AGP Executive Report

Ohio Water Infrastructure: Ontario City Council voted to pursue a five-year, zero-interest Ohio EPA loan to build its own wastewater treatment facility, with land agreements and smoke testing for inflow/infiltration now in motion. PFAS/Water Quality & Contamination Concerns: An opinion piece flags alleged fracking wastewater injection risks in Marietta, pointing to nearby drinking-water injection wells and urging stronger oversight. Land & Wildlife: Ohio conservationists are working to restore native eastern massasauga rattlesnakes, while wildlife officials say a black bear sighting at Mohican State Park likely involves a transient bear moving through east-central Ohio. Data Centers & Local Impacts: A West Central Ohio Land Conservancy op-ed argues Ohio should protect farmland and open space as data centers expand, and warns growth shouldn’t come at the cost of long-term community assets. Energy & Climate Context: A national report highlights the U.S. increase in coal-fired electricity generation despite global declines, tying it to policy shifts. Public Health: Salmonella linked to jalapeños continues to spread across multiple states, with recalls and menu removals reported.

Ohio Water & Enforcement: The Ohio EPA is seeking a preliminary injunction in Erie County to stop alleged illegal fill into a tributary to Darby Creek, arguing the activity blocks water flow and worsens flooding and environmental harm. Great Lakes & Habitat: Cuyahoga Falls’ Gorge Dam removal is moving forward, with dredging of contaminated sediment underway to restore a free-flowing river for fish and wildlife. Wetlands Mitigation: A proposal would convert nearly 300 acres of farmland in Duplin County into a wetland mitigation bank, using “credits” to offset future wetland impacts. Data Centers & Power/Policy: Ohio GOP candidate Vivek Ramaswamy says data centers should cover nearby residents’ electricity and reduce property taxes, while requiring strict air and water compliance; meanwhile, Conneaut residents are pushing a ballot initiative to ban large data centers. Energy/Industry in Ohio: PPG plans to expand its Delaware, Ohio coatings plant, adding waterborne production plus water reuse and emissions controls. Public Health: A salmonella outbreak tied to jalapeños has reached 27 states, with Chipotle and Qdoba pulling the affected peppers after notification. Local Safety: Cleveland is deploying a truck-mounted attenuator to protect first responders working highway crash scenes.

Great Lakes Water Quality: The Ohio Lake Erie Commission and Ohio EPA are asking for public comments (through Aug. 14) on removing the Maumee Area of Concern’s Beach Closings recreational contact impairment—an effort tied to fewer beach advisories after years of bacteria source work and waterfowl management. Ohio Data Centers: Ohio gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy proposes a “benefit zone” model for new data centers, including free electricity and property tax relief for residents, as Ohioans keep raising concerns about bills, noise, and pollution. Ohio Environment & Public Health: Ohio is mentioned among states affected by a salmonella outbreak tied to jalapeños, with Qdoba and Chipotle removing the peppers as illnesses spread across 27 states. Climate Watch: New analysis says El Niño has a 90% chance of becoming one of the strongest on record, with U.S. weather impacts expected to ramp up this fall and peak in winter. Wildlife/Outdoor Safety: A new report ranks whitetail deer as Ohio’s deadliest animal, pointing to collision risk.

Data Center Fight in Athens: Athens City Council approved a one-year moratorium on new data centers, giving the city time to study land use, infrastructure, environmental, and community impacts before issuing building permits. Local Governance: The moratorium follows public concern as data centers “pop up” near Athens High School and U.S. 33, with council tasked to draft zoning rules during the pause. Environmental Stewardship Spotlight: The NCBA named Ohio’s LB Porteus Farms in Coshocton as a 2026 Environmental Stewardship Award regional winner, citing nutrient management, water quality work, and lower emissions from farm upgrades. Public Health Watch: Ohio’s cyclosporiasis situation continues to worsen, with health officials urging caution with produce as cases climb past 4,000. Accountability & Wildlife: A fish and wildlife commission probe found wrongdoing (no punishment recommended), adding pressure for stronger transparency and oversight.

