AGP Executive Report

Energy & Utilities: Hope Gas filed with the West Virginia Public Service Commission for a rate increase to fund its Pipeline Replacement and Expansion Program, investing about $115 million to replace aging lines and improve winter reliability. Oil & Gas Policy: West Virginia Attorney General Alan Wilson backed efforts to keep Enbridge’s Line 5 operating through Michigan, arguing Congress—not states—should control interstate pipeline decisions. Public Health & Food Safety: A salmonella outbreak tied to jalapeños linked to Chipotle and Qdoba is under investigation, while a separate egg recall is expanding across multiple states due to antibiotic-resistant Salmonella. Healthcare Fraud: Wilson joined a coalition urging Congress to pass the STOP FRAUD in Medicaid Act, pushing to expand states’ ability to pursue Medicaid recipient fraud. Community & Workforce: Pierpont Community & Technical College held a board retreat focused on workforce trends and strategic growth. Local Governance: A former Worthington mayor petitioned to dissolve the town’s charter and declare its sewer system distressed, citing gridlock and unresolved state environmental issues. Consumer Safety: Multiple agencies raided Harrison County vape shops tied to illegal THC sales under the state Vape Safety Act. Agriculture & Tourism: West Virginia State Parks announced its 2026 Farm-to-Table Dinner series, pairing park chefs with local farms across 11 parks.

Food Safety Fallout: The CDC expanded the Cyclospora outbreak tied to recalled iceberg lettuce to 15 states, now listing 6,358 cases, 278 hospitalizations and two deaths (both in Michigan). New additions include Arkansas, Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire and North Carolina, while investigators say the recall window has passed—so many “new” counts reflect diagnoses catching up. Public Health & Retail Response: FDA recalls ready-made meals made by Virginia-based Ukrop’s Homestyle Foods (baked spaghetti, chicken cobbler, bread pudding) sold at Kroger, Publix and others after metal fragments were found in baking pans; distribution included West Virginia. Local Governance & Privacy: Huntington organizers launched a ballot effort, “Get the Flock Out,” to ban Flock mass surveillance cameras after City Council approved a $2.1M contract for audio, live video, drones and license plate recognition. State Policy & Health Care: West Virginia’s AG John McCuskey joined a multi-state push to subpoena Anthony Fauci over alleged self-profits tied to COVID guidance. Energy & Industry: NextEra Transmission MidAtlantic awarded $30,000 to the Bruceton Brandonville VFD for battery-powered rescue equipment, supporting emergency response around regional infrastructure work.

Drug Pricing & Antitrust: West Virginia AG J.B. McCuskey announced a $469M settlement in principle with Sandoz to resolve allegations of generic drug price-fixing and competition-limiting conduct, with 43-state coalition approval needed. Food Industry & Public Health: The cyclospora outbreak tied to shredded iceberg lettuce continues to widen, with Kentucky and Indiana reporting higher-than-normal case counts and the outbreak now listed across 15 states; Sysco says it has stopped buying Mexican iceberg lettuce tied to Taylor Farms, signaling supply-chain shakeups for restaurants and distributors. State Consumer Protection: West Virginia’s Consumer Protection highlighted the top scams reported in July—Medicare impersonation, robocalls, email phishing, sweepstakes/lottery fraud, and Social Security scams. Energy & Community Safety: NextEra awarded $30,000 to the Bruceton Brandonville Volunteer Fire Department for battery-powered rescue extraction tools. Local Infrastructure: Charleston officials detailed how months of planning and limited funding shape the city’s annual paving program, with more than 115 miles resurfaced since 2019. Manufacturing Workforce: SBA awarded $50M nationwide to technical schools and community colleges to train small manufacturers through the Empower to Grow program.

