AGP Executive Report

Paducah Energy + AI Boom: The DOE says a $100B AI data center campus is coming to the Paducah Site, led by Brookfield and NextEra with Big Rivers Electric, Jackson Purchase Energy Cooperative and Paducah Power System—projected to bring about 8,000 construction jobs and 600 permanent jobs, with early operations starting in 2028 and power generation scaling later. Public Health: Franklin County health officials report several confirmed Legionnaires’ disease cases, with no person-to-person spread and a low public risk while teams work to find the source. Local Governance + Growth: Louisville’s TARC is rolling out a new bus route network starting Aug. 2, consolidating routes and stops while aiming for more frequent service. Community Resilience: Gov. Beshear’s Team Kentucky flood documentary “Rising” is now streaming on Prime Video, marking the 2022 flood anniversary and highlighting high-ground rebuilding progress. Wildlife/Outdoors: A Kentucky “Hunter Education Day” is set statewide for Aug. 1, with Fish and Wildlife offering classes. Health + Climate-adjacent Weather: Fishing conditions get a small boost with “a little wetter, a little cooler” weather outlook.

AI Data Center Boom in Paducah: The U.S. Department of Energy announced a $100B private investment to turn part of the former Paducah uranium enrichment site into a major AI and high-performance computing campus, with about 8,000 construction jobs and 600 permanent jobs; the plan pairs the campus with new power generation and battery storage via NextEra, while local utilities would supply service—raising big questions for environmental impacts and electricity demand in Western Kentucky. Food Safety & Waterborne Risk: A massive cyclosporiasis outbreak tied to contaminated produce continues to roil public health, with Michigan reporting more than 9,000 cases as investigators look beyond the initial lettuce link; the CDC/FDA response highlights how hard this parasite is to control and why clean food and safe handling matter. Wildlife in Late Summer: Kentucky Fish and Wildlife warns that August is “coyote travel season” as families break apart and young coyotes roam into neighborhoods, urging residents to secure trash and pet food and reduce attractants. Outdoor Education: Kentucky’s Hunter Education Day is set for Aug. 1 statewide, offering free classes and live-fire range days to boost wildlife conservation and safe participation in hunting. Agrovoltaics Explained: A new explainer breaks down growing food under solar panels—often with pollinator plantings and grazing—as a potential renewable energy and biodiversity win-win.

Data Centers in Kentucky: Louisville residents and activists are pushing back hard as the city moves toward stricter zoning rules for future data centers, including limits on “hyperscale” sites and added protections tied to noise, utilities, and neighborhood impacts, with more public hearings scheduled. Local Governance: Lyon County is weighing a moratorium approach after neighboring counties adopted temporary bans to study potential effects like utilities and noise. Air Pollution & Industry Oversight: Trump has granted Westlake Vinyls in Calvert City and Westlake Vinyls/Zeon Chemicals extra time—two years—to comply with cancer-linked air toxics monitoring under the HON rule, delaying stronger fenceline safeguards. Food Safety: Kentucky is among nine states tied to the expanding Cyclospora outbreak; CDC reports 6,707 confirmed cases nationwide and warns that only one investigation has an identified product, making it harder for people to know what to avoid. Wildlife & Community: Kentucky Fish and Wildlife is hosting statewide Hunter Education Day on Aug. 1 to help new hunters complete required training. Animal Welfare: Bowling Green-Warren County Humane Society is nearing capacity during summer intake, urging adoptions, fostering, and spay/neuter support.

Data Center Rules in Louisville: Louisville Metro is moving toward stricter standards for future data centers after public input, including a proposed ban on “hyperscale” sites over 500,000 square feet and limits on where they can go, with added protections aimed at neighborhood impacts, noise, and utility customers. Local Moratorium in Ludlow: Ludlow City Council approved a one-year pause on new IT infrastructure projects like data centers while it updates zoning rules. Air Pollution Policy Shift in Calvert City: Trump announced nearly 20 chemical plants, including Westlake Vinyls, get a two-year extension from the federal HON air toxics rule—raising fresh debate over toxic emissions and fenceline monitoring. Wildlife Response Award: Kentucky State Police recognized game wardens for lifesaving work during a 2025 EF-4 tornado response. Food Safety Watch: The national Cyclospora outbreak tied to lettuce keeps expanding, with lawsuits growing and officials urging people to avoid recalled products. Community Recovery Aid: After severe storms in Chicagoland, U-Haul extended free storage help for residents impacted by the damage.

