AGP Executive Report

Public Health & Agriculture: A new review links pesticide exposure during pregnancy and early childhood to higher risks of childhood leukemia and brain tumors, with the strongest signals tied to prenatal exposure and household or farm-adjacent contact. Infrastructure & Construction: Vermont Business Magazine lists major highway work for the week of June 15, including I-89 paving and I-89 bridge rehabilitation near Exit 3, with lane closures and speed limits. Wastewater & Water Quality: Shelburne broke ground on a $46M wastewater project consolidating two treatment facilities to improve efficiency and protect Lake Champlain. Local Economy & Jobs: Vermont’s agriculture and timber disaster block grant unlocks $31.7M from USDA to help farmers and producers hit by 2023–2024 storms and flooding. Energy Policy: The PUC’s net metering decision is drawing fresh pushback from town energy committee leaders, who say it raises the cost of solar and slows deployment. Recreation Access Costs: Vermont Fish and Wildlife officials warn that rising expenses and demand are driving proposals for higher fees and more gradual price hikes for public lands. Cybersecurity: National Guard partners, including Vermont, joined a regional cyber exercise in Croatia to strengthen cross-state defenses.

Disaster Aid for Vermont Farms and Timber: Vermont has unlocked $31.7 million in USDA Farm Service Agency disaster assistance for agriculture and timber sectors, aimed at infrastructure, market losses, future economic losses, and bare-ground practices after 2023–2024 storms and flooding. Flood Recovery in Montpelier: Vermont and FEMA are nearing a roughly $200 million deal to repair the Montpelier Capitol Complex after July 2023 floods, with major work tied to electrical and plumbing systems inside inundated tunnels. Energy and Heat Preparedness: Efficiency Vermont shared practical ways to stay cool without air conditioning, including night ventilation, sealing and insulating, and using big appliances and cooking outside. Grassland Bird Protection: Vermont Fish and Wildlife is urging landowners to mow later to help bobolinks, savannah sparrows, and meadowlarks successfully raise young. Local Roads and ATVs: Wallingford residents weighed in on a proposal to allow ATVs on some town roads, but the select board said no decision is coming soon. Construction Updates: A weekly list of June 15 highway work includes I-89 paving and bridge rehabilitation, with lane closures and speed limits affecting travel. Workforce Pulse: Vermont’s weekly unemployment claims edged up slightly to 286 new claims for the week ending June 6, still under 300. Business/Community Growth: Newport is set to receive more than $8 million in federal grants tied to water and sewer upgrades and redevelopment planning for the long-vacant downtown “pit.” Public Safety Training: First responders in Greenfield heard guidance on handling strangulation, intimate partner violence, and human trafficking calls.

Workforce & retirement policy: The U.S. Department of Labor’s push to let 401(k) plans offer more alternative investments is back in focus after the comment period closed June 1, with supporters calling it “democratization” and critics warning about higher fees and harder-to-value risk. AI & jobs: Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella says AI backlash is real but argues wages and prosperity will rise, while labor leaders at the AFL-CIO say unions are scrambling to keep up with AI’s rapid rollout. Housing & growth: Vermont business and civic leaders argue the state can’t keep “staying the course” as housing shortages, rising taxes, and workforce gaps squeeze families and employers. Agriculture & disaster aid: Vermont secured $31.7 million in USDA disaster assistance for farmers and timber producers hit by 2023–2024 storms, with applications expected later this year. Food & manufacturing: Colchester’s Vermont Nut Free Chocolates is phasing out artificial dyes, moving to plant-based colors by end of 2026. Energy & solar policy: Vermont’s net metering decision is making solar harder, while California advances “balcony solar” plug-in rules. Public health: Gifford Medical Center will offer extended-release buprenorphine in its emergency department to expand opioid treatment access. Local business & community: Burlington prepares for Viking river cruise stops, and St. Albans City Council tackles downtown quality-of-life complaints tied to traffic and alleged odors from a milk treatment plant.

