AGP Executive Report

Nuclear Energy Push: West Virginia has moved onto the U.S. Department of Energy’s shortlist for a Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus, aiming to build out the full nuclear fuel chain and including waste handling—Gov. Patrick Morrisey says it could put WV “alongside” nuclear states like Idaho and Tennessee. PFAS and AI Demand: A ChemSec warning says the AI boom’s need for chips and data-center cooling is driving a major expansion of “forever chemicals,” with Chemours marketing PFAS products tied to semiconductor manufacturing and cooling fluids, including capacity growth in Fayetteville and Parkersburg. Flood Risk in WV: The National Weather Service issued a flood watch for Saturday across most of West Virginia, citing multiple rounds of heavy showers and thunderstorms and possible river and creek flooding. Local River Conservation: The Arc is working to save 5 miles of the Gauley River, part of broader efforts to protect West Virginia’s natural areas. Grid and Affordability Debate: A Maryland report links rising electricity bills to utility profiteering and data-center demand, while critics argue decarbonization mandates are forcing more power imports and raising blackout concerns. Air Pollution Data Access: New laws in Louisiana, Ohio, and Kentucky restrict enforcement based on locally collected air sensor readings unless they meet EPA-approved standards—West Virginia is mentioned as having similar proposals that haven’t passed. WV Infrastructure Work: WVDOH/VDOT updates include daytime milling, paving, and shoulder work on Brushy Fork Road (County Route 23/9) with one-lane two-way traffic and delays planned Sept. 14–18.

Nuclear siting push: West Virginia is moving into the DOE’s Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus race, with Gov. Patrick Morrisey signing an MOU and signaling the state can handle spent fuel—an effort that could reshape how and where used nuclear material is managed. Air monitoring fight: Louisiana, Ohio, and Kentucky are advancing industry-backed laws that limit enforcement actions based on low-cost community air sensors unless readings come from EPA-approved monitors, as federal funding and public air monitoring networks shrink nationwide. PFAS and pollution pressure: West Virginia’s data-center boom is drawing fresh scrutiny over secrecy and pollution risks, while separate reporting highlights how PFAS settlements and lawsuits keep pressure on chemical companies and regulators. Weather and flooding risk: Flash flood warnings and watches are active across parts of West Virginia and the Ohio Valley, with heavy rain and life-threatening flooding possible overnight. Wildlife and public health: USDA plans to air-drop millions of rabies vaccine baits across the Southeast, including a project covering parts of West Virginia, to curb raccoon rabies spread. Energy affordability: Maryland electricity bills have jumped sharply over five years, with debates over utility costs, data center demand, and reliability concerns as some states push decarbonization.

Nuclear & Waste Planning: West Virginia signed a memorandum of understanding with the U.S. Department of Energy to join the Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus push, with spent-fuel handling at the center of the program. Data Center Pressure: A new report flags WV’s growing data-center push as a potential threat to air quality, water availability, and community impacts, even as state leaders argue it’s an economic opportunity. Flood Risk: Flash flood warnings and watches are active across parts of West Virginia and the Ohio Valley, with life-threatening flooding possible where heavy rain persists. Air & Fuel Policy: The EPA granted 29 small refinery exemptions from 2025 Renewable Fuel Standard blending rules and proposed restoring the lost renewable volume for 2026-27. Wildlife Health: USDA plans to airdrop millions of rabies vaccine baits across the Southeast, including parts of West Virginia, to curb raccoon rabies spread. PFAS & Accountability: WV data-center secrecy and pollution concerns are drawing renewed scrutiny, while PFAS litigation and settlements continue to shape chemical accountability nationwide.

Flooding Watch: The National Weather Service issued a flood watch for much of West Virginia Saturday afternoon through late Saturday night, warning that heavy showers and thunderstorms could trigger excessive runoff and fast-rising creeks and streams. Data Center Backlash: West Virginia’s push to attract data centers is again under scrutiny, with critics citing risks to electricity costs, water availability, and air quality from industrial emissions. Waters Rule Update: EPA and the Army Corps opened another round of public comment on proposed changes to “waters of the U.S.” rules, aiming to narrow federal jurisdiction over many intermittent and seasonally inundated waters. Wildlife Update: Tamarack Wildlife Center says Circe, a bald eagle injured by a gunshot, required surgery after follow-up exams showed her wing fracture wasn’t healing as hoped. Conservation & Recreation: A new “New River Gorge Artisan Corridor” proposal would connect communities around the national park through arts, outdoor recreation, historic preservation, and small-business development. Public Health: USDA plans to air-drop millions of rabies vaccine baits across the Southeast in October, including a project covering parts of West Virginia.

