AGP Executive Report

Energy Oversight: The Montana Public Service Commission voted 3-1 to tell NorthWestern Energy to revise its 20-year Integrated Resource Plan, saying it lacks key details on modeling costs and meeting demand, especially as winter shortfalls could start as soon as 2027. Roadless Rule Fight: U.S. Agriculture has proposed rescinding the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule, opening millions of acres to more road building and logging; Montana is among the states most affected, and public comments run through Sept. 21. Tribal-State Relations: Gov. Greg Gianforte met with the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes during his 56-county tour, hearing concerns ranging from prisons and housing to Medicaid delays and a stalled land exchange. Public Lands & Recreation: A UM doctoral student is studying the growing e-bike debate on trails after heated clashes over access and “cheating” claims. Local Agriculture & Policy: Gov. Gianforte continued his producer tour in Cascade and Judith Basin counties, highlighting value-added ag and local farms. Community & Safety: Ravalli County residents and officials are ramping up opposition to the Sheep Creek rare-earth mine, pushing for a stronger public role in the comment process.

Weekend Economy Boost: Billings is gearing up for a packed weekend with the Yellowstone International Air Show and the debut of Banana Ball at Dehler Park, with officials projecting tens of thousands of visitors and millions of dollars flowing to hotels, restaurants, and local businesses. Public Lands & Wildlife: Conservation groups say the Forest Service is reconsidering grizzly-bear impacts after legal action tied to the Bitterroot Front logging project, as the agency reopens Endangered Species Act consultation. Roadless Rule Fight: A new push to rescind the 2001 Roadless Rule is drawing sharp backlash from Montana wildlife biologists and habitat managers who warn it could undermine grizzly recovery plans. Mining Opposition: Hundreds packed a Hamilton meeting opposing the Sheep Creek rare earth exploration project near the Bitterroot headwaters during a 30-day public comment period. Agriculture & Jobs: Montana’s pulse crop leadership gets a generational boost with Tanner Jorgensen appointed to the Pulse Crop Committee, while a separate ag facility expansion highlights how grants can translate into new manufacturing jobs. Health & Food Safety: A jalapeño-linked salmonella outbreak has expanded to 32 states, including Montana, with hundreds sickened and multiple recalls underway.

Public Lands Fight: The Trump administration moved to rescind the 2001 Roadless Rule, opening about 44 million acres of national forest land to more roads and logging, with Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte backing the change while conservation groups warn it could threaten undeveloped areas, wildlife, and drinking-water sources; the proposal is open for public comment. Wildlife & Grazing: A lawsuit challenges a new Forest Service/BLM Grazing Action Plan that would prioritize livestock use on federal allotments across the Rocky Mountain Front and other Montana ranges, arguing agencies must consult under the Endangered Species Act. State Government: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks hired Pete Glowacki as the new chief of enforcement after years of leadership turmoil and morale issues. Local Business: A Cascade couple’s microgreen operation, Canyon Roots Company, is growing from a greenhouse setup into a new local food business. Community & Culture: Northern Cheyenne tribal judge reinstated eight ousted council members and voided an October election. Sports/School: Montana Grizzlies’ secondary faces a learning curve in a new defensive scheme with an inexperienced group. Consumer Safety: A report says millions of used cars may have rolled-back digital odometers using plug-in tools, raising red flags for buyers.

Public Safety & Health: Montana AG Austin Knudsen warns residents about spoof websites and fake listings that trick people into wiring money or handing over bank details. Environment & Public Lands: The U.S. Forest Service has proposed rescinding the 2001 Roadless Rule, a move that could open about 44 million acres of national forest in western states, including Montana, to more roads, logging, and development—supporters say it helps wildfire and forest health work, while critics warn it will raise risks and harm habitat. Local Governance: Kalispell residents pushed back on adding license plate recognition cameras to the city budget, citing surveillance concerns and data-sharing worries. Rural Economy & Agriculture: Montana Farmers Union Foundation awarded more than $83,000 through its community grant program to 34 ag-based projects statewide. Business & Industry: Silver Bow Mining re-established underground access at its Rainbow Block silver-zinc project in Butte, marking the first underground exploration there in about 35 years. Consumer Tech: Apple Wallet digital IDs expand as North Carolina prepares to add driver’s licenses to the service.

