AGP Executive Report

Solar Siting: Kentucky’s Siting Board will hear public comments Oct. 15 in Hazard on a proposed 200-megawatt solar project spanning Perry and Knott counties. Water Safety: A boil-water advisory remains in effect for parts of Hopkinsville after utility work tied to the US 68/West Seventh Street widening; affected customers should boil water for three minutes before use. Wildlife Conservation: Thomas More University researchers are expanding a program to raise and release eastern hellbenders, a declining salamander native to Kentucky waterways. Data Center Debate: Lexington is moving to extend its data-center moratorium through October 2027 as residents voice opposition, amid wider concerns about the facilities’ local impacts. Native Plants: Kentucky residents can trade cut Bradford pear trees for native replacements through fall bounty events.

Coal and Climate: A federal judge dismissed a $1 billion lawsuit against Oakland brought by a bankrupt, Frankfort-based coal company over a proposed export terminal that was blocked by city and environmental opposition. Pipeline Concerns: A proposed 450-mile natural-gas line could cross 90 miles of Kentucky, and residents in Trimble County questioned the project as the company seeks permission to survey properties. Data Centers: Lexington extended its data-center moratorium through October 2027 as residents voiced opposition, amid wider debate over the facilities’ energy demands. Wildlife: Kentucky’s hellbender salamander faces declining numbers linked to pollution, dams and habitat disruption; officials are considering federal endangered-species protection. Native Plants: Kentucky residents can trade invasive Bradford pear trees for native trees through fall bounty events.

Pipeline Pushback: Residents in Trimble County questioned Texas Gas’ proposed 450-mile Borealis natural gas line, which could begin construction in 2028. The Kentucky route spans about 90 miles, and the company has secured permission to survey roughly 65% of properties along it. Wildlife: Kentucky’s hellbender salamander is declining and could be considered for federal endangered-species protection. Because it breathes through its skin, clean, cool streams are essential to its survival. Data Centers: Lexington extended its moratorium on new data centers through October 2027 after residents raised concerns about environmental effects, electricity bills and quality of life. Native Trees: Kentucky residents can trade cut Bradford pears for native trees through fall Extension events, part of an effort to replace the invasive ornamental with more beneficial species. Storm Watch: Tropical Storm Isaias is expected to bring rain to Kentucky, with the heaviest rainfall forecast overnight Saturday into early Sunday; the state climatologist said the storm’s quick movement should reduce flooding risk.

Renewable Energy: A proposed 63-megawatt solar farm on about 840 acres in LaRue County was denied a conditional-use permit, halting a project that would have included battery storage. Data Centers: Lexington is on track to extend its data-center moratorium after residents raised concerns about energy use, water, noise and pollution. Kentucky communities have also pressed lawmakers for stronger rules. Native Plants: The Bradford Pear Bounty program lets residents exchange proof of a cut-down invasive Bradford pear for a free native tree, with events planned around the state this month. Wildlife: Kentucky is in peak season for deer collisions, while state wildlife officials have approved changes to fishing and hunting rules, including higher black bass limits on some waters and new deer-hunting opportunities. Forests and Fire: Fall wildfire-hazard season began Oct. 1, and UK researchers are developing a gene-silencing tool to help protect forests from invasive pests. Conservation: Kentucky Fish and Wildlife released juvenile hellbenders back into the wild, supporting efforts to restore the rare salamander.

Hurricane Watch: A Gulf disturbance is strengthening fast and could become Hurricane Isaias, with forecasters warning northern Gulf coast advisories may start soon and heavy rain/flooding risks could spread toward the Southeast. Youth Hunting: Kentucky’s youth-only firearms deer season opens Saturday (Oct. 10) through Oct. 18, with KDFWR reminders on licenses, orange requirements, Telecheck rules, and statewide deer harvest options. Wildlife & Roads: A Pew Charitable Trusts report highlights wildlife vehicle collisions in Kentucky—especially deer—and points to road-stream crossings designed for safe animal passage. Fish & Wildlife Rules: Kentucky Fish and Wildlife’s updated amendments are now in effect, including higher black bass limits on some waters and new/adjusted deer and sport fish opportunities. Data Centers Debate: Lexington residents are pushing back as the city considers extending a data center moratorium, with opponents citing energy and environmental impacts. Conservation Milestone: Perry County Conservation District marked 75 years, expanding from soil erosion work into flood protection and home buyouts.

