AGP Executive Report

Heat & Air Quality: A Tri-State Air Quality Alert is in effect for elevated PM2.5 and ground-level ozone through Sunday, with fireworks expected to worsen short-term pollution. Extreme Heat Access: New estimates show big gaps in air-conditioning access, with many households in the Northwest and Northeast lacking cooling—an issue that matters as heat waves intensify. Grid Strain From Data Centers: Federal emergency orders were used again to force AI data centers onto diesel backup during grid stress, underscoring how rapidly growing power demand can collide with peak summer conditions. Boating Safety on Kentucky Waters: Kentucky Fish and Wildlife and other agencies are stepping up patrols for the Fourth of July, focusing on drunk boating and basic safety like life jackets and engine cut-off switches; separate reports include a serious Lake Barkley propeller injury and a Russell County rescue of stranded boaters in dense fog. Local Conservation & Recreation: Meade County took ownership of the Otter Creek Outdoor Recreation Area, aiming to expand trails and outdoor amenities along the Ohio River. Wildlife & Community Events: Northern Kentucky Quail Forever plans Whistler’s Day at Curtis Gates Lloyd WMA, and Kentucky Fish and Wildlife is encouraging safe summer boating.

Air Quality Alert: The Southwest Ohio Air Quality Agency issued an alert for much of the Tri-State through Sunday, citing elevated PM2.5 and ground-level ozone—an especially bad setup for Fourth of July fireworks and outdoor events. Heat & Grid Strain: A federal emergency order was used again to force AI data centers in the PJM region onto diesel backup during grid emergencies, underscoring how power-hungry growth is colliding with peak summer demand. Boater Safety: Kentucky Fish and Wildlife and other law enforcement are ramping up Ohio River patrols for the holiday weekend, with drunk boating flagged as the top concern. Local Parks & Access: Fort Thomas opened Highland Hills Park’s new accessible playground, including crumb rubber surfacing funded by the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet. Conservation/Outdoors: Meade County took ownership of the 2,261-acre Otter Creek Outdoor Recreation Area, a move aimed at boosting trails and camping along the Ohio River. Community Recognition: Guthrie Main Street in Todd County won state awards for retail economic vitality and historic preservation.

Air Quality & Heat Risk: A Fourth of July Air Quality Alert covers much of the Tri-State, with elevated PM2.5 and ground-level ozone expected through Sunday—fireworks and summer smog are part of the mix, and officials urge people to limit outdoor strain. Boating Safety on Kentucky Waters: Kentucky Fish and Wildlife and partners are stepping up patrols for the holiday weekend, focusing on drunk boating and reminding crews to wear life jackets and use safety gear. Local Conservation Win: Meade County took ownership of the 2,261-acre Otter Creek Outdoor Recreation Area along the Ohio River, aiming to expand trails and camping while keeping conservation front and center. Wildlife Data Call: Kentucky Fish and Wildlife is asking residents to report wild turkey sightings through Aug. 31 to track nesting success and guide future management. Solar & Grid Pressure: Coverage highlights how data centers are clustering in stressed power-grid regions, raising reliability and cost concerns as extreme heat drives demand.

Heat & Air Quality: A National Weather Service alert warns Kentuckians to stay indoors as eye-burning ozone, wildfire smoke, and fine particle pollution spread across 16 states, including Kentucky. Grid Stress & Data Centers: With extreme heat pushing electricity demand toward record levels, Kentucky sits inside the PJM grid where data centers are adding pressure as utilities and regulators scramble to keep power reliable. Boating Safety: Kentucky Fish and Wildlife is stepping up patrols for July 3–5 “Operation Dry Water,” urging boaters to wear life jackets, use engine cut-off switches, and stay sober. Wildlife Monitoring: Kentucky Fish and Wildlife is asking the public to report wild turkey sightings for its Summer Turkey Brood Survey through Aug. 31. Local Governance & Environment: Lawmakers begin interim budget work after Kentucky’s new two-year budget takes effect July 1, while cities continue grappling with issues like short-term rentals and cleanup tied to local environmental permitting.

