AGP Executive Report

Rural Tech & Agriculture: NASA Acres brought researchers into Oklahoma’s fields, pairing advanced machinery know-how with sorghum producers and hands-on farm tech training. Data Centers & Policy: Federal tax breaks for rural data centers are drawing mixed reactions, with some expecting fewer moratorium pushes while others question whether local jobs and benefits will really follow. Oklahoma Energy Courts: Oklahoma’s winter storm natural gas pricing fight is moving toward trial after new legal steps, keeping utility and market rules in the spotlight. Public Health: The FDA expanded a frozen-berry recall tied to possible E. coli contamination, including Great Value and Trader Joe’s products sold in Oklahoma. Local Industry & Housing: Tulsa’s City Lights Foundation is nearing completion on a supportive housing project, with community donations helping furnish units for residents. Workforce & Logistics: AWS says it’s ending NDAs with government agencies as data-center transparency pressure grows—an issue Oklahoma policymakers are watching. OMMA Outreach: The Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority launched a statewide community conversation tour to hear local concerns and questions from across the state’s tourism regions.

Oklahoma Energy & Courts: Oklahoma’s winter storm natural gas fight is back on track as a state judge and federal developments push the long-running case toward trial, after customers paid far more during the 2021 crisis. Medical Marijuana Industry: OMMA is taking its statewide Community Conversation tour to let Oklahomans ask questions and weigh in on issues facing the medical marijuana industry, with a McAlester stop on the schedule. Data Centers & Rural Oklahoma: A new data center plan in Mayes County is pitched as a jobs and tax boost for rural communities, while broader debate continues over whether Oklahoma should limit or pause new facilities. Agriculture & Fuel Costs: Diesel prices remain a major pressure point for Oklahoma farmers and ranchers, with states weighing steps to ease costs during peak production. Food Safety: Walmart and Trader Joe’s frozen berry recalls expanded after an E. coli outbreak sickened 17 people, including lots shipped to Oklahoma. Logistics & Tech: OU researchers showed federal partners how autonomous vehicles could improve rural and tribal freight logistics along key corridors. OMMA Community: Volunteers in Tulsa are furnishing new City Lights supportive housing for people moving out of chronic homelessness.

Autonomous Logistics: University of Oklahoma researchers showed federal partners how autonomous cargo carriers could improve freight along Interstate 40 and in rural and tribal areas. Fuel Costs for Agriculture: A Farm Bureau analysis says diesel prices are surging on global supply disruptions, hitting Oklahoma farmers and ranchers who rely on off-highway “farm diesel.” Marijuana Cleanup Costs: Oklahoma communities are grappling with environmental and safety fallout from abandoned marijuana grows after licensing crackdowns reduced thousands of sites. Rural Industry & Jobs: Oklahoma Rural Association is backing Lambda’s planned data center in Mayes County, touting construction jobs and local tax revenue. Energy & Local Control: The fight over a proposed $4 billion aluminum smelter in Inola returned to court as residents press for limits on primary aluminum smelting within town limits. Cattle Community: Payne County Cattle Producers will host its annual Steak Dinner and Trade Show Oct. 22 in Stillwater. Policy Watch: Oklahoma gubernatorial candidates debated education, healthcare, and AI, with ranchers and beef prices also front and center. Legal/Consumer: Iowa AGs moved for court approval of a $400M Sandoz generic-drug settlement over alleged price-fixing and reduced competition.

Energy & Fuel Prices: Oklahoma’s winter storm natural gas fight is moving toward trial after regulators and courts weighed in on how gas was traded and transported during Uri, with customers still paying back billions. Policy & Cost Relief: States including Oklahoma are taking steps to curb diesel and gasoline prices ahead of midterms, from tax suspensions to easing rules around red-dyed diesel. Manufacturing & Jobs: President Trump toured the Peterbilt plant in Denton, Texas, highlighting tariff-driven growth and more than 1,000 jobs at the facility—an industrial signal that resonates across Oklahoma’s trucking and supply chain. Semiconductors & R&D: EMD Electronics opened a new R&D facility in Wisconsin to scale advanced materials for next-gen chip manufacturing, underscoring the broader tech buildout that’s pulling in energy and logistics demand. Healthcare & Consumer Claims: AG Fitch urged eligible consumers to file for compensation tied to the generic drug settlement, keeping pressure on drug pricing practices. Local Business Spotlight: Critter Stop won a national award for its pest-control vehicle wrap, boosting brand visibility across Texas and Oklahoma. OSU Data Use: Oklahoma State University is pushing NSSE results deeper into colleges and units with better internal tools and faculty workshops.

