AGP Executive Report

Extreme Heat & Health: France confirmed a June heatwave death toll of 2,025 above normal rates, while an Indiana University climate scientist’s model estimates Europe’s peak-heat toll at about 20,390—another reminder that dangerous heat is a public health emergency, not just bad weather. Indiana Heat Response: A heat advisory was still in effect as fireworks approached, with forecasts calling for a drier evening and scattered storms returning Sunday—conditions that can quickly strain outdoor work and emergency services. Grid Strain From AI Data Centers: The U.S. Department of Energy again used emergency authority to keep coal plants available in reliability fights, including Indiana units—part of a broader energy squeeze as AI data centers drive demand and raise air quality concerns. Local Power Infrastructure: In Adams County, firefighters cooled transformers at two electrical substations during the heatwave, using large water monitors—showing how infrastructure can buckle under extreme temperatures. Policy Watch (Indiana): Several Indiana laws took effect in July, including school cell phone restrictions and new state/local enforcement steps tied to federal immigration rules. Environment & Recreation: Indiana DNR and other groups continued pushing summer wildlife and outdoor safety, from turkey reporting to nature access updates.

Indiana Policy Watch: New Indiana laws kicked in July 1, including a ban on cell phones during the school day and limits on social media verification, plus a new pathway for state and local agencies to help enforce federal immigration law. Public Health & Heat: Doctors in Indianapolis say the Fourth of July brings predictable spikes in firework injuries, especially to hands and eyes, as Hoosiers brace for another hot holiday. Air & Environment: Trump announced pardons tied to Clean Air Act cases involving diesel emissions-control tampering, a move that could reshape how enforcement and “right to repair” debates play out. Grid & Air Quality: Federal emergency orders have been used to keep coal plants available in Indiana, while separate reporting warns that AI data centers are driving grid stress and worsening air quality. Wildlife & Outdoor Indiana: Indiana DNR is asking residents to report wild turkey brood sightings in July and August, and it’s also taking submissions for next year’s hard card license art contest. Community & Land Use: Brown County’s plan commission is starting work to align local zoning with new state rules, including how indoor shooting ranges and sporting goods stores are treated.

Extreme Heat & Air Quality: A Tri-State Air Quality Alert warns of elevated PM2.5 and ground-level ozone through the Fourth of July weekend, with fireworks adding more pollution and health officials urging people to limit time outdoors. Heat on the job: Indiana’s outdoor workforce is facing dangerous conditions as a heat wave pushes risk of heat illness higher. Wildlife & habitat care: The DNR is asking Hoosiers to report wild turkey brood sightings in July and August to track poult survival and population trends, and the state is also collecting nature art for DNR hard card licenses. Local environment leadership: Northwest Indiana Forum named Michele Murday Pariso its Environmental and Public Policy Director, aiming to advance sustainable growth and stewardship across the region. Water & pollution policy: DOE emergency orders keeping certain coal plants available in Indiana are being challenged in court, keeping reliability vs. environmental rules in the spotlight. Data centers & land use: Indiana continues moving zoning plans forward for data centers despite local pushback, raising concerns about energy demand and rural impacts.

Extreme Heat & Air Quality: Hoosiers are facing dangerous summer conditions, with an Air Quality Alert for the Tri-State tied to fine particle pollution (PM2.5) and ground-level ozone—fireworks are expected to worsen PM2.5 during the Fourth of July weekend. Heat on Workers: Indiana outdoor laborers are being urged to avoid exposure, but many can’t—heat is raising the risk of heat stroke and injuries on the job. Climate Outlook: A new Indiana climate recap shows spring 2026 was among the warmest on record, while forecasts warn hotter days are ahead. Data Centers & Farmland Concerns: Indiana is moving forward with a zoning plan for data centers despite backlash, and rural residents worry about impacts on land, energy, and water. PFAS Policy: EPA proposed UCMR 6 for PFAS and other contaminants, while declining to add microplastics. Conservation & Wildlife: Indiana DNR is taking nature art and photos for next year’s hunting/fishing/trapping hard cards, and a local museum is offering free teacher preview days. Local Environment Governance: A St. Joseph River drinking water protection effort is highlighted as a key local priority.

