AGP Executive Report

Data Center Pushback in Kentucky: Edmonson County approved a one-year moratorium on new data centers, AI facilities, and similar high-intensity computing projects, citing concerns about power demand, water impacts, roads, public safety, and limited long-term research. Local Government Action: Lexington also enacted a temporary moratorium on data center development while it updates zoning rules, including limits tied to environmental protections. Community Concerns Go National: Activist Erin Brockovich added thousands of new community reports to her data-center tracking map, with residents flagging worries about water supplies, electricity strain, and infrastructure stress. Wildlife Rescue: Officers rescued a bald eagle entangled in fishing line near Hickman Harbor and sent it to Kentucky Fish and Wildlife for rehab before release. Kentucky Conservation Win: Kentucky lawmakers designated the eastern hellbender as the state amphibian, pairing the move with ongoing survey and release efforts led with the Louisville Zoo. Heat and Storms: The Cincinnati area faces intense heat after rain, with flood risk earlier and thunderstorms possible later.

Coal Push in the Spotlight: The Trump administration announced $850 million for coal plant modernization and two new plants, using the Defense Production Act—an effort framed as grid reliability, but criticized as propping up an industry facing long-term decline. Data Center Fight in Kentucky: Lexington enacted a temporary moratorium on data center zoning changes and permits while it drafts new rules, and Cave City is facing a lawsuit tied to its own data center pause—showing how quickly local planning is colliding with big infrastructure proposals. Wildlife Protection: Kentucky’s eastern hellbender was officially named the state amphibian, with the state and partners citing climate change and surface mining as key threats; separately, a bald eagle near Hickman Harbor was freed from fishing line and sent for rehab. Clean Water Update: Kentucky’s 2025 Drinking Water Compliance Report says public systems maintained high Safe Drinking Water Act compliance. Agriculture Research: UK researchers won a $650,000 USDA grant to study how modern sow genetics are outpacing uterine capacity, a hidden stressor in pig production.

Data Center Fight in Cave City: A Barren County developer, Kentucky Industrial Alliance LLC, sued Cave City over a 12-month data center moratorium, saying it was adopted after a specific proposal was submitted May 11 for property at 2001 Doyle Avenue—arguing the pause violates Kentucky law and due process. Local Governance & Energy Costs: Gov. Andy Beshear extended his 10-cent gas tax cut for 33 Kentucky communities through June 30, with areas that didn’t request an extension set to see prices rise June 11. Wildlife Alert: Kentucky livestock and animal health officials remain on alert after new New World Screwworm cases were confirmed in Texas and a first case was detected outside the state. PFAS/Health & Policy Watch: Kentucky lawmakers are weighing options in an interim session on PFAS. Community Pushback on Data Centers: In Lexington, a group called “No Kentucky Data Centers” held a strategy meeting opposing future development after the former Lexmark site was sold to DartPoints. Extreme Heat Planning: A new grid-focused report says extreme heat is increasingly treated as a design baseline, not just a seasonal risk.

Data center fight in Lexington: A community group called “No Kentucky Data Centers” met to plan opposition after DartPoints bought the former Lexmark site on New Circle Road, with residents warning about utility costs and corporate accountability tied to AI growth. Local moratorium momentum: More Kentucky counties are pausing data center plans, and Daviess County leaders are weighing a moratorium after concerns about hyperscale projects and local land deals. Pikeville proposal: City officials discussed a potential $250M data center at the Kentucky Enterprise Industrial Park, with residents asking early questions about jobs, power use, and what’s actually being planned. Energy + environment angle: A new analysis argues extreme heat is shifting from a “rare risk” to a design baseline for the power grid—raising stakes for reliability as drought and demand grow. Food security help: Bath County Memorial Library’s seed program is expanding to other libraries, offering free seeds to grow gardens and tackle food insecurity. Agriculture research: Kentucky State University studies suggest supplemental nitrogen may not pay off for drought-prone, low- to moderate-yield soybean conditions.

