AGP Executive Report

Nuclear Power Push: The U.S. Department of Energy announced up to $4.2 billion in conditional financing to upgrade Vistra nuclear plants in Ohio and Pennsylvania, including uprates at Davis-Besse and Perry, adding 433 MW and extending operations about 20 years—aimed at keeping reliable power for the PJM grid. Data Center Backlash in Ohio: A new tracker finds Ohio voters are weighing more than half of the nation’s 2026 data-center ballot measures, with 21 proposals across 18 jurisdictions ranging from limits and moratoriums to zoning and cost-shift rules. Local Waste Costs: In Painesville, a diesel-linked trash-bill surcharge that would have raised rates 13% was cut in half after city officials intervened, showing how fuel price swings can hit household budgets fast. Habitat for Wildlife: A workshop in Montpelier will teach landowners how to improve small forest patches for birds, with Ohio partners and state resources on conservation incentives and bird-friendly management. Public Health Alert: Tri-State health officials confirmed the first human West Nile virus case in the region, with additional reports in Hamilton County.

Supreme Court Climate Fight: The U.S. Supreme Court is set to hear a major climate case from Boulder, Colorado, where local leaders seek billions from energy companies over alleged damage tied to greenhouse gas emissions—potentially reshaping how climate lawsuits work nationwide. Public Health & Mosquitoes: Hamilton County Public Health confirmed its first human West Nile virus case in the county (outside Cincinnati, Norwood, and Springdale), with officials ramping up mosquito surveillance and larvicide treatment and urging residents to “fight the bite.” Ohio Industry Watch: Bayer announced a $2.2 billion Ohio pharmaceutical manufacturing campus in New Albany, with modular production planned to come online in stages starting in 2031. Wildlife Disease Alert: Cuyahoga County reported an unusual uptick in bats testing positive for rabies this year, tied to more bat-human interactions and increased submissions for testing. Invasive Species Push: A spotted lanternfly “killing competition” app is spreading beyond its home state, with Ohio users participating in efforts to stomp out the invasive pest.

Data Center Fight in Ohio: At a Vandalia rally, Trump defended data centers as key to the AI race with China, even as Democrats and many Ohioans warn about higher electricity bills and local impacts; the Senate also saw Democrats block Ohio Sen. Jon Husted’s Ratepayer Protection Act aimed at keeping ratepayers from footing the bill. Local Water Cleanup: Lorain’s Black River is taking a major step toward leaving the EPA’s polluted “Area of Concern” list after decades of restoration work tied to Great Lakes funding. Wildlife & Habitat: A family foundation’s long-running Ohio farmland restoration is now supporting a wildlife reserve, and a separate Ohio story highlights how a mast-year of acorns is shaping local deer and turkey movement. Health & Safety: Firefighters across the region are urging safer charging of lithium-ion batteries during fall, warning about heat, swelling, and unusual smells. Ohio Health Care Change: UPMC completed its takeover of CommonSpirit Trinity Health System in eastern Ohio, bringing four hospitals under the UPMC umbrella.

Land Use & Wildlife Habitat: Jefferson County commissioners approved a letter of intent for Ivy Tech to donate 1.078 acres for a new animal shelter, tied to READI 2.0 funding and access for Ivy Tech’s vet tech program. Water & Biodiversity: A Lake Erie wetland reconnection at Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge restored fish access; USGS documented 3.44 million sonar fish detections after flow was restored between 2011 and 2014. Public Health & Safety: Radon levels are rising in popular travel destinations, with the reminder that this invisible gas can matter for cabins and basements. Energy & Federal Land Protections: The Trump plan to roll back protections for national forests like Shawnee’s “Roadless Rule” is drawing concern about losing quiet, roadless areas. Ohio Politics: Trump campaigned in Vandalia for Sen. Jon Husted and Gov. nominee Vivek Ramaswamy as Ohio’s midterm races tighten. Local Environment Watch: Ohio communities received $2.9 million for water improvements, while Ohio moves to end E-Check in seven northeast counties.