Manufacturing & Jobs: President Trump used a Peterbilt Motors stop in Denton, Texas to tout “America First” manufacturing and tariffs, crediting them with hiring 1,000 workers, while also pushing his claims that gas prices will fall as the Iran conflict cools. Oklahoma Politics: Trump then headed to Oklahoma to rally for GOP gubernatorial candidate Mike Mazzei, with OU donor Harold Hamm spotlighting the “energy renaissance” tied to horizontal drilling. Energy & Industry Policy: A separate push on the campaign trail targeted trucking and manufacturing deregulation, plus a 25% tariff on medium and heavy-duty imported trucks—aimed at boosting domestic production. Healthcare Costs: Oklahoma’s AG Rayfield joined a multistate push seeking court approval of a $400M Sandoz settlement over alleged generic drug price-fixing and reduced competition. Data Centers: Oklahoma lawmakers held a study on regulating data centers amid worries about utility bills, water use, and local moratoriums. Local Governance: Oklahoma County commissioners are seeking voter support for a sales tax on the November ballot to fund a new jail. Oil & Gas: Citizen Energy Ventures says all eight wells tied to its 2025 drilling fund are producing in the Anadarko Basin, with 2026 development continuing in the Cherokee Formation. Workforce & Agriculture: ICE enforcement disruptions in the beef supply chain are again raising alarms about labor stability and potential price impacts. Education & Assessment: OSU is reshaping how it shares NSSE results, moving from broad summaries to unit-specific data and faculty workshops to drive campus change.

Nuclear & Energy: Oklahoma officials shared more details on a proposed DOE nuclear lifecycle innovation campus, describing three “nodes” (reactor deployment/isotope production, enrichment via recycling, and used fuel management) and saying multiple communities want to host; the state is among six finalists, with selections expected by year-end. Local Business & Security: Alert 360 launched DroneDog™, a robotic ground patrol service aimed at large estates and industrial properties where fixed cameras or aerial drones can’t cover gaps. Real Estate & Finance: The Oklahoma Department of Securities sued Vesta Realty and CEO Marc Kulick, alleging the firm failed to turn over subpoenaed internal documents tied to investor communications. Critical Materials: USA Rare Earth completed its CEO succession plan, reorganizing operations into upstream, midstream, and downstream units to strengthen execution across the rare-earth value chain. Tech/Manufacturing: Ten-Nine Technologies expanded in China via a distribution partnership with Shanghai Jiaohang Trading to commercialize its battery nano-additive TENIX. Policy/Health: Michigan AG Dana Nessel urged consumers to file claims in a multistate settlement over allegedly inflated generic drug prices. Politics/Industry: Sen. James Lankford said he’ll travel with President Trump to a Durant rally, with voters’ concerns including gas prices and beef imports.

Drought Relief for Farms: Oklahoma’s Emergency Drought Committee approved $2M for drought-hit producers, with applications opening Oct. 5 via the Oklahoma Conservation Commission; eligible families can receive up to $7,500 for pond and well work, pasture taps, pipelines and pumping—though hay and water transport won’t be covered. Nuclear Push: Oklahoma shared new details on its bid for a DOE “nuclear lifecycle innovation campus,” aiming at reactor/isotope work plus used-fuel management; officials say communities are self-selecting and a decision could come by year-end. Energy & Industry Watch: Trump praised the proposed $4B Inola aluminum smelter, even as tribal and local opposition and lawsuits continue. Construction & Jobs: Oklahoma City’s new Thunder arena and nearby multipurpose stadium are progressing on schedule, with steel work and major milestones ahead. Health Costs & Politics: The Trump administration began mailing $500 ACA refund checks to nearly 1M Americans in 30 states, tied to alleged federal exchange user-fee overcharges. Workforce & Training: Oklahoma now offers a 30-minute online safety course that can dismiss certain work-zone tickets (with limits and a $75 fee).

AI & Policy: Oklahoma Sen. James Lankford joins Sen. Katie Britt in backing the AI Systems Transparency Act, pushing for clearer disclosures on data use, safety steps, privacy, cybersecurity, and risks. Energy & Courts: An Osage County judge ruled NextEra Energy Marketing liable for illegally inflated natural gas prices during Winter Storm Uri, with a trial set to determine damages. Data Centers & Local Control: Oklahoma lawmakers weigh how to regulate data centers amid resident concerns over utility bills and water use; Grady County commissioners rejected creating a county planning commission to regulate them. Manufacturing & Jobs: Oklahoma-linked Atlantic HPC Group expands power capacity after acquiring Valley Oasis Development LLC, adding 29 MW of contracted demand. Agriculture & Markets: Grain futures tick higher ahead of USDA reports, while tropical moisture threatens flooding impacts that could reach southern Oklahoma. Weather & Safety: Hurricane Polo’s remnants continue battering the U.S. Southwest, with flooded roads and dam-failure fears prompting evacuations in New Mexico. Business & Consumer: Oklahoma lawmakers also face pressure on fuel costs as states move to rein in prices, including dyed-diesel enforcement relief for farmers.

