AGP Executive Report

Plastics fight in court: A coalition of 17 states, including North Dakota, and a national trade group sued California to block its strict plastic packaging and recycling law, arguing it violates the U.S. Constitution and will raise costs for everyday goods. North Dakota dairy squeeze: North Dakota dairy farms have fallen about 90% over 50 years, with small herds hit hardest by price pressure from large operations; leaders point to new production centers and rising cheese and ice cream demand as a possible rebound. Local business growth in Mandan: Tri Energy Cenex is moving ahead with a new Cenex and Sonic at West River near Mandan’s new high school. America 250 on the ground: The Liberty Bell replica at the North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum in Bismarck will be rung June 29, and Bank of America is expanding “Museums on Us” for July 4 weekend with free admission to 250 museums nationwide. Housing policy: The Senate advanced the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, aimed at boosting home construction and limiting investor pressure.

North Dakota Budget Watch: Gov. Kelly Armstrong is telling state agencies to plan for possible cuts, including a 10% reduction target—an especially tricky ask for NDIT because centralized IT changes ripple across government services. State Investment Oversight: The North Dakota State Investment Board adopted a modernized governance structure to strengthen oversight and decision-making, including a new budget and finance committee. Local Courts & Infrastructure: Landowners and townships are asking the North Dakota Supreme Court to weigh in on whether regulators properly engaged communities in the JETx transmission line review. Dairy Industry Shift: North Dakota has seen a 90% drop in dairy farms over 50 years, with smaller operations hit hardest; two large dairy processing centers are in development. Business & Education: Fargo hosted a small business summit focused on finances, marketing, and using AI; and the NCAA approved a “five for five” eligibility rule for Division I that eliminates redshirt seasons. Regional/Legal Fallout: Seventeen GOP attorneys general, including North Dakota, sued California over its plastics packaging law, arguing it drives up costs and overreaches state authority. Public Safety: Williston’s West Broadway reconstruction begins June 29, with drivers urged to expect delays and lane changes.

SNAP Fight: A federal judge blocked a Trump-backed USDA effort to bar SNAP recipients from buying soda and other sugary items, saying Congress didn’t authorize the change; the ruling could affect up to 13.5 million recipients in states with approved food-restriction waivers. Workforce Grants: North Dakota Commerce says applications for the Regional Workforce Impact Program are due June 30 at 5 p.m. CDT, with grants aimed at locally led workforce solutions and requiring a 25% match. Plastics Lawsuit: South Dakota AG Marty Jackley joined a 17-state Republican coalition suing California over its plastic packaging law, arguing it’s unconstitutional and will raise costs nationwide, including for North Dakota businesses. Nuclear Waste Debate: North Dakota lawmakers are weighing an exception to the state’s ban on storing high-level radioactive waste, after a consultant warned the current rule could deter nuclear reactor development. Local Business & Schools: Oxford Realty pledged $250,000 over five years to keep Grand Forks elementary intramural sports alive during district budget realignment. Energy & Industry: Cerilon GTL ND announced a definitive technology licensing agreement for its Williams County gas-to-liquids facility, pending project financing. Public Safety: North Dakota officials are also watching for increased rattlesnake activity in the region, with warnings tied to current conditions.

North Dakota Nuclear Policy: Lawmakers are weighing a change to the state’s ban on long-term high-level radioactive waste storage, with a proposed exception that would allow temporary on-site storage—aimed at removing a “stop sign” that could deter nuclear developers. State Leadership & Economy: The North Dakota Industrial Commission appointed Cathy Dub as president and CEO of the North Dakota Mill and Elevator, succeeding Vance Taylor as the state’s major wheat-processing operation. Housing & Federal Action: The Senate passed the bipartisan 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, with Sen. Kevin Cramer and Sen. John Hoeven praising it as a push to boost housing supply and affordability. Local Government Incentives: Grand Forks plans its first combined meeting to review PILOT incentives, starting with the Ray Richards Golf Course redevelopment. Agriculture Research: NDSU opened an expanded swine research facility in Fargo, adding a 600-head barn and classroom with support from corn and soybean groups. Higher Education Appointments: Altru president Dr. Joshua Deere is among finalists for a North Dakota State Board of Higher Education seat. Consumer Watchdog: The Better Business Bureau warned North Dakotans about storm-chaser scams after hailstorms, urging caution with upfront payments and rushed paperwork.

