AGP Executive Report

Clean Water Planning: Vermont DEC is taking public comment on a draft Tactical Basin Plan for the Batten Kill, Walloomsac, and Hoosic River Basin (Basin 1), laying out 30 restoration and protection actions across 16 southwestern Vermont communities, with a hybrid meeting July 16 (in Rupert and online) running June 15–July 31 for feedback. Stormwater Rules: The Northwest Regional Planning Commission will host a stormwater Q&A Tuesday on the state’s three-acre rule and a regional stormwater utility study, with details on permits and deadlines for Lake Champlain protection. Healthcare & Access: Vermont 211 is ending overnight coverage (10 p.m.–8 a.m.) starting July 1, citing low call volume after 10 p.m.; separately, Dartmouth Health reports a $63.5 million deficit over six months, driven by weather-related closures and higher labor/medication costs. Tech & Research in Vermont: Vermont State Colleges was selected for Duke’s Future Universities Alliance Innovation Sandbox to expand workforce-aligned learning pathways for rural and working learners. Science in the Community: A free moth-observing event in Laporte uses light sheeting for hands-on local biodiversity learning. Policy Watch: A bipartisan Paraquat Prevention Act would end paraquat use nationwide, after Vermont restricted the herbicide.

Clean Water Planning: Vermont DEC is taking public comment on a draft five-year Tactical Basin Plan for the Batten Kill/Walloomsac/Hoosic Basin (Basin 1), laying out 30 actions across 16 southwestern communities, with a hybrid meeting July 16 (in Rupert and online) and comments open June 15–July 31. Stormwater Help: The Northwest Regional Planning Commission will host a stormwater Q&A Tuesday (June 23) on the state’s three-acre rule and a regional stormwater utility study, with DEC joining to explain requirements and resources. Health & Tech in the Real World: A new UVM study links menopause and hormone shifts to changes in brain function, published in the Journal of the Menopause Society. Healthcare Finance: Dartmouth Health reports a $63.5M deficit over six months, driven by weather-related closures plus higher labor and medication costs. Medical Tech Expansion: Vermont’s Green Mountain Care Board cleared plans for the state’s third ambulatory surgery center, the Upper Valley Surgery Center in Hartford. EV Market Signal: Vermont dealers say electric vehicles are selling before they reach lots, even as federal rebates ended—state rebates still help. Research Recognition: Chroma awarded Dr. Yanxiang Deng the Anne Heidenthal Prize for fluorescence research, highlighting new tools combining microchip, microscopy, genomics, and computation. Public Service Change: Vermont 211 will stop being 24/7, ending calls from 10 p.m.–8 a.m. starting July 1.

Clean Water Planning: Vermont DEC is taking public comment on a draft Tactical Basin Plan for the Batten Kill/Walloomsac/Hoosic River Basin (Basin 1), laying out 30 actions to protect and restore waterways across 16 communities; comments run June 15–July 31, with a hybrid meeting July 16 (in-person at Merck Forest & Farmland Center in Rupert, plus virtual). Public Health Research: A new University of Vermont study adds to how menopause-related hormone changes affect brain function, linking estrogen shifts to emotional regulation, thinking, memory, and temperature control. Working Lands Resilience: Vermont secured $31.7M in USDA Farm Service Agency funding for the Agriculture and Timber Disaster Assistance Block Grant to help producers recover from 2023–2024 storms and flooding; applications are expected to open in 2026. Higher Ed & Athletics: UVM is pursuing a $175M athletics complex push as it faces enrollment pressure and budget strain, betting upgraded facilities can boost student appeal and community use. Tech Policy: States are escalating scrutiny of data centers over power demand and costs, with Ohio’s proposed data-center ban amendment delayed to 2027. AI Ownership Debate: Sen. Bernie Sanders is advancing a plan to give the public a major stake in AI giants via a sovereign wealth fund funded by a one-time 50% tax on large AI company stock.

