AGP Executive Report

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.

Wyoming Data Center Push: Gov. Mark Gordon signed an executive order creating a “Data Centers the Wyoming Way” framework, aiming to attract AI computing investment while requiring water and environmental sustainability, wildlife protections, workforce development, transparency, and grid resilience. Mountain West Backlash: The same week, other communities across the region weighed in differently—Denver adopted a one-year data center moratorium and Utah’s Great Salt Lake-area “hyperscale” proposal faced intense opposition, while Cheyenne rejected a similar pause and instead asked for guardrails. Wildlife & Public Lands: Wyoming Game and Fish opened public comment on the draft 2027 State Wildlife Action Plan, a roadmap for conserving species of greatest conservation need. Water & Drought: A drought-focused reminder from the region: agriculture is the biggest water user, and experts say smarter crop choices and conservation changes could matter more than household-only savings. Weather Watch: Billings-area forecasts call for scattered showers and thunderstorms returning Thursday, with severe storm risk also flagged in parts of the region. Health Alert: West Nile virus was detected in mosquito testing in West Michigan, with officials urging bite prevention. Road & Trail Notes: WYDOT bridge work near Evanston begins Thursday with lane reductions and delays; Grand Teton closed the Hermitage Point trail system due to bear activity.

Wildlife Action Plan Input: Wyoming Game and Fish is asking the public to comment on the draft 2027 State Wildlife Action Plan, with feedback due July 27 and a June 30 virtual webinar. Water Quality Watch: Wyoming 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. Fire Season Staffing Concerns: Experts warn that federal staffing cuts could slow prescribed burning and weaken wildfire readiness heading into the next fire season. Mosquito Safety: Wyoming health officials are reminding residents to prevent mosquito bites as West Nile Virus monitoring continues. Public Lands & Climate Research: A federal judge temporarily blocked the Trump administration’s move to dismantle NCAR’s supercomputing management, citing possible political retaliation. Infrastructure Updates: WYDOT bridge deck replacements begin Thursday on two Bear River bridges near Evanston, with alternating-lane traffic and summer-long work. Community Water Event: The Wyoming Outdoor Council hosts a Popo Agie River celebration in Lander on June 5, focused on watershed protection and leave-no-trace habits. Childcare Grants: Wyoming’s childcare working group is reopening provider grants June 1, aiming to expand access as shortages continue.

NCAR Fight in Court: A federal judge blocked the Trump administration’s plan to transfer control of the NCAR-Wyoming Supercomputing Center, saying the move likely violated federal law and looked politically retaliatory—keeping a key hub for weather and climate research running for now. Wildlife Conservation Input: Wyoming Game and Fish is taking public comment on its 2027 State Wildlife Action Plan through July 27, with a June 30 webinar. Big-Game Migration Funding: USDA unveiled a new framework for migratory big game conservation across 17 states, including Wyoming, using Farm Bill dollars to support wildlife-friendly practices on working lands. Severe Weather Watch: Southeast Wyoming faces another round of storms with hail, damaging winds, and isolated tornadoes possible, with activity most likely late afternoon into evening. Public Health & Mosquitoes: West Nile virus has been detected earlier than usual in Michigan, underscoring the need for mosquito bite prevention and standing-water cleanup across the region. Local Land Use: A Casper Mountain slash pile closure is in effect until conditions improve, with officials citing burn-risk concerns tied to low moisture and limited snowfall.

Severe Weather Watch: The National Weather Service is flagging another round of storms for southeast Wyoming, with hail (up to 2 inches), damaging winds (60+ mph), flash flooding, and an isolated tornado possible—strongest storms expected 2–8 PM. Climate Research Fight: A federal judge blocked the Trump administration’s plan to dismantle NCAR, keeping control of the NCAR-Wyoming Supercomputing Center with UCAR and citing risks to research and jobs. Wildlife & Habitat: USDA unveiled a framework to support migratory big game conservation across 17 states, including Wyoming, aiming to improve connectivity and forage for elk, pronghorn, and mule deer. Fish & Drought Impacts: Colorado officials are lifting fishing limits as reservoirs run low and are drawing down Antero Reservoir, with plans to move remaining fish—though some will not survive. Wyoming Waterways & Fish: Wyoming Game and Fish Commission approved about $21M for a fish hatchery expansion to broaden production beyond trout, including cool- and warm-water sportfish. Local Governance: Green River Ward 3 candidate Paul Stevens says he’ll push to lower water and sewer rates and improve wildlife management and recreation. Community: Sweetwater County Library is rolling out a full summer events lineup, including a “Find The Pronghorn” theme week.

