AGP Executive Report

PFAS & AI Demand: A new warning says major PFAS makers are planning a “tidal wave” of forever-chemical production to serve AI and data centers, raising fresh concerns as regulators push for phaseouts. Local Land-Use & Data Centers: Woodford County approved Kentucky’s first permanent ban on data center construction, citing limited land and protecting farms and heritage. Clean Water & Community Action: Four Roses and the Kentucky Waterway Alliance are gearing up for the 10th annual Salt River Cleanup, with cleanup plus a limited-edition bourbon benefiting the group. Wildlife & Pollinators: River Fields hosted a monarch butterfly walk and tagging event, highlighting Kentucky’s role in the eastern migration corridor. Heat Safety: Middle Tennessee and southern Kentucky face extreme heat with a Heat Advisory and First Alert Weather Days, urging hydration and limiting time outdoors. Connectivity for Low-Income Kentuckians: The PSC is promoting Lifeline during Digital Connectivity and Lifeline Awareness Week to help residents afford voice and broadband. Air Monitoring Rules: Kentucky, along with Louisiana and Ohio, passed industry-backed limits on using nonstandard community air sensors in enforcement.

Pollinator Protection: River Fields in Louisville hosted its annual monarch butterfly walk and tagging event at Waterfront Botanical Gardens and the Garvin Brown Nature Preserve, spotlighting Kentucky’s role in the eastern monarch migratory corridor. Clean Water in Action: Four Roses Distillery marked the 10th annual Salt River Cleanup in Lawrenceburg, partnering with the Kentucky Waterway Alliance; the event also ties to a limited-edition bourbon with proceeds supporting watershed work. Local Waste Reduction: Glasgow held a Free Household Hazardous Waste and Shredder Day, giving residents a safer way to dispose of chemicals, electronics, and unwanted meds to protect stormwater and local waterways. Wildlife Rules Update: Kentucky Fish and Wildlife released final, in-effect amendments to fish and wildlife regulations, including changes to wildlife damage control and landowner designee processes and updates to waterway safety requirements. Industry + Environment: Ford announced a $1 billion paint shop investment at its Louisville Kentucky Truck Plant, saying the upgrade will improve quality and efficiency with environmental sustainability benefits. Air Monitoring Fight: Louisiana, Ohio, and Kentucky passed industry-backed bills limiting how community air sensor readings can be used in enforcement, amid broader declines in public air monitors.

Hazardous Waste Cleanup: Glasgow held its annual Free Household Hazardous Waste and Shredder Day, giving residents a safe way to drop off used motor oil, paints, chemicals, unwanted meds, and electronics—aimed at keeping toxic runoff out of stormwater and local watersheds. Wildlife Rules Update: Kentucky Fish and Wildlife says amended fish and wildlife regulations are now in effect, including changes to wildlife-damage control and landowner designee processes, plus updates tied to seized wildlife handling and waterway safety. Water Infrastructure: Henry County Water District finished a major water tank rehabilitation using Clean Water Act grant support, helping keep treated water flowing reliably for decades. Energy & Climate Tech Watch: The U.S. Army is funding transportable nuclear microreactors, including a Kentucky site (Fort Campbell) in its Janus program—an effort that could reshape how remote power is supplied. Invasive Species Alert: Spotted lanternflies are spreading across 22 states, and officials are urging people to kill them on sight to protect crops and vineyards.

Water & Wildlife: Kentucky crews pulled a struggling calf from the Dix River after kayakers spotted it, and it’s now receiving veterinary care. Public Safety on Water: Tennessee reported no boating fatalities over Labor Day, with injuries and arrests noted across reservoirs including Kentucky Lake. Local Water Infrastructure: Henry County Water District rehabbed a main office tank—drained, sandblasted, repainted—using Clean Water Act grant support, aiming for 20+ more years of service. Community Parks: Williamstown is pursuing Land and Water Conservation Fund help to expand its downtown amphitheater into a full daily-use park with playground, splash zone, ADA access, and more. Energy & Land Use: Woodford County approved Kentucky’s first permanent ban on data center construction, targeting data centers, landfills, and large battery storage. Digital Access: The Kentucky PSC is pushing Lifeline discounts during Digital Connectivity and Lifeline Awareness Week (Sept. 13–19). Higher Ed Climate: A new survey finds Southern faculty increasingly fear for safety and livelihoods amid political pressure. Food Safety: CDC says the Cyclospora outbreak tied to Taylor Farms iceberg lettuce has sharply declined, with the linked product no longer available.**

