AGP Executive Report

PFAS in Indiana farmland: A new report says “forever chemicals” have made their way onto Indiana farms, raising questions about how biosolids rules handle PFAS compared with other pollutants. Utility board shake-up: Gov. Mike Braun tapped Indianapolis councilor Josh Bain to the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission, just as the IURC faces decisions tied to controversial NIPSCO rate requests. Coal vs. data centers: Braun and AG Todd Rokita push to keep coal plants running, arguing data-center demand requires it—while critics warn of higher health and cost impacts. Brightmark plastics-to-fuel pause: Brightmark told IDEM it has temporarily idled its Ashley facility while it reviews operations and asks for guidance on next steps under an agreed order. Food safety ripple: A salmonella outbreak tied to jalapeños has expanded to dozens of states, with major chains removing peppers and regulators continuing to investigate. Public health watch: Cyclospora linked to iceberg lettuce has spread to more states, including Indiana, as officials track a growing outbreak. Wildlife and habitat: A Purdue-linked “Urban Wilderness Trail” story highlights local biodiversity along the White River, including monarchs and purple loosestrife. Indiana bat update: Biologists report a surviving Indiana bat colony found in North Carolina, a rare bright spot after white-nose syndrome wiped out most populations.

Energy & Environment Policy: Gov. Mike Braun and AG Todd Rokita are pushing to keep Indiana coal plants operating, arguing rising power demand from data centers requires it, while critics warn it will raise health and cost burdens for Hoosiers. Utility Regulation: Braun appointed Indianapolis councilor Joshua Bain to the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission, effective immediately, after firing Andy Zay earlier this week; Bain is an IDEM executive and will focus on affordability. Data Centers & Wetlands: In Fort Wayne, Google data-center developer Hatchworks is seeking to fill 2.13 acres of wetlands for a Phase 3 expansion, with a virtual public hearing set for Aug. 25. Public Health: A salmonella outbreak tied to jalapeños linked to Chipotle and Qdoba has expanded to 27 states, prompting menu removals; Indiana also saw coverage of cyclospora’s widening national spread. Wildlife & Safety: Decatur County is seeing more bat-related incidents and is urging residents to detain bats for rabies testing. Local Land Use: Steuben County planners approved zoning rules that could pave the way for a casino, moving the proposal toward county commissioners. Clean Tech & Industry: Toyota Material Handling North America opened a new Columbus factory focused on electric forklift manufacturing.

Indiana Data Centers & Wetlands: Indiana IDEM is weighing a permit that would let a Google data center developer fill 2.13 acres of forested isolated wetlands in Fort Wayne, with a virtual public hearing set for Aug. 25 and written comments due Aug. 28. Local Energy Policy: Gov. Mike Braun declared a statewide energy emergency and extended Indiana’s gas tax suspension through Sept. 5, citing global shipping disruptions and Canadian wildfires as gas prices rise. Sewers & Affordability: Haubstadt council delayed action on a proposed sewer rate increase after a member was absent; if approved in September, rates could double, pushing a typical 4,000-gallon household bill to $91.90. Pollinators: Waste Management’s Blackfoot Landfill in Indiana is expanding native pollinator habitat and plans community events tied to a wildlife habitat certification effort. Community Sustainability: IF Theatre (IndyFringe) joined a Marion County nonprofit cohort focused on cutting energy use, reducing single-use plastic, and installing solar. Wildlife Safety: A new national ranking lists the deadliest animal by state; Indiana’s entry appears incomplete in the excerpt, but the story highlights how local risks can differ from common assumptions.

Indiana Mosquito Spraying: St. Joseph County health officials began nighttime mosquito spraying in Mishawaka to curb West Nile virus, using chlorpyrifos and drawing resident questions about where and when the treatment happens. Wildlife Rulemaking: The Indiana Natural Resources Commission opened a second public comment period on proposed bobcat season changes, including adding hunting and raising the statewide quota to 400. Environmental Education Expansion: Sycamore Land Trust is building its first permanent environmental education center at the Carl Ziegler Wetlands and Education Center in Monroe County, with restored wetlands, trails, and ADA classrooms opening in spring 2027. Public Health Mapping: IU researchers secured federal funding to track avian influenza in Indiana by mapping outbreaks through wild bird waste in local waterways. Sustainability & Brownfields: Indiana University’s Environmental Resilience Institute is taking proposals for the 2027 Indiana Sustainability and Resilience Conference, while Northwest Indiana’s RDA is moving toward hiring a director for a new brownfield redevelopment entity. Energy & Waste Fueling: Sagepoint Logistics closed financing to expand renewable natural gas-powered trucking, aiming for more predictable costs and measurable emissions reductions.

