AGP Executive Report

Data Centers & Transmission Lines: A new local fight is brewing in Ohio over proposed data center plans, with “Appalachians Against Data Centers” forming after concerns about pollution impacts—noise, air, water, and soil—around a proposed Chillicothe “data hall.” Local Conservation & Wildlife: Pickaway County’s “Passport to the Trails” spotlights Esker’s Edge, a restored habitat with lakes, wetlands, grasslands, and an esker feature, aiming to build public nature access while protecting wildlife. Outdoor Recreation & Tourism: Explore Hocking Hills was invited to join Destination Think, a global group focused on growing tourism while pushing sustainability and responsible travel. Water & Public Health (Regional): West Virginia’s drinking-water funding gaps are highlighted in a report tied to drinking water quality, with southern coalfield counties seeing less investment and lower life expectancy. Food Safety (Regional): Cabell-Huntington Health Department restaurant inspections list multiple core violations across several eateries. Astronomy (Ohio): Ohio residents can view the Sept. 26 harvest/corn full moon, with mostly clear conditions expected.

Data Centers & Power: Oracle’s “Project Jupiter” in New Mexico faces possible permitting delays tied to an air-quality hearing officer, underscoring how power and approvals can stall AI infrastructure plans. Ohio Energy Infrastructure: Grid Growth’s multi-county transmission project is drawing resident concerns as it seeks a long-term route for a 220-mile line; public feedback is due Oct. 15. Air & Health: Toledo crews temporarily plugged a gas leak after a hit-and-run crash at a gas station; repairs and monitoring will continue with Ohio EPA and city oversight. Wildlife & Community: Northwest Ohio’s fall migration is underway, with birding hotspots including Magee Marsh and Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge. Local Nature Events: Paulding’s NatureFest (Oct. 10) spotlights composting, tree care, and native plants. Agriculture & Weather: USDA’s Midwest Climate Hub warns repeated wet weather could delay harvest across parts of the Corn Belt, including Ohio. Ohio Water Infrastructure: Marietta plans a lead service line survey using a vacuum truck along Woodland Avenue to Miller Avenue. Sustainability Education: Interlochen students finished “Grounded,” a feature documentary on regenerative agriculture.

Data Center Pressure on Ohio: A Senate push called the Ratepayer Protection Act targets rising electricity bills tied to data centers, with Ohio GOP Sen. Jon Husted at the center as he faces Sherrod Brown in November. Utility Costs: Columbia Gas of Ohio filed a proposal that could raise residential base monthly bills in 2028-2030 regardless of usage, adding to affordability worries. PFAS/Health Watch: Reports continue to spotlight “forever chemical” concerns, including cancer-linked PFAS findings in blood near a former industrial site. Wildlife & Land Stewardship: ODNR launched an online ordering system to buy Ohio-grown trees, aiming to boost conservation plantings and wildlife habitat. Local Community & Housing: Cleveland is moving ahead with redevelopment plans for nine former school sites, while Akron’s Grace Park homeless encampment cleanup drew attention to how cities handle public-property sweeps. Public Safety Tech: Ohio’s OHCON 2026 public safety drone conference is nearing, with the pre-course already sold out.

PFAS Health Alert (UK): Blood tests in Thornton Cleveleys near a chemical factory found elevated PFOA in nearly 70% of residents, renewing pressure to address “forever chemical” contamination. Ohio Water & Cleanup (Local lawsuit): Clermont County filed a federal suit over coal ash at the former Beckjord Power Plant, arguing unlined ash ponds threaten drinking water for 145,000 residents. Ohio PFAS/Water Infrastructure (Local funding): Bedford, Ohio received approval for a $25.6M wastewater plant upgrade, while other communities weigh infrastructure and environmental impacts. Food Security (SNAP): Lorain County and food banks are bracing for Oct. 1 SNAP rule changes that cut state admin funding, risking delays and added strain on pantries. Energy & Power (Grid investment): The U.S. plans nearly $2B for power grid upgrades to add capacity and improve reliability as demand surges. Ohio Solar (Major project): Ohio’s largest solar project, Oak Run Solar, won final state approval after court scrutiny over wildlife, soil, and fire risks. Transportation & Safety (Ohio): Ashland County advanced a $3.2M roundabout study/consulting effort to improve safety at a high-crash intersection. Data Centers & Policy (Ohio context): Indiana and other states face rising scrutiny over AI-driven data center growth and its effects on power and communities.

