AGP Executive Report

Heat & Power Reliability: The U.S. DOE authorized emergency steps for the PJM grid July 1–3, with data centers and other large users potentially ordered to switch to backup power during a heat dome that’s pushing record demand across West Virginia and neighboring states. Energy Infrastructure & Emissions: A new report warns “behind-the-meter” gas plants planned to power data centers could drive massive climate pollution, with critics saying approvals are moving fast and with limited public review. Retail & Food Safety: Fresh-cut melon and peaches are under Salmonella-related recalls spanning multiple states, including West Virginia, after contamination concerns tied to major grocery distribution networks. Public Safety: A Barbour County house fire killed four adults after investigators linked the blaze to improperly discarded consumer fireworks and noted no working smoke alarms. Agriculture Funding: A federal judge partially restored USDA grants for underserved food producers in West Virginia and other states, after the program was cut earlier this year. Construction & Skills: A West Virginia-linked engineering win: Missouri S&T’s Concrete Canoe team placed second at an international competition held in Fairmont, highlighting regional STEM talent. Business Competition: West Virginia’s AG Brenna Bird scored a victory aimed at restoring competition and free speech in digital advertising, targeting “Big Six” agency practices.

Retail & Groceries: Kroger agreed to buy Giant Eagle for $1.65 billion, adding 197 supermarkets and 11 pharmacies across northern Ohio, western Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Maryland and Indiana—Giant Eagle stores keep the name under the deal. State Budget & Infrastructure: West Virginia closed FY 2026 with a $370 million revenue surplus, with officials pointing to collections beating estimates and surplus funding for items like roads and the Hope Scholarship. Power & Grid Projects: Eastern Panhandle residents got a look at the Valley North 765-kilovolt transmission line expansion during an open house, with protesters raising concerns about routing and impacts. Water Systems: USDA Rural Development is sending $33.3 million to Buckhannon for a new water treatment plant and replacement of aging water lines. Rare Earths & Coal Reuse: Greenbrier Smokeless and partners announced a $150 million rare earth extraction operation in Rupert, aiming to turn coal tailings into new tech-critical materials. Data Centers: In Tucker County, state officials rescinded a violation notice against Fundamental Data, saying the project remains conceptual. Local Tech & Industry Talent: Silicon Foundation held a Q&A in Wheeling on its Warwood data center plans after public questions spread. Agriculture: WVDA will conduct aerial treatment for black flies on the Greenbrier, New and Bluestone rivers next week. Workforce & Education: A WVU software engineering student built an ice cream app for Flo’s Premium Ice Cream, highlighting local tech talent.

Grocery Consolidation: Kroger agreed to buy Giant Eagle for $1.65B (about $1.25B cash plus ~$400M in liabilities), expanding across Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Maryland and Indiana; the deal is expected to close in 2027 after regulatory review, with “limited” divestitures possible. State Budget Watch: West Virginia closed FY 2026 with a $370M revenue surplus, with General Revenue Fund collections about $5.693B and June collections $57M above estimate. Energy & Grid Planning: A proposed Valley North 765-kilovolt transmission line could run from Putnam County, WV to near Point of Rocks, MD, with community meetings underway and route impacts under debate. Industrial Permitting: WV DEP signaled it may approve a Clean-Seas air permit for a plastics-to-oil pyrolysis plant near Belle, with public comments open through July 27. Data Center Power Pushback: A new report warns gas plants built to directly power data centers could drive greenhouse gas emissions on a scale comparable to major countries, raising health and permitting concerns. Public Safety Tech Debate: Flock license-plate cameras drew questions from Mon County residents about notice, data use and security. Workforce/Training: The ACFE Foundation awarded $85,000 in scholarships to 23 students pursuing fraud-examiner careers.

