AGP Executive Report

Data Center Backlash in the Region: Jackson Township, NJ became the 38th NJ community to ban data centers, joining a fast-moving wave that also hit Stafford, North Brunswick, and East Brunswick—residents cite higher electric bills, heavy resource use, and environmental worries near sensitive areas like the Pinelands. Storms & Flood Risk for Philly: A flood watch is set for the Philadelphia region Thursday into late night, with forecasters warning of several inches of rain in a short period and possible severe storms along the I-95 corridor. Wildlife Health Alert: Cheltenham Township, PA reported a coyote killed by police tested positive for rabies, urging residents to keep pets indoors and seek care after any contact. Water & Gas Drilling Link: A Penn State study of 91 private wells in southwestern PA found higher salinity near natural gas operations tracked with higher radium levels—yet every sample stayed within federal limits. PA Data Center Permitting Rules: Pennsylvania’s new executive order sets two permitting paths for large data centers and shifts how DEP reviews projects, with consent agreements tied to the GRID requirements. Community Greening Grant: Pew awarded $1.15M to the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society’s “Love Where You Live” plan in Nicetown and Tioga, expanding trees, plants, and neighborhood beautification.

Data Centers Clash: A new poll finds 6 in 10 Pennsylvania voters oppose AI data center development, feeding a fast-growing backlash that’s now driving state and federal policy fights. Permitting & Public Input: The EPA is moving to curb public participation in air-permit reviews for facilities tied to data centers, while Gov. Josh Shapiro’s executive order pushes “GRID” rules that aim to shift grid upgrade costs to developers—though analysts warn it may not lower bills and could raise costs if power is fossil-heavy. Local Dam Liability: Pennsylvania DEP sued a Center Township residents association over the unsafe Hull Plan Lake Dam, alleging missed inspections and failure to file an emergency action plan. Severe Weather: NWS confirmed a second Lancaster County tornado, adding to the storm toll and underscoring ongoing cleanup needs. Health Watch: Pennsylvania measles concerns are rising after two deaths, with local kindergarten vaccination rates showing troubling declines in pockets. Soil & Resilience: A Pennsylvania gardening guide highlights cover crops as a climate-smart way to reduce puddling and drought stress by building healthier soil. Wildlife & Invasives: Researchers say dogs can help detect spotted lanternfly egg masses, offering a new tool for managing the invasive pest.

Data Center Fight in PA: Gov. Josh Shapiro’s Aug. 18 executive order directs DEP to consider data-center proposals only if they meet the state’s GRID standards, aiming to protect energy affordability and push developers to win community approval. Permitting Backlash: A report says the Trump administration wants to roll back public input on certain EPA air permits for “minor sources,” a move critics say could limit residents’ chances to weigh in before construction. Grid Stress From AI Demand: The U.S. DOE ordered PJM and Constellation to keep 760 MW at Pennsylvania’s Eddystone plant available longer as load growth—much of it tied to data centers—outpaces retirements. Local Pushback: In Middlesex Township, hundreds packed a meeting over a large data-center campus under construction, citing noise, water pollution, and air-quality worries. Wildlife & Health: Delaware County health officials report rising bat encounters and rabies-positive tests; Pennsylvania also recorded its first measles deaths in 35 years amid rising vaccine exemptions. Storm Impacts: NWS confirmed a tornado hit Manor Township near Columbia, with earlier confirmations in York County.

Data Centers Backlash: A national debate over AI data centers is hitting election-year politics, with Gov. Josh Shapiro removing AI data centers from Pennsylvania’s fast-track program and requiring local approval plus enforceable commitments on power, water, and community benefits. Tornado Aftermath (Lancaster/York): The National Weather Service is returning to western Lancaster County to check whether a third tornado touched down, after EF-1 damage in Columbia and EF-2 destruction at Eastern York High School were confirmed last week. Environmental Rights Legacy: Former state Sen. Franklin Kury, who helped secure Pennsylvania’s Environmental Rights Amendment guaranteeing clean air and pure water, has died at 89. Renewables Push: PennFuture urges lawmakers to speed up solar and battery storage with policies like community solar and higher renewable energy requirements. Public Safety (Micromobility): Pennsylvania’s e-bike/e-scooter safety concerns are growing as fatalities rise, renewing pressure for enforceable rules. Weather: Western Pennsylvania heads into another warm stretch with highs in the 70s to low 80s and a wetter turn expected later in the week.

