AGP Executive Report

Geothermal Grid Crunch: Fervo Energy’s 42-gigawatt enhanced geothermal push across Nevada, Utah and Idaho is running into Western transmission bottlenecks, with analysts warning Cape Station’s contracted capacity could be constrained without more grid access. Idaho Water Protection: Bear Lake Watch is funding a new decontamination and inspection station on the Idaho side to help stop quagga mussels, citing Utah’s existing statewide approach and local community support. Clean Energy Research: Boise State University researchers are part of a new sodium-ion battery cathode design using a disordered mix of five metals, reporting fast charging and strong capacity retention over hundreds of cycles. Local Habitat & Wildlife: Utah wildlife crews are catching and banding molting Canada geese at Ogden Bay, while Idaho’s spring wildlife sightings highlight active nesting and young birds across the region. Invasive Species Watch: Zebra mussels were detected at a Minnesota lake, underscoring how quickly aquatic invasives can spread and why prevention matters. Policy Fight Over Water: Republican attorneys general, including Idaho’s, are urging the EPA to treat the abortion medication mifepristone as a water contaminant, despite experts saying there’s no clear harm shown to water systems. Idaho Agriculture & Water Education: The University of Idaho’s Youth Water Summit recognized student leaders tackling local water problems, from sediment impacts to post-wildfire erosion.

Water Quality Fight: Republican AGs, including Idaho’s, are urging the EPA to classify the abortion medication mifepristone as a water contaminant, arguing it threatens waterways—while health and environmental experts say there’s no proof it harms drinking water or aquatic life. Local Water Infrastructure: Idaho DEQ approved a $7.38 million low-interest wastewater loan for Kendrick, moving the town from lagoon treatment to a mechanical system with major principal forgiveness. Aquatic Invasives: Bear Lake Watch is launching a decontamination and inspection station on the Idaho side to help stop quagga mussels, citing the need for local prevention beyond what Utah already does. Wildlife & Habitat: A Kootenai County jury convicted a St. Maries family of conspiracy to conceal evidence in a poaching case involving mountain lions and bobcats, while acquitting them on other wildlife-related conspiracy charges. Idaho Climate Context: The National Weather Service warns El Niño could become “very strong” by winter, raising odds of warmer conditions and low snowpack across the Northwest, including Idaho. Energy Storage Research: Boise State and other partners helped design a high-entropy cathode for sodium-ion batteries that shows fast charging and strong capacity retention after hundreds of rapid cycles.

Idaho DEQ Funding: Kendrick in Latah County won a $7.38 million low-interest wastewater loan from Idaho DEQ to upgrade its treatment plant, moving from lagoons to a mechanical system, with $4.12 million in principal forgiveness. Aquatic Invasives: Bear Lake Watch is launching a new inspection and decontamination station on the Idaho side of Bear Lake, raising $100,000 to buy a Hydroblaster system and aiming to stop quagga mussels from hitchhiking in. Wildlife Crime Update: A Kootenai County jury returned a mixed verdict in a poaching case involving a St. Maries family, convicting them of conspiracy to conceal evidence while acquitting them of other wildlife-related conspiracy charges. Climate Outlook: A weak El Niño has formed, but forecasters say it could become “very strong” by winter, raising odds of warmer Northwest temperatures and low snowpacks—an issue for Idaho water planning. Northern Lights Watch: NOAA forecasts mild auroral activity with a chance to see the northern lights in parts of northern Idaho on Saturday night. State Policy Fight: Republican attorneys general, including Idaho’s, are urging the EPA to classify mifepristone as a water contaminant, despite environmental health experts saying there’s no clear harm shown.

