AGP Executive Report

AI & Ownership Fight: Sen. Bernie Sanders is pushing the American A.I. Sovereign Wealth Fund Act, calling for a one-time 50% stock transfer in major AI firms so the public—not just executives and investors—gets a stake. Privacy & Consumer Rights: Vermont passed an opt-out privacy bill (S.71) letting residents reject targeted ads and requiring consent for sensitive data processing, with enforcement led by the attorney general. Energy Costs: A new map shows electricity prices jumped sharply in parts of the U.S., with grid investment and rising demand (including from data centers) driving household costs higher. Aviation Innovation in Vermont: U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy flew in an electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft at BETA Technologies in Vermont, alongside a new FAA pilot program for advanced air mobility testing. Dairy Economy: USDA data says the U.S. dairy herd is at its largest level since mid-1993, with milk output continuing to run above last year. Construction & Schools: Vermont lawmakers removed a key hurdle for a new Mountain Views middle/high school in Woodstock, though state aid timing and other obstacles remain. Workforce/Building Efficiency: Efficiency Vermont’s Better Building by Design conference handed out “Best of the Best” awards, including a new workforce development category. Local Industry Disruption: Robbins Lumber resumed full operations at its Searsmont mill after a May explosion and fire.

Workforce & Training: Northwest Career & Technical Center’s Skilled Trades Signing Day (June 5) spotlights students signing letters of intent with Vermont employers in electrical, construction, cosmetology and engineering—an on-ramp for local hiring. Health Care & Jobs: Rutland Regional Medical Center earned Magnet designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center for the fourth straight time, underscoring nursing excellence and retention. Cannabis Market: Lake Effect Vermont is moving to a new South Hero location (McGregor Building on Route 2) with a June 10 ribbon cutting, signaling continued growth in Vermont’s regulated cannabis retail. Energy & Environment: Vermont is investigating a solar array incident in Shaftsbury after high winds damaged panels, raising concerns about potential soil contamination. Policy & Industry: A new UVM study finds intensified ICE activity disrupted the childcare workforce, with centers cutting enrollment or closing—an economic hit that ripples into working families. Infrastructure & Logistics: Vermont’s June 1 roadwork report flags paving and bridge rehab across I-89 and state routes, with lane closures and speed limits affecting daily commutes.

Health Care Workforce & Credentials: Rutland Regional Medical Center earned Magnet designation again, reinforcing its push for top-tier nursing practice. Childcare & Immigration Enforcement: A new UVM-led study finds intensified ICE activity between 2023 and 2025 reduced capacity in the formal childcare sector, hitting immigrant women’s employment and families’ access. Veterinary Workforce Pipeline: Vermont’s Agency of Education added the Vermont Veterinary Medical Association’s Certified Veterinary Assistant credential to the state’s Industry-Recognized Credentials list, strengthening career pathways. Cannabis Policy Watch: Vermont businesses are still waiting on clearer federal guidance after DOJ’s medical marijuana rescheduling; the gap between federal and state rules remains a major operational headache. Local Business Expansion: Lake Effect Vermont is moving to a new South Hero location in the McGregor Building, with a June 10 grand opening. Construction & Roads: Vermont Business Magazine posted the June 1 roadwork schedule, including I-89 paving and bridge rehabilitation impacts, plus state highway resurfacing and shoulder repairs. Agriculture & Chemical Safety: Vermont became the first state to ban paraquat, with a phased approach for certain crops and funding for alternatives research. Energy & Environmental Risk: Vermont regulators are looking into soil impacts after wind damage left broken solar panels in Shaftsbury, raising contamination concerns.

Education & Tax Policy: Vermont lawmakers passed landmark education reform, keeping mergers voluntary and setting up regional resource-sharing, with a new funding formula and property tax changes for second homes tied to conditions. Cannabis Market: Lake Effect Vermont is moving to a new permanent site in South Hero, opening June 10 at the McGregor Building and aiming to boost the local business district. Agriculture & Health: Vermont became the first state to ban paraquat, a weed killer linked to Parkinson’s risk, with a limited orchard/berry permit window and funding for alternatives. Energy & Solar Oversight: Vermont is probing a solar array after broken panels raised concerns about potential lead and silver contamination, including possible soil testing. Infrastructure & Construction: A weekly roundup details major highway work starting June 1, including I-89 paving and bridge rehabilitation, plus local road closures and detours. Workforce & Economy: New research says intensified ICE enforcement reshaped the childcare workforce, reducing capacity and hitting immigrant women’s employment, with knock-on effects for families. Business & Healthcare Recognition: Rutland Regional Medical Center earned Magnet designation again, reinforcing its nursing excellence credentials.

