AGP Executive Report

Wildfire Mutual Aid: California agencies are sending major crews, aircraft, equipment, and incident leadership to support Oregon and Washington as dry conditions keep dozens of fires uncontained across the Pacific Northwest and Great Basin. Arena Dealmaking: Oregon hired attorney Eric Andalman as Special Assistant AG to advise on Moda Center renovation talks, including setting up a joint authority and protecting public investment. Data Center Politics: A Kotek data center advisory committee says it won’t recommend a statewide moratorium, instead pushing for state-local partnerships and more transparency—while a new poll finds most Oregonians feel negatively about data centers and oppose tax breaks. Water Contamination Lawsuit: An Oregon judge green-lit a class-action alleging nitrate-contaminated water harmed more than 45,000 residents in the Lower Umatilla Basin, with updates expected in late August. North Coast Growth: Gov. Kotek met Tillamook leaders to focus on aerospace and agriculture, aligning with the state’s Prosperity Roadmap. Retail Expansion: Costco opened Oregon’s first car wash in Bend, signaling continued north-side growth. Film Tax Credits: Oregon’s film and video tax credit certificates go to auction Aug. 10–14, letting taxpayers buy $500 credits at a discount. Marine Response: NOAA says a humpback freed from entanglement off Newport likely won’t survive due to jaw damage. Workers’ Safety Scam Alert: Oregon warns of a scam targeting Spanish-speaking injured workers with fake workers’ comp hearing orders demanding upfront payment. Offshore Wind Fallout: RWE reached a settlement to surrender U.S. offshore wind leases, with the Trump administration continuing buyback efforts. Wildfire Supply Chain: Douglas County ranchers hauled about 100 tons of grass hay over the Cascades to support Harney County livestock hit by wildfires.

Wildfire Preparedness: South-Central Oregon Fire Management Partnership raised fire danger to “Extreme” across major public lands, moving industrial operations into IFPL III (Partial Shutdown) and tightening public use restrictions as conditions worsen. Public Health & Safety: Washington County issued a heat advisory, warning that hotter stretches plus wildfire smoke can raise health risks and urging residents to take immediate and long-term steps to prevent heat illness. Wildlife & Transportation: Oregon and Utah are credited with more than 130 wildlife crossings, using fencing plus overpasses/underpasses to cut deadly wildlife-vehicle crashes and protect both animals and drivers. Food & Consumer Safety: USDA ordered a recall of imported bacon sold at Grocery Outlet in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington after it entered without required federal inspection. Business Expansion: Oregon-born Black Rock Coffee Bar opened a new Tempe location, signaling continued growth for the specialty coffee chain. Industry & Tech: A Reuters report highlights Oregon Sen. Ron Wyden’s concerns that Trump’s AI response is too tied to tech industry interests after recent AI-related hacks. Local Economy: Oregon’s construction and manufacturing hiring signals continued pressure, with reports pointing to slower hiring even as some firms stay busy.

Wildfire & Insurance Pressure: Washington’s wildfire damage is already shaking the property insurance market, with officials warning ratepayers could feel the impact as insurers pull back or hike premiums. Oregon Politics & Food Production: Sen. Christine Drazan says she’ll pursue a 2027 constitutional amendment to let voters protect hunting, fishing, and farming rights after IP 28 failed. Clean Energy Ballot Push: Eugene Clean Energy Fund has qualified for the November 2026 ballot after signature certification, aiming to fund local climate and jobs programs. Ag & Food Safety: Oregon’s classical scrapie case is confirmed in sheep through routine surveillance, while USDA recalls and listeria-related alerts keep hitting food supply chains. Local Infrastructure: ODOT is moving Hermiston toward a roundabout at a crash-prone Highway 395 intersection, with a 2028 target. Community Food Access: Nearly 200 women in Central Oregon donated $19,800 to Seed to Table Oregon to expand farm-to-family produce for rural households. Energy/Industry Finance: Eagle Nuclear Energy hired CBIZ as independent auditor as it advances uranium and SMR plans.