Wildlife & Community: NKU officials are weighing where to relocate the Landrum feral cat colony as construction nears, with a proposed move near the Old Schoolhouse and NKU Police Station—though advocates worry about nearby experiments, weed killer, and poison. State Wildlife Rules: Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Resources says fish and game regulation amendments are now in effect, including higher daily black bass limits on slot-limit waters, new limits for Cave Run Lake, and added lakes to the “Fishing in Neighborhoods” program. Kentucky Policy & Environment: A Kentucky congressman filed an amicus brief backing the state’s Clean Air Act lawsuit against the EPA over revised PM2.5 standards, arguing the rule was adopted without required review. Fire Safety: Kentucky’s fall forest fire hazard season burn restrictions run through Dec. 15, limiting controlled burns to daytime hours and keeping them at least 150 feet from woodlines. Data Centers & Land Use: A national coalition is pushing “guardrails” for new data centers in Indiana, responding to local moratoriums and bans—an issue Kentucky communities have also raised. Agriculture Costs: A Bluegrass farmer says diesel prices above $6 a gallon are sharply raising harvest costs, with no easy equipment alternatives. Storm Watch: Forecasters are tracking Tropical Storm Isaias, with potential flooding rain, storm surge, and damaging winds along the northern Gulf Coast.

Data Centers vs. Farmland: A new national op-ed highlights how Kentucky farmers and rural communities are pushing back on data centers, arguing they drive up energy costs and threaten clean air, water, and tens of thousands of acres of agricultural land. Clean Air Fight in Court: Kentucky’s congressman Brett Guthrie filed an amicus brief supporting the state’s lawsuit against the EPA over PM2.5 air standards, urging the Supreme Court to hear the Clean Air Act challenge. Wildlife & Hunting Updates: Kentucky Fish and Wildlife rolled out fish and game regulation amendments now in effect, including higher black bass daily limits on slot-limit waters and changes tied to deer-hunting opportunities. Monarchs & Nature Preserves: Kentucky Nature Preserves marked 50 years with monarch tagging, tracking the butterflies’ long migration and habitat science. Local Conservation Events: Land Between the Lakes announced October wildlife programming at the Woodlands Nature Station, including Wolf Week and an after-hours “Night at the Nature Station.” Education & Environment Tech: UK researchers are exploring whether AI can help math teachers improve “professional noticing,” aiming to better support student learning. Supreme Court Climate Case Watch: Commentary notes the Supreme Court’s new term includes climate-related litigation over whether state climate tort claims are preempted. Public Health Alert: CDC data shows dengue surges spreading beyond Florida, with Kentucky listed among states seeing increases. Food Safety: A frozen berry recall expanded again over possible E. coli contamination, affecting products sold at Walmart and Trader Joe’s.

Data Centers & Local Control: A Scott County candidate forum put water use, farmland loss, and utility-rate hikes front and center as residents pushed back on data centers, while debate over Flock cameras stayed more mixed. Supreme Court & Environment: The U.S. Supreme Court’s new term starts Oct. 5 with cases touching religious liberty, guns, immigration—and environmental issues. Food for Schools: Kentucky’s Agriculture Department says 171 school districts have adopted the model policy under Senate Bill 5 to boost locally grown food in classrooms. Urban Forestry: Frankfort will host Tree Week Oct. 9–18 with events like stargazing and a twilight hike at Buckley Wildlife Sanctuary. Invasive Species Swap: UK’s Bradford pear bounty lets Kentuckians cut and photograph Bradford pears for a free native tree replacement through county Extension events. Wildlife & Public Safety: A Shelbyville report warns residents after a young black bear was spotted downtown. Climate Litigation Watch: A Supreme Court argument in Suncor v. Boulder County could reshape how climate-related lawsuits proceed under state law.

