AGP Executive Report

PFAS Accountability: EPA, DOJ, and West Virginia regulators reached a landmark $450 million settlement with Chemours over “forever chemicals” allegedly discharged into the Cape Fear, Delaware, and Ohio River systems, with more than $337 million for corrective actions like alternative drinking water and facility compliance, plus a government-supervised $90 million mitigation program. Local PFAS Fallout: Bridgeport, Ohio received a new $116,995 installment from a class-action settlement tied to PFAS contamination found in village wells, pushing the town to buy water from Martins Ferry while it works to exit long-running fiscal oversight. Wildlife Recovery in Ohio: ODNR reported 344 sandhill cranes in the 2026 Midwest Crane Count—down from 2025 due to weather but still part of a slow comeback that signals improving wetland habitat conditions. Bear Sightings: ODNR also noted rising black bear reports in Ohio’s Cincinnati region, with officials urging caution as bears expand their range. State Utility Protections: Gov. Mike DeWine vetoed an Ohio bill that would have strengthened consumer protections for tenants paying utilities through submetering arrangements, leaving gaps for those customers. Immigration Policy Shock (Ohio impact): Supreme Court rulings cleared the way to end TPS protections for Haitians and Syrians, raising concerns about job losses and community disruption for people living in Ohio.

Supreme Court & Ohio Immigration: The U.S. Supreme Court cleared the way for the Trump administration to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians and Syrians, a 6-3 ruling that could trigger fast deportation proceedings for about 350,000 Haitians and 6,100 Syrians, with Ohio cities like Springfield bracing for major impacts on thousands of residents and their jobs. Lake Erie Water Quality: Scientists forecast a moderate Lake Erie harmful algae bloom in 2026, expected to start in July, intensify in August, and last into September depending on weather—another reminder that farm runoff and warmer conditions can worsen cyanobacteria toxin risk for people and pets. Monsanto/Roundup Accountability: The Supreme Court blocked state failure-to-warn lawsuits against Monsanto over alleged Roundup cancer risks, strengthening federal pesticide-label rules and narrowing legal options for people seeking accountability. PFAS Settlement: Chemours agreed to a $450 million PFAS settlement tied to alleged releases into rivers including the Ohio River basin, continuing pressure on “forever chemicals” cleanup and enforcement. Ohio Public Health Access: Richland Public Health opened vendor registration for a free Community Health Day in Mansfield on July 31, aiming to connect residents with low-cost and free services across multiple wellness areas. EPA Emergency Monitoring: An EPA chemical-detection plane (ASPECT) is getting new sensors after an inspector general report found delays that could slow results during emergencies.

Invasive Species Watch: Washington state officials are urging people to inspect winter greenery and wreaths for elongate hemlock scale, a new out-of-state hitchhiker that can spread to hemlock, spruce, fir, and more. Wildlife & Habitat: Cincinnati Zoo researchers released GPS-tracked Eastern box turtles back into Southwest Ohio after a month of acclimation, part of a statewide effort to restore native populations. Public Health: Lyme disease risk is rising as deer ticks expand into Ohio and other states; health officials warn that earlier diagnosis and better awareness matter as tick bites and cases increase. Weather & Safety: An extreme heat wave is building for next week, with the Ohio Valley and Great Lakes—including Ohio—flagged for dangerous above-normal temperatures. PFAS Accountability: The U.S. reached a multistate settlement with Chemours over “forever chemicals,” including major penalties and long-term mitigation and clean-water commitments tied to affected communities. Local Environment Policy: Guernsey County commissioners say they can’t stop a proposed data center without zoning approval, but they’re signaling limits on support like tax abatements and infrastructure help. Ohio Environment Watch: Ohio’s black bear sightings are increasing around Cincinnati, with wildlife officials urging residents to report sightings and avoid conflicts.

PFAS Accountability: The DOJ and EPA reached a landmark multi-state settlement with Chemours over “forever chemicals,” with a $22.5 million penalty and about $450 million total in cleanup, pollution controls, and long-term drinking-water support tied to alleged discharges into the Ohio River and other waterways. Air Pollution Oversight: The U.S. EPA is set to approve Ohio’s request to remove the state’s 50-year “air nuisance” rule, a tool residents and local governments use to push polluters into compliance; public comments are open until June 29. Data Center Cost Fight: Ohio House Democrats warn that if the state can’t assign electricity costs for data centers before September, everyday Ohioans could share the bill, pushing for a separate rate class. Wildlife & Public Health: Ohio wildlife officials are working to bring sauger back to Lake Erie, while Butler County reported another rabies-positive bat after exposure to a family pet. Community Funding: Taking Root Farms in Mansfield-area received $400,000 in Ohio capital budget funding to expand services for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Heat Risk: A heat dome is building over the Ohio Valley and Midwest, with widespread 90s and potentially dangerous heat indices.

