AGP Executive Report

Severe Weather: A fast-moving severe storm system triggered multiple thunderstorm watches and warnings across Pennsylvania, with damaging winds, hail, heavy downpours, and widespread power outages—ground stops hit major airports including Philadelphia and Newark, and Susquehanna Valley communities reported crashes and road closures as storms moved through. Public Health & Food Safety: Dauphin County restaurant inspections logged mostly passes, but one Harrisburg-area site failed for expired sanitizer test strips and improper handwashing setup. Water & Utilities: A new report highlights Pennsylvania communities pushing back against water system privatization, arguing private takeovers can mean higher bills and surcharges. Energy & Cost Burden: An opinion piece warns ratepayers shouldn’t subsidize data center growth, pointing to grid upgrade costs and extended pollution from coal plants. Wildlife & Hunting Education: Penn State Extension announced “Venison 101,” combining online learning with an Aug. 7 hands-on workshop covering deer ecology, processing, and food safety. School Policy: A new truancy transfer restriction is described as blocking students who need school the most.

Severe Storms Watch/Warnings: The National Weather Service issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Cumberland and Franklin counties until 5:30 p.m., citing 70 mph wind gusts, quarter-size hail, and damaging tree and power-line impacts, with a second storm line expected to follow. Western Pa. Alert: A Severe Thunderstorm Warning and broader Severe Thunderstorm Watch are in place across much of Western Pennsylvania, with damaging winds, heavy rain that can trigger flash flooding, and hail/tornado risk. Community Disruption: Morgan Wallen canceled a Pittsburgh show at Acrisure Stadium due to severe weather expected later Saturday. Grid & Bills Pressure: A new pushback against data centers is gaining traction as ratepayers face higher electric bills tied to grid upgrades and extended pollution from coal plants kept running longer to meet demand. Stormwater Ruling: A Pennsylvania Supreme Court decision on stormwater charges could reshape how municipalities bill nonprofits and other property owners. Local Infrastructure: PennDOT announced a Clearfield County bridge deck replacement starting June 8 with a detour and expected closure through early September. Air Quality Concern: A health group says Allegheny County’s “best” air quality in 25 years still fails residents.

Stormwater & Local Fees: A Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruling upholding stormwater charges in a West Chester dispute leaves “a lot of unknowns” for other municipalities, especially where nonprofits argue the fees are really a tax tied to impervious-area billing. Wildlife & Conservation: DEP and the Pennsylvania Game Commission band four peregrine falcon nestlings at the Rachel Carson State Office, using the bands to track flight and nesting across the Atlantic flyway. Public Lands Updates: Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center reopened with expanded parking, better accessibility, and upgraded stormwater infrastructure after a multi-month improvement project. Outdoor Programs: Blue Knob State Park and other DCNR sites are rolling out weekend nature events, from bats and stream insects to black bear learning sessions. Weather Watch: Forecasters warn scattered Saturday storms could bring damaging winds, hail, lightning, and heavy rain across parts of Pennsylvania. Air Quality Policy: A Pa. Senate bill would eliminate annual vehicle emissions testing in counties that still require it, arguing air quality has improved and the testing is outdated. Community Action: Residents in Columbia, Lancaster County, helped stop a land sale that could have brought a data center, highlighting local pushback over energy and infrastructure strain.

Utility Rates: The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission approved a settlement that will raise PPL Electric distribution rates starting July 1, with average residential bills up about 4.9% (PUC estimate) and PPL saying 3.23% for customers, plus a two-year cap on further distribution increases. Roadwork & Waterways: PennDOT scheduled a one-lane restriction Wednesday, June 10 for beam setting on the Karns Crossing bridge over Connoquenessing Creek (Route 68), with the $64.8 million replacement project slated for spring 2028. Clean Water Infrastructure: Allegheny County Sanitary Authority awarded Steel City Tunnel Partners a $1 billion contract for the Ohio River Tunnel—about 4.9 miles of deep tunnel designed to cut combined sewer overflows by roughly 7 billion gallons annually. Public Health: Tick-borne illness risk is climbing in the Philly region, with tick bite-related ER visits at the highest levels since 2017 in parts of Pennsylvania and guidance urging extra protection in grassy/wooded areas. Wildlife & Habitat: The Pennsylvania Turnpike is expanding roadside pollinator habitat, using native seed mixes across nearly 25 acres to boost flowers and support pollinators with minimal maintenance. Health Leadership: Penn Medicine extended CEO Kevin Mahoney’s contract through June 2031.

