AGP Executive Report

PFAS Cleanup in Ohio: Ohio EPA and partners marked a major milestone in the state’s plan to collect and permanently destroy PFAS firefighting foam, fulfilling “round one” of a statewide program funded with $3 million from a PCB settlement. Industrial Pollution & Enforcement: A Delaware refinery appealed a nearly $1M air-pollution fine tied to emissions permit violations during equipment repairs, setting up a tougher fight over how regulators handled the case. Toxic Incident Response (Ohio): Painesville firefighters responded to a hazmat call after a chemical drum at Mar-Bal Inc. over-pressurized and smoked; crews cooled it, monitored air, and reported no harmful release. Wildlife Harm from Fishing Gear (Ohio): Northwest Ohio animal advocates warn that discarded fishing line and hooks are injuring native birds, with repeated entanglements reported at Orleans Park in Perrysburg. Data Centers & Local Strain: Multiple reports highlight rising community pushback over AI data centers—especially concerns about water, electricity, and pollution—while Ohio cities weigh moratoriums and restrictions. Campus Speech Watch (Ohio): FIRE’s national review found Cleveland State earned a “green light,” while 14 other Ohio schools landed “yellow light” ratings for policies that could restrict student expression.

Climate Heat Record: NOAA says July 2026 was the hottest month ever recorded in the contiguous U.S., with every state in the warmest third of its history—another reminder that Ohio’s weather extremes are getting worse. Ohio Data Center Fight: Ohio Supreme Court action in Ashville requires a referendum vote before a data center and natural gas power plant can move forward, as residents push back on environmental and public-subsidy impacts. Local Water/Wildlife Work: Lima’s Johnny Appleseed Park District is updating projects at Kendrick Woods, restoring wetlands, replanting trees, and tackling invasive species. Hazmat Response: Painesville-area crews responded to a molding company drum that was overpressurised and smoking; officials say no harmful chemicals were released. Wildlife & Community: A celebrity bald eagle, “Jackie,” died after weeks of care, sparking grief conversations among wildlife fans. Public Health: A multi-state cyclosporiasis outbreak has topped 6,300 cases nationwide, with Ohio readers urged to watch for contaminated-food and water risks.

Data Centers vs. Ohio Communities: Candidates and governors are tightening their tone on AI data centers, with multiple proposals calling for moratoriums or strict conditions tied to electricity, property taxes, and air/water protections—while voters keep pushing back over water use, pollution fears, and rising utility costs. Local Water & Injection Wells: Marietta residents and Ohio leaders are again clashing over fracking wastewater injection near drinking-water aquifers, with calls for a statewide rule to block oilfield waste injection near public water sources. Wildlife Watch: Ohio’s black bear sightings hit a record, and ODNR plus University of Dayton researchers are trapping, tagging, and tracking bears to understand population growth and reduce human-bear conflicts. Agriculture & Fertilizer Costs: Ohio farmers report mixed outcomes from fertilizer price swings, with some using on-farm storage to buy nitrogen cheaper while others face affordability pressure. Air Quality Win: Ohio reached statewide “attainment” status for air quality for the first time in more than two decades, following EPA redesignations for Cleveland and Canton.

Ohio Data Centers Fight: Ohio lawmakers have introduced House Bill 983, which would require voter approval for many data center projects above 1 megawatt peak electric load, extend that reach to nearby townships, and make permits issued without approval invalid; it also adds limits tied to water impacts and air/water discharge, including PFAS and other compounds, and would restrict local property tax breaks. Local Governance: Chillicothe City Council moved to slow an anti–data center initiative after residents raised concerns about water and pollution tied to a proposed high-performance computing campus at the former paper mill site. Water & Outdoor Access: Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District finished nearly $8.7M in upgrades at Charles Mill Lake, expanding beach and marina access plus new camping and recreation amenities. Wildlife & Fishing: A Pioneer, Ohio angler set a record green sunfish catch, adding to Ohio’s summer fishing buzz. Climate Science & Courts: The National Academy of Sciences removed a climate chapter from a federal judges’ reference manual after critics alleged it could bias judges, pausing its online publication pending independent review. Workforce & Training: Gov. DeWine announced $7.5M for University of Rio Grande upgrades to expand training capacity in healthcare, agriculture, advanced manufacturing, and skilled trades.