Data Centers & Power Costs: A new report argues Ohio’s data-center boom is reshaping the state’s politics, with 73% of Ohioans viewing data centers negatively and 90% backing extra fees for added electric and water use. Local Legal Fight: Thor Equities sued Urbana after a data-center moratorium and rezoning derailed its $1B plan. Wildlife & Water Quality: Mayflies are swarming across Ohio, with residents noting the insects can be a nuisance but also a sign of a healthier Lake Erie. Great Lakes Restoration: A Toledo-led study finds juvenile lake sturgeon behavior after release doesn’t depend much on how they were raised, informing Ohio’s reintroduction work in the Maumee River. Community Conservation: Volunteers with River Guardians Ohio are pulling storm-borne trash from Akron-area waterways. Education & Nature: The Toledo Zoo brought a hands-on native wildlife program to St. Marys Public Library. Agriculture Heritage: Ohio recognized the Yudasz Family Farm as part of its Historic Family Farm program.

Lake Erie & wildlife: Ohio saw a massive mayfly swarm around Lake Erie communities, including Put-in-Bay, with ODNR calling it a sign of good water quality. Wildlife safety: Residents in Anderson Township shared reports of a possible black bear; ODNR says sightings are rare but offers tips like staying calm, backing away slowly, and removing attractants. Public health & environment: New OSU research finds even tiny amounts of H5N1 can infect dairy cows, with the virus targeting mammary glands and raising concerns for milk contamination and spread. Emergency preparedness: A new report warns West Virginia’s flood risk is rising after FEMA capacity was weakened, pointing to delayed responses and more vulnerability in flood-prone areas. Food system & jobs: Schwebel Baking Co. is winding down after 120 years, closing Ohio bakeries and distribution operations and triggering WARN notices affecting hundreds of workers. Community & care: A new Pets of Ohio Rescue Team facility in Montgomery County is expanding space for stray-dog intake and volunteer training, with calls for more community spay-and-neuter help.

Data Center Fight (Ohio): Conserve Ohio says it won’t gather enough signatures to put an Ohio data center ban on the November ballot, shifting efforts to a 2027 constitutional amendment as lawmakers fail to rein in incentives. Climate & Insurance: Aon reports severe convective storms are now the costliest insured peril of the 21st century, driving premium pressure across the Midwest and South. Water & Fishing (ODNR): ODNR highlights central Ohio lakes for summer bass, crappie, and catfish, including Griggs Reservoir tips and free fishing promotion details. Wildlife (Ohio Bears): ODNR reports a record statewide high for confirmed black bear sightings in 2025, with Fairfield County notably not seeing any. Local Transit (Mahoning Valley): WRTA breaks ground on a $6.5M bus barn to support an electric bus fleet, plus charging and solar plans. Groundwater (ODNR): ODNR releases a groundwater study of the Michindoh Aquifer to guide siting, withdrawals, and depletion risk planning. Biodiversity (Trees): Salem in Columbiana County plants a native white swamp oak as part of the America 250 Ohio Heritage Trees program.

Groundwater Watch: ODNR released a scientific report on the Michindoh Aquifer, aiming to help local leaders manage withdrawals and spot where depletion could be at risk. Water Quality in Action: Mayflies swarmed the Ohio Division of Wildlife’s Put-in-Bay Aquatic Center—an indicator of clean, oxygen-rich Lake Erie water. Hazmat Response: Crews contained a hazardous acid leak from a semi-truck trailer at a TA Travel Center near SR 435/I-71, with cleanup preventing runoff into a nearby retention pond. Data Center Pushback (Ohio): Conserve Ohio says it won’t qualify a statewide data-center ban for the November ballot, but will target a 2027 constitutional amendment instead. Local Policy Fight: Dayton is set to vote June 24 on zoning changes that would ban data centers and restrict gas stations and car washes. Energy/Permitting: FERC ruled NEPA doesn’t require a discrete cumulative-effects analysis for a Pennsylvania-Ohio gas project, potentially shaping how future environmental reviews are handled. Wildlife Declines: Researchers are digging into why freshwater mussel populations are dropping, despite their role as natural water filters. Transit & Climate: Western Reserve Transit Authority broke ground on a $6.5M bus barn with charging for up to 20 EV buses. Aquatic Conservation: Columbus Zoo unveiled plans for a $175M John F. Wolfe Aquarium opening in 2029, with a Scioto River exhibit.

