AGP Executive Report

Wildlife: Pike County is a rare Ohio stronghold for the endangered Yellow-sided Skimmer: just 10 were recorded there last year, living near seep-fed ponds and an abandoned sand mine. Energy and Data Centers: Federal officials are promoting a proposed Southern Ohio project combining up to 9.2 gigawatts of natural-gas power with a massive Pike County data center; they say the developer will cover infrastructure costs, while the buildout raises questions about emissions and electricity demand. Pollution Checks: Clermont County plans independent air and water testing near the Zimmer coal-ash landfill after neighbors reported foul odors and health concerns; no cause has been established. Lakefront Decisions: Avon Lake voters may decide whether certain zoning and tax-incentive changes for the former power plant site require public approval, amid debate over development and a proposed lakefront park. River Life: The Maumee River’s sturgeon population got a boost as a local festival released 1,500 fish.

Maumee River: Toledo’s Sturgeon Fest released 1,500 young sturgeon into the river, continuing a restoration effort launched in 2018. Data Center Power: Ohio’s fast-growing data center proposals are drawing scrutiny over electricity demand: a recent study estimates they could add $16 billion to Ohioans’ power costs, while developers seek new supplies, including natural gas and solar. Cleanup and Water Safety: At the Portsmouth site, crews have converted 4,500 uranium cylinders, passing the 20% cleanup mark; meanwhile, tests show Chillicothe groundwater remains far above federal limits. Akron is also taking public comment on changes to its federal sewer consent decree. Statewide Action: Gov. Mike DeWine highlighted H2Ohio projects to replace lead pipes and reduce road-salt runoff, while Black Swamp Conservancy is restoring wetlands in area counties.

Portsmouth Cleanup: Crews have converted 4,500 uranium cylinders at the former Portsmouth enrichment site, surpassing 20% of the inventory and reaching the site’s annual target two months early. Data Center Pressure: A new study warns Ohio data centers could add $16 billion to electricity costs. A Bowling Green State University panel also raised concerns about their energy and water use, health impacts and local control as a major Meta project is built nearby. Water Quality: New tests show groundwater near Chillicothe’s WearEver site remains far above federal limits. Separately, Ohio says its H2Ohio program is working to replace lead pipes and reduce road-salt runoff. Sewer Oversight: Public comment is open on a proposed change to Akron’s federal sewer decree that would drop a treatment project estimated to cost more than $300 million; the city says it can meet water-quality requirements without it. Air Rules: Cleveland’s proposed new air-quality rules remain in limbo.

Water Quality: Gov. Mike DeWine highlighted H2Ohio projects replacing lead pipes and reducing road-salt runoff, including work at a Cincinnati school. Wetlands: Black Swamp Conservancy is restoring habitat in northwest Ohio to filter nutrients, improve water quality and support wildlife. Toxic Cleanup: New tests show solvents at the former WearEver plant in Chillicothe remain far above federal drinking-water limits, with contamination also detected off-site. Energy and Data Centers: A study says Ohio data centers could add $16 billion to electricity costs; a power-grid emergency across 13 states, including Ohio, has also prompted temporary pollution-rule waivers to help prevent blackouts. Air Policy: DeWine directed Ohio EPA to begin ending Northeast Ohio’s E-Check vehicle emissions program. Climate: Forecasters expect a dry, warm Ohio winter as a strong El Niño develops.

Data Center Costs: A Columbus policy firm estimates Ohio’s data-center boom could add $16 billion in statewide electricity costs from 2027 to 2034. That is not a forecast of added household bills, but the estimate adds to local concerns over energy use, water and pollution as Trenton voters prepare to decide whether to block new large-scale centers. Grid Emergency: A federal order lets PJM, which serves Ohio, exceed some pollution limits and direct data centers and other large users to switch to backup power as a last resort during a short-term grid emergency. The order does not mean generators were activated or outages occurred. River Restoration: Cleveland Metroparks has completed work on Wood Creek, removing a barrier that blocked fish from moving upstream and stabilizing the streambank. Land Conservation: Lynd Fruit Farm bought 74 acres in Utica to protect the land from development. Air Quality: Gov. Mike DeWine directed Ohio EPA to begin the process of ending E-Check in Northeast Ohio, a move that could change the region’s vehicle-emissions testing program.

