AGP Executive Report

Energy & Jobs: President Trump invoked the Defense Production Act to push nearly $700M into coal power, including $425M to extend 13 coal plants and $200M for two new plants (Alaska and West Virginia), plus an Oakland export terminal—framing it as grid reliability for AI and national security. West Virginia Power Projects: Gov. Morrisey says West Virginia will see major benefits, pointing to DOE-backed modernization work tied to the Mitchell Plant in Marshall County and upgrades at Wheeling Power’s Moundsville facility. Electricity Costs: New mapping from EIA data shows residential electricity prices rising sharply in parts of the country, with D.C. up more than 20% and West Virginia among states facing higher household power costs. Legal/Local Control: The West Virginia Supreme Court sided with the City of Weirton in a zoning dispute, reinforcing that local governments can control business types and locations through zoning. Health & Innovation: In Morgantown, GATC Health’s lab work produced GATC-1021, a potential new treatment for opioid use disorder, with human trials ahead. Environment & Industry: A federal appeals court tossed an injunction against Chemours’ Parkersburg plant over PFAS-related discharge limits, sending the fight back into legal limbo. Infrastructure: Clarksburg’s Second Street Bridge construction hit a brief pause after a minor alignment issue was found, with repairs expected to keep the project on track.

Coal & Power Investment: President Trump announced a $700M push to revive U.S. coal, using Cold War-era Defense Production Act authority—aimed at extending 14 coal plants and supporting 42 coal mines, plus new coal plant builds and an export terminal; West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey tied the plan to AI and data-center power demand. West Virginia DOE Grant: Appalachian Power says the Mitchell Plant in Marshall County will get DOE funding for a new mechanical draft cooling tower and upgrades to replace aging equipment, with the plant’s operation supported through 2040. Electric Reliability Work: Appalachian Power is seeking public input on rebuilding about 18 miles of a 138-kilovolt transmission line in Wayne County to reduce outages, with an open house set for June 25. Energy Assistance: West Virginia DoHS will open Emergency Low Income Energy Assistance Program applications June 8–26 (in person), with eligibility tied to income and energy shutoff risk. Livestock Health Watch: USDA confirmed New World Screwworm in a Texas calf; WV agriculture officials say they’re monitoring and have emergency measures in place. Fuel Prices Watch: GasBuddy reports West Virginia regular averages eased to $4.44 statewide for the week ending May 30, with Cabell regular lowest at $4.29 and diesel lowest in Cabell at $4.93.

Energy & Jobs: President Trump used Cold War-era Defense Production Act authority to announce nearly $700 million in federal support for the U.S. coal industry, including $425 million to upgrade 13 coal-fired power plants and $200 million for new or restarted projects—West Virginia is explicitly in the mix, with state leaders praising the move as a way to protect energy jobs and keep power affordable. Local Impact: The plan also includes AES Warrior Run in Cumberland, which closed in 2024; Maryland officials say AES is exploring a shift toward battery storage at the site. Policy Pushback: The announcement drew immediate criticism from clean-energy advocates and pollution concerns, even as supporters framed it as grid reliability for AI-era demand. Community & Infrastructure: In Morgantown, the Monongalia County Commission approved $125,000 for Star City’s University Avenue streetscape work, and WVDOT held public input sessions to update the state’s bicycle and pedestrian plan. Education: West Virginia Northern Community College selected Andrew Langrehr as its next president, and WVU Tech highlighted increased scholarships and affordability gains for southern West Virginia students. Retail: Moundsville’s new Sheetz opened with a ribbon-cutting and local donations.

