AGP Executive Report

Oilfield Spill: A Tallgrass Water pipeline released an estimated 3,402 barrels of produced water in McKenzie County, with some reaching a dry creek bed. The spill is contained, and cleanup is underway. Fargo Business Policy: City leaders are weighing annual reviews of companies receiving tax incentives, with possible cuts or clawbacks if job and wage promises fall short. No decisions have been made. Bakken Outlook: Chevron plans to cut its Bakken rigs from three to two in December, but state officials say other operators’ activity and longer wells are helping sustain production. Defense Technology: UND and a federal task force will assess counter-drone systems, with support from the Northern Plains UAS Test Site. State Government: A ribbon-cutting for North Dakota’s new State Laboratory is planned for Tuesday at the Capitol.

Congressional Race: Republican Julie Fedorchak and Democrat Trygve Hammer clashed over farm policy, taxes and the Iran war. Hammer said tariffs have cost farmers markets; Fedorchak pointed to expanded crop insurance and year-round E15 as ways to help producers. The Senate is still debating the farm bill. Standing Rock Lawsuit: The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe is again challenging federal approval for the Dakota Access Pipeline’s Missouri River crossing, seeking to void its easement and spill-response approvals over water and treaty concerns. Data Center Debate: An NDSU researcher told a panel that data centers are coming and good policy will shape where and how they develop. The discussion comes as proposed projects in Cass County face scrutiny over their power demands. Grand Forks Dispute: Fufeng USA is seeking $8 million in damages from the city, renewing a dispute over its proposed corn-milling project. Farm Conservation: USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service extended North Dakota application deadlines for several conservation programs, giving producers more time to seek assistance. State History: Archaeologists found remains of seven people near the Governor’s Residence in Bismarck; research is expected to continue into 2027.

Grand Forks Dispute: Fufeng USA is seeking $8 million from the city, arguing it had no legal basis to end a development agreement for a proposed corn-milling plant. Grand Forks terminated the deal in 2023 after national-security concerns were raised about the site’s proximity to the Air Force base. Rural Investment: More than $65 million in USDA funding is headed to North Dakota projects, including a Spirit Lake aquaculture facility and support for rural businesses. Separately, six career and technical education programs received more than $286,000 for training in fields such as plumbing, agriculture, and drone technology. House Race: Republican Rep. Julie Fedorchak and Democrat Trygve Hammer clashed in a debate over the national debt, healthcare costs, tariffs, farming, and the Iran war. Unmanned Aviation: GrandSKY president Tom Swoyer received the 2026 UAS Sky Pioneer Award at the Grand Forks summit, recognizing his role in developing the state’s drone industry.

Farm Costs: North Dakota’s decision to allow red-dyed diesel on public roads is drawing attention as harvest-season fuel prices squeeze farmers and truckers; Minnesota Republicans are urging their governor to follow suit. Data Center Debate: At a Cass County meeting, Geronimo Power’s CEO urged residents to oppose a proposed moratorium on its Harmony Energy Park project, as the township prepares to consider the measure. Health Costs: North Dakota’s approved ACA premiums will rise 7% to 19% for individual plans and 9.5% to 18% for small-group coverage next year, with the insurance commissioner citing higher health-care costs. Tribal Rights: The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe is suing to overturn federal approvals for the Dakota Access Pipeline’s Missouri River crossing, citing safety, treaty and drinking-water concerns. Defense Innovation: Sen. John Hoeven announced Project ATLAS, a UND, NASA and National Guard effort to test unmanned ground and aerial systems, backed by nearly $2 million in federal funding. Grand Forks: Fufeng USA is seeking $8 million from the city, arguing officials had no legal basis to cancel its proposed corn-milling plant deal.

Health Costs: North Dakota approved 2027 ACA premium increases of 7% to 19% for individual plans and up to 18.3% for small-group coverage. Open enrollment runs Nov. 1 to Jan. 15. Standing Rock: The tribe is suing in federal court to overturn approvals for Dakota Access Pipeline’s Missouri River crossing, citing safety, spill-response, treaty-rights and drinking-water concerns. Unmanned Systems: Sen. John Hoeven announced Project ATLAS, a UND-NASA-Guard research effort integrating aerial and ground drones, backed by nearly $2 million in federal funding. Fargo’s new Badland Batteries plant will make lithium-ion cells for drones and defense systems. Trade & Farming: Canada buys about 82% of North Dakota’s exports, leaving the state exposed as the U.S.-Canada trade war escalates. Farmers are also facing harvest pressures and falling grain prices after a surprise USDA corn-yield increase. Fargo Lawsuit: Four former city communications leaders sued Fargo and officials, alleging a hostile workplace and a botched investigation led to their resignations.

