AGP Executive Report

Data Center Pushback: Allegheny County records show plans for a massive data center campus and natural-gas plant near the Youghiogheny River. Residents and advocates are urging Pennsylvania leaders to pause approvals, while Luzerne County weighs revised rules for data centers. PFAS: The state Senate passed a bill to phase out PFAS-containing firefighting foam, with restrictions starting in 2027; it now goes to the House. Clean Water and Climate: Pennsylvania joined 20 states suing to restore federal power-plant pollution limits. A new report also flags rising water bills in Pennsylvania. Wildlife: Federal officials say Chesapeake logperch populations in the lower Susquehanna have recovered enough to avoid Endangered Species Act protection, though monitoring will continue. Environmental Education: The state is offering more than $400,000 in grants for projects that help Pennsylvanians understand and protect the environment; applications are due Nov. 13.

Nuclear for AI in Pennsylvania: Google struck a 20-year deal with Constellation to buy 890 megawatts of new nuclear power for its AI data centers, with Constellation investing $4.3 billion to upgrade 11 reactors across Illinois, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania—another sign PJM is being reshaped by data-center demand. Data-center backlash in Harrisburg: Dozens rallied at the Capitol urging Gov. Josh Shapiro and lawmakers to pause data centers statewide, arguing communities are still dealing with impacts without a strong framework. Local zoning fights in Luzerne County: A county planning commission is set to consider changes to proposed data center rules after an executive summary said current sound and setback requirements could effectively block siting in many districts. PFAS firefighting foam: Pennsylvania’s Senate advanced a bill to phase out PFAS-containing firefighting foam, moving to the House after a 48-1 vote. Wildlife-friendly lighting: Erie turned off Bicentennial Tower lights during peak migration nights to reduce light pollution for migrating birds. Agriculture and health: Penn State broke ground on a major expansion of its Animal Diagnostic Laboratory to speed disease detection and protect farmers. Water affordability pressure: A new analysis says water rates have surged 62% over the past decade, outpacing inflation and forcing households to cut other essentials.

PFAS Crackdown in Harrisburg: The Pennsylvania Senate passed a bipartisan bill to phase out “forever chemicals” in firefighting foam, aiming to end PFAS-containing foam use by January 2028 and require warning labels on PFAS gear. Energy Affordability & Clean Heating: A national decarbonization report says heat pumps held 58% of U.S. space-heating equipment shipments in the first half of 2026—even after the federal 25C tax credit expired—while state legislatures push more building decarbonization bills amid rising utility bills. Data Centers vs. Communities: A coalition called the American Infrastructure Alliance is launching “guardrails” efforts in Pennsylvania and other states, responding to local moratoriums and bans as residents warn about power, water, and environmental impacts. Nuclear Upgrade Push: The U.S. DOE announced up to $4.2 billion in conditional financing for Vistra nuclear upgrades in Pennsylvania and Ohio, adding capacity and extending operations to meet growing PJM demand. Local Water Tech: Jim Thorpe Borough is moving toward lead service line detection using a probe-based system approved by DEP, reducing the need for disruptive digging. Health & Pollution in Kitchens: A study finds gas kitchens often exceed nitrogen dioxide and high-heat benchmarks, while all-electric kitchens did not show the same problems.

Lead in drinking water: Jim Thorpe Borough is moving toward a faster way to identify lead service lines using a probe-based “Swordfish” system, with DEP approval already in hand—aiming to avoid disruptive sidewalk digging. Water backup planning: The borough also identified two possible sites for new test wells to secure a long-sought backup water source, with DEP inspections scheduled. PFAS firefighting limits: A Pennsylvania Senate bill would ban PFAS firefighting foam manufacture and use, with limited exceptions, after a near-unanimous Senate vote. Climate rule fight: Pennsylvania joined a multi-state lawsuit seeking to reinstate EPA climate pollution rules for power plants. Data center backlash: New reporting highlights how opposition to AI data centers has hardened into hostility, driven by worries about water and power demands—raising pressure on local approvals. Solar on landfill: Lanchester Landfill and Caernarvon Township settled over a solar array plan that would help power a landfill gas-to-natural-gas facility. Extreme cold prep: First widespread frost and possible freeze prompted plant-protection advice across the region. Energy resilience model: A Scranton housing project is pitching “zero-markup” utilities via an on-site clean-energy microgrid.