El Niño Watch for Idaho: The National Weather Service says a weak El Niño has formed and could become “very strong” by winter, raising odds of warmer Northwest temperatures and low snowpacks—bad news for water supplies and wildfire risk. Northern Lights Forecast: NOAA is calling for mild auroral activity with a chance to see the lights in parts of northern Idaho and the northern U.S. during upcoming nights, depending on the Kp index. Aquatic Invasives at Bear Lake: A new Bear Lake Watch “Snack Shack” is funding a decontamination and inspection station on the Idaho side to help keep quagga mussels out. Water Infrastructure in Kendrick: Idaho DEQ approved a $7.38M low-interest wastewater loan for Kendrick, including upgrades from lagoon treatment to a mechanical system. Wildlife Crime Case: A Kootenai County jury returned a mixed verdict in a North Idaho poaching case, convicting a family of conspiracy to conceal evidence while acquitting them on other wildlife-related charges. Conservation for Rare Flowers: The Center for Biological Diversity petitioned for federal protection under the Endangered Species Act for two rare goldenweed species found in parts of Idaho and the Pacific Northwest.

El Niño Watch: The National Weather Service says a weak El Niño has formed and could become “very strong” by winter, raising odds of warmer Northwest temperatures and low snowpacks that Idaho water users will feel. Water & Wildlife Invasives: Bear Lake Watch is funding a decontamination and inspection station on Idaho’s side to help stop quagga mussels from spreading. Idaho Water Infrastructure: Kendrick won a $7.38M low-interest DEQ wastewater loan (with $4.12M principal forgiveness) to upgrade its treatment system from lagoons to mechanical treatment. Public Lands Policy: Utah Sen. Mike Lee is pushing a move that could roll back the Roadless Area Conservation Rule, arguing it blocks wildfire mitigation. Wildlife Under Drought: A Mountain West study finds severe drought shrinks high-quality habitat for mule deer, black bears, and cougars, with big impacts on young deer survival. Local River Protection Fight: Bellevue residents are demanding remediation after unpermitted riparian work along Trout Lane, with a stop-work order tied to floodplain permitting. Northern Lights Buzz: NOAA forecasts a geomagnetic storm that could make auroras visible in parts of Idaho this weekend. Conservation & Rare Plants: The Center for Biological Diversity petitioned for federal protection of rare goldenweed species found in Idaho and the Pacific Northwest.

Wildlife Under Pressure: A new study using decades of Mountain West tracking data finds severe drought is shrinking high-quality habitat for mule deer, black bears and cougars, with the biggest losses hitting top predators and fawn recruitment dropping by more than a third in extreme drought years. Rare Plants, Big Stakes: The Center for Biological Diversity petitioned the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to protect two rare goldenweeds under the Endangered Species Act, citing habitat loss across parts of Idaho, Oregon and Washington. Road Safety for Animals: Blaine County updated a plan to cut wildlife-vehicle collisions, targeting Highway 75 and U.S. 20 and 26 with measures like signage, lighting, speed changes and wildlife-friendly infrastructure. Local River Tensions: Bellevue held a town hall after residents complained about permitted and unpermitted work along Trout Lane on the Big Wood River, including riparian vegetation damage and a stop-work order tied to floodplain permitting. Idaho’s Legal-Advocacy Loss: Advocates for the West Executive Director Laird Lucas is retiring after 23 years leading free environmental legal services in Idaho and beyond. Northern Lights Watch: NOAA forecasts a chance to see aurora borealis in Idaho and other northern states during Friday and Saturday nights.

Idaho Wolf Management: Idaho Fish and Game reported documented wolf mortalities from July 1, 2025, through June 9 totaled 315—up 11.3% from the prior year but still well below the pre-injunction average—driven mostly by hunting and trapping on public land. Roadless Rule Fight: U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden warned that repealing the federal Roadless Area Conservation Rule could spur more development and raise wildfire risk in Oregon, arguing roads boost ignition rates. Animal Health & Biosecurity: Idaho’s agriculture department added new animal entry requirements after new world screwworm detections, urging immediate reporting if suspected. Cleanup Costs at Mountain Home: The U.S. Navy says it has spent about $2 million so far cleaning up a May 17 air show jet crash near Mountain Home, including removing wreckage and restoring a reopened road. Community & Conservation Culture: The “Idaho Lorax” advocate Carta Reale Sierra died June 9, with a community gathering planned in Pocatello and calls to honor him by planting trees or speaking out for cleaner environments. Outdoor Access for Seniors: More than 150 seniors joined the ninth annual “Take Me Fishing” event at Hagerman, with Idaho Fish and Game stocking hundreds of trout. Northern Lights Watch: NOAA forecasted a possible aurora showing Thursday night into Friday, with Idaho’s northern tip included for a chance to see the lights.

