AGP Executive Report

Data Centers vs. Ohio Communities: A new wave of backlash is hitting the AI boom, with critics pointing to electricity demand, pollution risks, and rising local costs; one report notes “behind-the-meter” power often means natural gas, including examples tied to Ohio’s own Meta facility. Local Power & Politics: In Ashville, the Ohio Power Siting Board heard testimony on an 800-megawatt natural gas plant proposed to supply a nearby data center, with supporters citing jobs and on-site power while opponents push for stronger safeguards. Energy Governance: Fulton County commissioners approved zoning code changes that add “advanced manufacturing (data center uses)” as a conditional use in industrial zoning, plus solar rules and other updates. Public Land Fracking Fight: Ohio’s Oil and Gas Land Management Commission approved fracking on public land, including part of Salt Fork State Park—sparking renewed concern about impacts to parks and nearby communities. Workplace Safety Funding: The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation reopened its safety grants program for FY27, restarting applications for more than $41 million. Weather & Farms: Record August rain and storms have flooded fields and damaged crops across Ohio, with experts urging farmers to assess damage and plan for harvest problems.

Clean Transportation Funding: Ohio announced $21 million in Transportation Alternatives Program grants for 17 bicycle and pedestrian safety projects across 16 counties, with DeWine and ODOT stressing safer streets for people who walk and bike. Data Center Water & Sewer Scrutiny: In Ashville, reporting highlights confusion over what Ohio EPA required—officials say a data center-backed $35 million infrastructure fix is tied to storm and sanitary sewer cross-connection issues, while EPA says it didn’t mandate a new water facility. Public Health After East Palestine: New findings on vinyl chloride exposure from urine samples add to long-running concerns after the 2023 Norfolk Southern derailment, with higher detections near the site than farther away. Local Power & Permitting: Avon Lake residents submitted a petition seeking a ballot vote on rezoning and TIF decisions for the former power plant site, aiming to put control back with voters. Ohio Utility & Election Pressure: Environmental groups launched a $9 million ad campaign targeting Sen. Jon Husted over the FirstEnergy scandal and rising utility rates. AI Power Demand Warning: A new analysis argues data center interconnection queues may be inflated, and that uncertainty is already reshaping how utilities plan for new loads.

Data Center Backlash in Ohio: A new NRSC memo warns that backlash to AI data centers could sink Sen. Jon Husted’s re-election bid, arguing “data centers” are the “anchor” around his neck as former Sen. Sherrod Brown attacks him over utility-rate impacts. Local Water & Permitting Pressure: Pennsylvania’s Gov. Josh Shapiro signed an executive order that forces data-center developers to accept fixed “GRID” conditions (with penalties) and secure local approval before the state will even open permit files—no new law, just a tighter permitting sequence. Ohio Wildlife Enforcement: An Ohio hunter, Carter J. Hickey, was ordered to post a TikTok apology after pleading guilty to wildlife charges tied to poaching across at least 17 states. Ohio Solar Wins: Bradford Schools celebrated a $2.14M roof-integrated solar project, plus earlier electric bus charging upgrades, aimed at cutting long-term operating costs. Ohio Data-Center Watch (Athens): Athens County officials say Saadia Holding’s interest in a potential Athens data center is still preliminary, with early focus on permitting layers rather than site plans.

Data Centers & Elections: A leaked NRSC memo warns that anti–data center backlash is becoming a “sleeper issue” in Ohio’s Senate race, with GOP strategists urging AI firms to help fix the “toxic brand” by addressing who benefits and who pays. Energy Demand: New reporting puts numbers on the strain: data centers already drive a growing share of U.S. electricity use, with forecasts that AI-driven demand could surge sharply by the end of the decade. Permitting Pressure: Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro signed strict “GRID” requirements that slow permits unless developers commit to full power costs, water limits, transparency, and local approval—no fast-track and no nondisclosure deals. Ohio Clean Energy Case: Ohio regulators are set to decide on the Oak Run Solar project after the Ohio Supreme Court narrowed the dispute to visual-impact review. Severe Weather: NWS Pittsburgh confirmed a record-setting run of tornadoes, with the year’s total now surpassing the prior high. Wildlife After Storms: The Ohio Wildlife Center took in about 150 orphaned baby animals after central Ohio storms displaced nests and burrows. Water & Farming Impacts: USDA designated drought disaster counties for parts of Kentucky and Indiana, enabling emergency farm credit for producers recovering from severe dryness.