Leadership Change: North Dakota Industrial Commission appointed Cathy Dub as president and CEO of the North Dakota Mill and Elevator in Grand Forks, with Dub taking over as Vance Taylor retires July 3. Agriculture & Education: NDSU opened an enhanced swine research facility after a four-year, $ fundraising push, expanding a 600-head barn and adding a 50-seat classroom to boost livestock research and training. Local Governance: Gov. Kelly Armstrong will pick from six finalists to fill two seats on the North Dakota Board of Higher Education after a nominating committee advanced three candidates per vacancy; appointees still need Senate confirmation. Courts & Public Safety: A judge ruled a Fargo man’s wrongful death suit can proceed against a county, rejecting a claim of blanket governmental immunity after a 2023 crash. State Politics: Lawmakers are weighing a potential exception to North Dakota’s ban on storing high-level nuclear waste to allow temporary on-site storage tied to any future nuclear reactor plans. Community & Culture: Bismarck-area families can mark July 1 with a free State Historical Society exhibit opening, “North Dakota 250 Road Trip,” with activities at the Heritage Center & State Museum. Ag Fun: North Dakota Stockmen’s Association named winners of its Beef Month Coloring Contest, with entries from across the state including Bismarck. Food Safety: USDA recalled about 5,795 pounds of frozen Power Plate Meals meatloaf due to an undeclared soy allergen. Summer Events: Moosomin Regional Museum is hosting a Snowplane Meet & BBQ July 10-12, tied to the town’s July 11 parade theme “Moosomin through the Ages.”

North Dakota Politics & National Spotlight: President Trump is set to visit Medora on July 1 to kick off the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library opening festivities, with Freedom 250 laying out a July 1-5 schedule and a July 4 public opening. Local Storm Impact: A look back at the June 20, 2025 storm describes widespread damage across the Bismarck-Mandan area, with straight-line winds reported up to 115 mph. Energy & Legal Battles: Federal officials approved a key Dakota Access Pipeline segment to keep operating across the Missouri River, adding leak-detection and groundwater monitoring conditions—while the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe says it will keep fighting in court. Environmental Court Watch: Greenpeace’s Dutch case against Energy Transfer is moving forward after a Dutch court rejected a bid to dismiss it, keeping pressure on the pipeline dispute on both sides of the Atlantic. Agriculture Economy: North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring warns farmers are facing “death by a thousand paper cuts,” citing rising costs and uneven regulatory impacts. State Tax Snapshot: New Census Bureau rankings show North Dakota at 19th for amusements license taxes paid in 2024 and 19th for that category overall, underscoring how state revenue streams vary.

North Dakota Politics & National Spotlight: President Donald Trump is set to visit the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in Medora on July 1 ahead of the July 4 opening, with Gov. Kelly Armstrong ordering state agencies to help and the National Guard activating 50 troops for the ribbon-cutting. Energy & Environment: A federal approval lets the Dakota Access pipeline keep operating across the Missouri River, but the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe says it will continue fighting in court over water and sacred sites. Legal Fight Over Pipelines: Greenpeace’s Netherlands case against Energy Transfer is moving forward after a Dutch court rejected a bid to dismiss it, keeping pressure on the long-running Standing Rock-era dispute. Agriculture & Fertilizer Costs: North Dakota agriculture officials are watching the Strait of Hormuz reopening after a U.S.-Iran memorandum, with potential relief for fertilizer supply and prices. State Economy & Infrastructure: North Dakota duck numbers fell in the spring breeding survey, and the state is also dealing with “death by a thousand paper cuts” pressures on farm costs and cropland value. Education & Workforce: NDSU is expanding its swine program with a new facility for 600 hogs and a classroom, aiming to boost hands-on training and swine industry growth. Local Government & Community Life: Bismarck and Mandan are gearing up for America’s 250th with July 4 events, including a Bismarck drone light show and fireworks.

Fertilizer Relief Watch: A U.S.-Iran memorandum signals the Strait of Hormuz could reopen, easing pressure on global fertilizer supplies that North Dakota farmers have been hit by. Local Government & Civility: North Dakota communities are wrestling with tougher, emotional local decisions—from taxes to data centers—while threats and resignations raise alarms about incivility. Agriculture Economy: North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring says farmers are facing “death by a thousand paper cuts,” with rising costs and uneven rules adding strain. Medicaid Spending: West Fargo and Williston both saw big jumps in Medicaid pathology and lab bills in 2024, highlighting shifting local health-care costs. Waterfowl Update: North Dakota’s spring breeding duck survey shows a drop in the 2026 duck index, tied to habitat losses. Education & Workforce: Minot State University is moving ahead with a new swine facility and a MAGIC Fund-backed innovation engineering program. Community Calendar: Bismarck-Mandan is gearing up for America250 with July 4 events, including a drone light show and fireworks.