Education & Local Governance: Vermont lawmakers passed landmark education reform, keeping the focus on voluntary school district mergers plus regional resource-sharing, with H.955 and H.949 headed to Gov. Phil Scott for signature. Higher Ed Funding: The state budget cleared after overtime, including $12 million for a UVM athletic complex, with conditions tied to fundraising and a construction deadline. Consumer Data Privacy: Vermont’s comprehensive consumer data privacy bill is poised for signing despite doubts from advocates. Energy & Grid Tech: Texture, a utility software firm, secured $12.5M to help co-ops and utilities manage transformer load and avoid outages, with Vermont Electric Cooperative cited as an early adopter. Cannabis Market: Vermont lawmakers approved modest changes to the retail cannabis marketplace, scaling back direct-to-consumer delivery for small growers. Public Health & Workforce: UVM research finds ICE enforcement changes reshaped the childcare workforce, pushing centers to cut enrollment or close—raising stakes for working families. Agriculture Policy: Gov. Phil Scott signed Vermont’s first-in-the-nation ban on paraquat, a Parkinson’s-linked herbicide, with regulated timelines for remaining uses. Construction Impacts: A new weekly traffic-work schedule outlines paving and bridge rehab across I-89 and key state routes starting June 1.

Healthcare & Workforce: Rutland Regional Medical Center earned Magnet designation for the fourth straight time, highlighting continued nursing excellence. Education & Skills Pipeline: Stafford Technical Center recognized nearly 80 graduates at its awards ceremony, underscoring career readiness in trades and public safety. Housing & Construction: Bennington’s Cora B. Whitney Senior Living Facility is set for a major rehab this fall—about $13.2 million to renovate the historic school-turned-apartments, with a second historic project in Brandon. Cannabis Market: Vermont lawmakers approved scaled-back changes to the retail cannabis marketplace, including higher purchase limits but dropping a pilot for direct grower-to-consumer delivery. Privacy & Consumer Tech: Consumer Reports criticized Vermont’s newly passed comprehensive privacy bill as too industry-friendly, with weak definitions and enforcement. Tourism & Accessibility: The Vermont Department of Tourism outlined a plan to boost visitation while improving accessibility and managing local “pain points.” Agriculture & Community: The Vermont Dairy Festival returns June 4–7 for its 70th year in Enosburg Falls. Energy & Business Risk: Clean Energy Technologies received a Nasdaq notice of deficiency tied to its delayed 10-Q filing, with potential delisting risk if compliance isn’t regained. Local Economy: Stewart’s Shops announced a $55M expansion across upstate New York and Vermont, including store rebuilds and growth in its Greenfield production kitchen.

Public Health & Agriculture: Vermont became the first state to ban paraquat, a weed-killing herbicide linked to Parkinson’s risk, with a phaseout starting Nov. 1 and exemptions for some fruit growers that still require stopping use by 2030. Workforce & Industry: Weidmann Electrical Technology completed a St. Johnsbury expansion expected to add about 60 jobs, supported by a $15M tax credit. Healthcare: Rutland Regional Medical Center earned Magnet designation for the fourth straight time, highlighting nursing excellence. Education & Community: Vermont lawmakers advanced education reform toward a voluntary school district merger path, replacing mandatory consolidation. Digital & Consumer Policy: Vermont’s AG Jay Jones joined opposition to the federal KIDS Act, arguing it would weaken state authority over children’s online protections. Energy & Environment: Shaftsbury is investigating a solar array after wind damage and a small fire, with state and resident scrutiny rising. Housing & Finance: State Treasurer Mike Pieciak announced he’s running for a third term, pitching affordability priorities including “baby bonds.”

