AGP Executive Report

Colorado River talks: Gov. Mark Gordon met in Washington with Utah Gov. Spencer Cox, Sen. John Barrasso, Sen. Cynthia Lummis, and others to push a practical long-term plan for the basin, with Flaming Gorge expected to be lowered to protect Lake Powell. Wyoming elections & party rules: The Wyoming Supreme Court heard arguments on the constitutionality of the state’s crossover-voting ban, a case tied to Wyoming’s closed primary system and party affiliation limits. Wyoming Legislature power shift: A week of reporting highlights races that could decide whether the Wyoming Freedom Caucus gains control of the Senate, after it already won the House. Cheyenne growth debate: Cheyenne City Council held a public hearing on annexing nearly 3,460 acres on the south side, tied to future zoning and a Microsoft-linked project. Public safety: Laramie County’s Sheriff’s Office announced a cold-case homicide arrest in the 1988 “Baby John Doe” investigation. Courts & rights: A judge ruled a transgender bartender must stand trial on felony charges after a firearm incident in Laramie. Energy & costs: Rocky Mountain Power filed for a major rate hike that would hit Wyoming irrigators hard, as drought-driven pumping costs rise. Community & service: Heart Mountain received a Serve Wyoming planning grant to develop a “Kids Cultivate” agriculture education program.

Colorado River Talks: Gov. Mark Gordon, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox, and U.S. Sens. John Barrasso, Cynthia Lummis, and John Curtis met in Washington to push a long-term Colorado River plan, with Wyoming emphasizing a seven-basin-state approach and protection for Flaming Gorge as Lake Powell remains under pressure. Wyoming Senate Power Watch: A new report lays out how the Wyoming Freedom Caucus could win control of the Senate, hinging on key races as caucus allies move from the House to the upper chamber. Data Center Backlash: Wyoming’s data-center fight is part of a broader national pushback, with states like Arizona and Texas debating tax breaks, infrastructure costs, and power impacts as governors scramble over how to regulate the fast-growing industry. Public Safety—Baggs Shooting: A Carbon County deputy was airlifted after being shot during an active shooter incident in Baggs; officials say the suspect was found dead in the vehicle after a gunfire exchange. Public Safety—Impaired Driving: The Fremont County DUI Task Force will patrol during Lander Brewfest, urging designated drivers and SafeRide as 2026 has already seen five impaired-driving fatalities in the county. Community & Service: Heart Mountain Wyoming Foundation received a Serve Wyoming planning grant to develop a “Kids Cultivate” program, and the National Museum of Military Vehicles will host “Wyoming’s Own” with the 67th Army Band on June 29. Tribal Commemoration: Tribes and the National Park Service are preparing for Battle of Greasy Grass anniversary events with multiple programs around Little Bighorn.

Public Safety: A Carbon County deputy was shot multiple times near Baggs and flown to St. Mary’s in Grand Junction; authorities say the suspect fired at pursuing officers before crashing and dying. Federal Land & Conservation: The BLM is investigating vandalism at six Native American rock art sites in Wyoming’s Big Horn Basin, including damage from a bonfire and gunfire. Water Politics: With Colorado River talks stalled, federal managers are moving toward a shorter-term 10-year framework that could trigger major cuts—Arizona’s share could drop as much as 77% if states can’t agree. Wyoming Lawmaking: Sen. John Barrasso unveiled a bill to streamline broadband permitting on federal land, creating standardized rules and an online portal. State Government & Economy: Lawmakers discussed potential Wyoming Business Council reforms, including reviving consensus block grant funding and tightening underused programs. Sports Policy: Nine Republican governors—including Wyoming’s—pressed the NCAA to overhaul transgender student-athlete rules. Social Services Oversight: SSA chief Frank Bisignano is set to tell Congress customer service is improving, citing big reductions in phone wait times. Wyoming Community: The Wyoming National Guard is running planning for America 250 events in Cheyenne ahead of July Fourth. Local Notes: Cody post office trash cans and recycling bins temporarily disappeared during election season, then returned. Business/Outdoors: FOIA-linked reporting raises questions after two fatal snowmobile trips in four days were guided by the same Teton-area outfitter tied to Aramark.