Casino & Gaming: The West Virginia Lottery Commission approved the Greenbrier Casino Club’s license renewal in an emergency Tuesday after a delayed audit, but the resort will face quarterly financial reviews going forward. Economic Development: Wood County commissioners approved $15,000 for the Polymer Alliance Zone to host a July 14-16 visit by 19 Japanese business officials scouting sites for potential U.S. development, including opportunities tied to the Somar industrial park. Manufacturing & Jobs: U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito toured Prime 6 in Fairmont, highlighting the company’s use of hardwood waste to produce eco-friendly carbon fuels and its growing workforce. Water & Infrastructure: Beckley Water Company is replacing about 3,400 feet of water main and adding hydrants ahead of a July 21 rate increase, aiming to cut leaks and improve reliability. Education & Construction: Monongalia County Schools moved ahead with a construction manager-at-risk path for the new Suncrest Middle School near the WVU Research Park, with procurement steps continuing. Environment: A proposed federal settlement would require Chemours to pay West Virginia more than $11 million under a “forever chemicals” PFAS enforcement case tied to the Washington Works plant, pending public comment and court approval. Public Safety: An extreme heat warning continues into a second day for the Pittsburgh area, with cooling centers activated and heat advisories in effect. Sports Policy: The U.S. Supreme Court upheld West Virginia’s ban on transgender girls and women competing in women’s sports, citing Title IX and constitutional grounds.

Rare Earth Push: A $150 million rare earth minerals project is set to be announced in Greenbrier County, aiming to pull valuable materials from coal tailings and slurry, with nearly 250 jobs expected—no state subsidies, just private investment. Data Center Fight: West Virginia’s Commerce Department says a 5.2-gigawatt data center complex in Tucker and Grant counties needs state certification, but Fundamental Data LLC is disputing the requirement, setting up a legal standoff as communities seek leverage. Regional Data Center Watch: In Ohio’s Belmont County and nearby Wheeling, officials and residents are sorting out what’s actually planned after talk of a data center and a facility to build modules for data centers. STEM Pipeline: A Catoctin High School student, Ben Harbaugh, is heading to WVU to study aerospace and mechanical engineering after a four-year FIRST Robotics journey. Housing Reality Check: A LendingTree analysis finds fewer than 4 in 10 non-homeowner households can afford a typical starter home, underscoring pressure on entry-level housing supply. Agriculture Tech: WVU researchers unveiled a soft robotic hand designed to harvest delicate produce with less damage and waste. SCOTUS Impact on WV: The Supreme Court upheld birthright citizenship and also upheld West Virginia’s ban on transgender girls and women competing on school sports teams under Title IX. Local Business/Jobs: A Putnam County manufacturing ribbon-cutting points to new jobs, while a separate Nscale job fair in Point Pleasant targets hiring for the Monarch Compute Campus. Wildlife & Farms: UMaine researchers report woodcock hens charging deer to defend nests—new insight into how nesting birds respond to predators.

PFAS Accountability: Chemours reached a preliminary $450M settlement with the EPA and WVDEP over “forever chemicals” discharges, with West Virginia positioned to receive funds tied to Clean Water Act and other violations tied to the Washington Works facility. Data & Infrastructure: West Virginia’s workforce and tech pipeline get a boost as Nscale hosts a job fair for the Monarch Compute Campus in Point Pleasant, with local colleges and training partners lined up for engineering and electrical roles. Energy & Manufacturing: The U.S. announced $17.5B in conditional loans aimed at jump-starting large commercial nuclear reactor supply chains, including long-lead components sourced from dozens of domestic companies. Community & Housing: Woodlands Development and Lending expanded its leadership team to meet rising demand for affordable housing and rural business support in north-central West Virginia. Tourism & Hospitality: WVU says AI is reshaping hotels, but human service still drives guest satisfaction. Labor History: A new look at West Virginia’s labor roots traces organizing from Wheeling’s industrial trades to the coalfield battles that helped define the modern movement. Public Safety: A heat advisory is set for the Pittsburgh area through Friday, including the panhandle of West Virginia, warning of heat illness risks.