Energy & Industry: AEP says it will buy the Longview Power Plant in Maidsville and add a new 1,200-megawatt natural gas facility, with costs passed to large customers like data centers—not residential ratepayers. Local Infrastructure: Star City is moving toward an about $1 million University Avenue streetscape bid, including new sidewalks, ADA upgrades, and decorative street lights. Water & Public Services: Gov. Morrisey is launching a two-day listening tour in southern coalfields counties to hear directly about persistent clean-water problems tied to aging infrastructure and local utility struggles. Air Quality & Heavy Industry: West Virginia DEP is taking public comment on a proposed pig iron facility in Follansbee, including a mini-sinter plant, mini-blast furnace, and a cogeneration power unit. Health & Food Supply Chains: The Cyclospora outbreak linked to shredded lettuce continues to expand, with Michigan reporting the first deaths; the ripple is hitting restaurants and forcing more scrutiny of produce sourcing. Drugs & Antitrust: West Virginia AG McCuskey announced a $400 million settlement in principle with Sandoz over alleged generic drug price-fixing and competition limits. Workforce & Education: WVU announced 2026 Hazel Ruby McQuain Graduate Scholarship recipients pursuing service-driven graduate work across West Virginia.

Energy & Industry Dealmaking: AEP says it will buy the Longview Power Plant in Maidsville and add a new natural gas unit, with costs aimed at large users tied to data-center demand rather than residential ratepayers. Power Infrastructure & Rates: West Virginia regulators are weighing a proposed natural gas plant in Maidsville tied to Mon Power and Potomac Edison, while critics warn of major bill impacts. Grid & Data Centers: PJM’s interconnection process is starting to move again, with energy storage and other projects getting accepted as the region wrestles with capacity constraints. Workforce & Engineering: Bluefield State hosted an Engineering Appalachia roundtable focused on building the pipeline for engineers and technical talent. Defense Manufacturing: Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin are partnering with the Pentagon to ramp missile defense production, including PAC-3 MSE and THAAD components, with West Virginia tied to production capacity. Food Safety: Ukrop’s Homestyle Foods recalled about 22,880 pounds of deli meals (including baked spaghetti and chicken cobbler) due to possible metal slivers; separate reporting also shows the cyclospora outbreak has expanded to more states, with Michigan reporting deaths. Legal/Policy: West Virginia AG J.B. McCuskey announced a $400M settlement in principle with Sandoz over alleged generic drug price-fixing. Higher Ed Sports Business: Antero Resources will sponsor WVU athletics’ first-ever jersey patch across all 18 varsity sports for five years. Agriculture/Environment: Warm Springs Run Watershed Association received a $75K grant to restore native trees and shrubs along the U.S. 522 Bypass corridor.

Energy & Jobs: Gov. Patrick Morrisey told the Gas and Oil Association that West Virginia is on track to add another nine gigawatts of power generation, pushing toward the state’s “50 by 50” plan to reach 50 gigawatts by 2050. Power Market Moves: AEP reached agreements to acquire the coal-fired Longview Power Plant in Mon County and a nearby gas project site, saying the assets support growing demand and around-the-clock reliability. Grid Tension: West Virginia candidates are rallying against proposed transmission projects, including NextEra’s Mid-Atlantic Resiliency Link and the Valley Link line, arguing they could raise bills and disrupt rural land for data-center power. Public Safety Infrastructure: Boone County is moving ahead with a new 911 emergency communications center after years of planning, citing aging facilities and location risks along a busy U.S. Route 119 corridor. Food & Agriculture Watch: The Cyclospora outbreak tied to iceberg lettuce continues to spread, with Michigan reporting two deaths; meanwhile, Taylor Farms’ shifting public statements are drawing fresh scrutiny. Health Policy: Missouri AG Catherine Hanaway joined a multi-state push for the STOP FRAUD in Medicaid Act to expand states’ ability to investigate and prosecute Medicaid fraud. Education & Workforce: WVU engineering student Izaak Whetsell earned a Boren Scholarship to study Russian in Kyrgyzstan, aiming at future space-related work.

Energy Deal: AEP reached agreements to acquire the Longview Power Plant (coal) near Maidsville and the Mountain State Clean Energy gas project site in Mon County, aiming to bolster reliable, around-the-clock power as demand grows. Grid & Politics: A coalition of West Virginia candidates is pushing back against proposed transmission lines, arguing projects like NextEra’s Resiliency Link and Valley Link could raise bills and disrupt farmland while serving data-center needs. Power Plan Update: Gov. Morrisey says West Virginia is on track to bring another nine gigawatts online under the “50 by 50” grid expansion, highlighting major energy investment momentum. Utility Rates: The Public Service Commission approved a reduced, two-part rate increase for Mon Power and Potomac Edison, limiting the average monthly residential hike to about 5.6%. Food & Agriculture: WV Department of Agriculture plans aerial treatments to suppress black flies on the Greenbrier, New, and Bluestone rivers. Public Health: The multistate cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to recalled lettuce continues to expand, with Michigan reporting its first two deaths. Consumer Safety: Ukrop’s Homestyle Foods recalled about 22,880 pounds of baked spaghetti and chicken cobbler due to possible metal slivers. Business/Industry: PJM says 715 new generation projects totaling 200+ GW qualified for study under its reformed interconnection process. Legal/Antitrust: West Virginia AG Jeff Jackson joined a coalition announcing a $400 million settlement in principle with Sandoz over alleged generic drug price-fixing. Community & Culture: Charleston Ballet announced its 71st season, including a world premiere tied to Mothman lore.

