AGP Executive Report

Flood & Food Safety: After last week’s heavy rainfall, Ohio State Extension warns that floodwater can contaminate garden produce with sewage, chemicals, fuel, and pathogens; if the edible portion was submerged, it’s generally unsafe to eat. Public Health: Hamilton County Public Health detected West Nile virus in mosquitoes for the first time in 2026 (from traps in Green Township); officials will expand surveillance and treat standing water with larvicide. Data Centers & Pollution: Canton City Public Health says two proposed data centers will operate under air pollution control permits and that the city runs three air monitors (particle matter and ground-level ozone), while noting it would take more work to link health impacts to specific facilities. PFAS & Sewage Sludge: Pennsylvania is moving to limit “forever chemicals” in sewage sludge used on farm fields, highlighting how wastewater treatment can spread PFAS into the environment. Local Sustainability: A new Youngstown shop, Mended Apparel, is opening with a repurposing focus—custom garments made from vintage materials. Ohio Energy-Water Stress: A Ceres report says electricity generation tied to data centers uses huge freshwater volumes and that many power plants supplying data-center-heavy states, including Ohio, sit in water-stressed regions.

Reforestation in Lucas County: Metroparks Toledo is using tree-growing “plastic tubes” to reforest marginal croplands, planting about 150,000 trees over 300 acres in the Oak Openings area while also tackling invasive species that erode native habitat. Ohio farm input costs: Ohio Corn and Wheat says fertilizer prices have become a major, hard-to-explain burden for farmers and is pushing for more competition and transparency as the FTC seeks information from the fertilizer supply chain. Farm transition planning: The Ohio Farm Transition Network is rolling out regional one-day professional trainings to help attorneys, lenders, Extension staff, and others align on best practices for farm succession and transition. Ohio’s only national forest at risk: A new report warns the federal government is preparing to auction 2,840 acres in the Wayne National Forest for oil and gas leasing, raising fears of broader drilling impacts. Local forests, local wildlife: A separate tree survey project is tracking the health and progress of newly planted local forests, tying restoration work to biodiversity goals.

Industrial Pollution & Climate Policy: Cleveland-Cliffs says the DOE changed a $500M “clean steel” grant to instead upgrade a coal blast furnace at Middletown Works, drawing pushback from green-steel advocates and residents worried emissions could rise. AI, Energy Demand & Local Backlash: A new report on Ohio’s data-center fight spotlights how electricity prices and “behind-the-meter” power choices are shaping siting battles, with communities increasingly opposing hyperscale projects. Water & Wildlife: Lake Erie is highlighted as a top snake hotspot, including the Lake Erie watersnake on the western islands, while forecasters also warn of a massive Great Lakes bird migration surge with up to 300 million birds in flight on Thursday and Friday nights. Cleanup & Brownfields: Defiance County’s land bank updated progress on demolition and ongoing brownfield remediation testing, including new wells at former industrial sites. Public Health & Safety: Ohio’s rural pharmacy connectivity funding aims to improve prescription monitoring and prevent dangerous drug interactions across 73 rural counties.

Wildfire smoke + rain chemistry: A new U.S. study finds “smoky rain” can dump big bursts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium onto ecosystems—an overlooked ecological effect as wildfires intensify. Ohio air oversight fight: NRDC is asking a federal appeals court to review EPA approval of Ohio’s Cleveland-area smog plan, arguing major polluters got a “free pass.” Data center backlash hits permitting: The Trump EPA move to scrap public notice for certain data-center pollution permits is drawing fresh outrage, with critics warning neighbors may not even learn projects are coming. Local water protection in Ohio: Toledo is expanding rain gardens to cut runoff and protect Lake Erie, with 70 built since 2007. Injection wells pressure in Washington County: Residents renewed demands for action after meetings with ODNR over fracking wastewater injection wells. Lower Maumee cleanup public session: Toledo-area residents get a chance to weigh in on plans to remove contaminated sediment at two Lower Maumee River sites. Invasive species education: Ohio’s annual tree symposium focuses on spotting and controlling invasive plants and insects.

