AGP Executive Report

Air Quality & Heat: Northern Indiana and northwest Indiana are under an Air Quality Action Day as Canadian wildfire smoke and hot, humid weather push ozone and haze into the region, with guidance to cut outdoor exertion and watch for breathing trouble. Local Data Center Fight: In Posey County, residents packed zoning meetings to oppose data centers, raising worries about farmland loss and strained water supplies even as officials said no formal application has been filed; meanwhile, Indianapolis continues to weigh moratorium steps as DC BLOX faces community questions about environmental impacts. Herbicide Drift Debate: New dicamba rules are reigniting arguments over drift damage and crop safety, with advocates pointing to long-running signs of herbicide harm to trees and ecosystems. Indiana Grants for Culture: READI 2.0 Arts & Culture funding is flowing to Northeast Indiana and southwest Indiana, including projects tied to tourism and immersive storytelling at the Indiana Military Museum. Wildlife Tech for Conservation: A University of Kentucky-led effort aims to use AI to identify individual cerulean warblers by their songs, boosting conservation research for a declining species. Community Health: Owen County is moving toward a Mobile Integrated Health program to prevent repeat emergency calls through home-based, preventative support.

Air Quality & Heat: Indiana is under an air quality alert as wildfire smoke drifts south, with hazy skies and heat indices near 100 for parts of Central and Northern Indiana; officials urge sensitive groups to limit outdoor exertion. Local Water & Flooding: Winslow Town Council discussed rising wholesale water rates tied to a future drinking water project, plus drainage and culvert problems that worsen flooding after heavy rains. Data Centers & Land-Use Pressure: Indianapolis City-County Council’s committee advanced a temporary moratorium on new data centers through Dec. 31, 2027, as planners review impacts on neighborhoods and infrastructure. Agriculture & Pollution Prevention: Star of the West’s STAR program expands incentivized low-emission fertilizer practices for wheat, dry beans, and food-grade soybeans across Indiana and neighboring states. Public Health: A cyclospora outbreak is spreading across multiple states, including Indiana, prompting new guidance on food prep and hygiene. Community & Jobs: READI 2.0 Arts & Culture grants were awarded statewide, while COPPERWORKS announced a $32M expansion in New Haven adding 12 jobs. Wildlife & Outdoors: Indiana beekeepers are planning for the next season as “dearth time” limits blooms, and a local outdoor column spotlights fishing at Hovey Lake.

Data Centers & Local Power: Indianapolis City-County Council committee recommends a moratorium on new data centers, teeing up a full vote Aug. 10 as residents and environmental groups push for a pause and deeper review. Air Quality: Indiana’s IDEM issued Air Quality Action Days for Northwest Indiana due to unhealthy ozone levels for sensitive groups, with hot, sunny conditions and regional pollution buildup driving the alerts. Coal Ash Oversight: Indiana IDEM applied to the EPA to shift coal ash permitting to the state, as federal cleanup rules face rollbacks—raising concerns about protection near ash ponds. Heat & Health: Central Indiana is headed for mid-90s with lower humidity than earlier in July, while Western Pa. issued an ozone alert and Pittsburgh opened cooling centers during the heat wave. Public Health & Climate Risks: Lyme-carrying ticks are spreading across Indiana, Illinois, and Ohio into suburban parks and backyards, with climate and development cited as accelerants. Local Land Use: Greenwood advanced plans for Indiana’s first Buc-ee’s, moving to the Common Council after residents raised traffic, safety, property value, and environmental impact concerns.

Air Quality: Indiana’s IDEM declared Air Quality Action Days for Northwest Indiana, citing unhealthy ozone levels for sensitive groups as hot, sunny weather and light winds build pollution. Local Governance: Indianapolis City-County Council leaders are set to debate a data center moratorium as residents and advocates push back on AI-driven power demand and environmental impacts. Environmental Cleanup: Montgomery County commissioners got an IDEM update that cleanup is complete at the Tri-County Petroleum site on U.S. 231 South, with tanks removed and ground tested, pending restrictive covenants. Public Health: West Nile virus is starting earlier than usual, with Indiana among states reporting activity; officials urge mosquito bite prevention and standing-water cleanup. Wildlife: Fort Wayne Zoo evacuated an African exhibit after a wildebeest escaped into a neighboring habitat, then safely returned it. Accountability & Safety: ACLU of Indiana filed a federal class-action against Monroe County over jail overcrowding and unsafe conditions. Energy & Climate Policy: A national report highlights how AI data centers are driving new fossil fuel power builds, while clean energy allies push for climate-friendly electricity requirements.

