AGP Executive Report

Indiana Dunes Update: Mount Baldy Beach at Indiana Dunes National Park reopened after months of sand work, but the summit and dune face stay closed due to unstable sand and collapse risk. Data Center Pressure: Jefferson County commissioners outlined how a data center moratorium could be adopted, while Warrick County residents pushed for at least a two-year pause citing water, noise, pollution, utilities, and disaster-planning concerns. Water & Health Policy Fight: Republican attorneys general, including Indiana’s, urged the EPA to classify the abortion pill mifepristone as a water contaminant, arguing it threatens waterways; experts say there’s no proof of harm to people or aquatic life. Wildlife & Climate: A Nature photo contest winner highlighted conservationists guiding migrating endangered northern bald ibises, with climate change and past hunting tied to the species’ decline. Severe Weather Watch: Central Indiana eyes a bigger storm threat Wednesday after a cooler, mostly dry start to the week. Local Land Use: Auburn Plan Commission approved a development plan for a cold storage building and advanced a rezoning recommendation tied to industrial use along Auburn Drive. Indiana Environment Journal

Severe Weather: Preliminary National Weather Service counts say at least 29 tornadoes and a derecho tore through Illinois and northwest Indiana last week, pushing 2026 totals well above average and leaving residents still assessing damage. Local Water & Data Centers: In Warrick County, residents packed a commissioners meeting to oppose a proposed data center and urged at least a two-year moratorium, citing water, noise, pollution, utilities, electronic waste, and disaster-planning concerns. Eagle Creek Water Fight: Lebanon Utilities has backed away from discharging treated wastewater into Eagle Creek Park, but Central Indiana residents say multiple alternative sites are still being considered as the LEAP district’s growth continues. State Road 2 Study: INDOT is starting a planning and environment linkages study for a 13-mile stretch of State Road 2, with a public meeting set for Tuesday and recommendations expected in 2027. Public Health & Heat: Doctors are warning Northern Indiana residents about rising heat illness risks as early summer temperatures climb. Wildlife Conservation: Friends of Goose Pond in Greene County celebrated buying a $30,000 pan scraper to support habitat restoration and wildlife education. Ticks & Alpha-Gal: A reader letter highlights how tick-borne Alpha-Gal can trigger reactions to many mammal products, underscoring the need for tick prevention.

State Road 2 Upgrade Study: INDOT is launching a planning and environment linkages study for a 13-mile stretch of State Road 2 in LaPorte and St. Joseph counties, with a public info meeting Tuesday at 6 p.m. at New Prairie High School; preliminary alternatives are due in spring 2027 and the full report in early 2028. Water & Public Health Fight: Republican attorneys general, including Indiana’s, are urging the EPA to classify the abortion medication mifepristone as a water contaminant under the Safe Drinking Water Act, despite experts saying there’s no clear harm shown from medication abortion in wastewater. Caregiving Tech & Medicaid: An Elevance Health study highlights how unpaid caregivers using technology—like remote caregiving tools, environmental controls, medication dispensers, wearables, and induction stovetops—report less anxiety and better medication management, pointing to Medicaid opportunities to support caregivers. Wildlife & Habitat Work: Friends of Goose Pond celebrated buying a $30,000 pan scraper to speed up land maintenance and habitat restoration at Goose Pond FWA in Greene County. Indiana DNR Camp Closure: The Kil-So-Quah Recreation Area campground at J.E. Roush Lake Fish & Wildlife Area will close indefinitely at 2 p.m. June 29, while other nearby DNR properties remain open. Heat & Outdoor Safety: Monroe County is warning residents about tick risks after collecting hundreds of ticks in local parks, including many lone star tick nymphs. Rewilding Indiana: “Pet Pals TV” spotlighted Rewilding Indiana’s wildlife rehab work during baby season and what to do when you find injured or orphaned animals.

