AGP Executive Report

Power Grid: A federal emergency order lets PJM, which serves Indiana, call on data-center backup generators as a last resort through Oct. 16 amid tight electricity supplies. Officials say the order authorizes extra options; it does not mean blackouts are underway. Data Centers & Water: Five Indiana data-center projects avoided federal water permits after a 2023 Supreme Court ruling narrowed Clean Water Act protections, limiting public review of potential wetland and stream impacts. Drinking Water: Indianapolis’ proposed 2050 plan aims to protect Eagle Creek Reservoir, a key city water source. Pollution: A chemical spill on Lafayette roads prompted shelter-in-place orders and a health warning. Conservation: A new project has been proposed for Hoosier National Forest.

Avian Flu: Federal data reported H5N1 at a commercial duck facility in Jay County, affecting 24,300 birds. Public risk remains low, but workers handling infected animals face greater exposure. Great Lakes Water: Indiana and seven other states are bound by the Great Lakes Compact, which protects the lakes and their watersheds and regulates water use and transfers. Eagle Creek: A proposed 2050 vision would protect the reservoir as a key Indianapolis drinking-water source while strengthening park habitats and wetlands. Drinking Water: A boil-water advisory remains in effect for parts of northwest Indianapolis and Boone County after a main break lowered pressure; Citizens Energy says to use boiled or bottled water until the advisory is lifted. Data Center Water: Five Indiana data centers avoided needing federal water permits, as communities seek more clarity about the industry’s water use and local impacts. Spill Response: A semi leak after a crash near Bainbridge brought a hazmat response, and IDEM was notified.

Water Protection: A new 2050 vision for Eagle Creek Park aims to protect the reservoir, a key Indianapolis drinking-water source, while strengthening wetlands, forests and wildlife habitat. Data Center Oversight: Five Indiana data center projects with wetlands, streams or ponds avoided federal water permits after a 2023 Supreme Court ruling narrowed Clean Water Act protections. IDEM is now the only agency overseeing water impacts, with less federal review and public input. Pollution Concerns: Lafayette residents faced a chemical spill that prompted shelter-in-place orders and evacuations; in Northwest Indiana, residents are also questioning NIPSCO’s proposed discharge permit. Conservation: A new project has been proposed for Hoosier National Forest, while Huntington County officials and IDEM responded to a drilling-fluid spill near the Salamonie River.

Data Center Pressure: Indiana’s rapid AI data-center growth is intensifying calls for local guardrails, with concerns over electricity demand, water use and pollution. Groundwater Cleanup: EPA testing around Spencer’s Franklin Street Superfund site found no need for vapor-mitigation systems at 25 homes checked so far. Another groundwater sampling round is planned for November, with a fuller contamination and cleanup report expected in 2027. Spill Response: A chemical spill on Lafayette roads prompted evacuations, shelter-in-place orders and a health warning. Water and Wildlife: Northwest Indiana residents are raising concerns about NIPSCO’s discharge permit, while a new conservation project has been proposed for Hoosier National Forest. Solar Development: Doral Renewables says the final 900 megawatts of its Mammoth Solar project in northwest Indiana are now commercialized, keeping the balance between clean-energy expansion and farmland use in focus.

Groundwater Cleanup: EPA testing has better defined pollution around Spencer’s Franklin Street Superfund site, where PCE contamination remains a concern. Tests at 25 homes found no need for vapor mitigation; another groundwater round is planned for November, with cleanup recommendations expected in 2027. Chemical Spills: A spill on Lafayette roads prompted a health warning, while IDEM and Huntington County officials are responding to drilling fluid spilled near the Salamonie River. Clean Energy: Doral Renewables says the remaining 900 megawatts of Indiana’s Mammoth Solar project are now commercialized, expanding one of the country’s largest solar developments. Conservation and Water: A new conservation project has been proposed for Hoosier National Forest, and Lake County residents are raising concerns about NIPSCO’s discharge permit. Paoli officials also approved wastewater plant repairs, including work on ultraviolet disinfection equipment.

Forest Conservation: Hoosier National Forest is seeking public input on a project in Perry and Crawford counties, with tree planting, prescribed burns, timber management and stream improvements planned to support wildlife and forest health. Pollution Alert: A chemical spill on Lafayette roads prompted evacuations and shelter-in-place orders, followed by a health warning. Wastewater Oversight: Paoli approved up to $21,450 in treatment-plant repairs as equipment failures and staffing shortages challenge operations; officials reported no sewer overflows in September. Data Center Debate: St. Joseph County advanced a Microsoft project agreement that includes new water and sewer lines, despite residents and candidates urging officials to reconsider. Northwest Indiana residents are also voicing concerns about NIPSCO’s discharge permit. Urban Nature: A $100 million Bezos Earth Fund program includes wetland restoration in Indianapolis, alongside park and habitat projects in seven other cities.

