AGP Executive Report

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.

Data Center Siting Fight: Munster officials are weighing whether to let a proposed Kenmara Technology Park add data centers as a special exception, even as residents’ concerns about impacts linger. Coal Plant Reliability Debate: Earthjustice says two Indiana coal units at the R.M. Schahfer Generating Station are broken, raising questions as a DOE emergency order renewal nears and advocates argue the policy keeps failing equipment online. Coal Funding Push: A new federal $700 million push for “clean, beautiful” coal would keep plants operating in Indiana and other states, using wartime-style authority to support generation and exports. Local Planning & Public Input: Portage has kicked off work on a new comprehensive plan, asking residents for feedback at upcoming community meetings. Air & Water Pressure from AI Buildouts: Governors in the Midwest have paused billions in data center tax incentives over electricity and water use concerns, while nearby communities continue to question the scale of proposed facilities. Wildlife-Friendly Industry Claim: A profile highlights Subaru of Indiana Automotive’s long-running wildlife habitat and “zero landfill” efforts, tying manufacturing to habitat protection. Northern Lights Forecast: NOAA expects a strong aurora display Monday into Tuesday, with Indiana in the broader viewing mix.

Wildlife-Friendly Manufacturing: Subaru of Indiana Automotive says its 832-acre campus is a National Wildlife Federation Backyard Wildlife Habitat, with bald eagles, coyotes, deer, and snapping turtles living on-site, plus “zero landfill” claims. Local Data Center Pushback: Residents in west Louisville raised noise, pollution, and heavy power-demand concerns at a meeting about a proposed hyperscale data center; the plan would clear 150 acres and draw about 400 megawatts. Indiana’s Data Center Debate: A proposed 2,000-acre Madison, Indiana data center is also in the spotlight as communities weigh jobs and tax revenue against environmental impacts. Severe Weather Watch: Multiple storm rounds are expected across Indiana Saturday, with damaging wind gusts, hail, tornado potential, and flash flooding risks from Fort Wayne through Indianapolis. Animal Health Alert: Federal and Texas officials confirmed a screwworm case in a calf in South Texas and halted animal movement around the site to prevent spread. College Sports & NIL: Nick Saban warned lawmakers that NIL has turned college athletics into an “arms race,” raising concerns about costs and fairness. Indiana Health Coverage Strain: Indiana hospitals report rising emergency department visits tied to more Hoosiers losing insurance or shifting to high-deductible plans.

Severe Weather Watch: Multiple rounds of thunderstorms are expected to hit Indiana on Saturday, June 6, with a conditional risk of damaging winds (up to 60 mph), hail (up to 1.25 inches), spin-up tornadoes, and flash flooding—especially across the Fort Wayne–South Bend–Lafayette corridor. Energy & Air Quality: The Trump administration is pushing nearly $700 million in federal support for coal power, including $425 million via the Defense Production Act that reaches Indiana coal plants, plus additional DOE grants tied to new builds and restarts. Wildlife & Public Safety: Indiana’s animal-welfare spotlight grows as Inotiv (West Lafayette) filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy after federal citations tied to animal welfare violations at its Envigo unit. Invasive Species: Armadillos continue expanding their foothold in Indiana, raising new questions for landowners and wildlife managers. Local Water & Health: Hoosiers are facing rising emergency department use as more people go uninsured, a trend that could worsen health outcomes and strain local systems. Community Nature: Indiana DNR is rolling out new citizen-science tools for tracking bats, helping residents contribute to local wildlife monitoring.

Coal & Grid Policy: President Trump says the federal government will spend about $700M to modernize and restart coal power, using Cold War-era Defense Production Act authority; the plan includes Indiana coal plants and is framed as grid reliability and job support. Local Water Safety: Citizens Energy Group issued a 72-hour boil advisory for northwest Indianapolis after a water main break dropped pressure; residents in defined boundaries are told to boil tap water. Data Centers & Community Impact: A proposed Indiana data center boom continues to draw scrutiny, with residents questioning unclear use, environmental effects, and the scale of tax incentives. Animal Welfare & Industry Accountability: West Lafayette-based Inotiv filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy after animal welfare violations tied to its Envigo RMS unit, as activists push creditors to address past misconduct. Watershed Planning: Allen County officials are revising the St. Marys Watershed Management Plan, supported by IDEM grant funding, to guide longer-term water improvements. Air Quality: IDEM issued an Air Quality Action Day for much of Indiana due to rising ozone, urging residents to cut emissions and adjust routines. Outdoor Access: River Heritage Conservancy received a grant to improve public access at Blackiston Mill on Silver Creek, adding ADA-friendly features and habitat-minded landscaping. Agriculture: Indiana crop advisers caution soybean growers that foliar micronutrients may help only when timed to real needs, not as a guaranteed yield boost.

Planned Parenthood access: Planned Parenthood Great Northwest, Hawaii, Alaska, Indiana, Kentucky is offering “Just In Case Abortion Pills,” letting non-pregnant people in Indiana get mifepristone in advance via in-person or remote appointments. Water & habitat: Amazon is funding a Starke County habitat restoration in the Kankakee River watershed, targeting 425 acres to remove invasives and restore native sand prairie and woodlands, with leaders estimating major water-recharge benefits. Local outdoor access: River Heritage Conservancy won a $15,000 grant to improve Blackiston Mill access on Silver Creek, including ADA picnic areas, native landscaping, signage, and safety upgrades. Agriculture inputs: Indiana Certified Crop Advisers say foliar soybean micronutrients can help in specific situations, but growers shouldn’t expect guaranteed yield boosts and should run on-farm comparisons. Storms: Rain and storm chances are ramping up across Indiana, with more widespread chances expected Saturday. Air quality: IDEM issued statewide Air Quality Action Day guidance as ozone levels rise. Data centers & water: A public hearing is set for an Amazon data center wetlands permit, as Indiana communities weigh growth impacts. Coal funding: Trump’s plan would direct $700M+ toward coal plant upgrades/restarts, including about $425M tied to Indiana and other states.

Coal Funding Push: President Trump announced nearly $700M to back coal-fired power plants and coal exports, using the Defense Production Act to support 13 plants, restart a shuttered Maryland facility, and speed a long-delayed Oakland export terminal—actions tied to thousands of jobs and upgrades meant to extend plant lives. Indiana Air Oversight: IDEM held an online public hearing on proposed air permit changes for NIPSCO’s R.M. Schahfer Generating Station in Wheatfield, with residents arguing the changes would worsen local air quality and increase pollution. Wildlife Management Debate: Indiana DNR is proposing a 60% jump in the annual bobcat killing limit (250 to 400) despite limited data from the first post-recovery trapping season, drawing sharp criticism from conservation advocates. Public Health Watch: Indiana health providers warned that ticks are surviving longer and expanding due to warmer winters, raising concern for tick-borne illnesses like Lyme disease and alpha-gal. Local Conservation & Community: Fort Wayne moved its July 4 fireworks site to protect peregrine falcons nesting nearby, and the city coordinated the change with state wildlife guidance.