Data Center Jobs: Nscale is hosting a job fair in Point Pleasant for the expanding Monarch Compute Campus, with roles for builders and vendors plus local school partners from WVU, Marshall, Mountwest, and Mason County Vocational Center. PFAS Accountability: Federal and state agencies reached a multi-state settlement with Chemours over “forever chemicals,” requiring major pollution controls, a civil penalty, and long-term clean drinking water obligations tied to West Virginia facilities. Gaming Licensing: The Greenbrier’s Casino Club faces a short-term license renewal delay because an audited financial statement is missing, though regulators say it’s not a denial and could be resolved quickly. Local Business & Trade: Wood County commissioners approved $15,000 to host a Japanese business delegation next month, aiming to attract new investment and jobs to the Mid-Ohio Valley. Energy & Industry: A report says Permian natural gas production is rising faster than oil, creating a bottleneck—while West Virginia’s broader energy and infrastructure ecosystem continues to feel the ripple effects. Community & Culture: Professional Photographers of West Virginia launched its America’s 250th Photo Contest, inviting West Virginia photographers to submit work by July 12.

PFAS Settlement: Federal and state regulators reached a $450 million deal with Chemours over “forever chemicals,” covering discharges tied to plants in New Jersey, North Carolina, and West Virginia, with funding aimed at discharge cuts and drinking-water controls. Environmental Enforcement: A federal appeals court rejected the EPA’s bid to abandon a Biden-era soot pollution rule, keeping tighter limits on fine particle pollution from coal plants and other industrial sources. SNAP Rules in Court: A judge blocked a state effort to restrict soda purchases with SNAP benefits, underscoring limits on how far states can redefine eligible food. Energy & Industry: West Virginia’s agriculture and forestry community marked new leadership with six inductees set for the Hall of Fame banquet, highlighting long-running contributions to farming, education, and rural industry. Workforce & Tech Education: A WVU software engineering student turned a mobile class assignment into a real app success story, showing how local engineering training is feeding practical careers. Community & Infrastructure: A federal repair backlog continues to plague government buildings, with long approval timelines slowing fixes like elevators and roof leaks. Wildlife & Agriculture: West Virginia researchers are tracking bat populations, while debate continues over whether an endangered wetland plant’s recovery is enough for delisting.

PFAS Monitoring: Federal and state regulators are pushing PFAS cleanup forward, including a major $450M Chemours settlement tied to “forever chemicals” in New Jersey, North Carolina, and West Virginia, with penalties plus long-term discharge cuts and drinking-water work. SNAP Food Rules: A federal judge blocked USDA from allowing states to restrict what people can buy with SNAP, keeping soda and candy eligible while the legal fight continues over waiver authority. Soot Standards: A U.S. appeals court rejected EPA efforts to abandon a Biden-era rule tightening pollution limits from coal and other industrial sources, leaving tougher “soot” standards in place. Local Control vs Data Centers: West Virginia counties are still pushing back on data center growth after earlier fights over whether communities get a say in siting and zoning. Energy & Jobs: SWEPCO-backed upgrades are funding energy-efficient improvements for a new Kilgore high school, highlighting how utility incentives can cut costs and modernize facilities. Engineering & Training: Fairmont State is hosting an international civil engineering student competition at Tygart Lake, bringing teams from multiple countries and spotlighting concrete canoe innovation. America250 in WV: Crews are assembling the America250 Wheel at the Charleston Capitol Complex for July 2–5, with free rides and presidential-themed gondolas. Agriculture Honors: West Virginia’s Agriculture and Forestry Hall of Fame is adding six new inductees ahead of a July 11 banquet at Jackson’s Mill.

Health & Rural Care: Ohio University researchers won a nearly $4M NIH grant to expand opioid use disorder treatment in primary care, scaling a mentorship-and-prescribing support model across about 40 clinics in Ohio and West Virginia. Environmental Accountability: Federal and state regulators reached a $450M PFAS settlement with Chemours tied to “forever chemical” discharges affecting the Ohio, Cape Fear, and Delaware river systems, including West Virginia; the deal includes penalties and long-term funding for controls and drinking-water work. Local Tourism & Identity: Berkeley Springs visitors keep asking “Where’s Bath?” because the town’s legal name is Bath, even as tourism branding uses Berkeley Springs. Engineering & Education: West Virginia hosted the ASCE 2026 Civil Engineering Student Championships at Tygart Lake, with concrete canoe races drawing international teams and hundreds of participants. America250 Buildout: West Virginia’s America250 Wheel arrived at the Capitol Complex, a 230-foot portable Ferris wheel offering free rides July 2–5. Policy Watch (SNAP): A federal fight over SNAP rules continues as courts block or limit state efforts to restrict purchases like soda and candy, with payment-error-rate scrutiny also in the mix. Industry & Trade: Seventeen Republican attorneys general sued to block California’s plastics packaging law, arguing it forces nationwide compliance and raises costs.

