AGP Executive Report

Nuclear Power & Kentucky: The U.S. Army’s Janus program is awarding up to $2.2 billion to five companies to build and run nuclear microreactors at major bases, including BWXT Advanced Technologies at Fort Campbell, Kentucky—aiming for a first reactor by Sept. 2028 and more than 20 total across sites. Public Health & Food Systems: The University of Louisville received an $11.6 million federal CoBRE grant to expand research on nutrition and metabolic health, including how environmental exposures may affect metabolism and chronic disease. Air Quality Monitoring: Michigan’s wildfire-smoke experience is spotlighting air-monitoring gaps, where residents far from official sensors may lack reliable local readings. Social Media & Youth Safety: Meta reached a landmark $17.1 billion settlement with states, including Kentucky, tied to claims of harmful design for kids and teens, with required safety changes. Wildlife & Hunting: Kentucky Fish and Wildlife is gearing up for fall hunting seasons, with officials saying deer populations are stable across the state.

Kentucky Utility Affordability Probe: The Kentucky Public Service Commission opened a case to examine why electric and natural gas bills are rising for residential customers, citing EIA data that average electricity prices climbed from 10.87 cents/kWh (2020) to 13.24 cents/kWh (2025). Data Center Power Push (Hancock County): The PSC approved an electricity service contract for TeraWulf’s 482-megawatt hyperscale data center at the former Century Aluminum smelter site, setting terms aimed at protecting ratepayers. Local Land-Use Limits (Letcher County): A county attorney said a data-center construction moratorium lacks “teeth” without planning and zoning, raising questions about how communities can slow or shape new projects. Meta Child-Safety Settlement: Kentucky is among states in a landmark multistate deal where Meta agreed to pay up to about $17.1 billion and change Instagram/Facebook features for teens, after allegations of addictive design and harm to minors. Outdoor & Water Resilience: A Kentucky-focused USDA school-food effort highlights local beef sourcing, while separate reporting points to landscaping and irrigation rules as a way to cut water use and protect rivers.

Solar & Climate Planning: Lexington-Fayette County is moving ahead with a solar zoning amendment that would allow limited large-scale solar development only if projects are agrivoltaic—keeping farming on-site and protecting soil—aimed at cutting emissions and air pollution while lowering costs. Local Water & Recreation Funding: Vulcan Materials is donating $50,000 to Lexington community projects through the Endow Kentucky Tax Credit program, including an endowment for Kelley’s Landing, a planned public park with Kentucky River access for kayaking and canoeing. Data Centers & Power: Kentucky utility regulators approved a 482-MW electric-service agreement for TeraWulf’s Justified Data Campus at the former Hawesville smelter site, clearing a major step for the AI/high-performance computing redevelopment. Wildlife & Hunting Season: Kentucky’s fall hunting season is underway, with dove opening Sept. 1 and key dates including deer archery Sept. 5 and black bear Sept. 19, plus reminders about permits and possible regulation changes. Agroforestry Training: Kentucky State University will host a Landscape Scale Restoration Training on Aug. 26 in Lovely, focusing on forestry and agroforestry, soil health, invasive species, and drone-based monitoring.

Emergency Tech for Rural Kentucky: A Pleasureville-area farm is testing drone systems that could eventually connect to emergency calls for faster help in life-threatening situations, pairing field imaging with AI planning. Public Health & Vaccines: A new report says vaccine-exemption rates among kindergartners are at a record high under Trump, with big state-by-state gaps that could raise outbreak risk. Wildlife & Outdoor Safety: Kentucky’s fall hunting season is underway, with KDFWR urging hunters to check regulations and proposed changes before heading out; separate coverage highlights that most Kentucky drownings happen when people don’t wear life jackets. Conservation & Turf Research: UK researchers are studying a newly arrived pest, the annual bluegrass weevil, to understand its seasonal activity and protect golf-course turf. Local Government & Services: Florence approved a 30-year lease for the Boone County Clerk’s satellite office, consolidating election operations; McCracken Fiscal Court set property tax rates and heard public concerns tied to the DOE Paducah Site. Energy & Industry: Kentucky regulators approved a 482-MW electric-service agreement for TeraWulf’s Justified Data Campus at the former Hawesville smelter site. Community Support: Kentucky’s first crisis nursery is set to open in Frankfort in October to keep children out of foster care during family emergencies.