Coal Industry Push: President Trump is set to announce nearly $700 million in Defense Production Act funding to support coal-fired power plants and coal exports, including $425 million for upgrades at 13 plants and help for new builds in West Virginia and Alaska, plus a restart in Maryland and a coal export terminal in Oakland, California—a plan White House officials say could support 14,000+ jobs across coal, construction, rail and maritime. Energy Costs Watch: Gas prices in West Virginia stayed volatile in the week ending May 30, with the lowest reported regular gas hitting $4.23 in Jefferson County and midgrade lows like $4.53 in Mercer County, while statewide averages eased slightly for some grades. Food Security: The West Virginia Department of Education is again listing USDA summer feeding sites to provide free meals for kids during school breaks, aiming to reach families facing inflation-driven food insecurity. State Energy Assistance: WV Human Services opened applications June 8–26 for the Emergency Low Income Energy Assistance Program (ELIEAP) to help households with heating and cooling emergencies.

Energy & Policy: The West Virginia Supreme Court reversed part of a lower ruling in the Weirton natural gas drilling fight, finding SWN showed only an “incidental overlap” between state and city authority over land use. Coal Industry: A White House official says President Trump plans nearly $700 million in Cold War-era Defense Production Act support for coal plant upgrades and a West Coast coal export terminal, with coal-focused ETFs and stocks already drawing investor attention. Utilities & Consumer Costs: West Virginia AG J.B. McCuskey urged the U.S. Department of Energy to delay or revoke Biden-era commercial water-heater and furnace rules, arguing they’ll force costly home and business upgrades. Workforce & Education: West Virginia’s Classroom 2 Career apprenticeship program says it has topped 2,000 students, 600 business partners, and $5 million “in students’ pockets,” building pipelines for industries from food service to natural gas and aviation. Healthcare & Aging: CMS data shows Pleasant Valley Healthcare Center ranked No. 2 in Mason County for nursing home size in Q1 2026, with a 5-out-of-5 overall rating and no fines/penalties. Business Growth: Thirty-four West Virginia companies earned 2026 Governor’s Export Awards for expanding into new international markets. Local Life: WV Public Theatre announced its June run of “Sherwood: The Adventures of Robin Hood” at WVU’s Evansdale campus.

College Sports Lawmaking: Senators held a high-profile hearing on the Protect College Sports Act, with West Virginia president Gordon Gee and others pushing for a national framework to curb lawsuits and stabilize rules around NIL and transfers. Data Center Permitting: A Mason County data-center-linked project tied to Monarch Cloud Campus is pursuing an air quality permit after earlier permitting moves were abandoned, with DEP reviewing a new application for hundreds of pollutants annually. Energy Infrastructure: FirstEnergy’s Fort Martin site in Monongalia County is moving toward a new Maidsville Energy Center gas plant, pending PSC approval, as the company positions it as the first major county power plant in years. Food Safety: More than 10 recalls have been linked to potentially contaminated milk powder supplied by California Dairies, including pizza bread products sold nationwide. Public Health Research: WVU researchers report that pregnancy outcomes like gestational diabetes and preeclampsia rise sharply for women who sit more than 10 hours a day. Local Business & Community: Valley Health in the Eastern Panhandle was named a Top 15 local/regional health system by Modern Healthcare, based on performance data. Road & Construction: West Virginia 68’s Pond Creek Bridge is set for a full replacement, closing Thursday for about two-plus months with detours in place.

Local Infrastructure: West Virginia 68’s Pond Creek Bridge is set for a full replacement, closing Thursday for about two-plus months with detours via U.S. 33/I-77 northbound and U.S. 50/I-77 southbound. Energy & Industry Oversight: The Trump administration is pushing to cut the Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board, raising alarms in West Virginia after major chemical incidents along the Kanawha Valley. Power Grid Project Hearings: Public Service Commission hearings for the MidAtlantic Resiliency Link begin June 4, with NextEra touting about 200 construction jobs and opponents urging residents to weigh in. Manufacturing & Metals Costs: Trump eased some Section 232 tariffs on agricultural and industrial equipment while keeping broader metals protectionism, aiming to support U.S. agriculture, housing, and manufacturing. Workplace Rules: West Virginia’s Vape Safety Act expands WVABCA enforcement, adding new labeling and ingredient disclosure requirements for vape and smoke shops. Community & Housing: Blackwater Ridge hosts a June 13 open house and yard sale, including tours of its 55+ condos and previews of new workforce apartments. Business Banking: Grant County Bank breaks ground on a Falling Waters branch ahead of its July 1 transition to Highlands Bank.