AI Data Centers in Ohio: OpenAI plans an 8-gigawatt hyperscale data center in Pike County on the PORTS-Pike Technology Campus, with construction tied to major jobs claims and Nvidia infrastructure investment—another sign Ohio’s power-hungry buildout is accelerating. Energy & Water Pressure: A separate national report frames the backlash as more than messaging: communities worry about long-term electricity bills, infrastructure strain, and water use from cooling. Invasive Species Watch: Richland County remains safe from the Asian long-horned beetle thanks to quarantine efforts, but officials urge residents to avoid bringing firewood from affected areas. Local Weather Flip: Central Ohio’s August rainfall is near record levels after last year’s drought, refilling reservoirs and raising flood concerns. Agriculture & Land Use: A feasibility study looks at whether a Route 11 natural gas pipeline could spur industrial development in Ohio’s “Shale Crescent.” Public Health: Michigan reports two swine-flu variant cases linked to the same agricultural fair, with no contact between patients.

Climate & Consumer Protection: Ohio AG Brenna Bird joined a 16-state coalition warning the Big Four accounting firms (Deloitte, EY, KPMG, PwC) may be violating professional standards and state consumer protection laws with climate-related financial reporting that could raise costs for small businesses and consumers. Energy Permitting: Sen. Jon Husted backed the American Energy and Mineral Infrastructure Act, aiming to speed federal permitting for energy and mineral projects and reduce litigation delays. Nuclear Fuel Supply Chain: Gov. Mike DeWine and JobsOhio leaders met with Centrus at the Piketon uranium enrichment facility as Ohio pushes to rebuild the domestic nuclear fuel supply chain. Food Security: Dayton and Montgomery County leaders urged state and federal officials to prevent Medicaid and SNAP cuts from disrupting access to food and health coverage. Public Health: Ohio health officials reported cyclosporiasis cases down but measles cases up, with vaccination clinics ramped up in northwest Ohio. Data Centers & Local Impacts: National debate over AI data centers intensified as Trump defended projects amid community backlash, while Ohio economic development highlighted new central-Ohio jobs tied to data center growth. Behavioral Health Capacity: Akron Children’s Hospital added crisis stabilization inpatient units to expand pediatric behavioral health care. Local Environment & Community: Ohio River Paddlefest hit a Guinness record for “Largest Paddle Craft Party,” raising funds for youth nature programs.

Ohio Power & Grid: Oak Run Solar’s permit fight is back at the Ohio Power Siting Board after the Ohio Supreme Court narrowed the dispute to how three substations would look from public viewpoints—staff have recommended keeping the approval, but the project’s 800 MW of solar plus 300 MW of battery storage has been stuck in litigation for years. Invasive Species: Spotted lanternflies are back in Ohio as adults emerge and mating approaches; the state is under quarantine statewide and officials urge people to squish adults and destroy egg masses. Clean Transportation: Lancaster won $2.73 million for a 1-mile Memorial-Pierce corridor with new sidewalks, crosswalks, and signal upgrades through ODOT’s Transportation Alternatives Program. Conservation & Wildlife: ODNR honored new Natural Resources Hall of Fame and Cardinal Award recipients, while new compiled tracking data shows black bears confirmed in 62 of Ohio’s 88 counties. Farm Safety: Ohio’s Department of Agriculture is running a free pesticide disposal event in Miami County, warning against dumping chemicals in trash. Data Centers & Health Concerns: Reporting on Piketon highlights a proposed natural gas facility tied to a massive data center, with residents raising worries about health impacts near the former PORTS site.

Data Centers vs. Communities (Ohio): A new wave of backlash is hitting AI data centers over power, water, noise, and local impacts, with national reporting pointing to Ohio as a political flashpoint and noting Ohio Senate race concerns tied to the issue. Energy & Air Quality: Coverage also flags how efforts to secure power for data centers—like natural gas plants—could raise new environmental and air-quality concerns, especially where facilities cluster in Ohio. Invasive Species (Ohio): Ohio’s agriculture department and USDA removed 6.2 square miles from the Asian longhorned beetle quarantine in Clermont County, citing progress since the 2011 discovery and the removal of more than 118,000 infested trees. Wildlife Recovery (Ohio): Wildlife officials plan sturgeon releases in Ohio rivers, including events in Cleveland and Toledo, as the state works to reverse long-term declines. Climate Resilience (Ohio): Dayton is rolling out a 2026 sustainability plan aimed at cutting greenhouse gases and preparing for climate impacts, with neighborhood-focused community input. Severe Weather (Ohio): Crooksville families faced a second round of flooding after earlier cleanup, with reports of homes becoming total losses.

