions aim to prop up Lake Powell amid Colorado River system stress.

Coal Push & Power Costs: Trump’s $700M “clean, beautiful” coal plan leans on extending coal plants and building an Oakland export terminal, with Wyoming and other Mountain West states tied in as suppliers—raising fresh alarms about higher rates and pollution. Air Pollution & Health: A new “Refinery Risk Map” lets residents near refineries in Wyoming and the Mountain West see modeled emissions and estimated health impacts, including risks tied to fine particle pollution. Wildfire Response: A fast-growing 9,000-acre South Fork Fire in Nebraska’s Panhandle prompted National Guard support and evacuations, underscoring how wind and dry conditions are driving dangerous fire behavior across the region. Weather Forecasting for Emergencies: NSF NCAR is developing neighborhood-scale low-altitude wind predictions to better support wildfire response and power planning. Water Stress & River Politics: Wyoming and Utah leaders met in Washington on Colorado River negotiations as states weigh short-term federal plans versus costly litigation. Local Land Care: Cheyenne is using about 600 goats to graze creek vegetation for flood control, fire mitigation, and noxious weed control.

Wildfire Watch: A Red Flag Warning is back for the Denver metro Wednesday, with hot, dry air and gusty winds raising the risk of rapid fire spread. Colorado River Politics: Utah leaders warn that states suing over Colorado River water could lose about $354M in conservation aid, pushing a “legal detente” as negotiations drag on. Wyoming Fire Mitigation: Cheyenne is using about 600 goats to graze overgrown creek vegetation along Crow Creek for flood control, fire mitigation, and noxious weed control. Local Infrastructure: Rawlins crews begin the second phase of a US 287/Higley pedestrian underpass project with lane closures through late July. Road & Weather Impacts: Beartooth Highway closes at the Montana-Wyoming border due to heavy snow; WYDOT also schedules seasonal paving in Campbell County starting June 22. Wildlife Safety: Experts renew calls for federal funding for wildlife crossings to cut vehicle-animal crashes and reconnect habitat. Public Lands & Wildlife: Wyoming’s BLM grazing overhaul proposal would change how public rangelands are managed, with concerns elk could be pushed off public range. Community & Safety: A Carbon County deputy was shot during a Baggs traffic stop; the suspect died after a shootout, and the deputy remains in critical condition.

Wyoming Weather & Fire Risk: A windy stretch is in the forecast for the Billings area, with gusts 30–45 mph and brief mountain snow possible, while southeast Wyoming faces elevated critical fire danger and breezy conditions that can keep fuels primed. Cold Snap: A new ranking finds Wyoming had some of its coldest Junes since 1895, underscoring how unusual the season has been. Colorado River Water Crunch: With states still deadlocked, a federal short-term operating plan could mean steep cuts for Arizona—up to 77%—as Lake Powell and Lake Mead continue to drain. Federal Land Politics: A new analysis says the 119th Congress has introduced dozens of antiparks bills that would weaken protections for public lands and waters. Permitting & Infrastructure: Sen. Barrasso (R-WY) introduced a bill to streamline broadband permitting on federal land, including an online portal and standardized rules. Local Wyoming Growth Tensions: Cheyenne residents are weighing a proposed “man camp” for data-center construction workers, with locals warning about impacts from past labor booms. Wildlife & Community: A Plein Air Fest at the National Museum of Wildlife Art returns Saturday, and a separate bear-attack report from California highlights ongoing human-wildlife conflict risks.

Colorado River Water Policy: Feds say a new, shorter-term Colorado River management framework will rely on updated operational guidelines every two years, with a mid-to-late summer environmental review for Lake Powell and Lake Mead. Wildfire & Fire Weather: Eastern Wyoming faces high fire danger with multiple Red Flag Warnings and dry, windy conditions that can spread fast-moving grassland fires. Local Conservation & Community: UW Extension hired veteran and pilot Erik Bailly as an agriculture and natural resources educator in Sublette County. Wildlife Art & Habitat Work: Jackson’s National Museum of Wildlife Art will host its Plein Air Fest, Etc. on June 13, with proceeds supporting wildlife art and the museum. Data Centers & Community Backlash: Cheyenne-area residents are alarmed by plans for a large “man camp” tied to data center construction, echoing broader opposition to rapid data-center growth. Public Safety: A Carbon County deputy was shot in Baggs; Wyoming and Colorado agencies responded as the suspect died at the scene. Weather Watch: Severe storm threats and tornado watches continue to ripple across the region, including parts of Wyoming and nearby states.