Water Quality Watch: A new PennEnvironment report finds harmful E. coli levels at 55% of 653 Pennsylvania monitoring sites in 2024-25, with unsafe swimmer conditions showing up repeatedly—especially in parts of the Delaware River near Philadelphia, Brandywine Creek, and sections of the Monongahela and Allegheny. Data Centers & Democracy: Across the country, data center backlash is driving election-year politics, with voters citing higher bills and environmental impacts; in Pennsylvania, the fight is tied to Gov. Shapiro’s tougher rules and lawmakers’ competing messaging. One Health Education: The University of Pennsylvania launched a One Health certificate to train cross-disciplinary health leaders, linking infectious disease, food security, environmental change, and antimicrobial resistance. Air Permitting: Public Citizen urged the EPA to keep stronger public participation requirements in minor air permitting, warning states shouldn’t be allowed to cut community input. Wildlife Crime: The PA Game Commission is investigating the illegal shooting of a six-point buck in Bedford County.

AI & National Security: Sen. John Fetterman dismissed “AI doomsdaying,” arguing U.S. overreaction helps China and that AI supremacy plus energy dominance underpin national security. Data Center Backlash in PA: The debate over AI power-hungry data centers keeps heating up after Gov. Josh Shapiro’s executive order tightened permitting and requirements, with critics and supporters trading arguments about community impacts and utility bills. Air Quality Enforcement: Pennsylvania DEP ordered Sherwin-Williams to address alleged air violations at its Rochester, Beaver County plant after residents reported strong “pure chemicals” odors. Severe Weather: NWS confirmed tornadoes in York (EF-2) and Lancaster (EF-1), with damage reported but no fatalities. Wildlife & Drought Signals: A young black bear was tranquilized and removed from a Denver tree after record bear activity tied to drought and food shortages—another reminder of shifting wildlife pressures. Food Safety: FDA-linked recall of alfalfa sprouts tied to E. coli and Salmonella outbreaks reached multiple states. Local Infrastructure: PennDOT scheduled lane closures for Route 73 bridge work in Skippack Township. Public Safety Tech Privacy: Franklin County defended Flock automated license plate readers as lawmakers plan privacy/accountability legislation. One Health/Defense Minerals: Deep Sea Minerals Corp. will attend a Philadelphia defense-industry event focused on critical minerals supply resilience.

Data Center Fight in PA: Pennsylvania ordered Sherwin-Williams to curb air violations after residents near its Rochester, Beaver County plant reported strong “pure chemicals” odors, with DEP citing problems including a missing emissions-control device. Severe Weather: The National Weather Service confirmed a 6th tornado from Thursday evening, adding another track in the region after earlier Delaware, Maryland, and Pennsylvania tornado confirmations. Wildlife & Drought Impacts: Colorado wildlife officers tranquilized and relocated a young black bear after it fell from a tree in Denver; officials linked more bear conflicts to drought-driven food shortages. Local Community Pressure on AI Power: A South Whitehall Township data center proposal near Parkland High School is drawing backlash over noise, vibration, traffic, and water concerns. Food Safety: Alfalfa sprouts tied to multi-state E. coli and Salmonella outbreaks were recalled after CDC-linked illnesses spread across 15 states. Pennsylvania Outdoor Life: Cheyney University named Fred Reynolds as director of athletics, as the school pushes growth and student success.

Data Centers in the Spotlight: Pennsylvania’s Shapiro administration is rolling out new “GRID” guardrails for data center development, plus a state website and map where residents can submit feedback directly; the move follows months of local pushback over power, water, transparency, and environmental impacts. Wildlife Conservation Planning: The Pennsylvania Game Commission and Fish and Boat Commission are taking public input on the draft 2025-2035 Pennsylvania Wildlife Action Plan, due Sept. 19, as the state updates its blueprint for protecting native species and habitat. Severe Weather Watch: The National Weather Service confirmed tornado damage across the region, including a tornado in Downingtown, Pa., and separate reports of strong storms and flooding risk in central and western Pennsylvania. Storm Shelter Equity: A Delaware tornado story highlights how mobile home residents face far higher danger because “seek a basement” guidance often isn’t possible for them. Energy & Climate Context: National coverage notes growing opposition to AI data centers as operators seek more power, including natural gas and even nuclear options, raising new air-quality and environmental concerns. Outdoor/Community: PennDOT is updating real-time travel tools for Little League World Series trips, including alternate routes and incident info.

