AGP Executive Report

Supreme Court & Ohio Politics: A new Supreme Court shift could erase Democrats’ cash advantage in Senate races, including Ohio, by allowing more coordinated spending between candidates and national party committees. Ohio Wildlife: Richland County volunteers still logged sandhill cranes in Ohio’s 2026 Midwest Crane Count, with the state total at 344 despite weather disruptions. Outdoor Access: ODNR is bringing back its Women’s Outdoor Adventure Weekend (Sept. 25–27) at Salt Fork State Park, with beginner-friendly fishing, paddling, hiking, and more. Air & Water Safety: A major fire at Peoples Cartage in Wood County, West Virginia, triggered a shelter-in-place order and emergency monitoring for air quality and potential runoff impacts to the Little Kanawha River. Pollution Watch (Ohio): A semi-truck spill of about 40,000 pounds of Frank’s RedHot sauce shut down cleanup crews and raised concerns about acidic runoff into drains and waterways. Wildlife Encounters: A black bear was caught on camera in Pepper Pike, highlighting rising bear sightings across Ohio. Lake Erie Algae: Ohio researchers are developing algae-busting buoys aimed at stopping Lake Erie blooms before they fully form. Public Concern Over Plastics: Residents in southeast Ohio are pushing back on a proposed plastics plant, saying it could threaten local water and air quality.

Wildlife & Heat-Rescue: Ohio Bird Sanctuary in Mansfield says a juvenile bald eagle (“Little Liberty”) was rescued after falling from its nest in extreme heat and is now in critical condition. Wildlife Safety: Pepper Pike police shared a black bear sighting on Lawton Lane and urged residents not to approach or feed bears, plus to secure trash and bring pet food indoors. Water & Air Concerns: Residents in southeast Ohio are pushing back on a proposed plastics plant in Athens County, saying promises about impacts to the Hocking River and local air quality don’t go far enough. PFAS Accountability: Chemours agreed to pay $450M to settle a PFAS “forever chemicals” case. Permits Watch (Ohio EPA): Ohio EPA’s weekly update highlights draft and final environmental permits and regulatory actions across multiple counties, including air and water discharge items. Outdoor Planning (Ohio): Ohio Division of Wildlife is accepting applications for controlled hunts, with a July deadline for hunters. Heat & Power Costs: A new report says extreme summer heat is driving record cooling costs, with Ohio households among those hit hardest. Species Update: Ohio released 2026 sandhill crane count results: 344 cranes observed, with weather affecting survey coverage. Severe Weather: Forecasts point to scattered storms returning after a hot, humid stretch. Public Health: CDC and state agencies are investigating a growing Cyclospora outbreak tied to severe gastrointestinal illness. Industrial Fire Response (Region): A warehouse fire in Parkersburg, WV led to shelter-in-place orders and a state of emergency, with officials monitoring air quality and possible river runoff impacts.

Controlled Hunts Deadline: Ohio hunters have until the end of July to apply for controlled hunts for deer, waterfowl, small game, waterfowl blinds and dove, including ruffed grouse—applications are due via wildohio.gov and cost $3 per hunt. Firefly Season: After heavy rains and humid weather, Ohio’s firefly season is expected to be especially bright, with naturalists urging people to dim outdoor lights and let parts of yards grow wild to support populations. PFAS Accountability: Chemours reached a multi-state settlement over PFAS “forever chemicals,” agreeing to pay $450M total (including $22.5M penalty) and fund long-term mitigation and cleanup in West Virginia, North Carolina and New Jersey. Heat & Public Safety: A brutal heatwave is stressing Ohio’s infrastructure and people—firefighters in Adams County cooled power transformers using thousands of gallons of water, while forecasts point to a brief cooldown before scattered storms return. Wildlife Watch: Mohican State Park reported multiple black bear sightings in the past week and reminded visitors how to stay safe and report encounters. Local Data Center Fight: In Urbana, residents’ pushback against a major AI data center is now headed to court after the city approved a moratorium tied to the proposal.