Solar & Grid Safety: Shaftsbury residents and state agencies are asking questions after wind damage and a small fire at a 2.2 MW solar installation, with filings saying panels were knocked down in October 2025 and again in March and the site was disconnected after the April fire. Manufacturing Jobs: Weidmann Electrical Technology says a $40M St. Johnsbury expansion will add about 60 jobs, supported by a $15M tax credit. Public Health & Agriculture: Vermont became the first state to ban paraquat statewide, with a phase-out starting Nov. 1 and fruit-farm exemptions ending by 2030. Health Care Costs: Vermont lawmakers advanced a bill to speed reference-based pricing to help lower hospital costs and premiums, now headed to Gov. Phil Scott. Lake Recreation Rules: Wake surfing is banned on Lake Fairlee under new state rules, effective June 11. Housing Costs: A proposal to cap rental application fees at $5 per applicant is gaining attention as renters face rising upfront costs. Workforce & Education: Vermont’s education reform bill moves through a committee of conference after Senate passage, aiming for voluntary district mergers. Tech Policy: FCC deadlines include foreign sponsorship ID compliance and annual EEO public file reports due June 1.

Pesticides & Public Health: Vermont became the first U.S. state to ban paraquat, a weedkiller tied to Parkinson’s risk, with a Nov. 1 start date and limited orchard permits plus annual reporting and a state-funded study on alternatives. AI & Workforce Planning: Gov. Phil Scott’s new Vermont Artificial Intelligence Economic Task Force is set to map how AI reshapes the economy and what workforce, investment, and policy moves come next. Education Reform: Lawmakers formed a Committee of Conference to finalize Vermont’s education overhaul, aiming for voluntary school district mergers and faster transition steps after the Senate passed H.955. Forest Industry Roadmap: Vermont’s forests agency outlined a modernization plan for the forest sector, including land-use, business conditions, research and tech, and community economic impacts. Energy & Utilities: Green Mountain Power is seeking to repower the Searsburg wind site, replacing 11 older turbines with three larger ones to boost output. Consumer & Data Privacy: Vermont’s S.71 consumer data privacy bill cleared the House, tightening limits on data collection and manipulative practices. Food & Fees: North Carolina AG Jeff Jackson joined a multistate push urging federal action against hidden delivery fees.

Paraquat Ban: Vermont became the first state to ban the toxic herbicide paraquat over concerns tied to Parkinson’s disease, with a phase-out and limited orchard/berry exemptions until a full end date in 2030. Energy Infrastructure: Green Mountain Power is planning a major upgrade of the Searsburg Wind Facility, replacing 11 older turbines with three larger ones to boost output and cut costs. Grid & Power Policy: New England governors urged federal regulators to reject a proposed electricity profit increase, warning it could raise bills and hurt regional competitiveness. Renewables Interconnection: A new report card grades states on how easily solar and storage connect to the grid, highlighting Vermont’s interconnection rules as part of a broader national push for faster, clearer processes. Tech & Youth Safety: The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear Meta’s challenge to Vermont’s Instagram addiction lawsuit, clearing the way for the case to proceed. Local Business & Food Systems: Migrant Justice says Hannaford’s parent company agreed to mediation over dairy farm labor conditions, while Vermont food shelves reported a spring surge in demand. Outdoor Recreation Rules: Vermont tightened wakesurfing regulations on public waters, drawing criticism from the marine industry.

Paraquat Ban: Vermont just became the first U.S. state to ban paraquat, the weed killer tied to Parkinson’s disease. Gov. Phil Scott signed the measure, with a phase-out and limited orchard exemptions until 2030; the ban takes effect Nov. 1 and requires annual reporting of any use. Education Overhaul: The Vermont Senate approved an education reform bill that avoids forced school district mergers, shifting to voluntary consolidation and setting up a fast House-Senate conference process. AI in Mental Health: Lawmakers advanced limits on how AI can be used in Vermont mental health care, aiming to stop AI from making therapeutic decisions while still allowing clinicians to use tools for admin tasks. Social Media Lawsuit: The U.S. Supreme Court declined Meta’s bid to block Vermont’s case over claims Instagram is designed to be addictive to teens. Local Watch: Burlington is moving toward new housing near the Pine Street Barge Canal Superfund site, after years of stalled proposals.