Data centers and local power costs: Kentucky utilities signed the White House “Ratepayer Protection Pledge,” aiming to keep AI-driven data center growth from hiking bills for existing customers, while communities and planners continue pushing for clearer rules on infrastructure and impacts. Light pollution protections: DarkSky KY is praising a new Kentucky law (HB 571) requiring state highway lighting to be shielded so it doesn’t spill onto farmland, after concerns from farmers about harm to crops and pollinators. Pipeline worries in the Bluegrass region: Residents and officials in Boone County, Kentucky are pushing back on a proposed Indiana-to-Ohio gas pipeline segment, citing risks to wells, groundwater, and emergency response capacity. Food safety and public health: The cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to contaminated produce remains a major concern, with Kentucky among states reporting cases as federal agencies say parts of the investigation are still not fully resolved. Climate monitoring gap: Frankfort’s weather station is expected to lose its National Weather Service climate site status after an ASOS system has been offline for a year, raising concerns about long-term climate record continuity. Community land stewardship: A new Small Scale Forestry Expo targets regional landowners with training on low-impact forestry and wildlife-friendly timber stand improvement.

Heat & Health: A heat wave is driving Extreme Heat Warnings across 19 states, including Kentucky, with officials urging people to “stay out of the sun,” hydrate, and limit exposure. Food Safety & Water/Soil Risk: The CDC says the multistate cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to recalled iceberg lettuce has reached 9 states and nearly 2,000 cases, while it also investigates additional, separate clusters nationwide—meaning many sick people may not have a clear product to avoid. Local Land-Use & Pollution Concerns: Louisville planning staff is recommending tighter rules for future data centers, including banning “hyperscale” sites over 500,000 square feet and requiring protections for nearby neighborhoods, utilities, and environmental impacts. Invasive Species Control: Kentucky is testing drone-based spray methods to manage kudzu infestations in eastern Kentucky, aiming to slow the vine’s spread. Wildlife Restoration: Great Smoky Mountains National Park is marking 25 years since elk reintroduction began, with the population now around 250–260.

Public Health Watch: The CDC says the multistate Cyclospora outbreak tied to recalled iceberg lettuce has now reached nine states, including Kentucky, with nearly 2,000 confirmed cases and more expected as officials continue tracking sources. Local Wildlife & Safety: Kentucky Fish and Wildlife is still investigating the death of 19-year-old Marly Kinney at Grayson Lake, and is asking the public for information as investigators review leads. Invasive Species Control: Kentucky is ramping up efforts to manage kudzu, including testing spray-drone technology to tackle large infestations in eastern Kentucky. Community Resilience: Gov. Beshear says the Team Kentucky documentary “RISING” is now streaming on Prime Video, with proceeds supporting disaster relief for Kentuckians affected by the 2022 floods. Land Use & Environment: A Kentucky land development company is suing Cave City over a data center moratorium, arguing the ban was rushed and violated state law—an issue residents have raised over impacts near Mammoth Cave. Conservation Education: Kentucky’s Hunter Education Day is set for Aug. 1, with classes statewide to help new hunters get certified.

Data centers vs. conservation: A Kentucky land development company sued Cave City over a data center moratorium, arguing the ban was rushed and violated state zoning law—after residents raised concerns about impacts near Mammoth Cave National Park. Food safety and public health: The multistate Cyclospora outbreak tied to recalled shredded iceberg lettuce linked to Taco Bell has expanded to nine states, with Kentucky among the affected; officials warn cases may keep rising as reporting lags. Wildlife and land restoration: An indigenous, women-led group in eastern Kentucky is working to reintroduce bison to strip-mined land, aiming to help heal contaminated soils and water while supporting biodiversity. Community preparedness: Kentucky Fish and Wildlife is offering Hunter Education Day classes statewide ahead of fall hunting season, including required certification steps. Local investigation: Kentucky Fish and Wildlife continues investigating the death of 19-year-old Marly Kinney found in Grayson Lake, and is asking the public for information. Air quality debate: A proposed EPA rule could let states limit public input on certain air pollution permits tied to data centers, drawing backlash from community groups.

