AGP Executive Report

Transmission Line Fight: Randolph County officials voted unanimously to oppose the Valley North 765-kilovolt transmission line, arguing it could harm property owners and serve out-of-state interests. Severe Weather & Flooding Watch: The region is seeing a record-breaking stretch—NOAA and NWS Pittsburgh point to a very wet first half of August and a high tornado count, while forecasts warn August storms can bring flash flooding. Climate Outlook: NOAA says a “super” El Niño is driving a warmer-than-average fall outlook for much of the U.S., with West Virginia in the “equal chances” zone. Wildlife & Fisheries: West Virginia’s pumpkinseed sunfish state record has been broken three times in under a month, with a new catch certified from Cheat Lake. Conservation Tech: U.S. Fish and Wildlife biologists are testing tiny “backpacks” to track and help boost the threatened Big Sandy crayfish population. Water & Health: Gov. Morrisey announced $1.25 million to expand community-based PACE care for older West Virginians, and separate reporting highlights ongoing concerns about water infrastructure and quality. Outdoor Recreation: West Virginia’s first snowflakes can arrive unusually early in higher elevations, with October historically bringing the first real chances.

Power & Grid Oversight: West Virginia PSC staff asked to pause or dismiss NextEra’s Mid-Atlantic Resiliency Link (MARL) transmission line case, citing late route revisions, added impacts to landowners, and new federal directives that could leave the project uncertain. Drinking Water & Leaks: Gov. Morrisey announced a “Clean, Clear Water” push with $145 million in state funding for water and wastewater upgrades, aimed at small systems and fixing major leak problems. Severe Weather Aftermath: With flooding still reshaping parts of Appalachia, local and regional public health and recovery efforts are ramping up, including staffing and food-safety concerns amid a record cyclosporiasis outbreak. Home Heating Help: WV’s Department of Energy is rolling out $88 million in rebates (HOMES and HEAR) to help residents cut winter energy costs and electrify appliances. Wildlife & Safety: A new report highlights that deer—more than bears or snakes—are the most likely wildlife cause of fatal vehicle crashes in West Virginia. Invasive Species Watch: The Joro spider season is underway in multiple states, with climate and trade linked to more invasives arriving and sticking around. Local Roadwork: Coal River Mountain Road and I-64 in Greenbrier County face scheduled construction delays tied to infrastructure work.

Water Infrastructure: Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced $145 million for Wayne County and southern West Virginia water fixes, aiming to stop massive underground leaks (up to 70% of clean water lost) and fund an emergency pipeline linking Crum PSD to Lavalette for backup supply. Home Energy Assistance: West Virginia’s Department of Energy is rolling out two winter help programs—$88 million in rebates for home heating upgrades and electrification—starting Sept. 28, with applications open now. Permitting Reform: Sen. Shelley Moore Capito says she’s pushing federal environmental review and permitting reform to shorten project timelines while protecting clean air and water. Public Health & Food Safety: A major cyclosporiasis outbreak is straining West Virginia’s local food safety staffing, with experts warning federal funding cuts have left programs unable to respond fast enough. Wildlife Safety: A new look at West Virginia wildlife risks points to white-tailed deer as the most likely cause of fatal animal-vehicle crashes, more than bears. Weather Outlook: NOAA’s fall outlook shows West Virginia faces a “toss-up” on whether fall turns warmer, cooler, or average, with precipitation also uncertain. Data Centers & Power Lines: West Virginia residents and regulators are raising concerns about data-center growth and proposed transmission line route changes, with the PSC weighing potential delays. Community Conservation: The Appalachian Forest Discovery Summit is set for Sept. 17–18 in Elkins, focusing on forest stewardship and sustainable recreation.