Severe Weather Watch: The National Weather Service flagged parts of southeast Wyoming for strong to severe storms Monday, with large hail, damaging winds, and an isolated tornado or two possible along the I-80 corridor. Water & Climate Policy: A new push to hold corporate utilities accountable for Wyoming’s water future comes as the EPA weighs further coal-ash rollbacks that could weaken protections for contaminated groundwater. Wildlife: Wyoming wolf research finds wolves in the southern Greater Yellowstone area average about 92 pounds—about 50% heavier than wolves in Minnesota’s northwoods—fueling fresh debate about “superwolf” myths. Local Wildlife Response: A young black bear was relocated after climbing trees in Jackson’s Town Square and being safely captured by WGFD. Infrastructure & Growth Pressure: Teton County residents faced a Rafter J water outage from a main line leak, with a boil-water order expected after repairs. Energy & Industry: Summit Carbon Solutions heads toward trial over a $15 million pipe contract dispute tied to delays in its carbon capture pipeline. Road & Public Works: WYDOT crews begin nighttime thermoplastic striping work in Teton County, with lane closures and minimal delays expected.

Severe Weather Watch: The Cheyenne office of the National Weather Service says strong to severe storms are possible Monday across southeast Wyoming, with large hail, damaging winds, and an isolated tornado or two; timing is best along the I-80 corridor from Cheyenne eastward. Wildlife in Town: Jackson officials and Wyoming Game and Fish relocated a young black bear after it climbed trees in the Town Square area, then was captured safely and moved to national forest land near Hoback. Public Safety Incident: Multiple Colorado agencies are assisting Wyoming authorities after reports of shots fired near Baggs; drivers were told to avoid Highway 789 and expect road closures while the “critical incident” response continues. Water System Disruption: Rafter J Ranch residents faced a water outage from a main transmission line leak, with repairs underway and a boil water order expected once service returns. Energy & Growth Pressure: Carbon County is holding public meetings on a proposed natural gas power plant (Miller Generating Station), tied to rising electricity demand, including from AI data centers. Colorado River Strain: Negotiators are still pushing for a workable Colorado River plan as drought and low reservoir levels raise stakes for water users across the Southwest.

Severe Weather Watch: A strong storm system is pushing into the Northern Plains and parts of Wyoming, with forecasters warning of damaging winds, large hail, and an isolated tornado risk as conditions shift from Sunday into early next week. Wolf Management: Wyoming wildlife managers are cutting the wolf hunt in half after a canine distemper outbreak drove the state’s wolf numbers to their lowest level in two decades. Oil & Gas Oversight: The Interior Department is asking a federal court to let it revise environmental reviews for older Wyoming oil and gas lease sales, after a ruling said greenhouse-gas impacts must be addressed at the leasing stage. Tribal Rights vs. Mining: Nine tribes are suing to halt exploratory graphite drilling near a sacred meadow in the Black Hills, arguing federal agencies violated protections and that the project threatens wildlife. Climate Accountability Lawsuits: A growing wave of lawsuits seeks to make fossil fuel companies pay for climate-linked disaster costs, with the U.S. Supreme Court set to consider one major case. Coal Push: Trump’s administration is using wartime powers to move about $700 million into coal plants and exports, including a California terminal that could affect regional energy and pollution debates. Northern Lights: A strong geomagnetic storm could bring aurora visibility across up to 20 northern states overnight.