Data Center Backlash in Kentucky: Woodford County approved what’s described as the first permanent ban in the state on data center construction, along with landfills and large battery storage systems—citing limited land and protecting farms and rolling pastures. Local Energy & Climate Policy: Lexington-Fayette County Council passed a solar zoning amendment that limits large-scale solar to no more than 1% of Fayette County and requires projects be agrivoltaic, aiming to cut emissions while keeping land in farming. Kentucky Water Protections: EPA and the Army Corps are seeking more public comment on proposed changes to WOTUS definitions, which could reshape what waters get federal protection in Kentucky. Wildlife & Public Safety: A freshwater jellyfish was spotted at Grayson Lake; officials say it’s too small to sting. Separately, Kentucky State Police reported a bear was shot after entering a Harlan County field house and lunging at a trooper. Outdoor Search & Rescue: A missing fisherman near Cave Run Lake was found after two days by search teams using a campfire location and aerial/thermal tools. Clean Manufacturing Update: Ford announced a $1B Louisville paint shop investment, saying the upgrade will improve efficiency and environmental sustainability in vehicle production.

Data Centers vs. Land Use: Woodford County became the first Kentucky county to permanently ban data center construction, including landfills and large battery storage, citing limited land and protecting farms and heritage. Local Climate Wins: Lexington-Fayette County Council passed a solar zoning amendment that caps large-scale solar at 1% of Fayette County and requires projects to be agrivoltaic, aiming to cut emissions without displacing farming. Clean Water Rule: The EPA is reopening public comment on a proposal that would redefine which waters get federal Clean Water Act protections—an issue that could ripple into Kentucky water protections. Housing & Health: A Lexington-area housing failure story highlights residents living with broken heat/air, mold, and collapsed ceilings while fines go unpaid. Wildlife & Safety: Kentucky State Police shot and killed a bear after it charged a trooper at a school field house in Harlan County; Fish and Wildlife is investigating. Conservation Workforce: Kentucky Fish and Wildlife welcomed Class 31 of game warden recruits at Green River Lake. Agriculture Support: UK economists released updated guidance for farmers facing a 2026 farm economy downturn.

Climate & Heat: NOAA says the U.S. just had its hottest summer on record, with Kentucky seeing record-warm conditions and very wet stretches that can stress water systems and ecosystems. Wildlife & Safety: Kentucky Fish and Wildlife reports deer herds are rebounding after a 2017 disease outbreak, raising the risk of deer-vehicle collisions in eastern Kentucky. Public Land & Water Impacts: A black bear was shot by a Kentucky State Police trooper in Harlan County after entering a field house; wildlife officials are investigating. Urban Nature: Louisville residents report unusually large vulture gatherings in a Portland neighborhood, likely drawn by garbage and open perching spots. Local Conservation Policy: Woodford County approved Kentucky’s first permanent ban on data center construction, citing limited land and impacts on farms and heritage. Community Resilience: Kentucky State University received an NSF award to build an interdisciplinary sustainability certificate aimed at workforce readiness. Clean Air/Health Tech: A new Kentucky Safe Schools Week focuses on keeping schools secure with “Strong Roots. Safe Schools.”

Data Centers vs. Farmland: Woodford County became the first Kentucky county to permanently ban data center construction, along with landfills and large battery storage, citing limited land and the need to protect farms and heritage. Local Governance: Lexington is weighing how to regulate industrial solar and data centers, with council discussions tied to earlier planning hearings and public pushback. Clean Air Accountability: A national report finds the U.S. has lost nearly half its public air monitors over two decades, leaving many communities with fewer ways to document pollution impacts. Water Safety: Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency reports no boating-related fatalities over Labor Day weekend, though it logged injuries, property damage, and BUI arrests. Education & Safety: Kentucky Safe Schools Week runs Sept. 14–18 with the theme “Strong Roots. Safe Schools,” offering toolkits and lesson plans for districts statewide. Sustainability Education: Kentucky State University received an NSF award to expand an interdisciplinary sustainability certificate aimed at workforce readiness.