Kentucky Turf Protection: UK researchers are studying the annual bluegrass weevil, a new threat to golf-course turf in Kentucky, to map when life stages peak and how to better protect fairways and greens. Public Health & Air Quality: A nationwide study finds Parkinson’s risk rises the closer people live to dry cleaners, adding to concerns about chemical exposure in everyday life. Data Centers, Power, and Local Impacts: The Kentucky PSC approved TeraWulf’s 482-megawatt electricity contract for its Hancock County data campus, despite local worries about rates, noise, and environmental effects; the AG also argues a proposed eastern Kentucky data center could help offset a costly cooling-tower project. Air Permits & Community Voice: A coalition of nearly 200 groups urged EPA to keep minimum public participation for air permits, warning that removing it could let major projects move forward with less public input. Wildlife Spotting: Rare swallow-tailed kites were spotted in Jessamine County, drawing birders and photographers. Boating Safety: A Cave Run Lake game warden says most Kentucky drownings happen when people aren’t wearing life jackets.

Data Center Power & Permitting: Kentucky’s Public Service Commission approved TeraWulf’s retail electric service agreement for a 482-megawatt “Justified Data Campus” at a former Hancock County aluminum smelter, with the deal framed as protecting existing ratepayers while shifting project-specific costs and risks to the data center. Local Governance: Lexington is moving toward another public hearing on data center zoning and regulation after a moratorium, with draft limits including size, power caps, noise limits, setbacks from sensitive areas, stormwater rules, and a ban on evaporation-based cooling to curb water use. Public Health & Pollution: A new nationwide study finds people living within about 500 feet of dry cleaners may face higher Parkinson’s disease risk, with a stronger association closer to the businesses—raising fresh questions about chemical pollution exposure. Wildlife & Research: UK researchers are studying the annual bluegrass weevil’s activity in Kentucky to better protect turfgrass, while a Hopkinsville festival highlighted hummingbird banding and migration tracking. Water & Courts: A Boone County naturalist’s fight over a major sewer project—centered on eminent domain impacts to a watershed—could reach the Kentucky Supreme Court. Community Resilience: The Kentucky National Guard is cutting the ribbon on a new Burlington field maintenance shop aimed at faster emergency and disaster response in Northern Kentucky.

Wildlife & Homes: A Harlan County woman says a bear broke into her home and ate leftover KFC, a reminder that wildlife is increasingly drawn to human food and open doors. Child Safety: Safe Kids Fayette County hosted hands-on demos for choking hazards, safe sleep, car seats, bike helmets, and gun/med storage—aimed at preventing preventable injuries. Kentucky Water & Invasives: Williamstown City Council heard updates on zebra mussel control, including how treatment is helping keep lines clear while detritus still needs handling. Energy & Data Centers: Kentucky’s utility regulator and Beshear-linked requirements keep showing up in filings tied to new AI data centers, as communities push back over power and costs. Appalachian Jobs: A federal judge dismissed an Eastern Kentucky coal operator’s bankruptcy case, leaving workers’ wage-and-benefits claims unresolved. Local Conservation: Jeffers Bend Environmental Center’s hummingbird festival brought community members together for banding and pollinator education. Outdoor Recreation: Kentucky Fish and Wildlife set dates for public drawings for season-long waterfowl blind sites at multiple WMAs.

Data Centers & Power in Kentucky: The Kentucky Public Service Commission approved an electricity contract for TeraWulf’s proposed Hancock County AI data center, using an existing 482-megawatt grid connection and requiring the company to curtail during grid emergencies—after residents raised concerns about bills, air and noise, and water use. Coal’s Human Cost: A federal judge dismissed an Eastern Kentucky coal operator’s bankruptcy case, leaving hundreds of workers’ wage-and-benefit claims unresolved. Wildlife & Community Science: Jeffers Bend Environmental Center hosted its Hummingbird Festival in Hopkinsville, featuring banding and tracking of native ruby-throated hummingbirds headed to Mexico. Invasive Species Watch: Williamstown city leaders discussed zebra mussel control efforts in the water system, including ongoing cleanup needs. Conservation Awards: The Garden Club of Frankfort recognized local projects restoring habitat and trees, including a cemetery tree survey and monarch-friendly landscaping. Health & Environment: A new study links living near dry cleaners with higher Parkinson’s risk, pointing to chemicals used in cleaning.

