AGP Executive Report

Energy & Jobs: West Virginia’s Office of Energy has launched its federally funded Home Energy Rebate Programs statewide, rolling out two pathways—HOMES and HEAR—to help households pay for eligible home efficiency upgrades and appliances. Elections: Election officials reminded voters of key deadlines for the Nov. 3 general election, including Oct. 13 voter registration changes, Oct. 21-31 early voting, and Oct. 28 absentee ballot application deadlines. Nuclear Policy: West Virginia backed away from a federal advanced nuclear energy campus bid after a Charleston Gazette-Mail report raised alarms about spent fuel handling, with Gov. Morrisey reversing course publicly. State Government Finance: September General Revenue Fund collections came in above estimate, with GRF totaling $570 million for the month and $1.41 billion year-to-date through September. Local Voting Logistics: Monongalia County approved an emergency polling site change for Precinct 30, moving voters from the Marilla Center to Mountainview Elementary. Public Safety & Courts: Attorney General Raoul urged Congress to fully fund Supreme Court security and sought court approval for a $400 million Sandoz settlement over alleged generic drug price-fixing. Business & Defense: Dayton defense contractor Mile 2 acquired Morgantown-based Azimuth, adding about 30 employees and expanding electronics and marine systems capabilities.

Medicaid & Refugees: A West Virginia-linked professor says Trump’s Medicaid changes are leaving refugees with disabilities “terrorized” as coverage ends, with families scrambling for meds and care. Nuclear Plan Backtrack: Gov. Patrick Morrisey’s office reversed course after a Gazette-Mail report, pulling West Virginia out of consideration for a federal advanced nuclear campus tied to used-fuel handling. Drug Policy Shakeup: West Virginia Democratic Party leaders raised alarms after drug czar Stephen Loyd resigned, saying he couldn’t identify the Morrisey administration’s drug policy. Election Law: Secretary of State Kris Warner is urging voters to review a Nov. 3 constitutional amendment that would bar noncitizens from voting in West Virginia elections. ACA Refunds: The Trump administration began mailing $500 Obamacare “refund” checks to nearly 1 million people in 30 states, including West Virginia, for certain HealthCare.gov enrollees. Rural Health Funding: Morrisey administration continues rolling out Rural Health Transformation awards aimed at expanding access in underserved areas. Energy Permitting: U.S. senators advanced a bipartisan push to speed energy permitting, including provisions aimed at data centers. Public Safety: West Virginia’s fall forest fire season starts Oct. 1 with strict daytime outdoor burning limits.

Election Prep: West Virginia Secretary of State Kris Warner rolled out an online sample ballot lookup tool so Kanawha County voters (and all 55 counties statewide) can preview races and ballot questions before the Nov. 3 general election, with key deadlines like Oct. 13 voter registration and Oct. 21 start of early in-person voting. Democratic Campaigning: House Democrats’ “Kitchen Table Tour” kept rolling in Charleston with candidates and elected officials hitting local stops ahead of the midterms, aiming to bring new faces into the 2027 legislative session. Title IX Fight: The U.S. Department of Education reinstated 2020 Title IX rules defining sex biologically and rescinding Biden-era protections tied to sexual orientation and gender identity, drawing immediate pushback from advocates. Rural Health Funding: Gov. Jim Morrisey announced multiple West Virginia Rural Health Transformation Program awards, including mobile clinic and telehealth upgrades, plus AI-powered ambient listening tech for rural hospitals. Tourism Dollars: Morrisey also announced nearly $19.7 million in state parks and forests upgrades, including campground construction, cabin renovations, and statewide paving and repairs. Public Safety & Courts: A Kanawha County judge approved a $4.4 million settlement for five adopted children abused by their former parents in Sissonville. Gun Auction: State Treasurer Larry Pack said a firearms auction raised $127,670 for 25 law enforcement agencies statewide.

