AGP Executive Report

Sewage & Water Quality: Montgomery County crews are responding to a sanitary sewer overflow into Clear Creek after a pumping system failure and heavy rainfall; Ohio EPA was notified and residents are asked to avoid the area while monitoring continues. Wildlife & Public Health: A bat collected in West Chester Township tested positive for rabies, prompting health officials to urge people to avoid handling bats and keep pets vaccinated. Outdoor Recreation: ODNR says Ohio’s Father’s Day free fishing weekend is June 20–21, with all size and daily limits still in place. Local Cleanup: Volunteers are invited to help clean the Mahoning River at a Friends of the Mahoning River event, with on-water and shoreline work options. Climate & Health: A new national study warns worsening heat could drive major increases in ER visits and hospitalizations by 2040, with Ohio Valley regions flagged as vulnerable during extreme heat. Bears in Ohio: ODNR reports Ohio hit a record 537 black bear sightings in 2025 across 69 counties, with guidance to secure trash and remove food sources. Air & Schools: H.E. Neumann is pitching Ohio Valley school districts on taking over HVAC maintenance, estimating big savings for Ohio County Schools over the next decade. Energy & Pollution Risk: Federal funding is increasing for plugging abandoned, methane-leaking oil and gas wells, but experts say it won’t keep up with the growing backlog—Ohio’s orphaned-well count continues to rise.

Data Center Backlash in Ohio: A Warren County library discussion led by SOKY Indivisible put local “say no” pressure on data center deals, citing utility-rate hikes, grid capacity strain, and community backlash after Bowling Green’s proposed six-month moratorium was voted down. Ohio Opioid Treatment Access: An Ohio University team won a nearly $4M NIH grant to expand a primary-care model for prescribing medication for opioid use disorder across about 40 Ohio and West Virginia clinics. El Niño Watch: NOAA declared El Niño conditions are active and expected to strengthen into winter 2026–27, with forecasts pointing to potentially very strong impacts. Shale Investment in Ohio: A Cleveland State/JobsOhio dashboard reports about $2.9B in direct Utica/Point Pleasant shale investment in the first half of 2025, with upstream activity driving most spending. Local Energy Emergency: Youngstown City Council is weighing a request for state help for SOBE Thermal Energy Systems as the downtown steam provider warns it may run out of funding after October. Appalachian Fibershed: A WOUB/Report for America report highlights Southeast Ohio Fibershed efforts to rebuild a local textile economy, including demand for sheep shearing and region-focused supply chains.

Data Center Fight in Ohio: Ohio lawmakers failed to agree before summer recess on House Bill 646, a plan to regulate data centers and cut future sales-tax exemptions—after lawmakers found the state has already given billions in breaks to major firms, with debate over whether new incentives should continue. Water Quality & Health: Geauga Public Health has started adding “traditional” septic systems to its database under state rules, aiming to prevent sewage pollution and protect public health. Toxic Algal Blooms Research: Bowling Green State University researcher George Bullerjahn helped publish a global roadmap to tackle cyanobacterial blooms that threaten Ohio’s waters and tourism. Air Pollution Watch: Cenovus crews responded to an operational issue at the Lima refinery that led to increased flaring and black smoke, with air monitoring underway. Solar Momentum: New national figures show solar supplied more electricity than coal in May for the first time, while Ohio ranked among top states for new installations. Opioid Treatment Access: An Ohio University team won a nearly $4M NIH grant to expand primary-care support for prescribing opioid use disorder medications across about 40 clinics in Ohio and West Virginia. Outdoor Learning: Ohio Envirothon returned with statewide student teams competing on natural resources knowledge.

Ohio Data Centers: Ohio lawmakers are set to vote on the state’s first data center rules, including cutting a sales tax break in half for new projects, adding water-use standards, and requiring facilities to pay connection costs—while both industry and environmental groups say the bill doesn’t go far enough or goes too far. Federal Land Fight: The U.S. Bureau of Land Management is reopening public comments on a new environmental review for fracking leases in the Wayne National Forest; comments are due June 17. Great Lakes Buzz: Mayflies are swarming near the Great Lakes as water warms, with Michigan Sea Grant warning the emergence can overwhelm lakeside homes and gardens for a short stretch. Solar vs. Coal: New national data shows solar overtook coal for the first time in May for U.S. electricity share, even as federal policy continues to favor coal. Outdoor Access: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will waive day-use fees at recreation areas on June 16 for its birthday.

