AGP Executive Report

Coal & Climate Policy: President Trump announced a $700 million push for “clean, beautiful coal,” using the Defense Production Act to fund upgrades and keep 13 coal plants operating, including Kentucky facilities, plus money for a new export terminal in Oakland. Local Energy Governance: Louisville’s data center rules are still stalled—Metro’s draft regulations are five months overdue—while UofL launches a webinar series to explain the environmental and power tradeoffs of hyperscale data centers. Community Cleanup: Northern Kentucky residents will hold a second “Boo Project” stream and environmental cleanup honoring Robert “Boo” Singleton, who died after a 2025 flooding incident and had been documenting pollution cleanup efforts. Wildlife Reality Check: Kentucky Fish and Wildlife experts say a reported “mountain lion” sighting in Richmond is actually a bobcat. Health & Care Access: Kentucky families of children with profound autism are demanding a roadmap for residential care, saying the current system forces long-distance placements or custody surrender.

Climate Policy Shift: California and New York are rolling back or delaying parts of climate rules, while Rhode Island moves to weaken clean-energy programs—an affordability push critics say will worsen extreme weather and fossil-fuel dependence. Ocean Health: A Kentucky-and-Indiana vacation warning highlights how warming coastal waters can boost Vibrio vulnificus risk, especially for people with open wounds or who eat raw shellfish. Home Insurance Shock: New S&P data shows homeowners insurance rate filings are hitting hardest in Texas, with nine of the ten biggest national premium-impact increases tied to the state—another reminder that climate risk is landing in household budgets. Kentucky Fishing Access: Kentucky’s Free Fishing Weekend is set for June 6–7 at Bernheim Arboretum and across the state, with all normal size and catch limits still in place. Data Center Backlash: In Boyd County, residents packed a town hall over a proposed TeraWulf data center, questioning NDAs, environmental safeguards, and whether ratepayers could be stuck with the costs.

Wildlife Habitat Work: Kentucky Fish and Wildlife is sinking heavy “reef balls” and donated Christmas trees into Buckhorn Lake in Perry County to restore fish habitat in aging reservoirs. Outdoor Access: Kentucky’s Free Fishing Weekend runs June 6–7, letting people fish in public waters without a license or permit (regular size/creel rules still apply). Agriculture & Soil Health: Kentucky State University research looks at when supplemental nitrogen helps soybean—and when it just adds cost—highlighting context-specific fertilizer management for rainfed, drought-prone conditions. Energy & Wildlife Monitoring: LG&E and KU are tracking peregrine falcon chicks at Mill Creek Generating Station, continuing a long-running effort to rebuild Kentucky’s peregrine population after DDT-era declines. Local Land-Use Pressure: Cedar Hill (Robertson County, TN) approved a two-year data center moratorium after concerns about environmental impacts and rural land loss—an issue Kentucky communities are also wrestling with. Disaster Recovery: FEMA approved public assistance for 18 Kentucky counties after January’s Winter Storm Fern.

Wetlands & Flood Costs: A new study links disappearing wetlands to a roughly $10.1 billion jump in U.S. residential flood insurance claims since 1985, with especially strong conservation value noted in parts of Kentucky. Wildlife in the Bluegrass: Louisville Gas & Electric and Kentucky Utilities’ long-running peregrine program is helping track three newly banded tiger cubs? (No—peregrine falcons): KDFWR banded three chicks at LG&E’s Mill Creek Generating Station so the state can monitor a small Kentucky population. Local Data Center Transparency Fight: More than 400 Boyd County residents packed a meeting over TeraWulf’s proposed Muskie Data Campus, with officials citing non-disclosure agreements that limited what they could share before the announcement. Community Litter Cleanup: Covington’s Keep Covington Beautiful effort continues tackling street litter and cigarette waste through local cleanups and volunteer support. Kentucky Agriculture Research: UK researchers found that excess nitric oxide can disrupt plants’ disease warning systems, weakening whole-plant immunity—new clues for crop resilience.