SNAP & school meals: A new Urban Institute analysis warns House Republicans’ proposed SNAP cuts could force hundreds of thousands of students back into school meal applications, raising stigma and costs and potentially threatening universal free-meal programs. Vermont health access: Vermont’s new pharmacy law (H.588) would let pharmacists test, assess, and treat certain common conditions in a single visit—aimed at improving rural care access. AI wealth debate: Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders is pushing a bill to create a public sovereign wealth fund by taxing 50% of major AI company stock, while Trump signals openness to the U.S. taking equity stakes in AI firms. Vermont tech & community software: Shock acquired Dono, a volunteer management and in-kind delivery platform, to expand its Bee app ecosystem for nonprofits and schools. Environment & public health: Vermont’s Equinox Preserve is hosting hikes to identify emerald ash borer and beech leaf disease threats. Local infrastructure & safety: Vermont State Police are investigating a fourth bomb threat at Weidmann Electrical Technology.

AI Ownership Debate: Sen. Bernie Sanders is pushing an “AI Bill of Rights” plan that would create a sovereign wealth fund and transfer 50% public ownership in major AI firms, aiming to turn AI profits into dividends for Americans. Federal Retirement Tech: Trump’s new “Auto-IRA” push would let workers without employer plans compare low-cost IRAs on a government platform starting in 2027, with strict fee and investment rules. Vermont Higher Ed: Christopher D. Jacobsen is named next president and CEO of the UVM Foundation, effective Aug. 3. Data Center Backlash: States are moving to slow or ban data center growth as power and water demand spikes, fueling utility bill and grid-stress concerns. Vermont Public Safety: Vermont State Police are investigating a fourth bomb threat at Weidmann Electrical Technology in St. Johnsbury; the facility was evacuated and reopened after searches found nothing. Community Tech: Shock acquired Dono, a volunteer management platform, to expand its Bee app ecosystem for nonprofits and schools. Science & Nature: Smokey House Center launches a Community Science program with a public caterpillar count event.

AI & Public Ownership: Bernie Sanders is pushing an “AI Bill of Rights and Worker Protections” idea that would give the public a 50% stake in major AI firms via a new sovereign wealth fund, aiming to turn tech profits into direct dividends for Americans. Data Centers Backlash: A nationwide pushback against data centers is gaining traction, with states weighing pauses or bans as power and water demand from AI-era facilities keeps climbing. Microplastics Monitoring: Vermont AG Jeff Jackson joined multi-state efforts urging the EPA to require microplastics monitoring in drinking water, arguing research alone won’t protect public health. Vermont Tech/Community Software: Shock (Bee app) acquired Dono, adding volunteer and in-kind delivery management tools for nonprofits and schools, with a Dono founder-in-residence role. Manufacturing Security Incident: Vermont State Police investigated a fourth bomb threat at Weidmann Electrical Technology in St. Johnsbury; the site was evacuated and nothing was found, with investigators checking whether threats are linked. Higher Ed Leadership: The UVM Foundation named Christopher D. Jacobsen as its next CEO, effective Aug. 3, to lead philanthropy and alumni efforts for UVM.

AI Policy & Public Ownership: Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders unveiled the American AI Sovereign Wealth Fund Act, proposing a one-time stock tax on top AI firms to create a government-run fund worth about $7T, with a 5% annual dividend aimed at paying more than $1,000 to every American. Privacy Law Update: Vermont signed the Vermont Data Privacy and Online Surveillance Act, making the state the 23rd with a comprehensive consumer data privacy law; it takes effect Jan. 1, 2028. Data Centers Backlash: A New York data-center moratorium bill advanced after lawmakers approved it, reflecting growing grassroots pressure nationwide over power and water impacts. Public Health: Quebec is expanding its raccoon rabies surveillance after 170 cases since 2024, with Vermont near the earlier outbreak area. STEM & Community Tech: Vermont’s Shock announced it acquired Dono to strengthen volunteer management for its Bee app, with a Common Ground 2026 Summit reveal. Local Tech/Industry Safety: Vermont State Police are investigating a fourth bomb threat at Weidmann Electrical Technology in St. Johnsbury; the facility was evacuated and reopened after searches found nothing.