Drinking Water: Ohio EPA is getting $201.7 million from the U.S. EPA to help communities find and replace lead service lines, with the goal of cutting lead exposure from curb to tap. Great Lakes Governance: U.S. Sen. Gary Peters introduced a bill to formally recognize the Great Lakes Commission as a regional partnership, aiming to strengthen cross-state resource management. Data Centers & Power Costs: Ohio lawmakers unveiled new data center regulations that would set an electric rate class, require utility filings with the PUCO, and tighten tax break sizes—while still leaving room for existing deals. Local Stewardship: Youngstown STEM students helped build a pollinator garden with South Side Academy, using hands-on learning to boost native plants and habitat awareness. Agriculture & Energy Prices: A Reuters report says diesel costs tied to the Iran war are squeezing Ohio and other Midwest growers during key planting and fieldwork. Wildlife & Outdoors: ODNR will temporarily close some state forest roads and horse trails during the Southern Ohio Forest Rally. Community & Environment: A Youngstown school board is considering a long-term tax exemption tied to redeveloping a downtown historic building.

Carbon Capture Law: Ohio lawmakers unanimously passed HB 170, creating a framework for carbon dioxide underground injection that lets companies override some landowner objections and shifts long-term liability to Ohio taxpayers, pending Gov. DeWine’s signature. Data Center Pushback & Jobs: Meta and ABC launched “America’s Workforce Academy” with $115M to train construction workers for data centers in Indiana, Louisiana, Ohio, and Texas—while Ohio lawmakers also face growing public opposition to data centers and related tax breaks. Wildlife Update: A Lorain eagle rescued in 2024 has died after wing injuries limited hunting and travel, a reminder of how power lines and collisions can linger beyond rescue. Local Environment & Community: Yellow Springs approved a 180-day moratorium on new “smoke shops,” and Ohio Star Theater in Sugarcreek added sensory bags to reduce overstimulation for guests. Biodiversity Science: Researchers found red-shouldered hawks in Ohio are producing more daughters than sons, tied to food conditions and chick development.

Ohio Solar on Landfills: Mansfield is moving toward a 25–35 MW solar project on two former landfill sites, but it hinges on securing local power buyers. Air Quality: Toledo explains how ground-level ozone forms in summer and shares practical ways to cut exposure, especially for kids and seniors. Wildlife & Utilities: FirstEnergy and Ohio Edison removed an osprey chick and egg from a utility-pole nest in Bazetta after wildlife agencies approved the relocation to protect birds and reliability. River Recovery: The Ottawa River in Lima is highlighted as a “modern miracle” after decades of restoration improved water quality and life in the water. Biodiversity in Schools: South Science and Technology Magnet seventh graders planted native species to boost campus biodiversity with help from Audubon and ODNR. Data Centers & Heat: A new report spotlights how Ohio cities and others use data to prepare for extreme heat. Local Infrastructure: Youngstown’s East Side got a $1.28M state-approved road access grant aimed at opening up a former plaza site for development. Conservation & Hunting: ODNR reports Ohio’s spring turkey season checked 15,887 birds, with harvest trends supporting continued hunting opportunities. Education & Environment: Ohio Cyber Academy celebrated its first graduating class, underscoring continued investment in student recovery and access.

Data Center Backlash in Ohio: Ohio lawmakers and commissioners are continuing to study the state’s data center boom, with the Ohio Joint Data Center Committee holding its fourth meeting and hearing testimony from groups including Washington County officials and labor and building-trades representatives. State Policy Shift: Ohio also paused data center tax incentives while a committee reviews impacts—part of a wider wave of governor actions as communities raise concerns about electricity and clean-water strain. Climate Signals: NOAA reports spring 2026 was the second-warmest on record for the contiguous U.S., reinforcing the long-term warming trend. Water Pollution Help for Septics: Knox County received $175,000 in Ohio EPA funding to help residents replace or repair failing septic systems, with a waiting list and township trustees helping target needs. Mining Cleanup Win: A Richard Mine Treatment facility in West Virginia is credited with dramatic improvements for Deckers Creek habitat and aquatic life. Ticks and Disease Risk: OSU is tracking exploding tick populations to better understand Ohio’s disease risk. Public Health Tech: An online cancer trial portal pilot found strong participant usability and satisfaction, including easier follow-up for future research.

