AGP Executive Report

Climate Court Fight: A coalition of 21 states and major cities sued the Trump EPA over its rollback of power-plant greenhouse gas limits for coal and natural gas, arguing the move will worsen the climate crisis and harm public health. Clean Energy Permitting: Rhode Island Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse helped craft a bipartisan Senate permitting reform deal aimed at speeding reviews for energy and infrastructure projects, though it won’t be voted on until after midterms. Fuel Economy Backlash: Multiple Democratic-led states, including Rhode Island’s AG coalition partners, also sued to block weakened federal fuel economy standards—arguing they violate law and will raise pollution and costs at the pump. Local Tech + Water: Regent Craft opened its Seaglider manufacturing facility in North Kingstown and secured a new $5 million Marine Corps testing extension, with the electric craft designed for long-range water transport. RI Arts for Climate: Rhode Island’s RISCA and the EC4 advisory board opened applications for an Arts and Climate Grant to help artists translate climate information for Rhode Islanders. Health Network: South County Health announced it’s joining the Mayo Clinic Care Network, expanding access to Mayo expertise while staying locally controlled.

Road Work & Commuter Impacts: RIDOT begins temporary traffic pattern changes tonight for the I-95/Route 10 interchange reconstruction in Providence and Cranston, including a short ramp closure Oct. 2–5. Climate & Accountability in Court: A coalition of states and cities sued the Trump administration over EPA’s repeal of power-plant greenhouse gas limits, arguing it will worsen the climate crisis and public health. PFAS Cleanup Fight: Rhode Island AG Nick Brown joined a lawsuit aiming to stop DuPont from shifting assets to dodge “forever chemical” cleanup responsibilities. Arts for Climate: Rhode Island’s Arts and Climate Grant opens applications, funding artists to translate climate information for public understanding; deadline is Nov. 2. Offshore Wind Legal Pressure: Rhode Island is among AGs suing to block federal payments tied to canceling offshore wind projects. Local Health: South County Health becomes the first Rhode Island health system to join Mayo Clinic’s Care Network. Coastal Tech Testing: REGENT Craft won a $5M extension to keep testing its electric Seaglider in operationally relevant environments, including work tied to Narragansett Bay. Weather: Rhode Island’s Oct. 2 forecast is warm and mostly dry, with showers more likely after dark.

Offshore Wind vs. Fossil Fuel Bailouts: New York and AGs including Rhode Island sued to block a deal that would cancel offshore wind leases and redirect $1.4B in taxpayer money to fossil fuel plants. Power Plant Climate Rules in Court: A coalition of states and cities, with Rhode Island AG Nick Brown among them, sued to restore EPA greenhouse gas limits after Trump-era rollbacks for coal and gas power plants. PFAS “Shell Game” Fight: Rhode Island AG Dan Rayfield joined a bipartisan lawsuit targeting DuPont (EIDP) and related entities over efforts to shield assets tied to “forever chemical” cleanup costs. Gas Pipeline Review Push: Gov. Maura Healey asked the Trump administration to speed up review of a proposed natural gas pipeline expansion that would move gas through Rhode Island into Massachusetts. Solar for All Grants: Courts in Rhode Island and D.C. struck down the Trump EPA’s termination of Biden-era Solar For All funding, potentially reopening $181M for Arizona and the Hopi Tribe. PFAS Drinking Water Relief for Tiverton: USDA approved $1M for an emergency public water line in North Tiverton after private wells exceeded Rhode Island’s PFAS limit.

Permitting Reform: Rhode Island Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse helped finalize a bipartisan Senate permitting overhaul (BAAJA) aimed at speeding approvals for energy, transmission, and data centers—while clean energy groups warn it could still tilt toward fossil-fuel buildout. Clean Energy in RI: The Audubon Society of Rhode Island broke ground on a solar carport at its Bristol nature center, part of a push to reach net zero by 2030 (and earlier for the sites). Coastal & Storm Impacts: A new report argues Southern New England beaches may survive natural erosion, but human-built shoreline infrastructure won’t—highlighting how development and flood insurance lock in damage. Wildlife & Invasives: Rhode Island-area coverage flags the spotted lanternfly as an invasive that should be killed on sight. Local Water & Fishing: DEM announced fall trout stocking across dozens of Rhode Island waters starting Oct. 2. Gould Island Cleanup: A community meeting set for Oct. 8 will update residents on next steps after the Army Corps’ Gould Island remediation report draft.