Data Center Fight in Kentucky: A new report and commentary highlight how hyperscale data centers are colliding with local concerns across Kentucky, from pollution worries to utility-bill fears, as counties and cities consider moratoriums and tighter zoning. Open Records Under Pressure: A Kentucky editorial warns the state’s transparency protections are eroding, pointing to HB 520 and a Kentucky Supreme Court ruling that narrowed what counts as a public record. Water & Emerging Contaminants: The Kentucky Water Utilities Advisory Committee is set to meet June 26 in Frankfort (hybrid), with updates on source water protection, stormwater grants, and “emerging contaminants” in disadvantaged communities. PFAS Watch: Kentucky lawmakers are also weighing options in a battle with “forever chemicals,” keeping PFAS policy in the spotlight. Local Cleanup: Volunteers are taking to the Paducah Riverfront for a cleanup aimed at protecting Ohio River ecology. Invasive Species Spotlight: A story on kudzu explains how the invasive vine smothers native habitat and accelerates erosion—an issue that resonates across the region.

Data Center Debate in Kentucky: A new commentary argues Kentucky’s fight over hyperscale data centers echoes the state’s earlier mega-landfill battles—when outside decisions met cheap land and weak zoning—and points to landfill permitting tied to local planning as a potential model for today. Coal Funding and Pollution Concerns: Multiple reports say the Trump administration is using wartime powers to push about $700 million into coal plants, including keeping existing facilities running in Kentucky and other states, plus support for new builds and an export terminal—raising fresh questions about air pollution and long-term energy impacts. Water and Power Strain from AI Infrastructure: Illinois and Ohio governors have paused billions in data center tax incentives over worries about electricity demand and water use, calling for clearer rules before more public money flows. River Cleanup in Paducah: Volunteers joined the Four Rivers Clean Sweep to remove trash from the Ohio Riverfront, citing benefits for wildlife, water quality, and local recreation. Outdoor Access: Kentucky is offering free fishing June 6–7 at FINs and public waters statewide. Invasive Species Watch: A story on kudzu highlights how the invasive vine smothers native plants and worsens erosion and habitat loss.

Coal & Climate Policy: The Trump administration is using wartime Defense Production Act authority to push about $700 million into coal—protecting and modernizing existing plants and backing new builds plus a California export terminal—an approach environmental groups criticize as doubling down on the dirtiest fossil fuel. Kentucky Energy & Water Impacts: Kentucky is named among states slated for continued coal support, while nearby policy fights over energy and water strain are also heating up, including data-center debates that cite electricity demand and cooling water needs. Local River Cleanup: Volunteers in Paducah joined the Four Rivers Clean Sweep to remove trash from the Ohio Riverfront, aiming to protect wildlife, water quality, and the area’s recreation economy. Wildlife & Outdoors: Kentucky’s free fishing weekend (June 6–7) waives licenses for fishing in neighborhood and public waters, with multiple FIN lakes listed across the state. Community Education: Warren County’s public “Born Learning Trail” opened beside the Early Learning Academy, adding kid-focused signs and activities to encourage outdoor learning. Agriculture & Sustainability: Alltech launched Olerix, a phytogenic feed blend aimed at improving pig growth and feed efficiency with a stated sustainability focus.

River Cleanup in Paducah: Volunteers turned out for the 2026 Four Rivers Clean Sweep along the Ohio Riverfront, with organizers saying the goal is to remove trash that harms wildlife, ecology, and the river’s recreation value. Free Fishing Weekend: Kentucky Fish and Wildlife is offering free fishing June 6–7 on public waters (no license/permit needed for FINs and public bodies of water), with size and catch limits still in place. Coal Push, Kentucky in the Mix: The Trump administration is moving nearly $700 million into coal power, including Defense Production Act funding that would extend the life of coal plants in Kentucky and other states. Data Center Tensions: Bowling Green commissioners split on a proposed six-month moratorium on data center projects, while Lexington residents are raising questions about transparency after the former Lexmark site was sold for expansion. PFAS Focus: Kentucky lawmakers are weighing options to address “forever chemicals,” including a bill aimed at studying health impacts and setting drinking-water monitoring and limits.

