AGP Executive Report

Data Center Backlash in Ohio: Big tech defended data centers before Ohio lawmakers, but residents showed up angry over power-grid strain, environmental impacts, and secrecy tied to nondisclosure deals—pushing lawmakers to consider new guardrails. River Recovery in Mahoning Valley: Riverfest celebrated the Mahoning River’s rebound from steel-era pollution, with community groups highlighting wildlife return and continued cleanup momentum. Water & Public Health: A water main break near Pitt campus temporarily closed a road while repairs were underway. Local Cleanup Effort: Spencerville graduates plan a June 20 Auglaize River cleanup to remove trash and improve the waterway. Wildlife & Invasive Threats: Ohio’s spring turkey numbers stayed steady, while other coverage flagged ongoing tree and garden threats to local biodiversity. State Environment Action: Ohio’s Department of Agriculture announced free pesticide disposal collection events in Athens, Crawford, and Miami counties. Wildlife Protection Moment: Cleveland Hopkins Airport is installing new wildlife fencing to protect aircraft and animals.

Data Center Pressure in Ohio: Ohio and Illinois governors paused billions in data center tax incentives over concerns about electricity and water use, pushing officials to slow down and study real impacts before more public money flows. AI Ownership Politics: OpenAI CEO Sam Altman met with Sen. Bernie Sanders after Sanders proposed a public 50% ownership stake in AI firms; Trump also floated a plan for Americans to benefit from AI success. Invasive Species in Ohio: A Bluffton University Nature Preserve update highlights invasive shrubs like autumn olive and bush honeysuckle crowding out native plants, with removal and herbicide plans underway. Wildlife & Habitat: Ohio spring turkey hunting totals stayed steady, with 15,887 turkeys checked statewide, and OSU researchers studying turkey populations in Ashtabula County. Public Safety & Environment: Painesville officials sought FEMA help to add firefighter-paramedics as emergency calls nearly doubled; meanwhile, Toledo’s Old West End Festival shooting left 12 injured, underscoring how quickly community events can turn dangerous.

Invasive Plants in Ohio: Bluffton University says it’s removing invasive shrubs like autumn olive and bush honeysuckle from its Nature Preserve, using the site as a living classroom while herbicide work targets species that crowd out natives. Wildlife & Habitat: OSU researchers are studying turkey populations across Ohio, including Ashtabula County, focusing on poult production amid concerns about declines. Native Plant Push: The Allen Soil and Water Conservation District held a Native Plant and Rain Barrel Sale to boost pollinator-friendly landscaping and stormwater control with rain barrels. Statewide Hunting Numbers: ODNR reports Ohio hunters checked 15,887 wild turkeys in spring 2026 (slightly down from 2025), with Ashtabula leading county harvests. Brownfield Cleanup in Lorain: Lorain officials received and recorded the deed for the former St. Joseph’s Hospital property, clearing the way for brownfield cleanup and redevelopment planning. Gun Violence Spillover (Toledo): A street festival shooting left 12 people hit and sparked a manhunt for at least two suspects, underscoring public safety stakes for community events.

Data Center Politics in Ohio: Republican nominee Vivek Ramaswamy told voters data centers should “pay for their own” electricity and water, arguing against bans and comparing restrictions to pandemic-era shutdowns. Local Water & River Protection: A Riverfront cleanup in Paducah aims to remove trash that harms Ohio River wildlife and water quality. Pollution Response in West Chester: Ohio EPA responded after a truck spilled about 275 gallons of sulfuric acid; roads were closed briefly and officials said there’s no current danger to nearby homes or the environment. Brownfield Cleanup Move in Lorain: Lorain City received the deed for the former St. Joseph’s Hospital site, clearing the way for brownfield cleanup and redevelopment planning. Outdoor Recreation with a Wildlife Lens: MetroParks promoted summer kayaking and other nature-focused programs, including trips designed to spot local flora and fauna. Severe Weather Watch (Regional): Forecasters flagged a severe thunderstorm risk with damaging winds in parts of northern New Jersey.