Ohio Politics & Environment Policy: President Trump campaigned in Vandalia, backing Sen. Jon Husted and governor candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, as Ohio’s Senate race tightens and Republicans pour in record defense money. Water & Food Security: In Vinton County, Renovate Life Church of God is feeding flood-impacted residents again after damage disrupted its weekly pantry distribution. Energy Storage in Ohio: L-H Battery in Jeffersonville, Ohio has started mass production of batteries for grid-scale energy storage, shifting output as EV demand slows. Great Lakes Water Quality: EPA removed a beach-closing impairment in the Maumee Area of Concern, signaling continued water-quality gains. Wildlife Under Pressure: Conservation teams searching for endangered massasauga rattlesnakes in Ohio faced tougher conditions from Canadian wildfire smoke, while habitat loss remains the bigger threat. Radon Alert for Travelers: Radon levels are rising in several popular destinations, a reminder to test homes and lodging. Election Watch: A new Senate poll shows Democrats leading or running close in Ohio and other states Trump carried in 2024.

Data Centers & Local Power Costs: Amazon says it will spend $1 billion over five years on communities near its data centers, but critics warn the backlash is really about electricity bills, water use, and local control as opposition grows nationwide. Ohio Environment Policy: Ohio EPA is moving to end E-Check emissions testing in seven northeast counties after Gov. DeWine ordered the change, with federal approval still required. Great Lakes Protection: The Senate passed a bill to reauthorize the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative through 2030, aiming to tackle pollution, debris, and invasive species. Wildlife Under Pressure: Canadian wildfire smoke is hampering Ohio efforts to find endangered massasauga rattlesnakes, reducing the daily search window and raising the risk of missed pregnant snakes. Local Conservation: Solon planted about 1,100 native trees and shrubs to build a “mini forest,” boosting habitat, stormwater management, and biodiversity. Water Quality Win: EPA removed a beach closing impairment in the Maumee Area of Concern, signaling continued improvement. Industry & Environment: A Dover-area firm and a Cleveland sand processor plan a new sandstone mining and sand processing facility along I-77 near Strasburg, targeting jobs tied to oil and gas.

Water Quality Win (Maumee Bay): The U.S. EPA approved removing the “Beach Closings” impairment from the Maumee Area of Concern, a major step toward healthier, more swimmable beaches as local partners work to cut bacteria sources. Wildlife Range Shift (Ohio armadillo): Ohio confirmed its first armadillo arrived on its own, with researchers saying the find in Butler County suggests the species can handle colder habitat than expected. Energy Costs & Policy (Gas tax holiday): Ohio joined other states taking action on high gas and diesel prices, with Gov. Mike DeWine signing a 90-day gasoline and diesel tax suspension. Local Governance & Data Centers (Trenton vote): In Trenton, residents will vote on a proposed ban on new large data centers, with opponents arguing the city is offering “resident benefits” to sway the outcome. Ohio Water Infrastructure: Ohio communities received $2.9 million in financing for water improvements. Mobility Access (Federal bill): The U.S. Senate cleared the Choices for Increased Mobility Act, which would create new Medicare codes for certain lightweight wheelchair bases.

Ohio EPA & Steel Air Permits: Ohio EPA approved air permits for Cleveland-Cliffs’ $1B Middletown Steelworks upgrade, clearing the way for construction tied to blast furnace refurbishments and new energy equipment. Great Lakes Water Quality: The Senate passed the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Act to keep funding habitat restoration, toxic sediment cleanup, and invasive species prevention. Maumee Area of Concern: EPA removed a beach closing impairment in the Maumee Area of Concern, signaling improving water quality and more recreation access. Hazardous Battery Oversight: Ohio EPA warned Evergreen Battery Recycling in Howland to fix violations after it stored millions of pounds of hazardous nickel cadmium batteries for years without the required permit. Data Centers vs. Ratepayers: A fight over regulating data centers is playing out in Ohio’s Senate race, with Democrats blocking Husted’s bill aimed at ratepayer protections. Local Energy/Policy: Ohio lawmakers passed a 90-day state gas and diesel tax suspension, with $725M earmarked for highway projects. Public Health: Clark County reported a human rabies exposure after someone handled an infected bat, with OSU noting bats are common in heavily wooded areas.