Data Center Pushback in Ohio: Athens City Council approved a one-year moratorium on new data center permits inside city limits, citing concerns over electricity and water use while officials review zoning rules. Local Governance: Chillicothe leaders also moved on data center concerns tied to a former paper mill site, with residents raising questions about impacts and transparency. State Policy Fight: Ohio lawmakers introduced a proposal that would require voter approval for many data center projects above a peak electric load threshold, while adding limits tied to water and air pollution and restricting local tax breaks. Water & Recreation: Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District finished nearly $8.7M in upgrades at Charles Mill Lake, expanding beach and marina access and adding new amenities. Wildlife Moment: A record green sunfish was caught in Ohio, drawing attention from anglers. Health Watch: Cyclospora cases continue rising in the U.S., with Kansas reporting a sharp jump and health officials urging caution with produce.

Data Center Pushback in Athens: Athens County commissioners voted unanimously to oppose data centers, citing long-term environmental and financial impacts; the resolution is non-binding but signals strong local resistance. Local Moratoriums Spread: Athens City Council also approved a one-year freeze on new data center permits inside city limits while officials review zoning, electricity, and water concerns. AI Power Pollution Warning: A new report says AI data centers are driving massive air pollution from gas generators, with emissions projected to rival major sources as more projects come online. Ohio Policy Watch: A separate Ohio court ruling blocks a village from keeping residents from voting on a data center petition, keeping community input in the spotlight. Water Quality Accountability (Neighboring Region): West Virginia’s governor faced public scrutiny during a “water listening tour” after residents showed discolored tap water, underscoring ongoing drinking-water trust issues.

Data Center Pushback in Athens County: Athens County commissioners voted unanimously to oppose data centers, saying they can bring long-term environmental and financial harm; the resolution is non-binding but signals strong local resistance. City Moratorium: Athens City Council also approved a one-year freeze on new data center permits inside city limits while officials review zoning and consider electricity and water impacts. Ohio’s Energy-Grid Reality Check: A new PJM interconnection update shows natural gas leading new power projects, with demand expected to rise sharply as data centers expand. Greenhouse Gas Concern Beyond Ohio: Amazon confirmed financing a massive Texas gas plant tied to AI data centers, raising emissions worries and highlighting how power choices can drive climate impacts. River Cleanup: Monroe’s River Raisin Cleanup asks residents to remove litter and debris, framing it as stewardship for water quality and recreation. Pollution Response in Canfield: Ohio EPA responded to a diesel odor and sheen reported near Sawmill Creek behind Canfield High School, using booms to contain material.

Ohio EPA Response: Crews responded to a diesel odor and sheen in Sawmill Creek behind Canfield High School, placing booms to contain possible spill material while the agency investigates the source and cause. Local River Cleanup: Monroe’s annual River Raisin Cleanup runs Aug. 8 (9 a.m.-noon) with supplies provided and volunteer assignments aimed at keeping the shoreline healthier for recreation. Wildlife & Public Health: U.S. Fish & Wildlife highlighted a New Philadelphia poaching case: a 21-year-old pleaded guilty to 17 wildlife crimes across multiple states, with fines and loss of firearms and hunting privileges. Data Centers & Environment: Ohio governor candidates are converging on data-center limits and rules; Vivek Ramaswamy’s plan would pause new projects until conditions are met, including community electric bill coverage, full property taxes, environmental standards, and prioritizing brownfields over farmland. Energy & Climate Tech: Ohio State researchers report a process turning CO2 plus industrial waste into calcite while enabling green hydrogen production at projected low costs, aiming to cut large amounts of carbon pollution.