Coal Funding in Kentucky and Beyond: The Trump administration is set to push nearly $700 million into coal power, using the Cold War-era Defense Production Act to extend 13 existing plants (including in Kentucky) and to fund a new California export terminal that could reopen coal shipments after decades of delays. Data Center Tensions in Kentucky: Lexington residents are asking why a former Lexmark data center sale and expansion plans weren’t met with more public input, while lawmakers weigh stronger Kentucky rules for transparency and PFAS concerns. Local PFAS Focus: A Kentucky lawmaker is advancing a bill to study and set limits for PFAS in drinking water, citing findings that the chemicals persist in the environment and show up in Kentucky fish. River Cleanup in Paducah: Kentucky Waterways Alliance is bringing a riverfront cleanup to protect Ohio River ecology this Saturday, aiming to remove trash that harms wildlife and water quality. Fishing Weekend: Kentucky Fish & Wildlife is offering free fishing statewide June 6–7, with standard size and catch limits still in place. Waste Not, Want Not: Louisville nonprofit SOS says it diverted more than 450,000 pounds of medical supplies from landfills in 2026 by redistributing surplus to clinics and families.

Data Center Transparency & Local Impacts: Lexington-area residents are raising questions after the former Lexmark data center on New Circle Road sold for $29M and is set to expand, with Rep. Adam Moore pushing for stronger public notice and zoning-style transparency before projects move in. PFAS Watch: Kentucky lawmakers discussed a PFAS reporting and study proposal from Rep. Nima Kulkarni, aiming to track health clusters and require disclosure tied to drinking-water monitoring and limits. Pikeville Data Center Talks: Pikeville signed a 120-day preliminary agreement to explore a potential data center at Kentucky Enterprise Industrial Park, with no land transfer and plans for independent legal and site review before any final deal. Energy & Pollution Policy: Kentucky is included in a broader Trump push to modernize coal plants using the Defense Production Act, while critics warn it extends pollution and climate harms. Waste Less, Help More: Louisville nonprofit SOS says it diverted 450,000 pounds of medical surplus from landfills in 2026, keeping supplies in circulation for clinics and families. Wildlife Note: Kentucky Fish and Wildlife said a reported “mountain lion” sighting is actually a bobcat, urging residents to share clear photos.

Coal Funding Fight: President Trump announced $700M for coal plants and exports, including $425M to modernize 13 plants with Kentucky named among beneficiaries—raising fresh questions for communities already dealing with pollution and health impacts. Local Energy & Permits: Louisville’s long-delayed draft data center regulations are still overdue, as residents push for rules that could limit power demand and environmental effects while city leaders weigh ratepayer and growth concerns. PFAS Oversight: Kentucky lawmakers discussed draft PFAS reporting requirements, including calls for company disclosures and studies linking “forever chemicals” to community disease clusters. Wildlife Reality Check: Kentucky Fish and Wildlife says a reported “mountain lion” sighting is actually a bobcat, reminding folks to share clear photos. Outdoor Access: Kentucky’s Free Fishing Weekend returns June 6–7 with license-free fishing statewide, while local events add family-friendly activities. Public Safety Tech: Kentucky continues rolling out Next Gen 911 upgrades, expanding text, photo, and video options for faster emergency response. Community Cleanup: Northern Kentucky residents plan a “stream and environmental cleanup day” honoring an environmentalist who worked to keep the Licking River litter-free.

Coal & Climate Policy: President Trump announced a $700 million push for “clean, beautiful coal,” using the Defense Production Act to fund upgrades and keep 13 coal plants operating, including Kentucky facilities, plus money for a new export terminal in Oakland. Local Energy Governance: Louisville’s data center rules are still stalled—Metro’s draft regulations are five months overdue—while UofL launches a webinar series to explain the environmental and power tradeoffs of hyperscale data centers. Community Cleanup: Northern Kentucky residents will hold a second “Boo Project” stream and environmental cleanup honoring Robert “Boo” Singleton, who died after a 2025 flooding incident and had been documenting pollution cleanup efforts. Wildlife Reality Check: Kentucky Fish and Wildlife experts say a reported “mountain lion” sighting in Richmond is actually a bobcat. Health & Care Access: Kentucky families of children with profound autism are demanding a roadmap for residential care, saying the current system forces long-distance placements or custody surrender.

