AGP Executive Report

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.

Data Center Backlash in WV: West Virginia leaders are pushing large-scale data center growth even as public opposition grows and residents warn about power and water impacts, echoing a broader national trend of bans and moratoriums in places like the Chesapeake Bay region. Courts vs Climate “Superfund” Laws: A federal judge blocked New York’s $75 billion Climate Change Superfund Act, a move West Virginia and other states backed as an overreach; the ruling is being framed as a win for energy stability and “polluter pays” opponents. WV Wildlife Win: The WVDNR certified a new West Virginia blue catfish record: Tyler Harmon caught a 72.75-pound fish on the Ohio River near Ravenswood. WV Water/Storm Readiness: Another severe thunderstorm watch was issued for parts of the Mid-Atlantic and West Virginia, with damaging winds, hail, and possible tornadoes. Conservation & Community: The West Virginia State Parks Foundation announced winners of its “Mountains Are Always Free” spring and summer photo contest, spotlighting wildlife, plants, and outdoor recreation across state parks.

Wildlife & Fisheries: West Virginia’s blue catfish comeback keeps paying off: WVDNR certified a new state weight record—Tyler Harmon of Ravenswood caught a 72.75-pound, 48.15-inch fish on the Ohio River. Public Lands & Recreation: A new 18-mile Meadow River Rail Trail segment is drawing out-of-state cyclists and boosting access to a “hidden” river valley between Rainelle and Nallen. State Parks: The West Virginia State Parks Foundation named winners of its spring/summer “Mountains Are Always Free” photo contest, including wildlife and outdoor recreation categories. Health & Workforce: Gov. Morrisey announced the first Rural Health Transformation Program grants—$2.4 million total to three groups to expand employer-based and worksite clinics. Climate Policy in Court: A federal court struck down New York’s $75 billion Climate Change Superfund Act, ruling it’s preempted by federal law—West Virginia is part of the coalition behind the challenge. Severe Weather: A Severe Thunderstorm Watch was issued for parts of West Virginia and nearby states, with damaging winds and hail possible.

Ohio River Fishing: WVDNR certified a new West Virginia state record blue catfish: Tyler Harmon of Ravenswood caught a 48.15-inch, 72.75-pound fish on Aug. 29 on the Ohio River in Jackson County, breaking the weight record (length record still stands). Severe Weather & Power: Another round of storms is expected across the region, with a Severe Thunderstorm Watch issued for parts of the D.C. area and nearby states; in Western Pennsylvania, tens of thousands remain without power after Thursday storms and flooding. Storm Cleanup Funding: Fairfax County staff may add $300,000 for ongoing cleanup of Royal Lake Park in Burke after a June microburst damaged infrastructure. West Virginia Outdoors: The new 18-mile Meadow River Rail Trail is drawing cyclists from out of state, connecting a former railroad corridor between Rainelle and Nallen to the New River Gorge area. Adopt-a-Highway: WVDEP is accepting registrations for its statewide fall cleanup on Sept. 26, with sign-up due Sept. 17. Data Centers & Public Input: A broader EPA move would let data centers skip public comment before air permits, raising concerns about transparency for communities. Climate Policy Fight: A study says fossil fuel industry lobbying helped kill climate “Superfund” bills in Oregon and other states despite public support.

Data centers vs. communities: A new national look at 2026 shows lawmakers have introduced at least 375 data-center bills, with about three-quarters aiming to restrict development as residents push back over electricity costs and environmental impacts. WV permitting spotlight: WVDEP issued a stormwater construction permit (WVR 113389) for the Sidewinder raw water line, and reporting raises questions about whether the Charles Town Utility Board was aware of the permit and whether required paperwork was properly signed. Local cleanup push: WVDEP is taking registrations for the Adopt-A-Highway Fall Statewide Cleanup on Sept. 26, with volunteers getting supplies and removing litter from state-maintained roads. Severe weather watch: The National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm watch covering parts of West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle. Flood recovery in Martinsburg: City leaders urged residents and businesses to complete FEMA disaster surveys after last week’s record flooding, and noted permit-fee waivers during the recovery period. Energy policy at the Chamber: Sen. Shelley Moore Capito and Sen. Jim Justice used the West Virginia Chamber summit to argue for energy investment and permitting reform, including how to address concerns about data centers while keeping jobs and reliability in focus.

