AGP Executive Report

Data Center Moratoriums: Lyon County’s data center moratorium ordinance passed unanimously, with officials saying the Lake Barkley area may not be suitable and that the pause is meant to review environmental impacts, utilities, noise, and waterways. Wildlife & Hunting Rules: The Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Commission advanced proposed regulation changes at its quarterly meeting, including updates tied to deer hunting seasons and Chronic Wasting Disease monitoring for the 2026 season. Boating Safety: Families sued a wake-boat driver after a fatal July 4 crash on Herrington Lake, alleging reckless driving and erratic maneuvers near other boats. Climate & Health: Scientists are exploring new ways to target mosquitoes as warming climate expands the threat of disease. Extreme Weather Anxiety: A new report finds Americans are increasingly worried as storms and floods damage communities—especially in the region that includes Kentucky. Social Media Trial: Kentucky is among states suing Meta over alleged addictive design harming children, a case that could reshape platform rules nationwide. Wildlife Story: Elk reintroduction efforts are marking 25 years in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, with the herd now around 250–260.

Data Centers in the Spotlight: Louisville paused new data center approvals for up to six months after a 24-1 Metro Council vote, as residents raised concerns about environmental burdens and utility costs. State Oversight Fight: Gov. Andy Beshear defended his data-center executive order as “fully enforceable,” but critics say it lacks clear state-law teeth for regulators like the Public Service Commission. Environmental Research in Kentucky: UK researchers are testing RNA-based approaches to protect sassafras from laurel wilt, aiming to turn the fungus’ own defenses against it. Wildlife & Water: Beckley Creek Park in Jefferson County is highlighting year-round fishing, with stocked lakes and partnerships with Kentucky Fish and Wildlife. Extreme Weather Reality Check: A new national survey finds 38% of Americans who’ve faced extreme weather feel powerless—especially in the South, including Kentucky. Public Safety Tech Backlash: Fort Mitchell ended its Flock Safety license-plate reader program after residents pushed back over surveillance and privacy concerns. Big Tech Youth Trial: Kentucky is part of a multistate case targeting Meta’s Facebook and Instagram child-safety practices, with opening statements set in California. Air Quality Watch: Smoke from the Frijoles Fire is expected to worsen air quality in nearby New Mexico valleys, including Española.

Coal-and-mining education funding: Trump says the federal government will send $180M in grants for mining schools, including $100M from the Department of Energy and $80M from the Defense Department, with a Kentucky-linked workforce push tied to the South Dakota School of Mines and a consortium involving UK. Waterfowl management: KDFWR set public blind draw dates for season-long waterfowl hunting sites at Doug Travis, Lake Barkley, Green River Lake, and Barren River Lake WMAs. Wastewater rates debate: An MSD board chair defends a proposed 2% rate adjustment for Oldham County customers starting Sept. 1, arguing it protects long-term system reliability while cutting positions and administrative costs. Local environment-adjacent safety: Search efforts for a missing boater on the Ohio River near Mt. Vernon, Indiana, were suspended after three days, shifting from rescue to recovery with Kentucky Fish and Wildlife and Kentucky water rescue involved. Pet safety: A dog food recall in Kentucky warns of possible salmonella contamination, urging owners to stop using and pull product from shelves.

Data Centers & Local Power: Kentucky’s data center fight is heating up as Mercer County weighs a one-year moratorium and zoning rules, while Louisville just passed a six-month pause on new projects—both driven by concerns over environmental impacts, noise, water use, and utility-rate pressure. Community Opposition: In Mercer County, residents packed hearings and even staged “dirty water” arguments tied to hyperscale projects, showing how the debate is spreading beyond party lines. Youth Safety Lawsuit: In a major case with Kentucky as a plaintiff, states are set to try Meta over alleged harm to children from social media design, with potential damages cited up to $1.4 trillion. Storms & Flood Risk: Severe storms are returning across the Midwest and Plains with damaging winds, hail, and renewed flash-flood threats. Wildlife & Public Health: Kentucky residents are also dealing with wildlife encounters and a broader pet-food recall: Oma’s Pride frozen raw dog food is being pulled in Kentucky and 10 other states over possible salmonella contamination.

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.