AGP Executive Report

State Parks & Tourism: Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced about $19.725 million in upgrades across West Virginia state parks and forests, citing record tourism momentum and job support. Energy Permitting: A bipartisan “Four Corners” permitting reform package was released in Washington, with West Virginia Sen. Shelley Moore Capito among the leaders, aiming to speed federal approvals and cut energy project delays. Power Infrastructure: The WV Public Service Commission set a weeklong evidentiary hearing (Oct. 26–30, with continuation Nov. 2) on NextEra’s Mid-Atlantic Resiliency Link (MARL) transmission line, with dozens seeking to intervene. Nuclear Development Watch: Oklahoma is detailing its bid for a Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus—a sign the nuclear supply-chain push is moving fast, and West Virginia remains in the finalist conversation. Healthcare Costs: The Trump administration began mailing $500 ACA refund checks to nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, tied to alleged federal exchange “user fee” overcharges. Local Business: Morgantown’s Terra Cafe clarified its ownership after announcing closure, saying it wasn’t sold by March-Westin and that investors are exploring new tenants. Community & Agriculture: WVSU Extension is rolling out free fall workshops in the Kanawha Valley, including pumpkin preservation and agritourism info. Coalfield Reuse: In Mingo County, abandoned mine land reclamation is turning rocky sites into usable pasture using farm animals to rebuild soil health.

State Parks & Tourism: Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced nearly $20M in upgrades to West Virginia state parks, including a new 34-site campground at Little Beaver State Park near the New River Gorge and $1M in snowmaking improvements at Canaan Valley Resort to boost winter visitation. Environmental Risk & Industry: DEP approved a Peoples Cartage fire site assessment plan warning of “vast contamination potential” near the Little Kanawha River, tied to a July warehouse blaze and a state of emergency. Banking & Local Economy: Peoples Bancorp and Capital Bancorp signed a merger agreement valued at about $728.1M, creating a larger multi-state banking platform with roughly $14B in assets. Energy & Power Regulation: A PSC hearing weighed opposing views on coal-fired power rules tied to House Bill 2014’s data-center push, with proposals focused on maintaining thermal baseload capacity. Home Energy Costs: West Virginia launched statewide home energy rebate programs funded with $88M in federal support, aiming to cut utility bills with low- or no-out-of-pocket options for eligible families. Data Centers & Local Governance: Putnam County adopted a resolution on data centers requiring developers to follow county ordinances and consider impacts beyond finances. Public Safety & Infrastructure: A Morgantown-area bridge worker was killed after a crane malfunction on an I-79 bridge project, underscoring ongoing construction safety concerns.

Data Center Rules: Putnam County Commission approved a resolution on proposed data centers, pushing developers to follow county ordinances and not treat state law as a free pass, after public pressure tied to a planned hyperscale site. Energy & Power Oversight: West Virginia regulators held a hearing on PSC rules tied to HB 2014, with debate over coal-fired capacity requirements meant to support data-center growth. Nuclear Waste Line in the Sand: Gov. Patrick Morrisey reiterated West Virginia “will not be a dumping ground” for nuclear waste as DOE’s Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus talks hinge on host-state waste handling commitments. Home Energy Rebates: The state launched statewide home energy rebate programs funded by $88 million, aiming to cut utility bills for low- and moderate-income households, with early participants reporting meaningful electric bill drops. Workforce & Industry Pipeline: DOE’s OROSPECT program visit at WVU highlighted incentives to boost mining and critical-materials graduates, targeting shortages across the supply chain. Local Permitting & Emissions: A public comment period opened for Monarch Cloud Campus’ off-grid electric power generation facility permit in Mason County, outlining major air emissions and greenhouse gas impacts. Fuel Prices Watch: GasBuddy reported week-ending Sept. 19 price snapshots across West Virginia counties, showing continued volatility but some localized lows. Consumer Data Breach Settlement: A multistate AG coalition announced a settlement with Labcorp over a 2019 data breach involving a debt collector, reinforcing vendor-management expectations for HIPAA-covered entities.