Data Centers & Energy Costs: Gov. Andy Beshear says Kentucky won’t approve data center projects that try to shift power costs onto residents, requiring developers to cover 100% of energy use and new generation, and to meet state environmental rules. Local Governance: Bowling Green commissioners approved first-reading data center regulations but rejected a proposed six-month moratorium, citing concerns about utility strain and backlash seen in neighboring regions. Water & Stormwater: SD1 cut its residential stormwater fee for the fifth time in six years, lowering it from $3.90 to $3.70 per month, and says efficiency gains made the savings possible. Pollution Monitoring: UC students are testing Middletown’s environment to document local pollution after years of community monitoring and concerns tied to nearby steel operations. Wildlife & Fishing: Kentucky’s annual Free Fishing Weekend is June 6–7, with free license-free fishing in public waters while other rules still apply. Public Safety: CN reported a derailment in western Kentucky; officials said shelter-in-place was lifted after determining no threat from suspected hazardous railcars. Heat Relief: St. Vincent de Paul Northern Kentucky’s 30th annual Summer Breeze Program will provide free fans and air conditioners for medically vulnerable residents.

Data Center Fallout in Eastern Kentucky: Neighbors in Boyd County packed a town hall over TeraWulf’s proposed Muskie Data Campus, questioning NDAs signed by local officials and raising fears about pollution, noise, and strain on utilities. County leaders say the project can be done safely, including a closed-loop water plan. Conservation Spotlight: The Wells family of Butler County was named a finalist for the Kentucky Leopold Conservation Award for soil-health and wildlife-focused practices like no-till and cover crops, with the winner set to be announced in July. Outdoor Access: Kentucky’s annual Free Fishing Weekend runs June 6-7, letting people fish without a license while keeping all other rules like size and creel limits. Wildlife & Habitat Science: Butterfly Pavilion scientists completed a baseline pollinator survey along the Northwest Parkway’s southern right-of-way to guide future corridor planting and maintenance. Public Safety Reminder: Authorities recovered a body after a cliff-jumping incident at the Kentucky Lake Rock Quarry; officials say the quarry has reopened and urge safer jumping practices.

Conservation Spotlight: A Butler County farm family, Shane and Felicia Wells, is a finalist for Kentucky’s Leopold Conservation Award for no-till, cover crops, and practices that protect soil, water, and wildlife habitat. Forest Service Reorg Watch: The U.S. Forest Service restructuring could close 57 research facilities nationwide, but Western North Carolina’s research stations and long-term study acreage are reportedly spared—still, local groups worry about long-term impacts. Endangered Species & Coal: A federal judge ruled coal regulators fell short on endangered species protections, meaning future permits must better comply with the Endangered Species Act. Monarch Migration Concern: Kentucky biologists warn monarch butterflies may face setbacks as milkweed and other food sources shrink along their migration stop. Fishing Access: Kentucky’s annual Free Fishing Weekend runs June 6–7 with no license needed in public waters; size and creel rules still apply. Tick Season Alert: Tick populations are surging in multiple states including Kentucky, and homeowners are urged to create “tick-free” yard zones and use prevention. Local Water Safety: Crews recovered the body of an 18-year-old from a Kentucky Lake rock quarry after a fall while jumping off cliffs. PFAS & Building Rules: New reporting highlights how PFAS regulations and A2L-related building code changes are evolving, with more compliance pressure on industries.

Outdoor Access & Safety: Kentucky Fish and Wildlife is inviting anglers to Kentucky’s Free Fishing Weekend on June 6–7, when people can fish in public waters without a license (regular rules like size and daily catch limits still apply). Flood & Storm Preparedness: FEMA changes and staffing shakeups are raising alarms about whether Kentucky communities can get the hazard-mitigation help they need; a federal judge ordered FEMA to restart a key resilience grant program after attempts to cancel it. Conservation & Waterways: Kentucky officials marked National Dam Safety Awareness Day by warning boaters about hidden dangers at dams along the Kentucky River, urging life jackets and extra caution near fast-moving water. Climate-Smart Farming: A USDA-backed cover crop incentive program is reopening with higher annual payments, aiming to reduce barriers for farmers growing major crops. Wildlife Under Pressure: Kentucky biologists are sounding the alarm after invasive bass hybrids were found breeding in a lake, raising concerns for local ecosystems. Land-Grant Partnerships: UK’s Land-grant Engagement Bus Tour highlighted community health, agricultural research, workforce training, and local outreach across Western Kentucky.

