AGP Executive Report

Big Tech, Kids, and Privacy: Vermont lawmakers are weighing the fallout from the multistate Meta settlement, which would limit Instagram/Facebook use for teens and tighten protections—while critics say Vermont should do more, including a dedicated privacy and digital protection unit in the AG’s office. Climate Leadership Change: Massachusetts climate chief Melissa Hoffer is set to leave Healey’s administration to become president of Vermont Law and Graduate School starting Dec. 1. Organics & Waste Rules: Vermont regulators are working on depackaging equipment rules as more states move to govern the tech that can boost food waste recovery—while trying to avoid contamination disputes between composters and digesters. Energy Costs: AAA reports gas prices remain elevated nationwide, with August likely to set a new record; crude stays volatile amid Strait of Hormuz risk. Food Safety: USDA recalled frozen buffalo chicken products shipped into Vermont and other New England states after inspection marks were found to be false. Surveillance Backlash: Flock automated license plate reader contracts are being canceled in parts of the country over privacy concerns, a debate that’s resonating in Vermont’s policy circles. Local Industry & Agriculture: Mascoma Community Development closed $15M in New Markets Tax Credits to help modernize Meister Cheese’s operations, aiming to expand capacity and strengthen the dairy supply chain. Construction Updates: Vermont Business Magazine listed major I-89 paving and bridge work affecting traffic statewide for the week of Aug. 31.

Food Safety: USDA ordered a Class I recall of about 24,900 pounds of frozen buffalo chicken products shipped to foodservice in Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont after the items were produced without federal inspection and carried false inspection marks. Construction & Jobs: An Associated General Contractors analysis found construction employment rose in 36 states and D.C. from July 2025 to July 2026, with Vermont unchanged, while leaders warned tariffs, highway funding, and data-center opposition could slow hiring. Energy & Trade: Vermont and other border states are bracing for fallout from a U.S.-Canada trade fight, with officials and employers pushing for the dispute to end as tariffs raise uncertainty for costs and tourism. Climate Policy: Environmental groups in Maine urged lawmakers to oppose federal “big oil immunity” bills that would block climate liability efforts, including superfund-style laws. Tech & Kids: A sweeping multistate Meta settlement would require major Instagram/Facebook child-safety changes, with Vermont among states slated to receive funds. Local Industry: Harwood school leaders are weighing whether Cabot Creamery’s Waitsfield headquarters could be repurposed as part of a district consolidation plan.

Big Tech & Consumer Protection: Meta’s multistate $17.1B child-safety settlement is driving sweeping changes for Instagram and Facebook, including daily time limits, nighttime blocks, school-time restrictions, and stronger age checks—Vermont is among the states set to receive funds. Food Safety: Nearly 25,000 pounds of frozen buffalo chicken products were recalled after being produced without federal inspection; the items were shipped to foodservice locations including Vermont. Energy & Grid: A Vermont long-duration energy storage project cleared a U.S. Department of Energy milestone, moving into Phase 3—aimed at improving how power is stored and delivered. Climate & Outdoor Economy: UVM-led researchers won $5.9M to build a regional snowpack monitoring system, linking winter weather data to Vermont’s ski and outdoor recreation economy. Local Climate Grants: VCRD opened applications for its Climate Catalysts Innovation Fund, backing community-led climate and energy projects. Business/Tech: A Vermont storm-chasing program gave atmospheric sciences students hands-on experience, using real-world observation to sharpen forecasting skills.

Food Safety: FSIS recalled nearly 25,000 pounds of frozen buffalo chicken products after the supplier produced them without required inspection; shipments reached foodservice sites in Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Housing & Infrastructure: Rutland is building a $7 million 600,000-gallon tank to cut combined sewage overflows into Otter Creek, using $7 million in state and federal ARPA money to store storm surges and reduce pollution. Local Housing Finance: Vermont’s Housing Improvement Program is getting steadier footing with $4 million base funding, helping rehab and build small-scale units after years of uncertain appropriations. Energy & Power: Maine regulators picked Clearway for an 800MW northern wind project and Avangrid for a new transmission line to connect it to the grid. Agriculture: Hannaford is backing regenerative farming through a $500,000 contribution to the Northeast Farmers Fund, supporting suppliers across Maine, New Hampshire, New York, and Vermont. Tech & Youth Safety: Meta agreed to pay up to about $18B nationwide and add child-safety limits on Instagram and Facebook, including nighttime blocks and teen time caps. Trade Watch (North Country): As U.S.-Canada tariffs escalate, officials warn energy costs could rise if Canadian electricity exports tighten.