ACA Refund Checks: The Trump administration says nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states—including West Virginia—will start receiving $500 refund checks in October for alleged Affordable Care Act exchange “user fee” overcharges, with letters signed by Trump. Immigration Politics: West Virginia Sen. Jim Justice backtracked after earlier criticism of ICE deportation tactics, now saying he fully supports Trump’s immigration strategy and urging ICE to focus on criminals. Campus Safety Data: WVU’s Clery Act report shows reported fondling cases surpassed rape reports in 2025, with 12 rape cases and 25 fondling reports. Higher Ed & Workforce: Pierpont Community & Technical College broke ground on a new aviation maintenance training facility at North Central West Virginia Airport, expanding capacity from about 130 to as many as 230 students. Rural Health Funding: Gov. Morrisey announced more than $1.1 million in Rural Health Transformation awards to expand telehealth and mobile care through Community Care of West Virginia. State Parks Investment: Morrisey also unveiled nearly $20 million for upgrades across West Virginia state parks and forests, including paving, wastewater work, and snowmaking improvements. Labor Rights: A federal judge ordered the Bureau of Prisons to restore a union collective bargaining agreement, affecting thousands of West Virginia prison workers. Gaming Oversight: The Lottery Commission is turning off 172 limited video lottery machines at 26 locations after an operator missed required relicensing information. Local Government Finance: State Treasurer Larry Pack delivered more than $16,000 in unclaimed property funds to the Logan County Sheriff’s Office.

Nuclear Waste Fight: Gov. Patrick Morrisey says West Virginia “will not be a dumping ground” as DOE’s Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus talks hinge on legally binding waste-handling terms. Energy Regulation: A Senate permitting deal would shorten the lawsuit deadline for major projects to 150 days from six years, a potential win for energy developers and a new headache for opponents. PSC Coal Rules: The West Virginia Public Service Commission held a hearing on proposed rules tied to 2025’s HB 2014, including coal plant capacity-factor requirements tied to data-center growth. Home Energy Relief: Morrisey announced statewide Home Energy Rebate programs funded by $88 million, with early participants reporting meaningful electric bill cuts. Forensics Funding: The governor also announced $258,788 for the State Police forensic lab—training and equipment upgrades. Data Breach Settlement: A multistate coalition announced a settlement with Labcorp over the AMCA data breach, with vendor “can’t pass the buck” language aimed at HIPAA compliance. Gun Records Privacy Push: Rep. Michael Cloud urged Trump to act over ATF’s 1.4 billion gun-record database, calling it an illegal registry. Local Justice: A Barbour County man, Roscoe Jackson Keener, was sentenced to up to 50 years for child sexual abuse. Elections/Politics: Democrats are barnstorming West Virginia ahead of November, while a GOP candidate was flagged for violating election rules in a bid for $800k in public funding.

Energy Affordability: Gov. Patrick Morrisey rolled out West Virginia’s statewide $88 million home energy rebate programs, expanding access to efficiency upgrades aimed at cutting utility bills; early pilot results include one homeowner reporting a 33.5% drop in an electric bill. Education & Civil Rights: The 4th Circuit revived parts of a constitutional challenge to South Carolina’s limits on race-related instruction, finding the NAACP and author Ibram X. Kendi can pursue key claims tied to removal of an AP African American Studies course and Kendi’s book. Workforce & Nuclear/Mining: A U.S. Department of Energy official visited WVU to promote the OROSPECT critical-minerals education program, while Morrisey faced renewed scrutiny after a Gazette-Mail report raised questions about the state’s nuclear campus interest and “used nuclear fuel” language. Public Safety & Courts: The West Virginia Supreme Court upheld an insurer’s reserved-rights position in a timber-trespass coverage dispute, rejecting waiver/estoppel/bad-faith arguments. Gun Rights Fight: West Virginia joined a multi-state amicus push urging the U.S. Supreme Court to take up a challenge to Maine’s 72-hour firearm waiting period. Local Quality of Life: Morgantown’s greenbelt plan gained commission support, aiming to connect parks and trails for safer pedestrian and bike routes.

