Portsmouth, Ohio

U.S. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin has named Clermont County, Ohio Commissioner David Painter to chair the agency's Local Government Advisory Committee, a 22-member body being revitalized after largely sitting dormant since early 2025. Its first meeting under Painter, set for Sept. 25, will focus on artificial intelligence and data centers — specifically how local governments should site and regulate this fast-growing infrastructure. Painter, a member since 2023 with a 40-year background in environmental project management, is the only Ohioan on the committee; two Indiana officials also serve.

In an interview, Painter said the committee will examine issues including water use and closed-loop cooling systems, noise complaints from residents near facilities, and coal combustion residuals. He emphasized that siting decisions should remain with local townships, villages, and school districts through negotiated development agreements, and stressed planning for waste disposal and environmental impact from a project's outset rather than after the fact.