Pesticide & Wildlife: A new push to protect endangered species is targeting “neonic” seed treatments, which may be used in smaller amounts than broad spraying but can still poison plants, linger in soil for years, and wash into waterways—raising concerns for bees, birds, butterflies, and freshwater invertebrates. Water Quality: A decade-long U.S. Geological Survey study finds pesticide pollution in Midwest and Great Plains rivers is getting worse, with Sugar Creek east of Indianapolis among monitored sites where dozens of chemicals have been detected. Endangered Species Habitat: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service designated about 3,814 river miles of critical habitat across 17 states for four endangered freshwater mussels, including waterways in Indiana. Local Air Fight: Northwest Indiana community and environmental groups sued the EPA over a delayed Clean Air Act review of U.S. Steel’s Gary Works air permit, arguing residents are being left without protections. Data Centers & Water: Indianapolis leaders are weighing a data-center pause as concerns grow over how these projects use and dispose of water. Extreme Weather: Tornado activity has surpassed the yearly average as peak season begins. Agriculture & Conservation: Indiana Master Farmer awards highlighted conservation practices like no-till and cover crops.

Data Centers & Water Stress: Indianapolis City-County Council President Maggie Lewis is pushing for a moratorium on new data center developments, saying the city needs time to answer questions about utilities, environmental impacts, and quality of life before more projects move forward. Local Governance & Environmental Oversight: Indiana’s water inventory and management plan is underway after a state executive order, but environmental groups warn the data center boom is outpacing the study—raising fears for aquatic ecosystems and water availability. Carbon Storage Backlash: In Clymers, residents are organizing against a plan to bury carbon under farmland, arguing the projects—backed by large federal subsidies—could threaten their community while climate groups say deeper fossil-fuel cuts should come first. Air & Water Safety: A surge of cyclosporiasis cases tied to contaminated food or water is being reported across multiple states including Indiana, with public health guidance focused on careful produce washing and food safety. Wildlife & Public Participation: Indiana DNR is inviting Hoosiers to submit nature and wildlife artwork for next year’s hunting, fishing, and trapping license “hard cards,” with five winners selected.

Data Centers vs. Water in Indiana: Indiana’s water inventory work is underway as the data center boom accelerates, raising fears that projects will outpace the state’s ability to understand impacts on aquatic ecosystems and supplies. Local Governance: Indianapolis City-County Council President Maggie Lewis is pushing a moratorium on new data center developments, arguing the city needs time for a deeper public review of utilities, environmental effects, and quality of life. Local Governance: WFYI reports nearly a third of Indiana counties now restrict data centers, with some moratoriums and outright bans—showing a fast-moving industry colliding with local rules. Water & Air Concerns (Regional): In Wheatfield, residents near a coal plant and a new data center are warning about water withdrawals and lingering coal ash pollution, tying local health concerns to energy transitions. Severe Weather: Tornado activity is surpassing the yearly average as peak season begins, with Indiana and nearby areas mentioned among regions seeing heightened activity. Wildlife Shift: A USGS study says armadillos are establishing breeding populations in parts of Indiana, with rivers possibly acting as corridors for spread. Public Health: Cyclosporiasis cases are surging across the U.S., including Indiana, with guidance focused on food and water safety.

Data Centers & Local Power: Indiana’s data-center boom is colliding with local limits: WFYI reports nearly a third of Indiana counties now restrict development, with some moratoriums and outright bans, as officials try to catch up on water, electricity, and land-use impacts. Diesel Backup Generators: In New Carlisle, Amazon says its backup diesel generators are for emergencies only (about 10 hours a year on average), pushing back on an online claim that the site would add hundreds more generators. Water, Health & Food Safety: Cyclosporiasis cases are surging nationwide, with Indiana among states reporting outbreaks; experts say it’s tied to contaminated food or water (not person-to-person) and urge careful produce washing and hand hygiene. Wildlife Shift in Indiana: A USGS study says armadillos are establishing breeding populations in parts of Indiana—especially Marion County and the southeast—likely aided by warmer winters and landscape changes. Public Safety & Flooding: Flash floods in southeastern Missouri were triggered by intense thunderstorms, with rescue teams using helicopters and boats to evacuate hundreds as rivers rose rapidly. Indiana Governance: INDOT is moving ProjectWise files back to original district folders starting July 13, and Goshen is weighing a new monthly environmental service fee to fund trash and related services.

