AGP Executive Report

Acid Mine Drainage: Fairmont broke ground on a $17 million project to replace stormwater pipes on Morgantown Avenue, where polluted runoff from abandoned mines has damaged the system. Data Center Pressure: West Virginia regulators are weighing water permits for the proposed Monarch campus near Point Pleasant after residents raised pollution and noise concerns at a public hearing. Climate Advocacy in Court: Attorney General J.B. McCuskey is defending subpoenas of two environmental groups; he says he will no longer seek donor information, while the groups argue the investigation chills protected speech. Downstream Restoration: Conservationists celebrated repairs to an eroding North Carolina stream that feeds the New River, which flows into West Virginia and the New River Gorge.

Climate Advocacy: Attorney General J.B. McCuskey is defending subpoenas seeking records from environmental groups, arguing they can be investigated for potentially misleading claims. He withdrew requests for donor information as the groups seek to block the probe in federal court. Data Center Pressure: WVDEP will weigh public feedback before deciding on water permits for the massive Monarch project near Point Pleasant, where residents raised concerns about pollution, noise and hundreds of generators. Protests over a possible data center in Monroe County also spotlight fears about water use, power demand and farmland. Land and Power: A proposed 260-mile Valley North transmission line could cross 20 West Virginia counties and affect nearly 7,000 acres of farms, forests and homes. Nuclear Waste: West Virginia officials offered four sites, including a Jefferson County quarry, for a federal nuclear campus that could store spent fuel; local residents and leaders say they were not consulted. Energy Industry: EQT’s planned $13 billion acquisition of Range Resources would create the nation’s largest natural gas producer, deepening the industry’s footprint in Appalachia.

Environmental Groups: West Virginia Rivers Coalition and 350.org sued Attorney General JB McCuskey, seeking to block subpoenas demanding records of their climate and energy advocacy. The groups say the investigation infringes on free-speech rights. Data Center Debate: Residents from West Virginia and Virginia protested a potential Monroe County project, citing concerns about water use, power demand, noise and pollution. In a state Senate debate, candidates differed on data centers and safeguards for residents’ utility bills and water supply. Power Lines: Valley North’s proposed 260-mile transmission line could cross 20 West Virginia counties and affect nearly 7,000 acres of farmland, forests and homes, drawing opposition from property owners. Nuclear Waste: State officials offered four West Virginia sites, including a Jefferson County quarry, for a proposed federal campus that would store spent nuclear fuel. Local residents and officials say they were not consulted. Local Habitat: Elkins plans to replace invasive Bradford pear trees at Riverbend Park with native serviceberry and American linden.

Nuclear Waste: West Virginia offered four sites, including a spring-fed quarry near Harpers Ferry, for a federal campus that would store spent nuclear fuel. Local officials say they were not consulted; the state is among six finalists. Native Trees: Elkins plans to replace invasive Bradford pears at Riverbend Park with native serviceberry and American linden trees, using a state forestry grant. Power Lines: A proposed 765-kilovolt transmission line could cross West Virginia as part of a multistate effort to meet data-center power demand. Some landowners say the project threatens their farms and privacy. Climate Groups’ Lawsuit: West Virginia Rivers Coalition and 350.org are suing Attorney General JB McCuskey, alleging his subpoenas targeting their climate advocacy are retaliatory and violate their rights. Mine Fire: Remediation work is set to begin at the long-burning coal seam fire and subsidence site in White Hall.

Power Lines: A proposed 765-kilovolt transmission line would cross West Virginia, Virginia and Maryland to serve Northern Virginia’s data-center demand. A West Virginia farm family says the project threatens their property and sense of security. Nuclear Waste: State officials pitched four West Virginia sites—including a spring-fed quarry near Harpers Ferry—for a federal campus that could store spent nuclear fuel. Local leaders say they weren’t consulted; West Virginia is among six finalists. Environmental Advocacy: West Virginia Rivers Coalition and 350.org sued Attorney General J.B. McCuskey, seeking to block subpoenas for years of records on their climate and energy work. They say the investigations violate their rights; the attorney general’s office did not respond to requests for comment. Mine Fire Cleanup: Remediation is set to begin at the White Hall coal-seam fire, which has burned for decades, amid residents’ frustration over delays.

