AGP Executive Report

Air Quality Win: Ohio reached statewide attainment for air quality for the first time in more than two decades, with all 88 counties now designated attainment after EPA redesignations for Cleveland and Canton. Severe Weather Watch: A multiday storm system is set to hit the Midwest and Plains again, bringing damaging winds, hail, isolated tornadoes, and flash-flood risk after last week’s destructive flooding. Data Center Power & Policy: Ohio’s Power Siting Board is poised to make a final call on the Oak Run Solar project after the Ohio Supreme Court sent it back to address visual impacts; meanwhile, Ohio also issued a new rule giving utilities 180 days to prepare for data centers’ massive energy demand. Solar Project Timeline: Oak Run Solar (800 MW solar, 300 MW storage) could move forward once regulators review testimony and filings. Plastic in Water: A new Ohio State University study finds bottled water contains about three times more nanoplastic particles than treated tap water, raising health concerns and pointing to bottle and filter shedding. Safe Routes to School: ODOT awarded Franklin more than $547,000 for curb extensions and safer school-area crossings tied to the Safe Routes to School program. ODNR Forestry Input: ODNR is holding public open houses (Aug. 31–Sept. 3) on its annual work plan for state forests, including invasive species control and prescribed burning.

Nanoplastics in drinking water: A new Ohio State University study finds bottled water can contain about three times more nanoplastic particles than treated tap water, raising health concerns and pointing to plastic shedding from bottles and filters. Ohio water/land enforcement: A Preble County man was indicted for allegedly operating an illegal landfill by digging a pit and dumping solid waste and construction debris in Perry Twp., with Ohio AG and EPA involvement. Data centers vs. local control: The Ohio Supreme Court ruled Ashville can’t block a referendum tied to an EdgeConneX data center and natural gas plant deal, keeping the fight alive for residents. Clean energy buildout: New federal inventory reporting shows solar and battery storage dominating new U.S. power plants in 2026, while natural gas additions lag. Wildlife help (Ohio-friendly): Monarch numbers are rebounding after strong winter counts, and Ohio gardeners are encouraged to plant native milkweed; plus a guide highlights Ohio-native carnivorous plants for acidic, low-nutrient soils. Community health funding: Maryhaven’s board added new members amid ongoing financial distress and mounting debt.

Ohio Supreme Court & Local Democracy: Ohio’s high court ruled Ashville can’t block a referendum tied to an EdgeConneX data center and natural gas plant deal, keeping residents’ vote challenge alive. Data Centers & Power Demand: The fight is part of a bigger Ohio debate over hyperscale AI facilities, energy needs, and local environmental skepticism. Pollution & Drinking Water: A new Ohio State study found bottled water can contain about three times the nanoplastic particles of treated tap water, raising fresh concerns about “purity.” Flooding & Extreme Weather: A Midwest storm surge has brought deadly flooding and widespread power outages, with Indiana’s White River topping a 1913 record and Ohio in the hardest-hit mix. Wildlife & Habitat: Monarch butterfly numbers are rebounding after strong winter counts, and readers are encouraged to plant native milkweed; Ohio also highlights native carnivorous plants for low-nutrient habitats. Public Health: Tuscarawas County will spray for West Nile virus after positive mosquito tests in Dover. Waste Enforcement: A Preble County man faces charges over an alleged unlicensed landfill operation involving a pit and dumped construction debris in Perry Twp.

Severe Weather: A relentless storm run has brought devastating flooding across the Midwest and Ohio Valley, with Indiana and Ohio hit hard; the White River in Anderson, IN surged past the 1913 record, and officials are seeking federal disaster help as more heavy rain threatens. Public Health: Tuscarawas County will spray for West Nile virus in Dover after two mosquito samples tested positive, with residents advised to avoid outdoor exposure during treatment. Pollution Enforcement: An Ohio AG case targets an alleged illegal landfill in Perry Twp., where a man is accused of digging a pit and dumping waste and construction debris without a license. Wildlife & Habitat: Monarchs are rebounding after two strong winters, and Ohio gardeners are being encouraged to plant milkweed; plus, Ohio’s native carnivorous plants get a spotlight for home growers. Data Centers & Energy: New reporting highlights how data centers are driving major power demand and fueling local environmental skepticism, while Ohio’s rules are moving to prepare for that load. Plastic & Water: A new Ohio State study finds bottled water can contain far more nanoplastic particles than tap water, raising fresh concerns about “purity.”

