AGP Executive Report

Controlled Burns & Wildfire Prep: Coronado National Forest plans the Gardner Pile Burn, treating 1,025 acres to cut fuel and protect homes and wildlife, with smoke impacts posted via AirNow. Climate Targets Falling Behind: A new national look finds many states that set 2030 emissions goals are cutting or scrapping them as they miss targets and face higher energy costs. Energy Siting Pressure: Researchers say 2027 could be the biggest year yet for state energy siting bills, with many proposals restricting renewables even as data-center growth keeps demand rising. Kentucky Education & Safety: Danville schools join Kentucky Safe Schools Week (Sept. 14–18) with a “Strong Roots. Safe Schools.” pledge focused on prevention, mental health, and community support. Wildlife & Community: Kentucky’s archery deer and turkey season opens with safety guidance from Fish & Wildlife, urging hunters to follow rules and plan responsibly. Bourbon for a Cause: Kentucky ABC will auction 70 confiscated bottles, with proceeds funding alcohol responsibility programs statewide. Wendell Berry Remembered: Kentucky writer and farmer Wendell Berry, 92, is being widely honored for his defense of land-conserving communities and soil-and-water stewardship.

School Safety: Danville Independent Schools is joining Kentucky Safe Schools Week (Sept. 14-18) with a “Strong Roots. Safe Schools.” pledge focused on prevention, positive relationships, and mental health support. Energy & Permitting: A new national analysis of renewable energy siting bills finds many 2026 proposals restrict projects, while most enacted measures are more permissive—researchers expect 2027 to be the “biggest year yet” for energy siting fights as data centers keep expanding. Wildlife & Land Use: Indiana’s vulture conflict is tied to climate-driven range shifts, with black vultures increasingly blamed for livestock losses—raising questions about how to protect wildlife while managing impacts on farmers. Food Safety: The E. coli outbreak linked to frozen blueberries has grown to 17 cases, prompting expanded recalls that include Kentucky. Rural Health: Kentucky is receiving $213M through the Rural Health Transformation Program to improve access and outcomes in rural communities. Controlled Burns: A fuel-reduction burn targeting 1,025 acres is planned in Arizona to protect homes and wildlife habitat from wildfire risk. Local Recycling: Bullitt County is set to host major recycling and hazardous waste/e-scrap collection events in September. Kentucky Conservation Education: Kentucky State University’s GEO-STEM Summer Camp trained students with drones, sensors, and wildfire risk mapping tools. Wendell Berry: Kentucky’s agrarian writer Wendell Berry died at 92, with tributes highlighting his environmental ethics and defense of small farms.

Food Safety: A frozen-berry E. coli outbreak tied to products from Chile has grown to 17 cases, with Kentucky among the states that received recalled berries; the FDA also expanded a Walmart recall for Great Value Organic Triple Berry Blend in 16 states, urging shoppers to check freezers. Local Recycling: Bullitt County is gearing up for September recycling—two major household hazardous waste and e-scrap collection events, including a Sept. 12 drop-off with a long list of accepted items. Wildlife & Hunting: Kentucky’s archery deer and turkey season opens Saturday, with state officials pushing safety steps like harness use and checking bag limits. Climate Policy: A new national report finds many states are behind on 2030 climate goals, and some are cutting or scrapping targets as costs rise. Flood Recovery: Flood damage is forcing Campbell building art and theatre spaces at a Kentucky campus to relocate and replace ruined tools. STEM & Conservation: Kentucky State’s GEO-STEM Summer Camp trained students on drones, GIS, sensors, and wildfire risk mapping. Data Centers & Local Rules: Louisville’s planning commission advanced amendments to its land development code for data centers after public concern over noise and utility impacts. Agriculture Research: UK is set to receive over $26M in USDA funding for a new forage and animal production research facility.

Food Safety: An E. coli outbreak tied to frozen blueberries has grown to 17 cases, with 6 hospitalizations reported and no deaths, according to updated federal data. The recalled products were shipped to stores in multiple states including Kentucky. Retail Recall: The FDA also expanded a Walmart frozen-berry recall to 16 states, including Kentucky, warning shoppers to check for Great Value Organic Triple Berry Blend (10 oz) with lot code 6040 01-6 and a use-by date of Feb. 9, 2028. Local Land-Use & Pollution: Louisville’s Planning Commission voted 5-3 to recommend amendments to the Land Development Code for data centers, including new definitions and changes aimed at addressing noise and other community concerns; the proposal now moves to the planning and zoning committee. Kentucky Agriculture Research: The University of Kentucky is set to receive more than $26 million in federal USDA funding for a new agricultural research facility focused on forage and animal production. Wildlife & Stewardship: A new book and discussion highlight efforts to restore eastern wilderness biodiversity, including elk reintroduction, after centuries of local extinctions. Community & Justice: A fundraiser called the Boozy Book Fair in Bellevue pairs Kentucky authors with craft beer to support environmental and social justice work.