Tariffs & Trade: Oregon is among 25 states suing the Trump administration over new double-digit tariffs, arguing the move is unlawful and a “pretext” after earlier court defeats—an issue that could hit Oregon exporters and supply chains fast. Health & Consumer Costs: Michigan AG Letitia Nessel announced a $400 million settlement in principle with Sandoz over alleged generic drug price-fixing and competition limits, with Oregon tied to the broader affordability pressure. Wildfire Power Reliability: Peak Electric Group urged Columbia County homeowners to install backup power correctly ahead of wildfire season, warning that dangerous DIY hookups can fail when outages hit. AI Data Centers: Salem City Council approved a temporary moratorium on AI data centers and started zoning updates to protect water, environment, and electricity infrastructure. Oregon Retirement Oversight: Oregon Democrats called for a comprehensive audit of the Oregon Public Employees Retirement Fund, saying the last full investment program review was a decade ago. Agriculture & Invasive Pests: A bipartisan spotted lanternfly research bill backed by Sen. Ron Wyden would prioritize funding through USDA’s research arm. Climate & Land Use: Oregon lawmakers set natural and working lands carbon sequestration goals, while a separate climate lawsuit fight in Colorado highlights how states are pushing back on fossil-fuel impacts.

Energy & Costs: AAA reports Oregon gas prices are mostly steady, with the Oregon average around $4.65 a gallon as crude swings between about $77 and $85 amid Middle East tensions. Climate & Land Use: Oregon’s Climate Action Commission and Department of Energy adopted voluntary net carbon sequestration goals for natural and working lands—57.6 MMTCO2e/yr by 2035 and 62.4 MMTCO2e/yr by 2050—guiding how land is managed under HB 3409. Housing & Local Finance: Bend’s City Council will weigh recommendations to boost housing, including possible affordable-housing tax measures and a potential $50M–$100M bond. Ag & Rural Economy: Sen. Christine Drazan proposes a constitutional “right to hunt, fish, gather wild foods, and raise animals or crops,” positioning it as a response to failed hunting/farming ballot efforts. Business & Infrastructure: Oregon opened applications for a $10M Regional Infrastructure Fund for small communities and tribes (construction grants $100k–$1M; planning $25k–$250k). Cybersecurity: Oregon’s water/wastewater systems were hit in July cyberattacks, but Bend says its core infrastructure wasn’t affected because it isn’t internet-facing. Trade & Tariffs: Oregon AG Dan Rayfield leads a coalition of 25 states suing to block Trump’s forced-labor tariffs, arguing they’re driving up costs and exceed legal authority. Wildfire Aftermath: Oregon’s Division of Financial Regulation shared insurance tips for wildfire evacuees, including saving receipts and understanding additional living expense coverage.

Tariffs in the courts: A coalition of 25 Democratic-led states, including Oregon, sued the Trump administration to block new 10%–12.5% import tariffs tied to “forced labour” claims, arguing the move exceeds legal authority and could raise costs for Oregon businesses and consumers. Wildfire risk for workers: Wildland fire veterans are warning that aggressive federal “full suppression” tactics plus extreme, fast-moving blazes could endanger crews, after major fires in the Pacific Northwest forced mass evacuations. Oregon industry watch: Weyerhaeuser’s west Eugene plant is seeking to renew its air permit, but has not yet completed a required health risk assessment under Oregon’s Cleaner Air Oregon program. Food safety: Walmart-linked Bettergoods pistachio nut butter was recalled in 19 states, including Oregon, after salmonella was found in routine testing. Housing and affordability: California’s statewide rent cap is rising for many tenants, adding fuel to the broader debate as Oregon and Washington also use statewide rent limits. Local business support: Lane Council of Governments loan manager highlights how regional financing programs help Lane County startups and small businesses grow.