Nanoplastics in Ohio water: A new OSU-led study finds bottled water can contain about three times more nanoplastic particles than treated tap water, raising health concerns and pointing people toward filtered tap water in reusable glass or stainless steel. Mosquito-borne risk in Dover: Tuscarawas County will spray in Dover Aug. 18–19 after two mosquito samples tested positive for West Nile virus, with residents urged to stay indoors during spraying. Safe routes for kids: DeWine and ODOT announced $8.8 million for Safe Routes to School projects across 14 Ohio counties, targeting sidewalks, crosswalks, bike lanes, and safety education. Nature access in Mahoning Valley: Mosquito Lake State Park opened a new Nature Center with cabins for education and exhibits, plus pollinator and bird-feeding areas to support wildlife viewing. El Niño watch: NOAA says a “super” El Niño is now very likely, with potential knock-on effects for U.S. weather later this year. Local politics & environment: Ohio’s Supreme Court allowed an Ashville referendum against a data center project to move forward, keeping community concerns in play. Community health win: A 20-year-old Shaker Heights native helped erase $1.26M in medical debt for 1,148 Cuyahoga County residents using a $10,000 donation.

Nanoplastics in drinking water: A new Ohio State University study reports bottled water contains about three times more nanoplastic particles than treated tap water, with counts up to 11.5 million per liter—prompting experts to steer people toward filtered tap water in reusable glass or stainless steel. Community tree planting: OSU Extension master gardener volunteers are planting native white oaks in all 88 Ohio counties as part of America 250’s “Heritage Trees” effort, building long-term local habitat and a visible anniversary legacy. Affordable housing pressure: A new report finds Ohio renters need to earn $23.82 an hour to comfortably afford a two-bedroom apartment, while the average renter wage is $19.59—highlighting a widening affordability gap, especially in places like Athens County. Data center debate in Springfield: A $1.3B AI data center project is moving through construction phases, but residents and officials are raising concerns about energy use, diesel generators, and environmental impacts. Safe school routes: Gov. DeWine and ODOT announced nearly $9M for Safe Routes to School projects, funding sidewalks, crosswalks, bike lanes, and safety campaigns across 14 counties. Nature education opens at Mosquito Lake: Ohio’s new Nature Center Complex at Mosquito Lake State Park adds indoor learning, bird-watching space, microscopes, and outdoor habitat features for kids and families.

Ohio Supreme Court & Local Power: Ohio’s high court cleared the way for an Ashville referendum to challenge a data center plan, and also tightened rules for when municipalities can fast-track resolutions by requiring clear reasons for emergency action. Workplace Heat: National COSH launched “Fired Up!” week of action (Aug. 10-16) pushing for enforceable protections against extreme heat, including in Ohio. Water & Health: A new Ohio State University study found bottled water can contain about three times more nanoplastic particles than treated tap water, raising fresh exposure concerns. Wildlife & Compliance: Cincinnati homeowners are being warned that Ohio groundhog removal services must be done by state-licensed nuisance wild animal control operators, with strict limits on trapping and relocation. Flooding & Storm Impacts: Rain-soaked Midwest conditions are driving record river levels and washed-out roads, with Indiana reporting major flooding and emergency response. Air/Industrial Spill: A truck spill of flue dust shut down ramps in Trumbull County’s Liberty Township interchange while EPA and county crews worked cleanup. Community Grocery Access: Downtown Cleveland is surveying residents after Heinen’s closure to shape a long-term grocery strategy.

Water Quality & Health: A new PennEnvironment report flags fecal contamination in Pennsylvania waterways, with E. coli exceeding safe levels at least once in about 55% of 653 tested sites over two years—another reminder that Ohio-area swimmers and anglers should treat “safe” water as a moving target. Foodborne Illness: Cyclospora cases tied to recalled iceberg lettuce keep rising nationwide, with Ohio among the affected states; the outbreak has now reached thousands of reported infections and health officials stress that routine stool testing may miss it. Invasive Species: Invasive crayfish are surging across U.S. lakes, threatening aquatic habitat and native species—sparking calls for tighter rules on using them as fishing bait. Community Cleanups: Volunteers with Living Lands & Waters joined ADM employees for a Mississippi River cleanup in Quincy, focusing on debris near heavy barge traffic. Safe Routes to School: Trumbull County received ODOT Safe Routes to School funding, including $500,000 for Niles Middle School sidewalk and crosswalk upgrades. Flood Response: Gov. DeWine declared a state of emergency for Perry and Muskingum counties after severe flooding, with Butler County’s sheriff’s dive team deployed for rescue support. Air & Industry: West Virginia finalized an air quality permit for a controversial “advanced recycling” pyrolysis plant in Belle despite local opposition.