AI policy fight: Sen. Bernie Sanders unveiled the American AI Sovereign Wealth Fund Act, proposing a one-time 50% stock “tax” on the biggest AI firms to seed a roughly $7T government fund that would pay a 5% annual dividend—projected as $1,000+ per American—while giving the public voting power. Vermont privacy update: Gov. Phil Scott signed the Vermont Data Privacy and Online Surveillance Act, making Vermont the 23rd state with a comprehensive privacy law; it takes effect Jan. 1, 2028. Data center backlash: New York’s legislature passed a statewide moratorium on large data centers, and the broader grassroots push is spreading nationwide as lawmakers weigh power and water impacts. Local tech & community: Vermont’s Shock acquired Dono to expand its Bee app ecosystem for volunteer management and in-kind delivery, with a Common Ground 2026 Summit reveal. Manufacturing & 3D printing: BigRep partnered with Vermont-based Massive Dimension to add pellet-based extrusion to its large-format 3D printing platform. Public safety: St. Johnsbury police are investigating a fourth bomb threat at Weidmann Electrical Technology; the building was searched and reopened. STEM in the valley: Smokey House Center launched a Community Science program with a public caterpillar count featuring The Caterpillar Lab. Agriculture & science: A new agroecology podcast series spotlights researchers and farmers on resilient, sustainable food systems. Health watch: Quebec officials warn raccoon rabies is spreading into more urban areas, including parts near Vermont.

AI Policy & Public Ownership: Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders unveiled the American AI Sovereign Wealth Fund Act, proposing a one-time 50% stock “tax” on the biggest AI firms to seed a roughly $7T government-managed fund, with a 5% annual dividend projected to pay Americans $1,000+ per year. Data Centers & Regulation: A Vermont editorial argues Gov. Phil Scott’s veto of a data-center bill keeps jobs and tax revenue on the table, while a separate Ohio effort to ban large data centers won’t make this year’s ballot. Education Tech & Privacy: A new debate is emerging over “neural data” and student privacy, as lawmakers and advocates question whether AI tools could infer attention, stress, or mental states. Vermont Higher Ed: The UVM Foundation named Christopher D. Jacobsen as its next president/CEO, effective Aug. 3. Community Tech: Montpelier-based Shock expanded its Bee volunteer platform ecosystem by acquiring Dono and naming its creator a Founder-in-Residence ahead of Common Ground 2026. Energy-Efficient Housing: Tri-Park Cooperative Housing in West Brattleboro is moving forward with all-electric, solar-ready advanced manufactured homes, aiming for much lower energy use.

UVM & Philanthropy: The University of Vermont Foundation named Christopher D. Jacobsen as its next president and CEO, effective Aug. 3, aiming to boost fundraising and alumni support for UVM’s statewide mission. Education Tech & Privacy: A new debate is heating up over “neural data” in schools—whether AI tools could one day infer students’ mental states, pushing states toward “neurorights” style protections. Vermont Education Reform: Gov. Phil Scott signed sweeping education reform that sets a timeline for school districts to study mergers and regionalized service sharing, with potential consolidation and funding shifts looming. AI Policy & Economics: Sen. Bernie Sanders unveiled an AI “sovereign wealth” plan that would tax big AI stock and pay Americans an expected $1,000 annual dividend—plus a commission to oversee public-interest decisions. Energy & Climate Tech: Vermont DEC weighed in on Shadow Lake Dam engineering options after 2023–24 flood damage, narrowing viable replacement designs and requesting more detail. Agritech & Biosecurity: UVM-linked SAFE MApp is rolling out as a free farm emergency mapping tool to help producers plan disease prevention and outbreak response. Community Tech: Vermont volunteer platform Shock acquired Dono to strengthen volunteer management for its Bee app, set to debut updates at Common Ground 2026. Clean Water: DEC opened public comment on a draft Tactical Basin Plan for the Upper Connecticut River Basin, with a hybrid meeting June 23.