Energy Efficiency & Schools: SWEPCO delivered a $49,505.62 incentive check to Kilgore ISD for high-efficiency lighting and HVAC at its new high school, targeting nearly 400,000 kWh in annual savings. Agriculture & Forestry: West Virginia’s Agriculture and Forestry Hall of Fame announced six new inductees, with a July 11 banquet at Jackson’s Mill honoring decades of work in farming, education, and stewardship. Aviation & Community Legacy: Fairmont’s “Buck” Thompson, a longtime leader tied to the North Central West Virginia Airport and regional aerospace growth, was remembered after his June 18 passing. Disaster Recovery Accountability: FEMA outlined how it has funded major Individual and Public Assistance for the 2016 flood aftermath, including ongoing public assistance projects across multiple counties. Engineering & STEM Events: The American Society of Civil Engineers 2026 Student Championships are underway at Tygart Lake, with international teams racing concrete canoes and competing in skills events. Local Industry Watch: A West Virginia DEP fine backlog tied to Bluestone Coal Corp. is reported to have surpassed $1.6 million, raising questions about enforcement and payment. Data Center Debate in the Ohio Valley: Residents in Warwood and Wheeling are pushing for clearer details on a proposed data center plan, after speculation followed a related announcement. SNAP Policy in WV: A federal court paused West Virginia’s SNAP waiver that would have restricted sugary drink purchases, citing authority and notice issues. America250 Spotlight: Crews are assembling the America250 Wheel at the Capitol for July 2–5, with free rides and presidential-themed gondolas.

SNAP Fight in Federal Court: A judge blocked West Virginia’s SNAP waiver that would have barred sugary drinks and soda purchases, saying USDA exceeded its authority—another blow to similar junk-food restrictions in multiple states. PFAS Accountability for Industry: The Trump administration reached a $450M settlement with Chemours over “forever chemicals,” including $22.5M in penalties and major cleanup and drinking-water commitments tied to West Virginia facilities. Energy & Jobs Push for Coal: President Trump announced a $700M clean-coal investment backed by the Defense Production Act, aiming to support coal plants and mines—West Virginia is positioned as part of the broader energy push. Data Center Debate in Warwood: Residents and officials are pushing for clearer details after reports of a data center plan at the former Centre Foundry site, with a town hall drawing attention to manufacturing modular units for data centers. Local Business & Growth: Hilco Global proposed selling WestRidge-related properties, including a fully leased shopping center in Westover, as part of a reorganization plan. Community & STEM: A Williamstown robotics team won an Optimum grant to support its FIRST program, while West Virginia’s America250 celebration ramps up with the America250 Wheel arriving at the Capitol.

PFAS Accountability: EPA, DOJ and WV DEP announced a landmark $450M settlement with Chemours over alleged “forever chemicals” releases into the Ohio River system, including West Virginia—funding alternative drinking water, compliance upgrades and a government-supervised mitigation program. Energy & Industry Planning: The West Virginia PSC heard support for the Mon Power/Potomac Edison Maidsville Energy Center, with the Chamber arguing data-center and advanced manufacturing growth makes new generation capacity a reliability and competitiveness issue. Environmental Regulation Fight: A federal appeals court rejected the EPA’s bid to abandon a Biden-era rule tightening soot pollution limits, keeping tougher standards in place for coal plants and other industrial sources. Agriculture & Rural Legacy: NASDA and USDA signed an MOU creating the American Farm Legacy 250 Program to recognize family farms and ranches and support the next generation. STEM Pipeline: WVU Tech received an HSTA grant for free STEM camps for underrepresented high school students, including hands-on engineering and health sciences experiences. Workforce Safety: A national look at safety managers highlights rising compliance workload as OSHA rules expand across chemical hazards, heat illness and workplace violence. Consumer Policy Clash: 17 AGs, including West Virginia’s Marty Jackley, sued California over its plastics packaging law, arguing it will raise costs nationwide. Local Engineering Spotlight: Fairmont State hosted the ASCE 2026 Civil Engineering Student Championships at Tygart Lake, drawing international teams for concrete canoe and skills events.

