AGP Executive Report

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.

Data Centers in the Crosshairs: Mercer County rejected zoning rules that would have allowed large data centers next to a coal-fired power plant, with officials citing the need to “get this right” and concerns raised by residents about land-use and environmental impacts. Flood Insurance Gap: An AP analysis finds the National Flood Insurance Program leaves millions exposed as climate-driven flood risk rises—especially in eastern Kentucky, where coverage can be extremely low even in high-risk ZIP codes. Wildlife Under Human Pressure: A Campbellsville homeowner found a bright blue Eastern box turtle; rehab experts say layered paint (including red beneath the blue) likely caused serious harm risk, and the turtle will stay in care until paint is removed. Kentucky Mesonet Expands: The state weather network added its 87th site in Daviess County, boosting local monitoring of conditions like soil moisture and rainfall. Invasive Ticks Watch: Extension is promoting an Oct. 1 webinar for livestock producers on Asian longhorned ticks, warning of rapid spread and growing concern across Kentucky. Local Environment & Community: A fire at Glenns Creek Distillery prompted crews to protect nearby drinking-water sources, while a UK lab spotlighted breeding work aimed at more nutritious, disease-resistant crops.

Wildlife & Roads: Kentucky hit a seven-year high in deer crashes, with 3,411 deer collisions in 2025, and state safety leaders are urging drivers to slow down and buckle up during peak deer movement at dawn and dusk. Eastern Kentucky Conservation & Jobs: Kentucky State University hosted a forestry and agroforestry training for landowners, mixing specialty mushroom cultivation, silvopasture, forest management, and drone tools to help create new income while protecting habitat. Livestock Health Research: UK researchers and USDA found mating-related chemical changes in the New World screwworm, a pest that can destroy tissue in livestock and other animals—work that could improve monitoring and control. Disaster Recovery Storytelling: A documentary on Eastern Kentucky’s 2022 flood recovery, “RISING,” is now streaming for free on Tubi, with proceeds supporting the Team Kentucky Emergency Relief Fund. Water & Community Recreation: Kentucky’s neighbors saw a splash—Gadsden, Alabama won an $822,634 grant for a new splash pad and park upgrades.

Kentucky Mesonet expands: Daviess County cut the ribbon on a new Kentucky Mesonet station, adding real-time weather and soil data to the state’s official climate record and filling a major northwestern Kentucky gap. Deer safety push: Team Kentucky is warning drivers that fall mating season is driving a seven-year high in deer collisions—3,411 in 2025—urging slower speeds and seat belts, especially at dawn and dusk. Local governance and data centers: Owensboro city commission candidates fielded questions on data centers, affordability, and homelessness, with debate over whether city limits should regulate new facilities. Wildlife restoration tourism: West Virginia’s elk restoration effort is boosting a herd of about 140–150, with public viewing tours tied to reclaimed mine-land habitat. Outdoor recreation upgrades: Kentucky Horse Park announced a $5 million phased campground renovation, including a new pool, splash pad, wider RV aprons, and an entertainment pavilion, targeting completion by 2027. Remembering Wendell Berry: Community members gathered in Frankfort to honor environmentalist author Wendell Berry after his Aug. 31 death.

PFAS Water Update (Kentucky): Crittenden-Livingston Water District’s expansion is moving forward, with a filtration project aimed at removing PFAS from its drinking water highlighted in Gov. Andy Beshear’s Team Kentucky update. Wildlife & Safety: Kentucky is seeing a seven-year high in deer-vehicle crashes—3,411 in 2025—prompting officials to urge drivers to slow down during peak fall mating season, especially at dawn and dusk. Local Land-Use Fight (Data Centers): Mercer County officials sent proposed zoning rules for large data centers back to committee after residents raised concerns about environmental impacts and infrastructure strain near Shaker Village. Science in Kentucky Forests: UK researchers found a fungus living inside Kentucky woodland grass that produces rare bug-fighting chemicals, offering new insight into plant protection and Kentucky biodiversity. Flood Insurance Gap (Eastern Kentucky context): A new Associated Press report spotlights how few people have federal flood insurance in flood-prone areas, with rising flood risk and affordability problems leaving many uncovered. Energy & Climate Tech (Kentucky RNG): Aether Fuels says it successfully produced ASTM-spec synthetic aviation fuel using mass-balanced landfill-gas RNG from Kentucky plus captured industrial CO2. Community & Recovery: Rally4Recovery returned to Winchester with free resources and support for people in recovery and those who want to help.