Climate Policy Shift: California and New York are rolling back or delaying parts of climate rules, while Rhode Island moves to weaken clean-energy programs—an affordability push critics say will worsen extreme weather and fossil-fuel dependence. Ocean Health: A Kentucky-and-Indiana vacation warning highlights how warming coastal waters can boost Vibrio vulnificus risk, especially for people with open wounds or who eat raw shellfish. Home Insurance Shock: New S&P data shows homeowners insurance rate filings are hitting hardest in Texas, with nine of the ten biggest national premium-impact increases tied to the state—another reminder that climate risk is landing in household budgets. Kentucky Fishing Access: Kentucky’s Free Fishing Weekend is set for June 6–7 at Bernheim Arboretum and across the state, with all normal size and catch limits still in place. Data Center Backlash: In Boyd County, residents packed a town hall over a proposed TeraWulf data center, questioning NDAs, environmental safeguards, and whether ratepayers could be stuck with the costs.

Wildlife Habitat Work: Kentucky Fish and Wildlife is sinking heavy “reef balls” and donated Christmas trees into Buckhorn Lake in Perry County to restore fish habitat in aging reservoirs. Outdoor Access: Kentucky’s Free Fishing Weekend runs June 6–7, letting people fish in public waters without a license or permit (regular size/creel rules still apply). Agriculture & Soil Health: Kentucky State University research looks at when supplemental nitrogen helps soybean—and when it just adds cost—highlighting context-specific fertilizer management for rainfed, drought-prone conditions. Energy & Wildlife Monitoring: LG&E and KU are tracking peregrine falcon chicks at Mill Creek Generating Station, continuing a long-running effort to rebuild Kentucky’s peregrine population after DDT-era declines. Local Land-Use Pressure: Cedar Hill (Robertson County, TN) approved a two-year data center moratorium after concerns about environmental impacts and rural land loss—an issue Kentucky communities are also wrestling with. Disaster Recovery: FEMA approved public assistance for 18 Kentucky counties after January’s Winter Storm Fern.

Wetlands & Flood Costs: A new study links disappearing wetlands to a roughly $10.1 billion jump in U.S. residential flood insurance claims since 1985, with especially strong conservation value noted in parts of Kentucky. Wildlife in the Bluegrass: Louisville Gas & Electric and Kentucky Utilities’ long-running peregrine program is helping track three newly banded tiger cubs? (No—peregrine falcons): KDFWR banded three chicks at LG&E’s Mill Creek Generating Station so the state can monitor a small Kentucky population. Local Data Center Transparency Fight: More than 400 Boyd County residents packed a meeting over TeraWulf’s proposed Muskie Data Campus, with officials citing non-disclosure agreements that limited what they could share before the announcement. Community Litter Cleanup: Covington’s Keep Covington Beautiful effort continues tackling street litter and cigarette waste through local cleanups and volunteer support. Kentucky Agriculture Research: UK researchers found that excess nitric oxide can disrupt plants’ disease warning systems, weakening whole-plant immunity—new clues for crop resilience.

Data Centers & Energy Costs: Gov. Andy Beshear says Kentucky won’t approve data center projects that try to shift power costs onto residents, requiring developers to cover 100% of energy use and new generation, and to meet state environmental rules. Local Governance: Bowling Green commissioners approved first-reading data center regulations but rejected a proposed six-month moratorium, citing concerns about utility strain and backlash seen in neighboring regions. Water & Stormwater: SD1 cut its residential stormwater fee for the fifth time in six years, lowering it from $3.90 to $3.70 per month, and says efficiency gains made the savings possible. Pollution Monitoring: UC students are testing Middletown’s environment to document local pollution after years of community monitoring and concerns tied to nearby steel operations. Wildlife & Fishing: Kentucky’s annual Free Fishing Weekend is June 6–7, with free license-free fishing in public waters while other rules still apply. Public Safety: CN reported a derailment in western Kentucky; officials said shelter-in-place was lifted after determining no threat from suspected hazardous railcars. Heat Relief: St. Vincent de Paul Northern Kentucky’s 30th annual Summer Breeze Program will provide free fans and air conditioners for medically vulnerable residents.