AGP Executive Report

Yellowstone Water & Wildlife: A judge pressed pause on Montana’s DNRC water-permit process for the Yellowstone Club developer’s Flathead Lake project, saying public comments weren’t properly incorporated, and issued a stay while objections move to district court. Yellowstone Bison Court Fight: In a separate Yellowstone case, a federal judge heard arguments over whether to halt parts of a lawsuit over the park’s 2024 bison management plan while the National Park Service prepares a supplemental review. Power Infrastructure Leadership: U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright named former Montana PSC commissioner Travis Kavulla as the next administrator of the Bonneville Power Administration, a key role for regional grid reliability and major transmission projects. Plastics Policy Clash: Seventeen states, including Montana, sued California to block enforcement of the state’s strict plastics recycling/packaging law, arguing it drives up costs and overreaches state authority. Local Climate Debate: The Montana Democratic Party backed a two-year moratorium on large data centers and urged stronger environmental review and community input for major projects. Weather Watch: Forecasters say a cool-down could bring widespread rain and high-elevation snow to parts of the northern Rockies by late June, affecting outdoor plans.

Plastics Fight in Court: Seventeen GOP-led states, including Montana, and a national wholesaler group sued California to block enforcement of the state’s Plastics Act, arguing it unlawfully reaches beyond state lines and will raise costs for everyday goods. Montana Energy Leadership: Former Montana Public Service Commissioner Travis Kavulla was tapped to lead the Bonneville Power Administration, with the Biden-era power marketer focused on grid reliability and modernization. Data Center Pressure in Montana: Montana Democrats backed a two-year moratorium on large data centers and urged stronger environmental review and community input, while also pushing for limits on AI-enabled law enforcement sensors. Bitterroot Mine Backlash: Opposition is growing to a proposed rare earth mine in the Bitterroot headwaters, with critics warning fast-tracked permitting could harm downstream water and communities. Public Lands Process Clash: Montana land-exchange rule changes are being challenged in court for rushed notice and insufficient public participation, as watchdog groups push for more transparency. Wilderness vs. ORVs: A leaked federal memo suggests recommended wilderness in the Flathead National Forest could be opened to off-road vehicles, drawing swift conservation backlash.

Wildfire Watch: A new NOAA outlook suggests Montana may dodge the worst heat, but the risk stays real as the U.S. already has dozens of major wildfires and Utah reports hundreds of fires—most human-caused—so prevention and caution are key. Water & Sewage: Montana DEQ approved the final environmental assessment for Phase Two of the Lakeside County Water and Sewer District expansion, including a new wastewater treatment plant, septage receiving, and rapid infiltration basins with nitrogen and phosphorus reporting. Public Lands & Conservation Messaging: Montana wildlife filmmaker Casey Anderson is joining a “Vote Like Your Lands Depend On It” campaign, urging voters to check candidates’ public-lands records after he says attacks on public lands have intensified. Data Centers & Energy Costs: Montana’s Public Service Commission data-center “large new loads” case is drawing pushback from seniors, conservation groups, and the City of Missoula over affordability, transparency, and whether existing customers could subsidize new demand. Plastics Act Lawsuits: Montana is part of a 17-state coalition suing to block California’s Plastics Act, arguing it unlawfully reaches beyond state lines and could raise prices nationwide. Research & Food Safety: Montana State University researchers won a nearly $600,000 USDA grant to build an autonomous system to detect and remove crop-killing microbes in hydroponic farms. Local River Access: UM’s free Clark Fork River shuttle returns this summer with stops at Sha-Ron and Milltown State Park, aiming for safer, zero-fare access for recreation.

Plastics Act Lawsuit Wave: A 17-state coalition led by Nebraska AG Mike Hilgers, with Montana AG Brenna Bird among them, sued to block California’s SB 54 “Plastics Act,” arguing the extended producer responsibility rules will raise costs for everyday goods nationwide and overstep state authority. Public Lands Scrutiny: Montana conservation groups are asking the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest for more time to comment and a public hearing on the fast-tracked Blue Copper mineral exploration near MacDonald Pass, saying the project could affect sensitive species and imperiled waterways. Drought Update: North Dakota’s drought worsened in the latest U.S. Drought Monitor, with much more of the state now “abnormally dry,” raising forage concerns during a critical period. River Access in Missoula: UM’s free Clark Fork River shuttle returns this summer, running Thursdays through Sundays to Sha-Ron and Milltown State Park. Pollinator Week: Montana marked National Pollinator Week with events and reminders to plant natives and cut pesticide use to protect pollinators that support farms, forests, and wildlife. Grassland Conservation: A feature highlights regenerative practices on Montana’s Northern Great Plains as a way to support grassland birds and biodiversity while keeping working lands productive.

