AGP Executive Report

Data Centers in the Spotlight: Gov. Josh Shapiro signed an executive order tightening Pennsylvania’s AI data center rules under “GRID,” requiring developers to secure local approvals first, pay full electricity and grid costs, expand community outreach, and meet stricter water and environmental standards; the order also removes AI data centers from fast-track permitting and bars NDAs tied to projects. Local Governance & Transparency: A separate report says developers have pushed nondisclosure agreements on township and county officials during rezoning talks, raising concerns about public officials being kept in the dark. Critical Minerals Supply Chain: The U.S. Export-Import Bank approved $25M for Global Advanced Metals in Boyertown to boost domestic tantalum and niobium production used in defense, aerospace, electronics, and steel. Water Resilience: Lehigh University researchers say AI-based reservoir and groundwater models could help operators plan for flood and drought strain in the Delaware River Basin. Manufacturing Modernization: Drexel University will join a DoD-backed $480M FutureTEX initiative to advance domestic textile manufacturing, with a Philadelphia node focused on advanced fabrics and digital design tools. Workforce & Safety: Penn State’s Ag Progress Days highlighted farm robotics adoption, while a separate national report flags ongoing healthcare workplace violence pressures that are driving strikes in multiple states including Pennsylvania.

Data Centers Policy Shock: Gov. Josh Shapiro signed an executive order tightening Pennsylvania’s AI data center rules—removing projects from fast-track permitting, requiring local municipal approval, banning NDAs for developers, and tying state action to GRID-style standards on power, noise/air, water, and community benefits. Local Industry & Jobs: The Titusville Area School District’s Student-Run Manufacturing Enterprise is moving into active production management, training students on CNC and the business side of machining. Rural Health Watch: PHC4 reported rural hospitals’ 2025 finances improved (operating margin up to 8.7%), but warned looming federal funding cuts could erase gains. Food & Supply Chain: Lidl recalled a specific wok spice mix lot in PA and other states after Salmonella was found; Americold said it will idle its Plainville automated fulfillment center as it winds down operations. Cyber & Water Risk: A wave of cyberattacks hit U.S. water systems, with FBI/EPA urging steps to keep control systems off direct internet exposure. Transportation/Infrastructure: The PA Turnpike approved a new SR 981 interchange design in Westmoreland County to boost regional connectivity.

Construction Workforce: Keystone Contractors Association launched a “Build the Future Video Challenge,” asking Pennsylvania construction pros to share 30-second videos on why careers in trades, engineering, project management and related roles are rewarding. Public Health & Food Safety: The American Academy of Pediatrics blasted a White House childhood vaccine executive order as science-free and potentially harmful as measles and respiratory season approach; meanwhile, Pennsylvania restaurant inspections in Centre and Berks counties flagged issues ranging from raw chicken storage and grease buildup to cold-hold temperature problems. Energy & Agriculture: Pennsylvania awarded $9.7M in Agricultural Innovation Grants to 97 projects, including $150K for fruit-processing expansion (Cherry Hill Orchards), $129,800 for geothermal-heated greenhouse tech (Freshly Grown), and $270,250 to modernize cottage cheese production (Oasis Creamery). Data Centers & Local Economy: Coverage continued on data centers’ expanding footprint and the backlash over power, water, land use and local control, including Pennsylvania political debate over development and rate impacts. Mining: Great Western Mining started drilling at its Defender tungsten project in Nevada, aiming for a maiden Mineral Resource Estimate by end of 2026.

