AGP Executive Report

Data Center Fight in Kentucky: Kentucky regulators approved a 15-year power agreement for TeraWulf’s Justified Data Center Campus in Hawesville, clearing a major step for a project seeking 480+ megawatts—while residents and critics warn about noise, water use, and pressure on the local power grid. Local Governance: Scott County’s planning commission is pushing tighter data center rules after a public hearing drew strong opposition, with commissioners urging options ranging from stronger limits to a possible ban. PFAS Legal Pressure: A new federal-state patchwork is raising PFAS risk for food and beverage companies, as water utilities must test and disclose regulated PFAS starting in 2027—fueling more litigation and recalls. Flooding in Appalachia: Crooksville, Ohio saw floodwaters surge again overnight, with multiple rescues and renewed damage to the same streets hit by earlier storms. Public Health & Schools: Louisville-area students were hospitalized after falling ill at Pleasure Ridge Park High School; officials reported no hazardous conditions after air monitoring. Wildlife & Nature: A Scarlet Macaw was rescued after being stranded overnight on a Lake Michigan bluff, a reminder that pets and wildlife can collide fast.

PFAS Legal Pressure: A new wave of FDA testing, 2027 PFAS water rules, and fast-growing state laws and lawsuits is turning PFAS in food and beverage into a mainstream commercial risk. Data Center Fight in Kentucky: Hopkinsville residents will get another chance to weigh in Sept. 28 on proposed data center regulations, as Kentucky communities debate power rates, water use, and noise—after Woodford County became the first to permanently ban data centers. Local Water & Health: Paducah Head Start won a $300,000 federal health and nutrition grant to expand classroom and family wellness support. Agriculture Funding: The Kentucky Agricultural Development Board approved $1.54M for rural development and diversification, including compost and value-added processing support. Wildlife & Conservation: Kentucky Fish and Wildlife will hold an Oct. 5 live auction of surplus and confiscated hunting and fishing equipment, with proceeds supporting conservation. Outdoor Education: Barren County schools are bringing agriculture, wildlife conservation, and soil science into classrooms during statewide All In for Ag Education Week.

Solar & Land-Use Tension: A rural Madison County solar plan from Silicon Ranch would cover 830 acres near the Central Kentucky Wildlife Management Area, using an agrivoltaics setup with sheep grazing—but residents raised concerns and the Madison County Board of Adjustments tabled a decision to gather more info. Water Quality & Infrastructure: In Boone County, a woman is fighting a proposed sewage pipeline route meant to stop chronic overflows into Woolper Creek; her case centers on eminent domain and protecting mature forest and wildlife habitat. Wildlife as Climate Signals: A regional wildlife project from the Appalachia + Mid-South Newsroom highlights “indicator” species—like armadillos moving north and bears encountering people more often—as signs of ecosystem change. Outdoor Conservation: Kentucky is marking National Hunting and Fishing Day Sept. 26 at Salato Wildlife and Education Center, spotlighting how licenses fund conservation and support fish and wildlife. Community Environmental Planning: A Brownfield Program and Blueprint Kentucky trolley tour in Maysville helped residents identify contaminated or abandoned sites and imagine reuse options.

Sewage & Land Rights: Boone County neighbors are rallying behind Burlington resident Gayle Pille as Sanitation District 1 pushes a $39.5M sewer project that would run across her wooded property near Woolper Creek, with officials seeking dozens of easements and eminent domain; Pille has fought the seizure in court and asked Kentucky’s Supreme Court to hear the case. Wildlife Health: Kentucky Fish and Wildlife is rolling out Chronic Wasting Disease safeguards for the fall deer hunt, including limits on transporting carcasses, feeder restrictions, a special antlerless-only season in the CWD Surveillance Zone, and new sampling rules. Local Waterway/Community: A Patriot Day Annual Bass Fishing Tournament at Salato Wildlife and Education Center (Sept. 26) and the earlier Williamstown event organized by Kentucky Homeland Heroes highlight outdoor access and conservation education. Energy/Jobs: Corning solar workers in Michigan voted to join the Steelworkers, a win tied to domestic solar supply chains. Autonomous Tech: Joby Aviation says its self-flying Cessna Caravan completed the first autonomous cross-country flight across the U.S.