Nuclear Policy Clash: Gov. Patrick Morrisey pushed back on a Gazette-Mail report about West Virginia’s bid for a federal Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus, insisting the state “will not be a dumping ground for nuclear waste,” even as earlier paperwork discussed spent-fuel recycling and waste disposition. Student Housing: Jim Sholders was promoted to CEO of Yugo USA, as The Dot Group completes Yugo’s integration after acquiring Campus Advantage. Workforce & Manufacturing Training: A new Perry County re-entry center in Alabama expands welding and heavy machinery training for people on parole or probation to fill manufacturing labor needs. Energy Affordability: West Virginia launched statewide Home Energy Rebate programs funded by $88M, with early results showing a Huntington homeowner’s electric bill dropping 33.5%. Nuclear Education Pipeline: WVU will add a nuclear engineering career pathway starting in 2027 through Statler College courses. Fuel Prices Watch: GasBuddy data shows some of the lowest regional prices in the week ending Sept. 19, including regular at $4.07 in Monongalia County and E15 at $3.89 in Kanawha County. Infrastructure Update: The $13.4M Midway Overpass Project in Bluefield is moving ahead after the Division of Highways selected an engineer.

Energy & Housing Affordability: Gov. Patrick Morrisey rolled out West Virginia’s statewide $88M Home Energy Rebate programs, funded through federal dollars, to help about 10,000 households cut utility bills via home efficiency upgrades—low-income families can get qualifying improvements with no out-of-pocket cost, and early pilot results showed one homeowner’s electric bill dropping 33.5%. State Energy Regulation: The Public Service Commission held public comments on proposed electric generating capacity rules, with some speakers urging more coal plant operation while others warned the approach could raise power prices. Infrastructure & Local Economy: The long-planned $13.4M Midway Overpass Project in Bluefield is moving ahead after the Division of Highways selected an engineer to begin design and engineering to replace the flood-prone Midway Tunnel with a new overpass plus pedestrian and bicycle access. Pipeline Impact: A new report says the Mountain Valley Pipeline drove most property tax growth across 11 rural counties, with public utility property accounting for over 86% of net gains. Fuel Prices Watch: GasBuddy reported the lowest regular gas in Monongalia County at $4.07/gal (week ending Sept. 19) and the lowest E15 in Kanawha County at $3.89/gal, as statewide averages for regular and E15 edged higher. Public Safety: West Virginia Fire Marshal’s Office promoted Fire Prevention Week’s theme, “Charge into Fire Safety: Safe Charging Is a Superpower,” urging safer charging habits to prevent overheating and fires. Legal/Insurance: A multistate AG settlement reached with Labcorp over a 2019 data breach includes injunctive relief and vendor security requirements, with Labcorp paying nearly $2.3M to states.

Data Centers & Water/Environment: A Democratic challenger, Ace Parsi, is pushing a two-year moratorium on new large data centers (20 megawatts or more) and would require studies on public health, water, jobs, utility bills, property values, and the power grid—while also proposing penalties up to $1 million a day for violations. Energy Markets: U.S. natural gas prices fell to about $3.11/MMBtu as the market awaited updates on the Mountaineer XPress pipeline after force majeure tied to a mechanical problem disrupted gas flows. Education & Workforce: Bridgeport City Council will consider a roughly $750,000 grant to help fund a planned $25 million Pierpont Community & Technical College training center at Aerotech Park, aiming to expand aviation maintenance enrollment and address a worker shortage. Retail & Local Economy: Toys“R”Us is returning to the Ohio Valley Mall in St. Clairsville with a new store opening in October, filling a gap left since the brand’s 2018 liquidation. Business & Community: Orrstown Bank launched a redesigned Orrstown.com website focused on easier navigation, improved search, and better access to financial education and services. Energy Prices at the Pump: GasBuddy reports show West Virginia fuel prices remain volatile, with multiple counties posting lowest weekly regular, midgrade, premium, E15, and E85 prices for the week ending Sept. 19.