Nuclear Energy & Defense: BWX Technologies was selected to deploy its BWXT Advanced Nuclear Reactor for the U.S. Army’s Janus program, with the first BANR planned for Fort Campbell, Kentucky—another sign Kentucky’s energy future is getting tied to national security. Data Centers & Local Impacts: In Owensboro, TeraWulf’s project team pitched a roughly $4B–$4.5B Hancock County data center, saying it would start operating in late 2027 and be fully online in 2028, while generating major local tax revenue—amid ongoing community concerns about costs and jobs. Water & Public Health: The Kentucky PSC is facing pushback over Bluegrass Water’s proposed rate hikes, with residents arguing the spending and compliance work don’t justify higher bills. Wildlife Safety: Kentucky Fish and Wildlife is reminding residents after a black bear sighting near New Castle, urging people not to feed bears and to secure trash. Health Investigation: Kentucky health officials say they’ve confirmed 10 pediatric DIPG cases in Eastern Kentucky since 2024 and are working with the CDC on a case-control study tied to possible environmental causes. Cybersecurity: Thomson Reuters reported a cybersecurity incident affecting court record systems, including Kentucky, raising privacy concerns for sensitive personal information.

Cybersecurity & Courts: Thomson Reuters confirmed a breach of its C-Track court case management system, with unauthorized access tied to March 2026 and disclosed Sept. 2; affected records include Kentucky Appellate Courts and other jurisdictions, and notices warn some files may contain sensitive personal data. Wildlife & Public Safety: Eminence police shared video of a black bear crossing a road in Henry County, reminding Kentuckians to stay vigilant and note that feeding bears is illegal. Water & Wastewater Costs: Hopkinsville Water Environmental Authority advanced a multi-year plan to raise water and sewer rates to fund infrastructure, with the average monthly bill projected to climb from about $62 to about $80.85. AgTech & Water Use: Bluegrass AgTech Development Corp. awarded $550,000 in challenge grants to six early-stage startups in Greater Lexington, including FarmSense soil moisture sensors aimed at cutting water use. Community & Conservation Legacy: Kentucky author and farmer Wendell Berry, a longtime advocate for land conservation and rural community life, died at 92. Local Industry: GE Appliances plans a $1B investment in Louisville to shift production of dryers from Mexico to Kentucky, aiming to secure thousands of jobs. Health Access: Kentucky named its first statewide Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner coordinator to expand rural access to specialized care.

Cybersecurity & Courts: Thomson Reuters says an unauthorized party accessed backup files tied to its C-Track case management system, affecting court systems in multiple states including Kentucky, with some records containing personal info. Local Governance & Energy/Environment: Winchester approved a one-year data center moratorium, citing missing zoning rules and open questions about impacts on utilities, rates, and the environment. Nuclear Site Oversight: Paducah-area officials are addressing controversy over soil removed from the DOE Paducah Site by General Matter and moved to other properties in McCracken County. Heat & Public Health: Louisville’s updated urban heat mitigation study finds hotter afternoon temperatures rose in most neighborhoods from 2016 to 2024, raising health and utility-bill concerns. Wildlife & Hunting: Kentucky Fish and Wildlife opened fall quota hunt applications through Sept. 30, and urged hunters to plan for heat, tree-stand safety, and ticks. Agriculture & Food Systems: Kentucky State Fair exhibits spotlight indoor farming research, including aquaponics and soilless production. Community & Conservation: WAVE Foundation’s Make WAVEs gala returns Sept. 11 to support ocean conservation and education at Newport Aquarium.

Heat & health equity: Much of Kentucky remains under a heat advisory through Thursday, with Louisville’s updated urban heat mitigation study highlighting how hotter conditions hit some neighborhoods harder—raising stakes for utility costs and health risks. Healthcare gaps: A new Queer Kentucky survey finds major disparities for LGBTQ+ residents in western Kentucky, including limited access to regular care, big HIV testing gaps, and high provider refusal rates. Data centers, zoning, and power: Winchester approved a one-year data center moratorium, citing missing zoning rules and concerns about impacts on utilities, rates, and the environment; the debate is also fueling political pushback after Trump’s “backwards and poor” remark. Agriculture & land ethic: Wendell Berry, the Kentucky writer and environmentalist who championed small farms and conservation, died at 92. Community resources: TANK announced major fall transit changes, including more frequent service and a new high-frequency corridor linking Newport, Covington, and Cincinnati. Local environment how-to: Extension-style guidance urges Kentucky gardeners to mulch leaves and compost yard waste to cut hauling and pollution.