Big Tech Accountability: Vermont’s Attorney General Charity Clark says Meta will pay Vermont $92.7 million and face sweeping child-safety changes after a multistate settlement over addictive Instagram and Facebook design, including daily time limits, nighttime blocks, school-hour notification limits, and stronger age assurance—part of a broader $17.1 billion deal that states say sets a new national standard. Regional Innovation & Outdoor Economy: UVM-led partners won $5.9 million from the National Science Foundation to expand snow research across Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine, linking mountain snow monitoring to water resources and the winter recreation economy. Resort Infrastructure: Smugglers’ Notch operator Bear Den Partners is investing in snowmaking at the Vermont resort—adding 100 new snow guns plus pipeline, pump, and valve upgrades to boost early-season terrain reliability. Local Governance & Politics: Vermont Progressive Party chair Bill Hunsinger resigned after less than a year, leaving the party without a public figurehead during a busy election stretch. Community & Culture: Shelburne Museum is hosting a Norman Rockwell Day on Sept. 26 with curator-led tours, artmaking, and a lecture on Rockwell’s photography.

CDL Privacy Fight: Michigan AG Dana Nessel and a coalition won a temporary restraining order blocking the Trump administration from demanding a database of 17 million drivers’ personal data, arguing the move violates privacy laws and could harm the economy. Vermont Infrastructure: VTrans held feedback on a planned Route 116 roundabout in St. George aimed at reducing crashes; construction is slated for summer 2030 with an estimated $6M, mostly federal-funded. Workforce & Education Funding: The Central Vermont Career Center board agreed to put a $54.9M career center bond on the November ballot, teeing up expansion plans for central Vermont towns. Energy & Grid Buildout: Maine regulators selected CMP/Avangrid for a northern Maine transmission line and Clearway for an 800MW wind project, a major step for clean power access to the New England grid. Local Business Climate: Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation says moving leases toward market rates cost about 3% occupancy but netted an 8% gain, keeping most tenants in an “incubation” phase. Food & Agriculture: Caledonia Spirits is unveiling a permanent Phyllis Vermont Rye Whiskey made with in-state rye and malted barley, distilled and aged on site in Montpelier.

Vermont Energy & Grid Leadership: VELCO named José Sebastiao Chief Operating Officer, tapping more than 20 years in transmission and utility operations as the grid faces continued investment and change. Manufacturing Support: VMEC appointed Chris Coulter as Principal for Business Development and Partnerships to deepen ties with Vermont manufacturers and expand access to its services. Broadband Expansion: Fidium reported top statewide performance rankings in Ookla’s Q1–Q2 2026 Speedtest Intelligence, including fastest upload and reliability wins across multiple Vermont counties. Telehealth in Rural Vermont: Dartmouth Health plans to discontinue Tele-ED and Tele-ICU services that support five rural hospitals, citing a $63.5 million budget deficit and “unsustainable” costs. Housing Pressure Explained: Vermont Public examined how Vermont’s shrinking household size—now about 2.2 people per home—helps explain the state’s housing squeeze beyond population counts. Cannabis Industry Update: New regulations are expected to significantly affect Vermont’s cannabis industry, with details emerging from state coverage. Northeast Kingdom Development: Newport’s long-vacant “Pit” block moved closer to redevelopment after NVDA agreed to buy the property for $1.1 million, backed by a $1 million state grant. Public Health Watch: Rutland’s Bardwell House is testing and improving its water systems after Legionella was detected following multiple cases. Food Security: Sunset Lake Cannabis in South Hero donated $2,500 to the Vermont Foodbank to help provide groceries for families facing hunger. Trade & Cost Signals: A fresh U.S.-Canada trade fight is driving new tariff threats that could ripple into building costs and everyday prices. Local Business & Community: OpenRoad Insurance expanded to 40 states, adding Vermont among recent licensing wins for classic-car coverage.