Energy & Costs: Gas prices keep sliding for a third straight week, with the national average down to about $4.12 a gallon as demand and crude prices shift. Aviation & Jobs: Burlington’s Patrick Leahy airport is seeing momentum from Beta Technologies’ eVTOL push, with state and federal attention highlighting new manufacturing capacity. Healthcare & Regulation: Vermont regulators approved a freestanding Upper Valley Surgery Center in Hartford, a rare move in the state that could cut wait times and expand outpatient options. Solar Policy: Vermont’s net metering decision just made solar harder, raising new questions for homeowners and installers. AI & Public Control: Bernie Sanders is pressing for public oversight of AI, including a proposal for federal ownership stakes and a moratorium on new data centers until impacts are studied. Agriculture & Food: USDA reports Vermont maple production at 3.091 million gallons for 2026, leading the nation again. Manufacturing & Community: Colchester’s Vermont Nut Free Chocolates plans to phase out artificial dyes by end of 2026, moving to plant-based colors. Cross-Border Trade/Services: The Haskell Free Library opened a new “Canadian Door” on the Quebec side after U.S. authorities restricted Canadian entry from Derby Line. Public Safety & Quality of Life: St. Albans City Council wrestled with downtown noise and renewed odor complaints tied to the DFA milk treatment plant.

Flood Relief for Farmers: U.S. Sen. Peter Welch says USDA has approved $31.7 million in disaster aid block grants for Vermont farmers hit by 2023-24 floods, with more specialized funding expected to follow. Dairy Manufacturing Shock: Franklin Foods will close its Enosburg Falls cream cheese plant this summer, putting about 100 jobs at risk; officials warn the ripple will hit local suppliers and the broader dairy economy. Energy Policy Watch: New England governors, including Vermont’s Phil Scott, urged federal regulators to reject a proposed transmission rate increase that could raise costs for households and businesses. Local Energy Debate: Vergennes residents are pushing back on a proposed battery storage project, raising safety concerns even as renewable advocates argue storage is key for solar and wind reliability. Wood Heat Funding: Vermont is accepting applications for a $300,000 Advanced Wood Heating Assistance program for municipalities to upgrade boilers and cut energy costs with modern, cleaner systems. CPA Pathway Update: Gov. Phil Scott signed a CPA licensing change adding an alternative route that cuts required college hours, effective immediately. Construction Recognition: PC Construction’s University of Maine hockey arena renovation earned major regional honors, including a CMAA New England top project award. Workforce & Food Hub: Vermont Farmers Food Center begins demolishing its “blue building” as renovations near completion to expand commercial kitchen capacity and build a regional food hub. Data Privacy Law: Vermont’s new consumer data privacy bill heads to Gov. Scott’s desk, but advocates say it falls short of stronger protections against Big Tech.

Data Privacy Law: Vermont’s new data privacy bill heads to Gov. Phil Scott, but advocates warn it won’t do much to rein in Big Tech’s data practices for consumers. Workforce & Food Manufacturing: Franklin Foods will close its Enosburg Falls cream cheese facility later this summer, putting nearly 100 jobs at risk and raising fresh questions about dairy processing investment in Vermont. Public Health & Agriculture: Vermont enacted the nation’s first ban on paraquat, an herbicide linked to Parkinson’s risk, with the phase-out expected to affect only a small number of growers. Energy & Grid Pressure: New York’s data center fight is heating up, with a proposed moratorium and grid-connection reforms aimed at stopping ratepayers from absorbing the costs of new power-hungry facilities. Local Business & Government: Secretary of State Sarah Copeland Hanzas met with Brattleboro and Wilmington leaders on a listening tour focused on state services and online infrastructure. Disaster Aid: Sen. Peter Welch pressed USDA on Vermont flood disaster aid, with Secretary Rollins confirming $31.7 million in block grant funding is set for imminent deployment. Construction & Industry Recognition: PC Construction’s Shawn Walsh Hockey Center and Harold Alfond Arena renovation in Maine earned another major industry award, adding to a three-honor streak.