Ohio Tree Planting Push: The Buckeye State Tree Nursery has scaled up fast—planting about 600,000 seeds in two years and now distributing young trees statewide, using biochar and mycorrhizae to boost survival. Data Center Fight (Next Ballot): Conserve Ohio says voters won’t see its constitutional ban on most large data centers this November; it’s shifting to a 2027 ballot after missing this year’s signature deadline. Cleveland Data Center Pressure: Cleveland is weighing a data-center moratorium as the AI-driven boom expands, while the city still relies on smaller “carrier hotel” facilities. Oil & Air Safety Incident: Residents in Wellston were evacuated after a crude oil well rupture sent gas spewing into the area; Ohio EPA and ODNR are investigating. Severe Weather Watch: A new Midwest tornado outbreak is underway, with reports of major damage and at least one death. Community Cleanup: Wellston will host a scrap tire recycle day July 18, funded by the Ohio EPA. Wildlife & Education: A Salem heritage program planted a native white swamp oak, and local students earned recognition in an environmental conservation competition.

Ohio Data Centers & Power: A new report says at least 46 data centers nationwide are pursuing on-site natural gas generation totaling 56 GW, aiming to dodge grid delays; it flags fast-tracked Ohio approvals including an Apollo facility. Local Governance: Xenia City Council is weighing a 1-year moratorium on new data centers as residents raise concerns about electric rates and environmental impacts. Energy in the Ohio River Valley: Elementl Power filed with PJM to connect a proposed 1.5 GW nuclear plant in Meigs County using BWRX-300 small modular reactors. Community Sustainability: Mount Vernon earned Silver status in MORPC’s Sustainable2050 program, becoming the first Knox County municipality to join. Wildlife & Water: ODNR highlights Ohio’s summer fishing opportunities, while Kentucky researchers warn freshwater mussels are declining and stress their role as water “filter feeders.” Public Input: ODOT is seeking feedback on the Ohio Airport System Plan via a virtual meeting July 19. Local Conservation Events: Mount Vernon hosts a documentary screening on flying insects July 8, and Ohio’s free fishing weekend runs June 20–21.

Juneteenth in Akron: The Akron Urban League’s “Stronger Together” celebration wrapped up with live music, vendors, food trucks, and family activities in Sherbondy Hill, highlighting community solidarity. Ohio Environment & Wildlife: ODNR reports Ohio hit a record 537 black bear sightings in 69 counties in 2025, and Wayne County logged 10 confirmed bears since 1993. Local Sustainability: Mount Vernon earned Silver status in MORPC’s Sustainable2050 program, becoming the first Knox County municipality to join. Water & Pollution Watch: The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington, D.C. remains a national headache after algae returned and “American flag blue” coating peeled following a $14.2 million renovation, with Trump blaming vandalism and “corrosive” chemicals. Climate & Materials: A Mid-Ohio Valley Climate Corner column argues plastic is tied to fossil-fuel emissions and worsening climate impacts. Public Input: ODOT is seeking feedback on Ohio’s Airport System Plan, with a virtual meeting July 19. Recreation & Conservation: Ohio offers Free Fishing Days June 20–21, with ODNR pointing anglers to public waters and species tips.

Data Center Push in Ohio: Xenia City Council is weighing a 1-year moratorium on new data centers, citing concerns about zoning gaps, electric-rate impacts, and environmental conditions tied to cooling and growth. Local Sustainability Win: Mount Vernon earned Silver status in MORPC’s Sustainable2050 program, becoming the first Knox County municipality to join and signaling a longer-term sustainability plan. Wildlife Watch: ODNR reports Ohio hit a record number of confirmed black bear sightings in 2025, with Wayne County seeing only a small number since 1993—useful context for residents tracking bear activity. Public Waters & Recreation: ODNR is offering free fishing weekend statewide (June 20-21) so residents can fish without a license at public waterways, with all normal size and bag rules still in place. Plastic Pollution Angle: A Mid-Ohio Valley climate column argues plastic is tightly linked to fossil-fuel extraction and rising greenhouse gases, tying everyday packaging to climate impacts. Stormwater & Flooding Learning: Boardman’s Forest Lawn Storm Water Park is expanding into a student research partnership with Kent State, building hands-on work around local flooding solutions.

