AGP Executive Report

Data centers and local control: Kentucky counties are moving fast on rules for hyperscale data centers, with Bell County residents winning a two-year moratorium and Mercer Fiscal Court approving a one-year pause plus a new path for siting and impact limits. The fight is getting personal too, as a Mercer County dispute over a proposed project includes a mugshot threat and backlash over environmental and land-use concerns. Wildlife and public safety: A bear broke into a Kentucky woman’s home and stole leftover fast food, a reminder to secure trash and food sources. Invasive species: Spotted lanternflies are now “here to stay” in Kentucky, and officials say they’ll likely worsen over the next few years—so residents should expect to adapt. Heat and extreme weather: Dangerous heat and humidity are driving heat-safety warnings across the region, while flooding disasters in the Midwest show how fast conditions can turn. Energy efficiency: Little Rock’s airport is building a geothermal well field to cut natural gas use—an example of how underground heat can power cleaner operations.

Extreme Heat & Storm Impacts: A dangerously hot, humid stretch continues across Kentucky and the region, with an Extreme Heat Warning and Heat Advisory in effect and storms possible later today. Flood Risk in the Midwest: Severe flooding in Indiana tied to repeated heavy rain and a derecho has killed at least six people and prompted emergency actions—another reminder that extreme weather is hitting harder and more often. Local Power Outages: Northern Kentucky residents faced days without electricity after severe storms, raising concerns about spoiled food and health impacts. Wildlife & Public Safety: A bear broke into a Kentucky woman’s home and stole her dinner, underscoring how wildlife encounters can spike when animals are drawn to human food. Pet Food Contamination: Oma’s Pride recalled 639 six-pound bags of frozen raw dog food in 11 states, including Kentucky, due to salmonella risk. Invasive Species Watch: Spotted lanternflies are now established in Kentucky, and officials say they’re likely to worsen—so residents should plan for long-term management. Kentucky River Outdoors: Mercer County’s Kentucky River Palisades highlight local biodiversity and outdoor recreation, from paddling to hiking. Data Centers & Community Concerns: Kentucky counties continue adopting ordinances or moratoria on data centers as residents raise environmental and energy-cost worries.

Data Center Democracy Clash: Kentucky’s data-center boom is colliding with local control as residents and officials push back on siting impacts, energy costs, and fairness—sparking county moratoria and ordinances and fueling a broader debate over who gets a say. Invasive Species Watch: Spotted lanternflies are now “here to stay” in Kentucky, and University of Kentucky experts say residents will need to learn how to manage them as populations likely worsen. Water & Storm Resilience: After severe storms and flooding across the region, Floyd County leaders are urging a “resilience hub” to help families during disasters, while Northern Kentucky communities reported prolonged power outages and food-safety concerns. Wildlife & Habitat: Kentucky wildlife officials set fall public drawings for season-long waterfowl hunting blind sites at four WMAs. Local Nature Access: Mercer County’s Kentucky River Palisades highlight Bluegrass outdoor recreation, from paddling to hiking through ancient cliff country. Public Health Reminder: A pet food salmonella recall includes Kentucky, urging owners to stop using the affected lot and dispose safely.

Spotted Lanternflies in Kentucky: UK Extension says the invasive spotted lanternfly is now “here to stay,” with expectations it will worsen over the next few years as it feeds on tree sap and can kill trees, especially fruiting plants like grapes. Mississippi River Carp Die-Off: Hot, low-oxygen conditions are blamed for dead silver and bighead carp near the river, a reminder of how invasive species can spread toward the Great Lakes. Flood Resilience in Eastern Kentucky: Floyd County leaders are pushing for a “resilience hub” after recent flooding damaged roads and culverts, aiming for a permanent crisis “home base” for food, water, and shelter. Northern Kentucky Storm Power Outages: Residents in Fort Mitchell and nearby areas reported days without electricity after severe storms, with health warnings about spoiled food. Kentucky River Palisades Spotlight: A Mercer County outdoor gem—cliffs, wildlife, paddling, and caves—gets attention as a lesser-known Bluegrass destination. Local Land-Use Decisions: Warren County approved opposed rezonings tied to a planned residential development near a new school, while Barren County’s zoning process continues with agriculture protection at the center. Conservation & Hunting Updates: KY Fish and Wildlife set public drawings for season-long waterfowl blind sites at several WMAs. Native Plant Giveaway: Covington will hold a native plant giveaway Sept. 2 at Goebel Park, offering one free plant per registered resident.