Wildlife Update: Tamarack Wildlife Center says Circe, the gunshot-injured bald eagle, is back in care after surgery this week, but follow-up exams raised new concerns about her wing fracture and led to specialist review and treatment. Flood Risk: The National Weather Service issued a flood watch for Saturday across most of West Virginia, warning of multiple rounds of heavy showers and thunderstorms and possible flooding in low-lying areas. Public Health: USDA plans to air-drop millions of rabies vaccine baits across the Southeast in October, including a project covering parts of Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina and a small portion of southern West Virginia. Water & Regulation: EPA and the Army Corps seek public comment on updated “waters of the U.S.” (WOTUS) terms, proposing narrower definitions that would reduce federal reach over many intermittent and seasonally inundated waters. PFAS & Accountability: Wood County residents filed a proposed class-action against Chemours over alleged PFAS contamination from a nearby industrial landfill, claiming leachate escaped in 2024 and 2025. Local Infrastructure: Charles Town Utility Board set a Sept. 14 special meeting to review concerns about a WV DEP permit for the Sidewinder Raw Water Line. Energy Costs Debate: A Maryland affordability report links rising electricity bills to utility actions, data center demand, and state decarbonization policies—an issue resonating across the region.

PFAS Accountability: Wood County residents filed a proposed class-action against Chemours over PFAS contamination they say escaped from a closed industrial landfill tied to the Washington Works plant, alleging leachate releases in 2024 and 2025. State PFAS Settlement Ripple: North Carolina also announced a $455 million PFAS deal with Chemours, DuPont and Corteva, with $380 million for 10 counties/municipalities and a $135 million reserve if Chemours can’t meet obligations. Local Water & Permitting: Charles Town Utility Board set a special meeting for Sept. 14 to review concerns about a WV DEP permit for the Sidewinder Raw Water Line, after residents questioned the process. Data Center Fallout: A Mason County homeowner says runoff from Nscale’s data center site flooded their property again, citing stormwater permit violations and a broken flood fence. Outdoor Conservation Spotlight: A new NatureWV correspondent will cover West Virginia’s natural areas and conservation work, including the Gauley River region. Public Health: USDA plans to air-drop millions of rabies vaccine baits across parts of the Southeast, including a small portion of southern West Virginia. Rural Health Funding: WVU Medicine Princeton Community Hospital received a $750,000 federal grant to plan a rural family medicine residency program.

Data Center Stormwater Trouble in Mason County: A homeowner near Nscale’s data center site says runoff flooded their yard again, rising about a foot after overnight rain; the family says it’s the second flood on their property and the fence put up after a prior WVDEP stormwater violation reportedly failed. Rural Health Funding: WVU Medicine Princeton Community Hospital won a $750,000 federal HRSA grant to plan a new family medicine residency aimed at expanding rural primary care in southern West Virginia. PFAS Accountability in the Region: North Carolina announced a $590 million settlement with Chemours, DuPont and Corteva over PFAS contamination, including $455 million for the state and affected local governments and a $135 million reserve for future drinking-water protection and cleanup. Air Pollution Monitoring Gaps: A Floodlight investigation says the U.S. has lost nearly half its government air monitors over 20 years, and some states have limited how residents can use pollution data for enforcement. Energy Affordability Debate (Maryland): A new scorecard finds Maryland electricity bills rose 50.9% over five years, with disputes over whether utility “double dipping” or decarbonization-driven power shortages are driving costs and reliability risks. Conservation Update: West Virginia’s restored elk herd is expanding farther, showing how conservation efforts are reshaping the landscape.

Nuclear Energy Push: Gov. Patrick Morrisey says West Virginia has signed a memorandum of understanding to join the federal Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus effort, positioning the state for major nuclear investment alongside Idaho, Tennessee, Utah, Oklahoma and Louisiana—though environmental advocates are raising concerns about spent fuel and long-term waste responsibilities. Water & Flood Risk: A slow-moving cold front is expected to bring flooding rain and thunderstorms to parts of the Ohio Valley and central Appalachians, with West Virginia included in a flood risk area. Wildlife & Hunting: The regular squirrel season opens statewide Sept. 12 and runs through Feb. 28, 2027, with a 6-squirrel daily bag and 24 in possession. Public Health in Schools: West Virginia is expanding Medicaid school-based health services so more students can get medical and behavioral care during the school day, including some who don’t receive special education services. Air Monitoring & Pollution Accountability: A national investigation highlights efforts to restrict community air-sensor data use in enforcement, with similar bills in West Virginia not yet passed. Data Center Backlash: Reporting flags continued scrutiny over data centers’ wastewater and pollution impacts, including cases involving contaminated discharges.