Data Center Fight in Cave City: A Kentucky land development company is suing Cave City over a rushed moratorium on data centers near Mammoth Cave, arguing the ban violated state zoning law. Public Health—Cyclospora: CDC says the iceberg-lettuce-linked Cyclospora outbreak now spans nine states, including Kentucky, with cases expected to keep rising as reporting lags. Wildlife & Safety—Grayson Lake: Kentucky Fish and Wildlife is still investigating the death of 19-year-old Marly Kinney and is asking the public for tips. Restoration in Eastern Kentucky: An indigenous, women-led nonprofit is working to reintroduce bison to strip-mined land in Roxana, aiming to help heal contaminated soil and water. Community Resilience: A Madison County flood relief music festival, “Flood With Love,” is set to raise money for the Kentucky Natural Disaster Fund. Hunter Education: Kentucky Fish and Wildlife is offering statewide Hunter Education Day classes ahead of fall hunting season. Air Quality & Permits: A proposed EPA change could let states limit public input on certain air pollution permits tied to data centers, drawing backlash from community groups.

Food & Water Safety: The CDC says the multistate Cyclospora outbreak tied to recalled iceberg lettuce has grown to nine states, with Kentucky among the affected, and officials warn case counts may keep rising as confirmations lag. Public Health Watch: A separate Cyclospora cluster is also under investigation, with FDA and CDC teams coordinating as symptoms can take weeks to show up. Local Wildlife & Land Restoration: In eastern Kentucky, an indigenous, women-led project is working to bring bison back to strip-mined land, aiming to improve contaminated soils and water through “ecosystem engineer” grazing. Community Resilience After Flooding: A Madison County “Flood With Love” music festival is set to raise money for flood survivors via the Kentucky Natural Disaster Fund. Kentucky Outdoors/Boating Safety: Kentucky Fish and Wildlife says the investigation into the death of 19-year-old Marly Kinney in Grayson Lake is ongoing, and it’s asking the public for information. Urban Heat & Shade: A Spokane-style “cool canopy” approach highlights how shade trees can cool neighborhoods, cut energy use, and support wildlife—an idea Kentucky communities can borrow as heat worsens.

Wildlife Restoration: A 25-year milestone for Great Smoky Mountains National Park’s elk reintroduction is underway, with the herd now estimated at about 250–260 after the first releases in 2001–2002. Public Input on Fisheries: Tennessee’s TWRA is taking comments on proposed fishing regulations through Aug. 16, inviting anglers to weigh in on creel and length limits and stocking plans. Food Safety & Waterborne Health: The CDC says a Cyclospora outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce has spread to nine states, including Kentucky, as investigators respond and health departments track case counts and recalls. Kentucky Flood Memory: A new documentary, “RISING,” revisits Kentucky’s deadly 2022 floods and is streaming on Prime Video. Land Restoration in Eastern Kentucky: A women-led nonprofit in Letcher County is working to bring bison back to strip-mined land, aiming to help rehabilitate contaminated soil and water. Local Wildlife Investigation: Kentucky Fish and Wildlife is still investigating the death of 19-year-old Marly Kinney at Grayson Lake and is asking the public to contact investigators. Data Center Pushback: Mercer County residents packed a zoning meeting to oppose a proposed data center ordinance, citing farmland, water, and public safety concerns.

Data Center Fight in Mercer County: Residents packed a Mercer County planning meeting to oppose a proposed data center ordinance, warning it could reshape rural farmland, strain water, and raise public safety concerns; commissioners took no vote, but the draft would cap county acreage and restrict rezoning near the E.W. Brown power plant. Eastern Kentucky Flood Memory: Gov. Andy Beshear promoted “RISING,” a Team Kentucky documentary now streaming on Prime Video, highlighting recovery and resilience after the 2022 floods that killed 45 Kentuckians. Cyclospora Outbreak Update: The multistate “explosive diarrhea” parasite outbreak linked to recalled Taco Bell-linked shredded iceberg lettuce has expanded to nine states, while North Carolina officials say cases there likely have multiple sources, not one food item. Public Health + Food Safety: Federal officials also reported a separate, smaller cyclospora outbreak under investigation, underscoring how fast this summer’s contamination concerns are evolving. Wildlife Education: Kentucky’s Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources announced Hunter Education Day on Aug. 1 with free classes statewide focused on ethics, safety, and wildlife conservation.