Data Centers & Air Emissions: Amazon says its New Carlisle campuses rely on the regional grid, with backup diesel generators for emergencies only—averaging about 10 hours a year—after an online post claimed far higher numbers; advocates are watching for emissions and permit details. Local Governance & Data Center Growth: WFYI reports nearly a third of Indiana counties now restrict data centers, with some moratoriums and outright bans, as communities try to keep up with fast-moving development and concerns about water, electricity, and land use. Wildlife & Range Shifts: A USGS study finds armadillos are establishing breeding populations in Indiana, especially Marion County and the southeast, with rivers possibly helping them spread—meaning more lawn digging may show up. Public Health: West Nile virus was detected in a mosquito sample in Hamilton County (Carmel), prompting increased trapping/testing and adult mosquito fogging. Local Fees & Waste Services: Goshen is weighing a monthly environmental service fee to cover trash/recycling and related services as property-tax changes strain city budgets. State Policy for Farms: New laws taking effect July 1 include measures aimed at streamlining farming operations and strengthening protections around foreign adversaries.

Public Safety & EMS: Allen County commissioners passed ordinances to unify fire and EMS services outside Fort Wayne, creating an “Allen County Fire & EMS District” effective Jan. 1, 2027, with a district name change starting in 2027. Public Health: Hamilton County reported West Nile virus in a mosquito sample from Carmel’s Founder’s Park, with health officials increasing trapping/testing and planning adult mosquito fogging. Climate & Agriculture: Indiana specialty farmers are adjusting harvests to cope with more intense heat waves, but extreme weather still threatens crops and farmworker health. Water & Land Use: Indianapolis City-County Council President Maggie Lewis says she’ll propose a data center moratorium to pause zoning changes while the city weighs infrastructure, utilities, environmental impacts, and neighborhood quality of life. Wildlife: An alligator escaped for a month in Indiana before state wildlife authorities captured it and returned it to its owner. Health Threats: Orkin’s annual bed bug hotspot list ranks Indianapolis among the worst cities for 2026. Policy & Environment: A new Indiana cannabis policy debate highlights how Hoosiers can access out-of-state dispensaries and intoxicating hemp products, raising questions about oversight and regulation.

Data Centers & Historic Land: A new Indiana-focused look at how data centers are moving into historic areas highlights the Jefferson Proving Ground in Madison and the Digital Crossroad expansion in Hammond, as communities weigh zoning changes, environmental worries, and local quality-of-life impacts. Local Governance: Fort Wayne City Council delayed action on a data center task force ordinance until Sept. 8, giving time to draft new rules and define the group’s role. Public Health: Indiana health officials are tracking a fast-rising cyclosporiasis outbreak tied to Cyclospora, with Marion County reporting 15 cases and Michigan confirming more than 1,200. Space & Weather: A G1 geomagnetic storm is forecast for July 10-11, with a possible stronger aurora display July 11-12—good news for northern Indiana skywatchers. Environment Policy: A West Virginia-led coalition is urging the EPA to delay or repeal “Tier 4” vehicle emission standards, arguing the rules are too strict and electrification is lagging. Consumer Environment: Doctors and environmentalists are skeptical of the White House’s “Freedom Fuel” discount gas stations, even as prices remain a political flashpoint.

Air Quality & Health: A cyclospora parasite outbreak is sickening more than 1,400 people across the Midwest, with Michigan the epicenter and Indiana among states reporting rising cases—officials say the source is still unclear, so focus on safe food handling and avoiding contaminated water. PFAS Legal Push: New York Attorney General Letitia James sued major chemical companies including 3M and DuPont over “forever chemicals,” seeking an end to PFAS sales without warnings and cleanup costs. Local Environmental Monitoring: After a Boyle Heights warehouse fire left behind rotting food, odors, and pests, residents are set for a town hall on recovery and environmental monitoring with Lineage and elected officials. Indiana Conservation & Land Use: Zionsville opened the Carpenter Nature Preserve on a former golf course, adding trails through woods, prairies, and wetlands. Growth, Jobs & Community Grants: Gov. Mike Braun announced $752K in grants for 22 Indiana entrepreneurship projects, backing region-led efforts in education, tech enablement, and small business acceleration. Policy & Infrastructure: Steuben County is pausing certain zoning actions tied to casinos, data centers, and battery storage for a year to tighten rules and assess impacts.