Data Centers & Local Impacts: West Virginia’s first major data center, the Monarch Compute Campus near Point Pleasant, is already stirring controversy as nearby homeowners report flooding damage tied to construction and say the project could reshape their neighborhood. Utility Rates: The West Virginia Public Service Commission approved a two-part, inflation-based “rate experiment” for Mon Power and Potomac Edison, replacing a larger proposed increase with smaller August 2026 and June 2027 adjustments. Flood Recovery & Community Response: Gov. Morrisey urged patience as flood cleanup continues in Weston and Buckhannon, highlighting the West Virginia National Guard’s long-term role and calling for construction volunteers. Food & Consumer Safety: Nearly 23,000 pounds of Ukrop’s Homestyle Foods baked spaghetti and chicken cobbler were recalled in Virginia, North Carolina, and West Virginia due to possible metal slivers after a customer complaint. Agriculture & Community Events: Barboursville hosted a Vintage Pride Antique Tractor and Engine Show focused on preserving West Virginia’s farming heritage and getting younger people involved. STEM & Education: A WVU engineering graduate, Jason Gibson, turned curiosity and hands-on research into a path that landed him on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list. Public Health Watch: Federal investigators are tracking a Salmonella-linked egg recall tied to antibiotic-resistant illnesses, with West Virginia consumers urged to check carton codes and dates. Outdoor & Youth Development: West Virginia competed in the National 4-H Forestry Invitational at WVU’s Jackson’s Mill, with a WV 4-H member placing among the top individual scorers.

Food Safety & Recalls: USDA ordered a recall of nearly 23,000 pounds of Ukrop’s Homestyle Foods baked spaghetti and chicken cobbler after metal slivers were found; products were distributed in Virginia, North Carolina, and West Virginia, with no injuries reported. Energy Regulation: West Virginia’s Public Service Commission approved a two-phase, inflation-based “rate experiment” for Mon Power and Potomac Edison, replacing a larger request and setting smaller August 2026 and June 2027 increases. Public Health: A national cyclospora outbreak tied to recalled lettuce continues to disrupt restaurants and growers, with West Virginia among the affected states. Local Economy & Community: The West Virginia State Fair is offering discounted advance tickets through Monday, Aug. 3, ahead of Aug. 13–22. Civic & Industry Watch: A BBB Scam Tracker update shows Martinsburg tied for fourth in West Virginia cities for June scam reports, underscoring ongoing fraud pressure on local consumers. Politics & Representation: Former Sen. Joe Manchin, a West Virginia independent, argued the two-party system “choked out” competition and is pushing to elect more independents to Congress.

Food Safety: Ukrop’s Homestyle Foods recalled 22,880 pounds of baked spaghetti and chicken cobbler after a customer reported metal slivers; products were sold in West Virginia and other states, with no injuries confirmed. Public Health: The nationwide cyclosporiasis outbreak tied to recalled iceberg lettuce continues to spread, with West Virginia among the states reporting cases—raising pressure on restaurants and growers as demand shifts. Local Agriculture: Mercer County Fair wrapped up with youth rodeos, a chicken show, and cattle competition, highlighting the next generation of farming and livestock skills. Industry & Jobs: SunCoke Energy reported stronger Q2 results and raised its full-year guidance, pointing to improved coke operations and higher terminal volumes. Manufacturing: Kibar Americas announced it has produced its first aluminum coil at its Fairmont facility, marking a milestone for the plant and local workforce. Energy & Environment: Kanawha County commissioners urged WV DEP to hold off on an air permit for a proposed plastics pyrolysis “advanced recycling” plant near schools and homes, citing residents’ concerns and requests for more project details. Community & Culture: Woody Fest 2026 brought major hip-hop acts to the Shawnee Sports Complex in Kanawha County, drawing crowds and local excitement. Local Governance: Elkins City Council reallocated more than $500,000 after carrying over over $1 million from the prior fiscal year, adjusting its FY 2027 general fund budget.