North Dakota Agriculture: Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring warns of “death by a thousand paper cuts,” saying cropland value losses and rising costs are squeezing producers as regulations and fuel-pump price jumps add up. Waterfowl Watch: The state’s spring duck survey finds a 2026 breeding index of about 2.4 million birds, down 9.5% from 2025, with habitat losses blamed especially around the Grand Forks area. Local Leadership & Civility: A guest column argues North Dakota’s local governments are facing tougher, emotional debates—from taxes to data centers—while incivility and threats are driving officials out of office. Education & Workforce: Minot State University is moving forward with a new swine innovation engineering program, supported by a $500,000 MAGIC Fund recommendation and a matching plan for additional grant money. State Economy & Industry: The North Dakota Industrial Commission appointed Cathy Dub to lead the North Dakota Mill and Elevator after Vance Taylor’s retirement. Bismarck-Mandan & America 250: Bismarck and Mandan are gearing up for the 250th anniversary with major July 4 events, including a drone light show and parade plans. Health Policy: Health law experts criticize a Trump administration hantavirus quarantine as “authoritarian” and lacking scientific support.

North Dakota Leadership: The North Dakota Industrial Commission appointed Cathy Dub as the new president and CEO of the North Dakota Mill and Elevator, taking over from Vance Taylor after 26 years. State Governance: Burleigh County Sheriff Kelly Leben was named to the North Dakota Ethics Commission, succeeding Cynthia Lindquist and serving until August 2027. Public Safety & Health: North Dakota’s State Historical Society marked Juneteenth by spotlighting Benjamin Hayes, an early Black Jamestown resident tied to courthouse and jail work. Local Services: Williston Basin School District #7 is offering free summer breakfast and lunch for kids 18 and under at multiple sites. Tech & Economy: North Dakota is pushing drone innovation through the Vantis system and expanded FAA radar access, while the state’s Digital Government Summit focused on cybersecurity and better coordination. Agriculture & Markets: U.S. Wheat Associates is holding its Fargo board meeting to review market challenges, export performance, and leadership transition. National Watch: Wildfire smoke is driving unhealthy air across more than a dozen states, with health groups warning of major impacts for sensitive groups.

North Dakota Oil Watch: State regulators say crude production should stay steady even after oil prices slid following a U.S.-Iran MOU, with operators still running about 1–1.5 million barrels per day and keeping rigs active. Digital Government & Cybersecurity: About 160 people met in Bismarck for the North Dakota Digital Government Summit, where leaders stressed that many “tech” problems are really communication failures—and highlighted email security tools. Data Center Push Meets Local Questions: County officials in Lyon County heard public comment on a proposed Flint Hills Digital Campus, with residents demanding more info on health, wildlife, agriculture, and water impacts. Drone Innovation: North Dakota is positioning itself as a drone testing hub, including use of FAA radar access to support unmanned operations like the Vantis system. Agriculture Legal Fight: Pesticide manufacturers are lobbying for “liability shield” laws to block lawsuits tied to cancer claims, as the U.S. Supreme Court is expected to rule on whether federal law blocks state failure-to-warn suits. Community & Civic Life: A guest column argues North Dakota can support both data centers and democracy, while civic groups adapt to fewer teen drivers and the knock-on effect for voter registration. Juneteenth Notes: Federal offices and post offices close for the holiday, while many retailers keep normal hours.

Oil & Energy: North Dakota’s mineral resources regulator says crude production should stay steady even after oil prices slid following a U.S.-Iran interim deal, with operators still running about 1 to 1.5 million barrels per day and adding rigs. Digital Government: About 160 IT leaders met in Bismarck for the North Dakota Digital Government Summit, stressing that many “tech” problems are really communication gaps between agencies. Data Centers & Local Impact: County commissioners heard public comment packed with questions about the Flint Hills Digital Campus, with residents pressing for answers on noise, wildlife, water and health impacts. Agriculture & Markets: An NDSU Extension economist says the U.S.-Iran MOU may bring some stability, but farmers should still expect volatility, especially tied to energy-linked grain futures and fertilizer costs. Health Policy: A national push for “liability shield” laws is gaining momentum as pesticide makers seek immunity from “failure to warn” lawsuits, with the U.S. Supreme Court expected to weigh federal preemption in 2026. Local Notes: Fargo boosted downtown patrols on weekends during bar close hours; Williston libraries will host a weekly Social Security video service starting July 23; and a Fargo-based entertainment company, Jade Presents, set new bankruptcy hearing dates.

