AGP Executive Report

Climate court fight: The U.S. Supreme Court is set to hear arguments in Suncor Energy v. Boulder County, a major test of whether states and local governments can sue Big Oil over climate damage—raising questions about who steers these cases and how fees are paid. Heating costs squeeze: With heating oil expected to jump about 50% this winter, millions of households face “sticker shock,” and LIHEAP may not cover the gap as Congress is urged to boost funding. Vermont agriculture & energy support: NRCS Vermont and Orleans County are hosting a free bedded pack manure management workshop (Oct. 29) to help livestock producers cut costs and improve soil health, while Vermont’s Farm to School CSA grant applications open for 2027. Local industry & infrastructure: Vermont’s road construction schedule for Oct. 5 highlights ongoing I-89 paving and bridge work, with drivers facing lane closures and reduced speeds. Community resilience: Wood banks in Lamoille County are stepping in with free firewood for seniors and income-eligible families as winter demand strains supply. Vermont business & culture: The Vermont Historical Society acquired Big Heavy World’s music archive, preserving a key slice of the state’s creative economy.

Energy Costs & Winter Readiness: Heating oil prices are nearing all-time highs, with estimates projecting a 50% jump this winter and about $900 more on average—raising fears that LIHEAP benefits may not cover the gap. Agriculture & Farm Infrastructure: NRCS Vermont and the Orleans County Natural Resources Conservation District are hosting a free bedded pack manure management workshop Oct. 29 at Bartlett Family Farm, aimed at improving herd health and soil outcomes. Local Construction & Traffic: Vermont’s weekly road construction report flags ongoing statewide line striping plus I-89 paving and bridge rehabilitation work that will bring lane closures, reduced speeds, and delays. Climate & Drought Outlook: A Dartmouth study finds Northeast droughts are less frequent and less intense than decades ago, but Vermont farmers are still urged not to assume drought is gone after last year’s major losses. Community & Business: Casella Waste Systems will close its Bethlehem landfill Dec. 31, shifting Concord’s waste hauling to a waste-to-energy facility. Vermont Culture & Preservation: The Vermont Historical Society acquired Big Heavy World’s Vermont music archive, preserving decades of recordings, radio, and community history.

Agriculture & Livestock Infrastructure: NRCS Vermont and the Orleans County Natural Resources Conservation District are hosting a free bedded pack manure management workshop Oct. 29 at Bartlett Family Farm in Greensboro, with a licensed engineer on how to run the system, calculate bedding needs, and protect herd health. Construction & Transportation: Vermont’s weekly highway work plan flags ongoing statewide line striping plus I-89 paving and bridge rehabilitation projects that will bring lane closures, reduced speeds, and delays around Bethel-Brookfield and Montpelier-Waterbury. Waste & Local Industry: Casella Waste Systems says it will close its Bethlehem, N.H. landfill at year’s end, shifting Concord’s trash hauling to the Wheelabrator waste-to-energy facility in Penacook. Public Health & Access: A new Medicaid study finds pediatric sleep testing access varies sharply by state and neighborhood demographics, with some children up to four times more likely to get sleep studies than others. Vermont Business Spotlight: Hayden Rowe Candle Co. is growing after building a soy-wax candle brand focused on cleaner ingredients, while the Vermont Historical Society acquired Big Heavy World’s music archive. Community & Privacy: Lawmakers including Vermont’s Becca Balint are pushing the FTC after a Guardian investigation into mismatched shelf and register pricing at major convenience chains.

