AGP Executive Report

Permitting & Energy Jobs: West Virginia business groups are watching a Senate permitting reform push that would speed approvals for both traditional and clean energy projects, with U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito backing the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act as a potential lame-duck win. State Infrastructure: The West Virginia Parkways Authority is moving ahead on its new Charleston headquarters, starting interior demolition of the former Moose Lodge and targeting construction drawings by early spring with a hoped-for move-in in the first quarter of 2028. Workforce & Training: Pierpont Community and Technical College is expanding aviation maintenance training at the North Central West Virginia Airport, aiming to grow capacity and keep more graduates working locally in energy and aviation. Public Health & Food Safety: The FDA expanded a frozen berry recall tied to possible E. coli contamination, including Great Value and Trader Joe’s organic berry products sold in multiple states, including West Virginia. Healthcare Ownership: UPMC took over CommonSpirit Trinity Health System in eastern Ohio, affecting four hospitals and clinics serving about 200,000 patients in the Ohio Valley, with residents urged to confirm insurance and appointment details. Local Water Quality: A Gazette-Mail investigation highlights public health concerns from West Virginians’ well water, with residents reporting taste and corrosion issues. Sports (WVU): Iowa State outlasted West Virginia 45-42 in a high-scoring Big 12 game, with WVU’s offense producing points but the defense falling short.

Supreme Court Watch: The U.S. Supreme Court will hear whether Boulder, Colorado can keep a climate-change damages case against major fossil-fuel companies in state court, a decision that could reshape how energy litigation works nationwide. Energy & Jobs: Pierpont Community and Technical College is expanding aviation maintenance training at the North Central West Virginia Airport, aiming to grow credentials and local hiring in energy and aviation. Home Energy Costs: The West Virginia Office of Energy launched Inflation Reduction Act-funded home energy rebates statewide, offering savings for whole-home upgrades and high-efficiency appliances as the state weighs future utility rules. Public Health: The FDA expanded a frozen berry recall tied to possible E. coli contamination, including Great Value and Trader Joe’s products sold in West Virginia—check freezer dates. Water Quality: A Gazette-Mail report highlights public health concerns from West Virginians’ well water, with residents describing rust and taste issues. Workforce & Education: West Virginia’s skills pipeline also got a boost with aviation-focused outreach for girls at the airport. Community Development: The 1982 Foundation is turning the old Calhoun County High School into a Grantsville community hub with new businesses and services.

Energy & Utilities: West Virginia Office of Energy launched statewide Home Energy Rebate Programs, rolling out HOMES and HEAR rebates funded through the Inflation Reduction Act to help households cut energy costs and upgrade insulation, windows, heating/cooling and more. Public Health & Food Safety: A frozen berry recall tied to an E. coli outbreak expanded again, adding more lots of Great Value and Trader Joe’s products sold in multiple states including West Virginia. Healthcare Costs: New ACA Marketplace data shows West Virginia saw a steep drop in 2026 plan selections and the state’s average premiums climbed sharply, signaling affordability pressure for shoppers. Water Quality: A Gazette-Mail investigation highlights public health risks from West Virginians’ well water, with residents reporting taste and corrosion issues tied to home water testing. Rural Infrastructure: USDA awarded about $40 million in grants for rural water and wastewater systems, including operator training, mapping, and technical support. Local Industry & Community: The Mountain Loggers Group’s Log-A-Load for Kids auction raised major funds for WVU Medicine Golisano Children’s Hospital during the Mountain State Forest Festival. Workforce Inspiration: Girls in Aviation Day at the North Central West Virginia airport brought hands-on activities and an all-female National Guard crew to spark future pilots.