Data Centers & Cameras: A Scott County candidate forum put water use, utility rates, and farmland impacts front and center as most candidates opposed new data centers, while views on Flock cameras varied. Urban Forestry: Frankfort will host Tree Week Oct. 9–18, with events like a twilight hike at Buckley Wildlife Sanctuary and tree-focused community activities. Native Trees & Invasives: UK researchers say an entomologist is advancing RNA interference to target invasive beetles threatening ash and pine, aiming for a more targeted alternative to broad insecticides. Wildlife & Health: Kentucky’s invasive forest pest work comes as tick-borne illness concerns keep rising, including reports of lone star tick impacts. Community Outdoors: Owensboro’s “Cops & Bobbers” fishing event (Oct. 6) pairs families with local officers and loaner poles from the state wildlife agency. Climate/Weather Watch: Forecasters in the Paducah area expect quiet, warming conditions after a very warm September, with drought conditions shifting in parts of southern Illinois.

Urban Forestry & Community Events: Frankfort and the University of Kentucky are gearing up for Tree Week Oct. 9-18, with events like twilight hikes, tree art, trivia night, and UK TreeFest plus Arbor Day activities at the Arboretum. Invasive Pests & Wildlife Health: UK entomologist Lynne Rieske-Kinney is advancing RNA-based gene-silencing research aimed at protecting ash and pine trees from invasive beetles like emerald ash borer and southern pine beetle. Local Infrastructure & Safety: Lexington’s Complete Streets push continues with StreetFest, featuring “asphalt art” meant to slow traffic and make streets safer for everyone. Energy & Pollution Pressure: Big Rivers Electric says it plans to keep its coal and gas plants running beyond 2050, arguing reliability upgrades beat retirement-and-replacement. Data Centers & Land Use: At a Frankfort listening session, Kentuckians urged stronger rules for hyperscale data centers, citing farmland loss, ratepayer protections, and transparency concerns. Public Health & Climate Risk: A Supreme Court term preview flags climate-related cases, while Kentucky’s deer-collision and tick concerns keep showing up in local reporting.

Coal and health: A new report says U.S. coal miners are seeing the highest lung disease rates since 1978, with Kentucky and nearby central Appalachia hit hardest—raising the stakes for any push to revive coal. Invasive pests and forests: UK entomologist Lynne Rieske-Kinney is advancing RNA-based pest control aimed at protecting ash and pine trees from invasive beetles like emerald ash borer and southern pine beetle. Urban forestry push: The University of Kentucky will host Tree Week 2026 (Oct. 9–18), including TreeFest and Arbor Day events focused on planting and community outreach. Wildlife close to home: Kentucky Fish and Wildlife is urging Shelbyville residents to stay alert after a young black bear was spotted downtown, warning not to feed or approach it. Power planning: Big Rivers Electric says it expects to keep its coal and natural gas plants running beyond 2050, arguing reliability upgrades beat retirement-and-replacement. Data center debate: A Frankfort listening session drew strong opposition to hyperscale data centers, with speakers citing farmland loss, water concerns, and calls for stronger environmental and ratepayer protections.

Forest Pest Fight: UK entomologist Lynne Rieske-Kinney is advancing RNA interference to target emerald ash borer and southern pine beetle, aiming for a more targeted alternative to conventional insecticides. Urban Forestry Push: The University of Kentucky will host Tree Week 2026 statewide Oct. 9–18, including TreeFest on Oct. 14 and Arbor Day events at the Arboretum. Wildlife Watch: Kentucky Fish and Wildlife is urging Shelbyville residents to stay alert after a young black bear was spotted downtown, warning people not to feed or approach it. Invasive Species Control: A Kentucky Bradford pear bounty is encouraging residents to remove the invasive tree that spreads via bird-dispersed fruit. Water Quality Accountability: Arkansas’ attorney general announced a $32 million to $80 million Monsanto settlement over PCB contamination claims, with funds restricted for water quality. Energy & Land-Use Tension: A Frankfort “listening session” drew strong opposition to proposed hyperscale data centers, with speakers citing farmland loss, water concerns, and calls for stronger environmental and ratepayer protections.