Data Center Pushback in PA: A Swatara Township developer behind a $10.5B, two-campus AI data center plan is holding a resident Q&A Oct. 8 after neighbors raise alarms about noise, water use, and grid strain. Local Money vs. Local Costs: In Hazle Township, NorthPoint Development is offering $10,000 to eligible households if its Project Hazelnut moves forward, but residents say the payout won’t offset property-value, energy-demand, and light/noise concerns. Chesapeake Bay Funding: EPA will send $90M for clean water and restoration in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, including $37M to localities and $53M in matching grants for dozens of projects. Bay Cleanup Deadline Miss: A new Chesapeake Bay Program model shows the region hit sediment goals but fell short on nutrient pollution targets again, underscoring how hard the remaining work is. Invasive Species Outreach: A new “SPOTTED!” lanternfly stomp-and-compete app is spreading the message beyond Pennsylvania, with thousands of reported kills. Cold-Weather Watch: A strong cold front brings the first widespread frost risk of the season across much of Pennsylvania early Monday into Tuesday.

Broadband Expansion: Gov. Josh Shapiro and PBDA announced $448M in BEAD grants to expand high-speed internet to projects across 50 Pennsylvania counties, cutting the number of unserved households from 330,000 (2022) to under 133,000 today. Data Center Backlash: A new wave of opposition to data centers is colliding with climate and environmental concerns, with Pennsylvanians pushing for limits as power demand and water use loom. Invasive Species Alert: Pennsylvania readers are reminded to act fast as the northern snakehead—an invasive, land-walking fish—spreads into new states, with officials urging anglers to kill it immediately if caught. Fall Weather & Forecast: Pittsburgh-area forecasts point to a dry, sunny stretch with highs near 74 Sunday, then mostly sunny days in the 60s. Local Health Care Change: UPMC’s takeover of CommonSpirit Trinity Health System in eastern Ohio takes effect Oct. 1, affecting four hospitals and clinics for about 200,000 patients. Microplastics Watch: A new report flags widespread microplastics in regional waterways, renewing calls for stronger plastics crackdowns.

Data Center Backlash in PA: A Hazle Township data center proposal is drawing scrutiny after reports that residents were offered $10,000 incentives tied to construction, with locals raising concerns about the scale of developer influence and possible Amazon involvement. Wildlife & Public Health: Philadelphia-area residents are reporting more lost exotic birds, but local agencies say they can’t confirm a surge—leaving animal welfare groups to urge better tracking and care. Fishing & Habitat: Edinboro Lake anglers are seeing strong smallmouth bass and panfish variety, with fall conditions highlighted as a prime time to fish. Climate & Travel: A potentially record El Niño could shift Thanksgiving and Christmas weather—more storms and rain in the South, and warmer/drier conditions for the Northeast, including Pennsylvania. Federal Land Protections: Pennsylvania hikers and hunters have until Oct. 6 to comment on a USDA proposal to roll back the Roadless Rule protections in the Allegheny National Forest. Deer Management: The Pennsylvania Game Commission approved changes to antlerless deer license sales, giving it flexibility in how and when licenses go on sale.

Invasive Species Alert: Missouri wildlife officials are telling anglers to decapitate, gut, or bag-and-trash northern snakehead fish instead of tossing them back, warning the predatory invasive could harm native and sport fish as it spreads. Federal Forest Rulemaking: Pennsylvania hikers and hunters have until Oct. 6 to comment on a USDA proposal to roll back the Roadless Rule, which would loosen protections for about 25,000 acres of the Allegheny National Forest’s remote lands. Deer Management Update: The Pennsylvania Game Commission approved changes to how antlerless deer licenses are sold, giving it flexibility each year while keeping annual allocations tied to wildlife management goals. Outdoor Community Calendar: Clarion’s 73rd Autumn Leaf Festival kicks off Oct. 3 with music, kids’ activities, and recycling-focused events. Flood Recovery: Washington, Pa., officials are mapping an action plan after September flash floods, targeting clogged storm drains, retention ponds, and stream debris. Local Road Work: PennDOT announced Erie County maintenance for the week of Oct. 5, plus an I-80 Lehigh River Bridge traffic switch. Wildlife & Safety: A viral “hangry” raccoon-versus-deer snack standoff highlights how quickly wildlife encounters can turn aggressive.