Home Energy Rebates: West Virginia Office of Energy rolled out statewide HOMES and HEAR programs funded through the Inflation Reduction Act, aiming to cut utility costs for qualifying households with whole-home upgrades and high-efficiency appliance rebates. Energy Policy Watch: The launch lands as the state weighs a rule framework for electric utilities that community advocates fear could raise burdens on ratepayers. Manufacturing Growth: Advantage Valley marked National Manufacturing Day with a new $2 million POWER grant to expand its Expanding Markets program, targeting manufacturers in the Charleston-Huntington corridor and beyond and projecting 200+ jobs. Rural Water Funding: USDA awarded about $40 million in grants for rural water and wastewater technical support, operator training, and system mapping nationwide, including energy-efficiency help. Consumer Protection: West Virginia AG’s office listed the top scams reported in September—Medicare offers, robocalls, Social Security impersonation, sweepstakes/lottery fraud, and promotion/disconnection schemes. Local Industry & Community: Elkins’ Mountain Loggers Group Log-A-Load for Kids auction raised $158,155 this year for WVU Medicine Golisano Children’s Hospital, as loggers and sawmills face a tough market. Workforce Pipeline: Conn-Weld Industries visited Mercer County Technical Education Center for National Manufacturing Day, spotlighting welding and safety skills for students.

Energy & Jobs: West Virginia Office of Energy rolled out statewide Home Energy Rebate Programs (HOMES and HEAR), funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, giving qualifying households a path to lower bills through home upgrades and efficient appliances. Manufacturing Growth: Advantage Valley secured another $2 million POWER grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission for its Expanding Markets program, aiming to help manufacturers land new customers and create 200+ jobs. Consumer Protection: The WV Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division flagged the top five scams reported in September—Medicare offers, robocalls, Social Security impersonation, sweepstakes/lottery fraud, and promotion/disconnection schemes. Recycling & Waste: WVDEP announced more than $70,000 in Covered Electronic Devices recycling grants, including awards to Harrison, Lewis, Mingo, Monongalia, Pleasants and others for e-cycling events. Aviation Workforce Pipeline: Girls in Aviation Day returns Oct. 3 at the North Central West Virginia Airport in Bridgeport, using the former terminal to showcase TSA, pilots, mechanics and behind-the-scenes airport operations. Wildlife Tech: New River Gorge National Park is using tiny cellular tags to track endangered bats, including one detected over 130 miles away. Policy & Permitting: U.S. senators unveiled a bipartisan permitting reform deal negotiated with the White House, with West Virginia Sen. Shelley Moore Capito leading the effort. Healthcare Costs: Iowa joined a coalition seeking court approval of a $400 million Sandoz/Fougera settlement over alleged generic drug price manipulation, with West Virginia included in the broader coalition.

Energy Affordability: West Virginia’s Office of Energy has launched its statewide Home Energy Rebate Programs, rolling out two federally funded tracks—HOMES and HEAR—to help qualifying households cut energy bills through home upgrades, appliances, and equipment. Consumer Protection: Attorney General Lynn Fitch is urging people to check eligibility and file claims tied to a multistate generic drug settlement after a court approved a distribution plan over alleged price-fixing and reduced competition. Nuclear Policy: West Virginia has backed away from a federal advanced nuclear “lifecycle” campus bid after renewed scrutiny over spent fuel handling and waste concerns. Data Centers & Power Bills: In WV’s 2nd congressional district race, candidates are split on data center legislation, with one proposal pushing for a pause and local vote before new large facilities move forward. Workforce & Training: A West Virginia Northern Community College entrepreneurship educator was selected for a prestigious entrepreneurship teaching clinic, aiming to bring more hands-on learning to students. Local Business & Growth: Chicken Salad Chick announced new development agreements in West Virginia as it accelerates expansion in the Northeast. Industry Watch: A proposed class action in federal court alleges DraftKings used AI to target customers with gambling promotions, drawing attention from regulators.