Coal Push vs. Climate Reality: President Trump announced nearly $700M to prop up coal plants and exports, using Cold War-era defense powers to extend plant life and restart projects—an energy policy move that will shape Pennsylvania’s grid and air-quality debate. Grid Pressure from AI: Separate reporting warns that data centers are straining PJM, raising electricity prices and fueling calls to reform or even split the grid operator. Local Water Stress: Chester County is under a drought warning as wells run low, with DEP urging residents to cut use 10–15%. Wildlife & Health Watch: Pennsylvania officials are tracking the spread of lone star ticks that can trigger Alpha-Gal red-meat allergy, while Game Commission wardens monitor a black bear sighting in Bucks County. Conservation Win: Wildlands Conservancy secured a conservation easement protecting 1,147 acres of forested headwaters for the Lehigh River. Hazardous Waste Cleanup: PRC will host a household chemical collection in Uniontown on June 13. Road Safety & Work Zones: PennDOT is closing a Clearfield-area bridge for rehab starting June 8, and urges drivers to put phones down during busy summer travel.

Electric Bills & Rates: The Pennsylvania Public Utilities Commission approved a PPL Electric settlement that raises distribution rates for the first time in a decade, adding about $7 a month for the average customer starting July 1. Data Centers Backlash: As rural communities push back on AI-driven data centers, Columbia Borough rejected a $6.4 million bid for a project tied to the former McGinnis Airport, with residents citing transparency and environmental/quality-of-life concerns. Coal Funding Push: President Trump is expected to announce nearly $700 million in federal support for coal plants and exports using the Defense Production Act, including efforts to restart a Maryland coal facility. Grid Stress Watch: New reporting warns soaring demand from data centers is straining PJM, the nation’s largest grid operator, and could trigger governance changes or even a breakup. Ticks & Lyme Risk: Tick-bite-related emergency visits are rising, with Pennsylvania highlighted for high Lyme disease burden and renewed emphasis on prevention. Wildlife & Habitat: The Northwest Pennsylvania Woodland Association will host a free ruffed grouse habitat program in the Allegheny National Forest on June 13. Outdoors & Community: Tioga County doubled ATV-accessible trails with seven new connector routes, aiming for safer, more sustainable riding. Northern Lights: NOAA issued a strong geomagnetic storm watch that could make auroras visible in Pennsylvania on June 4–5, though clouds may interfere.

Water & Public Health: Knox Borough moved to protect its ability to collect delinquent water bills by starting the process to place liens on two properties tied to large past-due accounts. Drinking Water Safety: A boil water advisory in Belle Vernon was lifted after testing found no contamination, but officials raised alarms about a contractor using an improperly disinfected pump and hose during reservoir pressure washing. Data Centers & Land-Use: Mercer County’s planning commission recommended countywide zoning rules for data centers, including site design, noise and vibration controls, water protections, cooling standards, emergency planning, and decommissioning. Outdoor & Wildlife Health: Doctors and infectious disease specialists warned that tick bites are rising, with Pennsylvania still among the top states for Lyme disease, urging prevention during spring and summer. Aviation Funding: Pennsylvania’s bipartisan AIR Act proposal would create a dedicated aviation trust fund to close a reported $120M+ airport funding gap. Recycling & Plastics Policy: A Pennsylvania-focused discussion highlighted “advanced recycling” as a potential economic driver, alongside federal legislation aimed at recognizing recycled content. Community & Nature Tourism: PA Wilds named 2026 award recipients, including Candace Hillyard as planning team member of the year.

Data Center Fight in PA’s Orbit: California’s Monterey Park voted to permanently ban datacenters, with early results showing a huge majority—another sign that local environmental and utility-cost concerns are driving backlash. Brownfields to Public Use: Pennsylvania’s Shapiro administration approved a $22,890 grant to Hooversville Borough to remediate a former gas station site at 792 Barn Street, clearing the way for a municipal office and police station. Stormwater Permit Appeal: The Big Spring Preservation Association filed an administrative appeal of DEP’s final stormwater permit for a proposed warehouse project, arguing the Ritner Highway development could harm Big Spring Creek and the drinking-water source for Newville. Energy Efficiency in Conservation: ClearWater Conservancy is building the Hamer Community Conservation Center with high-performance envelope strategies to cut energy use and long-term carbon, supported by the West Penn Energy Fund. Wildlife Watch: Towamencin and Perkasie residents reported a wandering young black bear; police and the Pennsylvania Game Commission are coordinating to locate it safely. Native Species Day: Shapiro’s invasive species council marked Native Species Day with new focus on healthy forests, waterways, and wildlife.