Health Costs: North Dakota residents with individual or small-group ACA plans face higher premiums in 2027. Insurance Commissioner Jon Godfread says rising medical costs are driving increases, though regulators reduced some insurers’ requested hikes. AI and Data Centers: A proposed data center near West Fargo is drawing scrutiny, while state researchers and advisers warn North Dakota needs clearer policies to guide development and AI use. Oil Taxes: North Dakota’s stripper-well tax break covers more productive wells than the industry’s traditional standard, prompting questions about a permanent oil tax break that could cost the state $66 million. Farm Economy: Soybean growers report better-than-expected harvests and stronger prices, but remain wary of trade uncertainty. Canada buys about 82% of North Dakota’s exports, leaving the state exposed to tariff tensions. Tribal Affairs: A report finds Native voters in North Dakota still face long travel distances and limited internet access that can make voting harder.

Health Costs: North Dakota’s 2027 individual and small-group ACA premiums will rise, Insurance Commissioner Jon Godfread said, citing higher medical and prescription-drug costs. Data Center Debate: Geronimo Power’s CEO is urging residents to weigh in on a proposed Cass County data center as scrutiny grows over transparency and local impacts; the company plans a public forum Tuesday. Indigenous Rights: A report says Native voters in North Dakota face long travel distances and limited internet access that can hinder voting. The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe has also filed a new lawsuit seeking to shut down the Dakota Access Pipeline. Agriculture: Farmers face steep diesel costs during harvest, while a challenger to Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring questions how often his calendar shows meetings with farmers. Goehring says the calendar doesn’t capture all his conversations. Workforce: Six North Dakota schools and training groups received $286,330 in grants for career and technical education, including rural firefighting, agriculture, cattle health and drone programs. Oil Revenue: Lawmakers are questioning a permanent oil tax break that could cost North Dakota $66 million.

Tribal History: Eleven Turtle Mountain girls have been identified 140 years after they died at a boarding school, renewing attention to the forced separation of Indigenous children from their families. A Netflix film on Leonard Peltier, the Turtle Mountain Chippewa activist now living in Belcourt, also brings his case to a global audience. Oil Taxes: North Dakota could forgo $66 million this year through a permanent tax break for more than 700 wells that no longer meet the program’s criteria; the full incentive may cost the state about $260 million in annual revenue. Fargo Development: A proposed 10-year tax exemption for commercial redevelopment faces pushback from Cass County’s chair, who warns it could erode the tax base. Rural Health: A network of 23 independent rural hospitals reports lower readmissions and costs, offering a model for keeping local facilities viable. State News: Authorities found seven coffins containing human remains near the governor’s residence, while the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe filed a lawsuit seeking to shut down the Dakota Access Pipeline. Agriculture: North Dakota Stockmen elected Streeter rancher Tim Erbele as president, with members emphasizing the future of cattle production and the need to attract young ranchers.

Culture: Mandan’s Sons of Norway dinner brought the community together over lutefisk, meatballs and lefse, celebrating a Norwegian tradition with deep roots in North Dakota. Education and Careers: About 170 high school students tried hands-on health care activities at NDSCS Allied Health Day, while the North Dakota Farm Bureau will gather members in Bismarck in November to set policy for the year ahead. Agriculture: A recent visit to Grand Farm’s Innovation Campus highlighted the role of research and technology in helping producers stay competitive. Rural Health: North Dakota’s Rough Rider High Value Network, connecting 23 independent rural hospitals, is drawing attention for cutting costs and improving care; one member hospital reduced readmissions from 16.5% to about 5%. Pipeline Dispute: The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe has filed a new federal lawsuit challenging the Army Corps’ approval of a Dakota Access Pipeline river-crossing easement, renewing its fight to protect water and treaty rights. State History: Archaeologists found seven coffins with human remains near the governor’s residence in Bismarck, on the site of the city’s first cemetery.

Bismarck Discovery: Archaeologists found seven coffins with human remains near the governor’s residence, at a cemetery used from 1873 to 1877. The remains are expected to be reburied after analysis. Dakota Access Pipeline: The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe sued federal agencies, challenging approval of the pipeline’s Missouri River crossing and seeking to shut it down. Farm Economy: North Dakota producers are wrapping up a difficult harvest amid high costs; federal farm payments are expected to bring them about $721 million this month. Farmers and truckers say a federal dyed-diesel order offers little relief. Industry: North Dakota-based Ideal Aerosmith unveiled a long-range drone designed for surveillance and military strike missions, as the state’s defense manufacturing sector grows. Badlands History: Nearly 300 visitors gathered in Medora for the first Theodore Roosevelt Convention, bringing historians and enthusiasts together at the presidential library.