PFAS Settlement: Chemours agreed to a $450M settlement to resolve years of “forever chemicals” discharges, including major cleanup and drinking-water support in West Virginia, North Carolina, and New Jersey. Heat & Health: A Census Bureau analysis shows huge gaps in air-conditioning access during the July Fourth heatwave, with Alaska and Hawaii worst off—raising risks for vulnerable Ohioans during extreme weather. Ohio Wildlife: Mohican State Park reported multiple black bear sightings in Ashland County and urged hikers to stay calm, secure food, and report sightings. Data Centers vs. Power: In Urbana, Ohio, residents’ pushback against a massive AI data center is now headed to court after a moratorium—while federal emergency grid actions highlight how quickly these projects can strain electricity during peak heat. Spill Response: A semitruck leak of Frank’s RedHot on an Ohio highway triggered cleanup efforts to keep acidic sauce out of drains. Local Politics: Dayton gubernatorial candidate Amy Acton says she supports a ban on data centers and backs home rule. Outdoor Water Quality: Ohio researchers are testing algae-busting buoys aimed at reducing Lake Erie blooms before they spread.

Air Quality Alert: The Southwest Ohio Air Quality Agency issued an alert for the Tri-State over the July 4 weekend, citing elevated PM2.5 and ground-level ozone likely worsened by fireworks and outdoor events. Lake Erie & Water Quality: University of Toledo researchers are testing algae-busting buoys that slowly release algae-killing chemicals early in bloom season, aiming to prevent harmful Lake Erie blooms before they spread. Heat & Public Health: Multiple reports highlight how the current heat wave can drive higher risks for people and worsen conditions that fuel algae and bacteria in local waterways. Wildlife & Land: Ohio Division of Wildlife weighed in after a Bucyrus resident posted a video she thought showed a mountain lion, saying tracks and size point instead to a domestic cat. Local Water Protection: Allen Soil and Water Conservation District urged vacationers to prep homes to reduce stormwater pollution—secure trash, clean gutters, and delay fertilizer. Spill Response (Ohio): A truck leak on I-71 turned out to be Frank’s RedHot spilling about 40,000 pounds; responders contained it to protect drains.

Lake Erie & algal blooms: University of Toledo researchers are testing algae-busting buoys that slowly release algae-killing chemicals early in bloom season, aiming to stop Lake Erie blooms before they fully form. Heat & water quality: A heatwave is also raising concerns about algae and bacteria growth in local waterways, with experts warning that hot conditions can worsen oxygen loss and harm aquatic life. Air pollution over the holiday: An Air Quality Alert covers much of the Tri-State for elevated fine particle pollution and ground-level ozone through Sunday, with fireworks expected to add to PM 2.5. Aquatic invasives: Ohio is joining the Great Lakes Aquatic Invasive Species Landing Blitz, and a new report says the bloody red shrimp is now confirmed in all five Great Lakes. Boating safety: Kentucky and Ohio law enforcement are increasing water patrols on the Ohio River for Fourth of July weekend, focusing on preventing drunk boating. Spill response: A Frank’s RedHot leak from a truck on I-71 triggered an Ohio EPA response and containment efforts to keep acidic sauce out of drains. Local waterways tips: Allen Soil and Water Conservation District urges vacationers to clean up pet waste, secure trash, and delay fertilizer to reduce stormwater pollution.