Data Centers & Power Costs: The White House expanded its Ratepayer Protection Pledge and Congress advanced a Ratepayer Protection Act to push data centers to cover grid upgrade costs, as more states consider moratoriums or tougher rules. Public Health: The cyclospora “explosive diarrhea” outbreak keeps widening, with FDA/CDC linking Taco Bell lettuce in five states (including Kentucky) to the parasite and issuing ongoing food guidance. Legal Fight Over Disaster Aid: Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear and other states sued FEMA and DHS over alleged unlawful conditions tying disaster funding to election and immigration demands. Water Security in Louisville: Louisville nonprofit WaterStep announced a partnership with Israeli firm Galmobile to expand mobile water purification for disaster response. Local Pipeline Pushback: Boone County residents and leaders opposed a proposed Texas Gas Transmission pipeline, citing water-well and river impacts. Safety Watch: Investigations continue after a July 4 Herrington Lake boating crash killed a man and injured others. Agriculture & Soil Resilience: A Kentucky State University student is studying Incan terracing as a model for erosion control and better farming on steep, former mine lands.

Food & Water Safety: Cyclosporiasis cases tied to contaminated iceberg lettuce keep climbing nationwide, with Kentucky named among the states under CDC focus and Florida reporting dozens more cases across 36 counties—public health officials say the true total is likely higher as lab confirmation lags. Climate & Drought: The latest U.S. Drought Monitor shows hot, dry conditions worsening across parts of the Plains while some southern areas improve after heavy rainfall, a reminder that Kentucky’s weather swings can quickly shift local risk. Land & Water Resilience: A Kentucky Geological Survey-led effort is building tools to help communities track landslide-prone hillslopes, aiming to reduce damage from slope failures that hit Eastern Kentucky hardest. Local Food Access: Lexington nonprofit FoodChain is expanding a low-cost neighborhood grocery concept to address north Lexington’s food desert conditions, pairing fresh produce with prepared meals. Agriculture Innovation: A Kentucky State University student is bringing Incan terracing lessons back to Appalachia, exploring how the method could reduce erosion and help farming on steep or former mine lands. Energy & Infrastructure: A proposed hyperscale data center at a former Eastern Kentucky steel mill is sparking debate over jobs, water, and power—another sign Kentucky’s growth fights are increasingly about land and resources.

Food Safety Watch: The CDC says cyclosporiasis cases have surged to 4,173+ across 41 states, with Kentucky tied to the outbreak linked to shredded iceberg lettuce sold by Taylor Farms; the FDA also says it’s investigating additional cases and previously flagged tests as false positives, while local health officials urge people to monitor recall info and seek care for persistent watery diarrhea. Wildlife & Development: In Hancock County, residents are raising alarms about bald eagles near a proposed large data center, prompting Kentucky Fish and Wildlife staff to explain how raptors could be affected and what protections apply. Clean Energy in Kentucky: Gov. Beshear announced $2.5 million from the Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust to expand publicly accessible DC fast-charging EV stations statewide, with applications opening Aug. 1. Water Infrastructure: House and Senate committees advanced the Water Resources Development Act of 2026, including funding and policy touching flood and storm risk management and environmental projects. Local Land & Grazing: UK researchers highlight winter bale grazing as a way to cut tractor hours while returning nutrients to pastures and keeping cattle cleaner. Hazmat Cleanup: Demolition work continues at the Blue Grass Army Depot after chemical weapons were neutralized, with the project expected to run through 2027.

Heat & Health: Southern Indiana and western Kentucky baked under extreme humidity, with heat indexes topping 120°F in spots like Murray (124°F), raising fresh concerns for outdoor safety. Food Safety: The CDC says 2026 is now the worst year on record for cyclosporiasis, with 4,173 domestic cases across 41 states since May 1; investigators are still sorting multiple sources, but a major outbreak has been linked to shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia. Data Centers & Land Use: Letcher County voters and officials moved to slow hyperscale growth, approving a two-year data center moratorium and requiring environmental impact studies amid worries about water, noise, pollution, wildlife and tourism. Local Zoning: Bell County is looking at countywide planning and zoning rules after a two-year data center moratorium, aiming to classify land and set up oversight before new projects move forward. Coal Jobs: Kentucky coal production and employment keep sliding, with statewide coal employment down nearly 13% and about 500 fewer jobs than early 2025. Wildlife & Community: A Kentucky reptile education event at a Lebanon library brought kids face-to-face with species like box turtles and a baby alligator, focusing on safety and conservation curiosity.