AGP Executive Report

Data Centers vs. Oregon Communities: Salem’s council meeting drew hundreds of opponents to a proposed $5.1B data center in Mill Creek, with residents arguing for environmental and community impacts and questioning the city’s process. Local Governance: Hillsboro adopted a four-month moratorium on new data centers to slow a rush of applications and consider permanent limits. Energy & Planning: Oregon planners delivered an Offshore Wind Energy Roadmap to the Legislature, laying out standards after years of coastal and tribal input and political pushback. Food Safety: USDA issued multiple recalls tied to import reinspection failures, including 12,000+ pounds of Canadian bacon shipped to Idaho, Oregon, and Washington, plus a Canadian condensed soup recall. Public Health: A youth climate lawsuit seeks a full Ninth Circuit hearing, while a major cyclosporiasis outbreak is driving consumers to cut back on fresh produce. Workforce Safety: Oregon OSHA and partners announced a Central Oregon Occupational Safety & Health Conference in Bend focused on heat, wildfire smoke, and workplace protections. Robotics & Trade: Oregon leaders met with Korean drone firms in Scappoose as the state courts new partners for the growing drone industry. Coastal Tourism: Oregon’s Whale Watching Center in Depot Bay will close starting Aug. 1 for repairs.

AI & Cybersecurity in Public Sector: e.Republic says second-quarter growth is driven by demand for real-time intelligence and stronger connections between government, education, and tech providers. Agriculture & Community: Les Schwab is expanding its Fields to Fairs experience at the Deschutes County Fair, adding a Blue Ribbon Club for FFA and 4-H exhibitors and highlighting decades of youth support. Workforce & Hiring Pressure: An Express Employment Professionals-Harris Poll finds 54% of job seekers expect a tough search in the next six months, with pay, fit, and competition leading concerns. Data Centers Watch in Oregon Region: Ogle County officials say they’ve received no data center applications and are tightening conditional-use rules to control where facilities can be sited. Energy Costs: AAA reports the national gas average keeps climbing, with volatility tied to crude prices. Lumber & Operations Shift: Canadian lumber firm Interfor plans to move corporate support functions to a U.S. hub in Georgia, citing internal memo details. Coastal Tourism Facility Update: Oregon’s Whale Watching Center will close for repairs starting as soon as Aug. 1, with work focused on roof replacement and leaks. Wildlife & Water Infrastructure: Reports highlight dam removal impacts on salmon recovery and regional economies, keeping Oregon’s river and fisheries debate in the spotlight.

Wildfire Response in Central Oregon: Warm Springs Reservation declared a state of emergency as the Beachcomb and Bench fires merged into a fast-moving complex burning 40,000+ acres with 0% containment, triggering Level 3 “GO NOW” evacuations, shelter openings, and emergency water conservation orders. Workplace Safety: Oregon OSHA reminded employers to protect workers from heat illness and wildfire smoke, and it’s also accepting grant applications for safety and health training projects in high-hazard industries like forestry, construction, and agriculture (deadline Oct. 9). Agriculture & Ballot Watch: Oregon’s animal cruelty initiative IP 28 failed to qualify for the November ballot, sparing farm groups a campaign fight while still leaving the underlying policy debate alive. Energy & Pipelines: Washington and other states pushed back on a proposed FERC rule to fast-track natural gas pipeline approvals, warning it could raise bills and worsen pollution. Port & Water Infrastructure: Roseburg Urban Sanitary Authority won two “Best of the Best” awards for a renewable energy and resilience program with Ameresco. Coastal Tourism: Depoe Bay’s Whale Watching Center will close for repairs starting as soon as Aug. 1, with work aimed at completing by October. Local Development (Portland): New building and land-use permit intakes highlight school track upgrades, seismic retrofits, and a TriMet bus layover facility proposal.