Public Health: Dartmouth Health researchers say tick-borne alpha-gal syndrome may also complicate blood plasma or platelet transfusions, adding a new risk layer for patients. Food & Safety: A second Texas compounding pharmacy recall expanded glutathione injections to 14 states after elevated bacterial endotoxin levels; Vermont is on the distribution list. Housing & Health: Legionella was detected in Rutland’s Bardwell House water system after multiple cases of Legionnaires disease, prompting testing and upgrades. Workplace Safety: A Westfield man was charged after allegedly disabling a boom lift and stranding a worker in the air, with additional allegations tied to a sugarhouse fire. Energy & Infrastructure: Chester is weighing a sewer treatment plant replacement to unlock more capacity for housing and businesses, with a proposed bond and rate increase under debate. Cannabis Policy: New federal hemp product regulations are expected to ripple through Vermont’s cannabis and CBD market. Economy Watch: Vermont’s unemployment rate held at 2.6% in July. Community & Agriculture: Farmers struggle to get basic services from a depleted Agriculture Department, while Vermont Business Magazine highlights a Sunset Lake Cannabis donation to the Vermont Foodbank.

Energy & Fuel Watch: GasBuddy reports Franklin County’s lowest midgrade price at $4.49 for the week ending Aug. 15, with the statewide midgrade average at $4.68. Utility & Power Policy: New England governors, including Vermont, are pushing back on a proposed NextEra–Dominion utility merger, warning it would give the combined company “unprecedented leverage.” Trade & Industry Impact: U.S.-Canada talks collapsed and 50% U.S. tariffs kicked in on Canadian goods, while the U.S. also lifted beef tariffs—leaving Vermont-area businesses watching fast-moving costs and supply risk. Workforce & Agriculture: Farmers say USDA services are harder to access as local offices face staffing gaps, adding pressure on loans, grants, and technical help. Local Business & Community Grants: Vermont is opening $25,000 Building Communities’ Grants for construction and capital improvements, with applications due Sept. 30. Public Power Leadership: Vermont Public Power Supply Authority GM Ken Nolan was elected president of the Northeast Public Power Association. Health & Safety: A Texas compounding pharmacy recall of injectable glutathione for elevated bacterial endotoxin levels includes Vermont among 14 affected states. Nuclear Planning: Connecticut will host a New England regional nuclear policy summit Sept. 30, with Vermont participating.

US-Canada Trade Shock: U.S. lawmakers warn that the collapse of Canada talks and new 50% tariffs could raise prices and disrupt cross-border business for Vermont and other northern states, with Canada signaling dollar-for-dollar retaliation. Vermont Policy & Environment: A Trump rule narrowing what counts as “harm” under the Endangered Species Act could make it harder to protect habitat in Vermont, putting federally listed species at new risk. School Construction Costs: Mountain Views Supervisory District says delays in state approval for a $21 million middle/high school rebuild could balloon taxpayer costs as grant rules and timelines drag on. Energy & Public Power: Vermont Public Power Supply Authority GM Ken Nolan was elected president of the Northeast Public Power Association, highlighting shared regional challenges from reliability to transmission costs. AI Data Center Backlash: Protests against AI data centers keep spreading nationwide, fueled by power costs, water use, and local impacts—while Texas officials argue developers failed to engage communities early. Local Business & Agriculture: Vermont’s Agency of Agriculture grant applications are open for Building Communities’ Grants (up to $25,000, with matching funds), and NRCS urges Vermont producers to apply by Sept. 25 for FY2027 conservation funding. Community Sports: The Vermont Senior Games pickleball tournament set a record with 210 players.

