AGP Executive Report

Severe Weather Watch: The National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm watch for the Pittsburgh area, with the risk extending into West Virginia and parts of Ohio, plus tornado warnings for parts of Butler/Clarion and Beaver/Lawrence counties—so keep an eye on alerts and be ready for damaging winds, hail, heavy rain, and possible brief tornadoes. Grid & Power Infrastructure: NextEra Energy defended the MidAtlantic Resiliency Link (MARL) transmission project at multiple West Virginia PSC hearings, arguing it will ease grid congestion and bring major tax and union construction benefits—while residents continue pushing back. Water Funding Pressure: Reporting highlights “abandonment” concerns for southern West Virginia’s water funding boost, with the outlook dimming despite ongoing need. Coal Push in the Spotlight: The Trump administration announced major federal support for coal plant modernization and new coal capacity, drawing criticism that it’s an unnecessary subsidy for an uncompetitive industry. Public Health & Food Safety: A voluntary phase-out of synthetic dyes faces hurdles as nearly 20% of packaged foods still contain them, and an Alfredo sauce recall was upgraded to the highest risk level over possible salmonella contamination. Local Environment Story: A WVDEP restoration update says a treatment plant has helped bring water quality back to Deckers Creek after decades of pollution.

Coal & Energy Policy: The Trump administration announced $850 million for coal plant modernization and new coal plants, using Defense Production Act authority—critics call it an unnecessary subsidy while supporters say it boosts grid reliability. Water & Wastewater Funding: Gov. Patrick Morrisey said the West Virginia Water Development Authority approved more than $17 million in Economic Enhancement Grant money for sewer and drinking-water upgrades in Mason, Morgan, and Wood counties. PFAS & Pollution Oversight: Federal PFAS rule rollbacks are expected to loom over West Virginia after a court tossed a Chemours-related order, raising concerns for cleanup and enforcement. Data Centers Pushback: West Virginia lawmakers and residents continue clashing over data centers as the state moves ahead with incentives and tighter limits on local control, despite worries about water use and pollution. Severe Weather Risk: The National Weather Service flagged damaging winds and tornado potential across parts of the Mid-Atlantic and even into West Virginia, with watches possible as storms develop. Wildlife & Habitat: A Virginia Tech-led study traces millipede evolution back nearly 460 million years, while separate reporting highlights river otters rebounding in the Chesapeake region—both underscoring how ecosystems can recover when conditions improve.

Coal & Power Policy: West Virginia is getting caught in a bigger national push: the Trump administration announced $850 million for coal plant modernization and new coal builds, while WV officials also face scrutiny over how coal life-extension money is pursued and disclosed. Data Centers & Water/Noise Concerns: A WV debate over data centers is heating up again, with residents and lawmakers pushing back on secrecy, local control, and impacts like water use. State Infrastructure (Water/Sewer): Gov. Morrisey announced $17M in water and sewer Economic Enhancement Grants for Mason, Morgan, and Wood counties, aimed at housing support and drinking-water upgrades. Transmission Line Fallout (MARL): About 100 people packed a Kingwood PSC hearing over NextEra’s MARL transmission project, with opponents warning WV could be a “pass through” for power tied to data centers and higher bills. Severe Weather Watch: The National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm watch for many WV counties until 9 p.m., with damaging winds and hail possible. Wildlife & Outdoors: WVU experts shared tips for spring fawns (don’t approach), and a separate report highlights a quieter Monongahela National Forest waterfall destination drawing visitors. Flood Memory: Ohio County residents marked one year since the June 2025 floods that washed out bridges and homes, with officials and families reflecting on recovery.

PFAS Fight in WV Courts: A federal appeals ruling vacated a preliminary injunction against a chemical maker over PFAS discharges into the Ohio River, saying the plaintiff didn’t show the “irreparable harm” needed to force immediate compliance. Drinking Water & Sewers: Gov. Morrisey announced $17M+ in West Virginia Water Development Authority grants for sewer expansions and drinking-water upgrades in Mason, Morgan and Wood counties. Severe Weather Watch: The National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm watch for multiple WV counties until 9 p.m., with damaging wind and hail concerns after storms earlier in the day. Flood Memory in Ohio County: Residents and emergency officials marked one year since the Ohio County floods, recalling flash flooding that tore through Valley Grove, Triadelphia and parts of Wheeling. Wildlife & Habitat: Volunteers broke ground on a new Peters Mountain Trail System in Monongahela National Forest, aiming to improve access and support the outdoor recreation economy. Energy & Land Use: A new WV Senate bill would overhaul aviation funding via a dedicated Aviation Trust Fund, including support for airports and emerging tech.