Oregon Energy & Rates: Pacific Power is asking the Oregon Public Utility Commission to approve a rate increase that would collect about $170 million more from customers (roughly 8.6% overall), and the PUC is taking public feedback at a Monday meeting. Oregon Industry & Permitting: Amazon’s Eugene distribution center work has started even as residents challenge the state’s wetland permit approval, arguing the “public need” and “public health and safety” tests weren’t properly met. Wildfire Impacts: Multiple Oregon fires are driving evacuations and closures, including major growth and containment updates for the East Evans Creek and Rowe Creek Complex, with Red Flag conditions expected to push fire behavior. Data Centers & Public Backlash: New reporting highlights growing opposition to AI data centers over environmental and community-consent concerns, while Intel is preparing another round of data-center-related layoffs. Agriculture & Livestock Policy: An Oregon animal rights initiative that would have expanded restrictions on hunting, fishing and livestock slaughter failed to qualify for the November ballot after signature review. Workforce & Education: OPALCO students earned scholarships and leadership recognition through the Nourdine Jensen Cooperative Youth Scholarship Program. Business Moves: Pacific Seafood acquired Ocean Beauty Seafoods’ distribution operations as it pursues expansion.

Wildfire Response: Oregon crews are juggling fast-moving conditions as the Rowe Creek Complex grows to 208,759 acres and reaches 31% containment, with Red Flag weather and active evacuations across multiple counties. Local Business & Compliance: The Oregon DOJ is escalating allegations against Morrow County officials tied to a data-center “scheme,” adding new claims in an amended civil complaint involving Windwave Technologies. Industry & Permitting: In Eugene, Amazon construction has started even as residents challenge the wetland permit approval for the planned distribution center, arguing the state didn’t properly meet public need and safety requirements. Energy & Policy: Oregon’s Climate Action Commission is pushing to double natural carbon capture targets for state lands and waters, despite federal shifts toward more logging and grazing. Food Supply Chain: Pacific Seafood is expanding by acquiring Ocean Beauty Seafoods’ distribution operations, aiming to meet rising national demand. Nuclear Regulation: The NRC is proposing to move away from the ALARA radiation-safety principle, a change that could ripple across Oregon’s nuclear and medical radiation users.

Defense & Trade: The U.S. Defense Logistics Agency added Morocco to a up-to-$332.6M contract for spare parts and repair support for fighter-pilot helmet targeting systems, with work planned at facilities in Texas, Oregon, and Israel through 2032. Wildfire & Health: Oregon’s air quality advisory was extended again, covering multiple eastern and central counties through at least today, as smoke keeps PM2.5 health warnings active. Local Parks & Tourism: Salmon Falls near Gates reopened after a six-year closure tied to the Beachie Creek Fire, with a new 50-car lot, trails, bridges, and improved wheelchair access. Construction & Retail: Dutch Bros is planning a new Spokane drive-thru on Division Street, while Spokane Valley’s former Shopko site is being remodeled for a Trader Joe’s and a new McDonald’s is under construction. Reproductive Health Legal Update: Oregon AG Jay Jones joined an amicus brief backing mifepristone access in a Fifth Circuit case. State Ballot Watch: Oregon’s initiative to ban hunting, fishing, livestock farming, and animal research failed to qualify for the November ballot after falling short on valid signatures. Civic Infrastructure: Salem City Hall is undergoing a seismic retrofit and modernization, with related Salem Civic Center upgrades ahead of schedule and expected to finish in January 2027.

Portland Quality-of-Life Bounce: Monocle’s survey flags Portland’s long slump tied to unrest, homelessness and crime, but points to recent municipal reforms and renewed downtown openings as signs of a comeback. Wildfire Smoke & Air Health: Oregon DEQ extended an eastern/central Oregon air quality advisory as wildfire smoke persists, with intermittent impacts in nearby counties and reminders for people with asthma and heart/lung conditions. Salem City Hall Retrofit: Salem is pressing ahead with a ~$45M seismic upgrade and modernization funded by a 2022 bond, with work ahead of schedule and a glass atrium planned for early September. Data Centers & Power Demand: A new report highlights how AI and data centers are driving electricity needs, while Oregon’s own data-center buildout debate continues. Consumer & Business Risk: A national gas-price jump to $4.09 per gallon adds pressure to household budgets, and an AWS outage hit major services in Oregon’s US-West-2 region. Food Safety: USDA/FSIS recalled imported Canadian smoked bacon distributed into Idaho, Oregon and Washington after inspection findings. Oregon Ballot Update: An Oregon initiative to ban hunting, fishing and livestock slaughter failed to qualify for the November ballot. Industry Tech Theme: IEEE’s Humanoids 2026 spotlights humanoid robots moving from research into production and the labor/economic fallout that follows.