PFAS Health Alarm: Blood tests tied to PFOA contamination in Thornton show two-thirds of residents with high levels of cancer-causing chemicals, renewing calls for urgent, higher-level government action and more health research. Ohio River Cleanup: Registration is open for the Oct. 24 Ohio River Sweep, with volunteers removing litter at dozens of sites across the river corridor. Local Energy Planning: In Logan, SOPEC urged city council to support EV charging and solar by updating zoning and permitting, including a planned station at Aqueduct Park that sparked debate. Wildfire Safety: ODNR Forestry reminded Ohioans about fall outdoor burning limits and precautions to prevent debris fires from turning into wildfires. Access to Nature: ODNR is expanding accessibility at state parks, including an Ohio Accessible Trails Guide for people with mobility barriers. Ohio Data Center Backdrop: A new report highlights how data centers are driving local opposition over power costs and resource impacts, feeding Ohio’s ongoing debate.

Toledo Odor Mystery: Toledo officials still can’t pin down the source of a gasoline-like smell that triggered hospital visits and dozens of odor complaints, with environmental services flushing hydrants and investigating near the Old West End and North Toledo. Ohio Fracking-Waste Fight: Democratic gubernatorial candidate Amy Acton backs a three-year moratorium on Washington County injection wells after ODNR concerns about brine migration and potential impacts to drinking water. Data Centers vs. Power Bills: New reporting highlights how data centers can push up local electricity prices—and Ohio candidates are responding with competing data-center moratorium ideas as midterms heat up. Cleveland Crisis Response: Cleveland is launching a Community Crisis Response Bureau to send unarmed behavioral health professionals to certain mental health and substance-use emergencies. Natural Areas Care: Miami University students and staff are maintaining trails around campus, tackling storm damage, erosion, and invasive plants. Lake Erie Photo Winners: The Ohio Lake Erie Commission announced winners from its 34th annual Lake Erie photography contest, spotlighting wildlife and community life around the watershed.

Ohio Solar Watch: The Ohio Power Siting Board gave final approval to Oak Run Solar, an 800-megawatt project in Madison County with up to 300 megawatts of battery storage—though critics warn it may be the “last” big renewable push as siting fights and delays discourage developers. Flood-Ready Funding: FEMA is sending more than $17 million in grants across Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin, with most money aimed at flood risk reduction and better floodplain management. Data Center Backlash: A new national look at the data center boom highlights rising local opposition—noise, power demand, and higher utility bills—echoing concerns already surfacing in Ohio. Hazardous Waste Pressure: A Veolia-commissioned report projects U.S. hazardous waste could jump to 37.4 million tons by 2033, driven largely by manufacturing growth and long permitting timelines. Clean Tech in Ohio: illumynt expanded its Columbus-area operations to about 200,000 square feet to support AI and hyperscale data center needs, while a separate Ohio battery recycling pilot points to more closed-loop EV battery recovery.

Watershed Restoration: Shaker Heights is moving ahead with a roughly $31 million Doan Brook Horseshoe Restoration Project to remove a 170-year-old, failing dam and restore waterways around Horseshoe Park, aiming to reduce sediment and flood risk. Flooding & Local Planning: Athens City Council pressed for a comprehensive plan after repeated weekend flooding clogged storm drains on Richland Avenue, East State Street, Congress Street, and Highland Avenue, with an upcoming presentation on Richland Avenue mitigation. PFAS Coverage Fight: An Ohio federal court ruling is raising the stakes for PFAS product liability by making it easier for insurers to deny coverage under occupational-disease exclusions. Sewage Overflows Funding: Bedford won state approval for a $25.6 million wastewater treatment plant headworks upgrade to curb overflows into Wood Creek during heavy rain. Data Center Air Rules: A New Jersey data center was fined $1.07 million for operating 62 large natural-gas generators without required permits—another reminder that power demand can quickly become an air-quality issue. Deer Management: Mill Creek MetroParks is continuing controlled deer hunting, starting Sept. 27, to manage white-tailed deer impacts on forest regeneration.