Wildlife & Biosecurity: Idaho’s Department of Agriculture added new animal entry requirements after new world screwworm detections, aiming to protect livestock, pets, and wildlife from a pest that causes severe tissue damage. Local Water & Habitat: Ketchum’s planning debate over a Big Wood River riverfront setback shows how flood damage and stream stabilization plans collide with local rules meant to protect waterways. Public Health & Environment: A new interactive “Refinery Risk Map” estimates health impacts from fine particle pollution near oil refineries across the Mountain West, highlighting nearby schools and hospitals. Energy & Materials: Aqua Metals was selected as an industrial partner on an Idaho National Laboratory program to advance battery recycling methods for nickel and cobalt separation. Community Conservation: Idaho Free Fishing Day returns Saturday with statewide license-free fishing and regional trailer events, including youth-focused help from Fish and Game staff and volunteers. Idaho Environmental Loss: Carta Sierra, a longtime “Idaho Lorax” environmental advocate in Pocatello, died at 74.

Idaho Animal Health: Idaho’s agriculture department tightened animal entry rules after New World screwworm was detected in Texas and New Mexico, requiring recent veterinary inspections and movement permits for warm-blooded animals headed into the state. Water & Health: A new Refinery Risk Map from PSE Healthy Energy estimates air-pollution health impacts from oil refineries across the Mountain West, flagging nearby schools and hospitals. Local Governance: Panhandle Health District faces another budget fight after five northern counties rejected its FY 2027 plan; a revised proposal goes to a public hearing. Wildlife & Habitat: The Center for Biological Diversity sued to force action on whether Western ridged mussels deserve Endangered Species Act protections, citing delayed safeguards. Outdoor Access: Idaho Free Fishing Day returns Saturday with statewide license-free fishing and free trailer events, including a Magic Valley stop at Riley Pond. Community Nature: Pollinator Week events in Pocatello set up a June 27 Pollinator Celebration Day with education, monarch activities, and a proclamation. Energy & Grid Resilience: Idaho National Laboratory published public results from wildfire and extreme-condition testing of next-gen power line materials.

Idaho Animal Health: Idaho set new entry requirements for animals after New World screwworm was detected in Texas and New Mexico, including certificate and travel documentation rules for animals coming from infested zones. River Protection in Idaho: A new look at the Middle Fork of the Salmon River highlights how long-term protection can keep a major Idaho waterway healthier even as rivers nationwide face pollution, drought, and development pressure. Endangered Species: The Center for Biological Diversity sued the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service over delays in deciding whether native Western ridged mussels need Endangered Species Act safeguards, warning the mussels are declining across the Snake and Columbia basins and beyond. Grid Resilience: Idaho National Laboratory published results from more than 50 tests of next-generation power line materials, including extreme heat and cold performance, aimed at reducing wildfire and weather-related grid failures. Wildlife & Courts: Western conservation groups won a partial federal case over road and vehicle access impacts on grizzly bears and bull trout in Montana’s Bitterroot National Forest, though the judge said more arguments are needed on next steps. Local Fire Update: The Scottpit Fire near Parma reached about 75% containment as crews worked to secure lines and mop up hotspots. Critical Infrastructure Mapping: INL is mapping dependencies for water, hospitals, and other systems tied to the FIFA World Cup to help cities plan for disasters and attacks. Wildlife Crime: A North Idaho poaching trial involving a family accused of illegal kills and concealment continued, with testimony ruled inadmissible.