Planned Parenthood Funding: Republicans say they likely can’t extend a one-year federal funding ban past July 5, after the Senate parliamentarian limited the defunding effort—leaving Montana Sen. Steve Daines and allies searching for a new legislative path. AI and Politics: AI-linked groups are pouring money into midterms with super PAC ad campaigns, as Congress struggles to set new AI rules. Water & Public Lands: A judge paused a water permit for a Lakeside development, triggering administrative review—raising stakes for groundwater use tied to a private golf course project. Mining Scrutiny: Conservation groups want more public say on the fast-tracked Blue Copper mineral exploration near MacDonald Pass, arguing the assessment doesn’t fully account for sensitive species and waterways. Pollinators & Waste: Montana marked National Pollinator Week with habitat-focused actions, while Missoula’s Green Team helped divert compost and recycling at Zootown Festival. Wildlife & Climate: A study highlights ocean heat-driven thermal expansion as a major driver of sea level rise since 1960. Local Notes: UM’s free UDASH River shuttle starts June 25 for Clark Fork access points.

Water Rights Fight in Lakeside: A judge paused a DNRC water permit for a Lakeside resort development, temporarily blocking the permit while courts review claims about groundwater availability, climate/drought impacts, and tribal water rights. Grid & Data Centers: Montana DEQ asked to intervene in a NorthWestern Energy case over a “large new load” tariff that targets high-demand users like data centers, aiming to prevent existing customers from subsidizing new power demand. Local Conservation & Water Quality: Conservationists and landowners moved to sue federal regulators over a water quality exemption affecting an aquifer near Valier, arguing protections were weakened. Wildlife & Public Lands: A Montana bison hunting mystery tied to a 1,100-year-old kill site may finally have an answer, with new research digging into why hunters stopped returning. Research & Health: A Montana State doctoral student won an NIH fellowship studying how antibiotics may change the body’s response to arsenic via gut microbiome effects. UM River Access: The University of Montana starts a free, student-operated Clark Fork River shuttle June 25, running Thursdays through Sundays with conservation-license rules for riders.

Power & Growth Watch: Montana DEQ says it will ask to intervene in NorthWestern Energy’s “Large New Load Tariff” case at the Montana Public Service Commission, arguing large new users like data centers should cover their own grid costs without shifting bills onto families and small businesses. Superfund Cleanup: In Butte, the EPA proposed lowering the lead cleanup trigger for residential soil and dust from 1,200 to 456 parts per million, which would expand testing and remediation to thousands more homes—sparking debate over whether the new threshold is protective enough. Blackfoot River Under Pressure: Montana DEQ approved exploratory drilling for Sentinel Metals in the Blackfoot River headwaters, raising concerns that the next step could be a larger mine that threatens water quality and trout habitat. Wildfire Readiness: A Montana opinion piece warns that federal staffing cuts and reduced hazardous-fuels work could raise wildfire risk as the state heads into another dangerous season. UM River Shuttle: The University of Montana will run free, student-operated UDASH River shuttles starting June 25, offering zero-fare rides to Clark Fork access points with safety and licensing rules for recreationists.

Wildlife Mystery: A Montana State University-led study digs into why a bison hunting site near Judith Gap was abandoned about 1,100 years ago, challenging the usual “herds thinned” explanation. Public Lands & Wildfire: An opinion piece warns that staffing cuts and reduced hazardous-fuels work by federal land agencies could raise wildfire risk as Montana heads into another dangerous season. Energy & Fair Rates: Montana DEQ says it will intervene in NorthWestern Energy’s “large new load” tariff case, aiming to keep data centers and other big users from shifting costs onto existing customers. Mining & Water Quality: Conservation groups warn that development pressure is closing in on the Blackfoot River, after DEQ approved exploratory drilling tied to a potential future gold mine. Superfund Cleanup: In Butte, EPA’s proposed lead cleanup threshold would lower the trigger for residential soil and dust remediation, expanding the area and number of homes eligible for testing—residents say it still isn’t enough. Climate & Youth Rights: A youth climate lawsuit victory in Montana is highlighted as a reminder that courts can reject laws blocking climate impacts from environmental review. Rural Economy: Gov. Gianforte’s 56-county tour spotlights rural investments, from a Hardin visitor center grant to a Colstrip business innovation hub.