Public Health: Ohio Department of Health says cyclosporiasis cases jumped again, now topping 4,000, and urges people to wash hands and be careful with produce—especially iceberg lettuce—after a fast-growing national outbreak tied to a voluntary recall. Wildlife & Water Quality: A Midwestern summer sign of cleaner Lake Erie waters is back—mayflies are resurging in Northwest Ohio, and experts link their comeback to healthier freshwater conditions. Conservation in Action: The Cincinnati Zoo released GPS-tracked Eastern box turtles at Bowyer Farm to test whether rehoming can help the species recover from poaching, habitat loss, and road deaths. Air Quality & Pollution Prevention: Ohio EPA announced $2 million from Volkswagen settlement funds for airports to replace or repower aging diesel ground support equipment, aiming to cut nitrogen oxide emissions. Local Environment Wins: Buckeye Hills Regional Council received a national award for its Regional Brownfields Assessment Program, helping communities redevelop environmentally challenged properties. Community Resilience: Cleveland’s West Side Market got a $1 million Cleveland Clinic pledge to build a teaching kitchen—supporting food access and nutrition education.

Public Health: The CDC expanded the largest known cyclosporiasis outbreak to 15 states, now topping 10,000 confirmed cases, with two deaths reported in Michigan; investigators keep tracing illnesses to shredded iceberg lettuce linked to central Mexico. Ohio Environment & Land Protection: Ohio DNR acquired nearly 360 acres in Jackson County, adding 193 acres to Lake Katharine State Nature Preserve and creating the new White’s Gulch State Nature Preserves, funded by EPA wetland restoration grants. Data Centers & Local Impacts: Athens, Ohio approved a one-year moratorium on data centers inside city limits while it reviews zoning code changes aimed at energy and water concerns; the pause doesn’t cover a nearby site outside city boundaries. Air Quality Basics: A Lake Erie West Regional Council explainer revisited particulate matter (PM) and why wildfire smoke can drive hazardous air conditions—especially the smaller PM2.5 that can reach deeper into the body.

Ohio Wildlife: A dog helped rescuers locate a downed bald eagle on the Olentangy River, and the bird was carefully boxed up and sent to the Ohio Wildlife Center for rehab. Urban Climate: Researchers planted 640 tree saplings across 20 Dayton parks and found irrigation and local heat affected survival and growth differently by species—suggesting smarter urban forestry can be a practical climate tool. Local Recycling: Ashtabula expanded curbside recycling to the rest of the city after years of uneven access, with council approving funding to finish the program. Wind Power Concerns: Pierpont Township residents raised questions about Apex Clean Energy’s proposed Station Wind project (50–70 turbines, 300 MW), including whether the company could use eminent domain. Great Lakes Protection: The Trump administration again ordered work to stop on the Great Lakes Asian carp chokepoint project, frustrating state officials. Data Centers & Ohio: OpenAI’s influencer retreat drew backlash tied to its major Ohio data-center plans, with critics questioning the environmental impact. Ohio Cleanup Funding: Ohio Arts Council sustainability and arts grants totaling $23.2 million were announced for multiple local groups.

Drinking Water Safety: The EPA is moving toward a first nationwide drinking-water standard for perchlorate, a rocket-fuel chemical, but it’s relying on surveys from 2001–2005 plus newer state data—raising questions about how well today’s contamination levels are reflected. Public Health: A major cyclosporiasis outbreak continues to expand nationally, with Michigan reporting the first deaths tied to the illness and Ohio among states seeing cases; officials say investigations are still tracking sources beyond initial lettuce links. Ohio Air Quality: Neighbors in Westerville and nearby areas say foul asphalt-plant odors are causing headaches and burning sensations, as Ohio EPA reviews a permit renewal with public comments underway. Water System Security: A new report warns many water systems lack adequate digital security, leaving utilities more exposed to cyberattacks. Wildlife Enforcement: Two YouTube personalities were convicted and sentenced for a deer poaching spree in the Columbus area, with investigators citing commercial gain tied to their channel. Data Centers & Power: Coverage highlights how the AI data-center boom is driving electricity costs higher, fueling debate over who should pay. PFAS Cleanup: Dayton hired Shook Construction for a $350M PFAS removal facility and plant retrofit.