Nuclear Waste Proposal: West Virginia is among six finalists for a federal nuclear campus that would store spent fuel. The state proposed four sites, including a spring-fed quarry near Harpers Ferry, without first consulting local residents or officials. Climate Advocacy Lawsuit: West Virginia Rivers Coalition and 350.org are asking a federal judge to block subpoenas seeking years of records about their climate and energy work, calling the investigation retaliatory. Dry Spell: Mostly sunny, warmer-than-average weather is expected across West Virginia through Halloween, with little chance of rain in the near-term forecast. Trees and Neighborhoods: Research finds lower-income communities tend to have less tree cover and hotter summers, underscoring the value of shade trees for comfort and energy savings. Water Partnerships: West Virginia agreed to pay up to $597,000 annually to Marshall and WVU units for water-related partnerships.

Free-Speech Fight: West Virginia Rivers Coalition and 350.org sued Attorney General J.B. McCuskey, asking a federal judge to block subpoenas seeking years of records on their climate advocacy, funding and partnerships. The groups call the investigation retaliatory; the attorney general’s office is investigating alleged consumer-protection violations, and the claims have not been decided in court. Coal Mine Cleanup: Remediation is set to begin at the White Hall coal-seam fire and mine-subsidence site, where a fire has burned for decades. Water Partnerships: West Virginia agreed to pay up to $597,000 annually to Marshall and WVU units for water-related partnerships. Wildlife Research: WVU student research is examining how private forests support migratory birds.

Climate Advocacy: West Virginia Rivers Coalition and 350.org sued Attorney General J.B. McCuskey, seeking to block subpoenas for a decade of records related to climate advocacy. The groups allege the investigation threatens protected speech; the claims have not been decided in court. Clean Water: The state agreed to pay Marshall and WVU units up to $597,000 annually to help small water systems pursue grants and technical support. Mine Pollution: Remediation is set to begin at the White Hall coal-seam fire and subsidence site, where residents have waited years for action. Data Center Impacts: A permit application for a Mason County data center is under public review, with filings detailing potential environmental impacts. Wastewater Recycling: Steel Valley Wastewater plans to begin operating its Weirton industrial treatment and recycling facility in November, with about 30 jobs expected.

Environmental Oversight: West Virginia Attorney General John McCuskey subpoenaed at least six environmental groups for records tied to climate advocacy, fundraising and energy statements. WV Rivers Coalition and 350.org sued to block the demands, arguing they violate constitutional rights and could chill advocacy; the claims have not been decided by a court. Water Infrastructure: The state Water Development Authority agreed to pay Marshall and WVU units up to nearly $600,000 a year to help small water systems pursue grants and technical support. Mine Cleanup: Remediation work is set to begin at the White Hall coal-seam fire and subsidence site, where residents have waited years for a fix. Pollution Permits: A data center air-pollution permit is under public review, with permit filings detailing potential environmental impacts in Mason County. Wastewater: Steel Valley Wastewater plans to open its Weirton industrial recycling center in November, giving local industries another option for treating wastewater.

Environmental Advocacy: West Virginia’s attorney general is seeking a decade of records from leading climate and environmental groups, citing alleged deception. The groups say the subpoenas are overly broad and intended to stifle speech, and have asked a federal court to dismiss them. Wastewater: Steel Valley Wastewater plans to open its Weirton industrial treatment and recycling facility in November, with about 30 employees expected at the start. Mine Cleanup: Remediation is set to begin at White Hall’s long-burning coal seam fire and mine subsidence site, a problem residents have waited years to see addressed. Pollution Oversight: A data center air-pollution permit in Mason County is under public review. Forest and Farm Economy: State grants aim to develop new markets for pawpaws and forest crops.

Climate Advocacy: West Virginia Attorney General JB McCuskey is seeking a decade of records from environmental groups over their climate advocacy and fundraising. The groups call the subpoenas politically motivated and are suing to quash them. Industrial Oversight: The Morrisey administration gave plastics-project developer Clean-Seas a one-year reprieve from meeting job and investment targets tied to a $1.75 million state loan, despite project delays and nearby residents’ concerns. Data Center Impacts: A Mason County data center permit detailing potential environmental effects is under public review. Mine Hazards: Remediation is set to begin at a White Hall coal-seam fire that has burned for decades. Watershed Protection: The Nature Conservancy’s new Red Creek Headwaters Preserve protects two miles of stream headwaters in Tucker County, safeguarding waters downstream and linking nearby public and private lands.