State Budget Fight: Gov. Josh Shapiro’s 2026-27 proposal would move nearly $4.7 billion from Pennsylvania’s rainy-day fund to help balance a $53.3 billion plan, a move House and Senate Republicans oppose over credit-rating worries. Public Health & Climate-Linked Monitoring: Federal budget cuts would slash CDC wastewater surveillance funding, raising alarms as a new COVID “cicada” variant spreads. Cybersecurity: A major Canvas education ransomware attack highlights how centralized digital systems and third-party links can amplify risk. Water & Flood Risk: A new analysis warns flood insurance gaps could widen sharply, with uninsured losses rising dramatically in scenarios that include broader inland flooding—Pennsylvania included. Local Environment Education: Allegheny College’s Creek Connections program secured renewed PPG Foundation support to expand free STEM and waterway monitoring for K-12 students. Energy & Land Use: A proposed 18-megawatt solar farm in Wayne County draws mixed reactions from residents concerned about farmland impacts. Recycling Policy: An “advanced recycling” bill moving in Congress could affect multiple Pittsburgh-area plastics facilities. Heat Protections: Lawmakers held hearings on whether Pennsylvania should adopt worker heat protections as temperatures climb.

Data Centers & Grid Pressure: U.S. Reps. Dean and Evans pressed FERC for answers on how data centers’ growing power demand could affect grid reliability, costs to consumers, and environmental impacts like air quality and water use. Air Quality Lawsuit: Sherwin-Williams is facing a new legal fight over alleged “unreasonable noxious odors” from its Rochester coatings plant, with claims tied to volatile emissions and prior state notices. Water & Heat Resilience: A Pittsburgh-area nonprofit initiative is seeking proposals for backup power so service providers can keep running during severe storms and long outages. Wildlife & Outdoor Policy: The Pennsylvania Game Commission set 2026-27 migratory game bird seasons, including expanded Canada goose hunting in parts of southeastern PA. Public Health & Nature: Researchers reported that fog in Pennsylvania can carry huge numbers of bacteria, raising new questions about how microbes behave in humid air. Community Conservation: Frog Fest in Centre County used hands-on activities to teach families about local frogs and habitats as federal funding shrinks. Transit Budget: Pittsburgh Regional Transit adopted its FY27 operating and capital budgets, keeping fares and service levels but warning long-term funding is still shaky. Health Care Deal: WVU Health System signed a definitive agreement to acquire Independence Health System, expected to close in late September or early October.

Data Centers & Local Power/Water Pressure: Mount Carmel Township residents are pushing back on AI data center plans, arguing new state standards don’t erase zoning authority and that the “pause” debate is really about transparency and environmental impacts. In Shalersville, an open house for a Bitdeer-linked proposal drew protests and calls for a statewide ban, while Luzerne County GOP nominee Stacy Garrity renewed her push for a data center development pause and questioned Gov. Shapiro’s timing and community impacts. Energy Costs & Grid Reliability: As PECO rates rise and lawmakers weigh solutions, a House committee heard testimony that grid-scale battery storage could help stabilize Pennsylvania’s power system and ease price pressure. Stormwater & Flood Resilience: Lawrence Township completed a streambank stabilization project on Moose Creek under the USDA NRCS Emergency Watershed Protection program, part of the recovery from Tropical Storm Debby. Tick-Borne Risk: CDC data show ER visits for tick bites are at their highest for this time of year since 2017, with warmer conditions driving increases in the Northeast and Midwest. STEM & Water Education: Allegheny College’s Creek Connections program won renewed PPG Foundation funding to keep free classroom and field learning focused on western Pennsylvania waterways. Legal/Policy Watch: The Pennsylvania Supreme Court upheld that a municipal stormwater “stream protection fee” is effectively a tax and can’t be imposed on tax-exempt entities. Outdoor/Community Nature: A First Friday bird photo exhibit and a weekend bird walk highlight local habitat-based learning, while a nature note says turtles are increasingly seen as they head out to nest in June.

Data Center Debate: PA Treasurer candidate Stacy Garrity held a listening session in Wilkes-Barre Township, pressing for a pause and “right way” approach as Luzerne County communities weigh new data center proposals and the potential utility-cost burden on residents. Local Water & Cleanup: Emergency crews responded to a water rescue at Speedwell Forge Lake in Lancaster County, while separate local incidents included fires and road impacts that disrupted schedules. Sustainable Building Research: Penn researchers are turning food scraps into building materials, aiming to cut landfill waste and reduce reliance on concrete and epoxy. Permitting Fight at a PA Site: 7-Eleven (Speedway) filed an appeal with the Pennsylvania Environmental Hearing Board after DEP rejected a sampling plan for closure-in-place of a petroleum underground storage tank in Allentown. Energy Costs: The PA PUC warned PECO customers to expect higher bills starting June 1 as summer demand ramps and generation prices adjust. Wildlife & Habitat: Palmerton faced renewed pressure to limit the Northface Project’s permit extension, with opponents citing fill limits and DEP oversight concerns. EV Charging Push: Philadelphia plans to add 435 public EV chargers through a partnership with PositivEnergy.