Grocery Consolidation: Kroger announced a $1.65B deal to acquire Giant Eagle, expanding its Midwest footprint and intensifying pressure on prices as shoppers look for cheaper essentials. PFAS Cleanup: The DOJ, EPA, and West Virginia DEP announced a multi-state settlement with Chemours over “forever chemicals,” alleging PFAS discharges into the Ohio River and other waterways. Energy Storage in Ohio: LG Energy Solution and Honda’s joint venture began mass production of lithium-ion battery cells for energy storage systems in Jeffersonville, Ohio, shifting focus as the ESS market grows. Heat Safety: A dangerous heat wave is pushing extreme heat risks across the Midwest and Eastern U.S., with warnings about heat stress and worker exposure. Local Water Protection: Allen County officials urged residents not to dump used motor oil after evidence of an oil discharge into a stream in Richland Township. Wastewater Noise Complaint: Sheffield Village residents say a persistent high-pitched sound from a wastewater treatment plant has been ongoing for months and is affecting their daily life.

PFAS Accountability: The DOJ, EPA, and West Virginia DEP announced a multi-state settlement with Chemours over alleged “forever chemical” discharges, including claims tied to the Ohio River, setting up another major enforcement chapter for PFAS pollution. Extreme Heat & the Grid: A heat dome is pushing dangerous conditions across the Ohio Valley and straining the PJM power grid, with soaring wholesale electricity prices and warnings that millions face extreme heat risk into the Fourth of July. Lake Erie Beach Safety: Ohio health officials issued harmful algal bloom advisories at more than 20 beaches, including red-flag warnings at Grand Lake St. Marys where people and pets should avoid all water contact. Data Centers’ Climate Footprint: A new report warns that “behind-the-meter” gas plants proposed to power data centers could drive massive greenhouse gas emissions, raising pressure for stronger review and cleaner power planning. Brownfield Cleanup Funding (Ohio): Ohio announced brownfield remediation grants, including state support for contaminated-property assessment and cleanup work in North Lewisburg. Wildlife Health Watch: Ohio wildlife officials are asking for reports after a mysterious illness affecting bat pups, as they monitor potential spread.

Brownfield Cleanup Funding: Ohio announced $15.5M in Brownfield Remediation Program grants across 35 counties, including assessment and cleanup work tied to former gas stations and industrial sites—aimed at turning contaminated properties into redevelopment-ready land. Local Environmental Response: A 40,000-pound Frank’s RedHot spill on I-71 in Delaware County was contained with hazmat steps after crews avoided washing it into drains due to environmental concerns. Wildlife & Water: Governor DeWine marked Lake Erie Fish Ohio Day, spotlighting clean water and the walleye fishery’s economic importance. Farmland vs. Solar Debate: A new Ohio-focused argument says solar on farmland isn’t the biggest threat compared with land already used for energy crops like corn ethanol, as electricity demand rises. Agriculture Pest Watch: Ohio State researchers are pushing statewide slug monitoring to help farmers scout early and avoid costly damage. Heat & Climate Stress: A major Midwest heat wave is spreading east, with dangerous humidity and heat-index readings raising health risks. Glyphosate Trade Fight: Bayer/Monsanto is seeking anti-dumping and countervailing duties on Chinese glyphosate, drawing backlash from U.S. farmers.

Data Center Emissions: A new report says dozens of gas plants planned to power U.S. data centers “behind the meter” could emit as much greenhouse gas annually as Australia or France, while also raising health risks for nearby communities. Lake Erie Water Protection: Ohio State researchers tested nanobubble ozone technology at Stone Laboratory and report up to 99% fewer toxin-producing cyanobacteria and large drops in cyanotoxins, offering a potential new tool against harmful algal blooms. Extreme Heat Watch: A heat dome is building across the Midwest and Ohio Valley into the Fourth of July weekend, with dangerous feels-like temperatures and heat alerts in multiple states. Brownfield Cleanup Funding: Ohio awarded $15.5 million for brownfield assessment and remediation, including projects in Trumbull and Ashtabula aimed at cleaning contaminated sites for future redevelopment. Public Health—Cyclosporiasis: Health officials are investigating a growing cyclosporiasis outbreak across the U.S., with Ohio among states watching for cases as the parasite spreads through contaminated food. Wildlife & Conservation: Columbus Zoo and The Wilds’ senior animal care and conservation leader, Dr. Jan Ramer, retired after 11 years, marking a major moment for Ohio’s conservation community.