Energy & Industry: Montana DEQ says it will ask to intervene in NorthWestern Energy’s “large new load tariff” case at the Public Service Commission, aiming to ensure data centers and other high-demand customers cover incremental costs instead of shifting bills onto existing customers. Mining & Water Quality: DEQ approved exploratory drilling permits for Sentinel Metals in the Blackfoot River headwaters, raising fears that the next step could be a gold mine and potential impacts to a world-class trout fishery. Public Health & Cleanup: EPA proposed lowering the Butte Superfund lead cleanup trigger from 1,200 to 456 parts per million, expanding the testing/remediation boundary and drawing sharp resident pushback. Climate & Wildlife Policy: Interior’s proposed deregulations would expand hunting and sportfishing access on large swaths of public land, a move conservation groups are watching closely. Local Food Security: Montana food banks report inflation-driven higher costs and lower purchasing power, meaning families may get less food more often. Research & Health: A Montana State doctoral student won an NIH fellowship studying how gut microbiome changes from antibiotics affect arsenic risk. Elections & Tech: A Montana House District 68 candidate filed a complaint over alleged AI-altered “deepfake” mailers, arguing the images lacked required disclaimers.

Superfund Lead Cleanup Debate (Butte): The EPA has proposed lowering the lead-contamination action level for residential soil and household dust at the Butte Superfund site from 1,200 to 456 parts per million, expanding the testing and cleanup boundary to thousands more homes—prompting residents to question whether the new standard is protective enough for kids and future generations. Energy Costs & Data Centers (Montana PSC): Gov. Greg Gianforte and DEQ plan to seek intervention in NorthWestern Energy’s “Large New Load Tariff” case, aiming to ensure large power users like data centers cover incremental costs instead of shifting them onto existing customers. Wildlife & Conservation (Cabinet Mountains): Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks approved a 34,610-acre conservation easement in the Cabinet Mountains, keeping logging under best practices while protecting development limits and securing public access for hunting, hiking, and other recreation. Climate Youth Lawsuit (Montana): Young climate plaintiffs continue pushing forward after setbacks in a case challenging Montana’s limits on considering climate impacts in environmental reviews. Outdoor Access & River Education (Missoula/Yellowstone): Missoula is running a free Clark Fork River shuttle to access points, while Montana Freshwater Partners launched Yellowstone River Ambassadors to teach river etiquette and fish-handling. Public Health & Safety (Father’s Day Fishing): Montana FWP is offering free fishing statewide for Father’s Day weekend, with reminders to follow regulations and aquatic invasive species inspection stops. UM Hunting/Conservation Leadership: The University of Montana named Nicole Tatman inaugural director of a new Center for Hunting and Conservation, linking research and student training with conservation goals.

Data Centers & Power Costs: Montana DEQ and Gov. Greg Gianforte say they’ll ask to intervene in a Public Service Commission hearing over a proposed large new electricity load tariff that would affect data centers and other big users—aiming to prevent Montana families from subsidizing higher costs. Local Governance & Community Impact: In Broadview, residents packed a second meeting on a proposed 5,100-acre data center campus, pressing questions about water, power, and environmental impacts as supporters tout jobs. Public Participation & Clean Water: A Montana district court halted DNRC’s fast-track water permit process for a major groundwater pumping proposal near Lakeside, siding with citizens who argued their participation rights were improperly shut down. Wildlife & Public Lands: Conservation groups appealed the Trump administration’s decision to evict more than 900 bison from federal land in central Montana, challenging the rationale used to revoke grazing permits. Water & Recreation Access: Missoula’s free UDASH River Shuttle is back to help people reach Clark Fork River access points, while FWP opened a Father’s Day free fishing weekend statewide and added a new Stevensville campground at a Bitterroot fishing access site. Disaster Relief: HUD announced federal disaster assistance for Montana tribes affected by the December 2025 winter storm and straight-line winds. Conservation & Habitat: FWP approved a conservation easement purchase in the Upper Thompson River drainage to protect nearly 35,000 acres and wildlife corridors in northwest Montana.

Conservation Easements: Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks approved a conservation easement for the Upper Thompson River drainage, clearing the way to secure public access and protect wildlife corridors across more than 34,000 acres near the Cabinet Mountains. Public Lands Access: Montana added new public river access with a Siskin Island donation, expanding opportunities for people to get on the water. Wildlife & Habitat: The state also moved ahead on a Thompson River timberland easement, continuing a broader push to keep working forests connected for wildlife. Outdoor Recreation: FWP opened a new campground at the John and Nancy Owen Fishing Access Site in Stevensville, with four basic campsites, expanded parking, and first-come spots. Waterfowl Research: The University of Montana received a $5.5 million gift to launch a new waterfowl and wetlands center, aiming to strengthen research and stewardship for Montana’s wetlands. Community Health: McCone County issued a Q fever warning, urging residents to watch for symptoms and avoid risky animal exposures. Wildlife Crime: Trial dates were set for an eagle and hawk poaching and trafficking case tied to Îyârhe (Stoney) Nakoda First Nation. Northern Lights: NOAA forecasts a chance to see auroras in parts of northern Montana and nearby states, depending on conditions.