EV affordability vs. ownership costs: New data shows used EV sales jumped 54% in March, but EVs still cost about 42% more to insure than gas cars—though the gap shrinks for newer models, as repair costs and vehicle age drive premiums. Workplace safety staffing: Across the U.S., coverage highlights how safety manager roles are getting more complex as OSHA rules expand, pushing employers toward centralized compliance systems. Vape & smoke shop crackdown: West Virginia’s Alcohol Beverage Control Administration is rolling out the “Vape Safety Act,” adding new labeling rules, ingredient disclosure in plain language, and enforcement authority for licensed vape and smoke retailers. Chemical disaster oversight at risk: The Trump administration is proposing to cut the federal watchdog that investigates chemical disasters, raising alarms for West Virginia’s industrial corridor and past incidents. Permitting fight: WV Attorney General J.B. McCuskey is urging the Supreme Court to stop activist groups from suing to halt federal permitting before states review projects. Grid project hearings: Public hearings for NextEra’s MidAtlantic Resiliency Link are set to begin June 4, with supporters citing jobs and electrical benefits and opponents urging residents to weigh in. Road construction impacts: Bridgeport’s Center Street bridge beam work will trigger traffic controls June 3–4, a reminder that summer often means more construction delays. Local food access: West Virginia State University Extension will open its Stinger Produce Market in Institute on June 10, offering $15 produce subscription boxes and public shopping hours.

Democratic Party Shake-Up: Wheeling attorney Teresa Toriseva says she’ll challenge incumbent Mike Pushkin for West Virginia Democratic Party chair at the party’s Saturday organizational meeting in Charleston, arguing Democrats must improve fundraising, candidate support, and messaging on energy prices and healthcare. State Budget Watch: West Virginia’s General Revenue Fund collections topped $381 million in May, beating the monthly estimate by $44 million, with FY-to-date GRF collections also ahead of projections. Power Costs & Grid Pressure: Appalachian Power’s inflationary electric bill increase takes effect June 1, and Sierra Club testimony targets Mon Power’s $2.48 billion gas plant plan, warning costs could land on residential customers and pollution could rise. Energy Infrastructure: Charleston officials are coordinating for the 2027 Eugene A. Carter Memorial Bridge deck replacement on I-64, with lane reductions planned and public impacts expected. Water & Growth: Buckhannon secured $47.31 million in USDA loans and grants for a new water treatment plant, moving toward design, permitting, and bidding. Workforce & STEM: WVU agriculture student Miyah Swiger is expanding international agriculture knowledge through an FFA leadership seminar, while a Cheyenne South grad Denver Priest was selected for a 2026 National Youth Science Camp.

Democratic Party Shake-Up: Wheeling attorney Teresa Toriseva is running to replace Mike Pushkin as West Virginia Democratic chair, aiming to “rebuild broken relationships” ahead of the June 6 party officer election. Agriculture Career Pipeline: BHS alum Miyah Swiger was named an FFA America national officer candidate, setting up months of interviews and tests for the 99th National FFA Convention in October. Public Safety Tech Procurement: The FBI is asking biometric vendors for algorithms to support NGI modernization, including fingerprint, facial, iris, and tattoo matching, with a focus on secure cloud deployment. Energy Costs & Grid Pressure: A new map shows where residential electricity prices jumped most, with Maryland up 89% year over year and national averages rising—fueling concerns about fast-rising household bills. Environmental Response: West Virginia DEP is responding to a used oil spill in McDowell County after a valve failure released about 100 gallons; cleanup and containment are underway. Power Infrastructure Hearings: NextEra’s 107.5-mile, 500-kilovolt MidAtlantic Resiliency Link is heading to PSC community comment sessions across several WV counties. Tourism Economy: West Virginia tourism leaders say towns lose visitor spending when businesses close on weekends, especially Sundays. Marcellus Deal Watch: Devon Energy is weighing an ~$8B Stone Ridge offer for its Marcellus assets after its Coterra merger. Workforce & Food Security: New SNAP work requirements are set to cut benefits for thousands in California, a reminder of how policy shifts can ripple through food banks and local services.