Severe Storm Watch: A Level 3 severe storm threat is up for parts of Wyoming and the Northern Plains Sunday, with damaging winds up to 75 mph and large hail possible, plus an isolated tornado risk. Oil & Gas Oversight: The Interior Department is asking a federal court to let it revise environmental reviews for older Wyoming, Utah and Colorado oil-and-gas lease sales, after a ruling said greenhouse gas impacts must be considered at the leasing stage. Tribal Legal Fight: Nine Native tribes sued to stop exploratory graphite drilling near a sacred Black Hills meadow used for ceremonies and youth camps, arguing federal agencies violated law and that wildlife could be harmed. Coal Push: The Trump administration is moving nearly $700 million to coal power and exports, including funding for an Oakland terminal that could boost coal shipments tied to Wyoming and Montana. Wildlife Management: Wyoming is cutting its wolf hunt in half after a canine distemper outbreak drove wolf numbers to the lowest level in two decades. Public Lands & Predators: A renewed push to allow “cyanide bombs” on public lands is drawing backlash from conservation groups and critics. Northern Lights: NOAA forecasts strong aurora visibility across up to 20 states Monday into Tuesday, with Wyoming in the viewing mix.

Wolf Management: Wyoming wildlife managers cut the wolf hunt cap by 50% after a canine distemper outbreak drove the state’s wolf numbers to their lowest level in two decades. Public Lands & Predators: A new push to allow “cyanide bombs” on public land on a case-by-case basis is reigniting debate over predator control and environmental impacts. Climate Science Under Pressure: Federal actions to dismantle parts of ocean and climate research are drawing court fights, including a judge blocking efforts tied to NCAR’s future. Colorado River Risk: Experts warn Lake Powell and Lake Mead could face a “system crash” without faster water cuts, as federal officials move toward a shorter-term management framework. Wildfire Preparedness: Fire mitigation efforts are under scrutiny as experts warn conditions for intense fire season are lining up early, with Wyoming noted for some increases in thinning and prescribed burns. Energy & Pollution: Trump’s nearly $700 million coal support plan includes major infrastructure and export moves that could affect Wyoming coal supply chains and regional air quality. Invasive Grass & Fire: Cheatgrass is accelerating more frequent fires in Wyoming’s Bighorn Basin, threatening sagebrush ecosystems. Wildlife & Access: Wyoming’s Sportsperson Conservation Forum will tackle mule deer strategy, public access, and wildland fire recovery. Weather Watch: Severe storm threats are in the forecast for the region, including damaging winds and large hail into northeastern Wyoming. Local Notes: Cheyenne downtown flower planters are being stolen again, and Wyoming’s Game and Fish updates include fish hatchery expansion.

Coal Push in the West: President Trump’s plan to revive coal is set to send nearly $700 million using a Cold War-era law, including $75 million toward a long-delayed Oakland export terminal that could move coal from Wyoming and Montana, plus upgrades and new builds in several states. Colorado River Crunch: Federal water officials say they’ll use a shorter-term, 10-year framework for Colorado River management if the seven states can’t agree, as experts warn the basin is sliding toward a “system crash” without faster water cuts. Wildfire Readiness: Fire watchdogs warn Wyoming and the region face ripe conditions for an intense season, even as mitigation like thinning and prescribed burns shows mixed results. Wind Energy Fight: A Wyoming Capitol rally pressed for review of wind projects and raised concerns about impacts on golden eagles and other wildlife. Invasive Grass & Fire Risk: Wyoming researchers highlight how cheatgrass is taking over sagebrush country and helping drive more frequent, hotter fires. Local Wildlife & Recreation: A Jackson Hole birding festival drew crowds, while Cheyenne’s downtown flower thefts continue to disrupt public spaces. Environment in Court: A coalition of 21 states and industry groups backed the Air Force in a lawsuit over WWII-era bomb detonation at Tarague Beach in Guam, a case that could shape future permitting fights nationwide.