Storm recovery and public safety: After severe winds and flooding across the Midwest, Northern Kentucky residents reported days of power outages, with health officials warning families about food spoilage risks. Flood resilience planning: Floyd County leaders are pushing for a “resilience hub” to serve as a permanent crisis “home base” after repeated flooding damage and lingering “storm PTSD.” Kentucky River outdoors: Mercer County’s Kentucky River Palisades are being highlighted as a wildlife-rich, cliff-lined escape for hiking, paddling, fishing, and swimming. Transportation and air/noise impacts: Louisville’s long-running push to remove part of I-64 through Waterfront Park is resurfacing, with residents citing noise and pollution. Data center fight turns personal: A Mercer County dispute over a proposed hyperscale data center is getting more attention after an activist’s mugshot threat and community organizing around environmental and land-use concerns. Pet food recall: Oma’s Pride recalled frozen raw dog food in Kentucky and 10 other states over possible salmonella contamination. Wildlife management: Kentucky Fish and Wildlife set fall waterfowl blind drawing dates for several WMAs.

Disaster Preparedness: Gov. Andy Beshear says the Kentucky National Guard has upgraded its MEDEVAC fleet to HH-60M Black Hawk helicopters, extending rescue range and flight time—an upgrade aimed at faster response during floods and other emergencies. Wildlife & Recreation: Kentucky Fish and Wildlife set public drawings for season-long waterfowl hunting blind sites at Doug Travis, Lake Barkley, Green River Lake, and Barren River Lake WMAs. Food Safety: Oma’s Pride recalled a specific lot of frozen raw dog food in 11 states, including Kentucky, after salmonella was found; pet owners are urged to stop feeding it and sanitize surfaces. Salmonella Alert (Human Food): Whole Foods is recalling 43 jalapeno-containing products sold in multiple states, including Kentucky, tied to a broader salmonella investigation. Water & Community: UK’s Kentucky Water Research Institute opened registration for the 2026 Kentucky Water Resources Annual Symposium in Lexington, bringing researchers and agencies together to tackle state water challenges. Outdoor Learning: UK’s Robinson Forest hosted the Kentucky Forest Leadership Program, giving students hands-on training in forestry, water, wildlife, and ecology.

Coal & Public Health: A new NIOSH-backed study says black lung rates among veteran underground miners in central Appalachia are the worst in 50 years, underscoring how stalled coal miner protections are still costing lives. Wildlife & Safety: A rabies-positive bat found in southcentral Kentucky is a reminder to vaccinate pets and avoid handling wildlife. Water & Waste Management: Kentucky’s DEP shared practical guidance for storm debris after recent severe weather—separate piles, recycle when possible, and don’t burn storm trash. Environment & Food Safety: Cyclospora cases tied to recalled iceberg lettuce keep rising nationwide, with Kentucky among affected states—health officials warn routine stool tests may miss it. Local Governance & Pollution Controls: Franklin approved a $25,000 engineering contract to complete a state-mandated environmental review of its utility system, including wastewater local limit re-evaluations. Recycling & Materials: Team Kentucky received a $736,666 EPA grant to study and improve metals and battery recycling across the state. Data Centers & Community Impacts: Kentucky’s data-center debate continues as Gov. Beshear says he wasn’t briefed on a major federal-backed plan, while Mercer County advanced a 12-month data center moratorium and the state pushes rules to protect ratepayers and the environment. Wildlife Management: Despite concerns about population data, Kentucky’s committee cleared regulation allowing expanded bobcat hunting.

Data Centers in the Spotlight: Gov. Andy Beshear says the Trump administration didn’t brief him before a planned $100 billion data center campus announcement, raising concerns about power needs and environmental impacts. Local Governance: Mercer County’s fiscal court approved a second reading of a 12-month data center moratorium, while related city zoning moves and a “good neighbors” executive order aim to curb harmful effects. Air Quality & Energy: Kentucky Utilities’ proposed Mercer gas plant could become a real-world test of Beshear’s data-center air-permit limits, with advocates arguing emissions would rise. Extreme Heat: An Extreme Heat Warning hits parts of western Kentucky with dangerous heat index values and little overnight relief. Food Safety: Whole Foods recalled jalapeño products tied to a salmonella outbreak, and a separate dog food recall involving salmonella reached Kentucky. Public Health: Cyclosporiasis cases keep climbing nationwide, with Florida reporting hundreds of new cases. Wildlife & Land: A Kentucky conservation/seed guidance piece urges checking wildflower mixes for invasive weeds before planting. Community & Agriculture: NatureMed opened its third Kentucky medical cannabis dispensary in Murray, expanding access for patients.