Advanced Wood Heating Grants: Vermont is accepting applications for a $300,000 USDA Forest Service Wood Innovations-funded program that helps municipalities install or upgrade advanced wood heating systems for town buildings, garages, schools, and grange halls. Aerospace & Manufacturing: Beta Technologies’ Vermont-built Alia 250 electric air taxi drew attention in a Burlington-area demo, with the company pitching much lower operating costs than helicopters. Construction Awards: PC Construction’s Shawn Walsh Hockey Center and Harold Alfond Arena renovation at the University of Maine won a third major industry honor, adding a CMAA New England Mark H. Hasso Project of the Year Award to prior recognition. Local Business & Incentives: Lawrence, Mass. approved incentives for Alarm.com’s downtown office redevelopment, including a property tax rebate and industrial revenue bonds for construction materials. Workforce Pipeline: Northwest Career and Technical Center held a Skilled Trades Signing Day with more than 20 students committing to careers in building trades, manufacturing, and other skilled fields. Public Policy & Hiring: A U.S. court struck down the Trump administration’s proposed $100,000 H-1B visa petition tax, a move Vermont’s attorney general says could help employers fill critical roles. Food Safety: A Salmonella outbreak tied to moringa supplements expanded to 119 cases across 36 states, prompting additional FDA recalls. Energy Infrastructure: Avista confirmed talks with a large-load customer planning a major data center drawing 125 MW starting in 2029, with potential expansion to 500 MW. Tech & Cybersecurity: Sen. Rick Scott introduced bills aimed at strengthening cybersecurity oversight for U.S. critical infrastructure and maritime transportation facilities.

Workforce & Training: Vermont State University graduated 188 apprentices—133 electricians and 55 plumbers—after completing a four-level registered program with the Department of Labor, underscoring the state’s push to train and retain skilled trades. Energy & Industry: Vermont’s Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation is taking applications for a $300,000 USDA-funded Advanced Wood Heating Assistance program to help municipalities upgrade to efficient, low-emissions pellet and chip systems. Construction & Design: PC Construction’s Shawn Walsh Hockey Center and Alfond Arena renovation at the University of Maine won a third major award, including CMAA New England’s Project of the Year. Agriculture & Environment: NRCS helped a Northeast Kingdom dairy improve manure management to protect the Missisquoi Watershed Basin. Local Business Spotlight: Bennington’s Village Garage Distillery earned gold and silver medals at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition for its gin and small-batch bourbon. Public Safety & Oversight: Vermont’s AG office announced charges against a Bellows Falls man in a child sexual abuse materials case, handled through the VT-ICAC task force. Policy Watch: Gov. Phil Scott has vetoed four bills so far this year, with more awaiting his signature.

Maine Politics: Democrats are watching Tuesday’s Maine primary closely as Graham Platner tries to win the nomination to challenge Sen. Susan Collins, even as fresh allegations about his behavior and texts raise questions among some voters. Vermont Energy & Housing: Vermont Gov. Scott’s veto of H.727 blocks protections aimed at future large-scale AI data centers after lawmakers failed to override it, keeping pressure on how the state manages power, water, and land impacts. Aviation Manufacturing: Burlington-based Beta Technologies is moving from prototype to production, assembling its all-electric Alia at a new Leahy airport facility and showing off formation flights as it targets FAA certification and early output. Workforce & Health: A federal judge struck down Trump’s $100,000 H-1B fee as an unlawful tax, a win for employers relying on skilled foreign workers in sectors like healthcare and education. Local Business Leadership: The Village at White River Junction named Danielle Nickerson executive director, adding nearly a decade of Vermont senior-care leadership to its team. Agriculture & Community: Vermont Land Trust honored agriculture-and-forestry-focused seniors with Land Steward Awards, highlighting the next generation of farm and forestry talent. Public Health: Vermont health officials urged residents to ease into summer heat and watch for heat illness symptoms as the first hot stretch hits.