School Safety Compliance: Kentucky’s 2025-2026 School Safety Risk Assessment report says nearly all public schools are meeting state security requirements, including electronic-locking doors, surveillance, locked classrooms, window coverings, and threat-assessment teams. Clean Water Focus: The Kentucky Waterways Alliance is spotlighting clean water ahead of Give for Good Louisville, tying everyday health, farming, business, and recreation to ongoing restoration and policy work. Microplastics & PFAS in Kentucky’s Waters: A Sea Grant segment looks at plastic shedding from clothing and PFAS showing up in fish, linking consumer choices to what ends up in water and food. Freshwater Jellyfish Sighting: Grayson Lake staff and a fisheries biologist say freshwater jellyfish are appearing in clusters this time of year; they’re tiny, don’t sting, and aren’t seen as a threat to native aquatic life. Heat & Climate Record: NOAA reports the U.S. just had its hottest summer on record, with widespread extreme warmth and drought impacts. Turf Pest Watch: UK researchers are studying the annual bluegrass weevil’s spread in Kentucky to help protect golf-course turf. Local Water Infrastructure: Saul residents heard details on a $2.8M waterline extension, with environmental review expected to take at least 90 days. Data Center Rules Moving in Lexington: Lexington’s planning committee advanced updated zoning language for data centers, including limits on size and energy use, as the city prepares for public comment and possible action.

Air Monitoring Fight: A Floodlight investigation says Kentucky and other states are passing similar bills that limit regulators from using community air-quality sensor data for enforcement unless it meets EPA-approved standards—raising concerns that residents’ ability to expose pollution is being squeezed. Water Access: In Perry County’s Saul community, residents met officials about a $2.8 million waterline extension funded through Abandoned Mine Lands; the project is in environmental review and could take months to move forward. Local Data Center Rules: Lexington’s planning committee advanced updated zoning language for data centers, including limits on size and energy use, as public comment and possible next-month action approach. Data Center Controversy in Burgin: A Burgin council member walked out, killing a quorum and delaying a vote that could restart annexation steps for a proposed hyperscale data center. Public Health & Climate: Kentucky State Police got a new FEMA-grant-funded patrol boat to improve emergency response on waterways and during natural disasters. Wildlife & Habitat: The Louisville Zoo is expanding again, with a major early-2027 expansion planned to add more Kentucky wildlife exhibits. Community Nature: Sayre School in Lexington unveiled a new pollinator garden designed to boost habitat for bees and butterflies.

Water Watch: A heat wave is pushing Casey County’s Lake Liberty water system deeper into trouble, with usage averaging about 1.3 million gallons per day while the Green River pipeline delivers roughly 800,000—dropping the lake another six inches to about 16 feet below full pool and keeping conservation front and center. Data Center Fight: In Burgin, the city voted to rejoin the Mercer County planning and zoning commission as residents press concerns about noise, water contamination, road damage, and farmland impacts tied to a proposed hyperscale data center. Public Health & Climate-Linked Work: A new NIOSH study finds black lung is surging among Central Appalachia coal miners, with prevalence among long-tenured underground miners rising to 32.5%—linked to higher silica exposure as mining shifts to thinner, quartz-rich seams. Wildlife & Research: UK researchers are using wild mice to study tick life cycles in Kentucky, aiming to better understand how ticks spread pathogens across habitats near people and livestock. Energy Costs: The Kentucky Public Service Commission opened a statewide investigation into electricity and gas affordability as bills rise and many counties face high energy burden. Mental Health Access: National 988 Day spotlighted 24/7 crisis support in western Kentucky, with Four Rivers Behavioral Health reporting thousands of calls so far in 2026. Early Fall Stress Signals: Clark County Extension says some Kentucky trees are changing color early—often a sign of stress from heat, water swings, and root restrictions near pavement. Coalition Pushback on Climate Laws: 25 state AGs urged defunding the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine over alleged bias in climate-related work used in lawsuits.

Energy Affordability Probe: Kentucky’s Public Service Commission opened a statewide investigation into rising utility bills, asking electric and major gas providers to explain affordability impacts and inviting public input; Sierra Club Kentucky says it plans to participate. Air Quality Fight: Kentucky AG Russell Coleman and other attorneys general urged the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn a Biden soot rule, arguing counties already meet the standard even as the rule’s health benefits are disputed. Wildlife Rules Update: Kentucky Fish and Wildlife published final-in-effect regulation changes, including updated wildlife damage/landowner designee processes, fewer duplicative permits at recreation areas, and stronger waterway safety requirements. Local Transit Shift: Northern Kentucky’s $2 Southbank Shuttle will end Nov. 7, replaced by a higher-frequency bus corridor linking Newport, Covington, and Cincinnati. E-bike Ordinance Delayed: Silver Grove City Council postponed a new e-bike ordinance after concerns over punishment and where riders can use the roads. Invasive Species Incentive: Texas is paying $100 per invasive black carp submitted through a multi-state program; Kentucky is among states where the fish has been captured. Pawpaw Research Boost: Kentucky State University released five peer-reviewed studies advancing pawpaw flowering, disease management, storage, and seedling establishment.