Nuclear Energy & Waste: West Virginia backed away from a federal Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus bid after fresh scrutiny over spent fuel handling at a proposed Boone County site, with Gov. Patrick Morrisey saying the state won’t be a “dumping ground” for nuclear waste. Energy Permitting: A bipartisan Senate permitting reform deal aims to speed approvals and cut energy bottlenecks, but lawmakers say wind and solar language still leaves questions. Data Centers & Power Costs: Senators also unveiled a broader bipartisan affordability push that would require data centers to “pay their fair share,” while debating how to keep grid upgrades from hitting ratepayers. Drug Pricing Enforcement: West Virginia and other states moved to win court approval for a $400 million Sandoz settlement tied to alleged generic drug price-fixing and reduced competition. State Economy: West Virginia reported September General Revenue Fund collections of $570M, beating estimates, while FY-to-date totals also came in ahead. Workforce & Industry: Dayton defense contractor Mile 2 acquired Morgantown firm Azimuth, adding about 30 employees and expanding electronics and marine systems capabilities. Local Business/Tech: Rutter’s is modernizing its point-of-sale platform chainwide with NCR Voyix commerce software. Education & Safety: Monongalia County schools said a Morgantown High School threat was a hoax, praising the emergency response. Infrastructure: Princeton’s Thorn Street Bridge officially reopened after a 2.5-year rebuild. Training: A new career training facility opened at Pruntytown Correctional Center, adding automotive and construction programs built by students.

Tourism & State Parks: Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced about $19.725 million in upgrades across West Virginia State Parks and Forests, including a new campground at Little Beaver, cabin renovations at Twin Falls, and repairs statewide aimed at boosting the tourism economy. Workforce & Training: Pierpont Community & Technical College is expanding aviation education with a new aviation maintenance training center, while a separate Girls in Aviation Day in Bridgeport (Oct. 3) spotlights aircraft, helicopter rides, and STEM pipeline efforts. Energy & Permitting: West Virginia’s role in a federal nuclear “innovation campus” effort ended after the state withdrew amid public concern over nuclear waste handling. Federal Policy Impact: A bipartisan permitting reform package (with WV Sen. Shelley Moore Capito) is moving forward, while clean energy groups warn it could still favor fossil infrastructure. Health Costs: The Trump administration has started mailing $500 ACA/Obamacare refund checks to eligible enrollees in 30 states, including West Virginia. Rural Water Tech: Birchtech named Charlie Cooper to expand specialty activated carbon solutions for rural and small water systems, drawing on his West Virginia Rural Water Association experience. Local Business & Community: West Virginia Democrats continued their Kitchen Table Tour in Charleston as the midterm push ramps up.

State Parks & Tourism: Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced about $19.725 million in upgrades across West Virginia state parks and forests, citing record tourism momentum and job support. Energy Permitting: A bipartisan “Four Corners” permitting reform package was released in Washington, with West Virginia Sen. Shelley Moore Capito among the leaders, aiming to speed federal approvals and cut energy project delays. Power Infrastructure: The WV Public Service Commission set a weeklong evidentiary hearing (Oct. 26–30, with continuation Nov. 2) on NextEra’s Mid-Atlantic Resiliency Link (MARL) transmission line, with dozens seeking to intervene. Nuclear Development Watch: Oklahoma is detailing its bid for a Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus—a sign the nuclear supply-chain push is moving fast, and West Virginia remains in the finalist conversation. Healthcare Costs: The Trump administration began mailing $500 ACA refund checks to nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, tied to alleged federal exchange “user fee” overcharges. Local Business: Morgantown’s Terra Cafe clarified its ownership after announcing closure, saying it wasn’t sold by March-Westin and that investors are exploring new tenants. Community & Agriculture: WVSU Extension is rolling out free fall workshops in the Kanawha Valley, including pumpkin preservation and agritourism info. Coalfield Reuse: In Mingo County, abandoned mine land reclamation is turning rocky sites into usable pasture using farm animals to rebuild soil health.