Extreme Heat & Health: A dangerous Midwest/Great Lakes heat wave pushed heat indexes above 100°F, with warnings for Ohio and neighbors to limit outdoor time, hydrate, and check on vulnerable people. Drinking Water & PFAS: Ohio-area water managers discussed the huge funding gap for PFAS and other emerging contaminants at AWWA’s ACE 26 meeting, as utilities juggle aging systems and new monitoring demands. Brownfield Cleanup in Ohio: State officials announced $15.5M for brownfield remediation and assessments across 35 counties, including Fulton County projects aimed at turning contaminated sites into green space and redevelopment-ready land. Forever Chemicals Enforcement: A proposed federal settlement would require Chemours to pay major penalties tied to PFAS pollution in West Virginia, with a public comment period pending. Glyphosate Trade Fight: Monsanto and Ruveon petitioned for antidumping/countervailing duties on Chinese glyphosate imports, drawing pushback from commodity groups and Ohio farmers. Lake Erie & Wildlife: Ohio’s Fish Ohio Day events highlighted Lake Erie restoration and education, including tours of the Put-in-Bay Aquatic Visitor Center and sturgeon/lamprey updates. Local Wildlife Encounters: Reports of black bears in Ohio continued, with officials urging residents to leave bears alone and avoid approaches. Ohio Community Cooling Help: Pike County’s Community Action Committee opened a summer crisis cooling program for eligible households, offering utility payment help and cooling devices. Policy & Rights: Advocates warned that recent federal disability policy shifts could lower protections for people with disabilities, while Ohio’s Akron leaders opposed a proposed state drag/performance law. Engineering/Workforce: Wright State trustees approved a nearly $100M budget increase, citing partnerships and student investment.

PFAS & pesticide approvals: The Trump EPA approved additional “forever chemical” pesticides for crops, including PFAS use on corn and soybeans, expanding beyond earlier approvals and raising fresh health concerns. Heat & grid reliability: Ohio is bracing for a historic heatwave as PJM, the regional grid operator, asks for emergency authority to bypass environmental rules and push major users (including data centers) onto backup power to avoid blackouts. Public health—parasite outbreak: Toledo-Lucas County confirmed cyclosporiasis cases are rising since June 1 and is working to identify a common exposure source. Youth vaping: Lorain County’s latest survey finds overall youth tobacco use stays low, but vaping remains the top nicotine concern for grades 7–12. Prison heat conditions: Families report extreme heat is making conditions inside Dayton’s women’s prison worse, with limited cooling options and issues with ventilation/air conditioning. Data centers & local pushback: New reporting highlights how rural Ohio and nearby areas are seeing outsized data center investment—and community opposition—driven by AI power demand. Wildlife sightings: Residents in Bellville reported multiple black bear sightings, underscoring increased summer wildlife encounters. Funding for conservation: Appalachian Ohio is accepting applications for conservation and environmental stewardship grants and fellowships, with up to $250,000 available.

Heat Wave Watch: Northeast Ohio is bracing for days in the 90s and dangerous heat indexes through July 4, with officials warning that overnight lows won’t cool people down and urging hydration and heat-stroke readiness. Public Health & Air Quality: A Toledo report breaks down heat exhaustion vs. heat stroke and stresses getting to a cool place fast and calling 911 for suspected heat stroke. Water & Pollution: Ohio EPA is set to test air at a Clermont County landfill after complaints of stench, as residents push for answers. Energy & Land Use: Ohio’s Oil and Gas Land Management Commission approved fracking bids covering nearly 15,000 acres of public wildlife areas and state parkland, despite strong opposition. PFAS Accountability: Chemours reached a preliminary $450M PFAS settlement with federal and state agencies over river pollution claims, including impacts tied to the Ohio River. Boating Safety: Ohio is reminding boaters that alcohol and cannabis use while operating a vessel is illegal and dangerous, citing recent enforcement and incident stats. Schools & Safety: More than 110 Ohio districts and schools have armed staff authorized on campus, following a 2022 law that lowered training minimums.