Ohio Data Centers & Local Control: Conneaut residents are pushing back on a possible data center, even as city council hasn’t voted on it and developers’ offers are fueling suspicion. Ohio Energy Costs for Farmers: Diesel hit record highs above $6 a gallon, and fertilizer prices are also spiking—leaving row-crop farmers struggling to break even. AI’s Water Footprint Debate: A new look at data-center impacts argues the public focus on cooling water misses other pressures like power demand and fuel risks. Ohio Courts vs Data Centers: The Ohio Supreme Court blocked a Wilmington data center ballot measure, keeping the fight over siting and local say alive. Lake Erie / Water Quality: The Ohio Lake Erie Commission moved forward with a delisting recommendation for the Black River Area of Concern. Flooding in Southeast Ohio: Crooksville flooded again as Moxahala Creek surged about eight feet overnight, triggering rescues and renewed damage. Pipeline & Tribal Rights: The Bad River Ojibwe declared a disaster after an Enbridge-related spill near Line 5, arguing risks to treaty hunting and fishing. Food & Water Pollution Risk: A PFAS-in-food legal roundup highlights growing exposure and courtroom pressure. Wildlife & Habitat: ODNR’s wildlife field report adds fresh Ohio nature updates.

Flooding & Storm Impacts: Vinton County declared a Level 3 emergency after heavy rain, closing multiple roads and prompting an American Red Cross relief center; Athens County also faces a flood warning as the Hocking River rises toward/above flood stage, with several routes shut. Air Quality Enforcement: Ohio EPA says a closed Goshen Township landfill exceeded nitrogen/ammonia limits, doubling legal levels in August and pointing to pond aeration as the fix. Water Infrastructure Funding: West Virginia Gov. Morrisey announced $4.43M to modernize Moundsville’s wastewater system to prevent storm-driven raw sewage spills into local waterways and the Ohio River. Conservation & Land Use: Ashland SWCD’s “Forest to Flask” event spotlights white oak management for wildlife and the bourbon supply chain. Wildlife & Climate Signals: An Ohio roadkill armadillo finding adds to evidence of the species expanding north as winters warm. Local Development Watch: Greenwood, Indiana approved a Buc-ee’s despite residents raising concerns about light pollution and traffic near schools. Agriculture & Soil Health: A new look at U.S.-China cooperation argues degraded soils are weakening food and carbon storage, urging better soil health and water use.

Data Centers & Climate Justice: A new Ohio-focused report argues AI companies are accelerating fossil gas power plant builds for data centers, raising greenhouse pollution and health risks while hitting parks and poorer regions hardest. Great Lakes Cleanup: The Ohio Lake Erie Commission advanced a draft delisting report for the Black River Area of Concern, setting up public review through Oct. 3 as restoration work nears completion. Wildlife & Habitat: Ohio Division of Wildlife says monarch butterflies are moving through the state on their migration toward Mexico. Birds & Lead: Ohio Bird Sanctuary highlights lead toxicity in birds of prey, pointing to hunting ammunition as a major source. Local Conservation: Turpin Farms in Ohio is expanding insecticide-free turf production and earning conservation recognition. Community Activism: Good Trouble Trumbull will host a family-friendly “Million Frog March” rally in Warren on Sept. 26, linking frogs to ecosystem health and civic engagement. Heat Safety: Northeast Ohio schools are warning that warmer summers raise heat-related injury risks for student athletes.

Data Centers & Water in Ohio: A new Ceres report, Water Behind the Watts, flags that most data-center water demand comes from the power plants that supply electricity—potentially up to 72% of total use by 2030—raising risks for communities in states including Ohio. Wildlife in the Cuyahoga: Summit Metro Parks and partners reintroduced lake sturgeon into the Cuyahoga River in Akron, using “living fossil” fish slides to help restore native habitat. Local Conservation Event: Paulding County is set for NatureFest (Oct. 10) with hands-on learning on composting, tree care, disease management, and a native plant sale. PFAS Lawsuit Update: Wood County residents are suing Chemours, alleging PFAS contamination damaged homes for years. Outdoor Stewardship Tips: A Medina County group urges fall actions like keeping storm drains clear, cutting pesticide use, and leaving leaves in garden beds to protect waterways and wildlife. Ohio Hunting Watch: Ohio deer hunting success is at record levels, but permit sales are down—raising questions about access and participation.