Permitting Reform: Rhode Island Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse helped unveil a long-awaited bipartisan Senate deal to streamline federal permitting, aiming to cut delays for energy and infrastructure while keeping environmental review moving. Coastal Resilience & the Green Bond: Supporters rallied for Question 5, a $55M “Green Bond” for flooding, coastal erosion, stormwater, and bay restoration; meanwhile DEM climate resilience grants are already funding projects like Warren’s salt marsh work. Nor’easter Impacts: A rare, storm-enhanced nor’easter battered Rhode Island’s coast, bringing dangerous surf, flooding, and widespread power outages across the region. Wildlife Watch: Audubon Rhode Island says osprey nesting success fell sharply in 2026, with only 38% of monitored nests fledging young—part of a broader southern New England decline. Invasive Species: A new push warns Rhode Islanders to kill spotted lanternflies on sight, citing their rapid spread and plant damage. Local Waters & Food: Narragansett Bay oyster harvesting continues as growers manage heavy, algae-covered cages—an on-the-ground look at working waterfront ecology. Solar in RI: Rhode Island is moving toward balcony/plug-in solar rules, but safety guidelines are lagging behind.

Green Bond push: Supporters of Rhode Island’s Question 5 rallied at the Looff Carousel to back a $55 million “Green Bond” for climate resilience, beach and park upgrades, and Narragansett Bay restoration, with RIDEM Director Terry Gray pitching the vote as “investment” and “leverage.” Local resilience funding: RIDEM climate resiliency grants are already flowing—Warren and the Bristol County Water Authority received matching Climate Resilience Fund money, including work to remove an asbestos-coated pipeline from a salt marsh and restore marsh hydrology. Coastal science: A $270,000 grant will help researchers study climate-driven erosion and bluff retreat on Block Island, aiming to improve coastal resilience. Storm aftereffects: A nor’easter earlier this month drove flooding and outages across the Northeast, with Rhode Island Energy reporting power restored to all customers hit. Clean energy court win: A Rhode Island federal judge revived the Trump-canceled $7 billion Solar for All program, reopening solar help for lower-income households. Housing watch: A North Providence planning board continued a contentious Baird Ave. housing decision amid environmental concerns and legal questions.

Coastal Resilience Research: Eastern Connecticut State University geologist Bryan Oakley secured a $270,000 grant to study climate-driven coastal erosion, focusing on bluff retreat and vulnerability on Block Island, with results due in 2028. Storm Impacts: A slow-moving September nor’easter peaked near 136,000 outages across the Northeast, with full-moon tides worsening coastal flooding in Rhode Island and nearby states. Energy & Equity: A federal judge in Rhode Island revived the $7 billion “Solar for All” program after ruling the EPA unlawfully ended it, potentially reopening solar help for more than 900,000 lower-income residents. Local Clean Energy Upgrades: The Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank approved $6.3 million for Northern Elementary School in Lincoln to cut energy use via heat pumps, efficient boilers, controls, and lighting upgrades. Clean Water & Land Protection Vote: Rhode Island Green Bond Initiative leaders kicked off support for 2026 Green Bond Question 5, seeking voter approval for $55 million for waterways, farmland, outdoor recreation, and green infrastructure. Power & Infrastructure: NAVFAC MIDLANT awarded a $271.2 million contract for a U.S. Coast Guard offshore patrol cutter homeport pier at Naval Station Newport, with work targeted through March 2030. Waste & Community Tech: Keep Blackstone Valley Beautiful and Japan-based Pirika are partnering to tackle litter and illegal dumping in the valley, starting with a community cleanup Oct. 3. Transit Costs: RIPTA faces a new budget squeeze as diesel prices surged well beyond what was planned, threatening the agency’s ability to keep services running.

Nor’easter Aftermath: Rhode Island and the region are still tallying storm damage after a slow-moving nor’easter brought coastal flooding risk, heavy rain, and widespread outages; Rhode Island Energy says power was restored to all 50,000 customers hit, finishing in under 48 hours, while the broader Northeast saw tens of thousands without electricity and lingering water-and-trees hazards. Clean Energy Court Win: A Rhode Island federal judge revived the $7 billion “Solar for All” program after ruling the EPA unlawfully ended it, potentially reopening solar help for more than 900,000 lower-income Americans while the agency weighs next steps. Green Bond Push: Rhode Island leaders kicked off the campaign for the 2026 Green Economy Bond (Question 5), a $55 million package aimed at clean water, climate resilience, outdoor recreation, green infrastructure, and land/farm conservation. Local Water Protection: Woonsocket is nearing its lead service line replacement goals, with fewer than 60 unknown lines left and 76 known private lines still to replace, targeting the state’s 2033 deadline. Energy Costs & Transit: Diesel price spikes are pushing RIPTA’s bus system deeper into the red, and Massachusetts heat-pump bill discounts are raising the question of whether other Northeastern states will follow. Wastewater & Health: A Rhode Island-focused explainer asks what happens when people flush unused or expired medications, highlighting how pharmaceuticals can end up in wastewater systems.