State Parks & Tourism: Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced nearly $20M in upgrades to West Virginia state parks, including a new 34-site campground at Little Beaver State Park near the New River Gorge and $1M in snowmaking improvements at Canaan Valley Resort to boost winter visitation. Environmental Risk & Industry: DEP approved a Peoples Cartage fire site assessment plan warning of “vast contamination potential” near the Little Kanawha River, tied to a July warehouse blaze and a state of emergency. Banking & Local Economy: Peoples Bancorp and Capital Bancorp signed a merger agreement valued at about $728.1M, creating a larger multi-state banking platform with roughly $14B in assets. Energy & Power Regulation: A PSC hearing weighed opposing views on coal-fired power rules tied to House Bill 2014’s data-center push, with proposals focused on maintaining thermal baseload capacity. Home Energy Costs: West Virginia launched statewide home energy rebate programs funded with $88M in federal support, aiming to cut utility bills with low- or no-out-of-pocket options for eligible families. Data Centers & Local Governance: Putnam County adopted a resolution on data centers requiring developers to follow county ordinances and consider impacts beyond finances. Public Safety & Infrastructure: A Morgantown-area bridge worker was killed after a crane malfunction on an I-79 bridge project, underscoring ongoing construction safety concerns.

Data Center Rules: Putnam County Commission approved a resolution on proposed data centers, pushing developers to follow county ordinances and not treat state law as a free pass, after public pressure tied to a planned hyperscale site. Energy & Power Oversight: West Virginia regulators held a hearing on PSC rules tied to HB 2014, with debate over coal-fired capacity requirements meant to support data-center growth. Nuclear Waste Line in the Sand: Gov. Patrick Morrisey reiterated West Virginia “will not be a dumping ground” for nuclear waste as DOE’s Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus talks hinge on host-state waste handling commitments. Home Energy Rebates: The state launched statewide home energy rebate programs funded by $88 million, aiming to cut utility bills for low- and moderate-income households, with early participants reporting meaningful electric bill drops. Workforce & Industry Pipeline: DOE’s OROSPECT program visit at WVU highlighted incentives to boost mining and critical-materials graduates, targeting shortages across the supply chain. Local Permitting & Emissions: A public comment period opened for Monarch Cloud Campus’ off-grid electric power generation facility permit in Mason County, outlining major air emissions and greenhouse gas impacts. Fuel Prices Watch: GasBuddy reported week-ending Sept. 19 price snapshots across West Virginia counties, showing continued volatility but some localized lows. Consumer Data Breach Settlement: A multistate AG coalition announced a settlement with Labcorp over a 2019 data breach involving a debt collector, reinforcing vendor-management expectations for HIPAA-covered entities.

Nuclear Policy Clash: Gov. Patrick Morrisey pushed back on a Gazette-Mail report about West Virginia’s bid for a federal Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus, insisting the state “will not be a dumping ground for nuclear waste,” even as earlier paperwork discussed spent-fuel recycling and waste disposition. Student Housing: Jim Sholders was promoted to CEO of Yugo USA, as The Dot Group completes Yugo’s integration after acquiring Campus Advantage. Workforce & Manufacturing Training: A new Perry County re-entry center in Alabama expands welding and heavy machinery training for people on parole or probation to fill manufacturing labor needs. Energy Affordability: West Virginia launched statewide Home Energy Rebate programs funded by $88M, with early results showing a Huntington homeowner’s electric bill dropping 33.5%. Nuclear Education Pipeline: WVU will add a nuclear engineering career pathway starting in 2027 through Statler College courses. Fuel Prices Watch: GasBuddy data shows some of the lowest regional prices in the week ending Sept. 19, including regular at $4.07 in Monongalia County and E15 at $3.89 in Kanawha County. Infrastructure Update: The $13.4M Midway Overpass Project in Bluefield is moving ahead after the Division of Highways selected an engineer.

