AGP Executive Report

Data Centers & Public Health: A public health expert testified that a proposed Archbald data center’s massive diesel backup generators could cause $3 million to $124 million in annual health harm, raising concerns about undefined systems and diesel exhaust impacts. Local Water Infrastructure: Bellefonte Borough moved forward with a CDBG application to replace a deteriorating South Potter Street water main after significant leaks, aiming to improve service and reduce inflow and infiltration. Labor & Health Care: Mount Nittany Medical Center workers will vote on strike timing after a near-unanimous authorization earlier this month, citing pay that lags inflation and a living-wage gap. Storms & Resilience: Lancaster County’s July Fourth storms left widespread power outages and cleanup needs, with officials pointing to straight-line winds as the cause. Public Health Monitoring: Lancaster County’s mosquito program is gearing up for West Nile virus prevention, with staff tracking larvae and traps across public areas. Recreation Water Safety: An algae bloom closed the beach at Long Point State Park, while multiple Chautauqua Institution beaches also shut down due to harmful algal blooms.

Severe Weather & Power Restoration: PPL says the July 4 weekend storms were “one of the most impactful storm events” in its history, knocking out power for 264,000 customers; by Tuesday morning, 245,000 were back on, with crews working through broken poles, downed trees, and complex repairs. Flood Risk: A new flash-flood threat is building across the Mid-Atlantic and New England, with the heaviest rain expected near southern Pennsylvania after saturated ground from the holiday weekend. Watershed Planning: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Pittsburgh District and the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission will host public open houses on the Chartiers Creek feasibility study, collecting feedback on risk-reduction ideas in Canonsburg, Carnegie, and McKees Rocks mid-July. PFAS Cleanup Moves: Waste Connections plans a PFAS treatment facility at its Anson Landfill in North Carolina, using a leachate treatment system similar to one already installed at its Pennsylvania landfill. Wildlife & Tourism: Pennsylvania’s elk country is getting a boost as it appears in the Discovery Channel’s “RV There Yet?” premiere, with local officials expecting a tourism bump. Community Access: Erie held its first Disability Pride event in Perry Square, highlighting accessibility and disability culture.

Severe Storm Recovery: Back-to-back July 4 storms left tens of thousands still in the dark across south-central Pennsylvania, with PPL and Met-Ed reporting thousands of remaining outages and crews working through extensive damage. Flood Risk: A flood watch is in effect for parts of central Pennsylvania through late tonight, warning of flash flooding from slow-moving downpours. Data Centers & Power Costs: A Reuters look at the Rust Belt finds factory electricity bills rising sharply as data centers expand for AI, with capacity charges driving big jumps. Local Health Concerns: Pennsylvania’s data-center boom is also raising questions about physical and public health impacts, but reporting notes research is still limited. Wildlife Safety: The Shapiro administration launched a statewide wildlife connectivity work group co-led by DCNR and PennDOT to cut wildlife-vehicle collisions and reconnect habitat. Renewables Update: Turkey Hill Dairy’s long-running wind turbines near the Susquehanna River are set to be decommissioned in 2027 after early end-of-life. Invasive Species Watch: Spotted lanternflies are inching south in Georgia, and experts urge monitoring to protect nearby crops. Public Health Alert: The CDC is investigating a growing Cyclospora outbreak, with Pennsylvania among affected states.

Severe Storm Recovery: Pennsylvania is still tallying damage after July 4 weekend thunderstorms and flooding, with Gov. Josh Shapiro reporting three wind-related deaths, 145,000 homes without power at the peak, and 200 roads shut down; PEMA is warning residents to stay “weather aware” and avoid driving through floodwater. Power Restoration: PPL Electric says it restored service to more than 196,000 customers since Friday and is working through about 67,000 remaining outages, with additional storm impacts creating new repair sites. Tragedy in the Susquehanna Valley: A tree crash at Mountain Creek Campground in Cumberland County killed a mother and son during the storms. Storm-Scam Alert: Officials and consumer experts warn “storm chaser” contractors often show up after disasters to push deposits and up-front payments—check registration and insurance before hiring. Tick Season Watch: Pennsylvania tick activity remains high, with researchers noting early warmth may shift the second peak later in the year; public health officials urge prevention to reduce Lyme and other tick-borne risks. Circular Recycling Push: Reju opened its first North American research lab in Conshohocken to speed textile recycling technology. Transit Upgrade: CamTran launched a new account-based fare system across Cambria County with mobile tickets and smart cards. Water System Note: Bridgeport Water Department will flush fire hydrants citywide through mid-July, which may cause temporary cloudy water or low pressure.

