AGP Executive Report

Data Centers in Kentucky: Gov. Andy Beshear signed a new executive order aimed at protecting Kentuckians from “harmful impacts” from data centers, setting new criteria for developers and pushing back on costs and environmental risks to communities and ratepayers. Local Food Access: Lexington’s FoodChain opened a walk-in grocery focused on Kentucky-grown produce, sustainability, and affordability with SNAP/EBT access. Public Health—Cyclospora: Kansas cyclospora cases climbed to 615 as the CDC expanded a multistate outbreak to 15 states, with lettuce implicated and officials warning the true case count may be higher. Wildlife & Habitat: EKU opened the Taylor Fork Ecological Area as an outdoor classroom and public nature destination, targeting invasive plants and restoring native habitat for birds and pollinators. Mosquito Control: A U.S. residential pilot plans to release 600,000 male tiger mosquitoes carrying Wolbachia to reduce breeding and curb disease-carrying mosquitoes. Community & Grief Support: Hospice of Western Kentucky hosted its largest Camp Erin for grieving youth in Bowling Green, offering no-cost peer support and activities.

Data Center Guardrails in Kentucky: Gov. Andy Beshear signed new executive order(s) aimed at protecting Kentuckians from “harmful impacts” from data centers, including requirements for developers to prove they won’t shift costs to ratepayers and to meet environmental protections. Local Food Access: Lexington’s FoodChain opened a walk-in grocery focused on Kentucky-grown produce, sustainability, and affordability with SNAP/EBT access. Outdoor Learning in EKU: EKU’s Taylor Fork Ecological Area opened as an outdoor classroom and public nature destination, with invasive plant control and native habitat work for birds and pollinators. Heat and Humidity Warning: A major humidity surge across the East is easing, but forecasters flag another stretch of extreme heat risk for parts of the South and Midwest, with dangerous overnight lows. Water Pollution Concern: A Wawa opening in Elizabethtown was delayed after a large fuel spill during construction, with reports that much of it flowed into a storm drain system feeding local waterways. Wildlife Moment: Kentucky State Police helped rescue an injured bald eagle, later released back to the wild.

Data Centers in Kentucky: Gov. Andy Beshear signed an executive order requiring data center developers to prove they won’t harm Kentuckians—mandating energy plans, blocking rate hikes tied to projects, and directing regulators to deny permits that would negatively affect air quality, water use/quality, wetlands, or natural resources. Local Governance & Federal Policy: In Paducah, state and local leaders weighed a federal bill that would ban AI data centers on federal land, potentially affecting the DOE Paducah Site’s American Energy Hub. Air Quality & Regulation: The EPA moved to speed up New Hampshire’s process to end its vehicle inspection program, after the state voted to withdraw from the Ozone Transport Region—though lawsuits are still in play. Public Health & Environment: Kentucky officials say there have been no cyber attacks on water systems, even as other states report attempts to seize control of water equipment. Outdoor Learning: EKU opened the Taylor Fork Ecological Area as an outdoor lab for students and the public, focusing on invasive plant control and native habitat restoration. Community Safety: A Graves County middle school teacher was arrested on a grooming charge, with investigators seizing electronic records.

Data Center Rules in Kentucky: Gov. Andy Beshear signed an executive order requiring data center developers to prove projects won’t hike electric bills for other ratepayers, block utilities from passing those costs to the public, and get permits denied if projects would harm air quality, water use/quality/supply, federal wetlands, or natural resources. The order also calls for “fair share” taxes and more public engagement. Water System Cybersecurity: Kentucky officials say they’ve seen no cyber attacks on municipal water systems, even as hackers have targeted water infrastructure in other states by trying to seize control of pump and valve equipment. Wildlife Conservation Win: A Kentucky State Police trooper helped rescue an injured juvenile bald eagle, which was later released back into the wild after rehab. Community Nature & Wildlife: A new gallery invites Kentuckians to submit wildlife photos and art, including work from local conservation scientists. Broader Air-Quality Policy: EPA is moving to speed New Hampshire’s path to end vehicle inspection and emissions testing, a shift that could affect ozone pollution control.

