AGP Executive Report

Conservation Expansion: Indiana DNR says it has acquired 15 acres of forested land to expand the Austin Bottoms Conservation Area in Scott County, adding to the 26,000+ acres permanently protected for wildlife habitat and outdoor recreation. Rural Broadband: Indiana is preparing to roll out BEAD funding to bring high-speed internet to about 123,000 homes and businesses across 91 of 92 counties, aiming to close long-standing service gaps. Wildfire Smoke & Pets: As smoky conditions build, Pet Friendly Services urges Hoosiers to keep pets indoors when air quality is unhealthy, limit exercise, and use HEPA filtration and fresh water to reduce health risks. Water & Infrastructure: Indianapolis Public Schools broke ground on a $44 million expansion of Crispus Attucks High School, adding specialty classrooms, a health lab, and a new gym, with completion targeted for winter 2028. Agriculture & Soil Health: A Lafayette-area orchard story highlights regenerative practices and local partnerships, while Purdue Extension corn guidance points to likely ear-rot types based on weather around pollination. Health Watch: Indiana is among states affected by a growing cyclosporiasis outbreak, with federal and state officials still working to identify the source.

Indiana Water & Stormwater: Bloomington approved a utility rate hike that will raise residential water bills about 14% and hit businesses harder (about 38%) starting Aug. 1, with the money earmarked for upgrades to the Monroe Water Treatment Plant and aging mains. Local Water Quality Compliance: Indiana’s wetlands mitigation program is out of compliance with federal requirements, raising questions about whether projects meant to offset wetland loss are actually being completed on schedule. Wetlands Mitigation Backlog: A separate report says Indiana has collected at least $109M in wetlands payments since 2018, but many mitigation projects have stalled, leaving restoration timelines in limbo. Heat & Health Risk: A new study finds heat stress is worsening faster at night than during the day, with about 70% of the world’s population facing at least 90 days of strong heat stress annually. Extreme Heat Advisory: The National Weather Service issued Extreme Heat Warnings affecting parts of Indiana and 18 other states, urging people to avoid prolonged sun exposure and stay hydrated. Foodborne Illness Watch (Cyclospora): The multistate cyclosporiasis outbreak has expanded to nine states, including Indiana, with thousands of cases and ongoing investigation into sources beyond the lettuce-linked cluster. Outdoor Learning & Wildlife Careers: Indiana students are among scholarship recipients tied to the Next Generation Hoosier Educators program, while Pennsylvania ran junior game warden camps that teach wildlife management and outdoor safety. Conservation Community: The Indiana Clean Lakes Program’s leader is set to speak at a Steuben County Lakes Council meeting on water quality monitoring and testing. Local Environment Projects: Hobart received $14,700 for a rain garden at Robinson Lake to capture stormwater runoff and reduce pollutants before they reach local waterways.

Endangered Species Act fight: Conservationists warn that proposed changes to the Endangered Species Act could slow or reverse recovery efforts for imperiled wildlife, including species that have only begun to rebound under the law. Indiana water protection: A new Indiana Conservation Partnership report says farmers and partners implemented more than 44,800 conservation practices in 2025, cutting an estimated 2.1 million tons of sediment and millions of pounds of phosphorus and nitrogen from reaching waterways, with cover crops and no-till leading the way. Pollution data in the spotlight: Whiting’s BP refinery was named in a new greenhouse-gas reporting analysis that argues federal reporting obligations are being weakened, raising concerns about transparency for major emitters. Health risks from food contamination: A multistate Cyclospora outbreak tied to recalled iceberg lettuce has spread to nine states, including Indiana, with cases expected to rise as investigations continue. Microplastics and heart attacks: A new study reports micro- and nanoplastics in the blood of most patients with severe heart attacks, adding to growing concern about plastic exposure and human health. Farm safety: Purdue’s latest confined-space report highlights ongoing deadly risks on farms, with Indiana among the states with the highest grain-entrapment counts.

Water Quality, Farms: Indiana Conservation Partnership says Hoosier farmers added 44,800+ conservation practices in 2025, cutting sediment and nutrient runoff into rivers, streams, and lakes. Air Pollution, Health Policy: A guest column warns that dismantling environmental protections could reverse decades of health gains from cleaner air and water. Greenhouse Gas Reporting: BP’s Whiting Refinery landed in a new EDGI report tracking greenhouse gas emissions data under the EPA program, raising fresh scrutiny in Northwest Indiana. Public Health, Food Safety: The Cyclospora outbreak tied to recalled iceberg lettuce keeps expanding; CDC links cases across nine states including Indiana, with officials warning numbers may rise as confirmations catch up. Local Workforce, Immigration: Indiana faces a major staffing hit as Temporary Protected Status for Haitians ends, with about 7,000 Haitians expected to be removed from the state workforce. Energy Costs, Data Centers: Trump’s Ratepayer Protection Pledge expands, aiming to prevent AI-driven growth from raising household and business energy bills—while data center planning continues to spark local debate. Wildfire Smoke: Canadian wildfire smoke continues to affect the Midwest, with forecasts noting haze returning and severe weather risks shifting across the region.