Kentucky Wildlife & Hunting: Kentucky Fish and Wildlife is spotlighting new steps to slow Chronic Wasting Disease, including limits on transporting deer carcasses, restrictions on certain feeders, a special antlerless-only season in the CWD Surveillance Zone (Sept. 25–28), and added sampling rules. Local Conservation & Education: A Frankfort-based nature school, Red Oaks Forest School, is hosting a family-friendly outdoor screening of the documentary “In Our Nature” on Oct. 17 at the Boathouse at River Row, with proceeds supporting hands-on environmental learning. Community & Water/Climate: A story on drought lawn dormancy explains why brown grass isn’t always dead grass and notes that HOA fines can be constrained by state law and local watering restrictions. Wildlife in the News: Kentucky State Police report a fatal shooting after a trooper investigating an open school door in Harlan County encountered an aggressive black bear inside.

Kentucky Environment & Wildlife: Kentucky Fish and Wildlife is planning the fall deer hunt aimed at combating chronic wasting disease, with surveillance continuing for the 2026-27 season. Pollinator Habitat: Butterfly Pavilion scientists finished the final field survey for a one-mile Northwest Parkway pollinator corridor, using spring and fall findings to guide native plant selection and long-term habitat care. Energy & Cleanup in Kentucky: The U.S. Department of Energy is seeking industry input on recovering surplus critical minerals from federal cleanup sites, including the Paducah Site in Kentucky. Local Nature Education: A Frankfort-based nonprofit, Red Oaks Forest School, is featured in an outdoor family movie night for the documentary “In Our Nature” on Oct. 17, with proceeds supporting hands-on environmental education. Community & Land Stewardship: Louisville Zoo is joining a program to protect and restore Kentucky’s official state amphibian.

Data Center Fight in Louisville: Residents used a phone to play ambient noise during a Metro Council meeting to show what a proposed hyperscale data center campus on Camp Ground Road could sound like, as critics warn about a constant industrial hum and quality-of-life impacts. Federal Cleanup for Critical Minerals: The U.S. Department of Energy is asking industry for input on recovering surplus materials from federal cleanup sites, including the Paducah site in Kentucky, for potential use in manufacturing and advanced tech. Chronic Wasting Disease Deer Hunt: Kentucky Fish and Wildlife plans a four-day deer hunt in CWD surveillance zones in Henderson, Union and Webster counties, with mandatory testing for deer taken during Sept. 25–28. Northern Kentucky Medical Examiner: Officials broke ground on a new Northern Kentucky Medical Examiner’s office that should reopen autopsies in early 2028 and also house the Kentucky State Police crime lab. Farm Bill Advances: The Senate Agriculture Committee advanced the Agricultural Act of 2026 on a party-line vote, with Kentucky’s Mitch McConnell casting the deciding vote after returning to Washington.

Nuclear & Cleanups: The U.S. Department of Energy is asking industry for ideas to reuse surplus critical minerals from federal cleanup sites, including Paducah, where materials tied to past nuclear work could be extracted or relocated for manufacturing and energy uses. Wildlife & Hunting: Kentucky wildlife officials plan a fall deer hunt in CWD surveillance zones in Henderson, Union, and Webster counties, with mandatory testing for harvested deer. Water & Public Health: Northern Kentucky broke ground on a new medical examiner’s office that will also house the Kentucky State Police crime lab, restoring autopsy services to the region. Community & Environment: Louisville residents used ambient “data center hum” audio at a Metro Council meeting to oppose a proposed hyperscale data center campus on Camp Ground Road, as city rules are also being considered for future facilities. Agriculture & Soil: Kentucky State University researchers held on-farm regenerative trials with farmers in Mason County, comparing tillage, cover crops, and biochar to improve soil health and crop outcomes. Local Journalism: The Lexington Herald-Leader layoffs are raising alarms about the future of Kentucky local reporting, including environmental coverage.

Farm Policy in Motion: The Senate Agriculture Committee advanced the Agricultural Act of 2026 on a party-line 12-11 vote, with Kentucky Sen. Mitch McConnell casting the deciding vote; the bill includes permanent E15 sales, beef country-of-origin labeling, farm credit changes, and conservation updates, while a proposed move to preserve California’s Prop 12 livestock housing rules was denied. Regenerative Agriculture in Kentucky: Kentucky State University held a regenerative farming field day with Mason County farmers, part of a USDA-NRCS-funded effort to build practical, soil-and-water focused methods across multiple counties. Water & Flood Resilience: Gov. Andy Beshear highlighted FEMA reimbursements for flooding events and cleaner water efforts in his latest Team Kentucky update. Heat Risk: An oppressive heat advisory remains in place for western Kentucky through Sunday, with guidance to limit outdoor exertion and watch for heat illness. Local Environmental Education: Gatton Academy students placed 10th at the International Envirothon, showing strong performance in aquatics, forestry, wildlife, and environmental problem-solving. Kentucky Media Under Pressure: McClatchy layoffs are expected to further weaken local reporting capacity in Kentucky, including the loss of an Eastern Kentucky and environmental beat reporter.