Public Lands & Wildlife: The Trump administration ended a conservation priority on 245 million acres of BLM land, and an early result was the revocation of a grazing permit affecting about 950 bison on 63,000 acres in Montana—sparking fresh legal fights from conservation groups. Mining & Public Input: Environmental groups are pushing the U.S. Forest Service for more public engagement on the Blue Copper mine proposal west of Helena, warning an expedited review could limit scrutiny of impacts to sensitive species and waterways. Superfund Cleanup: Butte residents urged the EPA to address lingering concerns at a forum over an updated plan for contaminated soil cleanup, including a lower lead remediation threshold and expanded cleanup boundaries. Conservation Wins: Montana added 82 acres of permanent public river access via the Siskin Island donation to Montana FWP, and the Upper Thompson Conservation Easement cleared a key approval step to protect habitat and recreation. Health & Safety: McCone County issued a Q fever warning for residents, urging precautions around animal birthing materials and other exposure risks. Research & Education: UM received a $5.5M gift for a waterfowl and wetlands research center, boosting conservation science and monitoring.

Conservation Easements: The Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission unanimously approved the Upper Thompson Conservation Easement in the Thompson River drainage, protecting about 34,610 acres in the Cabinet Mountains and locking in wildlife habitat plus permanent public hunting and angling access. Wildlife & Habitat: A new UM gift will fund the James C. Kennedy Waterfowl and Wetlands Center, aiming to boost research and stewardship for wetlands and waterfowl. Old-Growth Protection: The Grotto Falls Trail in Hyalite Canyon was inducted into the Old-Growth Forest Network’s Community Forest Program, highlighting biodiversity and the area’s role in Bozeman’s water supply. Climate Impacts in Action: Missoula County launched Heat Watch, mapping heat islands and showing how neighborhood tree cover and development patterns can change residents’ exposure to extreme heat. Water & Recreation Tech: TroutCast adds real-time stream condition predictions and fish population forecasts for Montana anglers, tying water supply to trout production. Land-Use Scrutiny: Bigfork Bay marina plans are under review by the Flathead Conservation District, with residents and officials pressing for more hydrologic and geotechnical data before permits move forward. Public Health & Safety: Mexico confirmed a new New World Screwworm case near the U.S. border, while USDA announced livestock aid as surveillance continues.

Energy Costs & Data Centers: NorthWestern Energy customers face another electricity rate increase July 1, while environmental groups warn the utility’s filings could leave residents exposed as data centers loom. Water Safety: FWP says spring runoff is still making Montana rivers dangerously high and cold, urging careful planning before recreating. Wildlife & Conflict Prevention: Experts highlight practical steps to reduce human-bear conflicts, including securing attractants and using electric fencing. Bighorn Sheep Restoration: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is forming a temporary advisory panel to tackle bighorn sheep restoration challenges on private lands. Forestry & Public Lands: The Flathead National Forest released an environmental assessment for the Granite Moccasin logging project, spanning sensitive areas near Glacier’s southern border. Climate Court Fight: A judge refused to move a youth-led climate lawsuit to a distant venue, keeping it tied to the laws being challenged. Aquifer Wastewater Fight: Pondera County and groups petition the EPA over wastewater disposal tied to Montana Renewables’ plan affecting the Madison aquifer. Recreation Access: A new Flathead Lake fishing access site near Dayton is now open, expanding shoreline access for anglers. Local Land Use: Montana closed on Laurel land for a proposed forensic mental health facility and is seeking rezoning, despite strong public opposition.

Madison Aquifer Fight: Pondera County and environmental groups have joined a federal lawsuit challenging the EPA’s decision to exempt part of the Madison Aquifer from the Safe Drinking Water Act so Montana Renewables can inject industrial wastewater into two deep, unused oil wells near Valier—critics warn the wastewater could harm people and wildlife, while the company says it’s non-hazardous wash water. BLM Cyanide Policy Shift: The Interior Department and USDA Wildlife Services quietly lifted the national ban on M-44 “cyanide bombs” on BLM lands via a memorandum signed in April, raising fresh alarms about non-target wildlife deaths. Conservation Win: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks approved the first phase of the Upper Thompson Conservation Easement, permanently protecting more than 34,600 acres for working forest management, public recreation, and wildlife habitat. Public Access: A new Flathead Lake fishing access site near Dayton—Conclow Fishing Access—now offers shoreline fishing and a boat launch. Wild Horse Management: BLM and the U.S. Forest Service finalized a Pryor Mountain Wild Horse Range plan targeting 90–120 horses to match water, vegetation, and habitat needs. Water Pollution Watch: An international study on Kootenay water pollution is nearing its final stage, focused on impacts across the U.S.-Canada watershed.