Flood Relief Push: Gov. Andy Beshear toured flood damage in Cumberland and Madison counties and said a FEMA request for public assistance is a “slam dunk,” after 4–6 inches of rain led to three deaths and major recovery needs. Heat & Grid Stress: A dangerous July Fourth heat wave is straining the power grid, with extreme-heat risk affecting tens of millions and higher electricity costs as utilities scramble to keep demand covered. Drought Watch: Wayne County remains in severe drought, with water restrictions and fire risk concerns tied to long dry conditions. Waterways Safety: Kentucky Fish and Wildlife is boosting patrols for Independence Day weekend under “Operation Dry Water,” targeting impaired boating and reminding riders to plan for safer, sober trips. Wildlife Monitoring: The state is asking Kentuckians to report wild turkey sightings for the summer brood survey through Aug. 31 to track population trends. Local Land Use Fight (Data Centers): In Cave City, officials rejected proposed data-center zoning language and backed a 12-month moratorium, citing practical concerns about infrastructure strain and long-term impacts. Pipeline Opposition: Residents in Shelby County raised questions and concerns at a community forum over a proposed natural gas pipeline through Kentucky’s karst terrain, where sinkholes add risk.

Extreme Heat & Power Grid Strain: A record-breaking heat wave has pushed the U.S. power grid to the brink, prompting federal emergency orders for the PJM region (including Kentucky) and requiring large users to switch to backup power fast to protect essential services. Wildlife Monitoring: Kentucky Fish and Wildlife is asking residents to report native wild turkey sightings for the summer brood survey through Aug. 31 to track population trends. Pipeline Pushback: Residents in Shelby County are raising concerns about a proposed natural gas pipeline route, warning about potential environmental harm and safety risks as the project moves through planning. Local Water Safety: Ahead of July 4, Kentucky game wardens and other agencies are stepping up patrols and enforcement under “Operation Dry Water,” focusing on sober boating and debris hazards after recent flooding. Solar Expansion: ACCIONA Energía says it will begin mobilizing for a new Fleming County solar farm, aiming for May 2028 operations and local jobs. Paducah Cleanup Review: Paducah officials say the state is requesting further environmental review at the Katterjohn site after earlier underground storage tank removal and monitoring-well requirements. Equine Health Research: UK researchers found air sampling at equestrian events could help detect equine herpesviruses, offering a new way to monitor outbreaks without horse-to-horse testing. Climate Activism in Louisville: Artists for Climate Awareness and Uniting Artists and Scientists for Climate Action announced a new “Human Nature” art show and events linking art and science-based climate action.

Flood & heat safety: Gov. Andy Beshear toured flood damage in Cumberland and Madison counties and said a FEMA request for public help is a “slam dunk,” after the storms killed three in Madison County. Water hazards for boaters: Jefferson County Sheriff’s deputies warned that flood debris in the Ohio River and nearby lakes can be deadly, urging life jackets, sober operation, and checking conditions before launching. Mosquito risk after storms: Lexington-Fayette health officials said flooding and moisture can boost mosquito numbers, with standing water around homes a key driver. Methane from an old borehole: A Henderson County landowner says a borehole tied to a defunct coal operation is spewing methane, raising questions about who pays to fix it. Local environmental review: Paducah’s Katterjohn redevelopment is facing additional state environmental review after earlier tank and soil removal work. Boating enforcement: Kentucky Fish and Wildlife plans stepped-up July 3–5 patrols under “Operation Dry Water” to curb alcohol- and drug-related incidents. Urban growing support: Kentucky State’s Cooperative Extension launched free urban horticulture training focused on production and market risk for home and small-scale growers.

Flood Recovery & Emergency Response: Gov. Andy Beshear says Kentucky flooding has killed four children and prompted a request for federal Public and Individual Assistance, with dozens of rescues and evacuations and a growing list of counties under emergency declarations. Heat & Livestock Impacts: As a dangerous heat wave builds, Kentucky officials and health providers warn about heat exhaustion and heat stroke risk, while livestock producers are urged to watch for cattle heat stress symptoms that can cut weight gain and reproduction. Water & Wildlife Safety: Kentucky Fish and Wildlife is stepping up boating patrols for Independence Day and reminding people to stay sober and vigilant; meanwhile, bear sightings are rising in northern Kentucky as young bears roam during breeding season. Conservation Land Gains: The Nature Conservancy acquired 1,732 acres in Eastern Kentucky’s Cumberland-Pine Mountain corridor to improve habitat connectivity. Energy Costs & Data Centers: Consumer and environmental groups are urging the Kentucky Public Service Commission to study drivers of rising utility bills, including potential impacts from data centers and fossil fuels. Agriculture & Garden Health: Extension-style guidance highlights managing vegetable fungal diseases and protecting pastures during summer forage gaps. Turkey & Community Science: Kentucky’s spring turkey harvest hit a record 36,439 birds, and the state is asking residents to report wild turkey brood sightings through Aug. 31.