Extreme Heat & Worker Safety: Indiana’s outdoor workforce is getting hit hard as NWS warns people to avoid being outside, but many Hoosiers can’t—reporting heat illness risk and injuries when humidity keeps bodies from cooling. Heat Index Warning: Southern Indiana is seeing extreme heat warnings over the July 4 weekend, with humidity pushing heat indices above 100. Agriculture Watch: Purdue Extension says tar spot is already showing up in Indiana, and humid, wet conditions could drive more cases—urging farmers to scout now. Water Quality Policy: EPA proposed UCMR 6, which would expand national monitoring of 30 unregulated contaminants in public drinking water systems (microplastics not included). Wildlife & Public Lands: Indiana DNR opened submissions for nature art to appear on optional hunting, fishing, and trapping hard cards. Local Resilience: A Gosport family is rebuilding after an EF-3 tornado tore through their home, with community donations helping repairs. Conservation Funding: Indiana’s new IMAGE cost-share program will help southwest Indiana farmers adopt conservation practices to protect soil health and water quality. Outdoor Recreation & Trees: Vincennes dedicated White Oak plantings for America’s 250th, aiming for long-term shade and wildlife habitat. Statewide Governance: Gov. Braun announced appointments to multiple state boards and commissions, including natural resources-related seats.

Extreme Heat Watch: The National Weather Service extended an Extreme Heat Warning for Central Indiana through Friday evening, with heat index values around 105–110°F and a risk of scattered storms over the holiday weekend. Crop Disease Alert: Purdue Extension says tar spot has already been detected in Indiana and humid, saturated conditions could drive more cases; farmers are urged to scout fields, especially near past hotspots. Data Centers & Power Demand: A new report warns that “behind-the-meter” natural gas plants feeding data centers could sharply raise climate pollution in Pennsylvania—part of a broader national surge tied to AI power needs. Local Infrastructure Planning: Portage is taking public input on the Central Avenue west rebuild, including drainage upgrades and possible changes at the Dombey Road intersection. Statehouse Oversight: Reps. Cory Criswell and Lindsay Patterson received interim study committee appointments, with Patterson joining Environmental Affairs and Roads & Transportation. Agriculture Policy: USDA’s final Regenerative Feedstock Rule is drawing attention from Indiana lawmakers as a potential boost for farmers and biofuel markets.

Heat & Public Safety: A heat dome is pushing extreme temperatures toward the Fourth of July, with Central and Eastern states—including Indiana—expecting dangerous heat and heat-index impacts. Local Impacts on Wildlife: In South Bend, Potawatomi Zoo is cutting attendance and using misting, shade, and ice treats to keep animals comfortable during triple-digit heat. Data Centers & Community Pressure: Indianapolis’ development commission advanced a data center zoning proposal with updated noise and setback standards, while residents in Pike County continue organizing against new data centers. Energy Regulation Watch: The Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission faces a vacancy after member David Veleta’s resignation, setting up a new appointment process amid affordability concerns. PFAS in Drinking Water: The FDA moved to limit PFAS in bottled water, aligning with EPA’s drinking-water limits. Conservation & Outdoor Life: Indiana DNR is accepting nature art and photo submissions for 2027 hard-card hunting, fishing, and trapping licenses. Urban Forestry: Rensselaer’s urban forestry council got approval for a tree-management grant, including a citywide tree inventory.

Extreme Heat Warning: The National Weather Service upgraded Central Indiana conditions to an Extreme Heat Warning through Thursday night, with heat indexes around 107°F and little overnight relief—prompting Red Cross guidance to hydrate, cool down, and check on neighbors. Utility Oversight: Indiana’s Utility Regulatory Commission faces a vacancy after member David Veleta resigned, opening the door for Gov. Mike Braun to appoint a new commissioner as affordability pressure grows. Local Cooling Support: Greene County emergency officials activated a heat-relief plan and opened public cooling centers, including a daily-access shelter site in Bloomfield. Public Health & Wildlife: A multi-year funding agreement signed by the White Earth Nation and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will support natural resource and visitor services at Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge through 2028. Waste & Stormwater Compliance: A Hamlet, Indiana facility filed a renewal notice to discharge stormwater exposed to industrial activity into the Benninghoff Ditch under IDEM rules. Energy & Climate Policy: Indiana is among 17 states suing California over its plastic packaging law, arguing it will raise costs for businesses and consumers. Community Health Workforce: Healthier Moms and Babies in Allen County completed training and certification for 10 community-based doulas drawn from neighborhoods with high infant mortality rates.