Colorado River: Federal officials say they’ll use a shorter-term, more flexible 10-year Colorado River management framework, with new operating guidelines every two years, after states can’t reach a seven-state deal. Wyoming Law Enforcement: A Memorial Day weekend DUI crackdown in Fremont County produced 5 impaired-driving arrests and 327 traffic stops. Public Lands: BLM is investigating vandalism at six Native rock art sites in Wyoming’s Bighorn Basin, including damage from gunfire and a bonfire. Elections & Voting: Wyoming voters who changed party affiliation ahead of the May deadline largely switched from Democrat to Republican, shaping closed-primary ballot math. Local Politics: Eric Snow, a Teton County patrol deputy, is challenging Sheriff Matt Carr in the GOP sheriff race. State Government: Lawmakers are discussing potential Wyoming Business Council reforms, including reviving consensus block grant funding and trimming underused programs. National Policy: The House holds an SSA hearing as the agency’s commissioner argues wait times are improving. Energy & Tech: Edmond, Oklahoma, adopted a data-center moratorium while studying impacts—another sign the fight over growth is spreading. Safety: High fire danger persists across Wyoming with Red Flag Warnings and active large fires.

Colorado River Talks: Federal officials say they’ll formalize a new plan for dividing shrinking Colorado River supplies as soon as mid-summer, but Wyoming and other states still can’t agree on voluntary cuts, keeping lawsuits and blame games on the table. Wyoming Elections & AI: Wyoming’s secretary of state rejected an AI bid for a U.S. Senate run, and a federal judge upheld the denial—while the candidate vows to keep fighting in court. Native Rock Art Vandalism: The BLM is investigating vandalism at six Indigenous petroglyph sites in Wyoming’s Bighorn Basin, including bullet damage and a bonfire that cracked and altered rock. Mail Ballot Crackdown: DHS plans to let states access federal citizenship data by June 30 and to monitor mail ballots for fraud signals as Trump’s administration pushes new voting-by-mail restrictions. Data Centers Debate: Lawmakers are weighing a possible special session as Governor Gordon’s “Data Centers The Wyoming Way” order faces criticism over water, power, and infrastructure impacts. Public Safety: Reports of a shooting near Baggs triggered road closures and a multi-agency response on the Wyoming-Colorado border. Gas Prices: GasBuddy reports Wyoming diesel and premium prices remain elevated, with some county-level lows around late May.

Border Incident: Wyoming authorities were met with a heavy response after reports of shots fired near Baggs, with the Wyoming Highway Patrol urging drivers to avoid Highway 789 and multiple Colorado agencies joining a “critical incident” investigation. Weather Watch: A tornado watch covered a dozen Colorado counties until 9 p.m., with threats including very large hail and possible tornadoes. Voting Rules Fight: The Trump administration is moving to restrict voting by mail, using federal citizenship data access and court-backed monitoring plans—an effort Democrats and voting-rights groups say risks unconstitutional election meddling. Wyoming Energy & Power: Public meetings are set to discuss a proposed natural gas plant in Carbon County, part of a broader push to meet rising electricity demand tied to data centers. Data Center Politics: Wyoming lawmakers are debating whether to call a special session after Gov. Mark Gordon’s “Data Centers The Wyoming Way” executive order drew criticism over water, power, land use, and infrastructure impacts. Housing in Court: A Jackson affordable housing project near the Nelson Drive trailhead is delayed by a neighbor’s lawsuit, keeping the Forest Service and housing trust tied up in litigation. SNAP Changes: USDA lists Wyoming among states restricting SNAP purchases of non-nutritious items, with implementation dates rolling through this year and next. Crypto Push: More than 200 crypto firms and groups urged Senate leaders to schedule a floor vote on the CLARITY Act before the August recess. Wyoming Finances: Wyoming property tax collections fell sharply in Q3 2025, down 51.9% from the prior quarter, according to Census Bureau data.