Coal Push in the Spotlight: President Trump announced nearly $700 million for coal power and exports, using Cold War-era Defense Production Act authority—Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon backed the move and touted “clean” coal and jobs, while critics warn it undercuts renewables. Local Road Safety & Wildlife: South Dakota DOT held talks on future reconstruction of US Highway 85 to improve safety, but opponents raised concerns about impacts to private land, forest service areas, and wildlife. Heat & Storms: Wyoming is in the mix for a hot stretch, with forecasts calling for severe storm threats across the region this weekend. Colorado River Uncertainty: Federal officials said they’ll move toward a shorter-term, 10-year Colorado River management framework if states can’t agree, with operations revisited every two years. Invasive Grasses & Fire Risk: A UW-linked report highlights cheatgrass driving more frequent fires in Wyoming’s Bighorn Basin. Wildlife & Wind Power Tensions: A Capitol rally renewed debate over wind projects and golden eagle impacts, as opponents warn of a “wind wall.” Community Notes: Cheyenne downtown flower thefts continue; Wyoming Highway Patrol reported a fatal I-80 crash and other local incidents.

Wyoming Wind Fight: A Capitol rally in Cheyenne put wind farm concerns front and center, with speakers warning about impacts to birds—especially golden eagles—plus effects on wildlife and ranching, as Wyoming considers revised proposals tied to the Laramie Range Wind Project. Colorado River Pressure: Federal water officials say a new 10-year Colorado River operating framework could be imposed if states can’t agree, while Colorado and Nevada negotiators say parts of the plan may need changes—raising stakes for drought-strained supplies. Coal Push, Local Fallout: President Trump announced a $700 million coal package, with Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon praising it as energy security and jobs support, even as critics warn it could raise pollution and costs. Data Center Backlash: A national look at data center incentives shows Wyoming has offered relatively few major tax breaks, even as communities elsewhere push back against rapid expansion. Aurora Watch: Northern lights forecasts point to possible visibility across much of the Mountain West, including Wyoming, during a strong geomagnetic storm window. Wildlife & Courts: An Oregon man faces Wyoming poaching-related charges tied to an alleged illegal pronghorn kill in Campbell County.

Coal Policy in Wyoming: The Trump EPA proposed freeing a Wyoming coal plant from a 12-year shutdown deal ending in 2027, and would not require the pollution controls the plant avoided when it agreed to close—raising new questions about visibility pollution under the regional haze rule. Energy Pushback: Across the West, environmental groups are also challenging federal predator-control tactics in wilderness areas, arguing livestock protection is driving unlawful killing of predators. Wildlife & Land Use: In Jackson, eight local businesses were certified as wildlife-friendly fence professionals, aiming to reduce injuries and blocked movement from poorly designed fencing. Wind & Eagles: At the Wyoming Capitol, a rally urged a deeper review of industrial wind projects in southeast Wyoming, warning golden eagles could be harmed by rapid buildout. Data Centers & Water: Cheyenne LEADS says there are 10 operational data centers in Cheyenne/Laramie County, with more under construction and in planning, as residents continue to debate water and power impacts. Weather & Fire Risk: A high-risk wildfire period is arriving early in parts of the West, with above-normal fire potential forecast for June. Northern Lights: A strong geomagnetic storm watch could bring auroras visible in Wyoming and much of the northern U.S. tonight into Friday.

Coal Push in Wyoming: President Trump says he’ll use Cold War-era emergency powers to direct nearly $700 million to “clean, beautiful coal,” including upgrades to 13 coal plants and support for a West Coast export terminal in Oakland—Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon called the port “essential” for Wyoming’s coal. Data Center Pressure: Cheyenne LEADS says there are 10 operational data center locations in Cheyenne/Laramie County, 5 under construction, and 9 more in planning, as residents keep raising concerns about water and electricity use. Predator Control Lawsuit: Conservation groups filed suit challenging federal predator-killing in wilderness areas, arguing it violates the Wilderness Act even when tied to livestock protection. Water Woes at Flaming Gorge: A drawdown at Flaming Gorge is hitting the recreation economy, with marina ramps buckling as reservoir levels drop. Wildlife Protection Fight: Wyoming’s golden eagles face heightened risk from wind development, with calls for stronger protections. Weather Watch: Severe storm threats continue across the Great Plains into Wyoming, with hail and damaging winds possible. Northern Lights: NOAA upgraded aurora odds; Wyoming is in the viewing range for June 4–5 if skies clear.