AGP Executive Report

Extreme Heat & Public Safety: Rhode Island is in the thick of an Extreme Heat Warning through the week, with the state urging hydration, limiting time outside, checking on neighbors, and using local cooling centers (call 2-1-1 or visit RIEMA’s list). Air Quality: As the heat and humidity build, ozone levels are triggering air quality alerts across New England, with officials warning sensitive groups to cut prolonged outdoor activity. Coastal Resilience: Rhode Island leaders celebrated major upgrades at Roger Wheeler State Beach—an expanded boardwalk and bulkhead improvements designed to strengthen resilience to climate change impacts. Oyster Farming Research: A new study in Narragansett Bay links water quality and cultivation gear type to Eastern oyster growth, survival, and stress—useful as aquaculture expands. Offshore Wind Training: ARROW-SEA 2026 brought together faculty and students across New England to train the next generation of offshore wind professionals, including tours in Rhode Island waters. Local Food & Community: Farm Fresh RI’s Local Food Fest returns Aug. 11 at Castle Hill Inn, spotlighting Rhode Island farmers, fishers, and chefs.

Extreme Heat Response: The McKee administration is urging Rhode Islanders to stay hydrated, limit exposure, and watch for heat illness as an Extreme Heat Warning runs through Friday, with highs around 95–100°F and humid conditions making it feel hotter; RIEMA is also keeping a statewide list of cooling centers available via 2-1-1. Air Quality Alert: As the heat intensifies, New England is seeing ozone-related air quality warnings for sensitive groups, with officials urging people with asthma, heart or lung conditions to cut back on prolonged outdoor activity. Coastal Resilience Upgrade: Rhode Island and Narragansett officials celebrated the new Roger Wheeler State Beach boardwalk and bulkhead improvements, including 1,200 feet of new boardwalk and added infrastructure meant to strengthen resilience to climate impacts. Beach Season Logistics: With the Fourth of July weekend approaching, DEM is reminding visitors to buy 2026 state beach parking passes online and plan ahead for busy facilities. Public Health for Vulnerable Residents: Crossroads Rhode Island plans a temporary emergency cooling center for people experiencing homelessness when heat index conditions hit 89°F or higher. Wildfire Scale Context (National): A wildfire comparison piece puts U.S. acres burned this year into perspective—more than 3.1 million acres so far—roughly four times Rhode Island’s size. Local Ecosystem Research: A study on Narragansett Bay looks at how water quality and oyster gear type affect Eastern oyster growth, supporting better aquaculture decisions.

Extreme Heat & Public Health: Rhode Island is under an Extreme Heat Warning from 10 a.m. Wednesday through 8 p.m. Saturday, with heat index values expected to hit 98–112°F and little nighttime relief—plus a separate DEM air alert for unhealthy ozone for sensitive groups on July 1. Cooling Access for Vulnerable Residents: Crossroads Rhode Island plans a temporary emergency cooling center for people experiencing homelessness when “feels like” hits 89°F+, with capacity for up to 30 and priority for women, older adults, and people with disabilities. Air Quality Watch: DEM says elevated ground-level ozone will peak early afternoon into the evening statewide, urging residents to cut heavy outdoor exertion and monitor symptoms. Water Supply Stress: Veolia Rhode Island has imposed a mandatory outdoor water ban in South Kingstown and parts of Narragansett, citing drought and low aquifers, drawing pushback from local officials. Coastal Resilience Upgrade: Rhode Island and partners celebrated the new bulkhead and boardwalk at Roger Wheeler State Beach, adding 1,200 feet of boardwalk and climate-resilient infrastructure. Local Policy & Environment: Rhode Island’s new assault-weapons sales ban takes effect July 1, while national air-pollution permitting fights continue—both shaping how communities respond to risk.

Air Quality & Heat Risk: Rhode Island DEM warned that ground-level ozone will hit unhealthy levels for sensitive groups statewide on Wednesday (July 1), with fine particles also elevated; residents are urged to cut back on heavy outdoor exertion and use AirNow for updates. Extreme Heat Response: RIEMA issued an extreme heat advisory (heat index 98–112) from 10 a.m. Wednesday through 8 p.m. Saturday, and communities opened cooling centers, including options in Westerly and Charlestown. Water Supply Under Strain: Veolia Rhode Island imposed a mandatory outdoor water ban for South Kingstown and parts of Narragansett, citing drought and an aquifer that didn’t recover. Local Transportation Safety: RIDOT plans a road diet trial on Main Avenue (Route 113) in Warwick starting July 10, restriping to one lane each direction plus a center turn lane, with a decision on permanence expected this fall. Clean Air Policy Fight: Rhode Island AGs joined coalitions opposing EPA moves that would weaken air pollution permitting (New Source Review), arguing it would mean more pollution and less public input. Drinking Water Monitoring: EPA’s draft drinking water monitoring plan drew backlash for not including microplastics in the next federal monitoring cycle.

