AGP Executive Report

Great Lakes circular economy: A new 100% Great Lakes Fish performance report says 24.3 million pounds of fish byproducts are now being productively used across the region, generating about $3.4M in value and avoiding about 9.6M pounds of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions. Severe weather impacts: Central Ohio’s August recap highlights five confirmed tornadoes (Aug. 11), record rainfall (Aug. 20), flash flooding, rescues, and major damage including in Crooksville. Ohio school compliance: Ohio universities are rolling out Simple Syllabus under Senate Bill 1, but faculty raise concerns about privacy and harassment tied to posting course materials online. Data center fight in Ohio: Residents are questioning environmental and quality-of-life impacts as SB Energy advances a major southern Ohio power plant tied to a massive data center campus, with noise and pollution concerns alongside promises of jobs and economic gains. Wildlife rules: ODNR is proposing changes to 2027 Ohio turkey and some fishing regulations, with public comment open through Sept. 30 and a vote set for Oct. 28.

East Palestine Accountability: VP JD Vance and EPA boss Lee Zeldin are pushing for an investigation into how the Biden administration handled the 2023 East Palestine derailment response, arguing decisions may have risked residents’ health. Smog Fight in Cleveland: Environmental groups filed a second Cleveland lawsuit over EPA’s smog ruling, saying the agency counted Cleveland as meeting ozone standards too soon and left a weaker cleanup path. Data Center Pressure in Ohio: A Cadiz forum heard concerns about data centers’ water use, pollution, energy demand, and limited regulation, as local opposition grows. Grid Buildout Feedback: Fairfield County residents can weigh in on a major 765-kilovolt transmission line project at an Oct. 1 open house in Lancaster. Wildlife & Poaching: An Ohio poaching case ended with a judge ordering a TikTok influencer to post an apology after illegal hunting charges and seizure of 115 pounds of turkey meat. Mosquito Control: Oak Hill (Jackson County) plans mosquito fogging Sept. 3, with guidance for residents and beekeepers.

Ohio Grid Planning: Fairfield County residents get a say on a proposed 765-kilovolt transmission line at an Oct. 1 open house in Lancaster, part of a broader push to handle rising demand tied to data centers and electrification. Data Center Backlash (National, with Ohio ties): A growing, bipartisan wave of opposition to data centers is turning into ballot-box fights and louder scrutiny over water use and air impacts, with Ohio cited as a place where residents are pushing back against rapid development. Plastic Policy Debate: A new national spotlight is challenging “advanced recycling,” arguing it’s often chemical processing that can amount to burning plastic rather than true recycling. Public Health & Mosquito Control: Jackson County plans mosquito fogging around Oak Hill on Sept. 3, with guidance for residents and beekeepers. Wildlife Management: Ohio will use refrigerated deer trailers during hunting season to collect donated venison—aiming to reduce waste, address crop damage, and support food assistance. East Palestine Accountability: Trump administration officials are urging a federal watchdog probe into the response to the 2023 derailment, citing newly disclosed internal models.

Data Center Automation in Ohio’s Orbit: Meta is testing robots that can physically swap network cables and restart/reseat servers, raising job-security worries for data center technicians even as the company says it’s investing in training and hiring. Local Governance & Power-Plant Land Use: In Avon Lake, residents collected enough signatures to force a vote on whether future tax breaks (TIF) and rezoning for the former power plant can take effect. Toxic Train Accountability: Trump administration officials are pushing for an EPA watchdog probe into the East Palestine derailment response, citing newly disclosed internal models. Wildlife & Food Security: Ohio plans to use five refrigerated deer trailers during hunting season to collect donated venison and help address food insecurity. Public Health & Mosquito Control: Oak Hill will fog for mosquitoes Sept. 3, with guidance for beekeepers to avoid treated areas. Conservation Workforce: ODNR’s 33rd wildlife officer academy is underway with nine cadets, including one from Mount Gilead. Climate Extremes Watch: A new study projects tornado-favorable conditions could expand into the Midwest/Great Lakes/Northeast later this century, including parts of Ohio’s region.