Public Lands Fight: The Trump administration proposed fully repealing the 2001 “roadless rule,” which has blocked most new roads and logging on about 44–45 million acres of national forest, including major stretches in Montana, arguing it will help wildfire management; critics warn it could fragment habitat and increase risk. Local Governance: Yellowstone County commissioners agreed to discuss an emergency interim zoning request that could pause a proposed Broadview data center, after residents missed a signature deadline for a vote. Rural Services: State Farm awarded $10,000 grants to five volunteer fire departments across Montana, part of a broader push to help small departments buy needed gear. Broadband Expansion: Vero Fiber and MontanaSky announced a definitive deal to unite, aiming to accelerate fiber investment in northwest Montana. Community & Economy: A Montana farm startup, Reroot, launched a free app mapping 50,000+ local food producers and built a voice tool for farmers to update online stores while working. Wildlife/Water: As Western rivers run low, managers are adjusting releases and restrictions to protect fish and recreation, including on Colorado’s Upper Arkansas River.

Montana wildfire risk & land management: The U.S. Forest Service has filed a proposed rule to fully rescind the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule, aiming to restore more local control over forest treatments that can reduce wildfire danger across millions of acres. Local heroism: Montana National Guard Sgt. Adam M. Lee received the Army’s Soldier’s Medal for saving two seriously injured hikers during a 48-hour rescue in California. Energy debate with regional ripple effects: A draft Northwest power plan would add new natural gas generation by 2032 to cover shortages in dry years, even as Washington and Oregon restrict new gas plants—sparking debate over reliability versus emissions. Data center pushback in eastern Montana: Eastern Montana groups are holding a “SAY NO TO DATA CENTERS” rally Aug. 22 in Glendive, backing a proposed two-year moratorium while they argue for more study of water, power, and community impacts. Housing market shift: Cash buyers’ share of sales is slipping as more financed buyers return, according to a new Realtor.com report. Consumer protection: Montana is among states in a multistate settlement against mortgage servicer NewRez over “force-placed” insurance charges, totaling $15.5 million. Local agriculture education: Park County FFA members toured grain and wheat marketing sites across the Pacific Northwest to learn how food moves from farm to market.

Water & Growth Fight: Eastern Montana groups are staging a “SAY NO TO DATA CENTERS” rally Aug. 22 in Glendive, backing a proposed two-year moratorium on new hyperscale data centers while they push for studies on water, power and community impacts. Wildlife Enforcement: Montana FWP named Pete Glowacki as the new head of the wardens, aiming to reset culture and morale after past internal concerns. Local Infrastructure: The Dry-Redwater project is moving toward reality after federal authorization steps, with fall hearings expected in Congress. Billings Military Spotlight: Billings Navy Week runs Aug. 17-23, with community events and the Blue Angels set for Aug. 22-23 at the Yellowstone air show. Courtroom Data-Center Clash: A judge temporarily blocked Butte-Silver Bow from using a new deadline to reject signatures for a data-center limits initiative, setting up a hearing on a preliminary injunction. Fire Update: The Sand Creek Fire continues to burn near Maverick Mountain, with recent rain helping slow growth and protect much of the resort. Veterans & Community: A Montana veteran is urging awareness after a handicap-parking dispute in Helena, despite disabled veteran plates.

Politics & Money in Montana: A veteran small-business owner argues Montana’s elections are being drowned by corporate and anonymous spending, making it harder for local voices to compete. Housing Pressure: In Missoula, tenant unions helped win a 3% cap on steep lot-rent hikes after a Texas company sought much larger increases at Travois Village and Harvey’s Park. Insurance Dispute: A Montana class action says State Farm systematically refuses to pay for pre- and post-repair scans when repairs are done at independent shops, despite a state advisory. Agriculture & Drought Fallout: With the U.S. cattle herd at its smallest in 75 years, ranchers say drought and shrinking grasslands are driving supply problems that won’t be fixed quickly. Local Economy & Jobs: A new Montana-focused report highlights how young people are lining up for ranch work even as many kids once avoided it. Mining Update: American Pacific Mining says it has completed 2,048 meters of drilling at its Madison copper-gold project near Silver Star, with more results expected soon. Food Safety: A jalapeno recall tied to possible salmonella contamination has expanded, with cases reported across many states including Montana.