Utility Affordability Push: Consumer, environmental, and renewable groups want Kentucky’s Public Service Commission to study what’s driving rising power bills, including the potential cost impacts of data centers and fossil-fuel spending. Flood Recovery: Gov. Andy Beshear updated Kentuckians on deadly weekend flooding, saying search-and-rescue continues while the state gathers damage reports for possible federal Public and Individual Assistance. Drought & Livestock Aid: Kentucky’s dry stretch is worsening, with nearly 42% of the state in extreme drought and many counties meeting USDA Livestock Forage Disaster Program triggers. Wildlife & Roads: A young black bear was killed after being struck on I-75 near Corinth as sightings rise during breeding season. Boater Safety: Kentucky Fish and Wildlife is stepping up patrols for July 4 weekend under “Operation Dry Water,” targeting alcohol- and drug-related boating risks. Heat Preparedness: With a July 4 heat wave looming, medical officials are urging hydration and heat-safety precautions to prevent ER visits. Nuclear Health Equity: Pike County’s health district is urging residents to contact Rep. Dave Taylor to expand Radiation Exposure Compensation Act eligibility for communities around the Portsmouth plant. Agriculture on the Ground: UK opened a $60M Martin-Gatton Agricultural Sciences Building, while local guidance highlights summer forage “bridges” and rose disease prevention.

Heat & Public Safety: A heat dome is pushing extreme heat across the Midwest and Ohio Valley, with Kentucky in the warning area and forecasts topping out around 100–105 degrees ahead of the July Fourth weekend. Boating Safety: Kentucky Fish and Wildlife is ramping up patrols for Independence Day under “Operation Dry Water,” targeting alcohol- and drug-impaired boating and reminding people that sun and water conditions can worsen fatigue and judgment. Flood Aftermath: Madison County flood deaths were identified, with Gov. Andy Beshear saying damage assessments are underway and federal disaster aid requests are being prepared after severe central Kentucky flooding. Solar Buildout: Waaree Solar Americas secured a 236.22 MW utility-scale solar module supply contract for a Flemingsburg, Kentucky project, boosting Made-in-America solar manufacturing ties. Water & Wastewater Funding: Kentucky’s “rainy day fund” is backing more than $8M in one-time local projects, including water and wastewater upgrades. Wildlife & Land: A Kentucky Fish and Wildlife search for missing Grayson Lake passenger Marly Kinney continues to draw attention to safety on waterways, while a separate statewide push highlights the importance of protecting habitat and biodiversity.

Flooding & Dam Safety: Kentucky’s weekend flash flooding left at least four dead, with Madison County victims identified (including John Powell, 57, and Garnett Isbell, 73) as Gov. Andy Beshear pushes damage assessments and seeks federal Public and Individual Assistance. Waterway Safety: Ahead of July 4, Kentucky Fish and Wildlife is boosting game warden patrols July 3-5 under “Operation Dry Water,” targeting alcohol- and drug-impaired boating and reminding families to wear life jackets and keep safety gear ready. Boating Tragedy & Accountability: The search for 19-year-old Marly Kinney at Grayson Lake ended with her body recovered; Kentucky State Police charged boat captain Cameron Conley, 23, with operating a boat while intoxicated, citing a blood alcohol level of 0.137. Energy Affordability: A coalition of consumer, environmental, and renewable groups urged the Kentucky Public Service Commission to study drivers of rising utility costs, including potential impacts from data centers and fossil fuels. Wildlife & Public Health: Kentucky officials warned about black bear sightings as breeding season activity increases, urging residents to take basic precautions. Conservation & Community: The Christian Appalachian Project is supporting recovery in Jackson County after flooding, with help aimed at both immediate needs and longer-term rebuilding.

Flood Recovery in Kentucky: Gov. Andy Beshear says deadly weekend flooding has killed 4 people, with search-and-rescue still underway and damage assessments beginning. He plans to request federal Public and Individual Assistance, citing record rainfall in multiple counties and more than 63 water rescues/evacuations; 18 local jurisdictions have declared emergencies and an order allows emergency pharmacy refills. Boating Safety Crackdown: Kentucky Fish and Wildlife will boost July 4 weekend patrols as part of “Operation Dry Water,” targeting alcohol/drug impairment and urging life jacket use and proper safety gear. Grayson Lake Tragedy: The body of 19-year-old Marly Kinney was recovered from Grayson Lake after a five-day search; her cause of death is pending the state medical examiner, while the boat captain faces a boating under the influence charge. Air Quality Policy: A federal appeals court rejected the EPA’s bid to abandon a soot pollution rule, keeping tighter limits on fine particle pollution. Conservation & Wildlife: Kentucky State University hosted a weeklong YEA-REAP program for high school students focused on agriculture, research, Cooperative Extension, and natural resources.