Canada Tariffs Hit Northern Border Economy: Vermont Gov. Phil Scott and Sen. Peter Welch criticized new 50% U.S. tariffs after Canada-U.S. talks collapsed, warning the “tax” will raise costs for families, farmers, and employers on both sides. Housing Finance: A Brattleboro workforce housing project highlights how Vermont’s housing challenge is also a capital challenge, pointing to Invest in Vermont low-interest financing as a key tool to make projects pencil out. Endangered Species Act Rule Change: Vermont faces new risk to federally listed species as a Trump administration change narrows what counts as “harm” to habitat, with a Sept. 14 effective date and lawsuits already filed. AI Data Center Backlash: Protests against AI data centers spread nationwide, driven by concerns over power costs, water use, and limited local job creation. Vermont Courts/Manufacturing Liability: A Vermont Mutual insurance subrogation case over a printer-linked house fire heads toward trial after a court rejected summary judgment, keeping manufacturing-defect claims alive. Energy Leadership: VPPSA GM Ken Nolan elected president of the Northeast Public Power Association, signaling continued regional focus on reliability and electrification pressures. Local Business & Federal Contracting: Vermont APEX Accelerator and partners host Navy Week in Burlington Aug. 26 to connect small businesses with procurement and SBIR/STTR opportunities. Agrivoltaics Test: A Colorado saffron trial under rooftop solar panels doubled yields, suggesting high-value crops can pair with solar generation. Diesel Prices Watch: Diesel averaged $5.43 statewide in the week ending Aug. 15, with Franklin County reporting the lowest stations.

Canada Tariff Shock: Gov. Phil Scott and Sen. Peter Welch criticized new 50% U.S. tariffs after Canada talks collapsed, warning Vermont and northern border businesses could see higher costs and supply-chain disruption. Vermont Energy Watch: With Iran-linked oil volatility pushing heating-fuel prices near $5 a gallon, Vermonters are weighing whether to prebuy and how to manage winter risk. AI Power Backlash: A nationwide wave of protests against AI data centers—citing electricity costs and water use—kept pressure on builders, with organizers calling for more transparency and stronger local accountability. Public Power Leadership: VPPSA GM Ken Nolan was elected president of the Northeast Public Power Association, signaling continued focus on reliability, transmission costs, and electrification impacts for Vermont’s municipal utilities. Courtroom Product Liability: A Vermont Mutual insurance subrogation case over a printer-linked house fire heads forward, with the court rejecting summary judgment and allowing a jury to consider manufacturing-defect claims. Agrivoltaics Win: A Colorado State University test found saffron grown under semi-transparent solar panels roughly doubled yields, pointing to dual-income rooftop farming. Local Business & Community: Barre’s city manager search moves through final interviews; and Vermont’s Alpine Shop celebrates decades in business as leadership passes to the next generation. Road & Construction Notices: Multiple lane closures and bridge work are scheduled across the region this week.

Energy & Heating Costs: Vermont families are bracing for another winter of volatile heating oil prices as the Iran war keeps global fuel markets jumpy, with local prices swinging from under $3.50 earlier to near $5 a gallon. Public Power Leadership: Vermont Public Power Supply Authority GM Ken Nolan was elected president of the Northeast Public Power Association, signaling continued regional focus on reliability, transmission costs, and electrification. Workforce Housing Finance: A Brattleboro workforce housing project shows how Vermont’s Invest in Vermont program is being used to unlock low-interest capital for new homes when conventional borrowing is too costly. Local Government & Infrastructure: Barre’s city manager search is in its final stretch with virtual interviews wrapping soon, while Burlington moves toward reopening 9th Street after the Jayhawk Watershed Project. Food & Health Safety: A nationwide recall of compounded glutathione injections is underway after contamination concerns, and Vermont consumers are also watching for ongoing food recalls. Trade & Industry Pressure: The U.S.-Canada tariff fight escalated with 50% U.S. tariffs and dollar-for-dollar retaliation, adding uncertainty for cross-border business planning. Construction Jobs: Vermont’s unemployment stayed steady, while national construction hiring trends remain mixed—Colorado added jobs, and Vermont reported no change. Animal Health: Texas pet adoptions are on hold as the New World screwworm spreads, threatening shelters that depend on out-of-state adoptions.