Flood Recovery: Martinsburg is pushing residents and businesses to finish short disaster surveys after last week’s record flooding, saying FEMA funding depends on the totals; the city is also waiving permit fees for about 30 days for flood-related property damage. Volunteer Cleanup: WVDEP is taking registrations for the Adopt-A-Highway Fall Statewide Cleanup on Sept. 26, with supplies provided and last year’s results topping 52,000 volunteer hours and 251,000 pounds of litter removed. Landfill Oversight: The West Virginia Public Service Commission approved a Certificate of Need for Brooke County Landfill’s existing stabilization and solidification activities, clearing the way for compliance with state requirements. Heat Impacts: A new analysis says heat deaths are badly undercounted nationwide, with West Virginia showing a large undercount factor—raising urgency for better heat risk tracking and protections. PFAS Accountability: A new report details how “forever chemicals” were known to spread into people’s blood decades ago, but kept secret—renewing pressure for stronger cleanup and transparency. Severe Weather Watch: Forecasts call for rounds of thunderstorms and flash flooding risk across parts of the region, including areas near West Virginia. Clean Energy Push: A new clean energy partnership aims to help firm the WV grid, while Capito and Justice highlighted energy and permitting reform at the West Virginia Chamber summit. Recycling Fees Court Rethink: Parkersburg is moving to change recycling billing after a court ruling found its subscription-based recycling fee system violated state law. Community Green Space: Monongalia County backed the Mon Valley Greenbelt Project, aiming to connect parks and trails and offer alternatives to vehicle travel. AmeriCorps Funding: West Virginia AmeriCorps programs are set to share more than $6.4 million in federal funding, including environmental stewardship and disaster services. Energy Infrastructure: TC Energy says it has invested billions in West Virginia pipelines and plans more growth, including a new project to move natural gas through the state.

Recycling Fight in Parkersburg: A Wood County judge said the city’s subscription recycling setup breaks state law, and Parkersburg City Council is moving to replace it with a flat $3 monthly fee for all residential customers. Climate Court Clash: A West Virginia-led coalition scored a major federal win, with a judge ruling New York’s Climate Change Superfund Act can’t be enforced because federal law preempts it. Power Line Pressure: NextEra is asking the West Virginia Public Service Commission to push back deadlines for its MidAtlantic Resiliency Link transmission project as residents raise environmental and land-impact concerns. Clean Energy Build-Out: MN8 Energy, Eos Energy, and Google announced a multi-technology clean power deal for the PJM grid, including a planned West Virginia project using long-duration storage. Watershed & Community Work: Monongalia County backed the Mon Valley Greenbelt plan to connect parks and trails, and West Virginia AmeriCorps programs are set to receive $6.4M in federal funds for environmental stewardship and disaster services. Weather Watch: Severe thunderstorm conditions remain possible across parts of the region, with watches issued including areas of West Virginia.

Climate & Courts: West Virginia-led coalition scored a major win as a federal judge struck down New York’s $75B “Climate Superfund” law, saying it’s preempted by federal authority and can’t be enforced—an outcome that could reshape similar “polluter pays” efforts in other states. Energy Infrastructure: NextEra is seeking to delay a West Virginia Public Service Commission decision on its MidAtlantic Resiliency Link transmission line after staff signaled the case should be dismissed or reconsidered, keeping local environmental and land-impact concerns in the spotlight. Severe Weather & Heat: The National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm watch covering parts of West Virginia, while a heat advisory pushes hot, humid conditions with storm chances into Thursday. Local Environment & Community: West Virginia State University Extension launched a hands-on demonstration garden to help residents grow food, compost, and support pollinators in small spaces. Wildlife Watch: Joro spiders—an invasive orb-weaver spreading beyond the Southeast—have now been detected in West Virginia, with September and October expected to bring the most noticeable activity.