Data center zoning fight in Mercer County: The Mercer County Fiscal Court voted to send Ordinance 2026-08 back to committee, after concerns from Shaker Village and residents about environmental impacts, pollution, and infrastructure strain tied to a proposed data center near Shaker Village. Water stewardship win: Northern Kentucky Water District was named a 2026 Sustainable Water Utility Management Award winner, highlighting long-term planning and investments aimed at safe, reliable drinking water. Drought and river conditions: Kentucky lake levels are expected to dip slightly, with low-flow conditions continuing on rivers like the Buffalo—heat is also limiting fishing success. Regenerative agriculture expansion: Western Kentucky’s Sunnyside Egg Company is expanding to upscale West Coast grocery chains, building on pasture-raised flocks and regenerative farm partnerships after the 2022 bird flu disruption. Local climate resilience planning: Lexington’s revised snow response plan is still on track for October completion, with added crews and contractors after major storms exposed gaps. Wildlife and outdoor access: Louisville opened its first adaptive mountain bike trail at Waverly Park, and a new Eastern Kentucky birding trail aims to grow conservation-minded birdwatching.

Data Centers & Ethics: Carroll County residents are filing ethics complaints over hyperscale data center votes, alleging council members had financial ties to LG&E-KU as projects move forward. Water & PFAS Cooling: A new report highlights how data centers are shifting cooling methods as water demand grows, while PFAS-linked “forever chemicals” expand to serve AI infrastructure. Wildlife Conservation: Kentucky Natural Lands Trust is adding birding “hotspots” along Pine Mountain with Cornell’s eBird QR signs to track migration and support conservation. Food Safety: A Kansas couple’s federal lawsuit says cyclosporiasis ruined their 45th anniversary after illness tied to recalled iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms. Local Food Systems: The Berry Center and Feed Louisville are partnering to bring locally raised beef to families facing food insecurity while supporting Kentucky cattle farmers. Public Health/Outdoors: Kentucky Fish and Wildlife helped locate an Indiana man hiding under the William Natcher Bridge after a chase, prompting a temporary bridge shutdown.

PFAS & water stress from data centers: A new report highlights how AI data centers are driving major water demand—and pushing operators toward “water-saving” cooling methods as PFAS producers expand capacity for immersion cooling. Public accountability in insurance: A coalition unveiled a Public Adjusting Code of Professional Conduct, aiming to standardize ethics and create an oversight board for public adjusters. Kentucky wildlife & land ethics: A Kentucky backyard turtle was found painted bright blue, raising concerns about harmful chemicals and camouflage for Eastern box turtles. Rural community support: The Berry Center kept its All Fall Festival focus on rural culture and farmland stewardship after Wendell Berry’s death. Local waste transparency: Rumpke opened its Estill County landfill to residents, addressing odor and trash complaints while inviting public tours. Kentucky conservation & habitat: Kentucky Fish and Wildlife continues elk viewing tours at Chief Logan State Park, and the state is expanding CWD sampling areas. Education & environment-adjacent policy: A Kentucky teacher was placed on leave after distributing a word search with a racial slur, underscoring ongoing school safety and accountability debates.

Rural stewardship in Henry County: The Berry Center kept its All Fall Festival mission going after Wendell Berry’s death, highlighting how farmers and farmland are still under pressure from land prices and low pay for products. Local waste transparency: Rumpke opened its Estill County landfill to neighbors, aiming to address odor and trash complaints while showing stormwater ponds, monitoring wells, and landfill gas-to-energy operations. Conservation for monarchs: A Kentucky-focused guide to monarch migration urges planting late-blooming nectar (frostweed, asters, goldenrod, purple coneflower) and protecting milkweed for caterpillars. Data center fight in Mercer County: Shaker Village leaders urged residents to oppose a proposed zoning ordinance, citing noise and light pollution concerns alongside the site’s protected forest/prairie stewardship. Community access upgrade: Central Kentucky Community Action Council launched a single 24/7 call line to streamline help for housing, utilities, emergency aid, and Head Start across eight counties. Wildlife and land use: Kentucky’s state foresters gathered in Lexington, while elk viewing tours continue through October at Chief Logan State Park.