Wildlife & Forests: A new study published in Ecology documents American woodcock hens defending nests from white-tailed deer in West Virginia—using tactics from puffing up to full attacks—offering rare, first-known footage of how the birds respond to a major predator. Water Infrastructure: Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced major fixes for Wayne County’s water system, including $145 million for water projects statewide (aiming to unlock $450 million total), a partnership with West Virginia American Water to address massive underground leaks, and plans for an emergency pipeline to Lavalette to prevent future outages. Severe Weather: The Pittsburgh NWS confirmed two EF-0 tornadoes from Aug. 16, pushing the region’s 2026 tornado count to a new record of 30—far above the usual 8–10—highlighting how active storm patterns are affecting parts of northern West Virginia and nearby states. Flood Impacts & Recovery: Flash flooding in Fayette County washed out roads in the Mulberry Fork area, leaving some families without running water for days and cutting off access until repairs and recovery efforts catch up. Public Lands & Wildfire Policy: The Trump administration moved to rescind the Roadless Area Conservation Rule, opening more federal wildlands to logging and road building, with public comment open through Sept. 21. Local Heritage & Conservation Events: The Appalachian Forest National Heritage Area will host its Appalachian Forest Discovery Summit Sept. 17–18 in Elkins, featuring talks on sustainable recreation, historic preservation, and forest-based enterprise.

Severe Weather & Flood Recovery: Sunday’s flash flooding hit Fayette County hard, washing out roads in Robson’s Mulberry Fork community and leaving families without running water even after power and internet returned. Storm Outlook: A flood watch is back for the Ohio Valley/MOV tonight, with rain chances continuing but expected to be less extreme than earlier rounds; drier days are forecast after Thursday/Friday, with another system possible over the weekend. Power Restoration: Appalachian Power says service is restored to all customers affected by the latest storms, though flooding and successive weekend hits made access and repairs difficult. Road Impacts in the New River Gorge: Key park roads remain closed after slides and washouts, including Cunard Road, Nuttalburg Road, and Glade Creek Road past Grandview Campground. Wilderness Policy: The Trump administration is moving to dismantle the Roadless Rule, opening protected federal wildlands to road building and timber harvesting. Air Quality & “Advanced Recycling”: WV DEP approved a final air permit for Clean-Seas’ pyrolysis/“advanced recycling” plant in eastern Kanawha County despite community opposition in Belle. Energy Infrastructure & Wildlife: The Tygarts Valley Conservation District opposes the Valley North 765 kV transmission line project, citing habitat fragmentation, erosion/sedimentation risks, and impacts to sensitive species. Conservation & Wildlife Research: New research documents American woodcock hens defending nests from deer—rare, previously unreported behavior for the ground-nesting birds. Local Development: Wheeling’s Gateway Center project cleared final funding with a $3.2 million Abandoned Mine Land grant to break ground.

Severe Weather Response: Gov. Patrick Morrisey declared a State of Emergency for all 55 West Virginia counties after Aug. 16–18 storms brought flash flooding, mudslides, damaging winds, and widespread water rescues, with the order lasting 30 days to speed response and recovery. Local Flood Impacts: Charleston and Kanawha County also issued city/county emergency declarations as residents continued cleanup from Sunday’s flash flooding, including school delays tied to storm damage. Air Quality & Plastics: WV DEP approved a final air permit for Clean-Seas West Virginia’s “advanced recycling”/pyrolysis plant in eastern Kanawha County, despite community opposition in Belle over air quality and other concerns. Water & Wastewater Enforcement: WV DEP notified the Public Service Commission about its legal action against Kanawha Falls PSD, alleging unpermitted sewage discharges and seeking penalties that could affect debt tied to a potential sale. Energy Infrastructure Debate: The Tygarts Valley Conservation District formally opposed the Valley North 765 kV transmission line, warning of long-term harm to farmland, habitats, waterways, and wildlife, and pointing to data-center-driven demand. Wildlife Research: New footage-based research reports American woodcocks defending nests from deer—an unexpected behavior that adds to what’s known about protecting ground-nesting birds. Community Stewardship: WV DEP is accepting submissions for its “Roadsides in Bloom” wildflower calendar contest, with entries due Sept. 11.