Data Center Pollution & Accountability: A new report says data centers across the U.S. have been linked to wastewater releases carrying heavy metals, rare bacteria, and other toxic pollutants, with regulators and communities struggling to get full water-discharge details. Air Monitoring Fight: A Floodlight investigation finds industry-backed bills in several states aim to limit regulators’ use of community air-sensor data for enforcement, and West Virginia’s similar proposal is still pending. WV Data Center Backlash: West Virginia groups have formed the West Virginia Data Center Accountability Project, pushing for more local control, community consent, and stronger environmental protections. Nuclear Push: Gov. Morrisey announced West Virginia signed a memorandum with the U.S. Department of Energy to be considered for a Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus, framing it as a jobs and investment opportunity. School Health Access: West Virginia expanded Medicaid school-based health services so more eligible students can get medical and behavioral care during the school day. Wildlife & Outdoors: WVDNR set the statewide squirrel hunting season to open Sept. 12 (through Feb. 28, 2027) with a 6-squirrel daily bag limit. Public Safety & Infrastructure: West Virginia State Police plan a sobriety checkpoint in Fairmont (Sept. 24), and I-79 bridge work brings lane closures Sept. 9-11 near Bridgeport.

Power Plant Rules: West Virginia regulators are set to hold a public hearing on proposed Public Service Commission rules for how electric utilities maintain generating plants and track fuel inventories under the 2025 Power Generation and Consumption Act. Severe Weather: Another round of severe storms and flooding risk is expected across a 1,000-mile stretch from the central Plains to Upstate New York, with damaging wind gusts and heavy rain concerns. Black Lung: A new NIOSH study finds black lung has surged among Central Appalachia veteran underground coal miners, reaching the highest prevalence since 1978, driven by increased silica exposure. Outdoor Conservation: The West Virginia Outdoor Heritage Conservation Fund is accepting grant applications for land-protection projects through Oct. 31, including wildlife habitat, working forests, and recreation areas. Nuclear Push: Gov. Patrick Morrisey says West Virginia has joined the U.S. DOE’s Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campuses initiative, aiming to attract investment and jobs across the nuclear fuel cycle. Flood Recovery Support: Valley Link has donated $35,000 to local nonprofits supporting families hit by July storms, including emergency assistance and food security.

Transmission & Flood Recovery: West Virginia’s Public Service Commission kept the evidentiary hearing on the Mid-Atlantic Resiliency Link (MARL) on schedule after rejecting an 11-week delay, disappointing West Virginians Against Transmission Injustice. Local Impact & Aid: Valley Link donated $35,000 to North Central WV nonprofits to support families still recovering from July storms, splitting funds between Tygart Valley United Way and Upshur Parish House. Data Centers & Power: WV Commerce certified two high-impact data center projects in Mason County, including Nscale’s Monarch Campus and Starwood Digital Ventures’ “Project Tamarack,” raising new questions about power demand and environmental permitting. Energy Policy Fight: WV sued Pennsylvania over laws that block out-of-state renewable-energy credits, arguing the “wall” drives up costs and harms competition. Air Quality & Health: Kentucky AGs urged the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn a Biden soot rule; WV’s AG is leading a similar effort, though many counties already meet the standard. Wildlife Research: WV biologists fitted juvenile crayfish with tiny “backpacks” to track movement and survival. Public Lands & Outdoors: WV State Parks Foundation launched a fall colors photography contest running Sept. 8–Nov. 6. Food Safety: FDA recall coverage continues to draw attention, including a glass-related recall of Outshine fruit bars.

Wildlife Tracking: WV biologists at the White Sulphur Springs National Fish Hatchery are testing tiny “backpacks” on juvenile crayfish to learn where they go and whether they survive after release. Local Planning & Recreation: Elkins City Council adopted an updated Comprehensive Plan, built from public meetings, surveys, and input from local groups, with help from WVU’s Land Use and Sustainable Development Law Clinic. River Access Art: The Mon Forest Towns Partnership will install a “canoe kiosk” sculpture in the Elkins Railyard as part of the Paint and Paddle Project, linking visitors to hiking and river information. Energy & Permitting: Sen. Shelley Moore Capito and Gov. Jim Justice pushed energy priorities at the WV Chamber summit, while Capito said federal permitting reform is “as close as we’ve ever been,” possibly this week. State Parks & Outdoors: The West Virginia State Parks Foundation launched a fall photography contest running Sept. 8–Nov. 6, inviting photos from parks, forests, and rail trails. Water Quality Legal Watch: A federal case involving a Harrison County graphite facility alleges repeated violations and chemical dumping into a stream feeding the upper Monongahela River.