Ranching Future: A new “New Agrarian” program is pairing young ranching apprentices with Western ranches as low profits, rising costs, drought and an aging rancher population push more land toward sale. Housing Fight: In Missoula, tenant unions helped turn steep mobile home lot rent hikes into a rare 3% cap after Oak Wood Ventures sought big increases at Travois Village and Harvey’s Park. Public Health & Oversight: FDA data show American National Red Cross in a city tied to Missoula County received a July inspection with “No Action Indicated.” Energy & Policy: Gov. Greg Gianforte’s suspended PSC commissioner Brad Molnar faces a court fight over due process and harassment claims. Health Breakthrough: Intermountain’s St. George Regional Hospital is preparing to use a new pancreatic cancer treatment, daraxonrasib, after early trials showed major survival gains. Agriculture & Industry: Montana State University’s new Wool Lab aims to boost regional wool production and train the next generation of sheep ranchers. Land & Livestock: A nearly 49,400-acre eastern Montana ranch is on the market for about €429 per acre, marketed as regenerative-grazing managed for 13 years. Sports/Local Interest: Montana Western football fall camp is underway with a quarterback competition spotlighting the Bulldogs’ push for another strong Frontier Conference season.

Montana Politics: Democrats’ “drop out and back independents” strategy is colliding with reality in Montana’s Senate race, after national groups backed independent Seth Bodnar while Democratic nominee Alani Bankhead refused to withdraw, arguing it damages the party long term. Local Economy & Industry: Gov. Greg Gianforte’s 56 County Tour highlighted Montana manufacturing and agriculture, including a Kalispell ribbon-cutting for Ex-Guard’s new western facility and visits to GrainMaker Mills plus cattle operations in Ravalli and Lake counties. Agriculture & Jobs: Montana State University’s new Wool Lab is pushing to modernize wool production and train the next generation of sheep ranchers and wool professionals. Energy & Environment: U.S. Senate leaders are signaling that year-round higher ethanol blends (E15) will require compromises with small oil refiners, while Lake Mead hit a new low as the Colorado River crisis deepens. Public Lands: Nevada ranchers are fighting the federal government over grazing rights on public lands, arguing the system threatens a generational livelihood. Sports & Community: Montana Western’s fall camp is underway with a quarterback competition spotlight as the Bulldogs chase another strong Frontier Conference season.

Montana Politics: Gov. Greg Gianforte kept his 56-County Tour rolling with stops in Ravalli and Lake counties, meeting producers and manufacturers including GrainMaker Mills and Cathey Cattle Company and G&G Livestock. Local Governance & Courts: Yellowstone County’s data center ballot fight took a major turn as a judge upheld the county’s move to invalidate a proposal that would have required a two-thirds vote for new data center construction. Energy & Industry: Montana’s hemp industry got a boost after the U.S. Senate delayed a ban on certain floral hemp products, with processors calling it a win for Montana producers. Veterans: A new VA clinic opened in Lewistown, nearly doubling space for about 770 veterans who use the facility. Business & Manufacturing: Gianforte also attended Ex-Guard’s ribbon-cutting in Kalispell, marking an expansion for the truck and pickup grille guard maker. Agriculture & Elections: Montana Farmers Union endorsed I-194, backing the initiative’s push for election spending limits and stronger disclosure. Sports & Community: Montana Western’s fall camp is underway as the Bulldogs sort out a quarterback competition ahead of the Frontier season.

Economic Development: Fergus County Commissioner Ross Butcher was honored by Snowy Mountain Development Corp for years of leadership on local economic development, with SMDC calling him a “steward” who kept community needs front and center. Local Governance: A Yellowstone County judge upheld the county’s move to invalidate a data-center ballot initiative that would have required a supermajority for approval, clearing the way for Quantica to keep moving while opponents vow to fight on. Veterans Services: A new VA clinic in Lewistown nearly doubled space for about 770 active users, adding exam rooms, women’s health space, on-site labs, and telehealth after a $1.7 million build. Agriculture & Policy: Montana hemp processors praised a U.S. Senate delay on a ban affecting THC limits, saying it’s a win for Montana and the broader industry. Community & Culture: Crow Fair in Crow Agency is seeing more RVs alongside teepees as families adapt for comfort, especially for elders. Civic Life: Montana Farmers Union endorsed I-194, backing the initiative as a way to curb corporate influence and increase election transparency.