Data centers vs. Ohio communities: Ashville Village Council heard OSU public health research on environmental health impacts of data centers, as residents press for clarity on air and water effects. Local transparency fight: In Trenton, residents say they learned late about a nearly 1-million-square-foot Amazon Web Services data center after land sale talks, fueling renewed questions about openness and environmental concerns. Energy and land-use pressure: A proposed 300-megawatt wind project in Ashtabula County drew skeptical, sometimes angry, public questions about leasing and development plans. Drinking-water alarm: Cadiz residents have faced cloudy/orange tap water and repeated boil advisories; Ohio EPA cited violations tied to sludge and missing operational data. Wildlife & habitat: Ohio hunting seasons are set to begin in early September, while OSU Mansfield hosts a shiitake-growing workshop aimed at sustainable food production. Community life: Cleveland’s Ward 7 approved dozens of speed tables and other traffic calming upgrades to improve safety. Health & environment: A study from Ohio State found bottled water can contain about three times more nanoplastic particles than treated tap water.

Industrial Safety Tragedy: Two workers were killed and several others injured after explosions and a major fire ripped through Brent Industries’ recycling facility in Toledo, with officials citing hazardous materials and the risk of more blasts while crews searched for victims. Water Quality & Compliance: Ohio EPA issued a Notice of Violation to the city of Girard over stormwater management lapses, including an outdated plan, missing annual employee training, and inadequate outfall inspection documentation. Data Centers & Power Costs: AEP Ohio and major tech/data-center firms pledged over $18 million to help residents pay electric bills through the Neighbor to Neighbor program, as Ohioans report a 22% rise in electricity costs amid data center growth. Conservation & Habitat: ODNR added nearly 360 acres in Jackson County to protect rare plants, expanding Lake Katharine with the new White’s Gulch Nature Preserve. River Cleanup Grants: Under H2Ohio, ODNR is funding 12 river cleanups via Healthy Rivers Livery Grants, supporting trash removal across nearly 200 miles of waterways. Public Health & Exposure: A new Ohio State University study found bottled water contains about three times more nanoplastic particles than treated tap water, raising fresh concerns about everyday exposure.

PFAS Cleanup in Ohio: Gov. DeWine and Ohio EPA are expanding the AFFF takeback program to destroy PFAS firefighting foam, funded by more than $13 million from the DuPont settlement; the program has already destroyed 13,500+ gallons from 118 fire departments and two airports, aiming to protect firefighters, water, soil, and air. Data Center Scrutiny: Canton is holding an open house for a new data center project, with developers saying the site is environmentally clean and coordinating power access; meanwhile, a WVXU report warns Ohio residents are moving fast on data centers without enough research on health and environmental impacts. Water & Plastics Concern: An Ohio State University study finds bottled water contains about three times the nanoplastic particles of treated tap water, raising exposure worries and pointing to bottle/cap shedding. Wildlife Rehab: A rehabbed bald eagle was released after surgery for a broken leg, following months of care at the Ohio Bird Sanctuary. Community Science: The University of Toledo’s EcoLab program brought students together to test water contamination and design filtration solutions during a simulated water crisis. Local Air/Health: Ohio’s firefighting-foam PFAS cleanup and broader air-quality worries from wildfire smoke are both in the news this week.

Nanoplastics in drinking water: A new Ohio State University study finds bottled water can contain about three times more nanoplastic particles than treated tap water, raising fresh concerns about what “purity” really means. Wildlife after storms: The Ohio Wildlife Center says it took in 150+ storm-displaced animals after central Ohio’s Aug. 11 severe weather and is asking for help covering care costs. Lyme risk rethink: Research suggests mice—not deer—track best with the number of young blacklegged ticks that spread Lyme, with acorn-heavy years potentially boosting tick risk later. Measles response in Geauga: Geauga Public Health reports strong turnout at measles vaccination clinics amid an outbreak, with additional clinics planned to meet demand. Data centers and water in Ashville: A dispute over an Ohio EPA-mandated water/sewer fix tied to a data center project highlights how big energy and infrastructure builds can land costs on local residents. Ohio River search: Crews continue searching for a missing boater after a vessel capsized; the operation has shifted from rescue to recovery. Politics and environment-adjacent policy: A federal lawsuit challenges DHS election grant conditions, while Ohio’s own policy debates continue to swirl around permitting and infrastructure.