Data Center Backlash in Ohio: Residents in Putnam County, West Virginia, are sounding alarms about a planned Google data center campus, citing fears of harmful air pollution and health impacts—another reminder that Ohio-area communities are watching these projects closely. East Palestine Accountability: Ohio’s JD Vance and EPA chief Lee Zeldin are pushing for an independent investigation into the Biden-Harris response to the 2023 East Palestine derailment, after lingering health and safety concerns. Public Health & Water After Nepal Floods: NEOMED is mobilizing students and global health partners to support Nepal flood recovery, with a focus on urgent care plus health and safe-water infrastructure. State Environment & Land Stewardship: Hocking County commissioners table an ODOT cooperative agreement and hear a Soil and Water Conservation District report covering litter pickups, school programs, Envirothon support, and tree deliveries. Outdoor & Wildlife: Ohio’s fall hunting seasons kick off early September, including squirrel, dove, Canada goose, and teal, with reminders to check regulations and species ID. Winter Outlook: The Old Farmer’s Almanac forecasts a mostly mild winter, with colder-than-usual conditions expected from New England through the Ohio Valley.

Nepal Flood Response: NEOMED is sending students and mobilizing global health partners to support Nepal’s disaster recovery, with a focus on urgent care plus health and safe-water rebuilding. Wildlife & Hunting: Ohio’s early fall seasons kick off Sept. 1 for squirrel, dove, Canada goose and teal, with deer archery later in the month—ODNR urges hunters to double-check ID rules for waterfowl. Weed Resistance: Waterhemp resistance is spreading, with Purdue’s Bryan Young warning group 15 herbicides, bleaching herbicides and 2,4-D are failing in multiple states, pushing farmers toward rotation and new control practices. East Palestine Accountability: Vance and EPA Administrator Zeldin are asking for an independent investigation into the Biden-Harris derailment response, citing ongoing community health concerns. Illegal Dump Cleanup: Dayton received more than $1M in Ohio AG grants to tackle legacy illegal dump sites, including a Delphos Avenue cleanup. E-Bike Rebates: Cleveland launched a Pilot E-Bike Rebate Program to cut transportation costs and emissions, supported by local foundations. Data Centers & Power: A new wave of backlash continues as communities and policymakers push for limits and “own power” approaches amid grid and water strain.

Illegal Dumping Crackdown: Ohio AG Andy Wilson announced a second round of “Shine a Light on Dumpers” grants, awarding more than $1 million to help communities clean up illegal dump sites and prevent repeat dumping. PFAS Cleanup Expansion: Ohio is expanding its AFFF Takeback Program, funded with DuPont settlement money, to destroy more PFAS-laced firefighting foam and reduce risks to firefighters, water, soil, and air. Wildlife Health Watch: Ohio wildlife officials are investigating a second straight summer of unusually high numbers of sick or dead bats, especially young bats, with reports concentrated in parts of central and southwest Ohio. Deer Management + Food Aid: ODNR is rolling out refrigerated deer-trailer pickups modeled on Michigan to cool donated venison and address deer overpopulation and crop damage. Data Center Backlash (Ohio angle): Multiple reports highlight growing, bipartisan resistance to data centers over water, power, noise, and quality-of-life impacts—plus Ohio communities pushing back against new builds. Local River Access: Struthers opened a new Mahoning River launch with a paved path, pavilion, and amenities to make the river easier to enjoy.

Ohio Clean Air Fight: A coalition of groups sued the EPA over its decision to let Cleveland avoid required smog cleanup, arguing the agency is bending Clean Air Act duties and using rewritten deadlines and other excuses. Data Center Backlash in Ohio: Clermont County Commissioner David Painter was tapped to chair a new EPA local-government advisory group on AI and data centers, as communities push back over siting, rules, and impacts. Local Land-Use Pressure: In Butler County, St. Clair and Madison township leaders rejected annexation tied to a proposed Amazon data center, citing environmental and road concerns. Water & Habitat Work: The Western Lake Erie Basin Partnership highlighted Maumee River restoration, including major wetland and habitat rebuilding funded through H2Ohio and the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. Public Health Watch: Nationwide Children’s and a poison center study found a sharp rise in unintentional recreational drug ingestions by young kids since 2000, with big jumps after 2013. Solid Waste Governance: Avon Lake’s Jennifer Fenderbosch was reappointed to Ohio EPA’s Materials Management Advisory Council.