Food Assistance & Hunger: A new report says SNAP cuts in the “One Big, Beautiful Bill Act” are hitting Black Americans hardest, with millions already losing benefits and advocates warning the worst is still ahead. Utility Rates: West Virginia regulators approved a scaled-back, two-step rate plan for Mon Power and Potomac Edison, lowering a proposed increase and easing the near-term hit to customer bills. Chemicals & Health Lawsuits: Union Carbide and Covestro are pushing to exclude expert testimony in a South Charleston class action alleging ethylene oxide emissions raised cancer risk. Construction & Industry: Nucor’s CEO says the new Nucor West Virginia plant near Point Pleasant is on track for a long, profitable run, with commissioning and ramp-up continuing through 2027 and beyond. Environmental Permitting: Kanawha County commissioners asked the WV DEP to hold off on an air permit for a proposed “advanced recycling” plastics pyrolysis facility near schools and homes until more details are provided. Broadband Policy: The FCC is weighing changes to the E-Rate program that subsidizes internet for schools and libraries, raising uncertainty for rural communities. Food Safety: The FDA says the U.S. food supply is safe as cyclosporiasis cases top 11,000, while restaurants and supply chains continue to feel the fallout. Local Business & Manufacturing: Kibar Americas announced its first aluminum coil from its Fairmont facility, marking a production milestone for the plant.

Utility Rates: West Virginia regulators approved a scaled-back, two-step rate plan for Mon Power and Potomac Edison, cutting a proposed $188.4M increase to smaller August 2026 and June 2027 adjustments that add about $3.65 and $4.01 per month to average residential bills. Steel & Manufacturing: Nucor’s CEO says the Apple Grove sheet mill near Point Pleasant is on track for a long, profitable run, with commissioning continuing through 2026 and a ramp-up year expected in 2027. Industrial Metals: Kibar Americas marked a milestone at its Fairmont facility, producing the first aluminum coil from its production line. Energy Markets: Baker Hughes reported U.S. rig counts rose for the sixth time in seven weeks, while the Utica/Marcellus region saw a small drop. Environmental Permitting: Kanawha County commissioners asked WV DEP to hold off on an air permit for a proposed “advanced recycling” plastics pyrolysis plant near schools and homes until more project details are provided. Food Safety: Ukrop’s Homestyle Foods recalled spaghetti and chicken cobbler shipped to WV after a consumer complaint about metal slivers. Consumer Protection: WV AG McCuskey warned residents about a “free” gas and grocery card mailer scam that charges processing fees and additional money. Infrastructure & Water: Follansbee secured funding to close a $500,000 gap for water treatment upgrades, including valve replacements, backup controls, and building roof work. Tourism Access: New River Gorge’s Rend Trail will close Aug. 3 for an $11.8M rehabilitation to create the park’s first fully accessible earthen-surface trail. Local Economy & Community: Elkins City Council reallocated over $500,000 after carrying forward more than $1M in surplus funds into its FY2027 budget.

Permitting & Air Quality: Kanawha County commissioners asked WV DEP to pause an air permit for Clean Seas West Virginia’s proposed plastics pyrolysis “advanced recycling” plant near schools and homes, saying residents need more project details before regulators move forward. Utilities & Rates: West Virginia regulators approved a scaled-back, two-step rate adjustment for Mon Power and Potomac Edison, cutting a proposed $188.4M increase into smaller 2026 and 2027 hikes. Industrial Growth: Nucor CEO Leo Topalian says the Apple Grove steel plant near Point Pleasant should be profitable for decades as commissioning continues into 2026 and ramp-up targets 2027–2028. Energy Markets: Baker Hughes reported U.S. rig counts rose again for the sixth time in seven weeks, while the Utica/Marcellus region saw mixed changes. Food Safety & Local Consumers: FDA officials said the U.S. food supply remains safe as cyclosporiasis cases top 11,000, while West Virginia consumers face fallout from the Taco Bell-linked lettuce outbreak and a new class action seeks damages. Workforce & Training: WV’s Jumpstart Savings Program was highlighted as a tax-advantaged way for trade and technical workers to pay for tools, certifications, and equipment. Mining & Jobs: Clinch Resources sold its first commercial metallurgical coal train from Wyoming County and expects more output after a highwall miner ramps up. Community & Youth: Berkeley County Youth Fair kicks off this weekend with record participation, including 4-H and FFA exhibitors. Public Safety: WV AG McCuskey warned about a “free” gas and grocery card scam that charges victims processing fees.

