AGP Executive Report

Energy & Courts: A federal judge in Oregon ordered the Pentagon to restart land-based wind project reviews, striking down the administration’s moratorium and reopening a key path for new wind development. Solar Industry: The FCC’s inverter ban is raising new uncertainty for solar and battery projects, with analysts saying companies may ship “non-covered” inverters and add approved wireless components later. Trade & Tariffs: North Carolina AG Jeff Jackson joined 24 states suing the Trump administration over new sweeping tariffs, arguing they’re illegal and driving up costs for families and businesses. Healthcare M&A Risk: A new look at state healthcare transaction notification laws flags how advance notice and regulator review can delay deals across MSOs, digital health, and value-based care platforms. Oregon Business & Growth: Three businesses opened in Madras’ new Eagle Ridge Business Park, a project funded by county and state economic development grants. Wildfire Insurance Pressure: Reporting highlights how wildfire damage is already reshaping property insurance markets and claims. Data Centers in Oregon: Amazon’s Walla Walla County data center application is moving forward after it completed a last missing piece, with an upcoming traffic impact analysis submission and public open house.

Electric Co-op Politics: Oregon Trail Electric members elected David Crawford and Fred Hellbusch to the co-op’s board, flipping two seats held by incumbents in Baker and Harney counties, while Jeff Clark won re-election unopposed. State Dealmaking: Oregon hired attorney Eric Andalman as a special assistant AG to help guide the state’s role in Moda Center renovation talks and the creation of a joint authority. Data Center Backlash: A new Oregon poll finds most voters oppose new data centers and tax breaks for them, while Kotek’s data center advisory committee says it won’t recommend a statewide moratorium—pushing instead for more state-local partnership and transparency. Energy & Jobs: Avamere plans layoffs of about 129 employees as it restructures and transitions some facilities to other operators. Consumer & Local Business: Costco opened Oregon’s first car wash in Bend, and Woodburn Premium Outlets announced Hot Topic and Arc’teryx are coming this fall. Water Safety Lawsuit: A judge cleared a class-action alleging nitrate contamination affected more than 45,000 residents in the Lower Umatilla Basin. Public Safety: Oregon warned of a scam targeting Spanish-speaking injured workers, and a man was arrested after a stabbing at a Seaside reentry center.

Immigration Costs: An Economic Policy Institute estimate cited by Axios puts the price tag of President Trump’s mass deportation push at about $268.9 billion—about $2,358 per U.S. taxpayer—based on projected detention and deportation spending. National Security Spending: Sen. Elizabeth Warren says Trump’s Pentagon nominee confirmed National Guard deployment to D.C. will add $1.4 billion in costs through 2029. Antitrust & Media: Britain’s competition regulator cleared Paramount Skydance’s $111B Warner Bros. Discovery deal, despite U.S. legal turbulence led by state AGs. Wildfire Betting Crackdown: Oregon Sen. Jeff Merkley joined other senators urging the CFTC to rein in prediction markets that let people bet on wildfires, warning it could spur arson. Oregon Business & Finance: Bank of Eastern Oregon was named a top-performing community bank nationally for 2025. Local Tech & Privacy: Portland-area and beyond continue grappling with surveillance tech controversies, including license-plate reader disputes. Health & Consumer: WalletHub ranked states on healthcare cost, access and outcomes, while Consumer Reports picked Whole Foods’ 365 chocolate ice cream as a top store-brand. Oregon Climate & Safety: Oregon and Utah’s 130+ wildlife crossings are highlighted as a proven way to cut deadly wildlife-vehicle crashes.

Wildfire & workplace rules: Oregon’s wildfire emergency is triggering protections for workers facing smoke, heat and evacuations, including access to sick time and protected leave when schools or childcare close. Insurance pressure: As major Western fires spread, insurers are again tightening coverage and raising rates, adding uncertainty for homeowners and ratepayers. Opportunity Zone housing: Kinect Real Estate Partners is breaking ground on a 305-unit Gresham multifamily project as its fourth Opportunity Zone deal, pitching “de-risked” execution for investors. Ethics & politics: Oregon Sen. Christine Drazan’s nonprofit paid nearly $100K to a consulting firm she owns with her husband without a conflict policy, raising scrutiny ahead of her gubernatorial push. Public health & data: CDC FoodNet shows Salmonella rates look flat in 2024, but faster lab tests changed what the numbers capture. Business & finance: Oregon Pacific Bank hired Katherine Ledson as Portland market president. Policy & agriculture: Baker County approved a noxious weed enforcement ordinance that lets the county treat private land and bill owners who don’t comply. Sports betting (legal gray area): Kalshi and Polymarket promotions are active for Oregon residents ahead of MLB matchups, as lawmakers and senators continue to debate prediction-market wildfire risks.