Water & Local Infrastructure: Lebanon Utilities has backed away from discharging treated wastewater into Eagle Creek Park, but multiple alternative sites near Zionsville are still being considered, keeping pressure on the LEAP district’s fast-growing water demand. Public Health & Outdoors: Indiana DNR says the Kil-So-Quah Recreation Area campground will close indefinitely June 29, while Monroe County health officials urge Hoosiers to protect themselves from ticks after finding heavy lone star tick presence in local parks. Energy & Climate: New national data shows solar overtaking coal for the first time in monthly electricity share, even as federal policy continues to favor coal—an ongoing shift with big implications for Indiana’s power mix. Great Lakes Pollution: Lake Michigan communities are pushing back on a proposed rollback of federal coal ash rules, warning it could worsen contamination risks. Wildlife & Community Learning: Tippecanoe Audubon is rolling out summer nature hikes and field trips, including a June 27 picnic and bird walk near Mississinewa Dam. Affordability: A new ALICE report finds 39% of Northwest Indiana households can’t afford basic needs, underscoring how rising costs are squeezing families alongside environmental and health pressures.

Public Health & Water Safety: Republican AGs, including Indiana’s, are urging the EPA to classify mifepristone as a water contaminant, despite health experts saying there’s no solid sign medication abortion harms water or wildlife. Local Environment & Outdoor Access: Indiana DNR says the Kil-So-Quah Recreation Area campground will close indefinitely at 2 p.m. June 29, while nearby J.E. Roush Lake Fish & Wildlife Area stays open. Ticks & Disease Risk: Monroe County is tracking tick populations and warns Hoosiers to protect themselves this summer; it reported 18 human ehrlichiosis cases in 2025, the highest in the state. Heat Preparedness: Northern Indiana doctors are urging residents to watch for heat exhaustion and heat stroke as early-season temperatures and humidity rise. Community Planning & Transit: Owen County Council discussed Rural Transit funding for 2027 and reviewed staffing needs tied to highway operations, alongside a riverfront restoration project. Affordability Pressure: A new ALICE report finds 39% of Northwest Indiana households can’t afford basic needs, underscoring how cost stress can shape health and environmental outcomes. Wildlife Education: Rewilding Indiana is sharing how to handle injured or orphaned wildlife during “Pet Pals TV,” with a focus on baby-season rescues.

Heat & Health: Northern Indiana doctors are warning residents about rising heat illness risks as early June temperatures climb, urging hydration, limiting outdoor exertion, and watching for heat exhaustion or heat stroke signs. Water & Pharmaceuticals: Republican attorneys general, including Indiana’s, are urging the EPA to classify mifepristone as a water contaminant, arguing it threatens waterways—while environmental health experts say there’s no proof of harm to water systems or people. Local Climate Watch: A drought alert flags potential rapid intensification in northwestern Indiana if rain doesn’t return soon, with officials pointing to abnormally dry conditions and possible worsening drought. Caregiving Tech in Medicaid: A new Elevance Health study highlights how caregivers view technology tools for home-based care, with users reporting benefits like reduced anxiety and better medication management. Rural Legal Access: Indiana’s State Bar Association selected 15 attorneys for its Rural Practice Academy, aiming to build sustainable practices in rural and underserved communities.

Flash Drought Watch for NW Indiana: A new National Weather Service alert flags the risk of “flash drought” in northwestern Indiana if rain doesn’t return soon, with the U.S. Drought Monitor already showing abnormally dry conditions and potential for worsening drought. Midwest Storm Damage: Severe weather including tornadoes hit the Chicago area and parts of Indiana, with crews assessing damage in places like Merrillville and Hebron and clearing roads overnight. Gulf Hypoxia Progress: States in the Mississippi River/Gulf of America nutrient plan, including Indiana, surpassed a 2025 interim nitrogen reduction goal, cutting nitrogen loads to the Gulf by 28% from baseline, though phosphorus reductions are lagging. Eagle Creek Water Deal: Indianapolis-area residents and park advocates are watching negotiations over a new Eagle Creek Reservoir water withdrawal contract that sets limits for Citizens Energy Group. Data Center Siting Tensions: An Indianapolis hearing examiner recommended approval for a proposed $2 billion data center campus near Irvington, despite nearby residents raising concerns about proximity to homes and trails. Caregiving Tech and Medicaid: A new Elevance Health study looks at how technology tools can support unpaid caregivers in Medicaid home-and-community care, noting benefits for users and barriers like safety, cost, and usability for nonusers. Indiana Youth Environmental Leadership: A Daleville student was selected to represent Indiana at a Washington Youth Summit on the Environment at George Mason University.