Data Centers & Power Costs: Kentucky’s utility regulator approved an electricity contract for TeraWulf’s Hancock County data center, after residents raised alarms about bills, air, noise, and water use—while the company says it won’t pass power costs to residents. Local Water Protection: Williamstown officials discussed zebra mussel control, saying a copper-based treatment is helping keep pipes clearer, though the mussels still need removal. Wildlife & Public Lands: Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Resources set fall dates for public drawings to select season-long waterfowl hunting blind sites at multiple WMAs. Community Conservation: Frankfort’s Garden Club honored projects like Josephine Sculpture Park’s restored prairie habitat and a cemetery tree survey that’s now in a public digital dataset. Health & Pollution Link: A new study finds living near dry cleaners is tied to higher Parkinson’s risk, pointing to chemicals used in cleaning. Clean Energy Experiment: A rooftop agrivoltaics trial using semi-transparent panels over saffron reportedly doubled flower and stigma yields while generating electricity. Local Tech/Health Upgrade: TriStar Greenview Regional Hospital completed upgrades to its cardiac catheterization lab with improved imaging and redesigned workflow.

Conservation & Community: The Garden Club of Frankfort handed out its Beautification, Conservation and Environment Awards, including Josephine Sculpture Park for restoring native habitat and using milkweed pathways to support monarchs, and a Frankfort Cemetery Tree Project that documented trees and uploaded the dataset to a public platform. Public Health & Food Safety: The Jefferson County Health Department released weekly food inspection results for the week of Aug. 9, with 33 inspections and scores ranging from 85 to 100. Waterways Safety: A Mercer County grand jury indicted Harrodsburg wake-boat operator Cody Casey in a July 4 Herrington Lake crash that killed one person and injured another, with charges including manslaughter and wanton endangerment. Data Centers & Environment: Kentucky’s utility regulator approved TeraWulf’s Hancock County data center electricity contract, while the company says it’s committing to Gov. Beshear’s environmental and community requirements. Wildlife Management: KDFWR set fall public drawing dates for season-long waterfowl hunting blind sites at Doug Travis, Lake Barkley, Green River Lake and Barren River Lake WMAs. Climate Outlook: NOAA forecasts a warmer-than-average fall for much of the U.S., tied to a strengthening El Niño.

Data Centers in the Crosshairs (Hancock County): Kentucky’s utility regulator approved TeraWulf’s electricity contract for a planned 482-megawatt hyperscale data center at the idled Hawesville aluminum smelter, after residents raised alarms about bills, air and noise pollution, and water use. Corporate Commitments: In a filing to the Kentucky Public Service Commission, TeraWulf says it’s committing to Gov. Andy Beshear’s requirements—paying its tax share, following environmental laws, and building a “meaningful relationship” with the community. Local Project Delays (Northern Kentucky): Newport leaders warn a new state law (HB 542) could add appraisal steps for properties near KYTC and federally funded public works, pushing timelines back and raising costs. Wildlife & Public Access: Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Resources set fall waterfowl blind drawing dates at Doug Travis, Lake Barkley, Green River Lake, and Barren River Lake WMAs. Health & Pollution Link: A new study finds living within 500 feet of a dry cleaner is tied to higher Parkinson’s risk, with the Tennessee–Kentucky border area showing elevated rates.

El Niño Watch: The Met Office warns this El Niño could become “the largest in living memory,” with global warming impacts and a higher chance of extreme weather stretching into 2027—something Kentuckians should keep in mind as fall forecasts firm up. Kentucky Turf Threat: UK researchers are tracking the newly arrived annual bluegrass weevil, a costly pest that can wipe out golf-course turf, and say Kentucky’s seasonal activity data is key to better control. Data Center, Energy, and Environment: A Kentucky developer seeking to build a massive hyperscale data center at a former aluminum smelter says it will follow Gov. Beshear’s requirements on taxes, environmental rules, and community ties—amid broader debate over whether such projects truly protect local health and power costs. Water Quality Concern: West Virginia Gov. Morrisey announced a “Clean, Clear Water” strategy after criticism over funding gaps and small-system needs, highlighting how drinking-water infrastructure failures can become a public health issue. Local Health Story: WKYT reports a Laurel County girl battling DIPG as officials and the CDC look into whether Eastern Kentucky is seeing a rise in cases. Meta Trial: A multistate lawsuit against Meta over alleged child-safety harms begins in Oakland, with Kentucky included among the states backing the case.