Data Centers & Water in Ohio: A new Ceres report, Water Behind the Watts, says water used to generate electricity for data centers could be the biggest hidden demand—potentially 72% of total use by 2030—raising stakes for Ohio communities already facing water stress. Ohio Wildlife & Habitat Work: Summit Metro Parks and partners reintroduced lake sturgeon—“living fossils”—into the Cuyahoga River in Akron, with Ohio Division of Wildlife and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service involved. Invasive Species Control: Bluffton University Nature Preserve is removing invasive shrubs (like bush honeysuckle, autumn olive, and privet) to restore native understory habitat. Wildlife Crime in Cuyahoga County: A suspect allegedly ran over 90 ring-billed gulls at a construction site in Dec. 2025, then returned to collect dead birds, leading to charges including animal cruelty and unlawfully taking a nongame bird. Campus Climate Protest: Ohio Youth for Climate Justice chalked messages against OSU’s Anduril partnership, arguing the defense-tech tie conflicts with climate and free-speech values.

PFAS Lawsuit in Wood County: Neighbors of Chemours’ Washington Works plant are seeking a class-action after a prior settlement, alleging PFAS contamination damaged homes and property and flowed toward the Ohio River. Ohio River & Public Lands: The U.S. Army Corps will waive day-use fees at recreation areas for National Public Lands Day, encouraging cleanup and restoration volunteer work. Lake Erie Wildlife: Lake Erie is highlighted as one of the most snake-rich U.S. lakes, including the Lake Erie watersnake, with Ohio noting both nonvenomous and endangered venomous species. Invasive Plants in Ohio: Bluffton University’s Nature Preserve is removing invasive shrubs like bush honeysuckle, autumn olive, and privet to restore oak woodland and protect pollinators and understory habitat. Local Outdoors in South Zanesville: A park dedication spotlights renovated pickleball courts and other upgrades at the renamed South Zanesville Village Park. Data Centers & Energy Costs: A House-passed bill would push states to consider requiring data centers to cover added electricity and grid upgrade costs, keeping the issue front-and-center in the midterms.

PFAS Lawsuit in Wood County: Neighbors of Chemours’ Washington Works plant are pushing a class-action claim saying PFAS contamination drained into their land and the Ohio River, harming homes and property values. Data Center Fight in Ohio: The Ohio Supreme Court struck down a Wilmington initiative that would have let residents sue data centers over zoning, dealing a blow to efforts to curb noise, light, water use, and heat impacts. Solar in Trump-leaning States: A new report finds states that voted for Trump led the country in solar buildout in the first half of 2026, with Ohio among the top performers. Federal Cleanup for Critical Minerals: DOE is seeking industry input on moving surplus materials from federal cleanup sites, including the Portsmouth site in Ohio, for potential industrial and tech uses. Invasive Species Update: Massachusetts officials say the Asian longhorned beetle has been eradicated in Shrewsbury, removing the town from quarantine. Outdoor Access: The U.S. Army Corps will waive day-use fees at recreation areas nationwide for National Public Lands Day. Ohio Water/Infrastructure: Hocking County commissioners approved steps tied to sewage system replacements and an Ohio EPA Water Pollution Control Loan Fund nomination for a regional connection project.

Data Center Accountability: The Ohio Supreme Court killed a Wilmington initiative that would have let residents sue data centers over zoning, arguing only the state legislature can authorize such lawsuits—though opponents say the fight continues via other legal routes. Energy Costs & AI Power: A Senate Democrat blocked a bipartisan House-passed bill aimed at stopping families from subsidizing data-center power upgrades, setting up a fresh fight over “ratepayer” protections as AI demand grows. Wayne National Forest Fracking Leases: The BLM sold 40 parcels (nearly 2,800 acres) in Ohio’s Wayne National Forest for about $11.1M, with drilling still subject to environmental review for wildlife, air, and water impacts. Plastics in Athens County: The Athens County Port Authority approved a lease process for a Canadian firm to make plastic pellets near The Plains, drawing local health and environmental concerns. Local Water/Health Watch: Ohio’s Supreme Court also rejected a Wilmington data-center lawsuit initiative, while a separate Ohio State study found kids with Child Protective Services contact miss more school than peers. Community Cleanup: Coshocton County set a Nov. 14 tire amnesty day (pre-register by Oct. 31) to cut illegal tire dumping.