Wildlife & Roads: Pennsylvania’s Shapiro administration is forming a working group to cut wildlife-vehicle collisions and reconnect fragmented habitat, with PennDOT and DCNR co-leading. Severe Weather & Flooding: A flood watch is in effect for parts of the Pittsburgh region and beyond as storms bring flash-flood risk, with saturated ground and heavy downpours possible. Heat Fallout: The eastern U.S. heat wave that hit hardest in New Jersey is linked to at least 19 suspected deaths, with officials noting many victims were found without air conditioning. Toxic Smoke Fire: A multi-day fire at the Peoples Cartage warehouse complex near Parkersburg sent thick black smoke into the air; EPA and state agencies are monitoring air and water. Water Ops: Bridgeport Water Department will flush fire hydrants through mid-July, with possible temporary discoloration or low pressure. Recycling Innovation: Reju opened its first U.S. textile recycling R&D center in Conshohocken to speed textile-to-textile recycling tech. Invasive Species: Watkins Glen State Park plans a spotted lanternfly trap-kill effort targeting tree-of-heaven and using insecticide-treated “trap” trees. Infrastructure: PennDOT posted this week’s roadwork schedule across multiple counties, weather dependent.

Heat & Health: A weeklong heat wave across the eastern U.S. is linked to at least 20 deaths, with New Jersey reporting 19 suspected heat-related deaths; officials say many victims were found in homes without air conditioning, and Pennsylvania saw heat illness at a steam locomotive event. Severe Weather & Flooding: Flash Flood Warnings and Flood Watches are active across Western and South-Central Pennsylvania, including Allegheny County and the Susquehanna Valley, with rainfall rates reported around 3 inches per hour and warnings that creeks and low-lying areas could overflow. Local Emergency Response: In Slippery Rock, the mayor signed a disaster emergency declaration amid serious flooding, enabling road closures, traffic control, and potential evacuations. Water Infrastructure: Laceyville Borough is set to vote July 7 on a $300,000 emergency-debt loan for water reservoir improvements after a long-running boil-water advisory and DEP emergency permit while a second well comes online. Policy Debate: A debate is heating up over air conditioning access and responsibility as extreme heat drives new arguments about how to cool cities while cutting climate pollution.

Extreme Heat & Storm Impacts: A brutal heat wave and severe weather marred America’s 250th celebrations, with storms forcing a roughly two-hour evacuation of Washington’s National Mall and disrupting events across the East Coast, including cancellations in Hartford and Pennsylvania cities like Harrisburg and Wilkes-Barre, while Philadelphia also ordered an evacuation. Western PA Weather: Western Pennsylvania is moving from the worst of the heat wave into an “Impact Day” for more heavy rain and isolated thunderstorms, with gusty conditions and a risk of flash flooding. Public Safety & Health: Authorities reported suspected heat-related deaths nationwide as heat alerts covered huge portions of the country, and emergency workers treated people for heat illness during holiday events. Local Ecology: The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission renewed warnings to Bucks County anglers about the invasive Northern Snakehead (“Frankenfish”), urging immediate action if caught. Community Climate Gardening: Pennsylvania residents are reviving a “square yard” flax-growing practice through the PA Flax Project, pitching flax as a low-input, “climate positive” fiber crop. Sports in the Heat: In Philadelphia, France beat Paraguay 1-0 in World Cup action under sweltering conditions.

Extreme Heat & Power Strain: A record-breaking heatwave and severe weather hit the U.S. on July 4, leaving 842,000 households without power and forcing cancellations and disruptions from parades to rail service, with Pennsylvania reporting 40,944 outages. Heat Safety in PA: Eastern states saw dangerous heat indices and officials urged residents to limit time outdoors; in Schuylkill County, a Heat Advisory stayed in effect through the evening. Storm Threats for Western PA: A severe thunderstorm watch covered parts of western Pennsylvania, with warnings tied to holiday plans near Pittsburgh and at area lakes/parks. Local Impacts: Pittsburgh suspended Independence Day events as lightning neared, while firefighters in Adams County cooled overheated power transformers during the heat. Air Quality & Health Concerns: The weekend also raised broader concerns about heat-related illness and outdoor exposure as celebrations continued to be reshaped by weather.