Agriculture & Livestock Tech: NRCS Vermont and the Orleans County Natural Resources Conservation District are hosting a free bedded pack manure management workshop Oct. 29 at Bartlett Family Farm in Greensboro, with guidance from an experienced farmer and a licensed engineer. Cannabis Industry: Cannatrol says Operation Green Healing will be its exclusive nonprofit partner for the Cool Cure Limited Edition program, with proceeds supporting veterans’ wellness. Construction & Commuting: Vermont’s planned highway work for the week of Oct. 5 includes statewide line striping plus I-89 paving and bridge rehabilitation, with lane closures and reduced speeds. Waste & Infrastructure: Casella Waste Systems will close its Bethlehem, N.H. landfill at year-end, shifting Concord’s trash haul to a waste-to-energy facility. Vermont Culture & Craft: Vermont Open Studio Weekend returns Oct. 3-4 with 100+ self-guided studio stops across the state. Affordability & Consumer Watchdogs: Vermont Rep. Becca Balint joins lawmakers calling for FTC action after a Guardian investigation alleges 7-Eleven and Circle K overcharge customers at register or pump. Climate & Courts: States and cities sued the Trump administration over EPA’s repeal of power-plant emissions limits, arguing it weakens major climate protections. Privacy & Surveillance: Sanders, Merkley and AOC unveiled the Ban Flock Act to restrict federal use of automatic license plate readers.

Vermont agriculture & infrastructure: NRCS Vermont and the Orleans County Natural Resources Conservation District will host a free bedded pack manure management workshop Oct. 29 at Bartlett Family Farm in Greensboro, pairing farmer and licensed engineer guidance with cost calculations. A statewide construction roundup also flags ongoing line striping and I-89 paving/bridge work that will bring lane closures, reduced speeds, and delays. Cannabis business: Cannatrol says Operation Green Healing will become its exclusive nonprofit partner for the Cool Cure Limited Edition program, with proceeds supporting veterans’ wellness. Health & privacy: A class action firm is investigating claims tied to the Millstone Medical Outsourcing data breach, after the company reported an intrusion and notified affected people. Animal welfare: USDA filed a complaint against Jungle Friends Primate Sanctuary alleging repeated Animal Welfare Act violations, including veterinary care and enclosure issues. Climate & energy policy: States and cities sued the Trump administration over EPA’s repeal of power-plant emissions limits; separately, the U.S. Supreme Court is set to hear Boulder’s Big Oil climate case. Tech & surveillance: Vermont’s Sen. Bernie Sanders and allies unveiled the Ban Flock Act to curb federal use of automatic license plate readers. Local culture: Vermont Open Studio Weekend returns Oct. 3-4 with free, self-guided visits to 100+ craft studios.

Fuel Economy Fight: Vermont is among the states suing the Trump administration over weakened CAFE fuel-efficiency standards, arguing the rollback violates the “maximum feasible” mandate and will raise costs at the pump while increasing pollution. Power-Plant Emissions: Cities and states, including Vermont, also challenge EPA moves rolling back power-plant greenhouse-gas limits, setting up another major court fight over climate and air-quality rules. Generic Drug Antitrust: Vermont joins a multistate push seeking court approval of a $400 million settlement with Sandoz and Fougera over alleged generic-drug price inflation and reduced competition, with consumers urged to check eligibility. Vermont Construction & Schools: A statewide highway work schedule flags traffic impacts for early October, while central Vermont school merger study talks are set to launch next week. Local Housing Funding: Barre received the remaining north-end flood recovery money after a state board decision, clearing a key step for projects tied to the 2023 disaster. Vermont Business & Community: Cannatrol’s Cool Cure program adds Operation Green Healing as a nonprofit partner for veterans’ wellness; Vermont Historical Society also announced it acquired Big Heavy World’s music archive. Public Health: CDC reports measles cases continue to rise nationally, with Vermont listed among reporting jurisdictions.

Diesel shock hits Vermont schools: Record-high diesel prices are straining bus budgets across the state, with one district projecting $200,000 in extra costs and monthly fuel increases of $16,000–$20,000. PFAS accountability fight: Vermont AG Nick Brown joined a bipartisan lawsuit aiming to stop DuPont from shifting assets to dodge cleanup liabilities tied to “forever chemicals.” Offshore wind legal pressure: Vermont joined a multi-state suit challenging federal moves to cancel offshore wind projects and redirect $1.4B to fossil fuel plants. Energy policy in court: States and cities, including Vermont, are also suing over EPA rollbacks of emissions limits for coal and gas power plants. Local industry & land use: Stowe Mountain Resort is seeking Act 250 approval to build two new beginner-friendly trails on Spruce Peak, with public comment due Oct. 6. Vermont business spotlight: Cannatrol announced Operation Green Healing as an exclusive nonprofit partner for its Cool Cure Limited Edition program supporting veterans’ wellness. Community & workforce: Vermont Open Studio Weekend returns Oct. 3–4 with 100+ craft studios opening to the public.