UVM Leadership: The University of Vermont Foundation named Christopher D. Jacobsen, Ph.D., as its next president and CEO, starting Aug. 3, aiming to boost philanthropy and alumni support for UVM’s land-grant mission. Clean Water Planning: Vermont DEC is taking public comment on draft five-year “tactical basin” plans for the Upper Connecticut River Basin and for the West, Williams, and Saxtons Rivers Basin, with hybrid meetings in late June. Vermont Energy Costs: A new statewide analysis says fossil-fuel price spikes tied to the war in Iran have added about $124 million in estimated costs for Vermont drivers and fuel oil customers since early March. Citizen Science in Milton: Milton’s first BioBlitz runs July 18–Aug. 2, inviting residents to document local wildlife and plants via iNaturalist to build a town biodiversity database. Public Health & Tech: Research links smartphone use to a major share of America’s birth-rate decline, adding to the debate over how modern life affects fertility. Higher Ed Pressure: Boise State faculty say enrollment growth plus state budget cuts are driving larger class sizes and burnout. AI Ownership Debate: Bernie Sanders unveiled a plan for public direct ownership of AI companies via a sovereign wealth fund funded by a one-time tax on major AI firms. Local Infrastructure: Londonderry announced construction is set to begin this month on its South Village wastewater project, funded largely through ARPA. Wildlife & Disease Watch: A potentially deadly tapeworm is spreading across the U.S., with Vermont included among areas where it has been detected in recent years.

UVM & philanthropy leadership: The University of Vermont Foundation named Christopher D. Jacobsen, Ph.D., as its next President and CEO, starting Aug. 3, aiming to boost fundraising and alumni support for UVM’s statewide mission. Clean water planning: Vermont DEC is taking public comment on draft tactical basin plans for the Upper Connecticut River (Basin 16) and the West, Williams, and Saxton Rivers (Basin 11), with hybrid meetings in late June. State lands rules: Proposed new rules for how Vermont manages state forests and lands are open for public comment, with a focus on old-growth protection, invasive species, and routine maintenance. EV policy uncertainty: A new state-by-state look at electric vehicle readiness highlights how shifting federal support is leaving the EV market more fragmented. AI power debate: Bernie Sanders unveiled a plan to give the public direct ownership and a financial stake in major AI companies via a sovereign wealth fund. Public health & environment: Researchers report the parasite Echinococcus multilocularis has been spreading, including into Vermont, raising long-term cancer-like health risks for people and pets. Local tech-adjacent governance: Vermont’s data-center bill fight continues, with critics arguing extortion and pollution concerns helped sink the measure. Sports leadership: Sarah Roy was elected president of the Vermont Basketball Coaches Association.

Public Health: A new review links pesticide exposure during pregnancy and early childhood to higher risks of childhood leukemia and brain tumors, with the strongest signals around prenatal exposure. Clean Water & Planning: Vermont DEC is taking public comment (June 15–July 15) on a draft five-year Tactical Basin Plan for the Upper Connecticut River, laying out dozens of restoration and pollution-prevention actions. Energy Systems: Wastewater heat recovery is gaining momentum, with Denver using warm sewage to feed heat pumps—an approach that could reshape how thermal energy is designed and shared across districts. Soil Contamination: UVM research maps how neighborhood demographics and housing patterns relate to soil lead hotspots in two Northeastern cities, aiming to guide where testing and mitigation should go first. Tech & Policy: Vermont’s data-center debate keeps heating up as advocates criticize stalled or vetoed proposals and push for stronger protections for water, rates, and the grid. STEM Recognition: UVM cardiovascular researcher Osama Harraz was named a 2026 Pew Scholar in Biomedical Sciences. Local Infrastructure: Londonderry begins construction June 17 on a wastewater project, with lane closures and planned ledge work. Education: Vermont and Nebraska earned top grades in a new public education report card, with only those two states receiving an A.