Air Quality Win: Ohio reached statewide attainment for air quality for the first time in more than two decades, with all 88 counties now designated attainment after EPA redesignations for Cleveland and Canton. Severe Weather Watch: A multiday storm system is set to hit the Midwest and Plains again, bringing damaging winds, hail, isolated tornadoes, and flash-flood risk after last week’s destructive flooding. Data Center Power & Policy: Ohio’s Power Siting Board is poised to make a final call on the Oak Run Solar project after the Ohio Supreme Court sent it back to address visual impacts; meanwhile, Ohio also issued a new rule giving utilities 180 days to prepare for data centers’ massive energy demand. Solar Project Timeline: Oak Run Solar (800 MW solar, 300 MW storage) could move forward once regulators review testimony and filings. Plastic in Water: A new Ohio State University study finds bottled water contains about three times more nanoplastic particles than treated tap water, raising health concerns and pointing to bottle and filter shedding. Safe Routes to School: ODOT awarded Franklin more than $547,000 for curb extensions and safer school-area crossings tied to the Safe Routes to School program. ODNR Forestry Input: ODNR is holding public open houses (Aug. 31–Sept. 3) on its annual work plan for state forests, including invasive species control and prescribed burning.

Nanoplastics in drinking water: A new Ohio State University study finds bottled water can contain about three times more nanoplastic particles than treated tap water, raising health concerns and pointing to plastic shedding from bottles and filters. Ohio water/land enforcement: A Preble County man was indicted for allegedly operating an illegal landfill by digging a pit and dumping solid waste and construction debris in Perry Twp., with Ohio AG and EPA involvement. Data centers vs. local control: The Ohio Supreme Court ruled Ashville can’t block a referendum tied to an EdgeConneX data center and natural gas plant deal, keeping the fight alive for residents. Clean energy buildout: New federal inventory reporting shows solar and battery storage dominating new U.S. power plants in 2026, while natural gas additions lag. Wildlife help (Ohio-friendly): Monarch numbers are rebounding after strong winter counts, and Ohio gardeners are encouraged to plant native milkweed; plus a guide highlights Ohio-native carnivorous plants for acidic, low-nutrient soils. Community health funding: Maryhaven’s board added new members amid ongoing financial distress and mounting debt.

Ohio Supreme Court & Local Democracy: Ohio’s high court ruled Ashville can’t block a referendum tied to an EdgeConneX data center and natural gas plant deal, keeping residents’ vote challenge alive. Data Centers & Power Demand: The fight is part of a bigger Ohio debate over hyperscale AI facilities, energy needs, and local environmental skepticism. Pollution & Drinking Water: A new Ohio State study found bottled water can contain about three times the nanoplastic particles of treated tap water, raising fresh concerns about “purity.” Flooding & Extreme Weather: A Midwest storm surge has brought deadly flooding and widespread power outages, with Indiana’s White River topping a 1913 record and Ohio in the hardest-hit mix. Wildlife & Habitat: Monarch butterfly numbers are rebounding after strong winter counts, and readers are encouraged to plant native milkweed; Ohio also highlights native carnivorous plants for low-nutrient habitats. Public Health: Tuscarawas County will spray for West Nile virus after positive mosquito tests in Dover. Waste Enforcement: A Preble County man faces charges over an alleged unlicensed landfill operation involving a pit and dumped construction debris in Perry Twp.

Severe Weather: A relentless storm run has brought devastating flooding across the Midwest and Ohio Valley, with Indiana and Ohio hit hard; the White River in Anderson, IN surged past the 1913 record, and officials are seeking federal disaster help as more heavy rain threatens. Public Health: Tuscarawas County will spray for West Nile virus in Dover after two mosquito samples tested positive, with residents advised to avoid outdoor exposure during treatment. Pollution Enforcement: An Ohio AG case targets an alleged illegal landfill in Perry Twp., where a man is accused of digging a pit and dumping waste and construction debris without a license. Wildlife & Habitat: Monarchs are rebounding after two strong winters, and Ohio gardeners are being encouraged to plant milkweed; plus, Ohio’s native carnivorous plants get a spotlight for home growers. Data Centers & Energy: New reporting highlights how data centers are driving major power demand and fueling local environmental skepticism, while Ohio’s rules are moving to prepare for that load. Plastic & Water: A new Ohio State study finds bottled water can contain far more nanoplastic particles than tap water, raising fresh concerns about “purity.”