Data Centers in the Spotlight: Gov. Josh Shapiro’s administration is rolling out a new state website and feedback channel for residents to weigh in on data center proposals, alongside a data-center map, as the governor pushes “responsible infrastructure” standards tied to energy affordability, community engagement, workforce, transparency, and environmental protection. Local Governance: The push is also playing out in township decisions, including Upper Merion supervisors rejecting a King of Prussia-area proposal after residents raised concerns and officials said key plans were missing. Severe Weather: The National Weather Service confirmed five tornadoes from Thursday night storms across Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey, including an EF-1 in Dover, with more surveys expected. Storm Watch: Western Pennsylvania is under a severe thunderstorm watch and parts of the region face flash-flood risk as another cold front brings more showers and thunderstorms into Sunday. Public Health & Environment: A Wyomissing mosquito sample tested positive for West Nile Virus, prompting more local surveillance and reminders to reduce exposure. Wildlife & Ecosystems: Stroud Water Research Center reports microplastics in insects across the Schuylkill River watershed, with a rise then later decline over recent decades.

Severe Weather Watch: The National Weather Service confirmed tornadoes across the region, including an EF-1 in the Dover, Delaware area and an EF-0 near Downingtown, Pennsylvania, as storms churned through the Northeast with flooding risk. Local Governance & Environment: Upper Merion Township rejected a proposal for five large data centers near King of Prussia after residents raised concerns about health, daily life, and property impacts, with officials citing missing traffic, emergency, sewer, and landscaping details. Pollution & Wildlife: Stroud Water Research Center reported microplastics in insects from the Schuylkill River watershed, adding another sign of plastic contamination moving through local ecosystems. Public Health & Work Zones: PennDOT and Pennsylvania State Police launched “Operation Yellow Jacket” to crack down on speeding, tailgating, and distracted driving in highway work zones to reduce work-zone fatalities. Community Resilience: Lancaster County commissioners issued a disaster declaration after a storm tore through Columbia, clearing the way for state and federal relief and recovery planning.

Data Center Backlash in Focus: Gov. Josh Shapiro launched a new website for Pennsylvanians to report concerns about AI data center projects, as the state tightens rules and residents push back over impacts on communities and resources. Local Regulation Push: Norristown council adopted a data center ordinance with strict criteria in its heavy industrial district, reflecting growing environmental and nuisance worries. Project Gold Water and Density Changes: In North Pocono, developers scaled back Project Gold’s earlier plans after community concerns, including cutting water impacts and reducing the number of data centers. Severe Weather and Flood Recovery: Lancaster County issued a disaster declaration after a destructive storm, while Somerset County flood survivors pressed state officials for more relief after assistance was denied. Public Health: CDC and FDA linked a multistate E. coli and salmonella outbreak to alfalfa sprouts, with cases reported across 15 states including Pennsylvania. Wildlife Watch: Allegheny County health officials reported a surge in bat calls as summer activity increases, urging safe handling and expert removal.

Data Center Fight: Gov. Josh Shapiro signed new executive-order “guardrails” for Pennsylvania data centers, requiring developers to follow binding energy, environment, and transparency standards and to get local approval before DEP can review permits—prompting both cheers and backlash from communities and industry. Severe Weather & Tornado Response: Columbia Borough declared a state of emergency after a storm that may have included a tornado tore through the area, damaging buildings and knocking out power; officials set curfews and opened a Red Cross shelter. Weekend Rain Threat: The National Weather Service warned that more rounds of drenching rain and thunderstorms could bring localized flash flooding across parts of eastern Pennsylvania and the I-95 corridor. West Nile Virus Watch: Centre County reported West Nile Virus in a mosquito sample, urging residents to eliminate standing water and take quick yard cleanups. Wildlife Conservation Input: Pennsylvania’s Game Commission and Fish and Boat Commission are seeking public comments on the draft 2025–35 Wildlife Action Plan through Sept. 19. Forest Protection Rollback: Environmental advocates criticized a proposed federal rollback of the Roadless Rule, arguing it would weaken protections for roadless areas in the Allegheny National Forest. Aviation Safety: Investigators continued probing a deadly midair crash at Carlisle Airport involving a small plane and a Pennsylvania State Police helicopter, with new details on communications and flight actions. Agriculture Innovation Grants: The state announced new Ag Innovation Grant awards, including funding for woody biomass-to-fuel conversion and automated lumber handling.