Power & Climate Policy: A coalition of more than 20 Democratic attorneys general sued the U.S. EPA over its repeal of Biden-era power plant emissions rules, arguing the rollback violates the Clean Air Act and could cut protections for coal, oil and gas generators. Generic Drug Antitrust: Vermont’s neighboring states are moving toward court approval of a $400 million settlement with Sandoz and Fougera over alleged generic drug price-fixing and reduced competition, with consumers urged to file claims for covered purchases. Solar + Agriculture Innovation: A Vermont couple’s “solar grazing” model has scaled from 30 sheep to 500 sheep managing vegetation across 1,500 acres of solar sites in the Northeast, offering a lower-risk alternative to mechanical mowing. Affordable Housing Geothermal: Vermont Gas is helping a new Hinesburg development by paying for underground geothermal ground-loop infrastructure, easing upfront costs for low- and moderate-income renters and owners. Vermont Business & Energy Efficiency: Vermont State University won an Efficiency Vermont impact award for campus energy savings, including LED upgrades and refrigeration modernization. Rail Infrastructure: Repairs to a railroad bridge in White River Junction are set to begin Friday, with alternating one-lane traffic and overnight work schedules.

Flood Recovery Funding: Vermont is rolling out a $31M Agriculture and Timber Disaster Assistance Program for loggers and farmers hit by 2023–24 flooding, with applications opening late next month and grants up to $75,000. Energy Storage in Homes: Green Mountain Power says its “virtual power plant” is now its biggest energy source, using shared home battery storage to keep lights on during outages and growing to about 5,600 customers. Vermont Yankee Redevelopment: PowerTransitions is weighing a 110–440 MW battery storage project on the former Vermont Yankee site, drawing community skepticism at a Vernon meeting. Affordable Housing Milestone: Putney’s Alice Holway Drive apartments opened after years of legal fights, placing 25 households into new affordable homes next to community gardens. Workforce & Efficiency: Vermont State University won Efficiency Vermont recognition for campus energy savings, including controls upgrades, LED retrofits, and refrigeration improvements. Public Health Guidance: Vermont’s Department of Health released 2026–27 flu, COVID, and RSV vaccine recommendations, including guidance issued under a new state law. AI & Data Center Politics: Senate Democrats blocked Ohio’s Ratepayer Protection Act, a fight over whether data centers should pay incremental grid costs instead of shifting them to ratepayers.

EMS Regionalization: Pownal Select Board will kick off public meetings on a Southshire rescue squads regionalization study, with Bennington County Regional Commission planner Nick Zaiac set to brief options aimed at slowing rising emergency-service costs. Energy Resilience: Vermont’s “virtual power plant” is now its biggest power source, with Green Mountain Power batteries in 5,500+ homes helping keep lights on during storms. Efficiency & Higher Ed: Efficiency Vermont honored Vermont State University for energy-saving upgrades across campuses, including controls optimization, LED retrofits, and refrigeration modernization totaling $600,000+ in annual savings. Local Infrastructure: Winooski reopened nearly 4,000 feet of Main Street after a $28.3 million rebuild that added bike lanes, wider sidewalks, new traffic signals, and underground utility work. Regional Planning: The Rutland Regional Plan for 27 municipalities won state approvals, setting a development and land-use framework through 2034. Workforce & Agriculture: Rep. Becca Balint highlighted Vermont’s workforce value and USDA staffing concerns tied to agricultural operations. Business Spotlight: Hayden Rowe Candle Co. is growing fast in Vermont with “cleaner” soy candles positioned as non-toxic and consistent across temperatures.