Hazardous Cleanup in Cleveland: The EPA has started removing flammable, toxic, and corrosive waste from a 3.29-acre warehouse at 3101 E. 55th St., after Ohio EPA and Cleveland inspections found abandoned labeled containers plus asbestos and PCBs; the agency says it will monitor neighborhood air and holds a public meeting Oct. 6. Ohio Water Funding: Ohio communities are receiving $2.9 million in financing for water improvements, part of ongoing upgrades aimed at cleaner, more reliable local systems. E-Check Ends in Northeast Ohio: Gov. DeWine directed Ohio EPA to begin ending E-Check testing in seven northeast counties, with the program being unwound through federal approval. Data Center Power Push (National, with Ohio ripple): New research projects AI data centers could hit about 1% of global electricity demand by 2030, while Ohio lawmakers and ratepayer fights over data center costs continue to heat up. Responsible Tourism in Hocking Hills: Explore Hocking Hills is promoting a “Love Hocking Hills Pledge” and adding shuttle service to cut congestion and protect wildlife and trails. Agritourism Spotlight: Farm Credit Mid-America released an updated “Farm and Fun” agritourism directory featuring Ohio farm experiences.

E-Check Ends in Northeast Ohio: Gov. Mike DeWine directed Ohio EPA to end E-Check testing in seven counties after the Cleveland region met federal ozone standards, with officials saying air quality can be maintained without the program. Water Infrastructure Funding: Ohio Water Development Authority approved more than $2.9 million in low-interest loans for wastewater and drinking-water upgrades, including carbon treatment to cut elevated TTHM levels in Athens-area service and multiple Columbus waterline replacements. Data Centers vs. Ratepayers: A Senate bill to stop households and small businesses from absorbing grid-expansion costs tied to data centers failed 57-43, as Democrats said it was too optional; Ohio’s Sen. Jon Husted backed the measure. Local Pushback on Data Centers: Putnam County commissioners in West Virginia adopted a resolution requiring hyperscale data center developers to follow local rules and cover 100% of upgrade costs, citing community concerns. Wildlife & Safety: Ohio urged drivers to stay alert for deer after eight fatal deer-strike crashes in 2025, warning against swerving. Native Species Moment: Perry County planted a native swamp white oak as part of America 250 festivities.

Ohio EPA E-Check: Gov. DeWine ordered Ohio EPA to begin ending E-Check testing in Northeast Ohio, with the process starting but still needing federal approval—raising questions for drivers and county budgets. Great Lakes Dredging: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is set to dredge Toledo Harbor starting Oct. 2, removing about 750,000 cubic yards to keep navigation open and protect a $1B+ regional economic engine. Contamination Risk at Fire Site: A DEP-approved plan for the Peoples Cartage fire site warns of “vast contamination potential,” as officials push for soil assessment near the Little Kanawha River. Wildlife Outreach: Ohio Division of Wildlife officers are connecting with youth and hunters across Highland, Clinton, and Fayette counties, pairing education with enforcement. Deer Hunting Season: ODNR kicked off Ohio’s white-tailed deer archery season (Sept. 26–Feb. 7), reminding drivers to watch for deer. Data Centers & Environment: A new coalition of major AI firms, investors, and unions is pushing states (including Ohio) toward stricter standards instead of moratoriums, as power and water demands drive local backlash.

Air Quality Policy: Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine has asked the state EPA to start the process of ending Northeast Ohio’s mandatory E-Check emissions testing, citing the region’s compliance with federal ozone standards; the state plans to seek federal approval by the end of 2026, but critics like the American Lung Association warn it’s like removing a smoke detector. Data Centers & Power: A Miamisburg-based data center infrastructure firm, Accelevation, raised $540 million in a U.S. IPO, underscoring how investors still chase AI infrastructure even as projects face tighter conditions and public pushback. Local Environmental Incidents: Toledo crews are digging to repair a gas line after a driver rammed a station pump, triggering a leak that sent fumes into nearby homes; the driver still hasn’t been found. Wildlife & Invasive Species: Solon continues removing invasive Callery pear trees from city rights of way, with replacements planned this fall. Climate/Ag Tools: The Ohio Mesonet is expanding weather-station data to help farmers manage spray drift and drought risk.