Flood Recovery in Kentucky: Gov. Andy Beshear says record rainfall has devastated communities statewide, with flooding killing 4 people and prompting a statewide emergency plus local emergency declarations across 18 counties and several cities. The state is moving from search-and-rescue into damage assessments, and Beshear plans to request federal public and individual assistance. He also signed an emergency order letting pharmacies in impacted areas issue emergency refills and activated price-gouging protections; officials report 63+ water rescues/evacuations and many roads closed. Grayson Lake Search Ends: The five-day search for 19-year-old Marly Kinney of Ashland ended Sunday when her body was recovered from Grayson Lake in Carter County; her cause of death will be determined by the State Medical Examiner. Public Safety & Accountability: During the Kinney search, authorities charged the boat captain, Cameron Conley, with boating under the influence after he allegedly reported being unable to locate Kinney and showed signs of impairment. Air Pollution Watch (Regional): Environmental groups are preparing to sue TVA over plans to keep burning coal at its Cumberland Fossil Plant, arguing it violates the Clean Air Act and could worsen health impacts in Middle Tennessee.

Severe Weather in Kentucky: Flash flooding hit central Kentucky hard, with Gov. Andy Beshear declaring a state of emergency statewide as heavy rain and saturated ground led to deadly rescues and at least four deaths reported, including drownings in Madison County and a motorist swept away. Water Safety & Accountability: At Grayson Lake, a 23-year-old boat captain, Cameron Conley, was arrested and charged with boating under the influence after a 19-year-old passenger, Marly Kinney, went missing; authorities are still searching with drones, boats, K-9 teams, and aerial support. Clean Air Fight: A federal appeals court rejected the EPA’s bid to abandon a Biden-era soot pollution rule, keeping tighter limits on fine particle pollution that affect power plants, factories, vehicles, and wildfire smoke. Eastern Kentucky Conservation: The Nature Conservancy acquired more than 1,700 acres in Eastern Kentucky’s Appalachians to protect a key natural corridor, with a likely transfer to the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife for low-impact public use. Local Infrastructure: Federal funding totaling over $6 million is headed to Eastern Kentucky counties for drinking water and wastewater upgrades, including expansions and service extensions in Knott, Perry, and Wolfe.

Severe Flooding: Flash floods hit central Kentucky and the Ohio Valley, killing at least four people and prompting a statewide emergency as rescues and evacuations continue and more rain is expected. Boating Safety & Waterway Risk: A 23-year-old boat captain was charged with boating under the influence after a 19-year-old woman went missing during a Grayson Lake outing, with drones, boats, and K9 units still searching. Conservation Land Deal: The Nature Conservancy acquired 1,700+ acres in Eastern Kentucky to protect a key Appalachian natural corridor, with a likely transfer to the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife for low-impact public use. Air Pollution Rule Fight: A federal appeals court left in place a tighter “soot” pollution standard for coal plants and other industrial sources, dealing a setback to efforts to roll back limits supported by Kentucky’s attorney general. Water Infrastructure Funding: Eastern Kentucky counties (Knott, Perry, Wolfe) received over $6 million for drinking water and wastewater upgrades through an Abandoned Mine Land program. KY Heat Outlook: Forecasters warn a July 4 heat dome could push dangerous temperatures into Kentucky and much of the central and eastern U.S., raising health risks. Local Planning: KYTC will hold a public information session on proposed KY-536 improvements in Kenton County, sharing preliminary roadway designs and taking comments.

Land Conservation: The Nature Conservancy acquired 1,700 acres in Eastern Kentucky, a move aimed at protecting a key Appalachian natural corridor and likely to be managed under low-impact public access by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. Water & Wastewater Funding: Eastern Kentucky counties Knott, Perry and Wolfe are set to receive more than $6 million for drinking water and wastewater upgrades through the Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization Fund. Air Quality Policy: A federal appeals court rejected efforts to roll back a Kentucky-backed soot pollution rule, keeping tighter limits on fine particle pollution from power plants and other sources. Road Planning: KYTC will hold a public information session on proposed KY-536 improvements in Kenton County, sharing preliminary designs and collecting comments in late July. Public Health & Food Safety: Jefferson County Health Department released food inspection scores for the week of June 14, with results ranging from 74 to 100 across 39 establishments. Heat Risk: Forecasters warn a July 4 heat dome could bring dangerous temperatures across the central and eastern U.S., including Kentucky, raising health risks for outdoor plans.