Gas Prices Watch: In the week ending Sept. 19, Hampshire County hit the lowest regular gas price at $4.19 per gallon, while Hardy County’s regular gas bottomed out at $3.99. Premium prices also varied widely, with Harrison County’s lowest premium at $4.94 and Fayette County’s at $4.84. Energy & Jobs: A fire in a Marion County pre-law coal mine has forced some residents from homes and is now threatening nearby businesses as a hillside slide worsens, with stabilization bids not due until Oct. 8. Workforce Shortage: A nationwide veterinarian shortage is squeezing Richmond-area clinics, with one practice unable to take new clients for about three years due to staffing limits. Education & Training: Kanawha County Schools hosts its College & Career Fair Monday at West Virginia State University, adding an evening session for families. Sports & Local Interest: WVU receiver Prince Strachan recorded his first catch in a loss to Oklahoma State, while West Virginia’s broader college sports scene continues to draw attention.

Energy & Fuel Costs: GasBuddy reports show West Virginia pump prices still moving, with the national regular average at $4.48 and local spot lows like $3.59 E85 in Berkeley County and $4.09 regular in Preston County (week ending Sept. 19), while diesel averages rose statewide to $6.12. Coal & Worker Health: A black lung disease coverage push says federal enforcement delays are leaving miners exposed as advocates warn the threat remains, especially after enforcement pauses tied to silica-dust protections. Local Industry Risk: A Marion County pre-law coal mine fire is blamed for a slide that’s now threatening homes and businesses, with stabilization bids set to open Oct. 8. Aviation Business: HQ Aero Management president Ron Eagle was elected vice chair of the Regional Airline Association’s Associate Member Council, highlighting ongoing regional airline supply-chain advocacy. Education & Workforce: Virginia Western Community College inaugurated its fifth president, pledging innovation and expanded student opportunities—an angle that matters for regional training pipelines. Sports (Local Tie-In): Oklahoma State beat West Virginia 41-24, with OSU’s Wyatt Young posting 192 yards and a TD.

Energy Markets: U.S. natural gas futures slid about 3.5% as demand forecasts softened ahead of contract expiration, with October gas down to $3.180 per mmBtu. Gas Prices at the Pump: AAA says the national regular average rose nearly 5 cents to $4.48, while West Virginia spot checks show E85 and diesel deals in multiple counties (including E85 as low as $3.59 in Berkeley County and diesel lows around $5.75–$5.99 in several areas). Health & Safety in Coal: Black lung advocates warn protections are still delayed after MSHA indefinitely delayed enforcement of a rule meant to cut silica dust exposure for miners. Policy & Permitting: Sen. Shelley Moore Capito says a bipartisan permitting reform deal is stalled but could still move next week. Healthcare Construction: WVU Medicine’s new Golisano Children’s pediatric outpatient center is advancing, with about 40 exam rooms and a planned opening in early 2027. Local Economy & Industry: West Virginia’s water and sewer investment gaps in the southern coalfields are highlighted as life expectancy lags and federal support expires.

Water & Public Health: A Gazette-Mail investigation finds Southern West Virginia’s coalfields are getting less state public water and wastewater investment than the rest of the state, leaving counties with the lowest life expectancies even more exposed as federal support runs down. Permitting & Energy: U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito says a bipartisan permitting reform deal is stalled in the Senate but could still reach a vote next week, after Democrats sought stronger assurances on wind and solar. Data Centers & Local Control: Democratic challenger Ace Parsi unveiled the “Neighbors, Not Servers Act,” proposing a two-year pause on large data centers, local approval via county votes, and limits on secrecy around water, power, and tax breaks. Industry Finance: WestRidge is set to emerge from Chapter 11 after a reorganization plan, with Monongalia County bond approvals and planned property sales. Public Safety Infrastructure: Fairmont received $1M in federal money to upgrade its aging Watson Fire Substation. Healthcare Data Security: A multistate settlement with Labcorp over a patient data breach totals $2.3M, with stronger vendor oversight requirements. Energy Markets: Gas futures eased after Columbia Gas said a West Virginia pipeline leak impact was smaller than feared, with repairs continuing.