Waterways Under Pressure: A new look at river management shows how navigability can collapse fast when pollution piles on—Bangladesh’s waterways have shrunk dramatically over decades, with rivers like the Buriganga and Turag taking heavy daily waste loads. Monarch Conservation: A Kentucky-focused guide highlights monarch migration and what to plant now—late-blooming nectar flowers (like frostweed, asters, goldenrod, and purple coneflower) plus milkweed for caterpillars. Landfill Transparency in Kentucky: Rumpke opened its Estill County landfill to neighbors, aiming to address odor and “mystery” concerns with public tours and site upgrades. Black Lung Still Threatened: Advocates warn that protections for coal miners against silica-related black lung remain delayed, keeping a deadly risk alive. CWD Hunting Update: Kentucky’s expanded antlerless-only hunt runs Sept. 25–28 in CWD surveillance zones, with harvested deer samples required. Data Centers & Local Opposition: Shaker Village leaders urged Mercer County residents to oppose a proposed data center zoning ordinance, citing noise/light pollution and the site’s conservation footprint.

Wildlife & Habitat: A Kentucky-focused explainer breaks down monarch butterfly migration and what to plant now—late-blooming nectar flowers for the southbound “super generation,” plus milkweed for the spring and summer caterpillars. Conservation & Water: Northern Kentucky Water District earned a 2026 Sustainable Water Utility Management Award, highlighting long-term stewardship and planning. Land & Wildlife Management: Kentucky opens a special antlerless-only hunt in 21 counties tied to chronic wasting disease surveillance, with harvested deer samples required for testing. Community & Access: Central Kentucky Community Action Council launches a new 24/7 unified call system to route residents to housing, utility help, senior services, and Head Start across its eight-county area. Urban Agriculture: Kentucky State Extension leaders roll out urban aquaponics and hydroponics education in Louisville, Frankfort, and Lexington after a yearlong fellowship. Local Stewardship: Shaker Village urges Mercer County residents to speak out against a proposed data center zoning ordinance, citing impacts on its protected forests and prairie land.

Data-center fight in Mercer County: Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill is urging residents to oppose a proposed Mercer County zoning ordinance, arguing the vote is being rushed and that the village—an environmental and historical landmark—would face noise and light impacts despite its $7M-plus annual local economic contribution. CWD deer season in Kentucky: Kentucky Fish and Wildlife opened a special antlerless-only hunt in 21 counties starting Friday through Monday, with hunters required to submit samples for chronic wasting disease testing. Urban ag education expands: Kentucky State University Extension leaders launched urban aquaponics and hydroponics training in Louisville, Frankfort, and Lexington after a yearlong fellowship, supported by a $15,000 award. Water stewardship recognition: Northern Kentucky Water District won a 2026 Sustainable Water Utility Management Award from the Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies. Local history spotlight: A new look at Frankfort’s African American Historic Context Report details the College Park neighborhood—Frankfort’s first Black subdivision developed by African Americans since 1911.

Urban agriculture push: Kentucky State University Extension leaders Arnold Katende and Lynsey Crumbie are turning a yearlong Urban Extension Initiative fellowship into hands-on soilless growing education in Louisville, Frankfort, and Lexington, with hydroponics and aquaponics training for 50+ participants. Deer management in CWD zone: Kentucky’s special four-day antlerless harvest runs Sept. 25–28 for hunters inside the CWD Surveillance Zone, allowing only antlerless deer to be taken. School inclusion incident: A Boone County High School teacher was placed on administrative leave after distributing a word-search puzzle containing a “deeply offensive” racial slur, with district officials saying they’ll seek maximum discipline. Community outdoors access: Louisville opened its first adaptive mountain bike trail at Waverly Park, expanding options for riders with disabilities. Public health and environment education: The Arboretum’s Little Free Library now offers free books and health resources as part of a UK-led collaboration. Wildlife viewing: Elk viewing tours continue through October at Chief Logan State Park, with weekend and select October trips.