Mosquitoes & West Nile: Ohio State researchers found that porch/garage lights can keep West Nile–carrying mosquitoes active longer by delaying winter dormancy, with day length beating temperature as the key trigger. Fracking in Ohio’s only national forest: The Bureau of Land Management will auction 2,840 acres in Wayne National Forest for fracking bids in September, raising drinking-water and health concerns for nearby communities. Great Lakes wildlife at risk: New reporting warns invasive mussels could disrupt the food chain and threaten Great Lakes whitefish within five years. PFAS fight: North Carolina officials and leaders are challenging an EPA-Chemours PFAS settlement, calling it a “behind our backs” deal that won’t fix long-term damage. Data centers vs. communities: West Virginia residents near a planned Ohio River data center say construction runoff and noise are already harming homes, while Ohioans continue pushing back on data center wastewater and zoning. Food safety warning: After cyclospora, experts fear underfunded lab systems may miss the next outbreak.

Ohio Energy & Water Policy: Ohio’s oil-and-gas overhaul SB219 cleared the Senate 33-0, with updates to well permitting, bonding/insurance, and a new oil-and-gas resolution and remediation fund aimed at plugging orphaned wells. Local Land & Wildlife: Egypt Valley Wildlife Area—once strip-mined and later restored—faces new fracking bids for about 13,000 acres, drawing protests from groups like Save Ohio Parks. Wildlife in the Wild: An Avon, Ohio owl got tangled in a soccer goal net; officers cut it loose and it flew away unharmed. Data Centers & Climate Pressure: Louisville activists are urging residents to oppose “loopholes” in proposed data center rules that could raise utility bills and limit public input. Regional Climate Funding: A DOE filing says climate and grid-related grants were cut in Washington and Oregon tied to political outcomes, a move the states are contesting in court. Ohio Outdoors: Ohio certified a new state record green sunfish from a Williams County farm pond.

PFAS Accountability Fight: North Carolina officials are blasting a proposed Chemours settlement with the EPA as a “behind our backs” deal, arguing it won’t undo long-running PFAS damage and calling for it to be thrown out. Great Lakes & Forests: Rep. Marcy Kaptur pushes cross-border cooperation on wildfire response and flags concern over the Brandon Road project affecting Great Lakes infrastructure. Ohio Data Centers, Local Control: Canton residents packed council over data center zoning, but the city approved new rules—another sign Ohio communities are wrestling with noise, power demand, and water impacts. Ohio Oil & Gas Law Updates: Multiple Ohio senators backed SB219, revising permitting, bonding, and road maintenance tied to drilling, while creating an oil-and-gas remediation fund. Public Health Pressure: Michigan’s cyclosporiasis surge is driving more cases in Ohio too, with officials urging careful produce washing and trimming. Food Safety: A Salmonella-linked egg recall is expanding alongside Cyclospora warnings tied to recalled iceberg lettuce.

Data Center Water Fight (Ohio): Ohio EPA backed away from a statewide wastewater permit that would have sped approvals for data centers, after thousands of public comments raised concerns about discharges to lakes, rivers, and streams. Local Zoning Pushback (Ohio): Canton residents packed council chambers to oppose data center zoning changes, warning about noise, glare, water demand, and neighborhood impacts—yet the city still approved the ordinance. PFAS Cleanup Delays (U.S./military): A USA Today analysis says many U.S. military bases are postponing PFAS “forever chemicals” cleanup for years or decades, leaving communities near contaminated wells waiting. Wildlife Conservation (Ohio): Ohio Northern University and the Ohio Division of Wildlife are working to rehabilitate and release illegally collected eastern box turtles through a new program. Food Safety Outbreak (Ohio/Michigan): Cyclospora cases keep surging, with Ohio reporting thousands of infections tied to contaminated produce; officials urge careful washing and trimming. Heat & Air Quality (U.S.): NOAA forecasts more record heat across much of the country, raising heat illness risk. Energy for AI (Ohio): Veolia will run a 350-megawatt grid-independent microgrid to power an Ohio AI data center campus, aiming to avoid grid delays while managing environmental impacts. Pollinator Gardening (Ohio): Experts highlight trees that flower at different times—like maple and redbud—as key pollen and nectar sources for bees.