Tariffs Fight: Oregon is among 25 Democratic-led states suing the Trump administration over new double-digit tariffs on 60 trading partners, arguing the levies are a “pretext” to replace earlier tariff actions struck down by the Supreme Court. State Economic Impact: Oregon’s own tariff impact analysis estimates the 2025-27 budget cycle took a $442 million hit, with Oregon importers paying nearly $3 billion in tariffs and exports down about 17%. Rural Infrastructure Push: Gov. Tina Kotek opened applications for a $10 million Regional Infrastructure Fund for small communities and tribes under 25,000, offering construction grants ($100,000-$1 million) and planning grants ($25,000-$250,000) via Business Oregon. Wildfire Operations: ODF raised Industrial Fire Precaution Level to 3 in Jackson and Josephine counties, while south-central Oregon moved to extreme fire danger with tighter public use rules. Livestock & Air Quality: Oregon agencies coordinated guidance for fair exhibitors and livestock owners during smoke events, urging reduced exposure and dust control. Food Safety: Walmart recalled Bettergoods Pistachio Nut Butter in 19 states, including Oregon, after Salmonella was found; separate alerts also flagged possible listeria in curry chicken salad shipments to Oregon and Washington. Industry Tech: Oregon Manufacturing Innovation Center research highlights cold spray use to extend dredging teeth life for Glacier Northwest, aiming to cut costly downtime.

Wildfire Recovery in the Inland Northwest: Eastern Washington’s Spokane area is reeling after fast-moving wildfires forced about 60,000 evacuations, destroyed 600+ homes and businesses, and left the region under emergency conditions as crews work to confirm no missing people. Agriculture vs. Clean Energy Siting: In Klickitat County, officials are drafting rules for solar and large battery storage on farmland, with a push toward agrivoltaics and limits meant to protect neighbors and prime agricultural land. Oregon Water & Food Safety: Oregon DEQ fined Salem’s Oregon Fruit Products $34,800 for discharging fruit-processing wastewater into Pringle Creek, killing aquatic life after a diversion valve failure and missed reporting/inspections. Next-Gen Farm Tech: A 13-year-old Beaverton student advanced a device that turns moisture from air into irrigation water, aiming to help drought-stressed farmers. Energy & Utilities Watch: Avista reported Q2 2026 results and reaffirmed 2026 utility earnings guidance. Nuclear Sector Move: Eagle Nuclear Energy was added to the Solactive uranium index, qualifying it for the Global X Uranium ETF. Local Industry & Community: Astoria’s Second Saturday Artwalk and the Astoria Regatta’s new dignitary lineup highlight ongoing regional business and tourism activity. Public Policy & Spectrum: The FCC finalized the timetable for its FM broadcast auction, setting up bidding in February 2027. Wildfire Heat Pressure: A broader heatwave across the West is raising wildfire risk, with dangerous temperatures and limited overnight relief.

Wildfire & heat emergency: Washington declared a statewide emergency as fast-moving fires around Spokane forced thousands to evacuate, with extreme heat, strong winds, and worsening smoke driving “leave now” orders and power disruptions. Oregon wildfire risk: A separate forecast warns of extremely critical fire weather across parts of Washington and Oregon, with smoke impacts expected to push south into the Columbia Basin and Spokane area. Energy & industry policy: A new federal filing says Oregon and Washington lost major DOE climate and grid-related grants after the 2024 election, setting up legal fights over how funding decisions were made. Geothermal push in Oregon: Mazama Energy says it connected two deep wells through 629°F rock beneath Oregon’s Newberry volcano—an enhanced geothermal milestone aimed at firm, around-the-clock clean power. Construction & housing pressure: Oregon construction hiring is slowing even as projects stay active, while regulators and local approvals continue to strain housing timelines. Ag & community: Illinois Agri-Women honored multi-generation women in agriculture, highlighting leadership across dairy and broader farm production.