Extreme Weather Response: Gov. Patrick Morrisey declared a statewide State of Emergency for all 55 West Virginia counties after Aug. 16–18 storms brought flash flooding, mudslides, damaging winds, and widespread water rescues, with the order lasting 30 days and separate from the July 21 recovery emergency. Local Cleanup & Recovery: Charleston and Kanawha County also issued emergency declarations as residents continued cleanup after Sunday’s flash flooding, including school delays tied to flood damage. Water & Wastewater Enforcement: WVDEP notified the Public Service Commission about its ongoing legal action against Kanawha Falls PSD, alleging unpermitted sewage discharges and seeking penalties, with an evidentiary hearing set for the PSD sale Aug. 24. Air Quality / Permitting: WVDEP determined Fundamental Data met site-control requirements for its Tucker County Ridgeline gas-and-data-center project, resolving a procedural dispute while other questions remain. Plastics & Pollution: WVDEP approved a key construction permit for Clean-Seas’ Belle pyrolysis plant, despite local opposition over potential cumulative air and water impacts. Wildlife Note: New research reports American woodcocks defending nests from deer using multiple tactics, including aggressive attacks—rare footage-based documentation from West Virginia.

Severe Weather & Flood Recovery: Flash flooding hit West Virginia hard over the weekend, with more than 50 water-rescue calls logged in Kanawha County and thousands still dealing with outages; Charleston declared a state of emergency as cleanup continues, and health officials urged residents to use protective gear, avoid unsafe generators and contaminated floodwater, and stay away from damaged buildings until cleared. Road & Traffic Impacts: A temporary I-79 lane closure starts Tuesday evening near Prickett’s Fort (MM 139) to shift traffic into new interior lanes, with delays expected. Air Quality & Plastics: WV DEP approved a key construction permit for Clean-Seas’ plastics pyrolysis plant in Belle, despite local concerns about cumulative pollution impacts. Data Centers & Power: WV DEP cleared a procedural site-control question for a contested 5-GW ridgeline gas/solar/data-center complex in Tucker County, though other issues remain open. PFAS Community Planning: WV DEP and partners held a public session on “forever chemicals” (PFAs) and how to identify sources in drinking-water systems, with PFAS action plans planned for affected water systems. Clean Transportation Oversight: GreenPower Motor electric school buses won’t be used as schools start the year while NHTSA investigates compliance issues, including overheating brakes and emergency-exit concerns. Outdoor Access: WVDNR opened registration for its Becoming an Outdoors Woman fall workshop (Sept. 25–27) at Cacapon Resort State Park, with 75 spots available.

Flood Recovery: After weekend storms, West Virginia officials are pushing residents to report flood damage through the state Emergency Management Division survey, including individuals, businesses, and local governments, to support possible federal disaster relief; Fayette County also urged people to document losses and seek flood-exposure health guidance. Storm Impacts & Power: Flash flooding and rescues were reported across North Central West Virginia, with road closures and high water in Harrison County, while Appalachian Power reported thousands without power statewide as saturated ground and downed trees complicated restoration. DEP Enforcement: The WV Department of Environmental Protection asked a Fayette County judge to rule in its enforcement case against Kanawha Falls Public Service District, citing the PSD’s failure to respond to a May complaint. Data Centers & Water/Power: Gov. Jim Morrisey’s administration is advancing a 20-year “Responsible Data Center” framework aimed at protecting ratepayers and water resources while requiring developers to cover electrical infrastructure needs. Wildlife Research: A new study documents American woodcock hens defending nests from deer—rare behavior that could help inform conservation of ground-nesting birds.

Flood Recovery Watch: West Virginia is still in the crosshairs after deadly Midwest storms, with flood warnings and watches covering parts of the state and officials urging people to avoid flooded roads and “turn around, don’t drown.” Power Restoration: More than 30,000 WV customers were without electricity Monday, with Kanawha County hit hardest, as crews work through storm damage. Local Storm Damage Tracking: The WV Emergency Management Division is collecting severe-weather damage reports through an online survey (with photos and a 911 address), to map impacts and guide any future assistance. Data Center & Air Quality: WV DEP says Fundamental Data had legal site control for a proposed Tucker County data center-linked power project, after questions about land ownership and redacted sale documents. Energy Grid Policy: The Trump administration is dropping three proposed National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor routes, a move that could reshape regional transmission planning. Long-Duration Storage Boost: Form Energy secured $750 million to expand its iron-air battery factory in Weirton, betting on surging data center power demand. Wildlife Note: WV researchers reported new footage of American woodcock hens defending nests from deer, adding to what’s known about ground-nesting bird behavior.