School Safety & Operations: Punxsutawney Area High School is rolling out metal detectors for the 2026-27 school year, shifting morning door timing and moving breakfast to the cafeteria to keep traffic flowing. Food Supply Chain: Cornell-backed research warns the U.S. broccoli system is overly dependent on California; drought there could trigger shortages, pushing interest in growing more on the East Coast. Agriculture & Federal Relief: Sen. Chuck Schumer urged USDA to buy Concord grape products after Refresco canceled contracts with 126 growers in New York and Pennsylvania, leaving farmers scrambling. Consumer Protection: FDA recalled Walmart-sold Marketside Tomato Bisque Soup kits in 29 states over possible Listeria risk; no illnesses reported yet. Utilities & Affordability: Rep. Brenda Pugh introduced a bill to expand Pennsylvania utility bill transparency, requiring a five-year cumulative view of rate changes and their drivers. Water Infrastructure: Pennsylvania American Water said new PUC-approved rates take effect, with typical residential bills rising about $3 per month to fund major system upgrades. Transportation Funding: Shapiro administration announced $54M in Multimodal Transportation Fund selections across 27 counties for roads, bridges, ports, transit, and safety projects. Workforce Training: Luzerne County Community College sent staff to fiber-optics training to update HVAC and skilled-trades curriculum for employer demand. Cybersecurity: Wiz says an AI agent found and exploited a vulnerability tied to Snowflake’s internal systems via a GitHub Actions issue, underscoring new risks for industrial tech. Energy Prices: AAA reported Western Pennsylvania regular gas down three cents to $4.16, even as national averages ticked up.

AI Data Centers: Axe Compute and Duos Technologies ink agreements totaling 55 MW of new AI data center capacity across multiple U.S. locations, with expected aggregate payments over $500M and readiness targeted for late 2026 into early 2027. Cyber & Workforce: NAVSUP Business Systems Center in Mechanicsburg hosted a 10-week summer internship for 13 students via the Department of War Cyber Service Academy, transitioning them toward full-time Navy civilian roles. Manufacturing & Training: A free workshop for Pennsylvania manufacturers will help them find and apply for grant funding, with an optional follow-up focused on energy efficiency. Solar Industry: Top Rack Technology showcased rooftop solar mounting and racking solutions at RE+ Mid-Atlantic 2026 in Philadelphia, meeting installers and clean-energy partners. Public Safety Tech: Pennsylvania lawmakers weigh guardrails on automatic license plate readers as Flock Safety moves to shorten default storage from 30 to 7 days. Food Safety: York County restaurant inspections flagged food residue issues at a local microwave and ice chute, while other spots passed with repair needs.

Data Privacy & Health: National law firm Edelson Lechtzin LLP says it’s investigating the Lone Star Community Health Center/Aesto Health breach that exposed 250,130 Texas patients’ personal and protected health information, and a separate Baylor Genetics incident in Houston where an unauthorized party accessed parts of the network and potentially compromised sensitive patient and employee data. Energy & Industry Workforce: Vicinity Energy’s steam-and-electric system in Philadelphia keeps hundreds of buildings running, and its union workforce is pushing for better pay and safer facilities as experienced operators retire and the Navy-veteran hiring pipeline shrinks. AI & Elections: AI-focused super PAC spending is surging into state and federal races, with big tech money (notably Meta and Google) aiming to shape the next Congress and state AI rules. Manufacturing & Business Events: The Greater Reading Chamber Alliance is lining up a manufacturing policy roundtable and an “AI for business” training session for local companies. Food Safety: Walmart-linked soup kit recalls continue, including Marketside Tomato Bisque Soup Kits recalled over possible listeria contamination, with Pennsylvania among affected states. Local Agriculture: The Washington County Agricultural Fair kicks off this week, spotlighting livestock, exhibits, and regional food and craft vendors.

Hydrogen & Heavy Industry: Aternium selected Dover for its first commercial heavy water and electrolytic hydrogen production facility at Garrison Oak Technical Park, targeting a mid–Q4 2026 close and bringing at least $226M in capital investment plus dozens of direct jobs and hundreds of construction roles. Food Safety: Pennsylvania’s Department of Agriculture flagged multiple issues at a Halifax-area pool food facility after moldy cooked chicken and expired/incorrectly handled items were found, while another Harrisburg-area deli passed with no violations. AI Workforce & Training: Delaware County Community College highlighted low-cost AI certificate programs and pathways into tech careers, pointing to internships and Microsoft-focused certification readiness. Local Governance vs. Industry: Archbald Borough faces a court challenge over whether council members should recuse themselves from a massive data center campus review, raising bias and fairness concerns. Consumer Safety: Walmart recalled more than 3,000 Marketside Tomato Bisque Soup Kits in 29 states, including Pennsylvania, due to possible listeria contamination. Energy Policy: A Senate hearing in Northeast Pennsylvania weighed strategies to prevent future electric bill spikes, with lawmakers arguing for more reliable baseload generation amid rising demand and plant retirements. Community & Agriculture: The Washington County Agricultural Fair kicked off this week, running through Aug. 22 with livestock, exhibits, auctions, and fairground transport via the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum.