Ohio water & pollution response: West Chester Township reopened roads after a truck spilled about 275 gallons of sulfuric acid; Ohio EPA was on scene and officials said there’s no danger to nearby homes, businesses, or the environment. PFAS & court fight: A federal appeals court tossed an injunction that would have forced Chemours to stop exceeding PFAS permit limits in the Ohio River, vacating a lower-court order tied to HFPO-DA (“GenX”). Lead in drinking water: Ohio lawmakers are pushing the Lead Line Replacement Act (HB 307) to replace all lead service lines within 15 years, but critics flag a steep estimated $16B price tag for communities and water systems. Wildlife & public safety: Cleveland Hopkins Airport is installing a new wildlife fence to keep deer off the tarmac, funded by an FAA grant plus airport money. Local conservation win: Students at St. Casimir Church in Cleveland painted rain barrels for a Green Infrastructure Project that captures roof runoff to help protect Lake Erie. Data center pressure: Illinois joined Ohio in pausing new data center tax incentives, while calling for guardrails to protect affordability and natural resources.

PFAS Fight in the Ohio River: A federal appeals court vacated an injunction against Chemours’ Washington Works plant, after finding legal and factual errors in a lower-court order tied to HFPO-DA (GenX) discharges far above permit limits. Local Air/Water Risk: A hazmat spill in West Chester closed roads after a truck leaked about 275 gallons of sulfuric acid, prompting emergency response and monitoring. Ohio River Pollution Watch: Ohio EPA says it received violation notices tied to Freepoint Eco-Systems’ Hebron plastic recycling facility; the company is suspending operations while it transitions to care-and-maintenance. Data Centers vs. Resources: Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker paused new state tax incentives for data centers, citing pressure on energy affordability and water resources—an issue Ohio communities are also debating. Boating Safety: The BoatUS Foundation expanded its free, state-approved boating safety course to include Ohio, with added focus on navigation, safety gear, and environmental stewardship. Research & Teaching: Wright State is expanding use of Ohio Supercomputer Center resources for hands-on coursework and research.

Data Center Fight in Columbus: Ohio lawmakers grilled Amazon, Google, Meta, and Microsoft over water, energy, taxes, and local secrecy. Microsoft pledged to drop NDAs and stop seeking local property tax abatements, but residents said environmental impacts and trust issues remain unresolved. Foreign Influence Claims: Republicans pressed the Trump administration to investigate alleged China-linked funding behind anti–data center activism, while Trump dismissed worries about direct involvement. Coal Push: Trump announced nearly $700M to support coal plants and exports, using Cold War-era powers—an energy move that could affect Ohio’s air and climate outlook. Local Air Testing Request: Clermont County officials want air monitoring near the Zimmer landfill after residents report rotten-egg odors and health complaints tied to hydrogen sulfide. Wildlife & Waterways: Researchers band birds at Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge to track migration trends, while Ohio’s fossil talk in Warren highlighted how ancient life is preserved in local rock. Community Resilience: Partners held a gathering marking the one-year anniversary of the June 14, 2025 flood in Ohio County, focusing on mental health and recovery.

Ohio Data Centers Watch: Microsoft told Ohio lawmakers it will stop using NDAs and won’t seek local property tax abatements for Ohio data center projects, as a new bipartisan committee weighs water, energy, economic and security impacts. Public Health & Air Quality: Clermont County wants air testing near the Zimmer landfill after residents report rotten-egg odors and symptoms they say are tied to hydrogen sulfide. PFAS/Water Pollution Legal Fight: An appeals court decision overturning a ruling blocking Chemours from polluting the Ohio River keeps pressure on cleanup and enforcement. Wildlife & Outdoor Notes: Ohio spring turkey harvest dipped slightly statewide, while mayflies are swarming around Lake Erie communities. Ticks Indoors: Ohio State research finds lone star and Gulf Coast ticks can survive indoors for at least a week, up to about three weeks, depending on flooring. Agriculture Tech: A new weed-control approach uses field data and robotic tools designed to reduce soil disruption for small and medium farms. Environment Policy Beyond Ohio: Kentucky’s energy report argues data centers and ratepayer protections can coexist, while Ohio lawmakers face growing local opposition to data center tax breaks.