Hemp Policy: Montana hemp processors are celebrating a U.S. Senate delay of a ban on certain floral hemp products, saying it’s a “huge win” for the state as lawmakers work toward a longer-term fix. Veterans Care: A new VA clinic in Lewistown nearly doubled space for about 770 active-use veterans, with expanded exam rooms, on-site lab services, and telehealth. Local Business & Jobs: Ex-Guard cut a ribbon on a new manufacturing and logistics facility in Kalispell, pointing to Montana’s business climate and access to western and Canadian markets. Water Infrastructure: Congressman Troy Downing met with the Dry-Redwater Regional Water Authority in Sidney to discuss progress on H.R. 8745, aimed at bringing cleaner, more reliable water to several eastern Montana counties. Mining & Land Use: Montana DEQ is taking public comment on a draft environmental assessment for the Crossover Project near Lake Mary Ronan, proposing deep drilling and heavy water use. Community & Culture: Crow Fair-goers are seeing more RVs alongside teepees as the long-running tradition adapts to modern comfort. Civic Engagement: Central Montana Resource Council is inviting residents to weigh in on data center growth impacts on land, water rights, and the power grid.

Local Journalism Wins: KRTV in Great Falls earned a 2026 National Edward R. Murrow Award for “Milk River Meltdown,” spotlighting the St. Mary siphon failure and the $70 million effort to restore water for Montana’s Hi-Line. Montana Politics: Seven Republican state AGs, led by Montana’s Austin Knudsen, urged the Surface Transportation Board to reject Union Pacific’s $85 billion Norfolk Southern merger, arguing it won’t benefit the public and would worsen competition. Outdoor Tensions: UM researchers are studying how e-bikes are changing public land trail use, including heated conflicts at Thompson Park south of Butte. Energy Planning: A draft Ninth Power Plan would add major generation, storage, and efficiency across the Northwest by 2032, with public hearings planned in Montana and other states. Community & Business: Teton Auto Group is expanding into Montana with two Bozeman dealership acquisitions; and Billings’ Spirit Halloween is opening soon in a new location. Environment & Health: Missoula’s new heat map highlights neighborhood “hot spots” tied to tree cover and greenspace. Agritourism: Montana’s Agritourism Conference is set for Nov. 5-6 in Lewistown.

Montana Senate Race: Alani Bankhead says she’s staying in the U.S. Senate race through Nov. 3, despite pressure from party divisions and fundraising gaps, as the ballot remains crowded with Kurt Alme, Seth Bodnar and Libertarian Kyle Austin. Energy Planning: The Northwest’s draft Ninth Power Plan would add a mix of renewables, storage and efficiency by 2032, with public hearings set across Oregon, Washington, Idaho and Montana. Wildfire & Public Safety: The Sand Creek Fire pushed into Montana’s Maverick Mountain Ski Area, but crews protected the lodge and Elkhorn Hot Springs while assessing damage. Local Business & Economy: Montana hit a new monthly high for business applications, topping 8,000 in July, and Gov. Gianforte continued a 56-county tour highlighting timber and manufacturing jobs. Agriculture & Community: The Montana Agritourism Conference is set for Nov. 5-6 in Lewistown, and 4H entries at MontanaFair reached record numbers. Health Care: Intermountain hospitals in Utah, Colorado and Montana will be among the first to administer a new pancreatic cancer drug under an expanded access program. Environment & Water: FEMA designated 28 Montana counties as natural disaster areas for winter storm losses, unlocking USDA emergency loans for ranchers and producers. Business Watch: Montana’s AG is urging scrutiny of a major UP–Norfolk Southern railroad merger, warning about competition and costs.

Wildfire readiness: Missoula County wildfire staff urged Montanans to take wildfire mitigation into their own hands, citing rising blazes and insurance nonrenewals tied to perceived risk. Public safety at MontanaFair: A tire broke free from the Zipper ride in Billings, triggering an evacuation; no injuries were reported, and the ride was closed pending inspection. Energy and jobs: Eastern Montana Fertilizer Plant backers near Culbertson say progress continues, but they’re seeking a USDA grant and a major federal loan to move forward. Concealed carry proposal: Sen. Tim Sheehy is pushing a bill to extend nationwide concealed-carry privileges to a narrowly defined group of special-operations veterans. Pipeline delay: Montana DEQ withdrew a waiver for the Bridger Pipeline Expansion, adding friction to a proposed 650-mile project. Agriculture security: Rising cattle values are driving fears of more livestock theft, with the state tracking hundreds of missing head. Community and culture: Eagle Fest returns to Billings to support Eagle Mount, and Montana Heritage Center in Helena is rolling out immersive LED-based history exhibits.