Food Safety Recall: Walmart is recalling 3,240 Marketside Tomato Bisque Soup Kits in 29 states, including Pennsylvania, after testing flagged possible Listeria contamination; no illnesses reported. Energy & Water Risk: Upper Makefield residents near a Sunoco jet-fuel pipeline leak say they’re still not confident wells will be safe long term and are pushing for a permanent public water system. Environmental Cleanup Funding: Northeast Pennsylvania groups highlighted the lack of AML revitalization projects despite hundreds of abandoned mine land sites across Luzerne, Lackawanna, and surrounding counties. Workforce & Training: Pennsylvania College of Technology earned ACCE accreditation for its HVAC technology and HVAC engineering technology programs. Industrial Logistics Spotlight: UPS driver Miguel Corral won a national truck-driving grand championship at NTDC 2026, underscoring Pennsylvania’s role in trucking talent. Public Health: CDC reports 101 new measles cases nationwide; Pennsylvania logged 61 as schools start. Local Business: Kilgore EDC named Randy Seitz as executive director after a search. Recreation & Access: PFBC and DCNR celebrated a new accessible Susquehanna River boat launch in Bradford County.

Data & Privacy Fight: A coalition of 22 states is suing to block a federal push for 17 million truckers’ CDL records, arguing the DOT/Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is unlawfully seizing sensitive driver data—an issue with big implications for trucking compliance and privacy. Labor & Energy: Philadelphia-area steam workers at Vicinity Energy are poised for a potential strike after voting to authorize job action over pay and safety concerns tied to the city’s aging underground steam infrastructure. Healthcare Construction: St. Luke’s unveiled a $252M Heart Hospital at its Anderson Campus, a major expansion expected to open in October and add hundreds of jobs. Food Safety: FDA-linked recalls hit Walmart shoppers again, with tomato bisque soup kits pulled over possible Listeria contamination, adding to a busy week of food and pet product recall headlines. Manufacturing/Tech Education: Niche Electronics and Franklin County Career and Technology Center ran a STEM camp focused on electronics, programming, and hands-on manufacturing concepts for local students. Energy Infrastructure & Siting: A new debate over data center noise is intensifying in Pennsylvania as residents and schools question low-frequency impacts from large proposed projects. Policy/Industry: Congress is debating a nationwide ban on many hemp products, putting Lancaster County hemp retailers and farmers on alert for what changes could mean for THC-infused sales. Invasive Species: Spotted lanternflies are now “here to stay” in Kentucky, with researchers warning the pest will likely worsen—another reminder for Pennsylvania’s agriculture and landscaping sectors. Steel Decarbonization: A new study highlights direct reduced iron as a lower-emission steel pathway, pointing to major emissions cuts versus blast furnaces. Local Business/Community: Hancock County commissioners hired outside counsel tied to opioid-funding negotiations, while Central PA Skills is set to host its annual Pat Houser golf tournament supporting disability and behavioral health programs.