Air Quality Win for Ohio: Canton is back in compliance—EPA removed the city from its lead nonattainment list, meaning all 88 Ohio counties now meet federal air standards, a shift that could ease industrial development rules near the former Republic Steel site. Great Lakes Cleanup & Jobs: The U.S. Army Corps awarded a $39.3M dredging contract for Fairport Harbor to tackle a 1.3M-cubic-yard backlog, supporting shipping and an estimated $63M in annual economic impact. Water & Flood Planning: Rep. Marcy Kaptur introduced a bill to fund a Maumee River feasibility study focused on flood risk management plus ecosystem restoration and recreation near Toledo. Land Use Fight: The BLM leased nearly 3,000 acres of the Wayne National Forest for fracking, setting up a new legal fight over impacts to air and streams. Herbicide Alarm: A new analysis flags atrazine at harmful levels across about 860,000 miles of U.S. rivers and streams, renewing pressure on regulators. Wildlife Recovery: Great Lakes piping plovers hit a milestone—184 chicks fledged in 2026, after years of recovery work. Local Conservation Recognition: Fairfield County’s Wolfe family won Ohio’s 2026 Conservation Farm Family Award for soil, water, and wildlife stewardship. Ohio Politics (Poll): A Suffolk/USA TODAY Ohio Network poll shows Democrat Amy Acton leading Republican Vivek Ramaswamy for governor, though analysts warn it may be an outlier.

Data Centers vs. Communities (Ohio): A new coalition backed by major AI and private equity firms is targeting Ohio and six other states to push “standards and safeguards” for data center growth in 2027, aiming to head off local moratoriums—while environmental groups warn the buildout will raise costs and strain infrastructure. Local Industry & Pollution Concerns (Athens County): The Athens County Port Authority approved a lease for CCC Plastics’ first U.S. plant in The Plains, drawing opposition from local environmental groups over plastics and chemical risk claims. Air Quality Watch (Great Lakes/Ohio region): A Great Lakes conservation bill would formally recognize the Great Lakes Commission within NOAA’s regional ocean partnership program to help fund research and protection. Recycling Reality Check (Starbucks): An investigation by Beyond Plastics says Starbucks’ “widely recyclable” plastic cups aren’t actually being recycled—ending up in landfills or incinerators. Outdoor Stewardship (Ohio): A Toledo-area guide explains how and when to collect native plant seeds in fall to support next year’s habitat.

PFAS & Water Risks: A new report says the hormone-disrupting herbicide atrazine is contaminating nearly 25% of continental US rivers at wildlife-harming levels, with impacts tied to drinking-water intakes and wells. Data Centers & PFAS Cooling: Coverage highlights how AI data centers are shifting from water-heavy cooling toward PFAS-linked alternatives, raising new contamination and health concerns. Ohio Policy Watch: Ohio earned an “F” sex-education grade from SIECUS for weak requirements and content, again. Grid & Transmission: The DOE announced $1.9B in grants for transmission upgrades under SPARK to add capacity and cut congestion, including projects across multiple states. Ohio Local Land Use: Cleveland selected developers to reuse nine shuttered CMSD school buildings, with plans ranging from affordable and senior housing to social services. Wayne National Forest Drilling: The BLM leased most parcels for oil and gas in Wayne National Forest, with fracking plans by out-of-state firms sparking preservation debate.

Fracking in Wayne National Forest: The U.S. Bureau of Land Management leased nearly 2,800 acres of Ohio’s Wayne National Forest for $11 million to support fracking, raising alarms about habitat damage, air pollution, and water contamination risks. Wildlife & food security: ODNR’s Field to Food Bank program is asking Ohio deer hunters to donate an extra field-dressed deer during set dates, with processing at Pickaway Correctional Institution and distribution through food banks. Deer management debate: A new look at Ohio’s booming urban deer populations ties rising sightings to garden damage and more tick-bite risk. Data centers vs. communities: Multiple reports highlight how AI-driven data center growth is reshaping Ohio’s energy and political landscape, including concerns about secrecy and local impacts. Monarch migration watch: A guide maps when monarch butterflies may reach your area, encouraging backyard tracking during fall migration. Appalachian workforce summit: Marietta College hosted a Rural Development Summit focused on workforce, infrastructure, and investment barriers in Appalachian Ohio.