Toyota Anniversary & Jobs: Gov. Patrick Morrisey joined Toyota leaders in Buffalo to mark 30 years since the plant opened, citing $3.3 billion invested, 2,000-plus jobs, and a 12th expansion underway for sixth-generation hybrid transaxles. Nuclear Policy Fight: West Virginia’s nuclear “Lifecycle Campus” pitch is drawing scrutiny as the administration insists the state “will not be a dumping ground” for nuclear waste, after earlier written proposals emphasized spent fuel recycling and interim storage. Energy Costs Relief: The state launched its $88 million Home Energy Rebate Program, with early results showing lower bills for participating homeowners and no/low out-of-pocket options for qualifying households. Campus Safety: WVU released its annual Clery Act report for 2025, updating campus crime and hazing-related reporting. Election Focus: West Virginia Democrats are ramping up for November with a “Kitchen Table Tour,” aiming to win House and Senate seats and commission races. Education & Title IX: The U.S. Department of Education rescinded the Biden-era Title IX rule and restored 2020 regulations, drawing praise from Morrisey for protecting women’s rights and privacy. Sports Heritage Expansion: Rep. Riley Moore introduced the bipartisan Shenandoah VALOR Act to expand the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields National Historic District into West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle. Local Economy Watch: Gas prices reports from GasBuddy show pockets of lower regular and diesel costs across multiple counties in the week ending Sept. 19.

Parks & Local Funding: Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced $140,000 for Morgan County’s Cold Run Valley Park improvements and funding for a South Berkeley County park under construction through the Land and Water Conservation Fund. Public Finance Oversight: The state Auditor launched the WVSAFE Financial Efficacy Award, a quarterly scorecard-based recognition program for counties and municipalities focused on transparency, compliance, and fiscal management. Energy Costs & Regulation: The Public Service Commission held public comment on proposed electric generating capacity rules tied to the Power Generation and Consumption Act, with speakers split between keeping coal online and avoiding higher bills. Utility Rebates: Morrisey rolled out statewide Home Energy Rebate programs aimed at lowering utility costs, with no out-of-pocket options for qualifying low-income households. Education & Accountability: WVU released its latest Clery Act report, including updated campus crime and hazing tracking under new federal reporting rules. Pipeline Tax Impact: State Treasurer Larry Pack released findings that the Mountain Valley Pipeline drove most property tax growth across 11 rural counties, boosting county and school revenues. Public Safety: WVABCA brought a DUI simulator to Williamstown High School to teach students to avoid driving after drinking. Courts & Justice: A federal jury found Chubb owes $30 million to a coal company over claim handling delays after a hopper collapse. Legal/Criminal: A Floyd County man was indicted on federal child pornography possession charges.

Data Center Water Fight: A Democratic challenger in WV’s 2nd District, Ace Parsi, is pushing a two-year moratorium on new large data centers (20 megawatts or more) and would require studies on public health, water use, jobs, utility bills, property values, and the power grid—aimed at giving communities a say before more AI infrastructure arrives. ACLU-WV Lawsuit: The ACLU of West Virginia filed a mandamus lawsuit asking the state Supreme Court to force changes to the school aid formula, arguing officials have failed their constitutional duty to maintain a “thorough and efficient” education system. College Sports Overhaul: The U.S. Senate is set to vote Monday on the Protect College Sports Act, which would limit transfers and athlete compensation while tightening conference-change rules—splitting senators across party lines. Utility Deal Watch: West Virginia lawmakers and the Public Service Commission are tracking next steps in the Black Diamond Power and Appalachian Power situation, with a deadline looming after a status hearing. Education & Courts: Kanawha County opened applications for a family court judge vacancy, and the state is also accepting applications for an 11th Family Judicial Circuit vacancy. Statewide Reading Push: Gov. Patrick Morrisey launched the Dolly Days Read-a-Thon for K-5 students, with a statewide reading goal and prizes. Local Calendar: West Virginia Wesleyan College announced Homecoming weekend Oct. 9-11, 2026.