Data Center Siting Clash: Upper Merion supervisors unanimously denied five preliminary data center land development proposals totaling about 4.6 million sq. ft. near King of Prussia, saying the plans were “not sufficient,” as the developer faced a contentious hearing. Food Safety Recalls: Walmart’s Marketside tomato bisque soup kits (14 oz) were recalled in 29 states, including Pennsylvania, after Listeria concerns; FDA says no confirmed illnesses yet. Pet Food Safety: Oma’s Pride recalled frozen raw dog food (Woof Complete Canine Chicken Recipe) in 11 states including Pennsylvania after Salmonella was found; three illnesses reported. Public Health Outbreak: FDA and CDC began onsite inspection and sampling at Taylor Farms’ Mexico facility in the ongoing cyclospora outbreak tied to shredded iceberg lettuce; cases reported across 17 states including Pennsylvania. Workforce & Community: Pennsylvania L&I highlighted Scranton students with disabilities in its MY Work paid program, with participants doing park projects like murals and repairs. Logistics & Manufacturing: Volvo Group turned a supplier logistics bottleneck into a production flow win, underscoring how cab and component timing affects truck output. Defense Industrial Base: Trump’s memo pushes the Navy to revert future carriers to steam catapults, a shift that could reshape defense procurement and costs. Rail Investment: U.S. DOT/FR A announced $5.3B for rail projects, including grade crossing upgrades and Amtrak fleet and locomotive overhauls, with a $40M grade separation project in Fairfield, Ohio.

Manufacturing Layoffs: Grede will close its Mill Street plant in Meadville on Oct. 10, putting about 170 jobs at risk, while Essendant plans to shut its Oaks distribution facility in Upper Providence Township, eliminating 150 roles. Food Safety: FDA-linked recalls expanded for salmonella concerns, including Oma’s Pride raw dog food sold in 11 states (including Pennsylvania) and a separate cyclospora outbreak tied to iceberg lettuce now affecting 17 states. Local Business & Retail Growth: Huey Magoo’s awarded development rights for 60 new restaurants across multiple states, including Pennsylvania. Community Development: Downtown Sharon earned a Main Street designation aimed at boosting foot traffic and downtown investment. Workforce & Logistics: PennDOT held a Cumberland County hiring event for CDL operators, signaling continued demand for drivers. AI in Education: Lancaster County schools are rolling out AI policies and training as teachers shift how they design instruction and manage student use. Data Center Pushback: Upper Merion supervisors rejected five data center applications, reflecting growing local resistance over water, noise, and impacts. Court Watch: Luigi Mangione is set for a federal hearing where he’s expected to plead guilty in the UnitedHealthcare CEO stalking case.

Food Safety & Recalls: Lidl recalled Vitasia Chinese Style Wok Spice Mix in 12 states including Pennsylvania after potential salmonella contamination, with no illnesses reported so far; Henkel also recalled Schwarzkopf Professional Osis Grip hair mousse sold in PA and other states due to a packaging defect that could cause pressurized cans to leak or explode. Public Health: CDC-linked cyclosporiasis continues to rise nationwide, and Pennsylvania is now listed among affected states with reported statewide cases in the 20s to 30s. Water Quality: A PennEnvironment report found potentially unsafe E. coli levels in about 55% of Pennsylvania waterways sampled over two years, with Greene and Fayette-area streams among those testing positive. Energy & Infrastructure: The U.S. Energy Department canceled three Biden-era multistate transmission line projects after local pushback, while Pennsylvania officials continue to debate how data-center growth should be powered and governed. Local Economy & Industry: St. Luke’s is preparing to open a $252M heart hospital in Bethlehem this fall, expanding cardiovascular capacity. Agriculture & Community: Washington County Agricultural Fair kicks off Saturday with major livestock, exhibits, and an estimated $23M economic impact last year. Data Centers & Local Control: Lancaster County and Sen. James Malone urged Pennsylvania lawmakers to pass a data-center moratorium option for municipalities amid growing public opposition.

Rural Health Watch: PHC4 says Pennsylvania’s rural hospitals improved margins and net patient revenue in fiscal 2025, but warns looming federal funding cuts could erase gains. Data Center Pushback: Richmond Township residents grilled supervisors about data centers and zoning changes after online chatter; officials said they haven’t been approached, but the ordinance update would control where facilities could land. Energy & Grid Pressure: A PJM reform queue is seeing natural gas dominate new capacity studies as AI/data-center demand strains power and water planning. Workforce & Manufacturing Pipeline: Pennsylvania College of Technology’s advanced manufacturing program is feeding local employers with industry credentials and preapprenticeship pathways. Food Safety: Pennsylvania restaurant inspections flagged issues at multiple sites, including sanitation and maintenance fixes. Local Business/Industry: Radian named Mike Weinbach CEO and added him to its board as the specialty insurer continues post-acquisition momentum. Healthcare/EMS Staffing Reality: A paramedic describes the overnight shift’s mix of alcohol/drug calls and high-stakes emergencies. Agriculture Innovation: Omega Logging won a $65,800 Agriculture Innovation Grant to turn leftover hardwood into safer, more efficient output.