PFAS Fight in Court and Policy: The 4th Circuit vacated a preliminary order against a WV facility over PFAS discharges into the Ohio River, saying plaintiffs didn’t show enough likely irreparable harm—while EPA’s proposed PFAS rollbacks still loom, with public comments due July 20. Severe Weather Watch for WV and the Mid-Atlantic: NOAA and the Storm Prediction Center flagged damaging wind and hail risks across parts of West Virginia and neighboring states, with watches and warnings shifting through the evening. Water Infrastructure Funding: Gov. Morrisey announced over $17 million for sewer and drinking-water upgrades in Mason, Morgan, and Wood counties. MARL Transmission Line Hearings: A fourth Public Service Commission hearing drew about 100 people in Kingwood as opponents argue the 107.5-mile line would raise bills and benefit data centers more than West Virginians. Wildlife and Water Quality Signals: River otters are showing up in more urban, once-“toxic hot spot” areas around the Chesapeake Bay, a sign that protections can help recovery. Community Cleanup: WVDEP and WV DOT set an Adopt-A-Highway Volunteer Appreciation Day for Aug. 1, with thousands of pounds of litter removed each year.

Coal & Air Pollution: The Trump administration announced $850 million for coal plant modernization and new coal builds, using the Defense Production Act—critics call it a costly subsidy for a highly polluting fuel while supporters say it protects grid reliability. West Virginia Energy & Permitting: West Virginia’s data center liaison says the state received its first microgrid certification application tied to data center development, while communities continue pushing back on data center projects and communication gaps. Transmission Line Opposition: At a West Virginia PSC hearing, elected officials across party lines opposed the MidAtlantic Resiliency Link transmission project, arguing impacts aren’t matched by benefits. Water & Storm Readiness: Officials are watching lake levels as big storms approach, while a severe thunderstorm watch covers parts of West Virginia and nearby states. Wildlife & Invasive Threats: New animal transport rules aim to prevent New World screwworm from entering West Virginia; officials also warn about invasive snakeheads spreading in multiple states including WV. Public Health & Environment: A new NIH-funded effort will expand opioid use disorder treatment support across Ohio and West Virginia primary care clinics. Community Cleanup: WVDEP and DOT will honor Adopt-A-Highway volunteers at an Aug. 1 event, where volunteers remove hundreds of thousands of pounds of litter annually.

Water Quality Fight: West Virginia DEP has filed a court complaint against Kanawha Falls PSD in Fayette County, escalating pressure over local drinking-water compliance. Wildlife & Safety: Ohio logged a record 537 black bear sightings in 2025, with officials urging residents to remove food sources and secure trash as bears reestablish across more counties. Community Cleanups: WV DEP and the state DOT are spotlighting the annual Adopt a Highway Volunteer Appreciation Day on Aug. 1 in Morgantown, honoring volunteers who remove more than 200,000 pounds of litter each year. Pipeline Update: A federal appeals court denied requests to pause water-quality certifications tied to the Mountain Valley “Southgate” natural gas pipeline extension, keeping the project moving through legal review. Invasive Species Alert: Officials are warning about snakeheads, an air-breathing invasive fish now showing up in multiple states, urging people to kill them if spotted. Weather Watch: A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect across parts of West Virginia and nearby states, with damaging winds and heavy rain possible. Data Center Power Pressure: A national grid watchdog warns data centers are straining electricity supply, with West Virginia among states keeping older coal plants online to meet demand. Coal Funding Push: The Trump administration announced $850 million for coal plant modernization and new coal capacity, drawing fresh criticism as solar surpassed coal for the first time in U.S. generation. Outdoor Recreation Policy: The Interior Department opened a 60-day review of rock-climbing rules that could affect New River Gorge and other federal climbing destinations. Screwworm Prevention: WVDA issued new interstate movement requirements for warm-blooded animals entering from New World screwworm areas to protect livestock and pets. Transmission Line Opposition: Monongalia County residents packed PSC hearings again to oppose NextEra’s MidAtlantic Resiliency Link transmission project, arguing it’s a bad deal for West Virginians.

Coal Policy Push: The Trump administration announced $850 million for coal plant modernization and new coal capacity, using Cold War-era Defense Production Act authority—sparking fresh debate over higher pollution risk versus grid reliability. Federal vs. Local Power Decisions: A separate federal order told a Florida utility to keep burning coal at a plant slated for shutdown, drawing criticism as federal overreach and raising air-quality concerns. WV Grid Fight: In Monongalia County, about 250 people packed a West Virginia Public Service Commission hearing opposing NextEra’s MidAtlantic Resiliency Link transmission line, arguing the project is a bad deal for West Virginians. Outdoor Recreation Oversight: The Interior Department opened a 60-day review of rock-climbing rules that could affect New River Gorge and other federal lands. Wildlife & Habitat: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service removed northeastern bulrush from the endangered list, citing major population gains, including in West Virginia. Public Health & Food: A new report finds synthetic dyes still show up in nearly 1 in 5 packaged foods, with West Virginia among states that have moved to restrict them. WV Animal Health: WVDA issued new interstate movement requirements for warm-blooded animals entering from New World Screwworm zones. Water & Weather: West Virginia continues to face rain and flood risk, with flash-flood warnings in parts of the state.