Water Quality Watch: Cadiz residents say boil orders and discolored tap water still linger a year later; Ohio EPA found violations at the Cadiz Village Public Water System, including excessive turbidity and missing operational data. Climate & Costs: A new report says climate-fueled severe weather is driving up Ohio home insurance premiums and making coverage harder to get, but the public lacks clear, detailed data to track where costs are rising. AI Power & Grid: Inside Climate News reports PJM’s reformed interconnection process is moving more viable projects forward, with natural gas taking nearly half of the first accepted capacity—after years when many clean-energy proposals stalled. Local Governance & Environment: West Virginia Sen. Ben Queen was named to the EPA’s Local Government Advisory Committee, with the group set to tackle challenges local governments face around AI infrastructure and data centers. Food & Health: Nationwide cyclosporiasis cases keep rising even after contaminated lettuce was pulled; Florida reported hundreds of cases in the latest update. Wildlife: A threatened northern monkshood plant found help in Summit Metro Parks.

Water & Plastics: A new Ohio State University study finds bottled water can contain about three times more nanoplastic particles than treated tap water, raising fresh health concerns about what’s leaching from bottles and filters. Severe Weather & Food Safety: After Ohio storms knocked out power, health officials warn that if a fridge can’t stay cold for four hours (especially if opened), perishable food should be thrown out, with local groups offering help. Public Lands & Fossil Fuels: The Trump administration is moving to lease thousands of acres in the Wayne National Forest for oil and gas, with a public protest period running through mid-August. Clean Energy in Ohio: Lima switched on a 4-acre floating solar array at its Twin Lakes reservoirs to power the water treatment plant, cutting about 976 tons of CO2 annually. Local Environment Governance: Ohio launched its first statewide data-sharing compact to standardize how agencies share information with privacy and security protections. Biodiversity & Habitat Restoration: Metroparks Toledo and partners restored more than 1,700 acres in the Oak Openings region, using prescribed burns and invasive removal to bring back a rare ecosystem.

Water Safety: A new Ohio State University study finds bottled water can contain about three times more nanoplastic particles than treated tap water, with counts up to 11.5 million particles per liter—prompting experts to suggest filtered tap water in reusable glass or stainless-steel. Wildlife & Forest Health: Indiana’s Tree Check Month highlights hemlock woolly adelgid, now established in Michigan and Ohio, warning that early detection (and reporting “cotton-like” wax balls) is key to protecting eastern hemlocks. Extreme Weather: Deadly storms and flooding are battering the Midwest and Ohio Valley, with another round of heavy rain and severe thunderstorms expected, especially from southeastern Indiana through western Ohio and northern Kentucky. Ohio Data Centers: Ohio’s governor candidates are clashing over data centers: Amy Acton backs a conditional moratorium tied to costs, union labor, transparency, and environmental standards, while Vivek Ramaswamy proposes incentives and strict air and water compliance. Local Conservation: The Nature Conservancy and partners used grants to restore 1,718 acres in the Toledo area, removing non-native plants and rebuilding wetlands and grasslands to support native wildlife.

Nanoplastics in Ohio water: A new Ohio State University study finds bottled water can contain about three times more nanoplastic particles than treated tap water, with counts up to 11.5 million particles per liter—raising concerns about particles crossing into the body; researchers say earlier methods likely missed most of what’s now detectable. Ohio data-center confusion: In Stowe Township, residents raised alarms about a possible Ohio River data center, but local officials say no proposal is planned—highlighting how zoning changes and social media can spread misinformation. Local permitting and pollution rules: Sen. Jon Husted joined a bill to clarify EPA New Source Review permitting requirements, aiming to reduce uncertainty for pollution-control upgrades. Storm impacts: A derecho and severe storms knocked out power for hundreds of thousands across the Midwest and East, including Ohio, with damaging winds and flooding threats. Wildlife management in Cleveland Heights: City council debates culling about 500 deer, with residents split between property damage concerns and protecting the herd. Public input on SR 776 bridge: ODOT is seeking comments on a Pike County SR 776 bridge replacement affecting Glade Run, with comments due Sept. 5.

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.