Climate & Science: A federal judge temporarily blocked the Trump administration from dismantling NCAR, keeping the NCAR-Wyoming Supercomputing Center in Cheyenne under UCAR control while the case proceeds. Wildlife & Energy: A major elk-habitat lease sale in northwestern Colorado would open migration and winter range corridors that extend into southern Wyoming to oil and gas development. Wyoming Policy & Community: Wyoming’s childcare provider grant program reopens June 1 with up to $10,000 awards, aiming to ease a statewide shortage that has cut licensed providers from 721 (2014) to 508 (Nov. 2025). Local Infrastructure: WyoDOT crews will do follow-up work on the Snake River Bridge near Jackson starting June 8, including an epoxy overlay and lane closures. Weather Watch: Severe thunderstorm watches and threats of damaging winds and large hail are in play across parts of Wyoming and the region. STEM Youth: A Cheyenne South High School graduate, Denver Priest, was selected for the 2026 National Youth Science Camp.

Severe Weather Watch: The National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm watch for southeast Wyoming (including Laramie County) through this evening, with very large hail the main threat and possible tornadoes or damaging winds. Climate & Science Policy: A federal judge blocked the Trump administration’s plan to strip NCAR’s role in the NCAR-Wyoming Supercomputing Center in Cheyenne, saying the move was unlawful and possibly retaliatory. Wildlife & Water: Montana launched FishCast, a new drought-impact forecasting tool for trout rivers, and developers say it could expand into Idaho and Wyoming. Wildlife Protection: Wyoming’s long-fought “Path of the Pronghorn” is one signature away from stronger protections for the migration corridor. Public Lands & Access: Federal changes could open more than 95% of national refuge lands to hunting, expanding sport opportunities. Wyoming Community: Wyoming childcare provider grants reopen June 1 with up to $10,000 awards, aiming to expand access where care is limited. Local Roads: Chip sealing starts Monday on the Chief Joseph Scenic Highway (WY-296) near Cody, with up to 20-minute delays.

Public Lands & Hunting: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service says more than 95% of national refuge lands could be opened to hunting under federal changes aimed at removing barriers to hunting and fishing across agencies. Severe Weather Watch: The Cheyenne office of the National Weather Service is flagging a Monday severe-storm setup for southeast Wyoming, with tornadoes, large hail, and damaging winds possible. Another Round Tuesday: A First Alert Weather Day is in effect for Tuesday across western South Dakota and northeast Wyoming, with forecasters emphasizing high confidence in hail and damaging winds. Wyoming Wildlife Education: Trout in the Classroom wrapped up with a Ray Lake fish release for Wind River Reservation schools, funded by Wyoming Game and Fish and supported by Trout Unlimited and tribal partners. Energy & Data Centers: Enbridge’s $1.2 billion Cowboy Project near Cheyenne would pair large-scale solar with battery storage to supply power for Meta data centers, with service targeted for late 2027. Federal Transparency: A proposed governmentwide NDA for about 5,857 federal workers in Wyoming is open for public comment, raising concerns about limiting information sharing.

Severe Weather Watch: The National Weather Service is flagging Monday severe storm chances in southeast Wyoming, with tornadoes, large hail, and damaging winds possible, plus a separate severe thunderstorm watch through 9 p.m. for parts of western South Dakota and northeastern Wyoming. Public Lands & Wildlife: A major federal oil-and-gas lease sale in northwestern Colorado would include migration habitat used by the nation’s largest elk herd, with concerns that development could also threaten dark-sky tourism that reaches into southern Wyoming. Energy & Climate: Enbridge is moving ahead with a Wyoming solar-plus-battery “Cowboy Project” tied to Meta data center power needs, raising the question of how new demand reshapes emissions and grid planning. Water & Fisheries: Critics are challenging a proposed pumped-water storage project near Seminoe Reservoir, warning it could harm the North Platte’s Miracle Mile trout fishery and affect bighorn sheep during construction. Local Governance: Cheyenne is among cities facing growing pressure over data centers, as more communities consider pauses or moratoriums amid electricity-cost and environmental concerns. Conservation in Wyoming: Students on the Wind River Reservation released classroom-raised rainbow trout at Ray Lake, part of a Trout in the Classroom program supported by Wyoming Game and Fish and tribal partners.