Flooding & Storm Response: Heavy rain and thunderstorms kept West Virginia on edge Sunday, with Flash Flood Warnings in multiple counties and reports of washed-out roads, mudslides, and rescues; in Fayette, the storms destroyed an access bridge at the Fayette County Animal Shelter, while CSX dealt with washouts and Amtrak was forced to stop near Pratt before backing up. Local Impacts Across WV: Floodwaters surrounded the Leading Creek Fire Department in Randolph County, closed roads including US 219 near Elkins Speedway and Route 57 in Barbour County, and left thousands without power statewide. New River Gorge Closures: Torrential rainfall in the northern New River Gorge National Park and Preserve shut down routes into the gorge, including the road to Nuttallburg and Cunard Road due to debris slides and downed trees. Weather Outlook: Forecasters warned more rounds of flash flooding and severe threats could return into Monday, especially where soils are already saturated. Bay Cleanup Support Gaps: A Chesapeake Bay Journal report says many local governments lack the workforce and expertise for cleanup, and that “technical assistance” programs are unevenly distributed and inconsistent in funding. Air Quality & Plastics: WV DEP approved an air quality permit for a plastics-to-products facility near Belle despite community fears about health impacts. Wildlife Research: New research from West Virginia camera-trap footage documents American woodcock hens defending nests from deer using multiple strategies.

Flooding & Power Outages: Heavy rain again triggered Flash Flood Warnings across West Virginia, with crews responding to reports of possible entrapment in Barbour County and road closures as Mud Gut Road saw trouble; statewide outages also lingered, with about 6,262 customers without power Sunday morning, led by Kanawha and Fayette. Severe Weather Outlook: The next round of storm risk is still on the table for the Ohio Valley and Appalachians, with Flood Watches extending into West Virginia through Monday morning as saturated ground raises flash-flood odds. Data Centers vs. Water & Rates: West Virginia’s “Responsible Data Center Development Plan” is drawing scrutiny over whether it adds enforceable protections beyond HB 2014, while Gov. Morrisey says the state will oversee water asset protection and push standards like noise setbacks and ratepayer safeguards. Public Comment Opportunity: WVDEP is accepting comments and holding a virtual hearing on draft Total Maximum Daily Loads for Upper Elk River tributaries and Eastern Panhandle streams, targeting impairments including bacteria and biological conditions. Wildlife Update: New research documents American woodcock hens defending nests from deer—rare, first-known footage of nest defense behavior in West Virginia. Energy Storage Investment: Form Energy raised $750 million to expand iron-air battery manufacturing in Weirton, aiming to meet growing multi-day storage demand tied to data centers and power needs.

Midwest Flood Crisis: Indiana’s record flooding from relentless storms has killed at least six people, with more rescues and evacuations as the White River crests and another round of heavy rain threatens already-saturated ground. West Virginia Storm Watch: Sunday is shaping up as an “Impact Day” for flash flooding and severe storms, with a Flood Watch running into Monday morning for parts of WV (including Monongalia, Preston, and Tucker) as rain bands return and soils stay wet. DEP Water Cleanup Input: WVDEP is accepting public comments and holding a virtual hearing Sept. 15 on draft Total Maximum Daily Loads for Upper Elk River tributaries and Eastern Panhandle streams, targeting impairments like bacteria and biological conditions. Plastics Permit Pushback: WVDEP approved an air quality permit for Clean-Seas West Virginia’s plastics conversion project near Belle despite community health fears and concerns about monitoring near a school. Data Center Debate: Gov. Patrick Morrisey is defending a “Responsible Data Center Development Plan,” saying it builds on HB 2014 with promises around water protections and ratepayer safeguards, while critics question whether protections go beyond existing law. Energy Storage Investment: Form Energy raised $750 million to expand iron-air battery manufacturing in Weirton and scale deployments tied to growing power-storage demand. Wildlife & Pollinators: A WV beekeeping legal fight heads to the state’s highest court, and new research documents American woodcock hens defending nests from deer.