Data Centers at Frankfort: Kentucky lawmakers held a listening session on hyperscale data centers, with residents warning about farmland loss, weak ratepayer protections, and lack of transparency around tax incentives and local approvals. Coal Power Under Review: Big Rivers Electric told the Kentucky Public Service Commission it expects to keep its coal and gas plants running beyond 2050, arguing reliability upgrades are cheaper than retiring and replacing. Wildfire Season Alert: Kentucky reminded residents that outdoor burning restrictions run Oct. 1–Dec. 15, with most wildfires tied to human activity. Wildlife in Town: Shelbyville officials urged caution after a young black bear was spotted downtown, warning residents not to approach or feed it. Livestock Biosecurity: UK researchers are studying New World screwworm flies to improve detection if the pest reaches Kentucky. Water Quality Legal Fallout: Arkansas AG Tim Griffin announced a $32M–$80M Monsanto settlement over PCB contamination claims, with funds restricted for water quality.

Invasive Species Watch: A new Kentucky-focused reminder on Bradford pear trees calls out their invasive spread, limb-splitting risk, and how they can crowd out native forests and streamside habitat. Wildfire Preparedness: Team Kentucky says outdoor burning restrictions are in effect statewide Oct. 1–Dec. 15, noting most wildfires are human-caused and urging strict follow-through on debris-fire rules. Forest Protection Tech: UK researchers are advancing gene-silencing (RNA interference) approaches aimed at invasive forest beetles like emerald ash borer and southern pine beetle, targeting pests while sparing surrounding wildlife. Urban Nature Events: The University of Kentucky’s Tree Week 2026 (Oct. 9–18) spotlights community tree planting and education, with UK TreeFest set for Oct. 14. Wildlife Safety: Shelbyville officials increased patrols after a young black bear was spotted downtown, urging residents to keep distance and avoid feeding. Deer Disease Update: A Hawesville deer farmer reports EHD virus is hitting his herd again, with the disease spread by biting midges and no treatment in wildlife.

Data Center Pushback in Frankfort: Kentuckians packed a Capitol listening session to oppose hyperscale data centers, citing higher utility bills, pollution and water use, loss of farmland, and tax breaks under HB 775; residents also demanded stronger ratepayer protections and more transparency from local officials. Local Moratoriums: Separate reporting says several Kentucky communities have temporarily paused data center approvals while lawmakers consider rules. Wildlife Conservation: Kentucky Fish and Wildlife released juvenile eastern hellbenders back into the wild as part of a program to boost survival for breeding populations. Bird Migration Guide: UK researchers shared tips on fall migration, noting a mix of species moving through Kentucky from small songbirds to waterfowl. Coal Miners’ Health Advocacy: Retired eastern Kentucky coal miners and advocates urged Congress to improve black lung benefits through the Support Our Miners Act. Maternal Health Funding: Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies America announced $10 million in grants for Kentucky to expand maternity care access and postpartum support. Public Safety Incident: Several juveniles were arrested after a BB gun fight at a Northern Kentucky park.

Data Center Debate in Frankfort: Lawmakers heard intense public pushback at a listening session on hyperscale data centers, with residents warning about pollution, farmland loss, weak protections, and tax-break concerns—especially in Mercer County, where officials say communities had to become “researchers” because safeguards weren’t ready. Local Governance: Mercer Fiscal Court rejected zoning rules that would have allowed large data centers next to a coal-fired power plant, citing the need to align protections with the county plan and do more environmental work. Water Quality Funding: Team Kentucky opened about $1 million in EPA-backed grants to protect water resources by cutting runoff pollution, prioritizing watershed plans for impaired or at-risk waters. Wildfire Season: Kentucky’s fall forest fire hazard season begins Oct. 1, with rules against starting fires within 150 feet of woodland/brushland during the hazard period. Deer Crash Warning: Kentucky reported a seven-year high in deer collisions (3,411 in 2025), urging drivers to slow down at dawn/dusk and buckle up. Clean Energy Tech: Aether Fuels says it produced ASTM-compliant synthetic aviation fuel in an integrated demonstration using Kentucky landfill gas and captured CO2. Maternal Health Grants: Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies America announced $20 million in state grants—$10 million each for Arkansas and Kentucky—to expand prenatal care and postpartum support.