Education & Innovation: WVU’s Baker says the $150M West Tower Press Box project is on track, with construction starting after the 2026 season and a 2028 completion target, aiming to boost premium seating revenue. Energy Infrastructure: The PSC is holding public hearings on the 107.5-mile, 500-kilovolt MidAtlantic Resiliency Link transmission line, with sessions set across Monongalia, Preston, Mineral, and Hampshire counties. Public Safety & Industry: West Virginia communities are weighing the economic hit when tourism businesses close on Sundays, with hospitality leaders warning it can cost visitor spending. Healthcare Tech: WVU Medicine United Hospital Center opened a new 28-bed unit featuring AI-powered rooms to help monitor cardiac, respiratory, and neurology patients. Local Construction: Pond Creek Bridge on Rt. 68 will close June 4 for at least two months as a $4.8M replacement project moves forward. Agriculture & Extension: Lincoln University named John Kessell as associate extension administrator, bringing experience from West Virginia State University Extension to lead research-based programs. Sports & Community: Kentucky and West Virginia renew their NCAA Morgantown Regional matchup, with a winner advancing to the championship bracket.

Healthcare & Tech: WVU Medicine United Hospital Center opened a new 28-bed medical-surgical unit with AI-powered rooms to help monitor cardiac, respiratory, and neurology patients more closely. Energy & Grid Reliability: A West Virginia op-ed argues the state’s aging transmission system threatens natural gas and oil operations—and could ripple into manufacturers and other businesses that depend on dependable power. Transportation & Construction: The Pond Creek Bridge on Rt. 68 will close June 4 through mid-August for a $4.8 million replacement project, with detours routed via local roads and nearby highways. Workforce & Education: Lincoln University named John Kessell associate extension administrator, drawing on his West Virginia State University Extension leadership to expand research-based programs for farmers and families. Aviation & Regional Growth: Pivotal joined a multistate eVTOL integration effort led by PennDOT and selected by the FAA, aiming to bring advanced air mobility to underserved cities and rural areas, including West Virginia. Public Safety & Industry Oversight: A report highlights federal Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board funding cuts proposed by Trump, warning West Virginia could face greater risk after chemical disasters. Agriculture Security: A survey finds growing support in West Virginia and other states for stronger protections against pests and diseases, linking agricultural threats to food-system resilience.

Healthcare & Tech: WVU Medicine United Hospital Center cut the ribbon on a new 28-bed medical-surgical unit using AI-powered rooms to help monitor cardiac, respiratory, and neurology patients, with the $2 million project aimed at improving care efficiency. Energy & Industry: A fresh op-ed argues West Virginia’s aging electric transmission system is a make-or-break issue for natural gas and oil operations, manufacturers, and other power-hungry businesses. Workforce & Education: Summit High School’s Class of 2026 graduates with nearly 4,600 college credits, dozens of industry certifications, and career experience—highlighting a multi-pathway push into trades, universities, and the military. Agriculture & Food Security: A survey finds growing public concern about agricultural security, with strong support for tougher rules to prevent pests and diseases. Courts & Pharmacy Policy: The 4th Circuit will rehear challenges to West Virginia’s 340B contract pharmacy laws after a prior panel struck them down. Environmental & Safety: West Virginia DEP responded to a used oil release in McDowell County after a valve failure at a compressor station; the leak was stopped and cleanup is underway. Local Economy: Greenbrier Valley REALTORS report 2026 year-to-date housing activity in Greenbrier County, including 57 sales and a median sale price of $205,000.

