AGP Executive Report

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.

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.