Senior Care Leadership: The Village at White River Junction in Bethel named Danielle Nickerson executive director, bringing nearly a decade of Vermont senior living and healthcare management experience. Public Health: Vermont health officials urged residents to “ease into” summer heat after recent hot-weather spikes sent Vermonters to the ER, highlighting hydration and cooling-site options. Aviation Manufacturing: Burlington-based Beta Technologies says it’s ramping up production of its all-electric Alia aircraft, with new facilities at Burlington International supporting assembly and charging-infrastructure work. Energy & Grid Planning: Green Mountain Power will host a customer open house in Bethel on June 9 to discuss reliability, safety, and cost efforts under its multi-year regulation plan. Local Land Use & Housing: Montpelier’s former U.S. post office at 87 State St. is headed to federal auction June 15, with a key buyer still unsure about flood-damage conditions. Construction/Stormwater Legal Fight: Colchester must pay $122,144.50 in legal fees tied to eminent domain over stormwater infrastructure after a court found “bad faith.” Agriculture & Health Risk: A new study links PFAS in Vermont, Maine, and New Hampshire soils to atmospheric deposition, with soil pH emerging as a major driver for groundwater monitoring priorities. Outdoor Education: Machia Wilderness Camp in Milton is spotlighted for screen-free skills like archery, track reading, and hands-on nature learning.

Cannabis Policy & Public Health: Vermont’s weed debate keeps heating up as a new report highlights how high-potency cannabis can drive psychosis and addiction risks, pushing lawmakers to rethink how legal products are regulated. Local Community & Housing Pressure: In Hinesburg, residents and volunteers raised a timber-frame pavilion to strengthen community ties as new housing growth threatens to turn the town into a “bedroom” place. School Governance: Peacham voters approved transferring ownership of the elementary school building to the town for $1, aiming to keep it as a community asset if district mergers happen. AI & Vermont Energy Politics: Vermont’s AI adoption remains low statewide, even as data-center battles continue; a veto of an AI data-center bill drew fresh criticism from lawmakers. Workforce & Training: Community College of Vermont held graduation for nearly 500 students, including veterans and first-generation degree earners. Fuel Costs: GasBuddy price reports show Vermont fuel volatility, with Addison County premium hitting $5.19 and diesel in Washington County at $5.69. Food Assistance Legal Fight: A federal judge paused USDA funding conditions tied to gender and immigration requirements, blocking enforcement that could affect SNAP and other programs.

Workforce & Education: Community College of Vermont held graduation for about 500 associate-degree recipients, with students from all 14 Vermont counties and a keynote from Alyssum’s Will Eberle. AI Policy: Vermont’s data-center bill H.727 was vetoed by Gov. Phil Scott, drawing criticism from lawmakers and environmental groups who say it would have curbed utility-bill and pollution impacts. Public Ownership of AI: OpenAI CEO Sam Altman met with Sen. Bernie Sanders after Sanders proposed a public 50% stake in major AI firms, and Trump floated a similar “American people” benefit plan. Food Assistance Court Fight: A federal judge paused USDA enforcement of new SNAP-related conditions tied to gender and immigration, siding with a coalition of Democratic-led states. Health & Agriculture: Vermont became the first state to ban paraquat, an herbicide linked to Parkinson’s disease, as regulators and health advocates push for safer alternatives. Energy Costs: GasBuddy reported the week ending May 30 saw Vermont premium gas as low as $5.19 in Addison County, with diesel also easing in Washington County. Local Business: A Highgate baker is building a small home-based bagel business, turning sourdough baking into a community stop.

Data Centers & Energy Costs: Rep. Kathleen James says Gov. Phil Scott’s veto of H.727 would leave Vermont exposed to higher electricity bills and pollution from large AI data centers, after lawmakers failed to override the veto. AI Wealth Debate: Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders’ push for the public to own 50% of major AI firms is getting unexpected traction, with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman reportedly meeting Sanders and Trump floating a similar idea of the U.S. taking equity stakes. Food & Nutrition Courts: A federal judge temporarily blocked USDA SNAP funding conditions tied to gender and immigration requirements, pausing a major policy shift affecting states’ food assistance and ag research. Public Health & Poultry: A CDC-linked salmonella outbreak tied to backyard chicken flocks has spread across many states, including Vermont. Chemicals & Health: Vermont became the first state to ban paraquat, herbicide linked to Parkinson’s disease, as other states watch closely. Local Industry & Agritourism: Vermont launched “Seek & Savor,” a USDA-funded agritourism marketing push running through fall 2027. Workforce & Training: Community College of Vermont graduation ceremonies marked nearly 500 associate-degree completions statewide. Manufacturing & Food Products: Vermont Smoke & Cure expands into nationwide meat sticks via new A.1. and Lea & Perrins flavor partnerships.