Buc-ee’s Expansion: Oklahoma City moved a step closer to landing its first Buc-ee’s, approving a $25M I-40 and Cimarron Road road project tied to the company’s “very active conversations” for a west OKC site. Energy Prices: GasBuddy data shows diesel and E15 pricing swings across Oklahoma counties in the week ending Sept. 19, with notable lows like $5.39 diesel in Major County and $3.54 E15 in Stephens County. Retail Dealmaking: Salad and Go’s $123M Chapter 11 sale of at least 60 leases to 7 Brew was approved in bankruptcy court, including multiple Oklahoma locations. AI + Transportation: OU researchers are pushing self-driving trucks and AI for freight safety and efficiency, including a DOT-funded push along I-40 and I-35. Local Business Impact: Construction near Pine and Mingo in Tulsa is cutting lunch traffic for long-running small businesses, with ODOT saying it’s working on access adjustments. Agriculture + Labor: Oklahoma cattle groups say ICE activity is disrupting the beef supply chain and adding volatility to producer markets. Public Transit: A new report ranks Oklahoma City’s transit as least useful among major U.S. cities, while EMBARK says ridership is rising and improvements are underway. Data Privacy: A multistate AG settlement with Labcorp over a 2019 breach highlights vendor-management expectations for HIPAA-covered organizations. Flood Risk: Hurricane Polo’s remnants are fueling a broader flash-flood threat across the Southwest and Plains, with New Mexico evacuations tied to dam-failure concerns.

Oklahoma City Logistics: CoStar’s bulk logistics performance ranking puts Oklahoma City at No. 1, citing strong leasing demand and tight availability. AI Policy: Sen. James Lankford (R-OK) joins a bipartisan push for the AI Systems Transparency Act, which would require AI firms to disclose user data practices and safeguards, with FTC enforcement. Energy Costs & Reliability: A record-hot summer is driving a surge in electricity shutoffs, with households facing doubled bills and cut power during extreme heat. Local Construction & Sports: OKC City Council will consider a deal with Echo to add $9 million toward the MAPS 4 multipurpose stadium, helping offset rising construction costs. Workforce & Immigration Pressure on Ag: Oklahoma cattle groups continue warning that ICE enforcement is disrupting meat supply chains and could push beef prices higher. Housing Development: Tulsa Housing Authority opens the second phase of the 36N mixed-income project, adding 70 units and new commercial space. Education & Data Use: OSU is improving how it shares NSSE results by pushing unit-specific data and building better internal access for faculty.

Oklahoma Energy & Infrastructure: ODOT says Oklahoma City-area drivers should expect ramp closures, lane narrowing and overnight restrictions tied to surface repairs and a major I-44 bridge project. Fuel Prices Watch: GasBuddy reports the week ending Sept. 19 brought some of the lowest local prices in multiple counties, including premium at $4.19 in Muskogee County, midgrade at $3.95 in Kay County, E15 at $3.54 in Okfuskee County, and regular as low as $3.83 in Harmon County. Agriculture & Supply Chain: Cattle groups warn ICE activity is creating a “massive chilling effect” on documented, skilled workers, slowing slaughter and adding volatility that could push beef prices higher. Consumer & Legal: Oklahoma AG Gentner Drummond’s case against State Farm is set to proceed after a Cleveland County judge denied a motion to dismiss; the next fight includes whether Drummond’s contracted counsel should be disqualified. Workforce & Education: Oklahoma Aviation Academy students completed the program’s first FAA-certified aircraft build, and OSU is updating how it shares NSSE student engagement data to help units act on results. Business & Privacy: Walmart CEO John Furner pushed back on pricing-personalization fears tied to digital shelf labels and AI, saying it won’t use personal data to set individualized prices.