Ohio Fracking Fight: The Ohio Oil and Gas Land Management Commission approved 22 fracking bids covering nearly 15,000 acres of public conservation land in eastern Ohio, including Egypt Valley and Jockey Hollow wildlife areas and Salt Fork State Park—votes that drew loud protests from groups like Save Ohio Parks. Air Quality Watch: Ohio EPA will test air at a Clermont County coal ash landfill after neighbors reported a rotten-egg sulfur stench tied to health complaints. Lake Erie Update: NOAA forecasts a “moderate” harmful algal bloom season for Lake Erie, with the western basin most at risk as warm, calm weather can concentrate toxin-producing scum. PFAS Legal Fallout: The U.S. Supreme Court dealt a major blow to thousands of Roundup cancer lawsuits while also upholding limits that could reshape how pesticide warning claims proceed. Local Nature & Community: Ohio’s firefly season is in full swing, and a New Albany community denim recycling drive collected hundreds of items for reuse and donation. Defense & Jobs: Ukrainian Defense Drones will open its first U.S. assembly and manufacturing center in Holland, Ohio, creating at least 300 jobs.

Heat & wildfire risk: A dangerous, humid heatwave is building across the central and eastern U.S., with forecasts pointing to several days near or above 90°F in the Ohio Valley and Great Lakes, while the West braces for new wildfire flare-ups. Lake Erie water quality: NOAA is forecasting a moderate harmful algal bloom for western Lake Erie this summer, keeping pressure on local monitoring and cleanup plans. Ohio conservation funding: Ohio’s Department of Agriculture and Indigo Ag are expanding incentives for farmers in H2Ohio to cut nutrient runoff and support regenerative practices, with carbon-credit verification tied to soil gains. Data centers, local control: Akron is moving toward a new review process for future data centers, including conditional-use steps that consider nearby residents; Cleveland and Cuyahoga County are also wrestling with moratoriums and zoning rules as utility bills and air-quality concerns grow. Immigration policy impacts Ohio: After SCOTUS moved to end TPS for Haitians and Syrians, Ohio Gov. DeWine argues deportations would harm the state’s workforce and healthcare, as communities brace for legal and economic fallout. School safety & staffing: Ohio reports teacher shortages amid budget strain, and more districts are allowing armed staff on campus—raising renewed debate over training and preparedness.

Lake Erie Restoration: Ohio’s Lake Erie Community Grant Program awarded a second round of funding to Bay Village and Sandusky for shoreline resilience, habitat restoration, and water-quality improvements along the coast. Conservation + Farm Water Quality: Ohio Department of Agriculture and Indigo Ag are expanding H2Ohio incentives, pairing conservation practices with added financial support and carbon-credit verification for farmers tackling nutrient runoff. Wildlife Monitoring: Ashland County volunteers reported 344 sandhill cranes statewide in the 2026 Midwest Crane Count, with weather limiting some surveys. Heat Risk: A major, humid heatwave is forecast to push dangerous temperatures across the central and eastern U.S., with the lower Great Lakes and Ohio Valley in the target area. Ohio Public Lands + Fracking Fight: An Oil and Gas Land Management Commission meeting is set to decide nominations and bids for fracking on Ohio public land, drawing pushback from conservation groups. Student Research in Agriculture: OSU CFAES showcased undergraduate and graduate research on grazing, water quality, crop monitoring, and agricultural safety at its research forum. Public Health Research: Ohio University researchers won a nearly $4 million NIH grant to expand primary-care access to opioid use disorder treatment across about 40 clinics in Ohio and West Virginia. Local Infrastructure: Mansfield’s Main Street Corridor Improvement Project is 67% complete after replacing aging underground water lines, with final road work and lighting still ahead.