Kentucky climate outlook: NOAA says El Niño is strengthening and could bring a very strong event this fall, with Kentucky facing a toss-up on whether fall turns warmer or cooler and precipitation staying uncertain. Public health & pollution: New research on the East Palestine derailment found vinyl chloride detected in 74% of urine samples from people living within a mile—raising fresh concerns about long-term exposure. Wildlife & outdoor recreation: The Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Commission proposed changes to deer seasons and zones, including new antlerless-only firearms days and updates to how “over-populated areas” are defined. Local land use: Logan County unveiled a master plan for a new 242.5-acre park, with trails, sports fields, an amphitheater, splash pad, and an indoor recreation hub. Data centers & environment: Gov. Beshear’s Aug. 6 executive order would require data center developers to account for environmental, utility, tax, and community impacts before permits—aiming to prevent harm to air, water, wetlands, and natural resources.

Kentucky Fish & Wildlife: The state Fish and Wildlife Commission voted to recommend changes to fishing, hunting and wildlife rules, including new antlerless-only deer firearms seasons and updates to how “over-populated areas” are defined, with some proposals now heading to the General Assembly. Data centers & environment: Gov. Andy Beshear’s Aug. 6 executive order would require data center developers to submit energy plans, face permit denials for harmful air/water/wetlands impacts, fully comply with taxes, and hold community transparency talks—while critics question whether the order has enough legal “teeth.” Local data-center pushback: Mount Washington is considering a longer data-center moratorium (24 months) after residents raised concerns about power and water use, light/noise pollution, traffic, and “forever chemicals.” Metals recycling boost: Kentucky received a $736,666 EPA grant to improve metals recycling and battery disposal education, with WKU reviewing the state’s recycling system. Energy policy politics: Kentucky AG Russell Coleman appointed two coal-tied executives to EPIC, the energy planning advisory commission lawmakers created. Wildlife safety & health: A nationwide study links living within about 500 feet of dry cleaners to a higher Parkinson’s risk, pointing to long-term exposure to chlorinated solvents. Boating tragedy: A Harrodsburg-area man was indicted in connection with a July 4 Herrington Lake collision that killed one person and injured others.

Cell Tower Review: Murray’s planning commission tabled a proposed 199-foot Verizon tower on Gibbs Store Road, citing questions about location, nearby homes, flooding, and aviation safety, and asking for more info before a Sept. 15 decision. Public Health & Pollution Exposure: A new nationwide study links living within 500 feet of a dry cleaner to a higher Parkinson’s risk, pointing to long-term exposure to chlorinated solvents. Meta Trial, Youth Safety: In a multistate case seeking up to $1.4 trillion, a former Meta engineering director testified that Instagram’s approach to kids under 13 was “don’t ask, don’t tell,” prioritizing engagement over safety. Kentucky Oversight: Kentucky lawmakers highlighted oversight work in committee reviews of contracts, regulations, tech spending, and Medicaid operations. Drought Relief: USDA designated many Kentucky counties as natural disaster areas for drought, unlocking emergency farm loans for eligible producers. Wildlife & Land Impacts: Kentucky Fish and Wildlife arrested a Harrodsburg man after a July 4 Herrington Lake crash that killed a passenger; separate reports also show a coal-and-rock slide destroying a Pike County home. Community Conservation: LaRue County groups are seeking donations to expand trap-neuter-release efforts to reduce feral cat populations.

Wildlife & Public Safety: Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Resources arrested Harrodsburg resident Cody Casey after a July 4 Herrington Lake wake-boat crash that killed Nazar Svintozelskiy; a Mercer County grand jury returned a 19-count indictment including second-degree manslaughter, wanton endangerment, and charges tied to leaving the scene and failing to render aid. Water Infrastructure: Morehead State University won a $1 million federal grant for water rehabilitation upgrades to its aging system, aiming to protect reliable clean water and wastewater service for campus and the surrounding community. Pollution Accountability: A Kentucky charcoal company owner, Nicholas Upchurch of Rebel Smoke in Burkesville, pleaded guilty to falsifying air emissions data submitted for state permit compliance, with sentencing still pending. Community Cats: LaRue County’s Snip & Clip Clinic is seeking donations to expand trap-neuter-release work to stabilize feral cat colonies and reduce disease, parasites, and wildlife impacts. Outdoor Education & Conservation: Kentucky 4-H youth will showcase projects at the Kentucky State Fair in Louisville, including natural resources and science tracks. Clean Water & Health: Bell County Senior Citizens Center warned that state funding cuts could force reductions in home-delivered meals for older adults.