PFAS Legal Fight: A federal appeals decision cleared the way for Chemours to keep discharging into the Ohio River after a court tossed an injunction, a major setback for groups trying to stop PFAS pollution. Local Conservation: Geauga Park District highlighted stream creation and restoration at Veterans Legacy Woods, funded in part by Ohio EPA, with “daylighting” coldwater streams to protect water quality. Land Protection: Western Reserve Land Conservancy transferred 263 acres in Braceville to Trumbull County MetroParks, expanding a protected corridor in the Upper Mahoning River Basin and safeguarding wetlands and wildlife habitat. Workforce & Industry: The Mahoning Valley Manufacturers Coalition won a $250,000 state grant to expand K-12 and youth manufacturing training and awareness. Boating Safety: West Virginia DNR urged strict life-jacket use and boater education as summer boating ramps up. Ohio Data Centers: Ohio Residents for Responsible Development is pushing a constitutional amendment that could ban large-scale data centers over 25 megawatts, citing environmental concerns as moratoriums spread.

Ohio Data Centers, Now With a Ballot Fight: A proposed Ohio constitutional amendment would ban large-scale data centers above 25 megawatts, as moratoriums spread and supporters push for a November vote. Water & Air Impacts, Up Close: A Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority procurement seeks design/build help to restore about 55 acres of aquatic habitat in Crane Creek at the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge and Maumee Area of Concern. PFAS Watch: St. Clairsville water tests report near-undetectable PFAS levels, adding to the ongoing local monitoring story. Clean Chemistry Push: Bipartisan legislation would formally authorize and strengthen EPA’s Safer Choice program, with over 100 businesses and public health groups urging Congress to act. Wildlife & Power Infrastructure: Kentucky utilities continue peregrine falcon tracking after 200+ chicks have been banded since 1999, including three new chicks at Mill Creek. Great Outdoors Spotlight: Hocking Hills and Mohican State Park rank in the USA TODAY 10Best top 10.

Data Center Fight in Ohio: More than 100 Ohioans packed a state hearing on data centers, pushing for a moratorium and warning about environmental harm, rising local costs, and the use of nondisclosure agreements to limit public scrutiny. Drinking Water Legal Threat: Clermont County says it may sue over alleged Beckjord coal ash violations, arguing unlined ponds could threaten drinking water for about 145,000 residents. Local Water Improvements: Hamler council discussed a new granular activated carbon (GAC) facility funded through federal CDBG and EPA support to cut trihalomethanes in drinking water. Wildlife & Fisheries: ODNR is working to reestablish sauger in the Sandusky and Maumee rivers, stocking tens of thousands of young fish after genetic work. Community Nature Projects: Akron’s North Hill students helped design a new community schoolyard (“The Bowl”), and Bay Village launched a “Grand and Glorious Tree” program to boost urban tree canopy stewardship.

Data Center Tax Break Pause: Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine has suspended new offers of the state’s AI data center tax incentive as lawmakers study impacts and residents push for a November referendum to permanently ban hyperscale projects. Drinking Water & Coal Ash: Clermont County commissioners served a RCRA Notice of Intent to Sue over alleged coal ash handling at the former Beckjord plant, arguing unlined ash ponds near the Ohio River threaten drinking water for about 145,000 people. RCRA Legal Pressure (More on Beckjord): A second report details the same dispute, including claims about interceptor wells and cancer-linked contaminants tied to coal combustion residuals. EV Affordability: A new analysis finds insuring EVs costs about 42% more than gas cars, though the gap shrinks for newer models. Rail Hazmat Info for Responders: New federal rules expand electronic access to hazardous materials train consist details, with Connecticut’s timeline shifting as requirements extend to more rail classes. Outdoor Ohio 250: ODNR is highlighting America 250 with events like a canoe paddle connecting the Maumee River to Underground Railroad history. Wildlife/Traffic Fight (Buc-ee’s): Locals raised concerns about a proposed Buc-ee’s store’s traffic and wildlife impacts, including potential effects on migratory birds and sea turtle hatchlings.