Clean Energy Funding Fight: The Trump administration admitted in court it canceled $7.6B in clean energy grants “based solely” on which states backed Kamala Harris, contradicting earlier claims about project quality—sparking fresh backlash from Democrats and environmental groups. Oregon Ballot Update: Initiative Petition 28, which would have broadly restricted hunting, fishing, livestock farming and animal research, failed to qualify for Oregon’s November ballot after falling short of valid signature requirements. Wildfire Response in Oregon: Oregon reported 30 wildfires statewide as lightning added new starts; the Akawa Butte Fire near Sisters drew particular attention, with red flag conditions raising the risk over the weekend. Local Public Works & Growth: Hermiston set a public hearing on a Local Improvement District that could extend E. Jennie Avenue to support ongoing development. Agriculture & Community: The Oregon Wheat Foundation is expanding its sponsorship of county fair baking contests across Eastern Oregon, with set recipes and cash prizes for adults and juniors. Workplace Safety: Oregon OSHA reminded employers about heat and wildfire smoke protections, including AQI-based rules and heat-index requirements. Media Industry: Paramount agreed to delay its $110B Warner Bros. Discovery merger as antitrust lawsuits proceed, with Oregon among the states involved.

Data Centers & Air Quality: A new report highlights how Amazon’s and other tech firms’ diesel backup generators could worsen Eastern Oregon’s air pollution, while Oregon regulators haven’t modeled the risk from the state’s growing data center boom. Antitrust/Media Industry: Oregon AG Dan Rayfield says Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery agreed to pause their $110B merger until June 2027 (or court rulings), as states’ antitrust case moves forward. Trade & Tariffs: The Trump administration rolled out new forced-labor tariffs on 60 trading partners, with Oregon Sen. Ron Wyden calling it a “zombie law” that will keep prices high. Energy/Environment: PacifiCorp and OSU painted 36 wind turbine blades black in Oregon to test whether the change reduces bird deaths. Housing & Construction: Bend-Redmond Habitat for Humanity completed Timber Cottages in Redmond—13 net-zero, permanently affordable homes for households under 80% of area median income. Agriculture: USDA projects a 23% drop in Washington sweet cherry production, with Oregon also forecast to decline. Public Works: John Day City Council will weigh a wastewater treatment plant change order tied to federal “Buy America Build America” rules and discuss other local infrastructure items. Wildfire Updates: East Evans Creek Fire evacuation levels were adjusted as containment rose, with crews continuing mop-up and line work.

Energy & Grid Planning: The U.S. Department of Energy says AI data centers are now the main driver of new transmission needs, shifting planning from “reliability and aging” to rapid load growth across 20 regions. Wildfire & Insurance: Oregon Sen. Jeff Merkley unveiled the Wildfire Insurance Affordability Act, aiming to fund home hardening/defensible space and offer premium assistance for low-income homeowners. Timber & Rural Industry: USDA announced $80M in guaranteed loans to expand timber processing in Nevada and Oregon, targeting more domestic lumber capacity and improved forest health. Oregon Construction/Traffic: A July 22 storm delayed the next phase of southbound I-5 lane openings in Salem; ODOT now plans the shift for July 26. Oregon Jobs: Oregon private employers reported 45,400 job openings in Q2 2026, with demand concentrated in health care and social assistance. Food Safety (Oregon): A risk-based restaurant inspection roundup flagged issues at one Lancaster County facility (ice storage, sanitizer test strips, and temperature labeling), while others passed. Equine Health Research: USDA’s NAHMS will launch a voluntary 2026 national equine study starting in August to track disease risks and management trends.