Extreme Weather & Water: Coldest Junes in Idaho since 1895 and record-low snowpack are adding pressure to already-tight water supplies, with western basins facing summer restrictions and higher wildfire danger. Public Lands & Wildlife: Conservation groups are pushing back after Trump repealed off-road vehicle rules on public land, warning it could worsen impacts to water quality and wildlife habitat. Idaho Habitat & Species: A Center for Biological Diversity lawsuit seeks protections for the western ridged mussel, a species tied to healthier rivers across Oregon, California, Idaho, and Nevada. Local Land Use: Gem County approved a controversial private airstrip permit for Flying Thunderbolt Ranch after a heated hearing, with opponents citing noise, safety, livestock, traffic, and fuel-related environmental concerns. Big Wood River Floodplain: A levee maintenance project on the Big Wood River included cottonwood removal, but separate unpermitted grading work on private Trout Lane property triggered a stop-work order. Wildfire Response: The Scottpit Fire near Parma reached about 75% containment as storms and rain helped crews. Animal Welfare: Latah County seized 66 horses in an ongoing neglect investigation, with neighbors reporting malnourishment and poor care for years. Energy Infrastructure: Avista confirmed talks with a company seeking a large data center drawing 125 MW starting in 2029, raising questions about regional power demand.

Idaho Public Lands & Wildlife: Conservation groups are warning that Trump’s repeal of off-road vehicle and over-snow vehicle rules on public land could weaken protections for wildlife, habitat, and water quality, arguing the old orders provided consistent guardrails. Gem County Air Access: After a heated public hearing, Gem County’s planning and zoning commission approved a special use permit for the Flying Thunderbolt Ranch private grass airstrip tied to a proposed 19-lot subdivision near Brill Road, with neighbors citing noise, safety, livestock impacts, traffic, and aviation-fuel environmental concerns. Animal Cruelty Case: Latah County authorities seized 66 horses from a property near Kendrick as part of an animal neglect investigation, with reports of severe underfeeding, poor hoof care, and long-running neighbor complaints. Local Fire Governance: Nampa’s fire board signed off on the next step toward merging with Kuna Fire, aiming for long-term sustainability, shared resources, and better staffing as growth continues. Water & Habitat Restoration: The Kingston-Cataldo Sewer District is building a land-application wastewater treatment system supported by DEQ, ARPA, and Leading Idaho grants, with added conservation partnerships to seed native wildflowers and irrigate restored habitat. Wildlife Stewardship Recognition: Mark and Wendy Pratt of Blackfoot received a Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies award for balancing private ranch stewardship with wildlife conservation and continued public access through Idaho Fish and Game’s Access Yes! program. Agriculture Adaptation Research: A new study highlights how less snowpack and altered snowmelt threaten western water supplies and agriculture, and surveys adaptation options from managed aquifer recharge to demand-side land repurposing.

Animal Welfare & Public Safety: Latah County deputies seized 66 horses from a property near Kendrick after a long-running neglect complaint, with investigators citing underfeeding, poor hoof care, and inadequate facilities; rescue groups say they were previously blocked from helping. Wildfire Watch: The Scottpit Fire burning south of the Fort Boise Wildlife Management Area near Parma is estimated at 50 acres with no containment yet, prompting localized evacuations and structure protection. Idaho Wildlife & Land Access: Blackfoot ranchers Mark and Wendy Pratt received a Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies award for balancing private stewardship with public hunting and angling access, including enrollment of 27,000 acres in Idaho Fish and Game’s Access Yes! program. Clean Energy in Idaho: Clean Energy Fuels began producing renewable natural gas at East Valley Cattle in Jerome, capturing methane from manure and injecting pipeline-quality RNG for lower-carbon transport fuel. Extreme Heat & Power Reliability: A new look at the U.S. grid says extreme heat is shifting from a rare risk to a design baseline as drought and demand growth strain aging infrastructure. Space Weather: NOAA forecasts a possible geomagnetic storm from an incoming CME, with aurora activity most likely around midday and later evening. Policy & Environment: Idaho lawmakers approved ballot language for a constitutional amendment that would block voters from legalizing marijuana by initiative.