Child Care Deregulation: Indiana providers and parents warn Gov. Mike Braun’s proposed early-learning rule changes could cut quality, including removing requirements tied to bachelor’s degrees and child-focused training. Education Policy: A new national charter school law scorecard ranks Indiana among the top states for charter authorization, growth, operations, and equity. Medicaid Coverage Risk: Indiana’s Healthy Indiana Plan is set for a new phase of more frequent eligibility checks and work-related requirements, raising fears of more people losing coverage. Local Waste & Recycling Funding: IDEM is accepting applications for EPA SWIFR grants (up to $20,000) to help communities strengthen recycling and materials management plans. Neighborhood Safety by Design: Fort Wayne is moving into phase one of its Safe Neighborhoods Initiative with 67 new streetlights planned along Oliver Street, building on CPTED-style improvements. Public Health Watch: The CDC says the cyclospora outbreak has expanded to 15 states, with more cases and reports of deaths tied to the illness. Wildlife in Indiana: A 4-foot alligator was captured in Jeffersonville and sent to a wildlife rehab center for care. AI & Integrity: Indiana universities are among those updating academic integrity approaches as AI detection tools face criticism for false positives and bias.

Local Conservation & Community Awards: Cope Environmental Center in Centerville honored four sustainability leaders at its Aug. 22 gala, including a long-time volunteer and a Richmond business for energy, water, and waste reductions. Data Centers & Local Governance: Jeffersonville approved a one-year data center moratorium to update zoning rules, joining other Southern Indiana cities moving to slow or reshape the boom. Wildlife & Habitat Concerns: A 4-foot alligator was safely captured in Southern Indiana and sent to a rehab center, while wildlife experts in Virginia warn data centers could strain water and threaten species like box turtles. Public Health: CDC expanded the cyclosporiasis outbreak to 15 states tied to shredded iceberg lettuce, with Michigan reporting the first U.S. deaths. State Policy & Privacy: Vermont joined a multi-state privacy regulators consortium that includes Indiana, aiming to strengthen consumer control over personal data. Indiana Agriculture & Water: Clean Water Indiana cost-share funds are available for cover crops and invasive plant removal. Business & Sustainability: Republic Services highlighted nearly $1 billion in 2025 sustainability investments, including RNG and fleet electrification. Indiana Environment Watch: A new report ranked Indiana’s deadliest animal as the eastern copperhead.

Rockport Coal Fight: Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita asked a federal judge to block the planned retirement of Rockport’s coal unit, arguing the state needs “all-of-the-above” power as demand grows for manufacturing and data centers. Flooding & Sewage in Indy: Heavy rain and sewage backups left some Indianapolis homeowners dealing with contaminated damage, road closures, and dozens of water-related calls. Lead Cleanup Questions (Omaha, national relevance): A ProPublica/Flatwater Free Press investigation found that many “remediated” yards still had toxic lead levels, and nearby untreated properties often showed similar problems—raising concerns about cleanup follow-through. Heat Risk Escalates: A new study says dangerous heat stress is rising worldwide, with nighttime “feels-like” conditions climbing faster than daytime. Local Data Center Pushback (Jeffersonville): City Council approved a one-year moratorium on new data centers, while noting a major Meta project is exempt due to federal/state land controls. Childcare Rule Changes: Indiana held a first hearing on proposed childcare regulations, with providers warning updates could lower training requirements and affect safety and education standards. Indiana Bats Update: Researchers documented Indiana bats in western North Carolina for the first time in over a decade, a hopeful sign after white-nose syndrome devastated populations.

Public Safety & Green Building: Lawrence City Commissioners will consider a $951,502 contract to design Fire Station 6 at 555 Stoneridge Drive, aiming to cut response times and meet LEED Gold standards; construction is expected to start in summer 2027. Water & Food Safety: Indiana is watching a fast-moving cyclosporiasis outbreak tied to shredded iceberg lettuce, with Michigan reporting two deaths and more than 11,000 cases as federal and state investigators continue to trace sources. Local Waste Enforcement: Allen County approved a $24,500 surveillance camera system at the Carroll Road recycling drop-off to deter illegal dumping, using license plate recognition and multiple monitoring cameras. Energy Costs at Home: Experts say high summer bills often come from insulation and air leaks, recommending air sealing and attic insulation before costly HVAC replacements. Wildlife Conservation: North Carolina researchers reported catching 24 Indiana bats in western North Carolina for the first time in 10 years, a hopeful sign after white-nose syndrome devastated bat populations. Schools & Facilities: Indianapolis Public Schools highlighted progress under its Rebuilding Stronger plan, including a $44 million Crispus Attucks High School upgrade with new science and health labs.