Data Center Debate (Irvington): A planned DC BLOX data center near Irvington advanced after a four-hour hearing, with an examiner recommending approval despite neighbor concerns about noise, air pollution, and heavy electricity and water needs. Severe Weather & Heat Risk: Tornadoes struck communities outside Chicago, while a dangerous heat wave pushed advisories across the Midwest and Northeast, including parts of Indiana. Local Land Reuse (Southern Indiana): The Uplands Regional Land Bank says it has acquired 17 blighted properties in three years, clearing and preparing sites for redevelopment and adding green space via a donated lot. Public Health—Lead Exposure: A new study finds childhood lead levels are down overall, but disparities persist for children of color and low-wealth families, including Indiana data. Health Grants (Southern Indiana): Being for Others Health and Wellness Foundation awarded $137,500 to 11 organizations for mental health, mentorship, and community wellness projects. Stormwater Notice (Plymouth): The City of Plymouth filed a construction stormwater notice for the Harrison Street Multi Use Trail, with runoff tied to the Yellow River/Kankakee-Iroquois watershed. Aquaponics Sustainability (Purdue): Purdue’s “When Blue is Green” aquaponics project hit its halfway mark, aiming for grid-independent, no-waste food production.

Data Center & Workforce: ABC and Meta are investing $115M in a multi-state workforce academy to train data center construction workers, with Indiana among the first launch states and guaranteed job offers tied to Meta projects. Local Infrastructure: Indianapolis City-County Council advanced a long-term infrastructure funding proposal (Proposal No. 192) aimed at stabilizing road and street repairs with a dedicated local revenue stream. Drinking Water & Health Policy: Fourteen state attorneys general urged the EPA to track whether abortion drug mifepristone is contaminating water supplies, arguing wastewater treatment may not remove the compounds. Sewers & Storm Resilience: Porter is moving toward a federal grant for leaky sanitary sewers, while Chicago-area forecasts include a flood watch and a heightened tornado risk—both underscoring how water systems and extreme weather collide. Energy Storage in Indiana: Richmond celebrated IMPA’s first battery energy storage system site, adding another step toward low-cost, reliable power with an eye on environmental responsibility. Wildlife & Conservation: A photo of northern bald ibis conservation won a major Nature competition, highlighting efforts to restore migration and survival for the threatened birds. Community & Environment-Friendly Recreation: A federal grant is also supporting outdoor fitness upgrades in Southern Indiana, expanding accessible recreation options.