Nor’easter Recovery: Rhode Island and the region are still drying out after a rare, damaging fall storm that brought heavy rain, coastal flooding, beach erosion, and widespread outages; Rhode Island Energy says power was restored to all 50,000+ customers hit, finishing in under 48 hours, while the storm’s impacts lingered with flooding and wind damage. Green Bond Push: State and local leaders kicked off the campaign for the 2026 Green Economy Bond (Question 5), a $55 million package aimed at cleaner waterways, farm and land conservation, outdoor recreation, and green infrastructure. Clean Energy & Efficiency: Lincoln secured $6.3M from the Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank for Northern Elementary School upgrades, targeting major heating/ventilation and energy management improvements to cut electricity and gas use. Ocean Science Funding: New England scientists and fishermen urged federal support for the Ocean Observatories Initiative, warning that dismantling deep-ocean monitoring would hurt long-term ocean understanding. Lead Line Progress: Woonsocket is nearing its lead service line replacement goals, with fewer than 60 unknown lines left to inspect and 76 known private lines still to replace. Litter Fight in Northern RI: Keep Blackstone Valley Beautiful and Japan-based Pirika launched a partnership to tackle litter and illegal dumping with community cleanups and anti-litter tech.

Nor’easter Impacts Rhode Island: A powerful early-season nor’easter kept pounding the Northeast into Monday, with Rhode Island seeing gusts over 70 mph around Block Island and heavy rain that worsened coastal flooding and beach erosion. Power & Safety Warnings: Across the region, tens of thousands lost power at peak, and officials urged residents to avoid floodwaters and use generators safely—especially to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Coastal Wildlife & Flood Surprises: In Surf City, NJ, floodwater reportedly carried a small harmless shark (smooth dogfish) ashore, a reminder of how storms can disrupt marine life and habitats. Solar for All Win in RI: A federal judge ordered the revival of Rhode Island’s $7 billion Solar for All program after the EPA canceled it, ruling the agency exceeded its authority—though the money may still be tied up in review or appeal. PFAS Food Packaging Fight: Sen. Maggie Hassan reintroduced a bill to ban PFAS chemicals from food wrappers and packaging, renewing pressure on “forever chemicals” linked to health risks.

Nor’easter Impacts Rhode Island: A rare early-season nor’easter is still battering the Northeast, with Rhode Island seeing heavy rain and gusty winds that have contributed to outages and coastal flooding risk. Across the region, tens of thousands of customers are without power, and officials warn that repeated high tides can worsen flooding and beach erosion. Solar for All Court Win: A Rhode Island federal judge ordered the federal government to revive the $7 billion “Solar for All” program that the EPA canceled in 2025, ruling the agency exceeded its authority—Rhode Island’s share was about $49.3 million. PFAS Food Packaging Push: U.S. Sen. Maggie Hassan reintroduced a bill to ban PFAS “forever chemicals” from food wrappers and packaging, citing persistence in the environment and health concerns. PFAS + Storm Safety: Rhode Island officials also urged generator safety during the storm, warning about carbon monoxide risks when power goes out. Block Island Watershed + History: A nonprofit says it located the wreck of the fishing vessel Mistress off Block Island and found human remains, calling for the Coast Guard to reopen its investigation. Local Resilience Watch: Rhode Island’s Potter Hill Dam question remains tied up with state review as Westerly seeks a state takeover to improve fish passage and redevelopment plans.

Nor’easter Impacts Rhode Island: A slow-moving September nor’easter kept battering the Northeast into Sunday, with more rain, strong winds, and another round of coastal flooding. About 136,000 homes and businesses were without power across the region, including Rhode Island, as gusts and heavy rain continued. Safety warnings: Officials urged people to avoid floodwaters and prepare for dangerous conditions during high tides. Generator Health Risk: Rhode Island and Massachusetts also pushed guidance on safe portable generator use, warning that carbon monoxide can build up indoors or near open windows. PFAS Push: U.S. Sen. Maggie Hassan revived a bid to ban PFAS in food wrappers and packaging, citing health risks from “forever chemicals.” State Enforcement: Rhode Island DEM sent a notice of intent to enforce against Electrolizing Inc. over alleged hazardous waste violations tied to chromium-coating operations.

