Kentucky Sets Data Center Rules | Lexington News

Lexington News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Aug 6, 2026 · 1m

Governor Andy Beshear just dropped a bold new rule: Kentucky’s data centers must play nice—or stay out. With an executive order, he’s locking in protections against pollution, utility spikes, and unfair tax dodging, while demanding companies prove they’ll lift communities—not just their bottom lines. State agencies now have the green light to block projects that harm air, water, or local budgets—and utilities can’t pass on data center costs to ratepayers. But lawmakers aren’t done yet; they’re eyeing stronger laws next year to turn this into a permanent, community-first blueprint for tech…