Medicaid Oversight: Indiana’s Family and Social Services Administration will pause enrollment of new autism therapy providers offering ABA starting Saturday, for at least six months, after a surge in spending that FSSA says raises sustainability and integrity concerns; the pause also covers ownership changes for existing providers and was approved by CMS. Water & Pesticides Safety: A new public guide urges Hoosiers to properly dispose of unwanted pesticides to prevent leaks and contamination, pointing to Indiana’s Clean Sweep Pesticide Disposal Day as a no-questions-asked option for homeowners, schools, farms, and municipalities. Drinking-Water Policy Fight: Attorney General Todd Rokita is urging the EPA to tighten controls on the abortion drug mifepristone, joining a 14-state push to add it to the Safe Drinking Water Act’s Contaminant Candidate List, arguing it could pose risks to waterways and people who may ingest it. Animal Health Preparedness: Indiana’s Board of Animal Health adopted new interstate movement rules to stop New World screwworm, requiring pre-entry permits and treated-animal documentation for livestock and poultry within 14 days of movement and for cats and dogs within 5 days. Stormwater Compliance: A Notice of Intent filed with IDEM covers stormwater permit compliance for Rensselaer’s Farmer’s Market Pavilion project, with runoff routed to the Iroquois River. Heat Risk: Northeast Indiana saw an early-season heat advisory with temperatures above 90 and high humidity, raising heat illness risks and prompting cooling and hydration precautions. Local Education & Behavior Programs: Cloverdale schools approved the NeuroBalance Project for elementary classrooms, aiming to improve learning readiness and emotional regulation through teacher training tied to brain and nervous system development.

Animal Health: Indiana BOAH adopted tighter interstate movement rules to stop New World screwworm, requiring pre-entry permits and proof of effective treatment—within 14 days for livestock/poultry and 5 days for cats/dogs. Drinking Water: EPA awarded Indiana $128.6M to reduce lead exposure by locating and replacing lead service lines. PFAS Watch: Indiana advocates are alarmed as EPA considers rolling back or delaying parts of PFAS drinking-water standards, a move Indiana may be forced to mirror under a state rule. Weather & Farms: Heavy downpours this spring dumped up to 8 inches in some areas, washing out fields and complicating nitrogen and herbicide plans. Local Land Use: Whitley County will hold a June 24 listening session on proposed zoning rules for a potential data center. Energy Shift: New national data shows solar overtaking coal for the first time in May, even as federal policy favors coal. Solar/Forestry Investment: BTG Pactual TIG agreed to buy Jamestown’s timberland platform, including about 40,000 acres in Indiana. Community Planning: Bloomington is preparing to recommend eligible areas for the federal Opportunity Zone 2.0 program.

Data Centers & AI Backlash: Indiana’s data-center fight keeps heating up, from a Shelbyville mayor’s “sh—y houses” remark about opponents (and his later regret) to Hobart residents seeking an injunction over alleged notice and impact issues tied to proposed Amazon Web Services sites. Heat & Utility Protections: Indiana Michigan Power will temporarily suspend nonpayment disconnections during extreme heat, while a new state rule blocks shutoffs for some customers only if they’re approved for LIHEAP. Solar Momentum vs. Coal Push: New national data show solar overtaking coal for a bigger share of U.S. electricity, even as federal policy still boosts coal—plus Meta’s solar buildout expands with another Texas PPA and Indiana’s reclaimed-land project. Water & Stormwater Solutions: A Newton County Soil and Water Conservation District rain garden workshop planted hundreds of plants to cut sediment, nutrients, and even carbon runoff. Great Lakes Governance: U.S. Sen. Gary Peters introduced a bill to formally recognize the Great Lakes Commission as a regional partnership to strengthen resource protection. Health & Public Spending Oversight: Indiana’s FSSA pauses new Medicaid signups for ABA therapy providers amid rapid spending growth, aiming for more accountability. Urban Forest Resilience: IU’s Environmental Resilience Institute is helping Indiana communities expand trees and improve heat resilience through infrastructure and governance programs.

Utility Heat Protections: Indiana’s new law blocks privately and cooperatively owned utilities from shutting off residential power within 48 hours of a National Weather Service heat forecast of at least 95°F—but only for customers who’ve been approved for the state-run LIHEAP program, leaving gaps for others. School Funding & Referendums: Indiana districts may face a surge of school tax referendums on the November ballot as 2025 property-tax changes reduce expected school revenue, pushing some districts to act early to avoid funding shortfalls. Data Centers & Workforce: Meta and ABC announced a $115M “America’s Workforce Academy” to train construction workers for data center jobs, with Indiana among the first launch states. Cold-Chain Pharma Logistics: DSV launched a direct Luxembourg–Indianapolis air route for temperature-controlled pharmaceutical shipping, aiming to cut time in uncontrolled conditions and reduce emissions and handling risk. Renewable Energy Deals: Meta expanded its solar power purchase agreement with Zelestra for a 180 MWdc Texas project, adding to Indiana-linked solar capacity under the partnership. Local Environment Access: Detroit Mountain in Detroit Lakes opened adaptive trails and an electric-assist bike option to make mountain biking more accessible for riders using wheelchairs.