Wildlife & Farms: A retired couple in southeast Indiana is turning a 400-acre grain-and-livestock farm into native habitat, building wetlands and restoring woodlands to help bring back butterflies, fireflies, and songbirds. Public Safety Tech: VertiGIS and INDIGITAL are partnering to automate GIS data validation and governance for 911 agencies, aiming to improve location accuracy for emergency calls. Energy & Data Centers: Rural Northwest Indiana is moving toward a dedicated utility model for data centers, with regulators approving a first-of-its-kind approach meant to protect household rates while enabling rapid growth. Transit Planning: The Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District approved a new 20-year South Shore Line plan, including rail upgrades and proposed corridor changes shaped by extensive public input. Health & Food Safety: Indiana-linked Midwest Poultry Services recalled millions of eggs tied to a drug-resistant Salmonella outbreak across multiple states. Climate & Weather: A long-term seedling study in Michigan’s forests is tracking how climate change, deer, invasives, and disease may reshape what trees regenerate next. Community & Learning: Indiana 4-H teams competed in a national forestry invitational, testing skills from tree ID to forest evaluation.

Data Centers’ Real Costs: A new Indiana-focused look at data centers digs into what’s real and what’s overstated—noise from cooling and generators, and how water impacts can vary locally even if national averages look small. Local Recycling Help: Indy residents can recycle prescription eyeglasses and hearing aids through Lions Club drop-offs at places like Walmart Optical locations and several local sites. Northern Indiana Rail: NICTD’s board approved a 20-year South Shore Line plan, including rolling stock upgrades and possible corridor and station changes, with public input shaping priorities. Wetlands Under Scrutiny: Indiana’s wetlands mitigation program is facing compliance concerns tied to required project timelines, raising questions about stalled offsets and payments. Storm Impacts on Wildlife Nonprofits: Northwest Indiana storm damage has hit groups like Humane Indiana Wildlife, with fallen trees and enclosure damage reported while animals were checked and sheltered. Energy Policy: Indiana AG Todd Rokita moved to intervene to block the scheduled closure of the Rockport coal plant, arguing for Hoosier control over energy decisions. Food Safety Watch: Health officials continue tracking major egg-related Salmonella and Cyclospora outbreaks, with guidance to check and discard recalled products. Northern Lights Forecast: NOAA is calling for possible auroras during a G1–G2 geomagnetic storm window over northern U.S. states.

Indiana Energy Policy: Indiana AG Todd Rokita asked a federal court to block the scheduled 2028 closure of the AEP Rockport coal plant, arguing Hoosiers should decide energy policy and warning the shutdown could threaten affordable, reliable power. Water Quality & Pollution Risk: A major oil-and-brine spill in Lawrence County, tied to an Indiana-area waterway route toward the Wabash and beyond, was halted after thousands of gallons reached ditches and streams—highlighting how quickly contamination can travel across state lines. Public Health: Health officials are tracking two separate foodborne outbreaks nationwide—an egg-linked Salmonella recall and a Cyclospora surge tied to recalled iceberg lettuce—both prompting new consumer warnings. Severe Weather Impacts: A tornado warning forced a sudden stop at Gen Con in Indianapolis, with heavy rain contributing to a ceiling collapse and brief flooding inside the convention center. Wetlands Oversight: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers found Indiana’s wetlands mitigation program out of compliance, raising concerns about stalled projects and delays in required mitigation timelines. Local Storm Damage: Northwest Indiana nonprofits reported storm-related outages, fallen trees, and enclosure damage while caring for hundreds of wildlife patients.

Indiana Energy Policy: Indiana AG Todd Rokita filed to block the scheduled 2028 closure of the AEP Rockport coal plant, arguing the decision should be made by Hoosiers, not courts, and warning about impacts to affordable, reliable power. Storm Impacts on Wildlife Nonprofits: After Northwest Indiana storms, Humane Indiana Wildlife reported damage including fallen trees and enclosure harm, while staff said animals were checked and no injuries were found. Wetlands Mitigation Scrutiny: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers says Indiana’s wetlands program isn’t meeting required timelines, as landowners have paid into the system while many mitigation projects stall—raising questions about water quality and flooding impacts. Public Health: Michigan’s cyclosporiasis outbreak has surged past 10,700 cases, with officials pointing to possible produce sources and urging careful washing and trimming of leafy greens. Coal Ash Permitting Fight: A coalition led by AG Kwame Raoul opposed an EPA proposal that could let coal-ash disposal facilities bypass stronger federal scrutiny. Heat Risk: NOAA forecasts above-normal temperatures across much of the U.S. through mid-August, with dangerous heat and limited overnight relief.