Energy Efficiency: Vermont State University won Efficiency Vermont’s 2026 Energy leadership award for impact, citing $600,000+ in annual savings from controls upgrades, LED retrofits, and refrigeration improvements across multiple campuses. Workforce & Education: Workforce in Motion’s Chittenden County Summit drew 1,000+ students for hands-on career demos as a Vermont Public poll shows many teens considering leaving the state. Local Infrastructure: Vermont towns and cities are set to receive $6.2 million in Bicycle and Pedestrian grants for sidewalks, crosswalks, and the Essex Junction–Essex Town VT 15 path. Energy Storage Debate: In Vernon, residents questioned a proposed 110–440 MW battery storage project tied to the former Vermont Yankee site, pressing on jobs, taxes, noise, and safety. Trade & Business: Vermont officials and businesses say Trump’s Canadian import ban is limiting only a small slice of inventory, with dealers and liquor regulators expecting minimal near-term disruption. Skilled Trades Spotlight: Two separate Harbor Freight Tools for Schools prize stories highlight skilled-trades teaching and training investment. Food & Growth: Haymaker Bun’s Burlington retail space is shifting to wholesale production, while Cafe Modo prepares a new Vergennes bagels-and-pizza concept. Arts Funding: Vermont Arts Council grants totaling $725,000 support public artwork and community arts projects statewide. Data Privacy: A class-action investigation is underway after a Gallagher Transport data breach reportedly exposed Vermont residents’ personal information.

Energy & Power Resilience: Green Mountain Power’s home-battery virtual power plant is now Vermont’s biggest single power resource, with about 110 MW capacity and thousands of enrolled batteries helping cut peak costs and keep power steadier during storms. Workforce Development: The Workforce In Motion Summit returns to the Champlain Valley Expo, pairing Vermont students and job seekers with employers across aviation, manufacturing, healthcare, skilled trades, and tech. Higher Ed & Energy Savings: Vermont State University earned Efficiency Vermont recognition for campus upgrades—controls optimization, LED retrofits, and refrigeration modernization—aimed at saving more than $600,000 a year. Housing & School Costs: Harwood Unified is weighing school consolidation to avoid steep spending penalties, while Vermont’s housing market keeps cooling with more listings and longer time on market. Logistics & Privacy: A class-action investigation is underway after Gallagher Transport reported a breach that exposed sensitive data, including Social Security numbers, affecting Vermont residents. AI & Data Centers Politics: Angie Nixon is pushing a federal moratorium on AI data centers, framing the issue as an environmental justice risk. Waste & Infrastructure: Casella Waste Systems won a New York permit expansion for its Hakes C&D landfill, adding millions of cubic yards of disposal capacity.

Energy Efficiency in Higher Ed: Vermont State University says Efficiency Vermont projects across Castleton, Johnson, Lyndon, and Randolph are cutting energy costs by more than $600,000 a year, earning a 2026 Energy leadership award. College Sports Policy: The U.S. Senate passed the Protect College Sports Act, setting national rules for NIL, transfers, eligibility, and athlete medical protections, with a limited antitrust exemption for the NCAA. Healthcare & Labor in Vermont Dairy: A judge blocked a Vermont dairy cooperative from cutting workers’ health insurance while a Teamsters dispute over a creamery shutdown plays out. Housing for People Experiencing Homelessness: Groundworks Collaborative plans to open Hope’s House in Brattleboro, adding 40 beds for unhoused adults ahead of winter. Agriculture & Food Safety: USDA recalled 4,596 pounds of Korean chicken stew products distributed in eight states due to lack of inspection. Workforce Ownership Push: Vermont Treasurer Mike Pieciak will lead a task force to expand employee ownership as businesses face a succession “cliff.” Solar Development Records Request: A Bennington solar developer is seeking a large batch of town records tied to the Apple Hill town plan and permit history. Gas Prices Watch: GasBuddy reports the lowest Windham County premium gas price at $4.99/gal for the week ending Sept. 19.