Biofuels: Rep. Adrian Smith and 37 colleagues are urging federal officials to preserve renewable-fuel requirements for 2026 and 2027, warning delays could hurt farmers, rural jobs and fuel savings. North Dakota in the Spotlight: Nearly 300 historians and Theodore Roosevelt enthusiasts gathered in Medora for the first TeddyCon at the presidential library. Pipeline Fight: The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe sued federal agencies to challenge approval of the Dakota Access Pipeline’s Missouri River crossing, citing concerns over water and treaty rights. 2027 Session: Grand Forks-area legislative candidates point to housing and childcare costs, education and government transparency as priorities. Statehouse Mystery: Seven coffins containing human remains were found at the North Dakota governor’s residence. Cybersecurity: Minot State will host its annual NODAKON summit on AI, cybersecurity and workforce readiness.

2027 Session: Grand Forks-area legislative candidates say education, housing and childcare affordability should be priorities. Gov. Kelly Armstrong also backs a proposed $3,400 bonus for licensed public and private school teachers, arguing it is constitutional. Rural Workforce: Some 240 seventh-graders toured manufacturers in Walsh and Pembina counties to learn about local career paths. Local Control: A judge ruled state pipeline law does not automatically override county zoning, though Summit’s route permit remains in place. Dakota Access: The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe sued federal agencies to overturn the pipeline’s Missouri River crossing easement, citing water and treaty concerns. Farm Pressures: North Dakota farmers report uneven harvests after drought and heavy rain, with high fuel and other input costs adding to the strain.

Pipeline Authority: A North Dakota judge ruled that state pipeline permits don’t automatically override local zoning rules, a decision counties say preserves their power to set setbacks. Tribal Affairs: The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe sued federal agencies to overturn approval of the Dakota Access Pipeline’s Missouri River crossing easement, renewing its effort to shut down the line. Agriculture: Harvest has been uneven after a dry summer and heavy rain, while farmers face diesel above $6 a gallon and high input costs. USDA raised North Dakota’s corn yield estimate to 132 bushels per acre, and state producers are set to receive an estimated $721 million in federal farm payments. Education: Gov. Kelly Armstrong backs a proposed $3,400 bonus for every licensed North Dakota teacher and says the plan covering private- and public-school teachers is constitutional. Health Care: A safety-net hospital in North Dakota joined a lawsuit seeking to block a federal 340B drug rebate program set to begin in 2027, which hospital groups say could add major costs. Ag Innovation: Grand Farm broke ground on a campus expansion near Casselton and secured a $5 million federal grant for a year-round agricultural technology test track.

AgTech Investment: Grand Farm broke ground on a $33.7 million Innovation Campus expansion near Casselton and announced a $5 million federal grant for a year-round technology test track. Defense Manufacturing: Badland Batteries opened its Fargo factory, which makes lithium-ion batteries for drones and autonomous systems. Farm Support: North Dakota producers are expected to receive an estimated $721 million in enhanced federal farm safety-net payments. Dairy Permit: A judge upheld the environmental permit for a proposed 25,000-cow dairy in Traill County; construction has begun, while opponents criticized the ruling. Election Issues: North Dakota’s U.S. House challengers called for more transparency and oversight of data centers at a Prairie Public debate. Incumbent Julie Fedorchak did not take part after the debate format changed.

House Race: Three challengers for North Dakota’s U.S. House seat debated Thursday, criticizing Republican incumbent Julie Fedorchak for withdrawing after two additional candidates were invited. They raised affordability, executive power and data centers. Schools: The State Historical Society is rewriting fourth-grade North Dakota history materials for new state standards, with a focus on updated research and a more manageable course load. State leaders also proposed annual teacher bonuses to recruit and retain educators. Farm Economy: North Dakota producers are expected to receive about $721 million in federal farm safety-net payments this month, part of a $13.8 billion national payout. Data Centers: Applied Digital reported a sharp revenue increase and says a major North Dakota data-center project could add up to 1 gigawatt of capacity, as communities weigh the industry’s impacts. Workforce and Finance: North Dakota recorded 762 approved H-2B construction workers through June, while the Bank of North Dakota launched a stablecoin pilot with local partners.

Fuel Costs: North Dakota Farmers Union President Matt Perdue says allowing road use of tax-exempt dyed diesel won’t come close to offsetting record prices. Diesel averaged $6.30 a gallon nationally, more than 70% above a year ago, while farmers already use dyed fuel and truckers face differing state rules. Teacher Retention: State leaders are considering annual $3,400 bonuses for teachers, funded with 10% of Common Schools Trust Fund distributions; lawmakers would need to approve the plan. State Banking: The Bank of North Dakota’s new Roughrider Coin is enabling near-real-time payments between participating financial institutions, with four local banks helping test the stablecoin. Campaign Finance: Gov. Kelly Armstrong and his campaign have provided about $430,000 to Republican candidates this year, including $140,000 since the June primary. Workforce: North Dakota construction employers received 762 H-2B worker approvals through June, a 99.2% approval rate across 37 employers.