Data Center Power Push: OpenAI is reportedly in advanced talks to lease a massive 10-gigawatt data center campus on federal land in Ohio, with a possible 2028 start and huge power needs that raise grid and water questions. Local Flood Resilience: Boardman is turning stormwater work into a student research partnership at the Forest Lawn Storm Water Park, using university guidance to tackle flooding in the Cranberry Run watershed. Wildlife Watch: ODNR says Wayne County confirmed just 10 black bears since 1993 (three in 2025), even as Ohio hit a record 537 bear sightings statewide. Lake Erie Conservation: Sen. Jon Husted hosted a Great Lakes roundtable at Maumee Bay State Park focused on protecting Lake Erie and building on fisheries research. Public Health & Air Quality: Toledo Clinic’s HAZMAT response found hazardous VOC levels; the source wasn’t identified, but the building was cleared and surgeries continued. Outdoor Weekend: ODNR’s free fishing days are June 20–21 across Ohio public waters, with all other rules still applying. Aquatic Conservation Spotlight: The Columbus Zoo unveiled plans for a $175 million John F. Wolfe Aquarium opening in 2029.

AI Data Centers & Power Demands: Reports say OpenAI is in advanced talks to lease a proposed 10-gigawatt data center campus on federal land in Ohio, with a possible 2028 start and major buildout needs like power, cooling, and water. Local Governance & Community Backlash: In southern Ohio, a world-scale AI data center plan is drawing both protest and support, as residents weigh grid strain, noise, and pollution concerns. Water & Public Health: The Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool is turning green again after a costly renovation, with experts pointing to algae “new pond” conditions; questions also swirl over a no-bid contractor tied to earlier cleanup. Wildlife & Conservation: Columbus Zoo unveiled the $175 million John F. Wolfe Aquarium, a standalone, year-round facility planned to open in 2029 with 10,000+ aquatic animals across 300 species. Ohio River Funding Push: A coalition is urging Congress to pass the Ohio River Restoration Program Act to unlock federal funding for water quality and public health across the basin. Manufacturing Pollution Controls: Maxterial’s MaxShield aims to replace hard chrome in hydraulic cylinder use, selected for DoD environmental tech validation as an alternative to hexavalent chromium. Outdoor Recreation: ODNR announced free fishing days for Ohio residents on Father’s Day weekend, with all size and daily limits still applying.

Data Centers & Power Strain: A report says OpenAI is in advanced talks to lease a proposed 10-gigawatt data center campus on federal land in Ohio, with a possible 2028 start and massive buildout needs for power, cooling, and water—raising fresh questions about grid capacity and local impacts. Wildlife Monitoring: Ohio wildlife officials and the University of Dayton collared a 576-pound male black bear in Ashtabula County as sightings hit record highs, aiming to track movement and better understand breeding behavior. Harmful Algae Watch: The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool’s algae returned quickly after a costly renovation, with crews scrambling to use treatments as the pool’s conditions prove ideal for algae growth. Water & Climate Outlook: A drought outlook webinar highlighted persistent severe to extreme drought in parts of the north-central U.S., with conditions expected to linger through summer. Local Recreation Upgrade: Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District held a ribbon cutting for a new marina building at Clendening Lake, adding restrooms, storage, and safety upgrades for boaters and anglers. Community & Access: Ohio University named a student trustee with an environmental studies sustainability focus, while Ohio University board materials moved through community review.

Data Center Water Stress in Ohio: An Ohio Chamber report says the state likely won’t run out of water even if data centers grow, but it flags cooling-related demand and regional concentration—especially in central Ohio and the Cincinnati-Dayton area—raising fresh questions about impacts on natural resources. Drone Warrant Rules: A new Ohio bill would broadly regulate police surveillance drones and generally require search warrants, but critics warn key exemptions could enable near-warrantless observation in “navigable airspace.” Microplastics Health Study: WYSO highlights a University of Cincinnati grant to study how microplastics may affect the human heart, including findings that microplastics can show up in arterial plaque. Algae Cleanup Cost Blowback: Reporting says the Trump administration’s Reflecting Pool “blue” fix used hydrogen peroxide, after a costly algae problem—adding more taxpayer cleanup spending. Wildlife & Outdoor Access: Ohio’s Free Fishing Days return June 20–21 with no license needed for residents, while a Stark County fishing rodeo was moved after an oil spill near the original site. Composting Plastics Push: A new study explores additives that help PLA bioplastic break down faster under composting conditions.