PFAS cleanup delays at U.S. bases: A USA Today analysis says many military sites are postponing cleanup of toxic “forever chemicals,” pushing deadlines out decades or removing them—raising health concerns for communities near contaminated wells. Ohio river cleanup funding: Under Gov. DeWine’s H2Ohio, nearly $87,000 will go to 12 river cleanups via the healthy rivers livery grant, targeting trash removal across about 200 miles of waterways. Bee-friendly trees: A central Ohio gardening guide highlights trees that provide pollen and nectar for bees, urging plantings that bloom across the season. Heat risk and wildfire haze lesson: NOAA forecasts more record heat into mid-August, while wildfire smoke drifting through the region underscores how fire regimes shape ecosystems. Cyclospora watch: Health reporting notes the parasite surge across many states, with guidance to keep eating produce while following food-safety steps and monitoring recalls. Data center power push in Ohio: Veolia was selected to run a 350-megawatt grid-independent microgrid to supply an AI data center campus, aiming to bypass grid delays. Wildlife rescue: An injured bald eagle was saved after a dog alerted rescuers near the Olentangy River, with rehab handled by the Ohio Wildlife Center.

Asthma & Air Quality: A MetroHealth study found that switching from gas to electric stoves can sharply improve asthma symptoms, with Cleveland residents reporting big breathing gains after the change. Ohio Water Infrastructure: Holgate approved contracts to connect to the City of Napoleon’s water system, moving forward after Ohio EPA findings and orders. Oil & Gas Health Study: OSU researchers are starting an exploratory study of health impacts from oilfield brine spread on roads in Licking County and parts of Coshocton and Ashtabula, using toenail clippings, baby teeth, and soil samples. Data Centers & Power/Water Pressure: A report warns that grid delays are pushing much new data center growth “off-grid” with natural gas in the PJM region, including Ohio—raising concerns about emissions and long-term resource strain. Local Governance & Pollution Concerns: Kanawha County commissioners urged West Virginia DEP to hold off on an air permit for a proposed plastics pyrolysis “advanced recycling” plant near schools and homes until more details are provided. Wildlife: Racine Zoo announced the euthanization of Amur tiger Changbai, 19, after health declined.

Energy & Climate Infrastructure: Veolia will operate a 350MW microgrid for an AI data center campus in central Ohio, with battery storage and 24/7 staffing—an effort to dodge long grid interconnection delays. Wildlife & Habitat: ODNR dedicated Plum Run Prairie as Ohio’s 156th state nature preserve, protecting rare prairie and cedar barren habitat and dozens of state-listed species. Public Health: Cyclospora/cyclosporiasis cases keep climbing, with Michigan reporting a smaller daily increase and Ohio still part of the multi-state outbreak footprint. Air Quality Impacts: Fourteen Ohio National Guard members were hospitalized during training in Michigan due to wildfire smoke, prompting removals of pregnant and respiratory-risk soldiers and a pause in exercises. Land Use & Environment Law: Ohio lawmakers advanced SB102, overhauling tax foreclosure and land reutilization rules (the Gus Frangos Act), including notice/redemption changes and environmental liability limits for land reutilization corporations. Local Environment Watch: Fish die-off reports in Toledo park are prompting water testing by environmental experts.

PFAS Fight: Gov. Josh Stein, AG Jeff Jackson, and DEQ Sec. Reid Wilson filed comments opposing an EPA-Chemours PFAS deal, calling it a “sweetheart” settlement that would do little for North Carolina’s contaminated air and water. Data Center Pressure (Ohio): Ohio Democratic candidates Amy Acton and David Pepper backed a conditional moratorium on new data center construction, citing energy costs, environmental impacts, and lack of transparency. Water Quality (Toledo): Environmental specialists are investigating a fish die-off at Sleepy Hollow Park, with early suspicion focused on elevated temperatures and low dissolved oxygen. Wildlife & Community: Avon police officers freed an owl trapped in a soccer net using scissors and brooms; the bird flew away unharmed. Public Health (Cyclospora): Florida reported cyclosporiasis rising to 254 cases across 39 counties, underscoring how fast the outbreak is spreading beyond Ohio. Agriculture Biosecurity: Purdue is testing a USDA-funded fogging system using hydrogenated catmint oil to inactivate avian influenza in poultry houses. Energy & Grid (Van Wert): AEP Ohio scheduled open houses for transmission upgrades tied to the Maddox Creek-Norse project to support new local power demand.