Wildfire Watch (Idaho): Crews are responding to the Scottpit Fire burning south of the Fort Boise Wildlife Management Area near the Boise-Snake River confluence west/northwest of Parma. The Idaho Department of Lands estimates it at about 50 acres with no containment yet; localized evacuations are underway near Martin’s Landing, and structures may be threatened while the cause remains under investigation. Wildlife & Habitat (Idaho): Payette National Forest shared trail-camera photos of wolverines captured in deep snow, part of ongoing monitoring of a localized population under the Endangered Species Act. Water & Climate (West): Researchers are improving Colorado River forecasts by using satellite data on snow and soil moisture to better predict drought impacts—aimed at helping cities and farms plan shortages. Extreme Weather (Idaho region): A strong incoming solar storm could boost northern lights visibility into mid-latitudes, with NOAA watching for geomagnetic storm conditions. Policy & Public Lands (U.S.): The Trump administration is moving to bring back cyanide “M-44” predator devices on public lands on a case-by-case basis after a prior ban was lifted. Rural Health (Idaho context): A new report says hundreds of rural hospitals are at risk of closing, with Idaho providers warning that reimbursement delays can be devastating.

Wildfire Watch (Idaho): The Scottpit Fire is burning about 50 acres south of the Fort Boise Wildlife Management Area near Parma, with localized evacuations reported and 0% containment as crews from Idaho Department of Lands, Parma Fire, and a U.S. Forest Service wildland team respond; officials say the cause is under investigation and urge people to avoid the area. Wildlife Research (Idaho): Payette National Forest shared new trail-camera photos of wolverines, using bait-and-scent stations to study a localized population and better understand how to limit impacts to the threatened species. Climate & Heat (West): A new analysis finds summer temperatures have risen fastest in western cities, with Boise among the top movers, underscoring how warming is intensifying across the Northwest. Northern Lights (Region-wide): NOAA forecasts a strong geomagnetic storm that could bring auroras visible across much of the northern U.S. Wildlife Management (Yellowstone): Yellowstone’s wolf count dropped to 84 wolves in eight packs in 2025, with low pup survival and possible disease and wider hunting/trapping pressures cited.

Wildfire Watch (Idaho): The Scottpit Fire burning south of the Fort Boise Wildlife Management area near Parma has triggered evacuations in parts of Canyon County, with “structures may be threatened” and no containment reported as crews from Idaho Department of Lands, Parma Fire, and the U.S. Forest Service respond; officials say the cause is under investigation and urge people to avoid the area. Wildlife & Ecosystems (Yellowstone): Yellowstone’s wolf count fell to 84 wolves in eight packs in 2025, down from 108 in nine packs the year before, with low pup survival and possible disease impacts cited, plus added pressure from hunting and trapping outside the park. Water Quality & Infrastructure (Burley): Burley secured $20 million in federal funding to overhaul its aging industrial wastewater treatment plant, aiming to cut environmental risks to the Snake River after prior alleged violations and legal action. Public Safety & Planning (Idaho Flooding): FEMA released updated floodplain maps for Blaine County, with appeals and public comments due Aug. 25 before the maps are adopted. Climate & Fire Preparedness (Canada): Canada is investing $47.8 million over five years to strengthen Parks Canada wildfire readiness, including equipment and risk-reduction work like prescribed burns. Science & Energy (Idaho National Lab): INL researchers studied plutonium hexaboride’s electronic behavior, advancing understanding of heavy-element physics with potential implications for future nuclear research.