Data Centers & Local Power Strain: Amazon says it will invest $1B over five years in communities hosting its data centers, as opposition grows over electricity costs, water use, and local impacts. Pennsylvania Water Pollution: Maryland fined a developer $24,000 for repeated sediment runoff into a Gunpowder River tributary, underscoring how construction pollution can keep recurring even after settlements. Fish Kill in Maryland: Nearly 11,000 fish died downstream from Kilby Farms amid a state lawsuit over manure discharges, with officials pointing to an overflow at a manure lagoon. State Policy & Climate Elections: A national look at midterms highlights how state legislatures and governors can steer climate and energy policy. Wildlife & Hunting: Pennsylvania’s statewide archery deer season opens Oct. 3 with new Sunday hunting rules and updated CWD-related guidance. Infrastructure Updates: PennDOT will shift traffic on the I-80 Lehigh River Bridge project, and the PA Turnpike posted a Lansdale interchange ramp closure for overnight work. Ag Workforce in Focus: U.S. Rep. G.T. Thompson (PA) discussed agriculture workforce needs and risk management at an ag forum, including SAWA and H2A visas. Nonprofit Capacity Building: A leadership academy for nonprofit leaders is scheduled in Florida, with a curriculum centered on governance, oversight, fundraising, and long-term sustainability.

Climate & Air Policy Fight: A coalition of 21 states and four cities sued the Trump administration in federal court to block EPA’s rollback of greenhouse gas limits for coal- and gas-fired power plants, arguing the move will worsen extreme heat and other climate impacts. Data Centers & Local Power/Water Pressure: Amazon’s CEO pushed back on backlash over AI data centers, promising to publish energy and water use and fund community programs, as Pennsylvania and other states face rising opposition and legal fights over approvals. State Environmental Accountability: Pennsylvania’s governor is among plaintiffs challenging the EPA power-plant rule repeal, while Pennsylvania lawmakers debate how the PUC should weigh “public interest” factors like affordability, reliability, resilience, sustainability, and public safety. Water Quality & Contamination: Arkansas AG Tim Griffin announced a $32 million (up to $80 million) settlement with Monsanto over PCB contamination claims, with funds restricted to water-quality work. Local Recreation & River Ecology: Curwensville Borough got an update on a proposed whitewater park at Irvin Park, including designs aimed at maintaining fish passage depth during low-flow periods. Road & Construction Impacts: PennDOT scheduled nighttime resurfacing on U.S. 422 in Limerick and Upper Providence, with lane closures and delays expected through Oct. 8. Wildlife Season Notes: Pennsylvania’s statewide archery deer season opens Oct. 3 with new Sunday hunting rules and updated CWD-related guidance.

EPA Lawsuit Over Power-Plant Pollution: States and cities, including Pennsylvania, sued after the Trump administration repealed limits on greenhouse gas pollution from coal and gas plants, arguing the rollback will worsen heat, storms, and health harms. Data Center Backlash: In Lackawanna County, officials are studying the combined air-quality and health impacts of multiple proposed data centers and power plants, while residents in Butler County packed a meeting to oppose a proposed facility. Chesapeake Bay Setback: A new federal executive order and tribal withdrawal complicate Bay restoration, shifting focus to measurable water-quality gains. Upper Darby Land Fight: Organizers are racing to raise $8 million to buy the Mozino Tract and protect it as open space after a developer abandoned a mixed-use plan. Fall Climate Watch: Foresters in the Poconos say leaf-peeping conditions look better than last year, with peak color expected mid-October. Wildlife & Invasives: A column warns homeowners about the returning brown marmorated stink bug.

Climate & Power Plant Fight: Pennsylvania’s governor joined a 21-state, four-city lawsuit challenging the Trump EPA’s repeal of greenhouse gas limits for coal and gas power plants, arguing the rollback will worsen the climate crisis and public health. AG Action on PFAS: Pennsylvania AG Nick Brown joined a bipartisan suit to block DuPont (EIDP) and related companies from shifting assets into a new entity to dodge cleanup costs tied to “forever chemicals.” Local Utility Rates: The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission approved a settlement cutting UGI Gas Division’s requested rate changes by nearly 35% while adding customer-service and income-qualified program improvements. Data Centers in the Spotlight: A UtilityDive report says the U.S. data center boom is colliding with power, water, labor, and local opposition—while Pennsylvania communities keep debating new projects, including a proposed “mini data center” in Lawrence County. Dark Skies Upgrade: Pennsylvania completed $5.2 million in improvements at Cherry Springs State Park to boost safety and accessibility while reducing artificial light. Public Input on Roads: PennDOT opened a survey for construction and maintenance customer satisfaction feedback through Oct. 20. Wildlife & Hunting: The Pennsylvania Game Commission set archery deer season dates starting Oct. 3 and highlighted safety steps for tree stands.