Geothermal Power Push: Mazama Energy says it connected two deep wells through 629°F rock beneath Oregon’s Newberry Volcano, setting a record for enhanced geothermal systems and planning more ultra-hot wells in 2026. Wildfire & Heat Emergency: Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson declared a statewide emergency as fast-moving fires near Spokane drove Level 3 evacuations and a burn ban, while a “particularly dangerous situation” red-flag warning raised risk across eastern Washington and northeastern Oregon. Port & Federal Operations: The Port of Newport is gearing up for NOAA’s decision on whether to keep its Pacific operations center, ships, and staff in Newport as the lease expires in 2031. Food & Local Fisheries: Florence is kicking off Oregon Albacore Month with a “10 Days of Tuna” push to boost sales of locally caught albacore and support coastal businesses. Public Health Reminder: Oregon Health Authority and Fish and Wildlife urged residents to avoid touching sick or dead bats after 22 rabies-positive bats were detected in 2026. Construction/Infrastructure Watch: Oregon transportation and utility pressures continue to show up in local planning and rate discussions, with wildfire-related insurance relief orders also in the mix.

Wildfire & Drought Watch: Oregon is on track for its worst fire year yet, with drought-driven conditions and fast-moving blazes prompting evacuations and “Go Now” orders, including the Round Butte Fire in Jefferson County and ongoing pressure across eastern Oregon. Insurance & Consumer Impact: Oregon regulators moved to pause wildfire insurance cancellations, while another report shows Oregon marketplace health insurance costs rising sharply after enhanced premium tax credits expired—leaving thousands to drop coverage. Port & Maritime Economy: The Port of Newport is preparing for NOAA’s Pacific operations center lease decision, with the agency weighing whether to keep operations in Oregon or shift elsewhere. Timber & Jobs: A new $30M USDA-backed sawmill is planned for Clatskanie, aiming to create at least 35 jobs and produce industrial lumber products. Data Center Planning: Woodburn is considering a temporary moratorium after a data center developer signaled interest, as communities push back on infrastructure and land-use impacts. Coastal Fisheries & Tourism: Florence is launching “10 Days of Tuna” for Oregon Albacore Month, promoting locally caught albacore to support coastal businesses. Food Safety: USDA/FSIS recall alerts continue to hit Oregon shoppers, including listeria-related chicken salad and bacon products. Local Business Spotlight: Eugene’s Ghost Town Outfitters grew from a warehouse startup into two locations and an all-ages music venue.

Food Safety: USDA/FSIS issued a public health alert for “Curry Chicken Salad” sold in Oregon and Washington, citing possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination (no recall since product is no longer available). Food Safety: Maple Leaf Foods recalled about 12,036 pounds of not-ready-to-eat smoked bacon imported from Canada without reinspection, distributed to Grocery Outlet in Idaho, Oregon and Washington. Agriculture & Livestock: Oregon confirmed classical scrapie in a sheep found through routine slaughter surveillance; ODA and USDA are tracing the flock of origin and checking for potentially exposed animals. Wildfire Response: Gov. Tina Kotek directed insurers to pause homeowners insurance cancellations and nonrenewals for wildfire-affected areas, adding grace periods and claim-reporting deadlines. Forestry & Jobs: A new $30M USDA-financed sawmill is planned for Clatskanie, aiming to create at least 35 jobs and produce industrial lumber products. Transportation: Oregon’s transportation agency warned of a $200M budget gap for 2027-29, tied to inflation and declining gas tax revenue as EVs grow. Construction: Oregon construction hiring is slowing as higher interest rates make contractors more cautious, even while long-term job growth remains.