Public Health & Safety: A new review links pesticide exposure during pregnancy and early childhood to higher risks of childhood leukemia and brain tumors, with the strongest signals around prenatal exposure. Clean Water Planning: Vermont DEC is taking public comment (June 15–July 15) on a draft five-year Tactical Basin Plan for the Upper Connecticut River, laying out 40+ restoration and pollution-prevention actions. Soil Lead Risk: UVM researchers report that neighborhood demographics, housing type, age, and race strongly track where soil lead levels run highest in two Northeastern cities—aimed at targeting testing and mitigation. Research Spotlight: UVM cardiovascular researcher Osama Harraz was named a 2026 Pew Scholar in Biomedical Sciences, including an Aging Brain Scholars track. Local Infrastructure: Londonderry begins construction June 17 on a South Village wastewater project, with lane closures and planned ledge removal. Healthcare Workforce: UMaine approved new doctoral nursing programs (Ph.D. in Nursing and DNP in Family Nursing Practice) starting enrollment in 2027. STEM in Action: RIT Baja Racing placed top 10 overall at Baja SAE New York, showing off student-built off-road engineering. Tech Policy: Vermont’s broader debate over AI data centers continues as Congress struggles to move bills amid local opposition and industry lobbying.

Geothermal for homes: Cornell researchers are testing a deep geothermal approach (enhanced geothermal) that could heat a campus with fossil-free energy—an idea that may scale beyond the usual “hot rock” regions. Wildlife tech in Vermont: The Vermont Loon Conservation Project is piloting LoonWeb, an app that lets volunteers log nest and chick observations fast with GPS, even without cell service. Coral resilience mapping: New research presented at an ocean conference identifies about 166,000 square kilometers of potentially climate-resilient reefs, pointing conservation efforts toward the toughest survivors. Privacy law fight: Hawaiʻi’s consumer protection office joined a coalition opposing the federal SECURE Data Act, warning it would cap and preempt stronger state privacy protections. Vermont’s social media lawsuit: The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear Meta’s appeal in Vermont’s case over Instagram’s alleged addictive design for youth, letting the lawsuit proceed. Public health pressure on microplastics: AG Jeff Jackson urges EPA to require monitoring microplastics in drinking water, not just research. Local engineering spotlight: A Colchester hardware collective, Informal, turns 3D-modeled ideas into prototypes and manufacturing-ready products. Energy costs hit Vermont drivers: A statewide analysis says recent fuel price spikes added about $124M in extra costs for drivers and fuel oil customers over March–May.

Health & Safety Research: A new review links pesticide exposure during pregnancy and early childhood to higher risks of childhood leukemia and brain tumors, with the strongest signals around prenatal exposure. Climate & Resilience: Vermont is bracing for another summer of more intense extreme weather, as state climate data show warming and heavier precipitation trends. Privacy Policy: The federal SECURE Data Act is drawing pushback, including from Hawaiʻi officials who warn it would cap and preempt stronger state privacy protections. Microplastics & Water: AG Jeff Jackson urges the EPA to move beyond research and require microplastics monitoring in drinking water. Vermont Tech & Community: Vermont students in a media project called “Unfinished Revolutions” used tech and storytelling to tackle local issues like housing, food insecurity, and immigration. AI & Trust: A profile of deepfake forensics expert Hany Farid says AI-generated fakes are now so fast and convincing that even he doubts his own ability. Vermont Business Tech: Ben & Jerry’s is partnering with Vermont farms to test lower-emissions dairy practices through its Caring Dairy program.