Education & Workforce: Kanawha County Schools will host its 2026 College & Career Fair Monday at West Virginia State University’s Walker Convocation Center, with about 45 colleges and businesses plus an added evening session for parents and families. Statehouse & Courts: West Virginia lawmakers are back in court over the Board of Education’s independence, as the dispute over who sets education rules continues. Energy & Permitting: U.S. energy leaders are urging Congress to move a bipartisan permitting package before midterms, with West Virginia Sen. Shelley Moore Capito among the negotiators. Public Safety & Infrastructure: A Marion County pre-law coal mine fire has triggered hillside slide damage that may be too late to fully fix under the current timeline, according to Delegate Guy Ward. Military & Free Press: A Marshall University alum at the center of the Stars and Stripes free-speech fight says independent reporting is crucial for service members. Health & Labor: Advocates warn black lung protections are still delayed, pointing to enforcement pauses that leave miners exposed.

State Politics & Elections: Andy Shamblin, running for re-election in House District 59, used Sept. 23-25 updates to spotlight his work on local school athletics and to tout an endorsement from the WVAFL-CIO ahead of the November fight. Education & Courts: West Virginia lawmakers are back in court over the Board of Education’s independence, with the dispute centered on who gets final say over education rule-making. Public Health & Labor: A black lung disease story from New River Health in Oak Hill renews pressure on delayed enforcement of a coal-mining safety rule meant to curb silica exposure. Energy Costs: GasBuddy price reports show continued week-to-week volatility across West Virginia, including some of the lowest regular and E85 prices in multiple counties during the week ending Sept. 19. Federal/Foreign Policy: U.S. Rep. Chris Smith’s Nigeria religious freedom bill would require State Department reporting, and West Virginia Rep. Riley Moore is cited as helping bring a related congressional investigation to the White House. Sports Betting (Local Angle): Multiple promos continue to target West Virginia bettors ahead of major college matchups, including bet365’s WV bonus offer.

State Politics: West Virginia lawmakers are back in court over the Board of Education’s independence, with the latest fight centering on who has final authority over education rules. Elections & Civic Life: A “Herd Votes” push at Marshall University highlights off-year voter registration and early voting, aiming to boost turnout among younger voters. Water & Infrastructure: A Gazette-Mail series argues southern coalfield counties are getting less state public water and sewer investment than the rest of West Virginia, raising concerns about life expectancy gaps. Energy Costs: GasBuddy reports show spotty but low prices for alternative fuels and diesel across the state—E85 hit $3.59 in Berkeley County, while diesel lows ranged from $5.75 (Marion/Taylor) to $5.79 (Jefferson/Lincoln/Raleigh). Federal/Foreign Policy: Rep. Riley Moore helped bring a congressional Nigeria religious-violence investigation to the White House, backing sanctions and a protection-focused agreement.

Opioid Crisis Update: A Nashville forensic lab says it has identified the new synthetic opioid cychlorphine in 18 states, including West Virginia, after earlier reports linked it to dozens of deaths in East Tennessee. Permitting Fight: U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito says a bipartisan permitting reform deal is stalled in the Senate but could still reach a vote next week. Education Lawsuit: The ACLU of West Virginia filed in state Supreme Court to force changes to the school funding formula, arguing it violates the constitution’s “thorough and efficient” education guarantee. Data Centers & Elections: Democratic candidate Ace Parsi unveiled the “Neighbors, Not Servers Act,” proposing a two-year moratorium on large data centers and requiring local approval; the issue is already heating up in West Virginia’s congressional races. Courts & Schools: Separate coverage highlights ongoing litigation over the Legislature’s power over Board of Education rule-making. Public Safety/Health: FBI says it cleared a years-long DNA-processing backlog; meanwhile, West Virginia’s Save A Life Day organizers expect naloxone distribution results to show continued harm-reduction impact. Local Governance: Hancock County adopted Robert’s Rules after a dispute over meeting minutes. Environment & Wildlife: WV DNR and the Forest Service renewed an agreement to manage fish and wildlife inside the Monongahela National Forest.