AI Data Centers & Local Power: A new wave of pushback is hitting North Dakota’s AI data center plans, with residents and officials trading accusations over impacts like electricity costs and drinking-water stability. Courts & Accountability: Pesticide makers are lobbying for “liability shield” laws to block lawsuits tied to cancer-linked products such as glyphosate, as the U.S. Supreme Court is set to weigh whether federal law blocks state failure-to-warn claims. Bismarck Preparedness: The City of Bismarck’s 2026 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan won federal and state approval, keeping the city eligible for mitigation grants through 2031. Agriculture Labor: Federal agencies clarified that dairy operations can use the H-2A worker program for seasonal or temporary needs, with case-by-case review by USCIS. Travel & Business: Allegiant is cutting 61 routes nationwide, including dropping Grand Forks from service, while a new “Built on Grit” hall of fame opened in Medora celebrating 17 North Dakota small businesses. Community Sports: A 245-team youth soccer tournament is bringing more than $2 million in economic activity to the Fargo–Moorhead–West Fargo area. Housing: A Minot library merger committee paused work to seek more guidance, with a possible ballot measure now pushed toward 2028.

North Dakota Politics & Ethics: The North Dakota Ethics Commission unanimously picked Pam Sharp as its new chair after a year of turnover, with outgoing leaders citing resignations and health issues. Local Business & Community: A new “Built on Grit: ND Business Hall of Fame” opened in Medora, spotlighting 17 small businesses across categories like trailblazers and long-running operators. State Infrastructure: Williams County has started an about eight-mile reconstruction of County Road 1 near Williston, including drainage upgrades and a temporary closure with detours through mid-October. Public Safety & Weather: A look back at the deadly June 20 storms details multiple tornadoes and a derecho that caused major damage across central North Dakota. Energy & Tech: Bitzero says it has secured about $0.02/kWh power across sites in Norway, Finland and North Dakota as it positions for AI data-center demand. Agriculture & Livestock: USDA announced $105 million for projects to fight New World screwworm, aiming to stop the spread and protect U.S. agriculture. Bismarck Area: A pair of moose were spotted roaming north Bismarck, prompting warnings to avoid approaching wildlife.

Pesticide Liability Fight: Pesticide makers are pushing “liability shield” laws to block lawsuits from people harmed by products like Roundup, as the U.S. Supreme Court is set to rule in July 2026 on whether federal law blocks state failure-to-warn claims. North Dakota Ethics: A new North Dakota Ethics Commission survey is drawing fire over methodology and whether it reflects how residents view state officials. DAPL Settlement: North Dakota is set to receive about $27.8 million to cover Dakota Access Pipeline protest costs, with leaders responding to the final settlement. Bismarck Area Economy/Education: UND is launching a specialized real estate major, and NDSU Field Days run July 6–Aug. 7 to show local agriculture research in action. Energy/Industry: North Dakota’s water regulator says the Missouri River is the best source for any future nuclear reactor. Local Business: A Grand Forks entrepreneur plans a charcuterie service with customizable snack boards. Sports/Community: Gov. Kelly Armstrong will honor Bismarck-area wrestling twins Terry and Troy Steiner with the Theodore Roosevelt Rough Rider Award. National Safety: An NTSB-linked North Dakota derailment is again cited as proof tank cars must be replaced.

Ag & Courts: Pesticide makers are pushing “liability shield” laws to block lawsuits from people harmed by products like glyphosate/Roundup, as the U.S. Supreme Court is set to rule in July 2026 on whether federal law blocks state “failure to warn” claims. Bismarck/State Ethics: A new North Dakota Ethics Commission survey finds about two-thirds of respondents lack confidence in state officials, with concerns focused on conflicts of interest and misuse of public office. Education Costs: North Dakota lawmakers finalized an estimate for a November ballot measure to provide free K-12 meals, pegging the price at $124 million to $134 million every two years. Local Politics: Cass County commissioners will consider possible rules after noise complaints tied to a rural music festival near Fargo. Energy & Water: A North Dakota regulator says the Missouri River is the best water source if a nuclear reactor is built in the state. Business & Community: Fargo’s former Fargo Brewing building is now “The Shop,” a renovated coworking and coffee hub that drew more than 600 people at its grand opening. Sports Media: The Summit League extended its TV rights deal with CBS Sports Network and Midco Sports for four more years through 2029-30.