Birds of Prey Migration Count: The Center for Birds of Prey kicked off its fall migratory raptor watch, inviting Pennsylvanians to track hawks and other birds as seasonal patterns shift. Solar Financing: CleanChoice Energy closed about $166M in financing for two solar projects, including a Pennsylvania Kylertown site, aiming for commercial operation in 2027. Microplastics in Philly Waters: New testing found microplastics in waterways across the Philly region, with environmentalists pushing for stronger plastics crackdowns. Fracking Groundwater Update: A Penn State study of shallow aquifers near fracking sites found radium levels generally below regulatory limits, but raised concerns tied to salinity and proximity to impoundments/spills. Data Center Cost Fight in Harrisburg: Pennsylvania lawmakers advanced proposals to limit electricity bill impacts from data center growth, including measures targeting utility profits and speculative demand forecasts. Food Waste Cuts: Gov. Shapiro and DEP highlighted nearly $18M for food recovery infrastructure grants, helping nonprofits expand distribution while reducing food waste. Coal Mine Water Mapping: A USGS study estimates Pennsylvania’s abandoned underground coal mines may hold up to 220 billion gallons of water, reshaping how mine pools interact with streams. Public Media Merger: WHYY completed its acquisition of WPSU, keeping local public broadcasting running for about 1.5 million residents in central and northern Pennsylvania. Boil Water Advisory Drags On: In Tidioute, a boil water advisory that began in March remains in effect, forcing the local school to boil large volumes of water daily.

Data Center Cost Fight: Pennsylvania lawmakers are watching a national showdown after the Senate blocked the Ratepayer Protection Act, leaving open whether data centers must help pay for grid upgrades—an issue that could hit utility bills and local planning. AI in Health Care: A Pennsylvania House bill would require patients to be told when AI is used in clinical decision-making, plus added reporting and human-review rules for certain benefit decisions. Microplastics in the Delaware Basin: A new survey found microplastic pollution at every sampled site across Delaware River tributaries, including Pennsylvania waterways, raising fresh pressure for stronger controls. Coal Legacy Cleanup: The Pennsylvania Game Commission outlined plans to remove 247,000 cubic yards of coal silt near the Schuylkill River and restore floodplain wetlands and buffers for wildlife and recreation. Local Water Stewardship: Bath Borough council honored the Monocacy Creek Watershed Association for 55 years of volunteer work protecting the watershed. Diesel Shock for Farmers: Harvest season is arriving with diesel at record highs in Pennsylvania, squeezing farm margins and raising costs across the supply chain. WPSU Transition: WHYY’s acquisition of Penn State’s WPSU is set to be finalized, keeping public radio and TV service running for more than 1.5 million central and northern Pennsylvanians.

DEP & Fire Contamination: West Virginia DEP approved a site assessment plan for the Peoples Cartage warehouse fire near the Little Kanawha River, warning of “vast” contamination potential and outlining how soil contamination from the blaze will be mapped. Wildlife Recovery: After a 2025 dredging and cleanup, 49 musk turtles were released back into Pennsylvania’s Crystal Lake in Berks County, marking a major step in restoring habitat. Fracking Water Concerns: A Penn State study of shallow aquifers near southwestern Pennsylvania fracking areas found radium levels mostly below regulatory limits, but raised worries about increased salinity and limited sampling close to sites. PFAS Cleanup Delays (Navy): The Navy says it won’t finish PFAS remedial work at the Grumman site in Calverton until 2039, a timeline critics say wasn’t clearly disclosed. Data Centers & Community Pushback: Polls show Americans growing more negative about data centers, while Pennsylvania groups plan a Capitol rally Oct. 6 to oppose new development. Urban Deer Management: Pittsburgh is expanding its deer management program to additional parks to reduce damage and improve safety.

Data Centers vs. Communities: A Luzerne County fight is heating up as a Missouri developer offers Hazle Township households $10,000 each to back a 1,300-acre data center plan, even as residents push back and a local moratorium ends in January. Energy, Water, and Oversight: Pennsylvania’s utility regulators warn data center growth could mean blackouts, while national reporting highlights mounting concerns over power reliability, clean air and water, and farmland impacts. Local Infrastructure (Water): Sen. John Fetterman announced $1.44M in EPA funding for a Williamsport water tank replacement to improve reliability for 51,000 customers. PennDOT Updates: PennDOT opened a community survey on roadway construction and maintenance (through Oct. 20) and reported major road and bridge work progress. Wildlife & Nature: Pennsylvania’s 2026 PA Wilds Resource Guide is out with a refreshed format for grants, loans, and technical help. Weather: Expect more clouds than sun with a stray shower possible, plus a better chance of rain later in the week.