Flood & Food Safety: After last week’s heavy rainfall, Ohio State Extension warns that floodwater can contaminate garden produce with sewage, chemicals, fuel, and pathogens; if the edible portion was submerged, it’s generally unsafe to eat. Public Health: Hamilton County Public Health detected West Nile virus in mosquitoes for the first time in 2026 (from traps in Green Township); officials will expand surveillance and treat standing water with larvicide. Data Centers & Pollution: Canton City Public Health says two proposed data centers will operate under air pollution control permits and that the city runs three air monitors (particle matter and ground-level ozone), while noting it would take more work to link health impacts to specific facilities. PFAS & Sewage Sludge: Pennsylvania is moving to limit “forever chemicals” in sewage sludge used on farm fields, highlighting how wastewater treatment can spread PFAS into the environment. Local Sustainability: A new Youngstown shop, Mended Apparel, is opening with a repurposing focus—custom garments made from vintage materials. Ohio Energy-Water Stress: A Ceres report says electricity generation tied to data centers uses huge freshwater volumes and that many power plants supplying data-center-heavy states, including Ohio, sit in water-stressed regions.

Reforestation in Lucas County: Metroparks Toledo is using tree-growing “plastic tubes” to reforest marginal croplands, planting about 150,000 trees over 300 acres in the Oak Openings area while also tackling invasive species that erode native habitat. Ohio farm input costs: Ohio Corn and Wheat says fertilizer prices have become a major, hard-to-explain burden for farmers and is pushing for more competition and transparency as the FTC seeks information from the fertilizer supply chain. Farm transition planning: The Ohio Farm Transition Network is rolling out regional one-day professional trainings to help attorneys, lenders, Extension staff, and others align on best practices for farm succession and transition. Ohio’s only national forest at risk: A new report warns the federal government is preparing to auction 2,840 acres in the Wayne National Forest for oil and gas leasing, raising fears of broader drilling impacts. Local forests, local wildlife: A separate tree survey project is tracking the health and progress of newly planted local forests, tying restoration work to biodiversity goals.

Industrial Pollution & Climate Policy: Cleveland-Cliffs says the DOE changed a $500M “clean steel” grant to instead upgrade a coal blast furnace at Middletown Works, drawing pushback from green-steel advocates and residents worried emissions could rise. AI, Energy Demand & Local Backlash: A new report on Ohio’s data-center fight spotlights how electricity prices and “behind-the-meter” power choices are shaping siting battles, with communities increasingly opposing hyperscale projects. Water & Wildlife: Lake Erie is highlighted as a top snake hotspot, including the Lake Erie watersnake on the western islands, while forecasters also warn of a massive Great Lakes bird migration surge with up to 300 million birds in flight on Thursday and Friday nights. Cleanup & Brownfields: Defiance County’s land bank updated progress on demolition and ongoing brownfield remediation testing, including new wells at former industrial sites. Public Health & Safety: Ohio’s rural pharmacy connectivity funding aims to improve prescription monitoring and prevent dangerous drug interactions across 73 rural counties.

Wildfire smoke + rain chemistry: A new U.S. study finds “smoky rain” can dump big bursts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium onto ecosystems—an overlooked ecological effect as wildfires intensify. Ohio air oversight fight: NRDC is asking a federal appeals court to review EPA approval of Ohio’s Cleveland-area smog plan, arguing major polluters got a “free pass.” Data center backlash hits permitting: The Trump EPA move to scrap public notice for certain data-center pollution permits is drawing fresh outrage, with critics warning neighbors may not even learn projects are coming. Local water protection in Ohio: Toledo is expanding rain gardens to cut runoff and protect Lake Erie, with 70 built since 2007. Injection wells pressure in Washington County: Residents renewed demands for action after meetings with ODNR over fracking wastewater injection wells. Lower Maumee cleanup public session: Toledo-area residents get a chance to weigh in on plans to remove contaminated sediment at two Lower Maumee River sites. Invasive species education: Ohio’s annual tree symposium focuses on spotting and controlling invasive plants and insects.

