Buckeye Reporter

(COLUMBUS, Ohio) — Mention the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, and Ohio residents probably think about its efforts to protect consumers, combat human trafficking, or investigate crime. But the office also plays a crucial role in safeguarding the state’s environment. Today, in honor of the global observance of Earth Day, Attorney General Dave Yost is spotlighting the accomplishments of his Environmental Enforcement Section thus far in 2024.

"Earth Day serves as a powerful reminder of our duty to help preserve the planet for future generations," stated Attorney General Dave Yost. "I’m proud of my environmental team’s diligence in protecting Ohio’s natural resources so that our air, water, and land remain safe for all."

In the first 3½ months of the year, the team achieved significant milestones in environmental protection. A Lucas County judge sentenced a Toledo couple to three months in jail for illegally transporting and dumping scrap tires. Baumann’s Recycling Center agreed to pay $1.5 million to settle a lawsuit regarding an allegedly illegal landfill, and Yost filed a complaint against Austin Master Services for illegally storing excessive quantities of brine and drilling waste.

Last year on Earth Day, Yost’s environmental team launched “Shine a Light on Dumpers,” a program aimed at exposing individuals who illegally dump waste. This initiative includes training, education, legal guidance, technical equipment, and investigative and prosecutorial assistance.

Law enforcement seeking investigative assistance with suspected illegal open dumping of solid wastes can contact the Ohio Attorney General’s Office at 1-800-348-3248 or by emailing StopEnvironmentalCrimes@OhioAGO.gov.

For media inquiries, please contact Dominic Binkley at 614-728-4127.