Wildlife Policy: Indiana DNR proposed raising the bobcat kill quota to 400 for fall/winter—up from 250 last year—despite a model warning it could drive an 80% population drop in 10 years, and critics say the state hasn’t provided solid, up-to-date population impact data. Climate & Weather: NOAA reports spring 2026 was the second-warmest on record for the contiguous U.S., with 38 states landing in the top five hottest springs, reinforcing the long-term warming pattern. Energy Grid Resilience: A new look at U.S. power planning says extreme heat is shifting from a rare “tail risk” to a design baseline as drought, demand growth, and fuel concerns pile on. Plastics & Jobs: A plastics industry group backs EPA “advanced recycling,” arguing it could boost Indiana jobs, while the debate continues over how recycling rules should evolve. Local Food Access: Indy Parks launched its Summer Servings Meal Program to cover the summer meal gap for kids, listing multiple meal sites across Indianapolis. Data Centers & Community Impact: A Jefferson County town hall drew residents and opponents of a proposed data center at Jefferson Proving Ground, with concerns focused on local effects and process. Education & Independence: Fourteen press freedom groups urged Indiana University to protect student media independence and follow through on editorial sustainability recommendations.

Data Centers & Local Control: A Jefferson County town hall drew residents after a zoning appeal was denied for a proposed data center at Jefferson Proving Ground, with opponents raising safety and community-impact concerns and noting the landowner’s family didn’t attend due to death threats. State Policy & Water/Energy Pressure: Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker paused data-center tax incentives, joining Ohio, as lawmakers stall on electricity-rate changes and critics warn projects strain clean water and raise utility bills. Wildlife-Friendly Landscaping: Central Indiana homeowners are swapping turf for native plants to build backyard micro-habitats, boosting biodiversity and supporting birds, butterflies, and pollinators. Indiana Health Care Oversight: Indiana’s FSSA imposed a six-month moratorium on new Medicaid autism therapy provider agency enrollments after rapid ABA growth drove budget concerns, while individual practitioners can still enroll. Community Land Reuse: Southern Indiana’s Uplands Regional Land Bank marked three years by acquiring 17 blighted properties, preparing them for redevelopment and new green space. Indiana Environment in the News Cycle: Indiana DNR-linked efforts highlighted at a Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge event celebrating the bald eagle as part of America’s 250th.

Data Centers & Local Planning: Munster officials are weighing whether a planned-use development at the former Lansing Country Club site could add data centers as a special exception, even as residents worry about impacts. Power & Coal Reliability: Earthjustice says two units at NIPSCO’s R.M. Schahfer coal plant were broken before a potential renewal of a federal emergency order, reigniting debate over costs and grid value. Air Quality & Health Access: Indiana hospitals report more emergency visits tied to rising uninsured rates after Medicaid and ACA changes, with coverage losses expected to continue. Wildlife & Conservation Education: Friends of the Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge held a bald eagle program at Wirth Park in Oakland City, spotlighting injured eagles and public wildlife education. Agriculture Economics: A southern Indiana farmer says volatile markets and high input costs are making it hard to break even. Community Input: Portage has opened public feedback for a new comprehensive plan, with community meetings starting June 17. Outdoor Safety & Weather: Northern lights may be visible across much of the U.S. on Monday into Tuesday, and Indiana faces ongoing storm and air-quality concerns.