Extreme Heat: A sprawling heat dome is keeping about 80 million people under heat advisories across the central U.S., with dangerous humidity and warm nights limiting recovery—an Indiana-relevant warning for outdoor workers and anyone without reliable cooling. Wildfire Smoke & Crops: Indiana’s smoky skies are part of a broader wildfire smoke pattern, and new reporting links haze to measurable stress on corn yields, with smoke expected to linger across the upper Midwest. Data Centers & Rates: Gov. Mike Braun joined a Trump push to expand the Ratepayer Protection Pledge, aiming to stop data-center growth from driving higher utility bills—while local opposition to AI-driven power demand keeps growing. Cyclospora Outbreak: The CDC says the multistate Cyclospora outbreak tied to recalled iceberg lettuce has expanded to nine states, including Indiana, as health officials warn cases may rise while investigations continue. Indiana Workforce: Braun announced $9.1M in apprenticeship and reentry grants, targeting advanced manufacturing and skilled-trades training for formerly incarcerated adults.

Public Health: The CDC says the multistate Cyclospora outbreak tied to recalled iceberg lettuce has grown to at least 1,947 cases across nine states, including Indiana, with officials warning numbers may keep rising as lab confirmations catch up. Food Safety & Consumer Alerts: Federal agencies are also tracking a separate Cyclospora outbreak with dozens of illnesses and no identified food source yet, as investigators continue to sort what’s linked and what isn’t. Air Quality & Weather: Indiana is in the broader smoke-and-storm mix as Canadian wildfire smoke returns to the Midwest and forecasters flag a potentially active severe weather setup early next week, with the biggest storm focus likely along a warm front. Local Land Use: Munster’s data center debate is cooling after a developer agreed to remove data centers from a proposed project’s plans, responding to community concern and division. Energy & Infrastructure: President Trump expanded a Ratepayer Protection Pledge aimed at keeping AI-driven data center growth from raising costs, bringing utilities and state leaders into the conversation. Indiana Environment Spotlight: Pokagon State Park highlights Indiana’s outdoor draw, from forest camping and trails to winter recreation.

Data Centers & Energy Costs: President Trump expanded his Ratepayer Protection Pledge with utilities and data center developers, aiming to keep AI growth from raising household and business energy bills. Local Planning & Environmental Concerns: DeKalb County’s plan commission heard Purdue’s “Data Centers 101” briefing while a data center moratorium remains in place, as communities weigh zoning and potential environmental impacts. Community Pushback: Munster moved to bar data centers from a proposed technology park after residents and officials raised concerns, removing the special exception language. Solar Manufacturing in Indiana: CS PowerTech opened the first phase of its Jeffersonville PV cell factory, a step toward a more localized solar supply chain. Air Quality Fight in Northwest Indiana: IDEM commissioner Clint Woods asked EPA to weaken Northwest Indiana ozone rules, drawing criticism from local health advocates. Water & Land Cleanup: Indiana has spent $21M to plug or remove more than 500 leaking underground petroleum tanks, using a proactive reimbursement program. Workforce & Reentry: Gov. Braun announced $9.1M in apprenticeship grants, including funding to connect formerly incarcerated adults with registered apprenticeships in high-demand trades. Food Safety & Cyclospora: A lettuce-linked Cyclospora outbreak continues to expand across multiple states, with Indiana included among affected areas.

Hazardous Tank Cleanup: Indiana has spent $21M to remove or plug more than 500 leaking underground petroleum tanks, using a proactive reimbursement program for closures. Air Quality Fight: Northwest Indiana ozone rules are under fire after IDEM Commissioner Clint Woods asked the EPA to weaken parts of the federal ozone framework, with activists warning it will worsen asthma and other health impacts. Food Safety & Waterborne Illness: The cyclosporiasis “explosive diarrhea” outbreak tied to recalled shredded iceberg lettuce linked to Taco Bell has expanded to nine states, while the FDA is also investigating a separate smaller outbreak; Indiana is named among the affected states. Local Conservation: Brown County leaders are pushing to expand the Deam Wilderness by more than 15,000 acres, aiming to better protect the watershed feeding Lake Monroe. Community Land Protection: Red-tail Land Conservancy acquired two Wayne County preserves (Elkhorn Creek and Boston Creek Forest) to support wildlife habitat and water quality, with public access planned. Infrastructure Update: INDOT will close SR 13 for bridge construction starting July 27, with detours via SR 16, SR 15 and SR 114.