Coal & Energy Policy: The Trump administration announced $850 million for coal plant modernization plus two new coal plants and expanded export infrastructure, using Cold War-era Defense Production Act authorities—critics call it an unnecessary subsidy while supporters say it boosts grid reliability. Water & Pollution in WV: A new report highlights abandoned gas wells in West Virginia leaking toxins, adding to long-running concerns about legacy energy pollution. Food Additives & Health: Consumer Reports and Yuka found synthetic dyes in nearly 1 in 5 packaged foods, with some products exceeding stricter children’s safety thresholds; West Virginia is among states that have moved to restrict certain dyes. Wildlife & Habitat: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service removed northeastern bulrush from the endangered list, citing a major rebound in populations across multiple states including West Virginia. Severe Weather: West Virginia remains under a tropical, stormy pattern with flash-flood risk in parts of the state through Thursday and Friday. Local Water Infrastructure: Follansbee is set to receive $500,000 to close the funding gap for Hooverson Heights Water Treatment Plant upgrades, with no added resident costs expected. Outdoor Recreation: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will waive day-use fees at district recreation areas on June 16 for its birthday.

Coal & Clean Water Enforcement: The Trump administration ended a federal criminal probe into Clean Water Act violations tied to Sen. Jim Justice’s coal operations, shifting the matter to civil channels and drawing criticism that it could create an “untouchables” dynamic. Coal Subsidies: The administration also announced $850 million for coal plant modernization and new builds, including Defense Production Act funding, with analysts warning the money may not reverse coal’s long-term decline in power markets like PJM. West Virginia Water Infrastructure: Follansbee is set to receive a $500,000 grant to close the funding gap for Hooverson Heights Water Treatment Plant upgrades, including filter control work and roof replacements. Mining Permits (Public Input): WVDEP will hold an informational meeting on a Raleigh County mining permit renewal for Republic Energy’s Turkey Foot Surface Mine, inviting residents to comment. Drought Watch (Potomac Basin): The Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin declared a Drought Watch for the Washington region, urging voluntary conservation as parts of the watershed face severe dryness. Invasive Species Alert: Northern snakeheads (“Frankenfish”) are spreading in the Mid-Atlantic, including sightings in West Virginia, raising concerns for native fish and aquatic ecosystems. Outdoor & Community: New River Expedition (NRX26) launched a 320-mile paddle from Todd, NC to Gauley Bridge, WV, with meet-and-greet events planned in the New River Valley. Wildlife Protection Update: A Pennsylvania wetland plant, northeastern bulrush, is being removed from the endangered list after recovery, though it still lacks protections under West Virginia law. Fire Safety: WV Division of Forestry reminded residents that burn rules changed June 1, but caution remains high as debris burns and arson have contributed to hundreds of spring fires statewide.

Coal & Energy Policy: The Trump administration announced $850 million for coal plant modernization, including $425 million for upgrades across a dozen projects and support for two new coal plants, plus expanded export infrastructure—using Cold War-era Defense Production Act authority, drawing fresh criticism over subsidies for an uncompetitive fuel. Storms & Flood Risk: Forecasters warn severe weather could affect 90+ million people, with heavy rain, flash flooding, large hail, damaging winds, and tornado risk across the Midwest and Plains. Water & Drought: The Potomac River Basin is under a Drought Watch, with agencies urging voluntary conservation as parts of the watershed face severe conditions. Mining Permits (WV): WVDEP will hold a public informational meeting on a mining permit renewal in Raleigh County on June 9 for Republic Energy’s Turkey Foot Surface Mine. Wildlife (WV region): The “Frankenfish” northern snakehead is spreading in the region, including West Virginia, raising concerns for native ecosystems. Data Centers (WV): West Virginia lawmakers are pushing back on local concerns, while other cities adopt moratoriums—highlighting the fight over water and energy impacts. Community & Conservation (WV): The Bowden Fish Hatchery will host a free youth fishing derby during West Virginia Free Fishing Days on June 13. Accountability (WV): ProPublica reports the Trump administration shut down a federal criminal Clean Water Act investigation tied to Sen. Jim Justice’s coal operations.