Extreme Heat & Public Safety: A record-breaking heat wave has pushed about 238 million people (roughly 70%) into dangerous heat alerts across the eastern U.S., including Pennsylvania, disrupting July 4 plans and driving heat-related ER visits; a 68-year-old man in Berks County died after working outdoors, with officials citing heat exhaustion. Holiday Cancellations in PA: Philadelphia canceled its Independence Day parade, and other Pennsylvania communities rescheduled or called off events as temperatures neared 100°F and heat indices climbed. Air Quality & Health Concerns: Experts warn the heat and humidity are worsening health risks, and the broader weekend pattern includes possible storms that can add hazards. Climate Link: A new analysis says the heat would be “virtually impossible” without human-driven climate change. Outdoor Recreation Update: DCNR opened the southern half of the Catawissa Recreation Area in Schuylkill County for dual-sport riders, with challenging trails available seasonally. Local Infrastructure: PennDOT released a Juniata County maintenance schedule with bridge work, pipe replacement, and lane restrictions starting July 6.

Extreme Heat & Public Safety: A deadly multi-day heat wave is tightening across the eastern U.S., breaking records and straining the grid; in Pennsylvania, a 68-year-old man died after heat exhaustion while trimming bushes in Bethel Township, and a severe thunderstorm watch is posted for parts of the Northeast including the Philadelphia area. Local Impacts in PA: Western Pennsylvania festivalgoers at the Westmoreland Arts and Heritage Festival are urged to watch for heat illness as temperatures push into the 90s by late morning, with misting stations and EMS on standby. Water Quality Risk: Experts warn that the heatwave can boost algae and bacteria growth in local waterways, potentially lowering oxygen and harming fish and swimmers. Wildlife Note: A rare albino cardinal was found under a car in Pennsylvania, with the wildlife center saying the heat wave has increased calls for unusual or distressed animals. Holiday Disruptions: Philadelphia canceled its Independence Day parade due to extreme heat, and other outdoor events across the region were scaled back or postponed. Agriculture & Climate Stress: The week’s broader weather whiplash also includes reports of “unprecedented” spring freezes damaging fruit crops in the Mid-Atlantic and beyond.

PFAS Safeguards: Pennsylvania DEP proposed permit updates to stop “forever chemicals” (PFOS/PFOA) from polluting farm fields and groundwater via biosolids, adding monitoring and reduction plans for wastewater facilities and allowing food waste in digesters. Extreme Heat & Public Health: A multi-day heat wave is driving Code Red/heat warnings and burn bans across the region, with Pittsburgh-area alerts extending for a fourth straight day and Southcentral communities warning residents to limit outdoor time and find cooling help. Data Centers Under Scrutiny: Greenwood County’s proposed data center ordinance is being revised ahead of final votes, tightening rules on setbacks, buffers, noise studies, cooling systems, generators, environmental review, and expansion. Food Safety Checks: Lancaster County restaurant inspections flagged issues like improper hot holding and sanitizer test-strip availability, while several other sites passed. Wildlife Management: The Pennsylvania Game Commission is asking the public to report wild turkey sightings statewide through Aug. 31 to track summer productivity. Holiday Fire Safety: York County-area burn bans were triggered by hot, dry conditions ahead of July 4.

Extreme Heat & Air Quality: A dangerous heat wave is blanketing Pennsylvania and the broader Northeast through the Fourth, straining the electric grid and pushing communities to cancel or shift America 250 events; Lancaster County is under a Code Orange ozone alert Friday as temperatures climb into the triple digits, raising risks for kids, seniors, and people with respiratory issues. Grid Strain: PECO and PJM are monitoring record demand as air conditioners run nonstop, with officials warning of possible power outages and urging conservation. Health & Safety: Extreme heat is also driving public health precautions, including cooling centers and guidance for staying hydrated; separately, a parasite-linked diarrhea outbreak (cyclosporiasis) is spreading across multiple states, with produce a key concern. Data Centers, Climate Pollution: A new report warns Pennsylvania data center power plans could significantly increase climate pollution, while communities and lawmakers continue to debate water and emissions impacts. Recycling & Outdoors: Reju opened a U.S. research and development center in Conshohocken to scale polyester recycling, and DCNR kicked off its Outdoors for All celebration to expand access to nature. Local Watch: Federal prosecutors say a Lower Pottsgrove doctor will pay $100,000 over alleged Controlled Substances Act recordkeeping violations.