Health Coverage Crisis: Indiana hospitals are seeing a double-digit jump in emergency department visits since early 2025, tied to more Hoosiers losing insurance or shifting to high-deductible plans after ACA premium help ended and Medicaid eligibility checks tightened. Heat & Public Safety: With extreme heat warnings in place, Fort Wayne postponed “Lunch on the Square” to July 9, underscoring how summer weather is disrupting community life. Wildlife & Roads: Bear sightings are rising in southern Indiana and the region; Kentucky officials say “teenage” bears roam widely during breeding season, after a young bear was killed by a vehicle near Corinth. Local Governance & Environment: Indiana’s Natural Resources Commission resignations are raising alarms about public input limits, while state agencies continue work on oversight and permitting issues. Community & Preparedness: Indiana cooling resources are being promoted, including ways to find nearby cooling centers through Indiana 211 as heat risks grow.

Coal & Power Reliability: The Trump administration ordered another 90-day extension for two Indiana coal plants, keeping units like NIPSCO’s Schahfer Generating Station running through mid-September while citing summer blackout risk and energy costs. Heat Safety: Doctors and local officials are urging Hoosiers to take extreme heat seriously ahead of the July 4 weekend, with guidance on hydration, cooling, and higher risk for older adults, people on certain meds, and pets. Toxic Recycling Scrutiny: A new report flags hazardous chemicals stored at “chemical” recycling facilities, raising concerns about fire and spill risks and pointing to Indiana records as part of the push for tougher rules. Natural Resources Governance: Three Indiana Natural Resources Commission members resigned, saying public input limits and state administration involvement have undercut transparent conservation decision-making. State Parks Expansion: Indiana added more than 1,400 acres of northern forestland to the state parks system, folding Salamonie River and Frances Slocum into existing park management plans. Local Health Equity: Lawrence adopted a “live longer in Lawrence” push after a metro study found an eight-year life expectancy gap, aiming to tackle root causes and expand access to care. Living With Lakes: A Valparaiso seminar highlighted how climate change and disappearing insect species can ripple through Indiana ecosystems and food systems. Cannabis Policy Data: An Op-Ed argues Indiana needs a data-informed approach as neighboring states legalize and intoxicating hemp products stay widely available. School Discipline Reform: At an Indianapolis middle school, out-of-school suspensions reportedly fell 95% over four years as mediation and restorative practices replaced exclusionary discipline.

Data Centers in Indiana: Whitley County commissioners are moving toward a data-center moratorium until an ordinance is finished, with residents pressing for clearer zoning, environmental review, and protections around water, electricity, and decommissioning costs. Mosquito Control: Munster is resuming mosquito spraying after a pause, citing higher mosquito activity and public-health risks, while also treating storm sewer catch basins and stagnant water areas. Public Health: The CDC reports 513 Salmonella cases tied to backyard poultry across 43 states, with summer peak risk—especially for kids under five—prompting renewed warnings about handling live birds. Wildlife & Conservation: A New Haven woman launches “Batty for Indiana” to make the Indiana bat the state’s official mammal, aiming to boost conservation awareness. Extreme Heat & Cooling Help: Indiana is opening cooling centers and pointing residents to Indiana 211 for locations and hours. Local Food & Health: Northeast Indiana Local Food Week highlights “Local Food is Medicine,” connecting residents with farms through tours and free events. Sports + Environment Watch: Soil testing is underway for the Chicago Bears’ potential Hammond stadium site near Wolf Lake, adding another layer to local land and wetland concerns.

Data Center Pushback: Whitley County commissioners say they’ll pause new data center proposals until a county ordinance is finished, with residents citing worries about water, electricity, zoning, and decommissioning costs. Local Governance: Hanover Township residents also urged a data center moratorium after zoning approval tied to the Jefferson Proving Ground, asking for environmental assessment requirements, operational limits, and bonds. Public Health & Climate Impacts: Monroe County activated emergency cooling stations for residents during the heat advisory period, emphasizing walk-in cooling (not overnight stays). Water Quality: NOAA forecasts a moderate harmful algal bloom season for Lake Erie, with toxin-producing scum most likely in the western basin starting in July. Recycling & Waste: IDEM opened grant funding for Indiana recycling projects, offering $50,000 to $500,000 awards with applications due July 29. Legal/Policy: A federal judge blocked an Indiana law requiring extra disclosures from proxy advisers, marking a third win for the firms.