Artificial Light & Wildlife: A new look at how night lighting disrupts life cycles highlights fewer amphibians near a brightly lit yard and warns that glare can steer migrating birds and harm wetland habitat. Eastern Hellbender Recovery: Louisville Zoo is joining Kentucky Fish and Wildlife’s Eastern Hellbender Restoration Program, raising young hellbenders for release to help recover the state’s official amphibian. Solar vs. Farmland in Lexington: Lexington-Fayette Council passed solar zoning rules with a strict 1% cap and farmland protections, requiring agrivoltaics in agricultural zones. Solar Farm Decision in Madison County: An 830-acre proposal is still under review after the Board of Adjustments delayed a decision amid concerns about land use, flooding, roads, and light pollution. Lead Water Line Funding: While not Kentucky-specific, $130M in New York grants to identify and replace lead service lines underscores the ongoing push to protect drinking water. Heat Strain on Power: Unseasonable extreme heat is stressing regional grids and forcing some large customers to cut back, raising the stakes for energy reliability during hot spells. Community Grants for Local Needs: Logan County’s new grant-writing push has helped secure hundreds of thousands in awards for public safety and community projects.

Heat & Climate Risk: A late-season heat dome is keeping temperatures in the triple digits across the South, with heat advisories stretching into Kentucky and warnings of major to extreme heat risk. Public Health & Weather Safety: Kentucky sports and outdoor activities are increasingly using wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) to judge heat stress beyond the heat index, especially during afternoon practices when conditions spike. Ticks & Food Allergy: UK researchers released a nutrition-focused guide to alpha-gal syndrome, a tick-borne meat allergy increasingly common in Kentucky, tied to bites from ticks like the Lone Star tick. Wildlife & Conservation: Kentucky Fish and Wildlife continues expanding its workforce with a new warden recruit class, and the state also posted a recap of recently amended regulations. Invasive Species Watch: Researchers are testing “bluemuda” turfgrass (bermudagrass + Kentucky bluegrass) to cut irrigation needs in Kentucky’s transition-zone climate. Mosquito Control Innovation: A Kentucky company is supplying male mosquitoes carrying Wolbachia for releases aimed at reducing mosquito populations without biting.

Invasive Species Watch: Asian longhorned ticks are spreading in Kentucky, and heavy infestations can cause blood loss and anemia in cattle while also raising the risk of bovine theileriosis—state wildlife officials urge routine checks around the tailhead, udder, legs, ears and face, with vets involved when disease is suspected. Wildlife Health & Hunting Rules: Chronic wasting disease surveillance is back for the 2026-27 deer season, with Kentucky’s Jackson Purchase Region using a special antlerless period (Sept. 25-28) where hunters must drop off heads for sampling at set sites. Water & Emergency Response: The U.S. Coast Guard joined Kentucky and Indiana agencies for a large Ohio River drill, including oil-spill response and active-shooter scenarios, highlighting how quickly environmental and safety incidents can escalate on shared waterways. Public Health & Algae: A cyanobacteria advisory was issued after potentially toxic algae was found at Ryder Pond in Cape Cod—no closure, but extra caution is urged, especially for kids and pets. PFAS Alarm: Campaigners warn the AI/data-center boom could drive a “tidal wave” of forever chemicals, pointing to new PFAS production tied to cooling and chip demand. Local Agriculture & Training: Wildland firefighters trained on steep Eastern Kentucky terrain using heavy equipment to build fire lines and restore native habitat.