Extreme Heat & Grid Stress: The U.S. Department of Energy declared an emergency as a heat wave pushes record demand risk across the PJM grid, with officials directing PJM to conserve power and potentially curtail data-center loads to prevent blackouts in Pennsylvania and nearby states. Heat Safety in PA: Pittsburgh-area extreme heat warnings continue for a third straight day, with forecasts near 95°F and guidance to use cooling centers and protect vulnerable residents. Wildlife-Vehicle Collisions: The Shapiro administration launched a statewide Wildlife Connectivity Work Group led by DCNR and PennDOT to cut wildlife crashes and reconnect habitat, using a new science-based statewide plan. Recycling Win: Northampton County’s Grand Central Recycling Facility in Plainfield Township received a 2026 DEP Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence for high-volume recycling performance. Invasive Species Alert: Pennsylvania anglers are warned about northern snakeheads (“Frankenfish”), which can survive days out of water—so officials urge against releasing them or leaving them on shore. Data Center Pressure at Local Level: Jefferson County commissioners urged municipalities to act on data center impacts, including water sourcing and environmental review concerns, while working on updated local land-use rules.

Extreme Heat & Public Safety: Lancaster County is baking under near-record July heat, with low stream flows adding risk for outdoor workers and even fish, while AAA warns extreme temperatures can cause roadside breakdowns and urges precautions for drivers and technicians. Heat-Response Infrastructure: Philadelphia and nearby regions are leaning on cooling centers and tree cover to blunt the worst impacts, as Code Red-style heat alerts expand across the Mid-Atlantic. Energy & Climate Policy: A new report says “behind-the-meter” gas plants built to power U.S. data centers could emit greenhouse gases on par with major countries, raising both climate and local air-quality concerns. Local Power & Labor: PECO and IBEW Local 614 are back at the bargaining table with a July 4 strike deadline looming, as extreme weather could strain the grid. Wildlife Protection: Pennsylvania is forming a statewide wildlife connectivity work group to reduce wildlife-vehicle crashes and guide future crossings. Food & Health: DOJ and states reached egg price-fixing settlements, and health officials are investigating a multi-state cyclosporiasis outbreak.

Extreme Heat Watch: The National Weather Service has issued an extreme heat warning for Mifflin and Juniata counties (heat index up to 108) running Wednesday through Friday, with a heat advisory following into Saturday as storms may offer limited relief. Heat Safety in Pittsburgh: Western Pennsylvania is also under an extreme heat warning through Friday night, with communities opening cooling centers and adjusting trash pickup times to protect workers. Data Center Scrutiny: In Kline Township, Amazon Web Services’ “Project Brewster” hyperscale data center plan drew public skepticism and security screening at hearings, as residents pressed for clearer answers on impacts like water and traffic. Local Power and Water Concerns: A separate data center debate continues statewide, with lawmakers weighing moratorium ideas while communities question energy demand and environmental tradeoffs. Market Collusion Fallout: Egg producers Cal-Maine, Versova and Hickman’s reached a $3.3M settlement over alleged price-fixing, including 53 million eggs donated—another reminder of how food costs can spike when markets get manipulated.

Extreme Heat Response: Philadelphia has declared a Heat Health Emergency from 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 1 through 8 p.m. Saturday, July 4, with cooling centers, hydration stations, and outreach expanded for residents and visitors during the hottest stretch. Heat Safety Across PA: South-central Pennsylvania is under multiple alerts, including a Code Orange air quality alert and an extreme heat warning tied to heat index values pushing above 105–110 degrees, with officials urging people to limit outdoor time and use cooling resources. Local Public Health Actions: Philadelphia’s Independence Day parade route was shortened due to extreme heat, even as the city prepares for major July 4 crowds. Wildlife Conservation: Tours are set to begin for the last eastern population of the rare eastern regal fritillary butterfly at Fort Indiantown Gap, where military land management helps maintain the grassland habitat the species needs. Environmental Policy (PA): House Resolution 580 designates July 18, 2026 as “Piping Plover Day” in Pennsylvania, moving through the state’s environmental committee process. Rail Safety: A CSX freight train derailment in Bucks County triggered a shelter-in-place order while crews assessed potential hazards from overturned rail cars. Water/Health Concern: FracTracker is appealing a Pennsylvania DEP permit for a well in McKean Township, arguing it could spread road brine harmful to public health. Community vs. Industry: A Penn Forest Township resident urges lawmakers to block a proposed data center, citing concerns about noise, water use, light/air pollution, and impacts to nearby recreation and streams.