Data Centers Watch: Gov. Andy Beshear signed an executive order tightening Kentucky rules for new data centers, requiring developers to submit energy plans proving they won’t raise electric bills, blocking utility rate hikes tied to data-center costs, and directing the Energy and Environment Cabinet to deny permits that could harm air quality, water use/quality, water supply, wetlands, or other natural resources; the order also pushes developers to pay their fair share of state, local, and school taxes and to engage transparently with communities. Food Safety & Water/Soil Links: A salmonella outbreak tied to jalapeños has spread across 27 states, with Kansas reporting 7–13 cases; Chipotle and Qdoba pulled the peppers after health officials linked the strain to jalapeños distributed from Mexico. Public Health & Produce: Cyclospora cases linked to iceberg lettuce have now been tied to 15 states, including Kentucky, as investigators continue tracing the source. Wildlife: Kentucky’s Eastern spotted skunk is getting attention for its tree-climbing, handstand defense behavior, as wildlife officials note declining populations. Farm Policy: The U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee stalled a farm bill over SNAP cost-sharing disputes, leaving farmers and food-assistance advocates waiting.

Kentucky Data Centers: Gov. Andy Beshear issued an executive order aimed at preventing “harmful impacts” from AI data centers, requiring energy plans that protect residents from higher electricity costs, directing the Public Service Commission to reject rate hikes tied to data-center costs, and empowering the Energy and Environment Cabinet to deny permits that could harm air quality, water resources, wetlands, or other natural resources. Conservation Spotlight: Dr. James “Greg” Kuhns of Bullitt County won the 2026 Kentucky Leopold Conservation Award for stewardship that improves soil health, water quality, and wildlife habitat on working land. Wildlife & Community: Kentucky State Police helped rescue an injured juvenile bald eagle and later released it after month-long rehab. Public Health Watch: A multistate cyclospora outbreak is expanding, with CDC reporting cases rising across more states, including Kentucky-linked produce concerns. Food Safety: Qdoba joined Chipotle in removing jalapeños tied to a salmonella outbreak now reported across 27 states, including Kentucky.

Conservation & Wildlife: Dr. James “Greg” Kuhns of Bullitt County won the 2026 Kentucky Leopold Conservation Award for stewardship that improves soil health, water quality, and wildlife habitat on working land. Data Centers & Local Power: Greensboro City Council reversed course and voted to start the legal process for a potential 120-day moratorium on large data centers, while a “Get the Facts” explainer weighs environmental tradeoffs like energy demand, water use, noise, and light. Public Health: CDC data show the drug-resistant fungus Candida auris has been screened in 23 states this year, including Kentucky, underscoring ongoing hospital and long-term care risks. Community Clean Air & Water: Kentucky is accepting applications for grants to tackle illegal dumping and litter, aiming to protect waterways, wildlife, and public health. Outdoor Education & Pollinators: Oak Grove’s 18th Annual Butterfly Festival returns Sept. 5 with live butterfly releases and hands-on conservation activities. STEM for Kentucky’s Kids: TVA’s STEM classroom funding offers up to $5,000 for projects across the TVA region, including parts of Kentucky. Safety on Kentucky Roads: KY 300 rockslide concerns are prompting a planning study to reduce recurring rockfalls near the Lincoln/Boyle line. Waterfowl Habitat Work: The Green River Delta Waterfowl Chapter is expanding nesting habitat with duck boxes and water-control efforts, including youth involvement.

Night-sky tourism (Noctourism): A new wave of “dark sky” travel is boosting stargazing trips across the South, with events tied to certified low–light-pollution areas and the Perseids peak Aug. 12–13. Kentucky conservation funding: Kentucky is taking applications for grants aimed at cleaning up illegal dumps and litter, with deadlines set for Nov. 2, 2026. Public health—Cyclospora: Kentucky is among states reporting a growing cyclosporiasis outbreak, and some local shoppers are turning to nearby produce as cases rise nationwide. Wildlife and safety: Kentucky officials report a bald eagle rescue by a trooper, and separate coverage highlights how communities are responding to wildlife surprises. Road safety study: KY 300 in Lincoln County is getting a planning-and-environment study after repeated rockslides, with officials weighing options to reduce closures and keep the corridor open. Data centers and local control: Kentucky communities are pushing back on data center plans, while other states’ reporting shows counties often face limits on what they can regulate.