Utility Affordability Probe: The Kentucky Public Service Commission has opened an affordability investigation after saying residential electric costs rose 21.8% from 2020 to 2025, with a technical conference planned next year and public comments due by late September. Data Center Fight in Simpson County: A court challenge over a proposed hyperscale data center is testing Kentucky’s new limits on who can sue over zoning decisions, with residents arguing the rules unfairly block review. Extreme Heat Watch: Southwest Kentucky is under an extreme heat warning as heat index values push into the low 100s, and Louisville-area schools canceled outdoor activities to protect students. Water Preparedness in Casey County: A portable water treatment system using salt, electricity, filters and UV is now available to help the county process up to 10,000 gallons a day during emergencies. Conservation & Community: Kentucky’s fall hunting season is underway, with dove season opening Sept. 1 and quota hunt applications running through Sept. 30; plus, Kentucky conservationists are mourning Wendell Berry’s death at 92, remembering his lifelong push for farming, land stewardship and environmental care.

Kentucky Energy Affordability: The Kentucky Public Service Commission opened a case to investigate what’s driving higher electric and natural gas bills, with Senate leaders pointing to fuel costs, fixed charges, rate design, and cost allocation as key questions. Wildlife & Hunting: Kentucky Fish and Wildlife is taking applications for fall quota hunts (deer, waterfowl, pheasants, sandhill cranes) through Sept. 30, using a randomized drawing system and limiting nonresident draws to 10% in each deer pool. Public Health in Heat: Louisville issued a heat advisory for Sept. 1-3 with temps in the mid-to-upper 90s and heat indexes above 100; schools canceled outdoor activities and the city listed cooling centers at community facilities. Bourbon & Accountability: Kentucky’s ABC will auction 70 confiscated bourbon bottles online Sept. 15-30, with winners picking up in Frankfort during “Bourbon on the Banks,” and proceeds supporting youth alcohol education. Local Conservation Tech: Kentucky State University researchers presented work on sensor-based irrigation and nutrient recycling to cut water and fertilizer use in controlled-environment crop production. Remembering Wendell Berry: Kentucky-born writer and environmental advocate Wendell Berry died at 92, leaving a legacy of criticism of industrial agriculture and a deep focus on land, community, and ecological health.

Heat & Health: Louisville is bracing for a dangerous stretch of extreme heat and humidity, with forecasts pushing heat indexes near 105 and urging residents to limit time outdoors and check on kids, seniors, and pets. Wildlife Management: Kentucky is weighing a proposal to double the bobcat bag limit to 10 per year and allow one bobcat to be taken at night with thermal gear, but advocates say there’s no clear population data to justify the change. Air Pollution Policy Fight: Kentucky AG Russell Coleman and other Republican attorneys general are asking the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn soot pollution limits upheld from the Biden era, arguing the EPA exceeded its authority. Local Water Cleanup Barriers: A letter argues flood debris cleanup in Kentucky’s mountains is stalled by confusing state and federal permitting, calling for Frankfort to streamline the process. Data Centers vs. Communities: A Kentucky data center developer is using a new housing fast-track law to fight a challenge from nearby residents, highlighting how policy shifts can collide with local health and safety concerns. Kentucky Conservation Voice: Wendell Berry, the Kentucky-born writer and farmer known for championing sustainable agriculture, died at 92.

Air Pollution Fight in the Courts: Kentucky AG Russell Coleman and other GOP attorneys general asked the U.S. Supreme Court to reverse a decision upholding tighter EPA soot limits, arguing the Biden-era rule exceeded what Congress allows. Public Health & Pollution Exposure: A new study links living within about 500 feet of a dry cleaner to a higher Parkinson’s risk, pointing to long-term solvent contamination in soil and water. Local Recreation Management: USACE Louisville District says Moutardier Recreation Area at Nolin River Lake will shift to Moutardier, LLC under new lease management starting Sept. 1 (day use) and Nov. 1 (campground). Heat Stress Across Kentucky: Middle Tennessee and Southern Kentucky face dangerous heat and humidity this week, with heat index values often topping 100. Wildlife & Conservation Tourism: West Virginia announced 2026 elk management tours as its restored herd roams farther, offering guided viewing weekends starting Sept. 13. Data Center Backlash: Trump escalated his feud with communities opposing AI data centers, warning they’ll be “backwards and poor,” as noise and pollution concerns keep fueling opposition. Kentucky Energy Infrastructure: The U.S. Army selected companies for nuclear microreactors at five bases, including Fort Campbell in Kentucky, aiming to boost on-base power resilience. Community Climate Creativity: Tuscaloosa launched a recycled art contest to turn everyday waste into original works, pushing reuse as a landfill alternative.