Nor’easter Impacts Rhode Island: A rare early-season nor’easter is bringing days of rain, damaging northeast winds (gusts near 60 mph along the south coast), coastal flooding, and beach erosion across Rhode Island and southern New England. Power outages hit the region hard, with more than 70,000 customers without electricity in the Northeast at one point, and Rhode Island saw outages alongside CT, MA, and others. Storm Safety & Travel Disruptions: High wind and coastal flood warnings are in effect, and Rhode Island bridge wind restrictions plus ferry cancellations are adding to weekend disruption. Hazardous Waste Enforcement in Providence: Rhode Island DEM issued a notice of intent to enforce against Electrolizing Inc. for alleged hazardous waste violations at its Houghton Street facility, including labeling, record-keeping, storage time, and spill reporting issues. Pawcatuck River Dam Question: Westerly is still seeking a state response on whether Rhode Island DEM will take over the Potter Hill Dam, a key fish passage barrier on the Pawcatuck River.

Coastal Storm Watch: A powerful September nor’easter is already battering the Northeast, with Rhode Island reporting nearly 14,000 customers without power and officials warning of dangerous coastal flooding, strong northeast winds, and beach erosion through the weekend. Roads & Power Risks: Rhode Island Turnpike bridge wind restrictions went into effect early Saturday, and coastal communities are bracing for downed limbs, scattered outages, and storm surge impacts at high tide. Legal Climate/Power Policy: A federal judge blocked the Trump administration from clawing back $7 billion from the Solar for All program, siding with green groups that said EPA violated federal law. Offshore Wind Fight: An eight-state coalition, including Rhode Island, sued to challenge Trump-era payments that cancel offshore wind leases, arguing the buyouts funnel money into oil and gas elsewhere. Local Energy Leadership: Rhode Island Energy named Joe Curley vice president of Electric Operations, tasked with leading electric distribution reliability statewide.

Nor’easter Watch for Rhode Island: Rhode Island is bracing for an early-season nor’easter bringing strong winds (up to ~50–60 mph), heavy rain, coastal flooding, beach erosion, and likely power outages from Friday night into Sunday, with state crews clearing catch basins, securing drainage and erosion controls, and preparing to respond to downed trees and street flooding. Coastal Impacts Across New England: The storm is expected to stall near the region, with warnings and advisories stretching hundreds of miles and states of emergency declared in parts of New York and New Jersey as dangerous surf, rip currents, and repeated high-tide flooding threaten shorelines. Climate Funding Move: Rhode Island’s Executive Climate Change Coordinating Council approved a $1.5 million spending plan for emissions-cutting work, including municipal energy resilience, low-carbon school buildings, and a new regenerative agriculture funding source. Block Island Sewer Data Debate: Block Island officials are weighing whether to stop drug and health surveillance in wastewater, citing privacy concerns and potential misuse as data moves from private to public. Solar for All Court Win: A federal judge ruled the EPA unlawfully clawed back more than $250 million from Solar for All initiatives in Texas, a reminder that clean-energy funding fights are still playing out in court.

Nor’easter Watch: A rare early-fall nor’easter is already battering the Northeast, with Rhode Island bracing for heavy rain, coastal flooding, beach erosion, and damaging winds (gusts reported up to 60–70 mph) through the weekend. Coastline Data for RI: URI is launching a new public website compiling 60+ years of beach survey measurements, helping residents and managers see how storms are reshaping Rhode Island’s shoreline over time. Local Storm Prep: Westerly and Charlestown are preparing for potential weekend impacts, while Boston and other New England cities warn of power outages and downed trees. Energy Costs & Clean Power: Rhode Island Energy’s seasonal bill changes start Oct. 1, and Connecticut/Massachusetts/RI also announced 102.4 MW of new multistate solar selections. Invasive Species Alert: A letter warns South Kingstown residents about Japanese knotweed’s aggressive spread and the need for better education and control. AI Oversight Push: Rhode Island’s Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse continues climate-focused advocacy, while AGs nationwide urge Congress to regulate AI safety.