ODNR & America 250: Ohio’s Division of Forestry is marking America’s 250th anniversary by spotlighting historic “legacy” trees and promoting conservation through events like Leaves of Legacy at Johnson Woods State Nature Preserve. State Parks Week: Gov. DeWine proclaimed June 1–7 as Ohio State Parks Week, highlighting the state’s 76 parks and their no-entrance-fee outdoor access. Data center fight heats up: Ohio residents packed a Statehouse hearing to push for a moratorium or tougher rules over data centers’ water, energy, land, transparency, and tax-break impacts; meanwhile, Hubbard approved a 12-month data center moratorium. Tax break controversy: Ohio also approved a $42.3M tax exemption for major Columbus-area data centers, even as the state paused similar incentives. Local impacts & planning: Maumee residents debated a proposed public disc golf course on riverfront land near Fort Meigs. Wildlife & health: Tick populations are surging in Ohio and nearby states, and Ohioans are urged to take yard-prep steps to reduce bites.

Ohio Data Centers: Gov. Mike DeWine’s pause on Ohio’s data center tax break is hitting local plans and sparking pushback from chambers and residents, as lawmakers hold hearings on impacts to electric rates, infrastructure, and the environment. Oil & Land Use: In Columbiana County, horizontal well oil production hit a record 543,905 barrels in Q1 2026, underscoring how energy development keeps reshaping Ohio’s landscape. Wildlife & Conservation: Native sauger are returning to the Sandusky and Maumee rivers after decades of cleanup, but new threats are emerging. Water Safety & Outdoor Life: Ohio DNR is cracking down on boating basics like life jackets and fire extinguishers during busy summer weekends, with drowning prevention a key focus. Clean Energy Policy: Rep. Mike Carey introduced a bill to reinstate the $1-per-gallon biodiesel tax credit through 2029, aiming to support farmers and cut diesel costs. Local Development: Youngstown is seeking grant funding for a Route 62 connector to improve truck access to a port-owned redevelopment site. Industry & Electrification: Nexans completed its Republic Wire acquisition in Cincinnati, expanding low-voltage wire supply tied to electrification and data center growth.

Ohio Data Centers: Gov. Mike DeWine paused Ohio’s new data-center tax break for fresh applicants after projections blew up—costing far more than expected in 2025 and raising pressure over who pays for the power and infrastructure behind the AI boom. Local Sewage Safety: Moraine residents were urged to avoid puddles after a sewer overflow tied to overwhelming stormwater, with the city warning of possible sewage mixed with stormwater. Plastic Pollution in the Great Lakes: A Lake Erie-focused report highlights “nurdles” (plastic pellets) showing up around rail and storm drains, underscoring how industrial plastic handling can end up in waterways. Wildlife & Storms: A University of Florida review finds hurricanes can both help and harm wildlife—shifting animal behavior and spreading invasive species—while climate change may intensify tropical cyclones. Dam Removal Push: A dam-safety story spotlights why removing dangerous low-head dams can protect people and improve river ecosystems. Community Cleanup: Wood County’s Solid Waste Authority collected more than 1,000 tires in a free event aimed at cutting illegal dumping.

Data Centers in Ohio: Gov. Mike DeWine has paused Ohio’s sales-tax exemption for new data center projects after the incentive’s cost surged to nearly $1.6B in 2025, far above projections, and state officials say utilization outpaced expectations. Lawmakers are also holding a public hearing June 1 where Ohio residents are packing the room to protest impacts on farmland, water, and local quality of life. Local Water Safety: Moraine residents were urged to avoid standing water after a sewer overflow tied to overwhelming stormwater, with the county notifying Ohio EPA. Great Lakes Pollution: A Tribune-supported report describes plastic “nurdles” washing toward Lake Erie through storm drains, highlighting how pellet spills from shipping routes can end up in waterways. Wildlife & Fisheries: ODNR is reintroducing sauger in the Sandusky area to boost angling opportunities. Community Stewardship: Lorain Lions Club marked 20 years beautifying Elmwood Cemetery entrances with flowers to support pollinators and local biodiversity.