Tariffs in court: Oregon is again challenging President Trump’s new Section 301 tariffs, joining a 25-state lawsuit arguing the duties are unlawful and meant to replace earlier tariffs struck down by the Supreme Court. State economy hit: Oregon’s AG says the latest round is driving up costs for essentials and homegrown businesses. Insurance pressure: A separate report highlights insurers using credit scores in homeowners pricing, adding to affordability concerns for Oregon households. Wildfire readiness: Oregon’s utilities and regulators are pushing backup power planning ahead of peak wildfire season, warning that last-minute shutoff notices can leave rural homes without water and sanitation. Local governance: Salem City Council approved a temporary moratorium on AI data centers and moves to update zoning to protect water, environment, and electricity infrastructure. Health & competition: Oregon is also tied to a broader multistate antitrust push—states announced a major settlement in principle with Sandoz over alleged generic drug price-fixing.

Wildfire Heat & Smoke Relief: Washington County opened 24/7 cooling shelters with “no-turn-away” policies as a heat advisory runs through Wednesday night and wildfire smoke worsens air quality in the Portland metro. Housing Push in Bend: Bend’s City Council will weigh recommendations from a housing committee, including possible voter-backed funding tools like a $50 million to $100 million bond to accelerate affordable units. Oregon Hunting/Farming Constitutional Fight: Sen. Christine Drazan says she’ll introduce a constitutional amendment to protect hunting, fishing, and farming rights after a failed ballot effort. Regional Infrastructure Grants: Oregon opened applications for a $10 million Regional Infrastructure Fund for small communities and tribes, with construction grants up to $1 million and planning grants up to $250,000. Tariffs in Court: Oregon is leading a coalition of 25 states suing to block Trump’s latest tariffs, arguing they’re unlawful and raising costs for families and businesses. Cybersecurity Watch: Oregon’s Bend says its water and wastewater systems weren’t hit in a July cyberattack wave targeting internet-facing infrastructure, though officials are still tracking the broader risk. Insurance & Wildfire Preparedness: Oregon’s financial regulator shared guidance for wildfire-affected homeowners and renters on claims, receipts, and additional living expenses. Data Center Backlash: Hillsboro’s data-center moratorium is highlighted as public sentiment shifts against the fast-growing industry. Energy Prices: Gas prices across Oregon are mostly steady week-to-week, even as crude oil swings tied to Middle East developments keep pump prices elevated.

Trade Fight: A coalition of 25 states, including Oregon, sued the Trump administration in federal court to block new 10%–12.5% tariffs on 60 trading partners, arguing the forced-labor rationale is a pretext and the move exceeds legal authority. Public Health: The FDA issued a salmonella recall for Bettergoods Pistachio Nut Butter sold at Walmart in 19 states, including Oregon; no illnesses reported. Insurance Regulation: NAIC regulators started a consensus phase to overhaul annuity illustration rules, aiming to simplify length and disclosures. Local Governance: North Plains faces recall petitions targeting City Council President Mandy Hagedorn and Councilor Mark De Forge amid staffing turnover and leadership instability. Oregon Business & Economy: Lane Council of Governments loan manager Sandra Easdale highlights financing pathways for Oregon startups and small businesses. Environment & Industry: Weyerhaeuser is seeking renewal of an air permit for its West Eugene plant but hasn’t completed a required health risk assessment under Oregon’s Cleaner Air Oregon program. Consumer & Culture: Portland’s Amaterra Winery was named No. 1 Best Winery Restaurant in the U.S. by USA TODAY 10Best readers.

Tariff Court Fight: Twenty-five states led by Democrats, including Oregon, sued the Trump administration in the U.S. Court of International Trade over new 10%–12.5% tariffs on 60 trading partners, arguing the forced-labor rationale is a pretext to revive duties the Supreme Court struck down in February. Oregon Budget Hit: Oregon economists estimate Trump tariffs cost the state about $442 million in the 2025-27 budget cycle, with Oregon importers paying nearly $3 billion in tariffs in 2025 and exports falling 17.3%. Rural Infrastructure Push: Gov. Tina Kotek opened applications for a $10 million Regional Infrastructure Fund for small communities and tribes (under 25,000), offering planning grants ($25,000–$250,000) and construction grants ($100,000–$1 million) via Business Oregon. Wildfire Risk & Restrictions: ODF raised the Industrial Fire Precaution Level to 3 in Jackson and Josephine counties due to critically dry fuels and forecasted hot, windy conditions, tightening spark-emitting activity rules. Workforce Support: WorkSource Oregon is deploying on-site help for Eastern Oregon employers and workers affected by regional shifts and wildfire impacts. Tech & Industry: Oregon Manufacturing Innovation Center researchers are testing cold-spray technology to extend the life of dredging teeth, aiming to cut costly, frequent replacements.