Data Centers vs. Ohio Politics: A new report says GOP and Democratic figures who once courted AI data hubs are now distancing themselves as voters complain about electricity bills, water use, and local impacts—an issue that could shape Ohio’s Senate race. Local Energy & Air Quality: USA Today highlights how Ohio’s data-center push is tied to natural gas power, raising concerns about air pollution even as operators look for backup generation. Wildlife Recovery: Ohio wildlife officials plan to release endangered sturgeon in multiple rivers, with stocking events in Cleveland and Toledo. Climate Planning in Dayton: Dayton’s 2026 sustainability plan updates goals through 2036, linking greenhouse gas cuts with public health and neighborhood equity. Flood Fallout in Crooksville: Crooksville residents face a second round of flooding after cleanup from an earlier event, with some saying homes are now beyond saving. Great Lakes Microplastics: Scientists are studying how microplastics move through Lake Superior and enter fish, pushing governments to act. Ohio Flood Response: Billy Graham Rapid Response Team chaplains deployed to Ohio after severe flooding. Community Safety: A mosque in west Cincinnati was attacked for the third time; members doubt authorities will treat it as a hate crime.

Flooding & Recovery: Aug. 20 flash flooding hit Columbus and nearby areas, with Billy Graham Rapid Response Team chaplains deploying to support families in Perry and Muskingum counties after severe storms. Energy & Air Permits: Ohio regulators issued permits for a new natural gas plant in Carroll County and a solar farm on a former coal mine in Vinton County—projects that could reshape local power and emissions. Data Centers vs. Ohio Politics: A leaked GOP memo and broader reporting tie data-center backlash to election risk, with Ohio Senate race messaging increasingly focused on electricity, water use, and local impacts. Manufacturing Investment: Cleveland-Cliffs announced a $1 billion modernization at Middletown Works, supported by a rescoped $500 million DOE award, promising major construction and ongoing jobs. Active Transportation Grants: DeWine and ODOT announced $2.6 million for bike and pedestrian improvements in Athens and Hocking counties. Conservation Funding: The Ora E. Anderson Conservation Fund is accepting 2026 grant applications for Appalachian Ohio watershed restoration and sustainable forest work.

Ohio Transportation: Gov. Mike DeWine and ODOT Director Pamela Boratyn announced $2.6 million for bike and pedestrian safety upgrades in Athens and Hocking counties, funded through the state’s Transportation Alternatives Program. Flood Response: The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team is deploying to Perry and Muskingum counties after severe flooding, providing crisis chaplain support for affected families and first responders. Workplace Safety Grants: Ohio BWC reopened its Safety Grants program for FY27, with $41+ million available for employer equipment and programs aimed at reducing injuries. Appalachian Conservation Funding: The Foundation for Appalachian Ohio is accepting 2026 grant applications through the Ora E. Anderson Conservation Fund, prioritizing watershed restoration, sustainable forestry, and conservation history across 32 Appalachian counties. Energy & Air Permits: Ohio regulators issued environmental permits for a natural gas power plant in Carroll County and a solar farm on a former coal mine in Vinton County. Data Center Backlash (Ohio politics): A new wave of opposition to data centers is showing up in Ohio’s Senate race chatter, with candidates and parties responding to voter anger over impacts like power demand and community effects.

Ohio Climate & Water Quality: Coshocton is getting $75,000 through Ohio’s H2Ohio chloride reduction grants to upgrade salt storage and cut road-salt pollution in local waterways. Steel Air Pollution Fight: In Middletown, Cleveland-Cliffs and the DOE announced a $500 million grant shift that keeps coal in the plan, with upgrades instead of the earlier hydrogen direction—while residents and air-permit review remain central to the dispute. Data Centers vs. Power & Politics: Ohio’s data-center boom keeps colliding with backlash and lawsuits, with Republicans warning the issue could hurt Sen. Jon Husted’s reelection and other races. Local Energy Infrastructure: A Washington County injection-well moratorium failed, but the debate over oilfield waste and drinking-water safety is clearly not going away. Research & Resilience: OSU named Steven Lower director of its School of Environment and Natural Resources, and Ohio University is partnering with OSU to help older adults prepare for extreme heat and flooding as the climate shifts. Public Health Access: Adena Health dedicated a school-based clinic in Huntington Local Schools, expanding care for students and staff.

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.