Disaster Relief: Gov. Andy Beshear says President Trump and FEMA approved public assistance for 18 Kentucky communities hit by the January winter storm that killed 22 people, with funding covering counties including Allen, Barren, Cumberland, Laurel, Pulaski, Rockcastle, Russell, Wayne and Whitley. Wildlife & Land Management: UK’s “Every Acre Counts” effort is coordinating help for Kentucky woodland owners, aiming to connect people with invasive-plant and habitat support and forest management groups—especially for owners without a plan. Forestry Policy: A new U.S. Forest Service restructuring plan could put 57 national forest research facilities at risk nationwide, while Western North Carolina’s long-term research acres are expected to be spared. Coal Ash Oversight: The EPA is seeking to shift toxic coal ash monitoring to states, raising concerns about how well communities will be protected as oversight changes. Local Conservation Tools: Kentucky Fish & Wildlife highlighted an upturn in osprey nesting numbers, a small but encouraging sign for local habitat health. Energy & Industry: BrightNight announced financial close for a 120 MW solar project delivering clean power to Kentucky.

U.S. Forest Service Restructuring: Western North Carolina’s long-term research forests (12,000 acres) are expected to be spared while the agency’s reorganization puts 57 similar research facilities nationwide at risk, raising alarms about staffing and program cuts. Coal Ash Health Risks: A new review links coal mining and living near coal operations to higher cancer deaths, especially in Appalachia, warning that weakening protections could worsen exposure to toxic pollutants. Kentucky Woodland Support: UK’s “Every Acre Counts” effort is building a one-stop network to help Kentucky woodland owners find local help for invasive species, habitat, and forest management planning. Data Center Pressure in Kentucky: Utilities report a growing pipeline of hyperscale data centers that could demand gigawatts of power, pushing communities to ask who pays and how impacts on water and electric grids will be handled. Local Cycling Safety: A Lawrence, Kansas draft bike plan says painted lanes aren’t enough and calls for more physically protected routes, including possible temporary street tests.

Data Center Pressure on Kentucky Utilities: Louisville Gas & Electric and Kentucky Utilities told the state Public Service Commission in March that 11 hyperscale data centers—potentially demanding nearly 3.5 gigawatts of power—could be headed to Kentucky, with up to 29 projects in the pipeline and total demand estimates reaching around 12 gigawatts. Community Cleanup for Waterways: The Boo Singleton Project is hosting its second annual Boo Project Day on June 6 in Pendleton County, with volunteers targeting trash, tires, and debris along Grassy Creek area streams and roads to help protect the Licking River and South Fork Licking River. Woodland Owners Get a One-Stop Help Network: UK’s Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment is rolling out “Every Acre Counts,” partnering with the Kentucky Division of Forestry to connect woodland owners with existing services and reduce scattered outreach across the state. Coal and Cancer Link: A new American Cancer Society review says coal mining and living near coal infrastructure are consistently tied to higher cancer death rates, especially lung cancer mortality in Appalachia. Wildlife Update: Kentucky Fish and Wildlife highlighted an uptick in osprey nesting numbers.

Water Safety & Wildlife: A body was recovered Friday night from Dewey Lake at Jenny Wiley State Resort Park in Floyd County, with the Kentucky Division of Fish and Wildlife leading the investigation after reports of an unaccounted swimmer. Toxic Chemical Safety: A U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board final report says a Kentucky food-coloring plant’s missteps left it unprepared for a 2024 runaway reaction at Givaudan Sense Colour in Louisville, killing two workers and sending debris into nearby homes. Local Stream Cleanup: The Boo Singleton Project will host its second annual Boo Project Day on June 6 in Pendleton County, focusing on trash, tires, and debris removal from local streams and roadsides to protect the Licking River and paddling/fishing areas. Pollinator & Community Gardening: A new effort will survey a stretch of Northwest Parkway to create a pollinator corridor, aiming to boost habitat for local wildlife. Mental Health Infrastructure: The Barren River Area Development District approved a budget jump to about $51.4 million, driven largely by the Anchor Project mental health crisis intake and substance use recovery facility under construction near Bowling Green. Data Centers & Water Concerns: Kentucky utilities report as many as 30 data centers are under discussion in the state, renewing questions about costs and water impacts.