Wildfire Crisis in the Inland Northwest: Wind-driven fires around Spokane, Wash., have forced about 60,000 people to evacuate and destroyed at least 600 homes and businesses, with hundreds of structures lost and containment at 0% as crews brace for more dangerous conditions. Portland Fire Loss: A fast-moving blaze ripped through the long-abandoned Centennial Mills warehouse in Portland, shutting down the area and collapsing the 116-year-old structure in under two hours, with firefighters kept out due to collapse risk. Oregon DEQ Enforcement: Oregon Fruit Products was fined $34,800 by DEQ for discharging fruit-processing wastewater into Pringle Creek, killing aquatic life after process water was diverted from holding ponds. Energy & Land-Use Tension (WA): In Klickitat County, officials are shaping rules for solar and large battery storage on agricultural land, with agrivoltaics preferred and community distance/noise guidelines in play as data-center and clean-energy pressure grows. Finance & Markets: Avista reported Q2 2026 results and confirmed its 2026 utility earnings guidance; Eagle Nuclear Energy was added to a uranium index, qualifying it for the Global X Uranium ETF.

Wildfire Relief & Risk: Eastern Washington wildfires forced evacuations of about 60,000 people around Spokane and destroyed at least 600 homes and other structures, while crews battled additional blazes across eastern Oregon and western Idaho as dry, hot conditions linger. Federal Grants & Politics: A U.S. Department of Energy filing says at least 15 climate and energy projects in Washington and Oregon lost federal funding after the administration tied terminations to voting patterns and senators’ party lines, with states contesting the move in court. Insurance & Fire Response: FEMA approved federal firefighting aid for Oregon’s Rowe Creek complex after earlier denials, as lawmakers pushed back and Oregon moved to pause some insurance cancellations for wildfire evacuees. Energy Policy: Oregon-area attention continues as Trump revives pressure on offshore oil and pipeline restart efforts, keeping the gas-and-environment fight in the spotlight. Local Business/Community: Hood River is highlighted as a standout “beach town” in the Columbia River Gorge, underscoring tourism’s role in the regional economy.

Geothermal Push: Mazama Energy says it linked two deep wells through 629°F rock beneath Oregon’s Newberry Volcano, setting a record for enhanced geothermal heat and aiming to drill more superhot wells in 2026 to expand reliable clean power. Wildfire Watch (Oregon/Region): A red-flag warning for “particularly dangerous” fire conditions has been issued for eastern Washington and northeastern Oregon as winds and heat threaten already-burning blazes, while evacuations and emergency actions continue across the Pacific Northwest. Housing & Permitting: Lawrence, Kansas’ housing study highlights tactics Oregon cities can borrow—like faster approvals and ready-made design portfolios—to close large unit gaps, while other local governments debate whether fees can speed affordable housing without slowing production. Public Safety & Consumer Protection: Oregon joined a multistate push for tougher FCC rules to curb illegal robocalls, as scams keep draining money from households. Immigration Legal Aid: Oregon lawmakers and advocates warned that a federal contract for legal representation of unaccompanied migrant minors is set to expire, putting access to attorneys at risk.

Wildfire Response: Oregon’s fire season is worsening fast, with the Big Rock Fire near Heise triggering a new Level 3 “Go” evacuation order for more families and campgrounds as crews brace for another long night; Federal Aid: FEMA has approved federal funds covering 75% of eligible costs for Oregon’s Rowe Creek Complex – West Zone fire after earlier denials; Public Safety & Weather: A rare, extreme heat dome is pushing dangerous temperatures across the West, with Oregon and Washington under level 3 fire danger; Consumer & Health Costs: Oregon’s individual health insurance market is seeing another jump—enrollees paid more in 2026 and insurers are requesting an average 17.5% increase for 2027, with the loss of enhanced premium tax credits driving people out of coverage; Business & Community: Florence is launching “10 Days of Tuna” for Oregon Albacore Month to boost local seafood sales and coastal jobs; Policy & Enforcement: Oregon AG Dan Rayfield joined a multistate push urging stronger FCC rules to curb illegal robocalls; Trade & Fraud: DOJ’s Trade Fraud Task Force surpassed $1 billion in recoveries and charged losses in under a year, targeting customs and supply-chain fraud.