Forest Conservation: Hoosier National Forest is seeking public input on a project in Perry and Crawford counties that would restore oak woodlands, improve streams and expand wildlife habitat through tree planting, prescribed burns and other work. Nature on the Move: South Shore Line plans a children’s program featuring Kit the Fox and Indiana Dunes wildlife. Tracking also followed a monarch through Indiana on its migration south to Mexico. Chemical Safety: A Lafayette truck leak released about 300 gallons of corrosive water-treatment chemical, prompting evacuations and shelter-in-place orders; officials advised people whose vehicles crossed the spill to rinse them thoroughly. Lower-Carbon Infrastructure: Indianapolis International Airport rebuilt a runway with concrete that incorporates and stores carbon dioxide, alongside recycled materials and renewable energy. Water and Wildlife: IDEM and Huntington County officials are responding to a drilling-fluid spill near the Salamonie River, while Northwest Indiana residents have raised concerns about a NIPSCO discharge permit. Indiana DNR also plans public wildlife land at the former Newport Chemical Depot. PFAS Dispute: Fifteen states are suing Corteva, alleging the company left PFAS-related liabilities behind when it spun off assets. Climate Conversation: IU Bloomington’s inaugural Climate Week runs Nov. 8–14.

Lafayette Spill: About 300 gallons of corrosive water-treatment chemical leaked onto roads, prompting evacuations and shelter-in-place orders. Officials advised people with lingering irritation to seek medical care. Runway Innovation: Indianapolis International Airport rebuilt a 10,000-foot runway with concrete that captures and stores CO₂, alongside recycled materials and renewable energy upgrades. Water Concerns: Northwest Indiana residents are raising concerns about NIPSCO’s discharge permit, while officials respond to a drilling-fluid spill near the Salamonie River in Huntington County. Energy and Growth: Indiana’s data-center debate is turning toward guardrails as communities weigh resource demands. Meanwhile, Doral Renewables has commercialized the remaining 900 megawatts of the Mammoth Solar project.

Spill Response: Indiana officials issued a health warning after a chemical spill on Lafayette roads. Huntington County emergency officials and IDEM are also responding to a drilling-fluid spill near the Salamonie River. Water Concerns: Northwest Indiana residents are questioning NIPSCO’s proposed discharge permit, while Gosport officials approved a data-center ordinance alongside water-main work. Wildlife and Habitat: Indiana DNR plans to create public wildlife land at the former Newport Chemical Depot. A Motus tower in Parke County is tracking migratory birds traveling from Canada to South America. Clean Energy: Doral Renewables says the remaining 900 megawatts of its Mammoth Solar project are now commercialized, advancing one of Indiana’s largest solar developments.

Grid Expansion: Nucor plans to invest $105 million to expand its Crawfordsville utility-pole plant, adding 100 jobs and capacity for power-grid upgrades. The project needs regulatory approval. Power-Line Debate: Indiana Michigan Power extended public comments on a proposed high-voltage line crossing parts of five northeastern Indiana counties until Nov. 13, after strong local turnout and concerns about its route. Water Concerns: IDEM and Huntington County officials are responding to a drilling-fluid spill near the Salamonie River. Northwest Indiana residents are also raising concerns about NIPSCO’s discharge permit. Wildlife Monitoring: A new Motus tower in Parke County is tracking tagged birds and bats, adding migration data that can help guide conservation. Data Center Limits: Gosport approved rules restricting data-center access to town water and electricity, while Spencer and Owen County adopted moratoriums as officials weigh local impacts.

Water Quality: Indiana officials are responding to a drilling-fluid spill near the Salamonie River in Huntington County. Temporary barriers are in place, and IDEM is assisting with cleanup; no fish kill has been reported. Permit Concerns: Northwest Indiana residents are questioning a proposed NIPSCO discharge permit that would combine wastewater, including coal-ash water, with discharges from new power facilities and an Amazon data center before releasing it into the Kankakee River. Residents raised concerns about drinking-water supplies and downstream standards. PFAS Accountability: Fifteen states have sued Corteva in Indiana, alleging the company left PFAS claims behind when it spun off assets. Renewable Energy: The remaining 900 megawatts of Indiana’s Mammoth Solar project have entered commercial operation, adding a major source of solar power. Wildlife Protection: Indiana DNR is planning public wildlife land at the former Newport Chemical Depot.