Energy & Environment: WVDEP is investigating a used-oil release after a valve failure at a Diversified Energy compressor station near Eckman in McDowell County; about 100 gallons leaked, crews stopped it, deployed containment booms in Coalbank Branch, and say no fish kill or public water impacts have been reported. Power & Rates: Appalachian Power is seeking approval for a base rate increase that could lift the average Virginia residential bill, citing storm recovery, tree trimming, and inflation. Grid & Data Centers: West Virginians Against Transmission Line Injustice is urging residents to join State PSC hearings over the NextEra Energy-backed MidAtlantic Resiliency Link, a 500-kilovolt line tied to data center growth. Critical Minerals: WVU launched a Rare Earth Elements Initiative and a startup, Mission Critical Materials, to expand rare-earth extraction research using acid mine drainage and other byproducts. Agriculture: Eastern Panhandle orchardists report severe crop losses after late freezes, with some fruit supplies expected to shift to unaffected regions. Community & Housing: Greenbrier Valley REALTORS released spring market numbers showing 57 homes sold YTD and a median sale price of $205,000. Statewide Spotlight: Gov. Morrisey rolled out America 250 merchandise and called for communities to ring bells on July 4. Transportation Funding Reality Check: A national look at potholes highlights how deferred road maintenance keeps colliding with tight budgets and outdated funding streams.

Rare Earths & Mining Tech: WVU launched a Rare Earth Elements Initiative and startup Mission Critical Materials to scale rare-earth extraction from acid mine drainage and other industrial byproducts, aiming to boost U.S. critical-minerals supply. Workforce & Health Services: West Virginia’s neighbors are expanding access too—Wisconsin opened Occupational Therapy Compact privileges, letting OT/OTA professionals practice across member states, a move aimed at improving rural coverage. Energy & Utilities Oversight: West Virginia groups are pushing back on a $1.44B DOE coal-plant loan, saying key details were withheld and that extended pollution could land on residents’ bills and health. Business & Investment Governance: AG J.B. McCuskey sued proxy advisor ISS, alleging undisclosed coordination with ESG activists that allegedly influenced investor decisions affecting West Virginia’s coal and gas economy. Public Health Funding: Hancock County commissioners approved additional opioid treatment funding for a new male residential facility, while also negotiating memoranda for other previously approved allotments. Tourism & Community Metrics: Penn State and WVU Extension unveiled a sustainability index to measure how rural tourism affects counties over time—useful for West Virginia destinations planning growth without overwhelming local resources. State Spotlight: Gov. Morrisey rolled out America 250 plans, including a major Capitol Complex event with the America 250 Wheel running July 2–5.

Energy & Utilities: West Virginians are pushing back on a $1.44B DOE coal-bailout loan for six power plants, saying details were withheld and costs will land on electric bills for decades. Legal & Public Health: Huntington-Cabell’s opioid case against major drug distributors is back in federal court as a judge reconsiders the standard for distributor responsibility. Consumer Costs: WV AG JB McCuskey urged DOE to delay and repeal appliance efficiency rules, warning they’ll raise costs and reduce natural gas options for hundreds of thousands of households. Education & Workforce: Marshall University and WVDE launched the AIRWV Aviation Innovation and Readiness pathway for K-12 students, with pilot counties rolling out in fall 2026. Local Infrastructure: Wood County approved a $1.6M sewer project and advanced Polymer Alliance Zone updates, while Morgantown and other areas dealt with storm flooding and road closures. Agriculture: Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program coupons are available starting June 2 in Raleigh County. Forestry & Wildlife: Sen. Jim Justice introduced the GROUSE Act to reimburse landowners for habitat work on logged forestland. Business & Tech: AngioDynamics says Medicare coverage for NanoKnife IRE is set to take effect July 5, expanding patient access.