Road & Safety: West Virginia Division of Highways District Four says County Route 50/6 (Raccoon Run Road) will close 7 a.m.-6 p.m. from Sept. 1 through Sept. 11 for paving and shoulder work, with daytime operations and flaggers. Public Health & Environment: West Virginia DEP’s “Make It Shine” is recruiting volunteers for a Kanawha River cleanup Sept. 12 (9 a.m.-noon) in Fayette, Kanawha, Putnam and Mason counties. Wildlife & Invasives: Joro spiders are spreading beyond their original East Asia range and have been detected in West Virginia, with September-October the easiest time to spot their large webs. Local Infrastructure: Putnam County delegates want an expedited safety and engineering review of dangerous U.S. 35 intersections, citing years of fatal crashes. Courts & Permits: The WV Intermediate Court dismissed two Ridgeline Power Plant and data center appeals in Tucker and Grant counties, narrowing legal paths for challenges. Energy Policy: A federal judge blocked New York’s $75 billion “climate superfund” law, a ruling West Virginia AGs say could limit similar state efforts nationwide. State Finances: WV reported August General Revenue Fund collections of $449 million, beating estimates, while officials ordered flat budgets for FY28.

Courtroom Climate Clash: A federal judge blocked New York’s $75 billion “Climate Superfund” law, saying it’s preempted by the federal Clean Air Act—an outcome West Virginia AG JB McCuskey’s coalition helped drive, with other states watching closely. Seasonal Warming in WV: A Climate Central analysis found fall temperatures are rising across the U.S. in every county since 1970, including West Virginia, with more warmer-than-normal fall days. Corridor H Fight in the Region: Citizens and environmental groups filed to halt Corridor H construction on the Wardensville-to-Virginia line, arguing federal environmental review missed less destructive spot improvements. WV Cleanup Volunteers: WVDEP’s “Make It Shine” is seeking volunteers for a Kanawha River cleanup Sept. 12 in Fayette, Kanawha, Putnam, and Mason counties. Wildlife Update: Two unbanded peregrine falcons were confirmed at the New River Gorge Bridge, a sign the restoration effort may be taking hold. Heat & Storm Watch: Local forecasts warn of hot, humid days and a better chance for thunderstorms later this week across parts of West Virginia. Local Road Work: WVDOH District Four announced a Raccoon Run Road paving closure (CR 50/6) Sept. 1–11 with daytime flagger-controlled delays. WVDEP/Industry Oversight: DEP records tied a Parkersburg-area Peoples Cartage fire to hazardous materials concerns, including chemical storage and air monitoring after the blaze.

Energy & Climate Court Fight: A federal judge ruled New York can’t enforce its 2024 “Climate Change Superfund Act” demanding $75 billion from fossil fuel companies, saying the plan conflicts with federal authority over carbon rules—West Virginia AG J.B. McCuskey called it a win against a “money grab.” Soot Pollution at the Supreme Court: Republican AGs, including WV’s John McCuskey and Russell Coleman, are asking the U.S. Supreme Court to reverse lower-court support for tighter EPA soot limits tied to the Biden era. Data Center Backlash in WV: President Trump attacked the growing anti–data center movement, warning communities that reject projects could miss jobs and prosperity; locally, Tucker County opponents are pushing the WV Supreme Court to decide where their permit-appeal cases should be heard. Flood Recovery in Martinsburg: After the Aug. 27 flooding, Martinsburg is waiving building permit and inspection fees for 30 days for flood-related repairs and speeding up flood permit reviews. Wildlife Comeback: Two unbanded peregrine falcons have been confirmed at the New River Gorge Bridge, a hopeful sign for the species’ restoration in central Appalachia. Outdoor & Community: WV DNR announced 2026 elk management tour tickets, and the West Virginia State Parks Foundation named winners of its spring/summer “Mountains Are Always Free” photo contest.