Water Infrastructure: Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced the West Virginia Infrastructure and Jobs Development Council approved about $3.3 million for four water projects statewide, leveraging nearly $26 million total investment, including a $1 million award for Cowen PSD to extend potable water and fire service in Webster County. Mine Water Cleanup: WVDEP highlighted the Richard Mine Treatment Plant’s restoration work in Deckers Creek, saying acid mine drainage treatment that began in April 2024 is improving water quality and helping aquatic life rebound. Coal Policy Push: A new federal funding plan directs about $500 million via Defense Production Act Title III toward coal-fired power, including support for new coal plants in Alaska and West Virginia and modernization awards at existing facilities, plus money for an Oakland export terminal. Ethanol Fuel Fight: A year-round E15 ethanol blend bill passed the U.S. House, but its Senate path is uncertain, with WV Sen. Shelley Moore Capito calling the 60-vote threshold doubtful. Disaster Preparedness: United We Prepare launched in West Virginia with plans for resiliency centers in Fairmont and Charleston, aiming to strengthen disaster readiness and nonprofit coordination ahead of the 2016 flood anniversary.

Coal & Water Policy: The Trump administration is directing about $500 million in Defense Production Act Title III money toward coal-fired power, including the first new U.S. coal plants since 2013 and modernization awards at 12 facilities, plus $75 million for a coal export terminal in Oakland—while a separate report says a federal criminal Clean Water Act investigation into Sen. Jim Justice’s coal operations was killed. WV Water Restoration: WVDEP highlighted major gains at the Richard Mine Treatment Plant on Deckers Creek, saying acid mine drainage cleanup has improved water quality and helped fish and other aquatic life rebound. State Water Funding: Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced $3.3 million approved for four West Virginia water infrastructure projects, leveraging nearly $26 million total investment. Wildlife Health Watch: West Virginia agriculture officials are monitoring the first U.S. detection in decades of New World screwworm in Texas and say emergency steps are ready if it spreads. Severe Weather Impacts: Strong winds at WVU’s baseball super regional sent five people to the hospital, and flooding threats are building across parts of the Midwest and northern Plains.

Severe Weather & Public Safety: Strong winds and thunderstorms hit the WVU vs. Cal Poly NCAA super regional in Morgantown, blowing an event tent into the crowd and sending five people to the hospital; WVU said the game was in a weather delay when gusts reached about 40 mph and that EMS, law enforcement, and fire responders secured the area. Energy Policy: Gov. Patrick Morrisey and West Virginia leaders praised a Trump announcement using the Defense Production Act to redirect about $700 million toward coal-fired power upgrades and new buildout, with West Virginia projects including the Mitchell Plant modernization and support tied to the Terraspark DOE grant. Climate & Wildlife: A West Virginia energy reporter highlights how the UAE’s clean-energy pivot could offer lessons for the Mountain State, while a separate piece warns of emerging threats to beech trees and boxwoods. Invasive Species: A look at kudzu’s spread explains how the invasive vine smothers native habitat and how climate change can accelerate its impacts. Northern Lights: NOAA forecasts a strong geomagnetic storm with possible aurora visibility across up to 20 states on Monday into Tuesday.

Severe Weather & Public Safety: A thunderstorm with heavy winds blew an event tent into the crowd during WVU’s baseball super regional in Morgantown, sending at least five fans to the hospital and forcing a roughly 90-minute delay before the Mountaineers finished a 17-1 win. Power & Storm Impacts: Across Southwest Pennsylvania, damaging storms knocked out power for tens of thousands, with Fayette, Washington and Greene counties among the hardest hit. Energy Policy: Gov. Patrick Morrisey and other WV leaders praised President Trump’s roughly $700 million coal-focused energy push, citing potential upgrades and support for West Virginia facilities tied to federal initiatives. Climate & Wildlife: A new piece looks at how West Virginia could learn from the UAE’s clean-energy pivot, while another warns of emerging threats to beech trees and boxwoods from disease and pests. Sports (Local Interest): WVU clinched its first-ever College World Series berth with a dominant super regional run over Cal Poly, setting up a matchup with Troy.

Severe Weather & Public Safety: A thunderstorm swept through WVU’s Morgantown Super Regional on Saturday, and strong winds blew over an event tent near Kendrick Family Ballpark. Injuries & Response: WVU confirmed at least five fans were taken to the hospital, with EMS, law enforcement, and fire crews securing the area and treating people during a weather delay. Coal Policy & Federal Funding: West Virginia leaders praised President Trump’s roughly $700 million push to support coal-fired power, including Defense Production Act funding for upgrades at existing plants and new construction, with West Virginia named among beneficiaries. Wildlife & Land Management: A renewed fight over “cyanide bombs” on public lands is in the spotlight after the Biden-era ban was lifted for case-by-case use, with West Virginia listed among states where M-44s have been used. Power Outages: Damaging storms also knocked out power across parts of the Pittsburgh region, with thousands reported without electricity. Local Environment & Community: A New River Gorge Historical Society fish fry fundraiser in Hinton will raise money to preserve local heritage tied to the region’s rivers and outdoor traditions.