Oklahoma Beef Supply Chain: Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas cattle groups say ICE raids are creating a “massive chilling effect” on legal, documented workers, delaying cattle shipments and raising fears of higher beef prices for consumers. Energy & Infrastructure: Par Pacific named Jerry Stumbo executive vice president for refining and logistics, signaling continued focus on reliability and commercial execution. Banking Expansion: Oklahoma-based Regent Bank is expanding into Kansas City and St. Louis with new commercial lending offices and local market leadership. Home Services Watch: Angi ranked Oklahoma City among the least prepared metros for fall home maintenance, a reminder for homeowners to tackle preventive repairs before winter. Education & Data Use: OSU is reshaping how it shares NSSE results, pushing more unit-specific data and easier access for faculty to drive campus improvements.

Energy & Fuel Costs: Oklahoma drivers are seeing a mixed but generally higher fuel picture, with GasBuddy reporting the lowest regular gas in Texas County at $3.69/gal (week ending Sept. 19) and E15 as low as $3.49/gal in Oklahoma County, while diesel is pushing toward $6 statewide and Oklahoma’s diesel average is reported near $6/gal. Public Finance & Health Facilities: Oklahoma’s auditor says the state spent $6.2 million planning a Donahue Behavioral Health Campus that was never built, finding the work didn’t transfer value to the replacement project. Workforce & Immigration Pressure on Ag: Kansas meatpacking and ranching groups are warning that ICE raids are disrupting the beef supply chain and could lift prices, with agriculture advocates calling for more transparency. Local Land Use: Broken Arrow is defending its rejection of a mosque and Islamic center proposal, arguing religious projects must meet the same land-use and infrastructure standards as other developments. Education & Data Use: OSU is reshaping how it shares NSSE results, moving from broad summaries to unit-specific data and better faculty access to drive campus improvements.

Energy & Grid Investment: The U.S. Department of Energy is pushing major upgrades to Oklahoma’s power system, including $250 million for a planned high-voltage transmission line from near Guymon to Pueblo, Colorado—part of a broader $1.9 billion federal push. Fuel Costs & Household Pressure: Oklahoma diesel is edging toward $6 a gallon, and the pain at the pump is showing up even as state tax collections hit record levels. Agriculture Supply Chain: Cattle and meatpacking groups say heightened ICE activity in Texas, Kansas, and Oklahoma is disrupting shipments and causing worker absences—raising fears of higher beef prices. Higher Ed Data Use: OSU is reshaping how it shares student engagement results, moving from broad summaries to unit-specific data and new internal tools to get faculty using NSSE findings. Local Business Growth: Everything Outdoors of Tulsa is expanding landscaping and outdoor living services across the Tulsa metro, including Broken Arrow. Drought Planning: Oklahoma conservation districts are coordinating local priorities as the state emergency drought committee prepares to approve additional mitigation funding.

Immigration & Agriculture: Texas, Kansas and Oklahoma cattle groups say ICE enforcement is creating a “massive chilling effect,” delaying shipments of thousands of fed cattle and disrupting feedyards, dairies, processors and transport—warnings that could push beef prices higher. Energy Costs: GasBuddy reports Oklahoma diesel prices averaging $5.93 per gallon for the week ending Sept. 19, with the lowest county spot at $4.89 in Oklahoma County. Local Power Reliability: Geary Public Schools canceled classes after a power outage hit Geary Elementary, affecting the district’s small western Oklahoma campus. Higher Ed Data Use: Oklahoma State University is reshaping how it shares NSSE results—moving from broad summaries to unit-specific data, plus new internal tools to help faculty use the findings. Sports (OU): Turnovers derailed Oklahoma in Athens as Georgia beat the Sooners 41-13, with John Mateer’s three first-half turnovers fueling the rout.

Energy & Fuel Prices: GasBuddy reports the lowest premium gas in Latimer County at $4.64/gal for the week ending Sept. 19, while Payne County’s cheapest regular hit $3.68/gal and Pushmataha County’s lowest midgrade was $4.56/gal—part of a broader national pattern of prices still reacting to oil markets and refinery supply conditions. Workforce & Food Supply Chain: Oklahoma cattlemen and regional livestock groups say ICE raids and worksite enforcement in Kansas, Texas and Oklahoma are disrupting beef processing—slowing shipments, backing up cattle, and raising costs that could flow to consumers. Local Business & Talent Pipeline: Sweet Briar College is launching a Center for Business, Entrepreneurship & Innovation led by Laura Townsend, aiming to expand internships, apprenticeships and industry partnerships. Public Health & Climate Impacts: Oklahoma City’s summer heat is tied to record-setting stretches, with 54 consecutive days at/above 90 degrees as crews responded to hundreds of heat emergencies. Education & Data Use: OSU is reshaping how it shares NSSE results, pushing more unit-specific data and easier access for faculty to drive campus change.