Data Center Guardrails: Gov. Josh Shapiro signed an Aug. 18 executive order tightening Pennsylvania’s rules for large data centers, making GRID requirements mandatory and requiring developers to bring their own power, get local approvals before DEP review, and build community outreach plans. Local Impact: The order also removes data centers from Pennsylvania’s PA Permit Fast Track and raises questions about how it affects Amazon’s proposed backup natural gas generators in Falls Township, where DEP is still reviewing permits. Severe Weather: Tornado and flash-flood threats kept the Philly region and much of eastern PA on alert, with warnings tied to damaging winds and heavy rain. Storm Aftermath: Lancaster Area Sewer Authority issued a water conservation notice for seven municipalities after a storm knocked out power at its treatment plant. Agriculture Funding: Pennsylvania opened applications Aug. 24 for a $10 million freeze disaster grant program for fruit growers hit by early freezes. Wildlife Rescue: A Pocono center rescued five ring-necked snakes stuck to adhesive tape on a cardboard box and is nursing them back for release. Wildlife Policy: The Pennsylvania Game Commission ended its Deputy Game Warden program effective Sept. 1 after a Supreme Court ruling limited warrantless searches. Science & Health: Monell Chemical Senses Center researchers used machine learning to better map complex scents, aiming to “digitize” odors.

Data Center Rules in the Spotlight: Gov. Josh Shapiro signed Executive Order 2026-05, directing DEP to review new data center permits only after developers sign GRID-based consent terms and secure local approval—while removing projects from fast-track permitting and tightening state tax exemption conditions. Local Pushback, Real-World Impacts: Venango County planners discussed adding data center language to SALDO after hearing about the new state order, reflecting how communities are trying to manage noise, water use, and land impacts. Coal Mine Expansion Under Review: DEP will study whether LCT Energy’s Rustic Ridge II coal mine should expand into an 11,000-acre area at the headwaters of two streams, after an Environmental Hearing Board ordered a fuller look. Wildlife Planning Input Open: The Game Commission and Fish and Boat Commission are taking public comments on a draft 2025-2035 Pennsylvania Wildlife Action Plan through Sept. 19. Weather & Flood Risk: A flood watch remains in effect for parts of southeast Pennsylvania and nearby areas, with heavy downpours possible.

Data Center Guardrails: Gov. Josh Shapiro signed executive order GRID standards that slow or block new Pennsylvania data centers without early local approval, full electricity-cost coverage, water-use commitments, and transparency—also removing AI projects from fast-track permitting and limiting nondisclosure deals. Local Backlash, Real Politics: Supporters and opponents in Pennsylvania and beyond are weighing in as the data-center fight becomes a “sleeper issue” in elections, with national polling showing many Americans oppose AI data centers more than nuclear plants. Regional Ripple Effects: Lackawanna County leaders say the local fight must continue and are pushing for a cumulative health-and-air-quality study tied to proposed data centers and power plants. Wildlife & Waterways Enforcement Cuts: Pennsylvania confirmed it’s ending the Deputy Game Warden program and the Fish and Boat Commission’s Deputy Waterways Conservation Program, affecting dozens of volunteer deputy officers. Severe Weather: NWS Pittsburgh confirmed a record year for tornadoes, including an EF-0 in Armstrong County, as officials cite warmer, more humid conditions and better detection. Public Health at the Shore: New Jersey issued swimming advisories at multiple Atlantic City beaches after fecal bacteria levels spiked.

Data Center Guardrails: Gov. Josh Shapiro signed an executive order tightening Pennsylvania’s rules for AI data centers, requiring developers to pay the full cost of new electricity and meet strict water-conservation and environmental standards, secure local approvals before DEP review, and sign legally binding commitments under the GRID framework—while removing data centers from fast-track permitting and barring nondisclosure agreements. Local Water & Flood Resilience: Lehigh University researchers say AI can help reservoir and water-system operators plan for a future of tougher droughts and floods, starting with the Delaware River Basin. Wildlife Update: Pennsylvania Game Commission investigators reported “nothing new” in the July 27 shooting of a bald eagle in Crawford County; the bird is stabilizing after rehab, and officials are asking for tips. Beach Water Quality (Regional): New Jersey posted fecal bacteria swimming advisories at 10 Atlantic City beaches after enterococci levels exceeded state standards. Outdoor Improvements: DCNR is moving ahead with multimillion-dollar upgrades to Cook Forest State Park’s Ridge Campground restrooms and shower facilities, with work starting in 2027.