Supreme Court, Meta: The U.S. Supreme Court refused to hear Meta’s bid to stop Vermont’s lawsuit claiming Instagram was engineered to be addictive to teens, clearing the way for the case to move forward. Burlington Housing: Two apartment buildings are planned for 453 Pine Street near the Pine Street Barge Canal Superfund site, aiming for 112 units with about 20% affordable housing after remediation. Education Overhaul: Vermont’s Senate approved an education-reform bill that leans on voluntary school district mergers, with the House now set to hash out remaining differences through a conference committee. AI in Mental Health: Vermont lawmakers advanced the state’s first explicit limits on AI in mental health care, barring providers from using AI to make therapeutic decisions or run treatment on its own. Immigration Watch: A special report takes a close look at how ICE operates in Vermont, including a March standoff that showed how thin staffing can collide with local resistance. Local Resilience: Pownal will host a community resilience workshop June 5 to help municipalities plan and measure progress.

Data Center Clash Hits Congress: A national fight over data centers is now moving from towns and states to Washington, with lawmakers debating bills, the Trump administration weighing in, and the EPA proposing changes—while Sen. Josh Hawley and Sen. Richard Blumenthal push a plan to prevent data centers from raising utility rates. Immigrant Health Coverage Cuts: States including Vermont are scaling back noncitizen health aid as federal Medicaid funding shrinks and Obamacare subsidies expire, leaving more people to fall through gaps. Education Consolidation Vote Looms: Vermont senators are expected to vote Tuesday on amendments to the education consolidation bill, including making redistricting voluntary and delaying the new school finance formula to FY2030. Local Health Hiring: Southeastern Vermont’s HCRS added three staffers in April to expand mental health and substance-use services across Windham and Windsor counties. Gas Prices: Diesel hit $5.59 in Lamoille County for the week ending May 16, with statewide averages easing slightly.

Utility & Grid Fight: Gov. Ned Lamont and the other New England governors urged federal regulators to reject a proposed electricity transmission profit increase, warning it could raise bills and hurt regional competitiveness. Telecom Siting: Vermont lawmakers are moving toward requiring the Public Utility Commission to consider town plans when approving telecommunication tower locations, a change pushed by neighbors who say current rules ignore local zoning. Solar vs. Farms: Senator Russ Ingalls is pushing to expand PUC oversight over siting and expansion of energy generation facilities, including solar, after concerns that projects can land on prime agriculture with too little scrutiny. Data Centers vs. Communities: The national debate is heating up in Washington as lawmakers weigh moratoriums and ratepayer protections amid growing local opposition to data centers. Vermont Economy: Vermont’s unemployment rate held at 2.6% in April. Local Business & Community: Vermont State University celebrated 1,531 graduates, and Girls on the Run Vermont is gearing up for a June 6 Manchester 5K fundraiser. Cybersecurity: 7-Eleven confirmed a data breach tied to the ShinyHunters ransomware gang, with Vermont among the states notified.

AI and Work Anxiety: Sen. Bernie Sanders warned at a “Fight Oligarchy” rally that AI and robotics could replace workers and even harm kids’ social development if billionaires control the tech. Local Water & Safety: The Champlain Valley School District hired a consultant to study runoff from CVU’s athletic Field B and whether it could contaminate Hinesburg’s water supply, with a mid-June report expected. Paraquat Push: Vermont is poised to become the first state to ban paraquat after lawmakers passed a bill; the governor has until May 26 to decide. Community & Tourism: The Vermont Chamber and Tourism Department released the free 2026/27 Vermont Inspiration Guide, highlighting local businesses and visitor stops. Sports Spotlight: Vermont Green FC celebrated a home sweep—men’s 9-0 win and women’s 2-1 victory—at Virtue Field. Gas Watch: Midgrade hit a low of $4.60 in Lamoille County for the week ending May 16, while statewide averages stayed higher.

Paraquat showdown: Vermont is poised to become the first state to ban paraquat after lawmakers passed H.739 on May 13; the bill now waits on Gov. Phil Scott’s decision by May 26, as a family tied to Parkinson’s disease says the exposure question is personal and urgent. Grid pressure and money: A utility-focused grid software startup, Texture, just raised $12.5 million to help power providers manage surging demand from EV charging, data centers, solar, and batteries—an early sign of how fast Vermont’s energy stress is spreading. Roads and delays: The state’s latest construction schedule for the week of May 25 flags paving and bridge work on major routes like I-89 and I-91, with speed limits and lane closures. Diesel prices: GasBuddy reports the lowest diesel in Orange County hit $5.69/gal for the week ending May 16, while Vermont’s diesel average edged down to $5.76. Community wins: RunVermont’s Vermont City Marathon drew 3,000+ runners, and Vermont Green FC celebrated its women’s home opener with a 2-1 win.