Nuclear Energy & Resilience: The U.S. Army’s Janus program is moving ahead with up to $2.2 billion to install nuclear microreactors at five bases, including Fort Campbell in Kentucky, aiming for reliable, around-the-clock power even if the civilian grid fails. Air Pollution Policy Fight: Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to review an EPA rule tightening soot limits, arguing the agency overstepped and didn’t properly weigh costs. Extreme Heat: Southwest Kentucky and nearby Tennessee face a Heat Advisory and Extreme Heat Watch with feels-like temperatures topping 100° for several days, urging residents to hydrate and limit outdoor exposure. Drought Watch: South-central Kentucky is sliding toward a possible “flash drought” as rainfall stays scarce and topsoil dries quickly. Wildlife & Habitat: Kentucky’s neighbors are seeing wildlife shifts too—West Virginia elk are roaming farther as their restored herd grows, and black bear sightings are rising statewide in Tennessee. Community & Environment-Adjacent: Kentucky Fish and Wildlife is gearing up for Labor Day on the water and the start of hunting season, after a deadly July boat crash.

AI & Data Centers: A CNN segment on Kentucky farmer claims about data-center “vibrations” causing miscarriages went unchallenged, while a separate report frames the broader backlash as a fight over energy, water, and local impacts. Air Pollution Fight: Kentucky AG Russell Coleman asked the U.S. Supreme Court to review an EPA soot rule tightening yearly limits, arguing the agency overstepped and ignored costs. Drought Watch: South-central Kentucky could be heading toward a “flash drought” as rainfall stays scarce and topsoil dries quickly. Wildlife & Waterways: Kentucky game wardens are gearing up for Labor Day after a deadly Herrington Lake boat crash and a busy summer on the water. Bird Migration: Radar detected an estimated 225 million migratory birds moving south across the eastern U.S., with Kentucky among the heaviest concentrations. Local Jobs/Industry: Freeman Automation plans a $1 million Graves County facility and 20 jobs, expanding electrical control panel manufacturing. Climate/Weather Outlook: Long-range forecasts for Kentucky winter differ, with the Farmers’ Almanac calling for colder, snowier swings while the National Weather Service expects above-normal temperatures.

Air Pollution Fight: Kentucky AG Russell Coleman has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to review a Biden-era EPA rule tightening the annual soot limit, arguing the agency lacked authority and didn’t properly weigh costs. Drought Watch: South-central Kentucky could be heading toward a “flash drought” as temperatures rise and rainfall stays scarce, with many Mesonet stations reporting no measurable rain for more than a week. Severe Weather Outlook: A new study projects tornado-prone conditions could shift farther north and east by late century, putting more of the Midwest, Great Lakes, and even parts of the Northeast at risk. Wildlife & Water: Kentucky fish and wildlife officers are gearing up for Labor Day on busy waterways after a deadly Herrington Lake boat crash; meanwhile, a massive eastern bird migration is being tracked on radar, with Kentucky among the hotspots. Local Nature Notes: Henderson residents are reporting an extreme case of a deer with viral skin warts, and Fish and Wildlife says it’s usually non-fatal but can be a heavy burden.

Air Quality Fight: Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman asked the U.S. Supreme Court to review an EPA rule tightening soot limits, arguing the agency lacked authority and didn’t properly weigh costs—after a federal appeals court upheld it. Energy Affordability: The Kentucky Public Service Commission opened an affordability investigation into rising gas and electricity costs, as advocates warn coal reliance and rapid data-center growth could keep bills climbing. Data Centers & Power: A separate thread in Kentucky policy circles continues around data-center approvals and tax breaks, with lawmakers and regulators weighing impacts on rates and local air concerns. Wildlife in Motion: A massive migratory bird surge was detected across the eastern U.S., with Kentucky among the states seeing the highest concentrations. Deer Health: Kentucky wildlife officials are responding to a severely disfigured Henderson-area deer with “deer warts” (cutaneous fibromas), which are usually non-fatal but can be severe. Weed Resistance: Farmers in Kentucky and beyond are seeing rising waterhemp resistance to multiple herbicide groups, pushing calls for rotation and new control practices.