Wyoming Energy & Taxes: Wyoming collected $5.9 million in public utilities sales taxes in 2024—up from $3.8 million the year before—according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s State Government Tax Collections survey. Data Centers & Power: Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker paused new data center tax incentives starting July 1, citing grid strain and higher bills for residents—an issue Wyoming has been watching as AI and crypto demand grows. Wyoming Politics & Elections: Wyoming Secretary of State Chuck Gray held a meet-and-greet in Rock Springs to pitch his U.S. House run, laying out concerns about Clean Air Act impacts and the spread of large data centers. Public Safety & Homeland Security: Sheridan County commissioners approved a $49,200 Wyoming Office of Homeland Security grant for all-hazards preparedness. Military News: The Wyoming Air National Guard held a change of command for the 153rd Maintenance Group in Cheyenne, transitioning leadership from Lt. Col. Brett Trippel to Lt. Col. John Jasper. Wildlife Management: Wyoming plans to cut the wolf hunt cap in half after a canine distemper outbreak drove wolf numbers to their lowest level in two decades. Courts & Crypto: A New York judge paused a lawsuit seeking control of 39,069 dormant Bitcoin wallets, setting a July 14 hearing. Local Law Enforcement: Cheyenne Wells saw a multi-agency search warrant operation that seized firearms, suspected drugs, and explosive devices, with EOD teams rendering them inert.

Wyoming National Guard: The Wyoming Air National Guard held a June 6 change of command for the 153rd Maintenance Group in Cheyenne, with Lt. Col. Brett Trippel handing leadership to Lt. Col. John Jasper as the unit prepares for upcoming operational demands, including wildfire support. Local Public Safety: A Cheyenne Wells, Colorado-area multi-agency law enforcement operation seized firearms, suspected narcotics, and explosive devices after a search warrant, with ATF, FBI, and Air Force EOD among the teams involved. Energy & Environment: Interior’s Bureau of Land Management asked a federal court to let it revise environmental reviews for 2015-2016 oil and gas leases in Wyoming, Utah, and Colorado, after a ruling found greenhouse gas estimates were not properly handled at the leasing stage. Wildlife Policy: Wyoming plans to cut the wolf hunt by half after a canine distemper outbreak drove wolf numbers to the lowest level in two decades. Wyoming Governance & Planning: The Wyoming National Guard hosted a Rehearsal of Concept drill for the July 4 “America 250” celebration, coordinating public safety, traffic, emergency response, and aviation support. Tribal Rights: Nine tribes sued to stop exploratory graphite drilling near a sacred Black Hills meadow used for ceremonies and youth camps, arguing federal agencies violated law by greenlighting the project.

Wyoming National Guard: The Guard hosted a Rehearsal of Concept drill in Cheyenne to coordinate safety, traffic, communications, emergency response and aviation support for Wyoming’s America 250 celebration on July 4, including UH-60 Black Hawk and C-130 flyovers. Energy & environment: The Trump administration is set to push nearly $700M into the coal industry using a Korean War-era statute, including upgrades to coal plants and funding tied to a planned Oakland export terminal that could move Wyoming and Montana coal. Colorado River: Federal officials say they’ll use a shorter-term 10-year framework with new operational guidelines every two years if states can’t reach a seven-state deal, with an Environmental Impact Statement due in summer. Public lands fight: A coalition backed by 21 states and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce is supporting the Air Force in a lawsuit over the Tarague Beach detonation range on Guam, arguing permitting should proceed without added delays. Wyoming politics-adjacent legal: A New York lost-property case tied to 39,069 dormant bitcoin wallets saw fresh on-chain movement after a court stay, keeping the dispute over “abandoned” crypto alive. Local Wyoming governance: A Cheyenne-area council meeting covered routine approvals, an airport update, and discussion of water shares tied to incoming wind farm activity.