Wetlands Mitigation Backlog: Indiana’s wetland trade-off program is under scrutiny as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers flags delayed mitigation and asks for a corrective plan, saying credits are piling up while restoration and replacement aren’t keeping pace. Pesticide Safety for Homeowners: Experts break down which common pesticides are safest and which carry higher risk, stressing label signal words and proper use. Water Utility Tech: Indianapolis-based OmniSite promotes its WINGs platform that combines camera surveillance, telemetry, and PLC connectivity for municipal water and wastewater monitoring. Cybersecurity for Critical Infrastructure: Gov. Mike Braun creates an Office of Cybersecurity within the Indiana Department of Homeland Security, citing recent attacks on water systems elsewhere. Invasive Plants Control: A new global review finds chemical treatments dominate forest invasive-plant management, even though other approaches may work better—yet cost reporting is scarce. Wildlife & Habitat: Indiana’s rare ghost pipe is highlighted after a bloom in a state forest, showing how it survives without chlorophyll by tapping fungal networks. Sports & Culture War Spillover: Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham says she’s not distracted by rallies tied to her stance on transgender athletes, as protests and backlash continue around Fever road games.

Water Quality Funding: Gov. Mike Braun and the Indiana DNR announced nearly $1.3M in Lake and River Enhancement grants for 21 lake, river and watershed land treatment projects across 18 counties, funded by boat registration fees and aimed at improving habitat and recreation. Invasive Species Control: A new global review finds the most effective way to fight invasive forest plants is rarely used, and it also highlights a major gap: many studies don’t report what control methods cost. Native Plant Spotlight: Indiana DNR shared photos of ghost pipe, a rare native wildflower that survives without chlorophyll by relying on underground fungi—visible only briefly in summer. Drought Watch: Indiana’s drought monitoring reports below-normal precipitation over the past month, with conditions possibly trending toward “abnormally dry” soon if rain doesn’t arrive. Wildlife Conservation: North Carolina researchers report Indiana bats in western North Carolina for the first time in a decade, offering hope after white-nose syndrome devastated populations. Wastewater Tech: Indianapolis-based OmniSite rolled out an AI “Virtual Microbiologist” to identify wastewater organisms and guide plant process adjustments.

Trans Healthcare Fallout in Indiana: A new report spotlights how Indiana’s ban on pediatric gender-affirming care upended families’ medical plans, including one mother who described scrambling to replace prescriptions after a court fight failed. WNBA Meets Indiana Politics: Seattle Storm co-owner Celeste Keaton was fined and suspended for five home games after an altercation with two teenage Indiana Fever supporters of Sophie Cunningham; the league and team apologized, while Cunningham praised the teens and called the co-owner’s behavior “truly embarrassing.” Cyclospora and Food Safety: Health coverage continues to track the fast-moving Cyclospora outbreak, with Michigan and other states reporting thousands of cases and investigators still working to pinpoint the source. Heat Stress Research: A global study finds nighttime “feels-like” heat stress is rising faster than daytime, with most of the world’s population now facing frequent hazardous heat. Indiana Wildlife Watch: Indiana DNR launched a statewide bat roost monitoring effort, asking residents to report summer roosts to help track Indiana’s bat populations. Data Centers vs Communities: National reporting says anti-data-center backlash is accelerating into local zoning fights, with Indiana communities likely to feel the ripple as power, noise, and land-use concerns spread.

Wildlife Watch: Indiana DNR launched a Summer Bat Roost Monitoring effort, asking Hoosiers to report bat colonies through a new online tool to help track Indiana’s 12 bat species and guide conservation. Public Lands & Habitat: Indiana added 51 acres to Martin State Forest in Greene County, a $270,000 purchase funded largely by the President Benjamin Harrison Conservation Trust, with the land now managed as part of the state forest and opened for public hunting. Agriculture & Plant Health: Tar spot was confirmed in multiple Ohio counties, and the Crop Protection Network says it’s also been reported across a wide Midwest footprint including Indiana—prompting growers to stay vigilant with management plans. Health Alert (Outbreaks): Florida’s cyclosporiasis cases jumped to 254 across 39 counties, with nationwide totals rising to 6,707 lab-confirmed cases since May 1. Local Governance & Environment: Indiana AG Todd Rokita sued Merrillville over a council resolution opposing potential ICE processing centers, framing it as interference with federal enforcement.