Wildlife Rescue: A Kentucky State Police trooper rescued an injured juvenile bald eagle near Corbin, then helped return it to the wild after a month of rehab at the Lake Cumberland Wildlife Refuge’s Liberty Nature Center. Public Health: The CDC expanded the largest known cyclosporiasis outbreak to 15 states, tied to shredded iceberg lettuce; Michigan reported the first U.S. deaths, and Kentucky is among the affected states. Local Conservation Funding: Kentucky’s Environmental Grant Program is making up to $336,000 available to county conservation districts for projects that cut agricultural pollution and protect rivers, streams, lakes, and groundwater. Data Centers & Land Use: The U.S. Department of Energy is moving ahead with plans to turn Kentucky’s Paducah uranium plant site into a major AI data center and gas power complex—raising questions about cleanup, water use, and community input. Outdoor Recreation: Kentucky dove quota hunt applications are open for early-season hunts, with random drawings and specific WMA dates and rules. Community Resilience: Eastern Kentucky’s flood recovery story, “RISING,” is now streaming on Prime Video, with proceeds supporting the Team Kentucky Emergency Relief Fund.

Kentucky Uranium Site to AI Data Center: The U.S. Department of Energy is moving ahead with plans to convert Kentucky’s Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant into a major AI data center complex, backed by Brookfield, with new natural gas and battery power—raising fresh questions for communities near a long-contaminated federal site. Local Data Center Push Meets Local Backlash: In Bell County, a contractor says a hyperscale developer asked for continued land clearing even after residents pushed a two-year moratorium, underscoring how power demand and environmental concerns collide with development timelines. Wildlife Rescue: Kentucky State Police helped rehabilitate and release an injured juvenile bald eagle after more than a month of care at the Lake Cumberland Wildlife Refuge. Food Safety: Two deaths were reported in the U.S. cyclosporiasis outbreak tied to iceberg lettuce sold at Taco Bell, with the CDC tracking thousands of cases across multiple states including Kentucky. Water & Lawns: Denver Water began enforcing drought rules with fines after limited conservation gains, while a clover-vs-grass lawn story highlights how plant biology can drive water use. Workplace Safety in Louisville: DENIOS marked its 40th anniversary with Gov. Andy Beshear touring its spill-containment and hazardous-material safety work.

Data Centers & Public Protections: A new Kentucky political fight is brewing over AI data centers—after the 2025 tax breaks, a 2026 bill meant to prevent electric-cost shifting to other customers stalled in the Senate, leaving communities asking who safeguards them before deals are signed. Paducah’s AI Power Push: Paducah leaders are pitching the former uranium plant as a hyperscale data center site, but the governor says she wasn’t briefed and wants clear answers on jobs, taxes, and environmental impacts. Wildlife Rescue: Kentucky State Police helped rescue and rehabilitate a juvenile bald eagle near Corbin; the bird was released back into the wild after a month of care. Invasive Disease Watch (Not KY, but relevant): Laurel wilt has reached new areas on Long Island, with quarantines and no proven treatment—another reminder that invasive tree-killing fungi can spread fast. Food Safety: Michigan reported the first cyclosporiasis deaths in the U.S. as cases climb; meanwhile, Publix expanded an E. coli blueberry recall to include Kentucky. Hunting Season Prep: Kentucky’s dove quota hunt applications open Aug. 3, with random drawings and limited field access.

Food Safety Watch: Publix recalled GreenWise frozen organic blueberries and mixed berries sold in eight states, including Kentucky, after reports of E. coli-linked stomach illness; consumers are told to dispose or return for a refund. Public Health: Michigan reported the first two U.S. deaths tied to the cyclosporiasis outbreak, with CDC tracking showing thousands of cases across dozens of states and Florida reporting 254 cases in 39 counties. Wildlife in Kentucky: A Kentucky State Police Post 11 trooper helped rescue a juvenile bald eagle near Corbin, coordinating with wildlife rehab groups; the bird was treated and released back into the wild by July 31. Outdoor & Hunting: Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Resources opened applications for dove quota hunts (including mentor/youth hunts) with random selection, check-in rules, and limited field closures to reduce hunting pressure. Community & Resilience: UK’s design-build studio moved an emergency housing prototype to Eastern Kentucky for public viewing, aiming to model faster, more permanent recovery housing after disasters. Data Centers & Local Impact: A Kentucky Senate president argues data center costs should be paid by developers, not ratepayers, as communities weigh power, water, and infrastructure concerns. Environment & Learning: Bernheim Forest and Arboretum announced August programming, from night events and guided hikes to birding and outdoor learning. Youth Conservation: Kentucky competed in the National 4-H Forestry Invitational at West Virginia University’s Jackson’s Mill, with teams testing skills from tree ID to forest evaluation.