Plastics & air quality: WVDEP approved a permit for Clean-Seas West Virginia’s plastics-to-products facility near Belle, despite community fears about health impacts and the plant’s proximity to Riverside High School. Water restoration: WVDEP is taking public comments and holding a virtual hearing on draft Total Maximum Daily Loads for Upper Elk River tributaries and Eastern Panhandle streams, targeting impairments tied to bacteria and biological conditions. Data centers & power/water rules: Gov. Morrisey defended West Virginia’s “Responsible Data Center Development Plan,” saying it builds on HB 2014 and aims to protect ratepayers and water while addressing noise and setback concerns; meanwhile, reporting highlights how the plan is colliding with local backlash and questions about enforceable protections. Severe weather risk: A multi-state storm system is keeping flood watches and heavy-rain threats active, with forecasts calling for additional excessive rainfall across Indiana, Ohio, and West Virginia. Batteries for grid demand: Form Energy raised $750 million to expand iron-air battery manufacturing in Weirton, tying new storage capacity to surging data center electricity needs. Wildlife & environment: New research documents American woodcocks defending nests from deer—rare footage that adds to what we know about ground-nesting bird survival strategies.

Water Quality & Public Input: WVDEP is taking comments and holding a virtual hearing on draft Total Maximum Daily Loads for Upper Elk River tributaries (upstream of Sutton Lake) and Eastern Panhandle streams, targeting impairments tied to bacteria, iron, and/or biological conditions, with the hearing set for Sept. 15. Data Centers & Community Protections: Gov. Patrick Morrisey defended West Virginia’s “Responsible Data Center Development Plan,” saying it builds on HB 2014 and focuses on ratepayer and water protections, plus practical concerns like noise and avoiding electricity-rate spikes. Greenbrier Casino Update: The Greenbrier’s ownership and refinancing dispute with the West Virginia Lottery continues, with Lottery officials saying casino operations can stay open during review if new board members are “walled off” from day-to-day control. Energy Storage Expansion: Form Energy raised $750 million to expand iron-air battery manufacturing in Weirton and scale deployments tied to growing power-storage demand. Weather Watch: Southern West Virginia faces more active rain and storm chances into early next week, with damaging winds, heavy rainfall, and lightning possible. Food Safety: FDA upgraded a multi-state egg recall to the highest risk level after salmonella sickened dozens across 17 states. Wildlife & Pollinators: A W.Va. beekeeper’s fight to keep his hives reached the state’s highest court, raising questions about local rules for pollinators.

Data Centers & Water/Power: West Virginia leaders unveiled a 20-year “Responsible Data Center Development Plan” with seven principles, aiming to protect natural beauty and residents while pairing data-center growth with microgrids and power generation rules. Local Governance & Infrastructure: In Weirton, ordered water-line upgrades may slip as a funding proposal was tabled in Charleston, potentially pushing timelines by at least a month. Energy Grid Resilience: Kentucky Power and Appalachian Power plan transmission improvements in Johnson and Lawrence counties (and Wayne County, WV), including rebuilding about 26 miles of 138-kV line to cut outages tied to severe weather and vegetation. Public Health & Wildlife: USDA-APHIS begins an oral rabies vaccine bait drop across West Virginia through Sept. 4, with aerial distribution in the Northern Panhandle/Ohio River area and later coverage in central counties. Extreme Weather: Flooding and power outages continue to batter the Midwest after historic rain, with more storms threatening additional flooding. Wildlife Research: New footage from West Virginia shows American woodcocks defending nests from deer—rare, first-known documentation of the behavior. Outdoor/Seasonal Watch: West Virginia fall foliage could be helped by a wet summer, but the final color will hinge on late-August and September weather.