Wildfire Response: Oregon’s Hagen Fire is driving rising evacuation notices as it expands to about 8,620 acres, with structure protection and a state of emergency declared by the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation. Firefighting Operations: Crews report the Chute Fire firing operation boosted containment to 15% (138.5 acres) as firefighters create fuel buffers ahead of the main blaze. Energy & Rates: The Oregon Public Utility Commission is taking public input on Pacific Power’s proposed $170.7 million rate hike, aimed at covering rising costs and funding grid upgrades for 667,000 Oregon customers. Insurance Oversight: Oregon lifted its supervision order on ATRIO Health Plans after the insurer improved financial stability and reduced the claims backlog. Timber & Jobs: USDA is guaranteeing $80 million in loans to Oregon and Nevada sawmills to expand timber processing and reduce wildfire risk. Climate Policy: Oregon’s Climate Action Commission is urging bigger carbon storage goals for state lands and waters, pushing for healthier forests, grasslands, and wetlands. Renewables & Wildlife: PacifiCorp and OSU are studying whether painting wind turbine blades black can cut bird deaths, following results from Norway. Data Centers & Power Costs: GOP governors and utilities are adding signatures to a White House pledge meant to keep data center grid upgrade costs off ratepayer bills. Legal/Regulatory: Oregon AGs are challenging federal moves that weaken endangered species habitat protections and impose unlawful conditions on emergency funding.

Food Safety & Recall: Oregon-based PT Organics Limited recalled select Pumpkin Tree Peter Rabbit Organics Banana & Strawberry 4 oz. fruit purée pouches sold at Target, Kroger and Meijer nationwide after a packaging defect may leave a soft, food-grade plastic strand in the pouch. Wildfire Impacts on Oregon Roads: State agencies are warning drivers that wildfire smoke is worsening visibility and air quality, with closures and detours already affecting travel; officials urge travelers to prep cars, plan routes and carry emergency kits. Public Lands Funding: A federal fund supporting repairs at national parks and other Oregon public lands has expired, putting major infrastructure projects at risk and raising concerns about deferred maintenance and jobs tied to tourism. Higher Ed & Workforce: Southern Oregon University released its final Vitality Plan, aiming for long-term sustainability by June 2027, including cutting 60.6 faculty/staff positions and ending its Music Industry and Production degree. Conservation Data: Adventure Scientists is expanding a model that trains outdoor volunteers to collect research-grade conservation data, including passive monitoring in remote Oregon forests. Local Business & Community: The Jefferson County Fair opened in Madras amid smoky conditions, highlighting Oregon agriculture and youth exhibitors; meanwhile, St. Anthony’s Crop Dusters Grill opened in an airport hangar, leaning into the aviation-and-farming crowd. Tech & Jobs: Intel plans another round of layoffs in its data-center chip division, reshaping the unit as the company continues to reduce headcount. Energy Grid Policy: A new “Ratepayer Protection Pledge” now covers about 80% of U.S. power, but analysts note real bill protection hinges on federal action, not the announcement.

Banking Deal: Northrim BanCorp signed a definitive deal to acquire PBCO Financial Corporation, boosting assets to $4B+ and expanding Northrim’s first out-of-state branch footprint into Southern Oregon and the Willamette Valley. Tourism Marketing: Portland’s Digital Marketing Group says Oregon destinations are shifting from generic ads to creator-led, data-backed storytelling, citing an Ashland campaign with nearly double the typical click-through rate. Trade Policy: Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR) introduced a bill aimed at limiting President Trump’s tariff powers and restoring Congress’s control over trade actions. Food Safety: PT Organics recalled select Pumpkin Tree Peter Rabbit fruit purée pouches sold at Target, Kroger and Meijer due to possible soft, food-grade plastic strands. Public Safety & Corrections: An audit warns Oregon prisons face crumbling infrastructure, staffing shortages, and outdated IT systems, urging stronger safety and retention plans. Defense Training: The U.S. Air Force is using new radar-signature surrogate targets at Kingsley Field, Oregon, to better train F-35 crews for threats like the Russian SA-17 Buk-M2. EV Infrastructure: Oregon’s $10.9M Community Charging Rebates program has funded 1,915 Level 2 ports statewide, with more coming later this year. Energy & Environment: Oregon AGs joined a legal fight against Trump’s wind farm freeze, arguing stalled reviews are unlawfully blocking projects. Local Business & Labor: Gesa Credit Union announced it will buy Willamette Valley Bank, adding Salem branches and a Portland-area loan office, with closing targeted for early 2027.