Data Center Pushback: Ohio is at the center of a growing fight over AI data centers, with 20 related ballot measures across 17 jurisdictions this November. Residents warn the facilities could strain water supplies, power grids and local communities. Air Quality: Gov. Mike DeWine has directed the Ohio EPA to begin ending E-Check in Northeast Ohio, raising questions about the future of a program that tests vehicle emissions. Cleveland’s proposed air-quality rules also remain in limbo. Wildlife: An endangered hellbender has complicated an Ohio road project, highlighting the conflicts between infrastructure plans and habitat protection. Land and Trees: Lynd Fruit Farm bought 74 acres in Utica to protect the land from development, while Columbus’ free-tree effort aims to close gaps in the city’s tree canopy.

Data Center Debate: Piqua voters will decide Nov. 3 whether to limit the size of Meta’s proposed data center, alongside recall votes for three city commissioners. Residents have raised environmental concerns, while the city points to jobs. BGSU is also hosting a town hall on data centers, community and sustainability in northwest Ohio. Wildlife: An endangered eastern hellbender found at an ODOT worksite in Belmont County prompted crews to pause construction and work with wildlife officials on its rescue; it is being cared for while a possible return to its waterway is considered. Waterville’s Nature’s Nursery has taken in nearly 3,900 animals this year, a record its director says may signal mounting pressures on wildlife. Land and air: Lynd Fruit Farm acquired 74 acres in Utica to protect the land from development, while Cleveland’s proposed air-quality rules remain in limbo.

Data Center Pushback: Ohio voters are increasingly wary: a poll found 75% oppose a data center in their community, and 18 counties will consider related ballot measures. In one EdgeConneX dispute, an independent review found no clear sign of major air or noise impacts but said gaps in the data prevent firm conclusions; state reviews are still underway. Air and Health: Cleveland’s proposed air-quality rules remain in limbo, while advocates warn that lead paint in older homes still puts children at risk. Land and Wildlife: Lynd Fruit Farm bought 74 acres in Utica to protect the property from development and explore wetland and prairie restoration. Wastewater: Akron and the EPA reached an agreement that could avert a proposed $300 million treatment facility.

Heavy Rain: Columbus residents living outdoors are facing flooded camps, washed-away belongings and unsafe sleeping areas after an exceptionally wet summer. Wildlife Recovery: The Ohio Bird Sanctuary released a juvenile bald eagle after months of care for a spinal fracture sustained when it was hit by a car. Invasive Plants: Amur honeysuckle, once promoted as an ornamental and for erosion control, now threatens forests by leafing out early and crowding native growth. Urban Trees: A Columbus program is offering free trees to help close gaps in the city’s tree canopy. Water Quality: Akron and the EPA reached an agreement that could avoid a proposed $300 million wastewater treatment project; in Canfield, a company is set to begin a corrective-measures study tied to a 2024 chemical spill.

Wildlife Recovery: The Ohio Bird Sanctuary released a juvenile bald eagle at Clear Fork Conservation Area after it recovered from a spinal fracture suffered in a car strike. Habitat Restoration: The University of Rio Grande dedicated a 72-acre nature complex with wetlands, native grasslands and a stream corridor for conservation and education. Invasive Species: Amur honeysuckle, once promoted as an ornamental and for erosion control, has spread through forests across the Midwest, crowding out native plants. Monarch Migration: A tagged monarch crossed Lake Erie into Ohio on its southbound journey to Mexico, highlighting the value of native nectar plants as fuel. Data Center Impacts: Opposition is growing over concerns that large data centers could strain water supplies, raise power bills and worsen pollution; an Ohio study says a construction ban could be preferable to the status quo. Water and Sewers: Akron may avoid a proposed $300 million treatment facility under a revised agreement with the EPA. Urban Canopy: Columbus is offering free trees to help address gaps in the city’s tree cover.