Wildfire Insurance Relief: Gov. Tina Kotek ordered Oregon insurers to stop canceling or nonrenewing homeowners policies for wildfire-affected areas, adding premium grace periods and extending claim-reporting deadlines. Transportation Funding Crunch: Oregon’s transportation agency warned it faces a $200 million budget gap for 2027-29, driven by inflation and falling gas-tax revenue as EVs grow. Semiconductor Investment in Oregon: Washington County and Tualatin are weighing a Strategic Investment Program deal that could support Lam Research’s up-to-$1.7B expansion, including major R&D and thousands of jobs. Data Center Moratorium Talk: Woodburn signaled it may consider a moratorium on new data centers after learning developer Verrus is exploring a project there. Education & Enrollment: Salem-Keizer Public Schools plans to permanently close up to eight elementary schools as enrollment keeps dropping. Food Safety: Oregon consumers are being reminded about recent grocery recalls tied to foodborne illness concerns, including bacon/eggs/produce impacts. Animal Health: Oregon confirmed classical scrapie in a sheep through routine slaughter surveillance, triggering an epidemiological investigation. Local Infrastructure Grants: Phoenix and Gold Hill received small-city transportation grants for repaving and sidewalk improvements.

Oregon Data Centers: Hillsboro approved a 120-day pause on new data centers and battery storage after a tax-break lawsuit and resident pushback, aiming to review zoning, power, water, and public-safety planning before more projects move forward. Wildfire Response: Oregon Guard aircrews began water-bucket missions on eastern Oregon wildfires, including the Hagen Fire, as Redmond’s air tanker base hit its typical annual retardant volume in about two weeks. Food Safety: USDA warned Oregon and Washington shoppers to throw out curry chicken salad due to possible Listeria contamination, and separate USDA alerts flagged bacon recalls tied to contamination concerns. Local Infrastructure: Congresswoman Andrea Salinas visited the Boone Bridge replacement effort, citing federal support for a project that serves more than 126,000 cars and 17,000 trucks daily. Public Health: Oregon reported 22 bats testing positive for rabies in 2026, matching the state’s record pace and prompting exposure-prevention reminders. Community & Housing: Habitat for Humanity’s Gooseberry Trails is underway in Portland with 52 homes planned for lower-income buyers.

Oregon Data Center Fight: Gov. Tina Kotek ordered the state to end a contract to sell about 32 acres in Salem’s Mill Creek Corporate Center for a proposed data center, throwing the Oakline project into uncertainty as Salem weighs a potential moratorium and zoning changes. Health Insurance Costs: Oregon regulators trimmed proposed 2027 ACA marketplace rate hikes, cutting average increases to 16% (individual) and 15.5% (small group), with an estimated ~$30M in premium savings. Wildfire Response & Air Quality: Oregon Guard aircrews started water-bucket missions on eastern Oregon wildfires, while WSU updated a regional 72-hour smoke forecast map for Oregon, Washington and Idaho. Food & Agriculture Safety: USDA issued listeria-related health alerts for “Curry Chicken Salad” shipped to Oregon and Washington, and multiple bacon recalls hit the region. Energy on Farmland: Linn County commissioners opposed a large solar project on Willamette Valley farmland near Harrisburg, citing precedent and code concerns. Public Safety & Wildlife: Oregon reported 22 bats testing positive for rabies this year, urging people to avoid handling sick or dead bats. Local Business Watch: Deschutes County restaurant inspections showed no major failures in early July, with scores posted for dozens of Bend eateries.

Wildfire & health: Smoke from major wildfires is driving hazardous air quality across the Pacific Northwest, with Boise-area events disrupted and experts warning that even healthy people can be affected. Food safety: USDA issued a highest-risk recall of 12,000+ pounds of bacon sold in Idaho, Oregon and Washington after an import reinspection issue; no illnesses reported so far. Public health watch: CDC says Cyclospora has been detected in 45 states, including Oregon, with thousands of confirmed cases since May 1. Energy & rates: Washington regulators approved a multi-year NW Natural Gas rate plan for Southwest Washington customers starting Aug. 1, with residential bills rising $12.81 on average. Industry & infrastructure: Oregon’s data-center backlash is still playing out after a nonprofit-backed ad campaign; meanwhile, Hillsboro paused new data centers for 120 days as land-use rules are reviewed. Defense manufacturing: U.S. and Ukraine are moving drone production closer to American factories, with Oregon listed as a planned production location for Magura naval drones.