Data Center Fight: Vermont lawmakers and environmental groups are pushing back after Gov. Phil Scott vetoed H.727, a bill meant to curb the financial and environmental fallout of large-scale AI data centers; a veto override failed 83-52. AI Wealth Debate: In Washington, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman met with Sen. Bernie Sanders after Sanders proposed the public take a 50% stake in AI firms, and Trump is now floating a federal equity “partnership” with AI companies. Solar on Public Buildings: A town utilities committee discussed pairing a Town Hall roof replacement with smaller rooftop solar panels as a practical step toward net-zero goals. Ag Policy: Vermont became the first state to ban paraquat, an herbicide linked to Parkinson’s disease, with a phase-out plan for current users. Energy Costs Watch: GasBuddy reports show Vermont’s lowest regular prices in late May, with Addison County hitting $4.29 and statewide regular averaging $4.51. Food & Farming: Vermont Agency of Agriculture launched “Seek & Savor,” a USDA-funded agritourism push through fall 2027. Aviation Innovation: Vermont-based Beta Technologies showcased its electric Alia CX300 aircraft, aiming to expand clean short-haul travel.

AI & Public Ownership: President Trump says the federal government is exploring taking equity stakes in AI firms, framing it as a “partnership with the American people,” after talks involving OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Sen. Bernie Sanders’ push for public ownership. Vermont Policy Fight: Rep. Kathleen James says Gov. Scott’s veto of H.727 blocked protections against the financial and environmental impacts of future large-scale AI data centers, with Democrats unable to override. Energy Costs: New maps show electricity prices rising fast in many states; Vermont’s residential rates climbed about 7.7% year over year, while DC surged far more. SNAP Legal Setback: A federal judge blocked new USDA conditions on billions in SNAP funding, pausing enforcement while a multi-state challenge proceeds. Vermont Industry & Growth: Vermont Smoke & Cure expands nationally with new A.1. and Lea & Perrins meat sticks; Beta Technologies invited media for flights of its electric Alia CX300, targeting regional air travel by 2027. Agriculture & Schools: Vermont awarded $1M in Farm to School grants, and the state launched “Seek & Savor” agritourism marketing. Offshore Wind Lawsuits: Vermont and other states sued over a “sham deal” refunding TotalEnergies about $928M to cancel New York offshore wind leases.

AI & Energy Policy: President Trump says he’s exploring a federal equity stake in AI firms, framing it as a “partnership with the American people,” while Vermont lawmakers are pushing back on large-scale AI data centers after Gov. Scott’s veto of H.727 failed to clear an override. Vermont Agriculture & Food Systems: Vermont awarded $1 million in Farm to School grants, backing school gardens, outdoor classrooms, and local food connections; Smokey House Center in Danby won funding for a new berry alley cropping agroforestry system. Renewables & Local Power: Burlington Electric Department approved new hydro power purchase agreements, including Skelton Hydro output through 2026 and a 10-year deal for Connecticut generation. Workforce & Industry Growth: Vermont’s ski industry logged its strongest season in over a decade with 4.36 million skier visits; Forest Business Accelerator 2026 applications are due June 12. Fuel Watch: Gas prices keep cooling nationally, with Vermont diesel reported at its lowest in Addison County at $5.39/gal for the week ending May 30. Public Health & Safety: Vermont became the first state to ban paraquat, a weedkiller tied to Parkinson’s concerns, even as the practical impact is limited.