Ohio Water Infrastructure: Ontario City Council voted to pursue a five-year, zero-interest Ohio EPA loan to build its own wastewater treatment facility, with land agreements and smoke testing for inflow/infiltration now in motion. PFAS/Water Quality & Contamination Concerns: An opinion piece flags alleged fracking wastewater injection risks in Marietta, pointing to nearby drinking-water injection wells and urging stronger oversight. Land & Wildlife: Ohio conservationists are working to restore native eastern massasauga rattlesnakes, while wildlife officials say a black bear sighting at Mohican State Park likely involves a transient bear moving through east-central Ohio. Data Centers & Local Impacts: A West Central Ohio Land Conservancy op-ed argues Ohio should protect farmland and open space as data centers expand, and warns growth shouldn’t come at the cost of long-term community assets. Energy & Climate Context: A national report highlights the U.S. increase in coal-fired electricity generation despite global declines, tying it to policy shifts. Public Health: Salmonella linked to jalapeños continues to spread across multiple states, with recalls and menu removals reported.

Ohio Water & Enforcement: The Ohio EPA is seeking a preliminary injunction in Erie County to stop alleged illegal fill into a tributary to Darby Creek, arguing the activity blocks water flow and worsens flooding and environmental harm. Great Lakes & Habitat: Cuyahoga Falls’ Gorge Dam removal is moving forward, with dredging of contaminated sediment underway to restore a free-flowing river for fish and wildlife. Wetlands Mitigation: A proposal would convert nearly 300 acres of farmland in Duplin County into a wetland mitigation bank, using “credits” to offset future wetland impacts. Data Centers & Power/Policy: Ohio GOP candidate Vivek Ramaswamy says data centers should cover nearby residents’ electricity and reduce property taxes, while requiring strict air and water compliance; meanwhile, Conneaut residents are pushing a ballot initiative to ban large data centers. Energy/Industry in Ohio: PPG plans to expand its Delaware, Ohio coatings plant, adding waterborne production plus water reuse and emissions controls. Public Health: A salmonella outbreak tied to jalapeños has reached 27 states, with Chipotle and Qdoba pulling the affected peppers after notification. Local Safety: Cleveland is deploying a truck-mounted attenuator to protect first responders working highway crash scenes.

Great Lakes Water Quality: The Ohio Lake Erie Commission and Ohio EPA are asking for public comments (through Aug. 14) on removing the Maumee Area of Concern’s Beach Closings recreational contact impairment—an effort tied to fewer beach advisories after years of bacteria source work and waterfowl management. Ohio Data Centers: Ohio gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy proposes a “benefit zone” model for new data centers, including free electricity and property tax relief for residents, as Ohioans keep raising concerns about bills, noise, and pollution. Ohio Environment & Public Health: Ohio is mentioned among states affected by a salmonella outbreak tied to jalapeños, with Qdoba and Chipotle removing the peppers as illnesses spread across 27 states. Climate Watch: New analysis says El Niño has a 90% chance of becoming one of the strongest on record, with U.S. weather impacts expected to ramp up this fall and peak in winter. Wildlife/Outdoor Safety: A new report ranks whitetail deer as Ohio’s deadliest animal, pointing to collision risk.

Data Center Fight in Athens: Athens City Council approved a one-year moratorium on new data centers, giving the city time to study land use, infrastructure, environmental, and community impacts before issuing building permits. Local Governance: The moratorium follows public concern as data centers “pop up” near Athens High School and U.S. 33, with council tasked to draft zoning rules during the pause. Environmental Stewardship Spotlight: The NCBA named Ohio’s LB Porteus Farms in Coshocton as a 2026 Environmental Stewardship Award regional winner, citing nutrient management, water quality work, and lower emissions from farm upgrades. Public Health Watch: Ohio’s cyclosporiasis situation continues to worsen, with health officials urging caution with produce as cases climb past 4,000. Accountability & Wildlife: A fish and wildlife commission probe found wrongdoing (no punishment recommended), adding pressure for stronger transparency and oversight.