Air Monitoring Fight: A Floodlight investigation says Louisiana, Ohio, and Kentucky passed similar laws that restrict regulators from using community air-monitoring data for enforcement unless it meets EPA-approved standards—raising concerns that residents can’t reliably track pollution or hold polluters accountable. Data Center Clash in Franklin: A proposed ~200-acre data center near I-65 is sparking dueling court fights over zoning authority and neighbors’ ability to challenge approvals, with opponents citing noise, lighting, pollution, and water demands. PFAS + AI Scrutiny: Campaigners warn a “tidal wave” of PFAS is tied to the AI datacenter buildout, linking “forever chemicals” to chips, cooling, and other infrastructure. Kentucky Water Alert: The Energy and Environment Cabinet issued a recreational advisory for Caneyville Reservoir after sampling found elevated microcystin levels tied to a harmful algal bloom. Wildlife + Habitat Work: Fort Knox prescribed burns are underway to enhance training while restoring native habitat. Local Enforcement on Animal Fighting: Federal charges in Kentucky target alleged cockfighting operations, with animal-welfare groups calling it a major crackdown. Clean Energy Jobs Wobble: A new report says clean energy manufacturing employment in Appalachia is down nearly 300,000 jobs from 2024, with Kentucky flagged as especially vulnerable to policy swings.

Power-plant climate rollback: The EPA moved to repeal major carbon pollution standards for coal and gas plants, setting up a major legal fight while shifting the power sector away from climate targets. Local road recovery: Mayfield’s “Rebuild Mayfield” project is set to reshape about 2.5 miles of downtown streets after the 2021 tornado, with a $25 million federal sustainability grant and KYTC matching funds aimed at safer, more walkable corridors. Water conservation amid drought: Aurora, Colorado advanced permanent drought rules, including limits on outdoor spray irrigation and bans on certain water-intensive landscaping—an example of how communities are locking in long-term cuts. Sewage pipeline fight in Boone County: Neighbors rallied behind a Burlington landowner opposing Sanitation District 1’s $39.5 million sewage pipeline plan that would run through her property near Woolper Creek. Wildlife and land management: Fort Knox is using prescribed burns to reduce wildfire risk and restore native habitat, pairing training needs with ecosystem recovery. Kentucky lawn stress: As fall arrives after a wet summer, residents are seeing stressed grass and weeds, with guidance focused on helping lawns recover. Food access in Mayfield/Graves: The Mayfield Enrichment Center is expanding seasonal break meals with a new community council and a WellCare startup grant to keep deliveries sustainable. Animal welfare controversy: UK MPs urged the defense minister to replace real bearskin caps with faux fur, citing animal welfare concerns.

Prescribed Burns at Fort Knox: Fort Knox is using prescribed fire to cut wildfire risk from training activities while restoring native oak-hickory habitat and improving sightlines for troops. Kentucky Nature Preserves Tool for Developers: OKNP is offering a free Sept. 30 webinar on the Kentucky Biological Assessment Tool, which helps energy and construction projects identify rare species using the Natural Heritage Database. Winchester AI Data Center & Camera Debate: A public forum in Winchester will let residents question candidates on AI data center growth, zoning impacts, and Flock-style surveillance cameras. Used Cooking Oil Theft Case: Two New York men pleaded guilty in a multi-state used cooking oil theft ring that fed biodiesel supply chains. Homeowners Insurance Data Transparency: A new report says many states aren’t making homeowners insurance “data call” results public, limiting competition and climate-risk oversight. Library Access Change: Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library will end free cards for Kentucky residents in Boone, Campbell, and Kenton counties starting Jan. 3, 2027. EPA Climate Deregulation: The EPA moved to repeal major power-plant carbon rules and seeks to strip authority to regulate CO2 under the Clean Air Act. CTE Training Update: South Tech High School is expanding career-tech pathways and adding drone instruction as it tackles the challenge of recruiting specialized educators. Safe Haven Baby Box Opens: A new Powell County baby box adds a secure, anonymous surrender option for newborns.

EPA & Climate Policy: The EPA repealed a rule limiting planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions from power plants fueled by coal and natural gas, a move East Kentucky Power says will cut costs and help keep electricity affordable, while environmentalists warn it could worsen public health impacts. Kentucky Air & Water Protections: The EPA also moved to end or loosen climate pollution limits tied to power-plant regulation, adding pressure to Kentucky’s already-stressed air and water protection efforts. Wildlife & Staffing: A report says the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has lost decades of institutional knowledge in Kentucky since federal staffing cuts, with no clear plan to replace the missing expertise. Local Cleanup: Volunteers removed another 137 tires from the Licking River in Harrison County, continuing an 11-year effort to keep trash from washing downstream. Data Centers & Community Impact: Lexington-Fayette council members are still debating how to regulate data centers, focusing on equity, energy use, stormwater, and how to limit cumulative impacts on nearby residents. Agriculture: Kentucky’s agriculture commissioner says cattle farmers face a “perfect storm” of pressures, including shrinking herds and trade barriers, even as policy shifts aim to boost beef supply.