Data Centers & Local Governance: Potter County commissioners shared details from a visit to an Amazon data center in Berwick, including cooling-water use and staffing plans, while other Pennsylvania communities keep debating how to handle the boom. Regulatory Pressure: Manheim Township moved to a stopgap zoning amendment for data center development, steering applications through conditional use rather than a moratorium. Industrial Expansion: Bosch Rexroth held a grand opening for an expanded industrial hydraulics warehouse in Bethlehem, aiming to streamline production and logistics. Energy & Infrastructure: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is rehabilitating 1942-era flood-mitigation machinery at Loyalhanna Dam in Saltsburg. Ag Tech & Education: Mercer County is expanding agricultural and aquaponics education with state and private funding, and Senator Dan Laughlin announced Erie County Ag Innovation grants. Food Safety: Lidl US recalled Vitasia Asian Style Wok Spice Mix due to possible Salmonella contamination. Public Health & Safety: Schwarzkopf Professional Osis Grip hair mousse was recalled in 12 states over explosion risk. Legal/Compliance: A Pennsylvania appeals court ruled a wheelchair isn’t a “vehicle” for DUI test consent, and federal prosecutors charged 11 in a decade-long sham marriage scheme tied to green cards.

Consumer Protection & Tech: Pennsylvania AG Dave Sunday sued TikTok, alleging the app misrepresented its age rating and exposed children to mature content while using addictive design features; TikTok says it will fight the claims. Food & Drug Regulation: The FDA proposed making “GRAS” ingredient notifications mandatory, ending a decades-old voluntary system that lets companies self-affirm safety without telling the agency. Biotech & Pharma Governance: Madrigal Pharmaceuticals added John C. Reed to its board as it advances its MASH pipeline; Century Therapeutics reported Q2 results and progress toward iPSC-derived diabetes therapies. Logistics & Growth: Logistics Plus (Erie) landed on the Inc. 5000 list again, highlighting continued momentum in transportation and supply-chain services. Public Health: CDC surveillance shows drug-resistant Candida auris in 27 states, with Pennsylvania among the higher-reporting states. Pennsylvania Industry Watch: State lawmakers heard that Pennsylvania is poised to lead in quantum computing, backed by a university “ecosystem” aimed at attracting federal and industry dollars. Local Business & Jobs: JBS will keep its Souderton meat plant open with a reduced workforce, shifting toward value-added processed products. Transit Planning: Butler Transit Authority hired a firm to map route restructuring and rider outreach, with no immediate schedule changes.

Consumer Protection/Tech: Pennsylvania AG Dave Sunday sued TikTok in Allegheny County, arguing the app misrepresents its 13+ age rating and uses addictive design features that expose kids to adult content, with TikTok pushing back that it relies on “misleading and inaccurate claims.” Energy & Environment: EPA began building a $39M thermal treatment system to clean TCE-contaminated groundwater at the Valmont TCE Superfund site in Luzerne County, after earlier chemical treatments failed. Industry/Infrastructure: Erie Port Authority won a U.S. DOT “Pacesetter” award for efficient international shipping through the Great Lakes. Local Development: Millcreek Township is holding a Sept. 2 open house to gather public input on the proposed Presque Isle Gateway District. Workforce/Business: Kelly’s Seafood in Northeast Philadelphia will close at month’s end after four generations, citing a family health issue and long-term demand pressure. Safety/Industry: A federal safety board issued final recommendations after a 2025 U.S. Steel Clairton Coke Works blast killed two workers, urging written procedures for flushing gas valves and safer cleaning practices.