Heat Advisory: The National Weather Service issued a heat advisory across Indiana as humidity pushes heat index values to about 105–108 degrees, raising the risk of heat illness for anyone outdoors. Flooding Impacts: Monroe Lake is running 12 feet above normal pool after heavy rain and storms, with all beaches closed until at least late July while boating continues under safety guidance. Wildlife Conservation: Indiana bats were rediscovered in North Carolina after 14 years, with a maternity roost found in a hemlock—highlighting ongoing recovery work for an endangered species. Immigration & Community Risk: A U.S. Supreme Court ruling allows the Trump administration to end Haitian and Syrian temporary protected status, putting thousands of Haitians in Indiana at risk and triggering fears of job loss and disruptions to schools and health care. Public Health & Environment: Indiana’s animal health community is preparing for New World screwworm after the fly reached the U.S., a threat to livestock, pets, wildlife, and potentially people.

Heat & Storms: A long, dangerous heatwave is set to expand across the lower Great Lakes and Ohio/Mississippi River valleys, with high humidity making it feel even hotter ahead of the Fourth of July. Severe Weather Record: Illinois is reporting 172 confirmed tornadoes in 2026, including 70 in April, driven by heat, humidity, and the right atmospheric setup. Flooding Aftermath (Indiana): Monroe Lake is 12 feet above normal and all beaches are closed until at least late July, though boating remains open with safety cautions. Clean Water & Pollution Fight: Indiana is part of a 17-state lawsuit challenging California’s plastic packaging law, arguing it unlawfully forces nationwide compliance. Coal Ash Rules: A guest column warns proposed coal ash rules could threaten Indiana groundwater, citing contamination risks from unlined disposal sites. Local Water Infrastructure: Northwest Indiana crews are building a database of culverts and other stream structures to see whether they help or hinder water flow and wildlife movement. Animal Health: Elanco says it’s preparing for New World screwworm after the first U.S. livestock case was confirmed in Texas.

Severe Weather: Flash flooding and storm threats hit the Ohio Valley, with Kentucky reporting multiple deaths and emergency declarations as heavy rain overwhelms saturated ground, and forecasts warn conditions could also spill into Indiana. Air Quality Regulation: A federal appeals court rejected the EPA’s bid to lift Biden-era soot limits for coal plants, keeping the annual PM2.5 cap in place and drawing praise from environmental groups. Plastic Packaging Fight: Indiana joined 16 other states in suing California over its single-use plastics packaging law, arguing it unlawfully forces nationwide compliance and could raise costs. Data Centers vs. Rural Life: A Purdue-linked study says rural Americans are worried about AI-driven data center growth—especially electricity bills, water strain, and loss of prime farmland. Local Waterways Work: Northwest Indiana crews are building an inventory of culverts and other stream structures to see whether they help or hinder water flow and wildlife movement. Indiana Health & Work: Parkview Health again made Newsweek’s “Greatest Workplaces in Healthcare” list, highlighting employee satisfaction metrics.

Plastic Fight: Indiana has joined a 16-state lawsuit challenging California’s 2022 plastic packaging law, arguing it unlawfully forces nationwide compliance and could raise costs for everyday goods. Water & Wildlife: Northwest Indiana crews are building a database of culvert, bridge, and dam conditions to see whether structures help or block water flow for fish and other wildlife. Heat Risk: Forecasters warn a July 4 heat dome could push dangerous temperatures across the Midwest and East, with Indiana in the higher-than-normal zone and limited overnight relief. Severe Weather Watch: Southwest Indiana and nearby areas face a Friday evening threat of heavy rain (with pockets near 4 inches) and isolated tornadoes. Wildlife Management: Indiana DNR proposes raising the bobcat trapping quota from 250 to 400, drawing criticism from animal advocates who say population data is insufficient. Public Health & Environment: West Nile virus has been detected in Elkhart County mosquito testing, adding to Indiana’s summer disease watch. Energy Efficiency: SWEPCO delivered a $49,505 incentive to support energy-saving upgrades for Kilgore High School, targeting major annual electricity savings. DNR Engagement: Hoosiers can submit nature-themed artwork for next year’s Indiana hard card hunting and fishing licenses.