Data Center Debate in Kentucky: Hancock County is weighing a proposed $4 billion data center tied to the former Century Aluminum site in Hawesville, with officials saying they want growth but are focused on power use and broader environmental impact. Local Governance & Land-Use: In Mercer County, a one-year data center moratorium and stricter rules have pushed the fight into Burgin, where a city annexation vote could change how the project is regulated. Wildlife & Flood Risk: Charlotte County, Florida is holding a hearing on Buc-ee’s first Southwest Florida location near the Peace River, with critics citing FEMA flood-zone status and impacts to habitat. Public Input on Plant Medicines: The FDA opened a docket seeking input on speeding botanical drug development, while Appalachian wild ginseng harvest season is already underway under federal trade controls. Kentucky Conservation Win: Triplett Creek’s nutrient and organic enrichment impairments were removed after decades of monitoring and restoration work. Community Outdoors: Land Between the Lakes’ Woodlands Nature Station hosts Kids Adventure Weekend with skills like knot-tying, compass use, campfire cooking, and guided sunset kayaking. Stewardship Legacy: Multiple pieces mark Wendell Berry’s environmental ethics rooted in care for creation and critique of industrial agriculture.

Data Center Fight in Mercer County: Burgin, Ky. may annex land tied to a proposed hyperscale data center after Mercer County’s one-year moratorium and tighter siting rules—an effort that could quickly reshape farmland and small-town character. Water Quality Win for Triplett Creek: Kentucky removed two pollution listings (nutrients and organic enrichment) from a 6.5-mile stretch of Triplett Creek after decades of monitoring, restoration, and stormwater/ag conservation work. Solar on a Coal Site: A Texas firm is building a $1.7B solar-storage project next to a coal plant, pointing to a broader push to reuse existing industrial “brownfields” for cleaner power. Rural Health & Medicaid Reform: CMS administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz joined Kentucky lawmakers in Lexington to discuss rural health disparities, the Rural Health Transformation Program, and Medicaid reform tied to eligibility. Wendell Berry Remembered: Coverage highlights Berry’s environmental ethics and support for small farmers, with tributes underscoring his influence on land-conserving agriculture. Heat Safety & Homelessness: A Lexington case shows how a McDonald’s ban can block people from cooling off during extreme heat, raising questions about corporate rules and public harm.

Energy & Climate Policy: West Virginia is pushing a “50 by 50” plan to expand power capacity to 50 gigawatts by leaning into coal, natural gas, nuclear and other sources, while acknowledging big hurdles like infrastructure and regulatory swings. Pollution & Industry Watch: An Oklahoma rancher argues a proposed aluminum smelter’s revised emissions plan still deserves tougher scrutiny, saying scaling could mean more fluoride impacts than Kentucky’s facility. Heat & Public Health: A Kentucky woman described how a homeless man was barred from cooling off inside a Lexington McDonald’s during extreme heat, highlighting how corporate rules can worsen harm for people without stable housing. Food Safety: A frozen-berry recall expanded to Great Value products sold at Walmart in 16 states due to possible E. coli contamination. Kentucky Agriculture & Wildlife: Kentucky ostrich farmers say demand is rising among people with alpha-gal syndrome who can’t eat red meat. Local Environment Culture: Wendell Berry, a longtime advocate for soil, water and small farms, died at 92, with his work continuing to shape Kentucky’s conservation conversation. Energy Infrastructure & Permitting: A national review of renewable energy siting bills finds many proposals aimed at restricting projects, but most enacted measures are more permissive—setting up a busy 2027 for state policy.

Rural Health & Medicaid: CMS administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz joined Kentucky lawmakers in Lexington to spotlight the Rural Health Transformation Program and rural health gaps, while Rep. Andy Barr pushed for Medicaid reform that keeps eligibility aligned with program requirements. Food Safety: A frozen-berry recall expanded to Great Value products sold at Walmart in 16 states over possible E. coli contamination, with no illnesses reported for that specific item. Local Recycling: Bullitt County announced September recycling events, including a household hazardous waste and e-scrap drop-off on Sept. 12. Wildlife & Land Use: Controlled burns are planned in Arizona’s Coronado National Forest to reduce wildfire fuel near homes and habitat, with smoke advisories via AirNow. Agriculture & Health: Kentucky ostrich farmers say demand is rising among people with alpha-gal syndrome who develop red-meat allergies after tick bites. Community Safety: Danville Independent Schools is joining Safe Schools Week (Sept. 14-18) with a “Strong Roots. Safe Schools.” pledge focused on prevention, mental health, and belonging. Environment Culture: Kentucky writer Wendell Berry, a longtime defender of small farms and land stewardship, died at 92, leaving a legacy tied to soil, water, and rural communities.