Data Center Backlash in Ohio: Big tech defended data centers before Ohio lawmakers, but residents showed up angry over power-grid strain, environmental impacts, and secrecy tied to nondisclosure deals—pushing lawmakers to consider new guardrails. River Recovery in Mahoning Valley: Riverfest celebrated the Mahoning River’s rebound from steel-era pollution, with community groups highlighting wildlife return and continued cleanup momentum. Water & Public Health: A water main break near Pitt campus temporarily closed a road while repairs were underway. Local Cleanup Effort: Spencerville graduates plan a June 20 Auglaize River cleanup to remove trash and improve the waterway. Wildlife & Invasive Threats: Ohio’s spring turkey numbers stayed steady, while other coverage flagged ongoing tree and garden threats to local biodiversity. State Environment Action: Ohio’s Department of Agriculture announced free pesticide disposal collection events in Athens, Crawford, and Miami counties. Wildlife Protection Moment: Cleveland Hopkins Airport is installing new wildlife fencing to protect aircraft and animals.

Data Center Pressure in Ohio: Ohio and Illinois governors paused billions in data center tax incentives over concerns about electricity and water use, pushing officials to slow down and study real impacts before more public money flows. AI Ownership Politics: OpenAI CEO Sam Altman met with Sen. Bernie Sanders after Sanders proposed a public 50% ownership stake in AI firms; Trump also floated a plan for Americans to benefit from AI success. Invasive Species in Ohio: A Bluffton University Nature Preserve update highlights invasive shrubs like autumn olive and bush honeysuckle crowding out native plants, with removal and herbicide plans underway. Wildlife & Habitat: Ohio spring turkey hunting totals stayed steady, with 15,887 turkeys checked statewide, and OSU researchers studying turkey populations in Ashtabula County. Public Safety & Environment: Painesville officials sought FEMA help to add firefighter-paramedics as emergency calls nearly doubled; meanwhile, Toledo’s Old West End Festival shooting left 12 injured, underscoring how quickly community events can turn dangerous.

Invasive Plants in Ohio: Bluffton University says it’s removing invasive shrubs like autumn olive and bush honeysuckle from its Nature Preserve, using the site as a living classroom while herbicide work targets species that crowd out natives. Wildlife & Habitat: OSU researchers are studying turkey populations across Ohio, including Ashtabula County, focusing on poult production amid concerns about declines. Native Plant Push: The Allen Soil and Water Conservation District held a Native Plant and Rain Barrel Sale to boost pollinator-friendly landscaping and stormwater control with rain barrels. Statewide Hunting Numbers: ODNR reports Ohio hunters checked 15,887 wild turkeys in spring 2026 (slightly down from 2025), with Ashtabula leading county harvests. Brownfield Cleanup in Lorain: Lorain officials received and recorded the deed for the former St. Joseph’s Hospital property, clearing the way for brownfield cleanup and redevelopment planning. Gun Violence Spillover (Toledo): A street festival shooting left 12 people hit and sparked a manhunt for at least two suspects, underscoring public safety stakes for community events.

Data Center Politics in Ohio: Republican nominee Vivek Ramaswamy told voters data centers should “pay for their own” electricity and water, arguing against bans and comparing restrictions to pandemic-era shutdowns. Local Water & River Protection: A Riverfront cleanup in Paducah aims to remove trash that harms Ohio River wildlife and water quality. Pollution Response in West Chester: Ohio EPA responded after a truck spilled about 275 gallons of sulfuric acid; roads were closed briefly and officials said there’s no current danger to nearby homes or the environment. Brownfield Cleanup Move in Lorain: Lorain City received the deed for the former St. Joseph’s Hospital site, clearing the way for brownfield cleanup and redevelopment planning. Outdoor Recreation with a Wildlife Lens: MetroParks promoted summer kayaking and other nature-focused programs, including trips designed to spot local flora and fauna. Severe Weather Watch (Regional): Forecasters flagged a severe thunderstorm risk with damaging winds in parts of northern New Jersey.