Air Quality & Public Health: Canadian wildfire smoke kept much of the Midwest and Northeast under air quality alerts for days, with Indiana-area residents urged to limit time outdoors as PM2.5 spiked and respiratory complaints rose. Waste Tire Cleanup: IDEM awarded $308,300 to 23 Indiana solid waste management districts and eight recycling groups to fund waste tire collection and recycling, targeting health and environmental risks from stockpiled or dumped tires. Regenerative Wheat: General Mills, ADM and Walmart launched a regenerative wheat effort across 40,000 Indiana-including acres, aiming to improve soil health and water quality while strengthening the wheat supply chain. Data Centers & Community Pushback: A new Indianapolis data center plan drew strong neighborhood opposition, while Congress and the White House moved to protect ratepayers from grid upgrade costs tied to large data centers. Reentry Jobs: The U.S. Department of Labor awarded Indiana workforce partners $10.2M for RESTART grants to expand skilled-trades training and registered apprenticeships for people returning from incarceration.

Waste Tire Cleanup Funding: IDEM awarded $308,300 to 23 solid waste management districts plus eight recycling groups to tackle waste tire cleanup across Indiana, aiming to cut health and fire risks from illegally dumped or stockpiled tires. Regenerative Farming Push: General Mills, ADM, and Walmart expanded a regenerative wheat partnership to 40,000 Midwest acres in Illinois, Indiana, and Missouri, using technical help and incentives to boost soil health and water quality. Arts Investment via READI 2.0: Gov. Braun highlighted 49 READI 2.0 Arts & Culture grants, totaling $369.6 million in expected investment, to support projects like theaters, museums, public art, and creative workforce initiatives statewide. Air Quality & Health Access: Canadian wildfire smoke disrupted daily life and raised serious concerns for people on opioid treatment, where travel limits during bad air can block access to essential medication. Food Safety Alerts: Indiana is tied to the broader cyclospora “explosive diarrhea” outbreak linked to shredded iceberg lettuce at Taco Bell locations, while Midwest Poultry Services recalled about 19 million eggs due to possible Salmonella Enteritidis contamination. Local Community & Environment: Flanner House’s summer camp program blends tutoring, outdoor activity, and work on Indianapolis’ urban farm, building kids’ connection to community and the local food system.

Childcare Safety Overhaul: Indiana is moving toward new rules that would require active shooter and intruder drills in daycares every six months, alongside other licensing changes that critics say could increase stress for young children. School Tech Limits: Gov. Mike Braun’s bell-to-bell cellphone ban for Indiana students takes effect this fall, aiming to cut distractions and boost classroom engagement. Clean Energy Tensions: Indiana’s solar boom is drawing pushback from rural residents worried about impacts on farmland, even as the state’s growth is tied to demand from the data center surge. Waste Tire Cleanup: IDEM awarded $308,300 to Gibson County Solid Waste Management District and other Indiana partners for waste tire cleanup and recycling, citing health and environmental risks from improper tire storage. Underground Fuel Tank Removal: Indiana’s program is helping communities remove old underground gas tanks, with owners eligible for 50% reimbursement for removal and replacement. Food Safety Watch: The national cyclosporiasis outbreak continues to expand, with Indiana and nearby states reporting high case counts tied to contaminated lettuce and federal agencies still investigating sources. Data Centers & Water Rules: Ohio EPA backed away from a statewide general permit for data center water discharges after thousands of public comments, keeping individual permitting in place. Utilities Leadership: Gov. Braun appointed Joby Jerrells to the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission, emphasizing reliable and affordable energy.

Food Safety & Waterborne Risk: The FDA is investigating another cyclosporiasis outbreak, adding 72 cases tied to an unidentified source, as the multistate parasite surge continues to spread across the Midwest and beyond. Indiana Agriculture & Recalls: Taylor Farms has issued a voluntary recall of iceberg lettuce after federal officials linked products to the outbreak; the FDA later said an earlier positive test was a false positive, but the company remains tied to the investigation “out of an abundance of caution.” Local Health Updates: Nevada health officials reported a second Clark County case, saying there’s no sign the exposure happened locally and urging residents to watch recall information. Clean Water Infrastructure: Beverly Shores and the Town of Pines are exploring sanitary sewer connections after receiving an EPA grant to close wastewater gaps, with options discussed around nearby treatment capacity. Pollution Prevention: Indiana’s program to remove old underground gas tanks is targeting tanks over 30 years old or linked to leaks, with Morgan County using reimbursement support to replace aging infrastructure. Climate & Heat Resilience: A local Indianapolis business is offering climate-controlled dog exercise during extreme heat, highlighting how hot weather is reshaping everyday animal care. Renewable Energy: Indianapolis International Airport is installing 10,701 solar panels and adding microgrids to keep critical operations running during emergencies. Sustainable Farming: ADM, General Mills, and Walmart are backing regenerative wheat practices in Illinois, Indiana, and Missouri, aiming to enroll 200+ farmers with incentives and technical help. Industrial Transition: Gary’s council unanimously passed a green steel resolution urging U.S. Steel to adopt cleaner technologies tied to modernization plans.