Coal Push in the Spotlight: President Trump is set to channel nearly $700 million into coal power and infrastructure, using a Cold War-era Defense Production Act—Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon is among the officials backing the plan, which includes funding for an Oakland export terminal that could move coal tied to Wyoming. Wildfire Readiness: The Wyoming National Guard held tabletop exercises to tighten coordination with state forestry and emergency partners ahead of wildfire season. America 250 Planning: Guard planners in Cheyenne ran a Rehearsal of Concept drill for the July 4 celebration, syncing public safety, traffic, emergency response, and aviation support. Colorado River Pressure: Federal water managers say they’ll move toward a shorter-term 10-year framework with new guidelines every two years if states can’t reach a seven-state deal—while experts warn the basin could face a “system crash.” Wyoming Elections & Governance: The Greater Cheyenne Chamber hosted a governor candidate lunch/forum focused on housing, rural healthcare, youth retention, and data centers. Local Notes: Weston County appointed a new election clerk after past investigations into the former clerk. Energy Prices: GasBuddy reports some of the lowest midgrade and diesel prices in parts of Wyoming, even as statewide averages remain elevated.

Coal & Jobs: President Trump announced nearly $700M for coal power via the Cold War-era Defense Production Act, with Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon backing the plan during a White House stop; the package includes $75M for an Oakland export terminal and funding for coal facilities in multiple states. Gubernatorial Race: At a Cheyenne Chamber forum, Wyoming’s GOP governor candidates (Eric Barlow, Megan Degenfelder, Brent Bien) traded views on housing, rural healthcare, youth retention, and data centers as the field tightens. Wildfire Readiness: The Wyoming National Guard held a tabletop exercise with state and local partners to sharpen coordination for wildfire response, including aviation requests and interagency communications. Local Elections: Weston County appointed a new election clerk after prior investigations and misconduct allegations against the former clerk. Public Safety & Courts: A parole hearing is set for the killer of a slain officer, as the victim’s sister urges parole denial; separately, Wyoming’s leaders also face ongoing election-law and ballot-related legal fights. Environment & Land Use: UW experts warn cheatgrass is driving more frequent fires in the Bighorn Basin, while birding continues to surge with a Jackson Hole festival.

Wyoming Data Centers: Gov. Mark Gordon’s “Data Centers The Wyoming Way” executive order is drawing fresh pushback, with state lawmakers discussing whether a special session is needed to slow or reshape rules on power generation, water, and infrastructure impacts. Federal Water Policy: The Bureau of Reclamation says it will impose a 10-year Colorado River operating framework by fall if the basin states can’t agree, but Colorado and Nevada negotiators warn the plan could require major revisions and add uncertainty. Health Care Fight: U.S. Rep. Rob Bresnahan says he’ll fight proposed federal Medicaid work-related rules that advocates fear could strip coverage for people with serious illnesses. ICE Partnerships: Hot Springs County became Wyoming’s 13th participating agency with ICE, expanding local involvement through task force and warrant-related agreements. Wyoming Politics & Campaigns: Casper native David Giralt, an Army Ranger and former Lummis staffer, is running for Congress on a “preserve the American dream” message. Community & Civic Life: Lander’s Linda Barton—who built Wyoming after-school programs and pushed voting rights—was remembered for years of local organizing and advocacy. National Security: The U.S. Navy removed top leaders at its Japan ship repair base “due to a loss of confidence,” underscoring ongoing personnel shakeups.