Wildlife Watch: A raccoon found on private property in Ohio County tested positive for rabies, the county’s fourth confirmed case; health officials urge residents to avoid strange-acting wildlife and keep pets vaccinated. Mine-Fire Cleanup: Remediation is set to begin at White Hall’s decades-old coal-seam fire site, where subsidence has damaged nearby property and residents have waited for a lasting fix. Pollution and Development: A data-center air-pollution permit is under public review, while a proposed 2,250-acre campus in Mason County has put a rare American chestnut grove at risk. Water Conservation: The Nature Conservancy’s new Red Creek Headwaters Preserve protects two miles of stream beginnings in Tucker County and could connect public lands near Dolly Sods and Canaan Valley. Energy: Kentucky regulators approved a new cooling tower at the Mitchell coal plant in West Virginia, but the project still needs state approval and a federal grant. Spill Response: West Virginia DEP has released updated information on a diesel leak in Kanawha County, where containment work followed fuel entering Slaughters Creek.

Mine-Fire Cleanup: Remediation is set to begin at the decades-old coal seam fire in White Hall, where ground movement has damaged homes and left one owner preparing to sell. Data Center Pollution: A public air-permit review for Mason County’s proposed Monarch campus covers more than 800 power-generation engines, plus gas heaters and diesel generators. The state review focuses on emissions and nearby residents, farmland and the river. Coal Plant: Kentucky regulators approved a new cooling tower at the Mitchell coal plant in West Virginia, conditional on West Virginia approval and a $51 million federal grant toward the $191 million project. Flood Resilience: Franklin received a $604,953 grant for green infrastructure to manage stormwater, reduce downtown flooding and improve water quality before runoff reaches the South Branch of the Potomac. Farms and Forests: Eight state projects won federal specialty-crop grants, including research into processing native pawpaws and support for forest farming.

Flood Protection: Franklin won a $604,953 grant for green infrastructure to curb downtown flooding and filter stormwater before it reaches the South Branch of the Potomac. Energy and Land Use: Valley Link is scheduling new open houses on potential transmission-line routes across West Virginia, Maryland and Virginia, after using community feedback and environmental information to refine options. Mine Cleanup: In White Hall, a resident whose home was threatened by a landslide tied to an underground mine fire has agreed to sell while promised repairs remain unstarted. Pollution Response: The DEP has released more information about a diesel leak in Kanawha County. Power Costs: State regulators say power plants should aim for 69% capacity, but won’t have to meet that target if doing so raises electric bills. Wildlife: WVU researchers are studying how privately managed forests support migratory birds. Carbon Storage: West Virginia is among states with authority over carbon-storage well permits, as a federal report flags a large review backlog and gaps in oversight.

Power and Data Centers: West Virginia regulators say power plants should aim for a 69% capacity factor under the state’s data center law, but won’t have to meet it if doing so raises electricity bills. Separately, permit filings for a proposed Mason County data center outline significant environmental impacts. Mine Fire: A White Hall homeowner threatened by ground movement tied to an underground coal-seam fire has agreed to sell her home, but repair work has yet to begin; she says she does not feel safe returning. Water Pollution: Crews are removing diesel from Slaughters Creek and the Kanawha River after a tank leak released less than 5,000 gallons. The DEP says cleanup costs fall to the trucking company and is investigating a possible operational error. Carbon Storage: West Virginia is among six states with authority over carbon-storage well permits, as a federal report flags a large review backlog and gaps in oversight. Wildlife: WVU researchers are studying how privately managed forests support migratory birds, using field observations to assess bird habitat and population models.

Kanawha County Spill: Crews are removing diesel from Slaughters Creek and the Kanawha River after less than 5,000 gallons leaked from a storage tank. WVDEP says the company will pay for cleanup as investigators examine a possible operational error. Coal-Seam Fire: Remediation is set to begin at White Hall, where a decades-old underground fire is linked to ground slippage and damage to a home. Data Center Impacts: Permit filings for a proposed Mason County data center detail significant environmental concerns, putting the project’s local effects in focus. Mine-Land Slippage: Contractors have mobilized on Emmett Drive in Granville to assess temporary fixes for rock slides that have kept the road closed for more than a year; officials are pursuing a permanent solution.