Pipelines: A proposed 450-mile natural-gas line would cross 52 miles of Indiana, but some property owners are resisting survey requests. The project still needs approvals and could begin construction in 2028. Solar Power: Three phases of Pulaski County’s Mammoth Solar project, totaling 900 megawatts, are nearing commercial operation and complete a 1.3-gigawatt complex. The company is exploring farming and grazing on the site. Data Centers: An IU O’Neill School panel weighed data centers’ economic promise against concerns over pollution, infrastructure and utility bills; critics said the facilities bring relatively few local jobs. PFAS Liability: Indiana-based Corteva faces a lawsuit from 15 states alleging it spun off assets while leaving PFAS claims behind. Conservation: Indiana still has not completed a long-delayed $10 purchase of 1,705 acres at the former Newport Chemical Depot. The land is intended for conservation, including wetland and prairie restoration and protection of Indiana bat habitat.

PFAS Accountability: Fifteen states and Guam sued Corteva in Indiana, alleging it shifted valuable assets to a new company to shield them from potential PFAS pollution liabilities. Corteva denies making or selling PFAS products. Indiana Solar: Google’s $10 million state energy program named a Monroe-Gregg school district and Morgan County library for rooftop solar projects expected to cut their utility bills for years. Wildlife and Forests: Indiana DNR plans public wildlife land at the former Newport Chemical Depot, while Hoosier National Forest partners are seeking input on a woodland and wildlife project near Sigler Creek. Waste Oversight: IDEM is taking public comments through Oct. 31 on Waste Management’s proposed expansion of its Twin Bridges landfill in Danville, including a larger permitted waste area. Great Lakes: A restoration bill passed the Senate, advancing efforts to protect the region’s waters and habitats.

Wildlife Protection: Indiana DNR is still working to acquire 1,705 acres at the former Newport Chemical Depot, including forest and farmland slated for prairie restoration, wetlands and Indiana bat habitat. The agency says it must manage the land without additional staff or funding. Research and Environment: Purdue and Elanco broke ground in Indianapolis on a 150,000-square-foot One Health Research Institute focused on connected human, animal, plant and environmental health. The facility is expected to open by 2030. Water Quality: Bloomington has received a $2.3 million EPA grant to address water-quality issues, Mayor Kerry Thomson said at a town hall, citing a recent boil-water advisory. Recycling: GM Fort Wayne Assembly will host a free electronics recycling event Oct. 8, with fees for TVs and CRT monitors. Invasive Plants: Purdue experts warn that winged burning bush can spread from yards into woodlands, where it forms dense undergrowth; native euonymus species offer alternatives.

One Health in Indianapolis: Purdue University and Elanco broke ground on a new 150,000-square-foot One Health Research Institute near downtown, aiming to connect animal, human, plant, and environmental health research and speed diagnostics, vaccines, and digital tools for farmers. Cleanups and recycling: GM Fort Wayne Assembly will host a free electronics recycling event Oct. 8, accepting computers, TVs (with fees), bulbs, and batteries as part of its long-running sustainability effort. Food insecurity help: Herbruck’s Poultry Ranch donated nearly 3,000 pounds of nonperishable food items across Indiana and other states during Hunger Action Month, supporting local pantries and community groups. Climate policy fight in court: Anti-gun groups backed Boulder County in a Supreme Court climate case, arguing states can use similar public-nuisance litigation theories as they do in firearms cases. Indiana climate convening: Indiana University Bloomington announced its inaugural IU Climate Week (Nov. 8–14), featuring seminars and community discussions on science-informed, equity-centered environmental solutions. Energy affordability angle: A report highlights how site-of-service payment rules can steer care toward hospitals, raising costs—an issue that intersects with broader affordability pressures Hoosiers feel.

Data Center Backlash in Indiana: A national coalition of AI firms, labor unions and investors is pushing Indiana for “guardrails” on new data centers—energy costs, environmental standards, and community benefits—while challenging county moratoriums and bans. Forest Clearing Probe: Google’s Finnish AI data center plans are under scrutiny after clearing began before required environmental review, raising concerns about rushed permitting and impacts on protected nature. Local Housing Gap: In Indianapolis, women’s transitional housing advocates say the middle step between crisis shelters and permanent housing is shrinking, leaving people stuck. Energy Affordability: An Indiana homeowner in a 126-year-old house reports winter electricity spikes and steep bills, highlighting how aging homes can drive outsized energy costs. Clean Community Recognition: Terre Haute unveiled an IDEM Bronze Level Clean Community sign, adding to local environmental improvement momentum. Roadway Safety: Indiana State Police Enforcement Bureau reported September traffic enforcement results, including thousands of citations and hundreds of drunk-driving arrests. Mid-States Corridor: Property owners and the Property Rights Alliance argue INDOT right-of-way planning for the multi-county corridor is moving too fast and is not limited to Dubois County. Federal Court Case: A federal grand jury indicted a Columbus man tied to the alleged online exploitation and murder of an Indiana teen.