Energy & Housing Affordability: Gov. Patrick Morrisey rolled out West Virginia’s statewide $88M Home Energy Rebate programs, funded through federal dollars, to help about 10,000 households cut utility bills via home efficiency upgrades—low-income families can get qualifying improvements with no out-of-pocket cost, and early pilot results showed one homeowner’s electric bill dropping 33.5%. State Energy Regulation: The Public Service Commission held public comments on proposed electric generating capacity rules, with some speakers urging more coal plant operation while others warned the approach could raise power prices. Infrastructure & Local Economy: The long-planned $13.4M Midway Overpass Project in Bluefield is moving ahead after the Division of Highways selected an engineer to begin design and engineering to replace the flood-prone Midway Tunnel with a new overpass plus pedestrian and bicycle access. Pipeline Impact: A new report says the Mountain Valley Pipeline drove most property tax growth across 11 rural counties, with public utility property accounting for over 86% of net gains. Fuel Prices Watch: GasBuddy reported the lowest regular gas in Monongalia County at $4.07/gal (week ending Sept. 19) and the lowest E15 in Kanawha County at $3.89/gal, as statewide averages for regular and E15 edged higher. Public Safety: West Virginia Fire Marshal’s Office promoted Fire Prevention Week’s theme, “Charge into Fire Safety: Safe Charging Is a Superpower,” urging safer charging habits to prevent overheating and fires. Legal/Insurance: A multistate AG settlement reached with Labcorp over a 2019 data breach includes injunctive relief and vendor security requirements, with Labcorp paying nearly $2.3M to states.

Data Centers & Water/Environment: A Democratic challenger, Ace Parsi, is pushing a two-year moratorium on new large data centers (20 megawatts or more) and would require studies on public health, water, jobs, utility bills, property values, and the power grid—while also proposing penalties up to $1 million a day for violations. Energy Markets: U.S. natural gas prices fell to about $3.11/MMBtu as the market awaited updates on the Mountaineer XPress pipeline after force majeure tied to a mechanical problem disrupted gas flows. Education & Workforce: Bridgeport City Council will consider a roughly $750,000 grant to help fund a planned $25 million Pierpont Community & Technical College training center at Aerotech Park, aiming to expand aviation maintenance enrollment and address a worker shortage. Retail & Local Economy: Toys“R”Us is returning to the Ohio Valley Mall in St. Clairsville with a new store opening in October, filling a gap left since the brand’s 2018 liquidation. Business & Community: Orrstown Bank launched a redesigned Orrstown.com website focused on easier navigation, improved search, and better access to financial education and services. Energy Prices at the Pump: GasBuddy reports show West Virginia fuel prices remain volatile, with multiple counties posting lowest weekly regular, midgrade, premium, E15, and E85 prices for the week ending Sept. 19.

Gas Prices Watch: In the week ending Sept. 19, Hampshire County hit the lowest regular gas price at $4.19 per gallon, while Hardy County’s regular gas bottomed out at $3.99. Premium prices also varied widely, with Harrison County’s lowest premium at $4.94 and Fayette County’s at $4.84. Energy & Jobs: A fire in a Marion County pre-law coal mine has forced some residents from homes and is now threatening nearby businesses as a hillside slide worsens, with stabilization bids not due until Oct. 8. Workforce Shortage: A nationwide veterinarian shortage is squeezing Richmond-area clinics, with one practice unable to take new clients for about three years due to staffing limits. Education & Training: Kanawha County Schools hosts its College & Career Fair Monday at West Virginia State University, adding an evening session for families. Sports & Local Interest: WVU receiver Prince Strachan recorded his first catch in a loss to Oklahoma State, while West Virginia’s broader college sports scene continues to draw attention.

Energy & Fuel Costs: GasBuddy reports show West Virginia pump prices still moving, with the national regular average at $4.48 and local spot lows like $3.59 E85 in Berkeley County and $4.09 regular in Preston County (week ending Sept. 19), while diesel averages rose statewide to $6.12. Coal & Worker Health: A black lung disease coverage push says federal enforcement delays are leaving miners exposed as advocates warn the threat remains, especially after enforcement pauses tied to silica-dust protections. Local Industry Risk: A Marion County pre-law coal mine fire is blamed for a slide that’s now threatening homes and businesses, with stabilization bids set to open Oct. 8. Aviation Business: HQ Aero Management president Ron Eagle was elected vice chair of the Regional Airline Association’s Associate Member Council, highlighting ongoing regional airline supply-chain advocacy. Education & Workforce: Virginia Western Community College inaugurated its fifth president, pledging innovation and expanded student opportunities—an angle that matters for regional training pipelines. Sports (Local Tie-In): Oklahoma State beat West Virginia 41-24, with OSU’s Wyatt Young posting 192 yards and a TD.