Data Center Guardrails: Gov. Shapiro rolled out full “Governor’s Responsible Infrastructure Development” (GRID) standards, setting expectations for permitting speed, local value, and environmental and utility-bill impacts as Pennsylvania courts more data centers. Local Control Push: Sen. Jarrett Coleman and Rep. Jamie Walsh introduced bills to repeal a 2021 data center sales-tax break and let municipalities pause new applications via moratoriums. Water & Heat Stress: Penn experts say Pennsylvania needs stronger cooling assistance for energy-insecure communities as extreme heat worsens health risks and costs. Recycling Tech: Republic Services says material recovery facilities still struggle to recapture the value in many plastics, pointing to secondary sorting as a way to improve outcomes. Wildlife Safety: States are expanding funding and laws for wildlife road crossings to cut animal-vehicle crashes, with Pennsylvania cited among the highest collision-rate states. Invasive Species Watch: USGS warns invasive species are spreading fast via travel and commerce; golden mussels and spotted lanternflies are among the threats. Outdoor Safety: YMCA and local groups are urging swimming lessons as summer ramps up, citing drowning risk for kids.

Data Center Accountability: Gov. Josh Shapiro unveiled Pennsylvania’s Governor’s Responsible Infrastructure Development (GRID) standards, setting new guardrails for data center permitting, community value, and accountability tied to state support and tax incentives. Local Control Pushback: Sen. Jarrett Coleman and Rep. Jamie Walsh introduced bills to repeal Pennsylvania’s data center sales-tax exemption and allow municipalities to impose a moratorium on new data center applications. Invasive Species Watch: The U.S. Geological Survey warns invasive species are already reshaping ecosystems nationwide, with golden mussels flagged for potential harm to water infrastructure and spotted lanternflies and invasive carp still expanding. Wildlife in the Suburbs: The Pennsylvania Game Commission captured and relocated a black bear in Montgomery Township, following another recent bear relocation in nearby Whitpain Township. Weather & Risk Reminders: Western Pennsylvania is heading into a stretch of dry, mild conditions, while a major weather pattern called an “omega block” is being discussed for how it can stall storms across regions.

Data Center Accountability: Gov. Josh Shapiro rolled out new GRID standards for data center development, requiring developers seeking state support to meet guardrails on energy affordability, transparency/community engagement, workforce and economic development, and environmental protection. Heat & Drought Watch: Lancaster County is bracing for a hotter-than-usual summer, with forecasts calling for more days above 90 degrees and below-normal rainfall later in the season, worsening drought conditions. Wildlife Education: The Pennsylvania Game Commission announced Junior Game Warden Camps for ages 12–15, offering hands-on training with game wardens on wildlife forensics, tracking, survival skills, and habitat protection. Road & Construction Impacts: PennDOT scheduled single-lane restrictions on I-80 westbound for concrete rehab starting June 15 in Jefferson and Clearfield counties, with work running into October. Community & Inclusion: Haine-area Best Buddies held its annual walk to support inclusive activities for students with and without disabilities.

Data Center Debate in PA: Gov. Josh Shapiro rolled out voluntary GRID standards for data centers, tying tax incentives and faster permitting to requirements on energy, affordability, clean power, transparency, workforce, community impact, and environmental protection—while opponents push for stronger limits or a moratorium. Local Water & Power Concerns: In Mifflin County, residents packed a planning meeting over a potential Granville Township data center, with county guidance warning that large facilities could use more water than the local authority produces and demand major electricity. Water System Enforcement: DEP missed a permit deadline for the Masons Mobile City Trailer Park water system, leaving residents under long-running boil and do-not-consume orders. Illegal Dumping at State Park: A Fayette County man was sentenced for dumping waste tires at Ohiopyle State Park, fined $2,500, and faced additional prison time. Outdoor Safety: The PA Game Commission urged people to leave young wildlife alone, and a Lehigh County teen drowned after jumping into Jordan Creek. Weather & Summer Water Worries: Forecasts suggest wet and dry cycles may even out this summer, easing some drought anxiety.