AI Data Centers in Ohio: OpenAI plans an 8-gigawatt hyperscale data center in Pike County on the PORTS-Pike Technology Campus, with construction tied to major jobs claims and Nvidia infrastructure investment—another sign Ohio’s power-hungry buildout is accelerating. Energy & Water Pressure: A separate national report frames the backlash as more than messaging: communities worry about long-term electricity bills, infrastructure strain, and water use from cooling. Invasive Species Watch: Richland County remains safe from the Asian long-horned beetle thanks to quarantine efforts, but officials urge residents to avoid bringing firewood from affected areas. Local Weather Flip: Central Ohio’s August rainfall is near record levels after last year’s drought, refilling reservoirs and raising flood concerns. Agriculture & Land Use: A feasibility study looks at whether a Route 11 natural gas pipeline could spur industrial development in Ohio’s “Shale Crescent.” Public Health: Michigan reports two swine-flu variant cases linked to the same agricultural fair, with no contact between patients.

Climate & Consumer Protection: Ohio AG Brenna Bird joined a 16-state coalition warning the Big Four accounting firms (Deloitte, EY, KPMG, PwC) may be violating professional standards and state consumer protection laws with climate-related financial reporting that could raise costs for small businesses and consumers. Energy Permitting: Sen. Jon Husted backed the American Energy and Mineral Infrastructure Act, aiming to speed federal permitting for energy and mineral projects and reduce litigation delays. Nuclear Fuel Supply Chain: Gov. Mike DeWine and JobsOhio leaders met with Centrus at the Piketon uranium enrichment facility as Ohio pushes to rebuild the domestic nuclear fuel supply chain. Food Security: Dayton and Montgomery County leaders urged state and federal officials to prevent Medicaid and SNAP cuts from disrupting access to food and health coverage. Public Health: Ohio health officials reported cyclosporiasis cases down but measles cases up, with vaccination clinics ramped up in northwest Ohio. Data Centers & Local Impacts: National debate over AI data centers intensified as Trump defended projects amid community backlash, while Ohio economic development highlighted new central-Ohio jobs tied to data center growth. Behavioral Health Capacity: Akron Children’s Hospital added crisis stabilization inpatient units to expand pediatric behavioral health care. Local Environment & Community: Ohio River Paddlefest hit a Guinness record for “Largest Paddle Craft Party,” raising funds for youth nature programs.

Ohio Power & Grid: Oak Run Solar’s permit fight is back at the Ohio Power Siting Board after the Ohio Supreme Court narrowed the dispute to how three substations would look from public viewpoints—staff have recommended keeping the approval, but the project’s 800 MW of solar plus 300 MW of battery storage has been stuck in litigation for years. Invasive Species: Spotted lanternflies are back in Ohio as adults emerge and mating approaches; the state is under quarantine statewide and officials urge people to squish adults and destroy egg masses. Clean Transportation: Lancaster won $2.73 million for a 1-mile Memorial-Pierce corridor with new sidewalks, crosswalks, and signal upgrades through ODOT’s Transportation Alternatives Program. Conservation & Wildlife: ODNR honored new Natural Resources Hall of Fame and Cardinal Award recipients, while new compiled tracking data shows black bears confirmed in 62 of Ohio’s 88 counties. Farm Safety: Ohio’s Department of Agriculture is running a free pesticide disposal event in Miami County, warning against dumping chemicals in trash. Data Centers & Health Concerns: Reporting on Piketon highlights a proposed natural gas facility tied to a massive data center, with residents raising worries about health impacts near the former PORTS site.

Data Centers vs. Communities (Ohio): A new wave of backlash is hitting AI data centers over power, water, noise, and local impacts, with national reporting pointing to Ohio as a political flashpoint and noting Ohio Senate race concerns tied to the issue. Energy & Air Quality: Coverage also flags how efforts to secure power for data centers—like natural gas plants—could raise new environmental and air-quality concerns, especially where facilities cluster in Ohio. Invasive Species (Ohio): Ohio’s agriculture department and USDA removed 6.2 square miles from the Asian longhorned beetle quarantine in Clermont County, citing progress since the 2011 discovery and the removal of more than 118,000 infested trees. Wildlife Recovery (Ohio): Wildlife officials plan sturgeon releases in Ohio rivers, including events in Cleveland and Toledo, as the state works to reverse long-term declines. Climate Resilience (Ohio): Dayton is rolling out a 2026 sustainability plan aimed at cutting greenhouse gases and preparing for climate impacts, with neighborhood-focused community input. Severe Weather (Ohio): Crooksville families faced a second round of flooding after earlier cleanup, with reports of homes becoming total losses.