Wildlife Watch: A tagged monarch completing its migration to Mexico was tracked across Ohio after crossing Lake Erie, highlighting the value of native nectar plants such as goldenrod and asters. Urban Canopy: Green Columbus is giving away 3,000 trees to help close stark canopy gaps; coverage is about 22% citywide but as low as 11% in some neighborhoods. Clean Energy: An Ohio solar co-op could help Duke Energy customers save about $1,000 a year, while Paladin EnviroTech plans to expand Ohio rare-earth recovery to 150 tonnes annually. Changing Wildlife: Researchers say climate change may be helping armadillos move north; a roadkill find near Oxford may be Ohio’s first natural occurrence. Pollution and Power: A company is preparing a corrective-measures study for the 2024 chemical spill in Canfield, and an Ohio board has heard concerns about a proposed New Albany data-center power plant.**

Severe Weather: Isaias is weakening as it moves north, but its remnants could bring rain and isolated severe storms into Ohio and the Ohio Valley. Wildlife: A road-killed armadillo near Oxford may be the first confirmed natural occurrence in Ohio. A Miami University researcher says warming temperatures could be helping the species expand north, though Ohio winters may be a challenge. Clean Energy: A free solar co-op serving 11 southwest Ohio counties could help households and small organizations get rooftop panels at lower cost; a typical 5-kilowatt system could save Duke Energy customers about $1,000 a year. Water and Pipelines: A Washington County commissioner confirmed support for a three-year moratorium on all injection wells as residents press for drinking-water protections. Separately, a 600-gallon spill on an Energy Transfer pipeline near Toledo has prompted federal scrutiny of the company’s wider network. Wastewater: Akron and the EPA reached an agreement that could eliminate the proposed $300 million treatment project.

Canfield Cleanup: Material Sciences is beginning a corrective-measures study after its 2024 spill released cyanide and metals into Sawmill Creek. Ohio EPA also ordered a human-health risk assessment within 45 days; the study is expected next spring. Pipeline Safety: A 600-gallon Michigan oil spill on a line running to Toledo has prompted a federal review of Energy Transfer’s entire hazardous-liquids pipeline network, including a required inventory of past repairs. Wastewater Costs: Akron and the EPA have reached an agreement that could avert a proposed $300 million sewer-treatment project. Runoff Concerns: Jefferson County officials are investigating reports of frack sand spilling from trucks onto roads, warning it could wash into storm drains as agencies coordinate a response.

Data Centers & Power: A Bowling Green State University poll found 70% of Ohio voters see data centers as mostly harmful to the environment, and 69% say they worsen home energy costs. Their growing electricity demand is also driving plans for more natural-gas and solar power. Akron Sewer Plan: Akron and the EPA reached an agreement that could avert a proposed $300 million treatment facility. Residents will want to know how the city will meet its wastewater and water-quality obligations under the revised plan. Wildlife: An Ohio wildlife rescue warned of growing threats to local species after reporting record admissions, underscoring pressure on the state’s wildlife. Industrial Oversight: Ohio EPA approved a permit for Cleveland-Cliffs’ $1 billion Middletown Works project, putting environmental monitoring in focus as the expansion moves forward.

Campus Waste: Ohio University is expanding dorm composting as it targets diverting 60% of campus waste from landfills by year-end; dining facilities already compost 30,000–35,000 pounds of food scraps weekly. Sewer Infrastructure: Akron and the EPA reached an agreement that could eliminate a proposed $300 million treatment facility. Data Center Debate: A new study says a construction ban would serve Ohio better than the status quo, as New Albany residents and officials weigh concerns over a proposed data-center power plant. Industrial Permitting: Ohio EPA approved a permit for Cleveland-Cliffs’ planned $1 billion Middletown Works project. Wildlife: An Ohio rescue group warns of increased threats to local species after a record number of admissions. Wildfire Response: Ohio crews have supported fire efforts in six states this year, including multiple assignments in Minnesota.

Industrial Permitting: Ohio EPA approved Cleveland-Cliffs’ permit for a $1 billion Middletown steelworks modernization, including a cogeneration plant that the company says will use steelmaking gases to supply nearly half the mill’s electricity. The agency found the project does not trigger federal air-permitting requirements. Data Center Debate: A new Ohio analysis says requiring new data centers to use 90% renewable energy would be the best economic option; banning new construction ranks second. The report adds to concerns about public subsidies, power demand and pollution as the state weighs further development. Cleveland Air Quality: Officials are renewing calls for the city’s first air-code overhaul since 1977, citing residents’ health. Local Impacts: September’s heavy rain brought flooding to Athens and water leaks at Ohio University, where students reported puddles and falling ceiling tiles.