Public Health: Ohio Department of Health says cyclosporiasis cases jumped again, now topping 4,000, and urges people to wash hands and be careful with produce—especially iceberg lettuce—after a fast-growing national outbreak tied to a voluntary recall. Wildlife & Water Quality: A Midwestern summer sign of cleaner Lake Erie waters is back—mayflies are resurging in Northwest Ohio, and experts link their comeback to healthier freshwater conditions. Conservation in Action: The Cincinnati Zoo released GPS-tracked Eastern box turtles at Bowyer Farm to test whether rehoming can help the species recover from poaching, habitat loss, and road deaths. Air Quality & Pollution Prevention: Ohio EPA announced $2 million from Volkswagen settlement funds for airports to replace or repower aging diesel ground support equipment, aiming to cut nitrogen oxide emissions. Local Environment Wins: Buckeye Hills Regional Council received a national award for its Regional Brownfields Assessment Program, helping communities redevelop environmentally challenged properties. Community Resilience: Cleveland’s West Side Market got a $1 million Cleveland Clinic pledge to build a teaching kitchen—supporting food access and nutrition education.

Public Health: The CDC expanded the largest known cyclosporiasis outbreak to 15 states, now topping 10,000 confirmed cases, with two deaths reported in Michigan; investigators keep tracing illnesses to shredded iceberg lettuce linked to central Mexico. Ohio Environment & Land Protection: Ohio DNR acquired nearly 360 acres in Jackson County, adding 193 acres to Lake Katharine State Nature Preserve and creating the new White’s Gulch State Nature Preserves, funded by EPA wetland restoration grants. Data Centers & Local Impacts: Athens, Ohio approved a one-year moratorium on data centers inside city limits while it reviews zoning code changes aimed at energy and water concerns; the pause doesn’t cover a nearby site outside city boundaries. Air Quality Basics: A Lake Erie West Regional Council explainer revisited particulate matter (PM) and why wildfire smoke can drive hazardous air conditions—especially the smaller PM2.5 that can reach deeper into the body.

Ohio Wildlife: A dog helped rescuers locate a downed bald eagle on the Olentangy River, and the bird was carefully boxed up and sent to the Ohio Wildlife Center for rehab. Urban Climate: Researchers planted 640 tree saplings across 20 Dayton parks and found irrigation and local heat affected survival and growth differently by species—suggesting smarter urban forestry can be a practical climate tool. Local Recycling: Ashtabula expanded curbside recycling to the rest of the city after years of uneven access, with council approving funding to finish the program. Wind Power Concerns: Pierpont Township residents raised questions about Apex Clean Energy’s proposed Station Wind project (50–70 turbines, 300 MW), including whether the company could use eminent domain. Great Lakes Protection: The Trump administration again ordered work to stop on the Great Lakes Asian carp chokepoint project, frustrating state officials. Data Centers & Ohio: OpenAI’s influencer retreat drew backlash tied to its major Ohio data-center plans, with critics questioning the environmental impact. Ohio Cleanup Funding: Ohio Arts Council sustainability and arts grants totaling $23.2 million were announced for multiple local groups.

Drinking Water Safety: The EPA is moving toward a first nationwide drinking-water standard for perchlorate, a rocket-fuel chemical, but it’s relying on surveys from 2001–2005 plus newer state data—raising questions about how well today’s contamination levels are reflected. Public Health: A major cyclosporiasis outbreak continues to expand nationally, with Michigan reporting the first deaths tied to the illness and Ohio among states seeing cases; officials say investigations are still tracking sources beyond initial lettuce links. Ohio Air Quality: Neighbors in Westerville and nearby areas say foul asphalt-plant odors are causing headaches and burning sensations, as Ohio EPA reviews a permit renewal with public comments underway. Water System Security: A new report warns many water systems lack adequate digital security, leaving utilities more exposed to cyberattacks. Wildlife Enforcement: Two YouTube personalities were convicted and sentenced for a deer poaching spree in the Columbus area, with investigators citing commercial gain tied to their channel. Data Centers & Power: Coverage highlights how the AI data-center boom is driving electricity costs higher, fueling debate over who should pay. PFAS Cleanup: Dayton hired Shook Construction for a $350M PFAS removal facility and plant retrofit.