Coal Policy in the Spotlight: President Trump announced nearly $700M in federal support for coal-fired power plants and exports, using Cold War-era Defense Production Act authority; Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon backed the move, arguing it supports jobs and grid reliability for AI-driven demand. Wyoming Politics: The Wyoming GOP filed a federal lawsuit challenging a state law that limits party spending on primary endorsements, setting up a First Amendment fight ahead of a crowded GOP primary. U.S. Senate Filing Drama: A Cheyenne man’s bid to run as an “AI” candidate for Wyoming’s U.S. Senate seat was rejected in federal court, after state officials required him to refile as a “qualified elector.” Local Public Safety: A Lander police pursuit ended with spike strips and an arrest after an aggravated assault with a firearm report. Roads & Daily Life: A national roadway-conditions roundup highlighted how much deferred maintenance remains, while Wyoming gas prices continued to track volatile national energy markets.

Wyoming Energy & Jobs: President Donald Trump announced nearly $700 million in “clean, beautiful coal” support using Cold War-era Defense Production Act authority—backing 13 coal plants, funding two new plants (Alaska and West Virginia), restarting a Maryland facility, and pushing a long-delayed Oakland export terminal; Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon called the port “essential for the lifeblood” of the state’s coal industry. Wyoming Politics & Transparency: Crook County Clerk Melissa Jones received the Benjamin Franklin Award for Open Government, praised for proactive public access, fast records responses, and making it easier for the press to follow county business. Wyoming Elections: Wyoming’s U.S. Senate primary is crowded, with five Republicans and two Democrats filing for the Aug. 18 contests. Wyoming Military: The Wyoming National Guard marked First Muster and is using tabletop exercises to strengthen wildfire response coordination. Wyoming Economy Watch: Gas prices in Wyoming counties showed mixed movement, with regular averaging around the mid-$4s statewide in the week ending May 30.

Wyoming Elections & Courts: A Cheyenne attorney, George Powers, has taken a voter-data complaint to the Wyoming Supreme Court, filing for a writ of mandamus against Secretary of State Chuck Gray and asking AG Keith Kautz’s office to recuse from investigating the April complaint. Voter Access: AARP Wyoming says Wyoming’s voter rolls dropped to 270,925 registered voters, down from 296,703 in 2025, warning some people may need to re-register after routine purges. Data Centers & AI: Gov. Mark Gordon signed an executive order, “Data Centers the Wyoming Way,” setting principles for responsible data center development—water, wildlife, workforce, transparency, grid resiliency, and community engagement—while tying the effort to national security and federal AI policy. Local Government: Casper dropped parts of a 14th Street local assessment district after residents objected, though key street and water main work will still proceed. Public Safety & Community: Laramie County launched Wyoming’s first “Blue Envelope” program to help deputies communicate with residents who have autism, cognitive disabilities, or other communication challenges during high-stress encounters. State Policy Watch: The Joint Education Committee heard interim plans including changes to charter school enrollment calculations and a rework of the “basket of goods” funding model for high school courses.

Wyoming Elections & Parties: The Wyoming GOP reminded candidates about proper use of the federally registered elephant logo, warning against using it (or close lookalikes) before the primary. U.S. Senate Race: Two Democrats are now in Wyoming’s U.S. Senate scramble—Billy Benavidez filed after former Rep. James Byrd, setting up an Aug. 18 primary. Statewide Office: CJ Young announced his run for Wyoming Secretary of State, pitching election integrity and professional administration. Marijuana Policy: Wyoming’s attorney general filed an objection to automatically rescheduling marijuana under state law, arguing the legislature—not agencies—should decide. Local Government: Casper dropped a 14th Street local assessment district after residents objected, while councilors also discussed how the city communicates LADs. Public Safety & Community: Laramie County launched Wyoming’s first Blue Envelope program to help deputies communicate with residents with autism and other disabilities during stressful encounters. Education: Lawmakers on the Joint Education Committee heard interim plans, including changes to charter enrollment and a “basket of goods” funding model. Wyoming Infrastructure: WYDOT warned candidates and residents that political signage in state right-of-way is illegal and will be removed.