Energy efficiency in higher ed: Vermont State University is racking up savings with Efficiency Vermont projects, including controls upgrades at Castleton and Johnson, LED retrofits at Johnson and Lyndon, and refrigeration modernization at Randolph—totaling $600,000+ in annual savings and earning a 2026 Energy leadership award. Workforce and ownership: Vermont Treasurer Mike Pieciak is launching a task force to expand employee ownership for local businesses, aiming to soften the looming succession cliff as many owners near retirement. Business-policy coordination: The Vermont Chamber of Commerce convened the Vermont Solutions Summit, bringing lawmakers and industry leaders together on workforce growth, housing, affordability, community vitality, and AI adoption. Agriculture support: USDA staffing cuts are hitting Vermont farmers, with producers reporting trouble accessing programs like EQIP amid reduced local NRCS capacity. On-farm and food systems: Vermont Week of Gleaning highlighted Willing Hands’ Upper Valley work recovering surplus produce to fight food waste and hunger. Grant opportunity: The Working Lands Enterprise Initiative Service Provider & Producer Association Grant is open through Nov. 5, with an Oct. 1 webinar on eligibility and applying. Local economy: Bennington City Council approved Neumeyer Farm Park phase updates and zoning changes to allow a micro-distillery as a conditional use.

Energy & Infrastructure: A nor’easter knocked out power across the Northeast, leaving more than 40,000 customers dark, with smaller outages reported in Vermont as crews work around downed trees and lines. Higher Ed & Workforce: UVM beat Dartmouth 2-0 in field hockey, while UVM and Middlebury announced tuition discounts aimed at boosting enrollment and easing Vermont’s “demographic cliff.” Construction & Roads: The Agency of Transportation published its weekly roadwork plan for Sept. 28, including I-89 paving and bridge rehabilitation impacts. Agriculture & Food Systems: Vermont’s Working Lands Enterprise Initiative grant application window opened, plus free toolkits for specialty crop growers and restaurant buyers. Local Business & Development: Bennington City Council approved a 1.4% property tax levy reduction and advanced Neumeyer Farm Park Phase 2, zoning changes for a micro-distillery, and a proposed Downtown Improvement District. Energy Policy Watch: A new report ties the 2026 gas ban debate to affordability pressures and election-year politics. Community & Sustainability: Hartford Memorial Middle School removed PCBs found in paint during construction, and Burlington’s Repair Cafe continues to build a repair culture to cut waste.

Vermont Summit at UVM: The Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources is hosting a free Sept. 29 Vermont Summit at the UVM Davis Center, bringing together energy, health, and the economy with a keynote by Nate Hagens and cross-sector roundtables. Road & construction impacts: AOT’s weekly construction report flags statewide line striping plus I-89 paving in Bethel–Brookfield and ongoing I-89 bridge work near Royalton, with lane limits and speed changes. Manufacturing & workforce: BDCC’s Brattleboro Regional Manufacturing Event on Oct. 8 will pair facility tours with a panel on Southern Vermont’s manufacturing economy and hiring needs. Local government & development: Bennington City Council approved a 1.4% property tax levy reduction, Neumeyer Farm Park Phase 2, zoning changes for a micro-distillery, and a proposed Downtown Improvement District. Energy & environment: A Vermont nuclear watchdog story says the agency has gone quiet, while Hassan is reviving a push to strip PFAS from food wrappers in neighboring New Hampshire. Higher ed affordability: UVM and Middlebury announced major tuition discounts aimed at boosting enrollment. Food systems: Vermont Week of Gleaning spotlights Willing Hands’ work recovering surplus produce to fight food waste and hunger. Repair culture: A Burlington Repair Cafe story highlights Vermonters fixing belongings to cut landfill waste. Gas prices: GasBuddy reports the lowest premium gas in Chittenden County at $5.19 (week ending Sept. 19) and regular gas lows across Windham and Grand Isle counties. Agriculture economy: A Granite Festival at the Big E and a Barre Granite Museum event both spotlight Vermont’s enduring stone and craft industries.