Nanoplastics in Ohio water: A new OSU-led study finds bottled water can contain about three times more nanoplastic particles than treated tap water, raising health concerns and pointing people toward filtered tap water in reusable glass or stainless steel. Mosquito-borne risk in Dover: Tuscarawas County will spray in Dover Aug. 18–19 after two mosquito samples tested positive for West Nile virus, with residents urged to stay indoors during spraying. Safe routes for kids: DeWine and ODOT announced $8.8 million for Safe Routes to School projects across 14 Ohio counties, targeting sidewalks, crosswalks, bike lanes, and safety education. Nature access in Mahoning Valley: Mosquito Lake State Park opened a new Nature Center with cabins for education and exhibits, plus pollinator and bird-feeding areas to support wildlife viewing. El Niño watch: NOAA says a “super” El Niño is now very likely, with potential knock-on effects for U.S. weather later this year. Local politics & environment: Ohio’s Supreme Court allowed an Ashville referendum against a data center project to move forward, keeping community concerns in play. Community health win: A 20-year-old Shaker Heights native helped erase $1.26M in medical debt for 1,148 Cuyahoga County residents using a $10,000 donation.

Nanoplastics in drinking water: A new Ohio State University study reports bottled water contains about three times more nanoplastic particles than treated tap water, with counts up to 11.5 million per liter—prompting experts to steer people toward filtered tap water in reusable glass or stainless steel. Community tree planting: OSU Extension master gardener volunteers are planting native white oaks in all 88 Ohio counties as part of America 250’s “Heritage Trees” effort, building long-term local habitat and a visible anniversary legacy. Affordable housing pressure: A new report finds Ohio renters need to earn $23.82 an hour to comfortably afford a two-bedroom apartment, while the average renter wage is $19.59—highlighting a widening affordability gap, especially in places like Athens County. Data center debate in Springfield: A $1.3B AI data center project is moving through construction phases, but residents and officials are raising concerns about energy use, diesel generators, and environmental impacts. Safe school routes: Gov. DeWine and ODOT announced nearly $9M for Safe Routes to School projects, funding sidewalks, crosswalks, bike lanes, and safety campaigns across 14 counties. Nature education opens at Mosquito Lake: Ohio’s new Nature Center Complex at Mosquito Lake State Park adds indoor learning, bird-watching space, microscopes, and outdoor habitat features for kids and families.

Ohio Supreme Court & Local Power: Ohio’s high court cleared the way for an Ashville referendum to challenge a data center plan, and also tightened rules for when municipalities can fast-track resolutions by requiring clear reasons for emergency action. Workplace Heat: National COSH launched “Fired Up!” week of action (Aug. 10-16) pushing for enforceable protections against extreme heat, including in Ohio. Water & Health: A new Ohio State University study found bottled water can contain about three times more nanoplastic particles than treated tap water, raising fresh exposure concerns. Wildlife & Compliance: Cincinnati homeowners are being warned that Ohio groundhog removal services must be done by state-licensed nuisance wild animal control operators, with strict limits on trapping and relocation. Flooding & Storm Impacts: Rain-soaked Midwest conditions are driving record river levels and washed-out roads, with Indiana reporting major flooding and emergency response. Air/Industrial Spill: A truck spill of flue dust shut down ramps in Trumbull County’s Liberty Township interchange while EPA and county crews worked cleanup. Community Grocery Access: Downtown Cleveland is surveying residents after Heinen’s closure to shape a long-term grocery strategy.

Water Quality & Health: A new PennEnvironment report flags fecal contamination in Pennsylvania waterways, with E. coli exceeding safe levels at least once in about 55% of 653 tested sites over two years—another reminder that Ohio-area swimmers and anglers should treat “safe” water as a moving target. Foodborne Illness: Cyclospora cases tied to recalled iceberg lettuce keep rising nationwide, with Ohio among the affected states; the outbreak has now reached thousands of reported infections and health officials stress that routine stool testing may miss it. Invasive Species: Invasive crayfish are surging across U.S. lakes, threatening aquatic habitat and native species—sparking calls for tighter rules on using them as fishing bait. Community Cleanups: Volunteers with Living Lands & Waters joined ADM employees for a Mississippi River cleanup in Quincy, focusing on debris near heavy barge traffic. Safe Routes to School: Trumbull County received ODOT Safe Routes to School funding, including $500,000 for Niles Middle School sidewalk and crosswalk upgrades. Flood Response: Gov. DeWine declared a state of emergency for Perry and Muskingum counties after severe flooding, with Butler County’s sheriff’s dive team deployed for rescue support. Air & Industry: West Virginia finalized an air quality permit for a controversial “advanced recycling” pyrolysis plant in Belle despite local opposition.