Food Safety Shock: Taco Bell sales dipped as a Cyclospora outbreak tied to shredded iceberg lettuce spread across multiple states, including West Virginia; Yum Brands says the impact is temporary and sales are rebounding after the chain and supplier pulled product. Energy & Environment: West Virginia’s leaders joined other states in opposing an EPA-Chemours PFAS “backroom deal,” arguing it won’t deliver meaningful cleanup for affected communities. Flood Recovery & Accountability: A Weston flood survivor says government help hasn’t matched the damage after flash floods destroyed multiple homes, raising pressure for faster disaster response. AI Data Centers & Permitting: Bedington’s “Project Blue Jay” has filed for a stormwater construction permit, signaling early steps toward a major data center build in Berkeley County. Workforce & Training: A federal push would fast-track commercial driver’s licenses for military veterans, aiming to fill trucking shortages. Local Development: WVU says it has reached a negotiated resolution to assume full ownership of University Place, keeping student housing operations steady. Outdoor Tourism & Trails: Expedia’s trails fund will support new connector routes linking Franklin and Durbin to the Monongahela National Forest. Education & Agriculture: WVU Davis College is highlighting a chestnut restoration effort as the American chestnut makes a comeback.

PFAS Legal Fight: Gov. Josh Stein, AG Jeff Jackson, and DEQ Sec. Reid Wilson filed comments opposing an EPA-Chemours PFAS settlement, calling it a “backroom deal” that would leave North Carolina’s contamination largely unaddressed—while noting Chemours’ Fayetteville plant impacts multiple states, including West Virginia. Food Safety & Retail Impact: Yum! Brands says Taco Bell sales took a “meaningful” hit from the cyclospora outbreak tied to shredded iceberg lettuce, with same-store sales down about 2% in the July-September period, though executives report improving traffic after quick menu and supplier actions. Broadband Access: A new state-by-state internet ranking finds big gaps in speed and availability, underscoring that where you live still drives whether you get reliable home service. Power & Data Centers: FirstEnergy reports surging data center demand and contracts, including a growing pipeline in West Virginia, as utilities seek new generation and transmission to serve the load. Workforce & Trades: Lowe’s Foundation announced new skilled-trades grants, including funding aimed at expanding hands-on electrician training—part of a broader push to feed regional labor needs. Local Business: Cornerstone Candy is set to open in downtown Clarksburg Aug. 4, bringing handmade chocolates, classic candies, and a vintage-style soda fountain to the community.

Broadband & Health Access: West Virginians in the least connected counties say telehealth and daily life still get disrupted by unreliable internet, even after major federal broadband spending. Long-Term Care Oversight: Majestic Care’s new long-term care hospital builds are drawing scrutiny from lawmakers who fear patients and jobs could shift away from small communities. Data Centers & Local Control: Residents in Mason County pressed commissioners over a proposed data center, questioning whether state “high impact” rules limit local oversight on dust, water pressure, flooding, and growth impacts. Power & Industry Demand: FirstEnergy is defending plans for a new gas-fired plant tied to rising electricity demand from data centers, while critics and regulators weigh costs and future fuel choices. Food Safety & Local Impact: West Virginia’s cyclosporiasis probe reports 245 cases and urges residents to avoid shredded iceberg lettuce linked to the outbreak, as national counts climb and restaurants adjust menus. Education & Construction: Monongalia County is moving ahead with advertising for a construction manager for the $34M Suncrest Middle project. Flood Recovery: Gov. Morrisey highlighted progress in Weston, praising reopening efforts and urging patience as cleanup continues. WVU & Water Research: A WVU engineering student is advancing acid mine drainage treatment and water-quality monitoring research tied to Appalachia’s legacy pollution. Agriculture & Markets: Broiler placements dipped week-to-week but remain ahead of last year, signaling steadier meat production ahead.