Ohio water & pollution response: West Chester Township reopened roads after a truck spilled about 275 gallons of sulfuric acid; Ohio EPA was on scene and officials said there’s no danger to nearby homes, businesses, or the environment. PFAS & court fight: A federal appeals court tossed an injunction that would have forced Chemours to stop exceeding PFAS permit limits in the Ohio River, vacating a lower-court order tied to HFPO-DA (“GenX”). Lead in drinking water: Ohio lawmakers are pushing the Lead Line Replacement Act (HB 307) to replace all lead service lines within 15 years, but critics flag a steep estimated $16B price tag for communities and water systems. Wildlife & public safety: Cleveland Hopkins Airport is installing a new wildlife fence to keep deer off the tarmac, funded by an FAA grant plus airport money. Local conservation win: Students at St. Casimir Church in Cleveland painted rain barrels for a Green Infrastructure Project that captures roof runoff to help protect Lake Erie. Data center pressure: Illinois joined Ohio in pausing new data center tax incentives, while calling for guardrails to protect affordability and natural resources.

PFAS Fight in the Ohio River: A federal appeals court vacated an injunction against Chemours’ Washington Works plant, after finding legal and factual errors in a lower-court order tied to HFPO-DA (GenX) discharges far above permit limits. Local Air/Water Risk: A hazmat spill in West Chester closed roads after a truck leaked about 275 gallons of sulfuric acid, prompting emergency response and monitoring. Ohio River Pollution Watch: Ohio EPA says it received violation notices tied to Freepoint Eco-Systems’ Hebron plastic recycling facility; the company is suspending operations while it transitions to care-and-maintenance. Data Centers vs. Resources: Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker paused new state tax incentives for data centers, citing pressure on energy affordability and water resources—an issue Ohio communities are also debating. Boating Safety: The BoatUS Foundation expanded its free, state-approved boating safety course to include Ohio, with added focus on navigation, safety gear, and environmental stewardship. Research & Teaching: Wright State is expanding use of Ohio Supercomputer Center resources for hands-on coursework and research.

Data Center Fight in Columbus: Ohio lawmakers grilled Amazon, Google, Meta, and Microsoft over water, energy, taxes, and local secrecy. Microsoft pledged to drop NDAs and stop seeking local property tax abatements, but residents said environmental impacts and trust issues remain unresolved. Foreign Influence Claims: Republicans pressed the Trump administration to investigate alleged China-linked funding behind anti–data center activism, while Trump dismissed worries about direct involvement. Coal Push: Trump announced nearly $700M to support coal plants and exports, using Cold War-era powers—an energy move that could affect Ohio’s air and climate outlook. Local Air Testing Request: Clermont County officials want air monitoring near the Zimmer landfill after residents report rotten-egg odors and health complaints tied to hydrogen sulfide. Wildlife & Waterways: Researchers band birds at Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge to track migration trends, while Ohio’s fossil talk in Warren highlighted how ancient life is preserved in local rock. Community Resilience: Partners held a gathering marking the one-year anniversary of the June 14, 2025 flood in Ohio County, focusing on mental health and recovery.

Ohio Data Centers Watch: Microsoft told Ohio lawmakers it will stop using NDAs and won’t seek local property tax abatements for Ohio data center projects, as a new bipartisan committee weighs water, energy, economic and security impacts. Public Health & Air Quality: Clermont County wants air testing near the Zimmer landfill after residents report rotten-egg odors and symptoms they say are tied to hydrogen sulfide. PFAS/Water Pollution Legal Fight: An appeals court decision overturning a ruling blocking Chemours from polluting the Ohio River keeps pressure on cleanup and enforcement. Wildlife & Outdoor Notes: Ohio spring turkey harvest dipped slightly statewide, while mayflies are swarming around Lake Erie communities. Ticks Indoors: Ohio State research finds lone star and Gulf Coast ticks can survive indoors for at least a week, up to about three weeks, depending on flooring. Agriculture Tech: A new weed-control approach uses field data and robotic tools designed to reduce soil disruption for small and medium farms. Environment Policy Beyond Ohio: Kentucky’s energy report argues data centers and ratepayer protections can coexist, while Ohio lawmakers face growing local opposition to data center tax breaks.