Flood Recovery & Food Access: Martinsburg continues cleanup after Aug. 27 flooding, with debris collection and 30 days of waived building permit/inspection fees for flood repairs, while four flood-hit WV counties (Lewis, Pleasants, Ritchie, Upshur) can temporarily buy hot prepared food with SNAP through Sept. 26. Highway & Environmental Review: Citizens groups have filed a federal injunction to halt the final Corridor H segment from Wardensville to the Virginia line, arguing WVDOH/FHWA studies missed less invasive safety upgrades to the existing two-lane road. Water Protection: Gov. Morrisey says WVDEP and EPA Region 3 will remove hazardous materials from the former Belchers Cleaners site in Oceana to protect water resources. Wildlife & Conservation: WVDNR opened tickets for 2026 elk management tours in Logan County, and reports show restored elk are roaming farther as the herd grows. Community Health: Southern WV’s Out of the Darkness Walk for suicide prevention is set for Sept. 19 in Beckley. Air Pollution Policy Fight (National): A report says the Trump administration is unraveling a rule meant to cut toxic pollution from chemical plants.

Wildlife & Public Lands: West Virginia DNR says tickets are now available for 2026 Elk Management Tours in Logan County, with guided four-hour trips running weekends from Sept. 13 through Oct. 24; the state’s elk restoration program has introduced 119 elk to the Tomblin Wildlife Management Area since 2016. Wildlife Tracking: As the restored herd grows, tracking shows elk are roaming farther beyond their usual Tomblin range, including at least one animal moving north into Lincoln County before returning. Water Protection: Gov. Jim Morrisey announced WVDEP and EPA Region 3 will remove hazardous materials from the former Belchers Cleaners site in Oceana to protect West Virginia water resources, following a complaint-driven WVDEP inspection that found leaking dry-cleaning solvent containers and serious building disrepair. Air Quality & Courts: West Virginia’s Intermediate Court dismissed environmental groups’ challenges to Fundamental Data’s Tucker County data center permit, saying the court lacks jurisdiction under current environmental review statutes. Energy & Community Opposition: Residents in Putnam County are voicing concerns about a proposed Google data center campus, citing fears about air pollution and health impacts as local officials weigh the project. Climate & Data Tools: WVU researchers are using AI to speed up access to near-real-time ecosystem health data from monitoring sensors, aiming to help scientists respond faster to events like droughts and wildfires.

Water Protection in Oceana: Gov. Patrick Morrisey says WVDEP and EPA Region 3 will remove hazardous materials from the former Belchers Cleaners site, after an inspection found a partially collapsed roof, unsecured entryways, and leaking dry-cleaning chemicals—part of a broader push to address West Virginia water problems. Flood Aftermath & Safety: Residents are being urged to review flood safety steps, evacuate when told, avoid driving or walking through floodwater, and use mapwv.gov to check flood risk—especially as communities recover from recent heavy rain events. Ecosystem Monitoring Gets a Boost: WVU researchers are using AI to speed up access to near-real-time ecosystem health data from sensors, aiming to help scientists respond faster to droughts and wildfires. Data Center Fight in Tucker County: West Virginia’s Intermediate Court of Appeals dismissed environmental groups’ challenges to Fundamental Data’s Tucker County data center permit, saying the court lacks jurisdiction under current environmental review statutes. Air Pollution Legal Battle: Kentucky, co-leading a 25-state coalition with WV, asked the U.S. Supreme Court to review an EPA soot rule tightening yearly limits, arguing the agency exceeded its authority and didn’t properly weigh costs. Local Water Quality Snapshot: A study ranks Columbia, among college towns, mid-tier for drinking water—flagging lead concerns while reporting no PFAS detections in the measured categories. Weather Watch: Southern West Virginia is forecast to stay mostly dry into midweek, with heat returning and only a modest rain chance later in the week.