Wildfire Insurance Relief: Gov. Tina Kotek ordered Oregon insurers to pause homeowners insurance cancellations and nonrenewals for wildfire-affected areas, adding grace periods and extending claim deadlines to keep families from losing coverage during the emergency. Transportation Funding Crunch: Oregon’s transportation agency is facing a $200 million gap for 2027-29, with commissioners approving a $5.87 billion request while warning of a fourth straight biennium of cuts tied to inflation and declining gas-tax revenue. USDA Loan Spurs Timber Jobs: A new sawmill is set for Clatskanie after USDA approved $30 million in financing, aiming to create at least 35 jobs and expand industrial lumber production. Animal Health Watch: Oregon confirmed classical scrapie in a sheep found through routine USDA surveillance; officials are tracing the flock of origin and checking for potentially exposed animals. Local Business & Community: BottleDrop is closing a north Portland recycling center after a lease wasn’t renewed, drawing mixed reactions from residents and nearby businesses. Construction Hiring Cools: Oregon construction remains busy, but hiring is more cautious as higher interest rates slow development. Sports & Local Economy: The Portland Trail Blazers’ owner Tom Dundon and the city are clashing over a proposed $600 million Moda Center renovation and broader deal terms.

Transportation Finance: Oregon’s transportation agency is warning lawmakers about a looming $200 million budget gap for 2027-29, driven by inflation and declining gas-tax revenue as more drivers switch to EVs—meaning layoffs and service cuts are on the table unless the Legislature finds new funding. Wildfire Insurance Relief: Gov. Tina Kotek ordered Oregon insurers to pause homeowners policy cancellations and nonrenewals in wildfire-affected areas, add premium grace periods, and extend claim-reporting deadlines. Semiconductor Deal: Washington County and Tualatin are weighing a Lam Research agreement that could shift property-tax savings into major R&D expansion, with projections of thousands of construction and ongoing jobs. Data Center Pushback: Woodburn is considering a moratorium on new data center developments after Verrus signaled possible plans in the city, following state action to halt a Salem land sale. Public Land Access: The U.S. Forest Service drafted a Blue Mountains plan that, critics say, leaves motorized access rules out—potentially keeping elk pressure on private land. Agriculture Health: Oregon confirmed classical scrapie in a sheep via routine slaughter surveillance, triggering an epidemiological investigation. Local Housing: Bend officials are discussing a potential bond to fund nearly 4,000 affordable homes as growth strains affordability.

Moda Center Funding Fight: Portland and Oregon are still locked in a standoff with the Trail Blazers over roughly $600 million in proposed renovations, with the city expected to hear public testimony after a work session and a growing push from more than 2,000 supporters and 250+ businesses backing $200M+ in taxpayer dollars. Energy & Cost of Living: AAA reports little change in national gas prices at about $4.09, but Oregon drivers still face a market that’s nearly a dollar higher than a year ago as crude stays elevated. Food Safety: USDA warned Oregon and Washington shoppers to throw out a specific curry chicken salad product after possible Listeria contamination was flagged in routine testing. Health Coverage Pressure: A new report highlights how insurance denials can block GLP-1 access for hormone patients seeking care, keeping effective treatments out of reach for many. Banking Regulation: Federal banking regulators are backing the banking industry in a court challenge to Oregon’s interest-rate cap law for out-of-state lenders, arguing it could disrupt interstate lending. Wildlife & Environment: A federal rule change narrows what counts as “harm” under the Endangered Species Act, potentially weakening habitat protections nationwide.

Data Centers vs. State Control: Gov. Tina Kotek ordered Oregon to terminate a contract to sell about 32 acres in southeast Salem for a proposed data center, citing public interest and natural-resource stewardship. Local Transit Costs: TriMet plans major bus service changes starting Aug. 23, including route swaps and stop eliminations in Washington County as it tries to close a $158 million budget deficit. Wildfire Funding Fight: FEMA denied two of Kotek’s firefighting-assistance grant requests for the East Evans Creek and Rowe Creek fires; Oregon’s senators say the decision signals a policy shift. Health Insurance Rates: Oregon’s Division of Financial Regulation trimmed proposed 2027 health insurance rate increases, targeting about $30 million in savings for consumers. Food & Water Compliance: DEQ fined Lamb Weston $14,400 for allegedly discharging wastewater into the Umatilla River. Public Safety Tech Backlash: Coverage highlights growing opposition to Flock surveillance cameras and ALPR networks, including local contract cancellations. Sports Business: The Trail Blazers and Portland are at odds over Moda Center renovation funding, with litigation threats complicating talks. Banking: Zions Bancorporation approved up to $75 million in share repurchases and declared quarterly dividends.