Energy & Heating Costs: Iran war-linked oil market swings are pushing Vermont heating oil prices back toward $5 a gallon, leaving families weighing whether to lock in contracts now or wait. Public Power Leadership: Vermont Public Power Supply Authority GM Ken Nolan was elected president of the Northeast Public Power Association, highlighting shared regional challenges in reliability, transmission costs and electrification. Utility Merger Watch: New England governors (including Vermont) oppose the proposed NextEra–Dominion utility merger, warning it would concentrate leverage and disrupt infrastructure development. Workforce Housing & Finance: A Brattleboro workforce housing project shows how Vermont’s Invest in Vermont low-interest financing can unlock deals when conventional borrowing costs stall construction. Local Government & Construction: Barre’s city manager search is in a fast-moving interview phase, while Burlington’s Ninth Street reopening is nearing as the Jayhawk Watershed project wraps. Food & Consumer Safety: A wave of recent recalls spans jalapeños, guacamole and salsas, plus broader food alerts that can still linger in fridges. Agriculture & Events: Bennington’s Garlic Town USA returns Sept. 5 with expanded chef demos and family programming. Workforce Development in Schools: UVM Extension’s CAVE program helped Brattleboro Union High School students build a dry stone wall, blending hands-on craft with workforce skills. Privacy & Data Security: Vermont-area readers may want to note AG Jay Jones’ court win blocking a Trump demand for CDL drivers’ personal data.

Food Safety: A fresh wave of recalls is hitting multiple food groups, including jalapeños, guacamole, salsas and eggs, with guidance to discard affected items. Workforce & Economy: Vermont’s unemployment rate held at 2.6% in July, with county rates ranging from 2.3% to 3.1% as the state pushes reemployment support after layoffs. Energy & Transportation: AAA reports the national gas average rose to $4.10 amid crude oil staying near $80 a barrel; Vermont’s inspection rules also ease, letting some vehicles pass with minor issues that weren’t previously accepted. Local Industry & Business: Chesapeake Fine Food Group is acquiring Harrington’s of Vermont, expanding distribution of the long-running smoked meats brand. Energy Policy/Utilities: VPPSA’s Ken Nolan was elected president of the Northeast Public Power Association, reflecting shared regional challenges for public power. Agriculture & Innovation: Rooftop solar experiments in Colorado show saffron yields can improve under semi-transparent panels, pointing to new agrivoltaics options. Community & Culture: Bennington’s Garlic Town USA returns Sept. 5 with expanded chef demos and family programming. Education & Infrastructure: After nearly six years, Burlington High School’s new building opens, ending a long PCB-driven relocation saga.

Forest Industry Shock: Vermont officials are scrambling after a New York mill stopped taking Vermont pulp, threatening loggers and the working-lands economy and raising fresh questions about the Current Use program. Labor & Dairy: A union-backed bid to block the closure of the Dairy Farmers of America St. Albans creamery won a temporary restraining order, with Teamsters alleging retaliation tied to last year’s strike. Energy Leadership: Vermont Public Power Supply Authority GM Ken Nolan was elected president of the Northeast Public Power Association, signaling continued regional focus on reliability and transmission costs. Housing Finance: A Brattleboro workforce-housing project highlights how Vermont’s Invest in Vermont low-interest financing is helping make new homes pencil out. Local Business & Federal Contracting: Vermont APEX Accelerator and partners announced Navy Week in Burlington, aiming to connect small businesses to Navy and Marine Corps procurement and SBIR/STTR opportunities. Ag & Climate Tech: A rooftop solar experiment using semi-transparent panels reportedly doubled saffron yields in a multi-year test, fueling interest in agrivoltaics. Public Safety: Vermont cities are debating e-bike rules as accidents involving e-bikes and “e-motos” keep surfacing, pushing calls for clearer regulation. Community Health: Volunteers are being urged to count pollinators this weekend to track bee and butterfly trends. Food Safety: Gifford’s Dairy recalled HomeMaine ice cream in Vermont and neighboring states due to possible rubber contamination.