Kentucky Water & Public Health: Oldham County Water District says recent brown/red/yellow tap water is an aesthetic issue from iron and manganese sediment in older pipes, not a safety problem, and notes Kentucky Division of Water evaluations have been passing. Wildlife & Invasive Species: Kentucky biologists report invasive Alabama and spotted bass hybrids are breeding in Lake Linville, prompting genetic testing to gauge spread and protect connected fisheries. Community Education: UK HealthCare’s Healthy Kentucky Initiative says more than 5,000 Kentuckians have completed free online QPR suicide prevention training, aiming to help people recognize warning signs and respond. Local Environment Events: The Green River Area Extension Master Gardeners host the free Know & Glow Firefly Festival June 2 at the Western Kentucky Botanical Garden, with insect talks, guided night tours, and a lightning bug safari. Infrastructure & Climate Resilience: National Dam Safety Awareness Day highlights the Cumberland Basin’s 10 dams in Kentucky and Tennessee, urging residents to understand risks and preparedness for dam emergencies. Energy & Growth Watch: Utilities report up to 29 potential data center projects in Kentucky, with some communities weighing the power and cost impacts.

Invasive Species Alert: Kentucky biologists say invasive Alabama and spotted bass hybrids are reproducing in Lake Linville, with genetic testing underway to gauge how widespread they are and how to protect native fisheries. Water Safety Watch: Oldham County Water District says recent brown/red/yellow tap water is an aesthetic issue tied to sediment from aging pipes, not harmful contamination, and notes passing state water quality checks. Agriculture & Climate Adaptation: Kentucky State University student Sienna Stewart is using geospatial tools to study how Peru’s terrace farming could help Eastern Kentucky farmers manage drought, flooding, and erosion. Local Governance & Public Safety: Covington’s ABC board revoked a sports bar’s liquor license after a shooting tied to the business, ordering the bar shut down while owners can appeal. Flood Mitigation: Graves County secured about $210,000 to clear debris blocking the Clarks River near Symsonia, aiming to reduce overflow impacts on roads, farms, and waterways. Wildlife Recovery: Kentucky Fish and Wildlife highlighted an uptick in osprey nesting numbers. Energy & Environment Policy: A Kentucky-focused debate continues over how data centers could affect water, climate, and energy costs, with communities pushing back.

Equine Health Funding: UK researchers in the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment won more than $1.8 million in USDA awards for horse health studies, including work on foal pneumonia, rotavirus diversity, vaccine protection, and early pregnancy signals. White Oak Mystery: A UK scientist is tackling Kentucky’s “white oak problem,” where young white oaks fail to establish—an issue that affects wildlife, forests, and the bourbon supply chain that depends on new charred white oak barrels. Local Environmental Monitoring: A University of Louisville research group (BEACON) will hold a June 18 meeting in Grand Rivers to discuss wastewater sampling, air monitoring, wildlife research, and health concerns in the Calvert City area. Wildlife Update: Kentucky Fish & Wildlife highlighted a rebound in osprey nesting numbers, noting the species’ long decline tied to DDT and the recovery since. Community Pushback on Nuclear Work: A new group, Protect McCracken County, is organizing against uranium enrichment developments near the DOE Paducah site and adjacent land, calling for a moratorium until an independent cumulative environmental study is completed. Pollinator Habitat: A Kentucky bluegrass-themed project is also part of a broader push to create pollinator corridors, with a survey planned for a stretch of Northwest Parkway.

Nuclear transparency fight in western Kentucky: A new group, Protect McCracken County, is rallying Paducah-area residents against two uranium enrichment projects near the former Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant and on adjacent Kentucky Fish & Wildlife land, calling for a moratorium until an independent, cumulative environmental study is completed; the petition has topped 250 signatures with a goal of 5,000. Wildlife update: Kentucky Fish & Wildlife says osprey nesting is rebounding, rising from 52 occupied nests in 2008 to 155 in 2017, after historic declines tied to DDT. Climate & weather watch: NPR’s “Is it getting windier in Kentucky?” explores whether Tornado Alley is shifting east as the climate warms. Public health and ticks: A MilTICK SURE Path program reports rare tick-borne viruses, including Heartland virus-positive ticks confirmed at Fort Knox, Kentucky. Energy + water pressure from growth: A Kentucky-focused report flags rising questions about who pays the costs of big data centers, warning that electricity and water demands could hit ratepayers and local budgets without stronger transparency rules.