PFAS Accountability: The Trump administration reached a $450M settlement with Chemours over “forever chemicals,” including $22.5M in civil penalties and $90M in mitigation tied to West Virginia facilities, with additional clean-water and pollution-control commitments. Energy Planning: West Virginia’s Public Service Commission set a July 15 public comment hearing on a proposed $2.48B Monongalia County gas-electric plant plus three solar projects, with an estimated 0.9% customer bill surcharge. SNAP Rules in Court: A federal judge blocked West Virginia’s SNAP waiver that would have limited soda purchases, keeping the fight alive over how states can shape “healthy choices” using federal food benefits. Packaging Fight: West Virginia AG J.B. McCuskey joined a multi-state lawsuit challenging California’s plastics packaging law, arguing it will raise costs for everyday goods. America 250 Buildout: Crews began trucking in parts for the America 250 Wheel at the Capitol, a 230-foot, president-themed portable Ferris wheel slated for July 2-5. Local Heritage: Harrisville unveiled an America 250 mural highlighting Ritchie County’s oil, natural gas, timber, and railroad roots.

SNAP Fight in WV: A federal judge struck down West Virginia’s SNAP waiver that would have blocked EBT purchases of soda, ordering federal officials to revisit the “Healthy Choices” plan after ruling USDA exceeded its authority. Plastics Packaging Clash: West Virginia AG J.B. McCuskey joined a 17-state lawsuit challenging California’s Plastics Act, arguing it will raise costs and force out-of-state businesses to change packaging to access California markets. Energy Hearings: The West Virginia Public Service Commission set a July 15 public comment hearing on a $2.48 billion Monongalia County gas-electric plant plus three solar projects, with an expected 0.9% average bill impact. PFAS Accountability: Chemours reached a $450M federal settlement over “forever chemicals” releases tied to facilities in West Virginia and other states, including drinking-water and mitigation commitments. Workforce Signals: New data shows West Virginia’s unemployment rate fell to 4.3% in May, but fewer people are actually working. Local Water Watch: Berkeley Springs officials pushed back on social media claims about drinking water quality, saying testing remains compliant with state standards.

PFAS Accountability in WV: The Trump administration reached a multistate settlement with Chemours over “forever chemicals,” filed in federal court in West Virginia. Chemours will pay a $22.5 million civil penalty and fund a $90 million, 15-year mitigation plan for PFAS discharges in West Virginia, North Carolina and New Jersey, including $60 million for pollution controls at its WV facility and about $280 million to supply clean drinking water near affected sites. Permitting & Conservation Oversight: Sen. Shelley Moore Capito grilled Interior’s Fish and Wildlife nominee Kevin Lilly on streamlining Endangered Species Act consultations, reducing permitting hurdles, and supporting stewardship at New River Gorge National Park. Data Center Development Watch: In Wheeling, officials and residents are reacting to plans tied to the former Centre Foundry property in Warwood, where Silicon Foundation says it will build modular components for data centers rather than a single giant facility—while separate reporting notes a potential 100MW campus concept. Local Infrastructure Pressure: Elm Grove flooding concerns are back in focus, with calls for a serious stormwater and storm-sewer capacity review. Statewide Industry Signals: West Virginia’s America250 Wheel is set to begin construction at the Capitol Complex, with the world’s tallest portable Ferris wheel arriving for July 2-5 festivities. Health Policy Clash: A federal judge blocked USDA from allowing five states—including West Virginia—from restricting SNAP purchases of soda and candy, limiting the reach of similar state efforts. Regional Business & Jobs: Yeager Airport director Dominique Ranieri received a 4% pay increase for FY2026, with another 4% slated for FY2027. Energy & Construction Employment Context: USDA broiler placement updates show 2026 production pacing slightly ahead of 2025, including West Virginia in the national totals.