Defense Manufacturing: Ukraine’s Magura drone boats are set for U.S. production for the first time, with Oregon manufacturer RECONCRAFT partnering with UFORCE to build the combat-proven MAGURA family—aiming for hundreds, potentially thousands, of unmanned surface vessels for future Navy demand. Tech & Jobs: Intel is preparing another round of layoffs inside its Data Center Group as it restructures to stay competitive in AI chip and server demand, with Oregon’s workforce again in the spotlight. Energy & Industry: The House passed a bipartisan bill to expand next-generation geothermal research, targeting reliable power for AI, data centers, and domestic manufacturing. Permitting & Infrastructure: Oregon is considering higher fees for undersea fiber-optic cable use, as the state updates rules for companies running cables through its territorial sea—an issue tied to Oregon’s growing data-center footprint. Local Roads: ODOT plans major intersection changes east of McMinnville at Hwy 99W and Hwy 18, including roundabout work and closures starting in 2027. Workforce & Health Care: Oath Surgical says it completed the first outpatient robotic prostatectomy in the U.S. Pacific Northwest, positioning outpatient surgery as a cost-saver for patients and payors. Food & Agriculture: A tea brand is leaning into whole-leaf, terroir-style sourcing—selling tea like fine wine—while Oregon’s growers keep an eye on heat-driven bolting that can push radishes straight to seed.

Antitrust & Media Consolidation: Nevada AG Aaron Ford and a coalition of states won a temporary restraining order to pause Paramount’s $110B Warner Bros. Discovery merger, arguing it would extinguish competition and raise costs for viewers and theaters. Consumer & Health Policy: Ford also announced a $29.6M Glenmark settlement over alleged generic-drug price-fixing and urged eligible buyers to check for compensation. Climate Regulation Fight: Ford filed suit challenging an EPA rule that weakens hydrofluorocarbon phaseout deadlines, saying it undermines the AIM Act and could boost emissions. Oregon Industry Watch: Oregon’s package recycling law heads to a federal trial, with wholesalers challenging it as unconstitutional and harmful to interstate commerce. Food & Retail Safety: Pumpkin Tree Peter Rabbit fruit puree pouches sold at Kroger, Meijer and Target were recalled nationwide over possible soft plastic contamination. Local Business & Innovation: At Portland’s Kann, FDA-cleared cell-cultivated salmon is now on the menu, marking a U.S. commercial debut for cultivated seafood. Tech & Infrastructure: Oregon is considering new fees for undersea fiber-optic cable use as data centers surge. Regulatory Pressure on Emerging Markets: Oregon’s psilocybin industry faces proposed fee hikes that critics say could force more service centers to close. Energy & Environment: Oregon drought is expected to worsen through fall, with water cutoffs hitting central Oregon farmers and ranchers. Community & Industry Events: Backcountry Offroad Expo is set for Sisters Aug. 1-2, spotlighting vehicles, gear, builders and local businesses.

Antitrust & Media: A U.S. judge ordered Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery to pause their $81B merger for at least two weeks after 12 states (including Oregon) sued, arguing it would “extinguish competition” and raise costs for consumers. Local Governance & Health Infrastructure: Lane County approved a contract to build a crisis stabilization center in Springfield, with commissioners weighing contracting choices and pushing to move fast because “people are dying every day” while delays drag on. Energy & Industry: Amazon’s AWS energy and water chief discussed how data centers are pursuing carbon-free power, grid support, and community cost protections. Environment & Labor/Workplace Safety: Oregon issued heat guidance for Willamette Valley employers under state heat illness rules, with wildfire smoke also a factor. Oregon Economy & Research: OSU-led Ocean Observatories Initiative work is set to resume after NSF descoping plans were canceled, restoring ocean ecosystem monitoring. Construction & Public Works: Oshkosh road projects continue with closures and lane restrictions, a reminder of how infrastructure work reshapes local logistics. Community & Events: Garibaldi Days 2026 returns July 24–26, drawing thousands for parade, music, and local fire department water-ball competition.