Kentucky Pollution Cleanup Funding: The state Energy and Environment Cabinet is now accepting applications for grants through the Illegal Open Dump Program and the Litter Abatement Program, aiming to cut illegal dumping and roadside litter that threaten waterways, wildlife, and public health. Data Center “Good Neighbor” Rules: Gov. Andy Beshear issued an executive order requiring data center developers to plan for energy without shifting costs to ratepayers, protect air and water resources, pay local and school taxes, and engage communities meaningfully. Local Data Center Backlash: Mercer County approved a one-year moratorium on new hyperscale data centers in unincorporated areas, while critics warn annexation could sidestep local limits. Storm Impacts Across the Region: Heavy rain and severe weather have driven dangerous flooding and power outages across the Midwest and Ohio Valley, with more storms expected. Wildlife/Water Safety: Kentucky officials investigated a possible drowning in Metcalfe County, where a woman was recovered after a river incident and a child was flown for treatment. Community Sustainability Event: Bluegrass Greensource’s Tacos N’ Tequila fundraiser returns Aug. 28 to support a more sustainable Central Kentucky.

Data Centers & Local Power Costs: Kentucky is moving toward stricter rules for data centers after Gov. Andy Beshear signed an executive order requiring developers to prove projects won’t harm ratepayers or communities, while local governments like Carroll County are also negotiating “community benefits” to manage noise, traffic, pollution, and utility impacts. Manufacturing Jobs: BOS Innovations opened its first U.S. facility in Lexington, a $5.4 million investment expected to create 111 jobs, underscoring Kentucky’s push to attract advanced manufacturing. Storm Impacts: Severe Midwest weather brought tornadoes, flash flooding, and widespread outages, with emergency crews still responding as conditions remain dangerous. Wildlife & Hunting Policy: Kentucky lawmakers advanced expanded bobcat hunting despite population concerns, drawing criticism from wildlife experts worried about overharvesting. Water Safety Tragedy: Authorities are investigating a possible drowning in Metcalfe County; a woman died after being found in the Little Barren River, while a child was rescued and flown for treatment. Agriculture & Food Security: Kentucky farmers and leaders are pushing for a new Farm Bill as Senate Agriculture Committee delays threaten passage this year, with SNAP-related cost fights at the center.

Data Centers & Power Bills: Kentucky residents are pushing back on proposed data centers after concerns that electricity costs could soar—one Hancock County resident warned summer bills could top $1,000 as regulators weigh a TeraWulf project tied to an AI tenant. Energy Policy & Coal Influence: Kentucky AG Russell Coleman appointed two coal-linked executives to EPIC, the state’s energy planning panel, as the commission’s role grows in shaping Kentucky’s energy future. Farm Bill Stalls: Kentucky ag leaders are urging action after the Farm Bill 2.0 failed to move out of the U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee, leaving farmers without certainty on programs that affect insurance, research, and SNAP. Wildlife Watch: Black bear sightings are popping up in Franklin County, with residents reporting a juvenile bear wandering into neighborhoods. Stormwater & Infrastructure: Bowling Green officials inspected the aging Whiskey Run stormwater system and found corrosion and deformation in a decades-old underground section, raising the odds of major repairs. Climate/Disaster Impacts: A derecho and severe storms knocked out power across parts of the Midwest and Appalachians, with eastern Kentucky among areas facing storm risk. Public Safety: A woman drowned in Metcalfe County’s South Fork Little Barren River; a 6-year-old was found clinging to a rock. School Safety: Kentucky’s new school-year rules require drivers to stop for school and church buses with stop arms and flashing lights, with stop-arm cameras allowed to catch violators.

Data Center Backlash in Kentucky: Gov. Andy Beshear’s new executive order is pushing developers to prove data centers won’t harm ratepayers or communities, and the fight is getting loud at local hearings—like West Louisville, where residents packed a meeting over proposed land-development code changes that could restrict or ban large projects. Local Spill Response: Elizabethtown’s Wawa opening was delayed after about 1,500 gallons of fuel spilled into a storm drain during construction; officials say it was contained on site and cleanup is underway with state oversight. Heat and Climate Reality Check: A NOAA report says July 2026 was the hottest month ever recorded in the contiguous U.S., adding urgency to Kentucky’s ongoing heat risks. Kentucky Conservation Funding: County conservation districts can apply for up to $336,000 in environmental grants, with uses ranging from septic help to tire and white-goods cleanups. Wildlife and Water: Kentucky fishermen are testing an “experimental” program targeting Asian carp, while a separate report highlights how air monitoring gaps can leave communities exposed to toxic pollution.