West Virginia energy push: A new “50 by 50” plan aims to grow the state’s power capacity from 16 to 50 gigawatts, betting on coal, natural gas, nuclear, and other sources as AI, data centers, and manufacturing drive demand—while lawmakers and utilities face big hurdles on infrastructure and regulatory stability. Data center backlash: Putnam County residents are pushing back against a proposed data center, and across the U.S. opposition is rising as people worry about power-grid strain and higher bills. Court fight over climate law: A federal judge blocked New York’s $75 billion “climate superfund” law, saying states can’t force energy companies to pay for global greenhouse gas impacts—setting up more legal battles that other states are watching closely. Local environmental lawsuit: A graphite manufacturer in Harrison County is asking a federal court to dismiss a lawsuit by local environmental groups alleging repeated permit violations and chemical dumping into a stream feeding the upper Monongahela River. Wildlife concern: A Preston County resident reports raccoons acting strangely in daylight, raising questions about rabies testing and how communities should respond. Outdoor season: The West Virginia State Parks Foundation launched a fall colors photo contest through Nov. 6, inviting shots from state parks, forests, and rail trails.

Energy Policy Shift: West Virginia is pushing a “50 by 50” plan to grow power capacity from 16 to 50 gigawatts, betting on coal, natural gas, nuclear and renewables as AI and data centers drive surging electricity demand—while warning that infrastructure, market swings and political instability could slow the buildout. Data Center Backlash: Across the U.S., opposition to new AI data centers is rising, fueled by fears of higher power bills and grid strain; polls show most people oppose nearby projects, and some states are moving toward freezes or audits. Local Impacts of Data Centers: In Putnam County, residents are standing against a proposed data center, and in West Virginia communities, construction activity is already triggering stormwater and environmental complaints. Legal Climate Fight: A federal court victory blocks New York’s $75 billion “Climate Superfund” law, a case West Virginia and other states challenged as an overreach. PFAS Accountability: A new look at 3M’s decades-long PFAS cover-up highlights how internal blood testing for “forever chemicals” was downplayed or suppressed. WV Environment & Community: WVDEP is accepting registrations for the statewide Adopt a Highway cleanup on Sept. 26, and the West Virginia State Parks Foundation announced winners of its spring/summer “Mountains Are Always Free” photo contest.

Data Center Backlash in WV and Beyond: West Virginia leaders at the state Chamber summit promoted large-scale data center growth despite widespread public opposition, while reporting elsewhere shows communities across the U.S. are increasingly pushing back over power-grid strain, water use, and rising electricity bills. Legal Fight Over Climate “Superfund”: A federal judge blocked New York’s $75 billion Climate Change Superfund Act, a case WV and other states backed—another sign the “polluter pays” push is heading into more court battles. PFAS Cover-Up Spotlight: A new look at 3M’s decades-long PFAS handling describes how early blood tests found “forever chemicals” in the general population but internal pressure helped bury the findings. Local Impacts of Development: In Putnam County, residents are standing against a proposed data center, and in Thurmond (inside New River Gorge National Park), a preserved historic town is preparing a legal fight over planned demolitions. Wildlife & Parks: West Virginia State Parks Foundation named winners of its “Mountains Are Always Free” photo contest, including wildlife and plants entries from across the state.

Data center backlash in WV: West Virginia leaders are promoting large-scale data center growth even as residents and local governments push back over power, water use, and grid strain, with reporting highlighting how opposition is spreading and shaping statehouse decisions. PFAS accountability: A new look at 3M’s decades-long PFAS cover-up centers on a scientist whose blood tests found “forever chemicals” in people nationwide—showing how internal pressure helped bury the findings. Legal fight over climate “superfund” laws: A federal judge blocked New York’s $75 billion Climate Change Superfund Act, a case WV and other states backed, arguing states can’t retroactively penalize energy producers for lawful emissions. Historic preservation in New River Gorge: Thurmond, a nearly abandoned railroad town inside New River Gorge National Park, is preparing a legal fight as the National Park Service moves toward demolishing historic buildings. Outdoor/wildlife wins: West Virginia DNR announced a new blue catfish state record—72.75 pounds—continuing the comeback of restored native fish in Ohio River waters. Weather watch: Southern West Virginia saw early storms, with mostly dry Labor Day conditions expected and another stronger thunderstorm chance later in the week.