Data Centers & Water: IDEM held a virtual public hearing on Amazon’s proposed data center near New Carlisle, focusing on a federal water quality permit and potential impacts to wetlands and streams, after prior concerns including a 35-million-gallon-per-day de-watering request and alleged wetland impacts; written comments are due July 17. Local Governance: In Delaware County, commissioners voiced a vote of no-confidence in Marion County prosecutor Ryan Mears, while Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith backed the criticism. Parks & Climate Resilience: Indianapolis is set to receive a $10 million Bezos Earth Fund grant for the Rev. Mozel Sanders Park plan, including 400+ trees, native wetland restoration, and 2 miles of new trails along the White River. Public Safety Policy: New Indiana law starting July 1 limits camping and sleeping on unauthorized public land, with enforcement steps meant to connect people to shelter and services during dangerous weather. Community Planning: Clark County’s 911 expansion got a land reservation approval in River Ridge for emergency response equipment and disaster support.

Data Center Backlash in Indiana: Indiana local governments are increasingly moving to slow or stop data center development, with 11 counties adopting ordinances, at least 17 using temporary moratoriums, and Marshall and Cass counties banning new projects—residents cite water use, power demand, land take, and noise. Air Quality Alert: Indiana’s Department of Environmental Management issued an Air Quality Action Day for July 8 across Northwest Indiana as ozone is expected to reach the “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” range. Brownfield Cleanup for Reuse: River Hills Economic Development District and Regional Planning Commission received a $500,000 EPA grant to clean up and reuse contaminated brownfields in New Albany, Charlestown, and Scottsburg. Zero-Waste-to-Landfill Access: Reworld expanded Fort Wayne-area transfer options via a new United Dumpsters station, aiming to consolidate waste locally and reduce long-haul hauling tied to landfill disposal. Child Care Cuts Hit Workforce: Hoosier childcare providers and advocates pushed back hard on looser staffing rules and voucher support reductions, warning families may be forced out of work or into less reliable care. Local Industry Growth: Riverside Mfg. cut the ribbon on a new Fort Wayne facility, investing $10M+ and consolidating operations under one roof.

Amazon Logistics Expansion: Tilton officials say permits and waivers are in place for a 50,000-square-foot Amazon distribution center on Business Park Drive, aiming for completion by April 2027—another Indiana-area push that raises the usual questions about land use and local impacts. Water Safety in Indiana: Indianapolis is reeling after two children drowned in retention ponds within a month, renewing calls for stronger statewide safety barriers and enforcement. Data Centers vs. Water: Indiana’s data center boom is colliding with water planning, as environmental groups warn projects are moving faster than the state’s statewide water inventory and management plan. Agriculture & Pollution Concerns: Indiana lawmakers highlighted new laws taking effect July 1 that streamline farming operations and reduce energy costs, while nearby states’ large livestock proposals (like a 210,000-hen egg farm) face community worries about groundwater, manure, and traffic. Wildlife Connectivity: A growing push for wildlife crossings is gaining momentum nationwide, with advocates pointing to expanding research and support for road designs that reconnect habitats. Local Environment Events: Newton County’s Earth Night at the fair offers free hands-on conservation activities and expert booths.

Air Quality & Storms: Indiana is under fresh air-quality pressure, with IDEM forecasting an Air Quality Action Day Wednesday in Northwest Indiana as ozone and wildfire smoke combine; meanwhile, wet weather and a Level 1 severe risk are back in the forecast Thursday night into the weekend, with some storms capable of heavy rain and flooding. Clean Air Fight: Environmental groups sued the EPA over its delay in responding to a petition tied to U.S. Steel’s Gary mill air permit renewal, arguing the permit lacks strong monitoring and compliance limits. Wildlife & Forestry: Indiana DNR opened a nature-and-wildlife photo/art contest for hunting and fishing “hard card” license designs, plus grant applications for urban forestry projects across the state. Data Center Siting: Portage planners moved to create a technology center zone to restrict where data centers can go, including closed-loop cooling and tighter height/coverage limits. Urban Greening: The Bezos Earth Fund awarded Cleveland $10 million to clean up vacant lots, and Indianapolis is also listed among cities receiving Greening America’s Cities support. Agriculture Costs: A Purdue/CME Group barometer showed farmer sentiment slipping, with high input costs still the top worry.