AI Data Centers & Permitting: West Virginia’s data-center debate heats up as Democratic challenger Ace Parsi unveils the “Neighbors, Not Servers Act,” calling for a two-year moratorium on new 20-megawatt-plus facilities, local approval via county votes/referendums, and bans on nondisclosure deals tied to public officials. Capital for Buildouts: The broader data-center push is also getting a major funding boost: Nscale says it secured $3.36B in convertible-note financing ahead of its IPO, with major investors and Nvidia slated to fund the remainder. Energy Markets: Natural gas futures eased after TC Energy reported a leak-related force majeure on its Mountaineer Xpress Line 100 in West Virginia may be less severe than first feared. Local Infrastructure: Fairmont received $1M in federal money to upgrade the aging Watson Fire Substation, aimed at improving safety for firefighters handling thousands of calls a year. Public Health & Data Security: Attorney General Ford announced a $2.3M multistate settlement with Labcorp over a patient data breach, underscoring vendor oversight expectations. Gas Prices Watch: GasBuddy reports the lowest regular gas in Mineral County at $4.02/gal for the week ending Sept. 19.

Nuclear & Permitting: West Virginia says it can fast-track work tied to a federal Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus, after DOE added the state as a potential host site; the state’s leaders also stress safeguards like protecting key aquifers. Energy Markets: Gas prices in West Virginia show mixed relief—midgrade hit a low of $4.44 in Kanawha County (week ending Sept. 19), while diesel lows were reported at $5.79 in Fayette County and $5.69 in Kanawha County. AI Infrastructure & Power: A new look at carbon intensity ranks West Virginia among the dirtiest electricity generators, underscoring the power-and-emissions stakes as AI data centers expand. Local Industry & Jobs: Toyota West Virginia marked 30 years in Buffalo, with Gov. Morrisey declaring “Toyota West Virginia Day” and highlighting decades of expansions and manufacturing output. Business & Growth: ICON Cinemas is taking over Pullman Square in Huntington, planning a major entertainment overhaul with reopening targeted for early summer 2027. Agriculture & Research: USDA ARS researchers in Kearneysville are testing biological controls and field methods to protect specialty crops from spotted lanternfly. Workforce & Recreation: Outdoor recreation groups released new workforce policy recommendations aimed at strengthening jobs across the $1.3T outdoor economy.

Gas Prices Watch: Wood County’s lowest regular gas hit $3.89/gal (week ending Sept. 19), while West Virginia’s average for regular rose to $4.22/gal; diesel also stayed elevated, with Fayette County’s low at $5.79/gal and Raleigh County’s low at $5.79/gal. Permitting & Energy Policy: A bipartisan permitting reform deal led by Sen. Shelley Moore Capito appears stalled in the Senate, with negotiators signaling a vote may slip to November. Data Centers & Power Costs: The Senate is expected to take up the Ratepayer Protection Act, pushing large data centers (100+ megawatts) to pay incremental energy infrastructure costs instead of shifting bills to everyday customers. Manufacturing Milestone: Toyota West Virginia marked 30 years in Putnam County, saying it has invested $3.3 billion and expanded the plant 30 times. Workforce & Tourism: Visit Mercer County won the state Digital Innovation Award for tourism marketing; a new report also lays out job growth pathways for the outdoor recreation workforce. Transportation & Construction: WVDOT scheduled overnight I-64 bridge lane closures for pothole repairs, and CSX union leaders warned about major maintenance workforce cuts.