Food Safety: The U.S. cyclosporiasis outbreak is now at a record pace, with federal officials confirming 4,173 domestic infections across 41 states since May 1, and thousands more suspected. In Indiana, health officials report 1,644 illnesses tied to shredded iceberg lettuce served at some Taco Bell locations in five states, with Taylor Farms recalling implicated products; the FDA later withdrew an initial positive test claim but says the investigation is still ongoing. Local Environment & Health: Indiana’s IDEM awarded $308,300 for waste tire cleanup grants, including Gibson County, citing fire, pests, and mosquito-breeding risks from improperly stored tires. Energy & Environment Policy: Indiana Michigan Power asked the IURC to approve a 1,520 MW natural gas combined-cycle facility at Rockport to meet rising demand as coal units retire. Community & Stewardship: Manchester University will host a free Regional Student Environmental Conference Sept. 28, organized with Earth Charter Indiana, featuring youth-led sessions and public workshops. Agriculture: A separate Indiana-focused piece highlights community-supported agriculture as a way to connect shoppers with local farms and reduce market risk for growers.

Indiana Utility Oversight: Three finalists were named for a vacant seat on the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission, with Indianapolis council member Josh Bain, Daikin’s Nathan Cazee, and Attorney General Office counsel Joby Jerrells all in the running for Gov. Mike Braun’s final pick. Waste Tire Cleanup: IDEM awarded $308,300 to 23 solid waste districts and eight recycling groups to remove and recycle illegally dumped or improperly stored tires, including Gibson County. Power Costs Watch: Richmond Power & Light advanced a phased rate plan that would raise costs for a typical 1,000-kilowatt-hour household customer by about $14 per month in 2029, after earlier multi-year increases. Air Quality & Health: IDEM issued Air Quality Action Day guidance for Monday, flagging “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” conditions in Southwest Indiana as wildfire smoke recirculates. Wildlife Conservation: Researchers captured Indiana bats in North Carolina for the first time in more than a decade, highlighting ongoing recovery work for endangered species. Food Safety: Indiana is among states tied to the expanding cyclospora outbreak linked to shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell, with federal guidance urging consumers to avoid affected items. Community Water Access: A Vallejo church dedicated a new public water bottle refill station, funded through a grant aimed at cutting single-use bottled water.

Wildfire smoke & health: Canadian wildfires are still driving unhealthy air across the Midwest, with Indiana included in AirNow “unhealthy” zones and IDEM issuing Air Quality Action Day guidance; experts stress keeping indoor air clean with HEPA filtration, better HVAC filtration, and sealing homes. Local air-quality concern: Zionsville residents protested a new Friendly Market gas station plan, warning about air pollution and spill risks in the Eagle Creek Watershed; the plan commission approved it 5-1. Energy & infrastructure: Charlestown approved a $105M data center despite environmental and neighborhood worries, while Sellersburg schools partnered with Duke Energy for a solar project. Wildlife & disease: Tippecanoe County canceled its 4-H poultry show after infectious coryza spread among birds. Food safety: The multi-state cyclospora outbreak linked to Taco Bell iceberg lettuce remains in focus, with FDA clarifying a “false positive” lab result while urging caution. Bats: Federally endangered Indiana bats were captured in North Carolina for the first time in over a decade, with monitoring planned. Conservation policy: Indiana’s legislature is advancing farm conservation support that reimburses farmers up to 75% for eligible land-protection work.

Wildfire Smoke & Air Quality: IDEM issued an Air Quality Action Day for Monday as Canadian wildfire smoke and light winds keep PM2.5 levels in the hazardous-to-unhealthy range across Indiana, with northern counties in the red zone and southwest Indiana flagged for “unhealthy for sensitive groups,” urging people with asthma, heart/lung conditions, older adults, and kids to limit time outdoors. Endangered Species: North Carolina wildlife officials captured federally endangered Indiana bats in the state for the first time in more than a decade, radio-tracking five reproductive females to a maternity roost and counting 24 bats leaving at sunset—good news for a species battered by white-nose syndrome. Clean Energy in Schools: Rock Creek Community Academy in Sellersburg is finishing a Duke Energy-backed solar installation, aiming to cut utility costs and turn the panels into hands-on STEM and environmental lessons for students. Food Safety (Cyclospora): The multi-state Cyclospora outbreak remains under investigation as FDA says a lab test tied to Taylor Farms was a false positive, even as the agency maintains the broader recall and epidemiology still guide the search for the source. Policy Watch: Indiana lawmakers are set to review environmental issues through interim study committees, including Rep. Craig Haggard’s appointment to the Interim Study Committee on Environmental Affairs.