Data Center Fight in Louisville: A climate group is urging residents to pack upcoming hearings on proposed Louisville data center rules, arguing the draft is “full of loopholes” that could let permits move forward without real neighborhood input and drive up utility bills. Federal Energy Overhaul in Western Kentucky: The U.S. Department of Energy is moving ahead with a $100B AI data center complex at the Paducah uranium site, paired with new natural gas and battery storage—an expansion that’s already raising local questions about impacts and power demand. Local Opposition Spreads: In Harrison County, residents largely raised hands against data centers at a packed forum, setting up an August 11 vote on a potential moratorium. Wildlife Rescue: Kentucky State Police Post 11 trooper Trey Lovins helped rescue and rehabilitate a juvenile bald eagle near Corbin; the bird, named “Trooper,” was released back into the wild after a month of care. Pollinator-Friendly Gardening Warning: Kentucky experts say many wildflower seed mixes can include non-native or invasive plants, and recommend choosing native perennials instead. Outdoor Life & Habitat: Bernheim Forest’s August programming highlights wildlife-focused hikes and birding events.

DOE & Energy in Western Kentucky: The U.S. Department of Energy is moving ahead with a $100 billion AI data center complex at the Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant, backed by Brookfield, with new on-site natural gas and battery storage—part of a broader push to repurpose Cold War sites for computing power. Local Governance & Community Backlash: In Harrison County, residents packed a forum and overwhelmingly opposed AI data centers; an August 11 vote is expected on a proposed moratorium. Data Centers Meet Zoning Reality: In Hopkinsville, a 15-megawatt bitcoin mining operation at a utility substation is prompting the city to draft new rules for data centers and crypto mining, after public input hearings. Wildlife Rescue: Kentucky State Police helped rehabilitate and release a juvenile bald eagle (“Trooper”) after a month of care at the Lake Cumberland Wildlife Refuge. Outdoor & Biodiversity: Kentucky extension guidance highlights tick risks this summer, including the invasive Asian longhorned tick now detected across multiple counties. Public Safety: Ohio County is hosting an Aug. 6 forum on online child exploitation, featuring state and local law enforcement and the AG’s office. Food Safety: Health officials are tracking a Salmonella-linked egg recall and a separate Cyclospora outbreak tied to recalled produce.

Data Center Backlash in Kentucky: A Harrison County forum drew near-unanimous opposition to future AI data centers, with an expected Aug. 11 vote on a proposed moratorium. Local Governance & Property Rights: Reports say data-center expansion is pushing some residents to leave homes or face forced sales, raising alarms about water strain and community impacts. Extreme Weather & Recovery Fatigue: Flash flooding is hitting communities again and again across the U.S., turning disaster recovery into a long-term way of life as storms intensify. Wildlife Rescue: Kentucky State Police helped rehabilitate a juvenile bald eagle (“Trooper”) after it was found unable to fly near Corbin; it was released back into the wild after a month of care. Pollinator-Friendly Gardening: Kentucky extension guidance warns that many wildflower seed mixes can include non-native or invasive plants; experts urge native, region-appropriate plantings instead. Outdoor Health: A Kentucky tick-safety roundup highlights risks to people, pets, livestock, and the spread of the invasive Asian longhorned tick. Renewable Energy Update: Pattern Energy has axed a Henderson County wind/solar plan after sustained local opposition. Hunting Season Logistics: Kentucky’s dove quota hunt applications open Aug. 3, with draws and field closures to limit pressure.

Paducah AI megaproject scrutiny: Gov. Andy Beshear says he wasn’t briefed on the DOE’s July 29 plan to redevelop the Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant into a major AI data center campus, raising questions about power supply, environmental impacts, jobs, and taxes. Renewables in the spotlight: A western Kentucky wind-and-solar proposal in Henderson County has been dropped by Pattern Energy after sustained local opposition, closing off one potential clean-energy path. Solar tax incentives: Kentucky approved state tax refunds for a $307 million, 188-megawatt solar project in Fleming County, while officials pressed for details on electricity use and decommissioning plans. Public comment on transportation: The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet released a draft four-year STIP plan for public review starting Aug. 1 through Aug. 30, covering highways, bridges, transit, and bike/ped projects. Pollinator-friendly gardening warning: Garden experts urge Kentuckians to skip many wildflower seed mixes because they can include non-native or invasive plants, recommending native, region-appropriate plantings instead. Outdoor health reminder: Extension notes highlight tick risks this summer, including the invasive Asian longhorned tick now detected across multiple Kentucky counties. Conservation win: Dr. James “Greg” Kuhns of Louisville received Kentucky’s 2026 Leopold Conservation Award for improving soil health, water quality, and wildlife habitat on working land.