Energy & Industry Development: Frontieras North America picked Kiewit for front-end engineering and design on its Mason County, West Virginia facility, moving the coal-to-fuels project into the FEED phase. Nuclear Policy: U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito chaired an EPW hearing on updating the Nuclear Waste Policy Act and the proposed Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campuses, with West Virginia listed as a potential host. Workforce & Education: Marshall University won a $2 million NSF grant to launch the PQS Scholars Program, pairing STEM scholarships with mentoring and career support. Public Health & Safety: Federal officials delayed enforcement of a black lung rule aimed at reducing silica exposure, keeping the disease risk high for coal miners. Infrastructure & Construction: A crane malfunction caused a fatal I-79 bridge accident in Monongalia County, killing one worker and injuring two others. Local Business & Services: Vandalia Health opened the $26 million Mon Harrison Neighborhood Hospital in Bridgeport, adding 24/7 emergency and inpatient care. Energy Costs: AAA reports gas prices continue climbing nationwide, with diesel averaging $6.52. Community Planning: Bluefield approved plans for a peanut-shaped roundabout at a key intersection, with construction starting in late 2027.

Construction & Safety: A crane malfunction on I-79 over White Day Creek Road killed 30-year-old Mickey Swisher and injured two others, with WV State Police investigating the worksite incident. Education & Workforce: Marshall University won a $2 million NSF grant to launch the PQS Scholars Program, pairing STEM scholarships with mentoring and research/internship support. Healthcare Expansion: Vandalia Health opened the $26 million Mon Harrison Neighborhood Hospital in Bridgeport, adding 24/7 emergency care and inpatient services starting Sept. 29. Local School Closures: Raleigh County BOE began the formal process to close Cranberry-Prosperity and Mabscott elementary schools, with public hearings set ahead of a Nov. 10 vote. Energy & Industry Policy: Sen. Shelley Moore Capito held a hearing on updating U.S. nuclear waste management policy, including the proposed Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campuses. Retail & Development: Meadowbrook Mall in Bridgeport announced new store openings and a fall relocation to boost shopping options in Harrison County. Rural Connectivity: Pocahontas County leaders say broadband access is finally expanding as new fiber and service builds move forward. Agriculture: USDA reported West Virginia-area broiler egg and chick placement shifts, with placements slightly down week-to-week but still up year-over-year.

Healthcare & Industry in the Panhandle: WVU’s Wetzel County Hospital and Reynolds Memorial Hospital highlighted major upgrades at a New Martinsville Rotary meeting, including a mobile Pet/CT and 3D mammography volume of 2,500+ scans in a year, plus ACR “Gold Standard” mammography accreditation and a new 24/7 Health Team Critical Care Transport. Workforce & Manufacturing Policy: Rep. Riley Moore, a former welder from West Virginia’s mining/manufacturing base, told labor groups that AI should act as a “force-multiplier” for safer, more productive blue-collar work—not a “nuclear bomb for work.” Infrastructure & Construction: Putnam County’s Hurricane Middle School project is being scaled back after running “way over budget,” with design changes tied to permit delays and a new delivery approach. Public Works: Gov. Morrisey announced $1.2M for street paving in New Cumberland, with a contractor ready to start once state notification is received. Training for Plastics Manufacturing: Blue Ridge Community and Technical College opened a plastics manufacturing training lab in Martinsburg, saying it’s the only facility of its kind in West Virginia. Food Supply Chain Risk: FDA announced a Walmart pasta recall over possible listeria contamination tied to specific lots of lemon alfredo fettuccine. Local Safety: I-79 bridge work in Monongalia County remains under investigation after a worker died and two others were injured when workers fell from a span. Rural Land & Jobs: Arthurdale, built as a Depression-era federal community, received a major national historic preservation honor, spotlighting how planned employment and housing shaped long-term regional identity.