Education & Youth Literacy: Gov. Patrick Morrisey launched West Virginia’s Dolly Days Read-a-Thon for K-5 students, running Oct. 1 through Dec. 31, with students challenged to read 25 books and submit paper logs through local libraries or online for prizes. Higher Ed Access: WVU is piloting “WVU Express,” offering qualifying high school seniors in Monongalia and Kanawha counties direct admission with simplified steps and waived application fees. Public Safety & Local Government: Preston County approved opioid settlement grant requests and hired two EMS staffers, including an Assistant EMS Director and an EMS Ordinance Administrator. Consumer Protection & Health Data: Acting AG Cori Mills and other states announced a multistate settlement with Labcorp over a 2019 data breach tied to a medical debt collector, emphasizing vendor oversight duties. Courts & School Funding: A Lincoln County student’s attorneys, backed by ACLU-WV, asked the state Supreme Court to order a full overhaul of West Virginia’s school funding system. Health Policy Debate: The Lindsay Clancy case is again prompting lawmakers to consider action on postpartum depression and psychosis support. Energy Costs Watch: GasBuddy reported West Virginia’s regular gas average rose to about $4.22 for the week ending Sept. 19, with notable low-price spots in several counties.

Public Safety Manhunt: U.S. Marshals are asking for help locating Carl Leon Nicholson, a Randolph-area fugitive wanted on state charges, offering up to a $5,000 reward; investigators say he was seen across multiple counties and warn he has a history of violent tendencies. Child Exploitation Trial: In Kanawha County, closing arguments wrapped in the Leo Smith Jr. child pornography case, with prosecutors citing dozens of videos and the defense challenging the chain of custody. Mental Health & Police Liability: A federal lawsuit filed by a Parkersburg man’s mother alleges officers failed to secure mental health help during a March 2025 crisis and used excessive force, leaving him dependent on a ventilator. Flood Response: Gov. Patrick Morrisey declared a state of emergency for Boone and Lincoln counties after heavy flooding, freeing resources for first responders. Tourism & Local Economy: Visit Mercer County won the state’s 2026 Digital Innovation Award for its coordinated marketing push. Transportation & Jobs: A CSX maintenance union warns planned furloughs and permanent cuts could hit safety inspections and deferred maintenance. Election Administration: West Virginia counties still need poll workers ahead of Nov. 3, with training and eligibility requirements listed by the Secretary of State. Healthcare Data Security: West Virginia’s AG coverage this week ties into a multistate Labcorp settlement over the AMCA data breach, with reforms focused on vendor data security. Energy Costs: GasBuddy reports show diesel and regular gas prices shifting across multiple counties, with statewide diesel averaging about $6.12.

Flood Emergency: Gov. Patrick Morrisey declared a State of Emergency for Boone and Lincoln counties after slow-moving storms triggered potentially life-threatening flash flooding, with rescues, road closures, and hazardous travel conditions reported. Courts & Education Policy: West Virginia Supreme Court justices heard arguments over whether the Legislature can reject state education rules under HB 2755, a fight over who has final authority over public school regulations. Judicial Appointments: The Judicial Vacancy Advisory Commission is accepting applications to fill two family circuit court vacancies—Kanawha’s 11th Circuit and Berkeley/Jefferson’s 24th—after judge resignations, with virtual interviews set for late October. Public Safety & Drugs: Federal investigators say they stopped a shipment of nearly two pounds of fentanyl, and separate reporting notes the U.S. Marshals are seeking a dangerous Randolph County man, Carl Leon Nicholson, believed possibly deceased. Local Government & Community: Charleston’s “Us & Them” Dinner Party returns with a moderated, bipartisan conversation ahead of the midterms, while Raleigh County’s BOE begins the formal process to close Cranberry-Prosperity and Mabscott elementary schools. Nuclear Policy: Sen. Shelley Moore Capito opened a Senate EPW hearing on updating U.S. nuclear waste management, as federal plans for “innovation campuses” look to reshape long-running policy.