Data centers in Kentucky: Louisville residents packed a final hearing on proposed Metro Land Development Code rules that could restrict or ban large data centers, with limits like a 500,000 sq. ft. cap and calls for transparent, science-based review. Gov. Beshear’s safeguards: In parallel, McCracken County weighed DOE Paducah site plans and how Beshear’s executive order on “harmful impacts” and ratepayer protections could apply. Fuel spill cleanup: Elizabethtown’s Wawa opening was pushed back after about 1,500 gallons of fuel spilled into a storm drain during construction; officials say it was contained on site and cleanup is underway. Heat and climate: NOAA reported July 2026 as the hottest month on record for the contiguous U.S., adding pressure as Kentucky and the region face dangerous heat advisories. Local conservation funding: Kentucky conservation districts can apply for up to $336,000 in environmental grants, with support for projects like tree seedlings, septic help, and cleanup. Wildlife and habitat: A Kentucky conservation story highlighted how communities are responding to uncertainty in wildlife recovery efforts.

Data Centers in Kentucky: Gov. Andy Beshear’s latest executive order pushes developers to prove projects won’t raise household electricity costs or harm wetlands and other natural resources, with state and local oversight tightening as communities push back. Energy Policy & Coal Influence: Kentucky AG Russell Coleman is appointing two coal-linked utility and barge executives to EPIC, the state’s energy planning panel—raising fresh questions about how environmental tradeoffs get weighed. Asian Carp Control: Kentucky fishermen are using an experimental seine program near Barkley Dam to pull tens of thousands of pounds of invasive carp per haul, aiming to reduce impacts on waterways. Wildlife Management: Kentucky lawmakers legalized nighttime bobcat hunting with goggles and thermal scopes, and experts worry about overharvesting without solid population data. Public Health at Festivals: An Appalachian outreach model at a country music festival found a “connected-to-care but not screened” gap for HIV and hepatitis C, highlighting how access barriers persist. Air Quality Policy (NH): EPA signaled preliminary support for ending New Hampshire’s vehicle inspection and emissions testing program, aligning federal requirements with state law. Kentucky Transportation Planning: KYTC is seeking public input on Highway 146 improvements, including safety and congestion changes with environmental and economic review ahead.

Data Centers in Kentucky: Gov. Andy Beshear is defending a new executive order that requires data center developers to prove they won’t raise household electricity costs and won’t harm wetlands and other natural resources, with the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet able to deny permits if air or water impacts are negative. Local Planning Pressure: The order also bars the Public Service Commission from increasing rates tied to data center development and pushes developers to share project details and locations with communities. Public Input on Roads: KYTC is seeking public comment on Highway 146 improvements between Crestwood and Buckner, with the study weighing congestion and safety alongside environmental and economic impacts. Wildlife & Habitat: A new piece highlights how wildlife is returning to the East, tracing how ecosystems and species recover after past losses. Health & Environment Link: A nationwide Medicare study finds people living within 500 feet of a dry cleaner had higher odds of Parkinson’s disease, raising questions about chemical exposure and community risk.

Kentucky Data Centers: Gov. Andy Beshear is defending new Kentucky rules for data center development, saying they’re meant to protect ratepayers and the environment without a blanket moratorium. The order requires developers to submit power and infrastructure plans, bars the Public Service Commission from raising rates to recover data-center costs, and gives the state grounds to deny permits tied to harms to air quality, water use, water quality, or water supply. Local Governance: The push mirrors growing local pushback elsewhere, including Indianapolis residents weighing a moratorium on new data centers through 2027 over noise, light, utility costs, and other environmental impacts. Public Health & Pollution Risk: A nationwide Medicare study found people living within 500 feet of a dry cleaner had higher odds of Parkinson’s disease, adding to concerns about chemical exposure near everyday businesses. Wildlife & Farming Oversight: Animal activists are asking the FAA to allow “no-drone zones” rules to be loosened for farm surveillance, arguing bans shield animal agriculture from oversight, while producers say drones harass workers and livestock. Food Safety: Cyclospora cases continue to rise in a widening outbreak tied to produce, with Kentucky customers reportedly turning to local options as more states are added.