Extreme Heat Watch: New England—including Rhode Island—is under an Extreme Heat Watch as a potentially record-setting heat wave builds across the East, with dangerous heat stress risks and little overnight relief. Harmful Algal Blooms: Toxic blooms are forcing closures of Massachusetts lakes and ponds, tied to warm, nutrient-rich water and runoff—an early warning for summer water quality. Local Safety Funding: Rhode Island’s congressional delegation announced nearly $19.25 million for safer streets on Aquidneck Island, targeting sidewalk gaps and crossings for pedestrians and cyclists. Second-Home Taxes: A new wave of “second home” taxation is spreading, including Rhode Island’s “Taylor Swift tax” on unoccupied homes—raising questions about housing impacts and local service costs. Recreation & Land Stewardship: Mountain bikers packed Bradford Preserve for a NEMBA ride, highlighting how trail-building and land trust partnerships keep outdoor access growing. Wildlife in Neighborhoods: A Rhode Island homeowner reported a black bear visiting a koi pond—another reminder that easy food and water can pull wildlife into communities. Weather: Rhode Island is set for a mostly pleasant June 30 with clouds building and a chance of late showers.

Extreme Heat Watch: Southern New England is bracing for dangerous heat and humidity Wednesday through Friday, with heat indices pushing toward the low 100s and an NWS watch in effect for Rhode Island (except Block Island) and nearby areas—plan for hydration, cooling, and extra care for kids, pets, and older neighbors. Local Streets Safety: Rhode Island’s congressional delegation announced nearly $19.25 million for safer Aquidneck Island streets, targeting sidewalk gaps and upgraded crossings for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers in Newport, Middletown, and Portsmouth. Wildlife in RI: URI and state partners tagged four bobcat kittens in spring, adding to local wildlife tracking efforts—residents can submit sightings and photos. Invasive Species Cleanup: Volunteers pulled water chestnut from Lake Quinsigamond, hauling plants for composting to slow the spread of this invasive aquatic weed. Microplastics & PFAS Research: New studies continue to link microplastics and PFAS-related particles to health concerns, while regulation still lags behind the science. Recycling Updates: PaintCare’s new paint recycling program expands drop-off options for leftover paint.

Extreme Heat Watch: Southern New England is bracing for dangerous heat and humidity Wednesday through Friday, with Rhode Island under an Extreme Heat Watch (heat indices up to ~110) and warnings to limit strenuous outdoor activity, hydrate, and check on kids, pets, and elderly neighbors. Invasive Species Cleanup: Volunteers on Lake Quinsigamond (Worcester/Shrewsbury) pulled water chestnut plants from kayaks and boats, hauling roots for composting after spotting a thick reappearance on the lake’s north side. Tick-Borne Disease Alert: A surge in tick-borne illness is being linked to rising tick populations across New England, including Rhode Island, where researchers say blacklegged ticks are expanding and Powassan virus is being diagnosed more often. Wildlife Research in RI: The University of Rhode Island tagged four bobcat kittens this spring with partners from DEM and wildlife rehabilitators, and residents can submit bobcat sightings. PFAS/Microplastics Lab Advance: Researchers developed a new way to extract and measure PFAS-related microplastics (microfluoroplastics) from dust, water, and sediment samples. Local Water Quality/Health: RIDOH and DEM lifted advisories at Watchaug Pond and recommended avoiding contact with Cunliff Lake at Roger Williams Park.

Extreme Heat & Public Health: New England is bracing for a heat wave with advisories and an Extreme Heat Watch, pushing temperatures into the upper 90s and possibly 100s—another reminder that heat records are increasingly common as the climate warms. PFAS & Microplastics Research: Scientists report a new method to measure PFAS-based microplastics, using reference spectra to detect fluoropolymer microplastics in dust, sediment, and suspended particles. Wildlife in Rhode Island: URI and partners tagged four bobcat kittens this spring, with sightings welcome from the public. Ticks on the Rise: A tick-borne virus linked to a 1958 Ontario death is now surging in New England, part of a broader tick boom that’s changing risk for residents. URI Ocean Science: URI cut the ribbon on its new Ocean Robotics Laboratory, expanding tools for ocean research and training. Water Infrastructure Funding: EPA announced $25M+ in grants aimed at improving drinking water systems in small and rural communities, including PFAS and lead-related upgrades. Local Climate/Environment Policy: Rhode Island is also moving on environmental protections, including ending rodenticide use and advancing shoreline and coastal projects.

Tick-borne risk in New England: A little-known Powassan virus is surging, tied to blacklegged (deer) ticks; researchers link today’s cases to a fatal 1958 Ontario illness, and note many infections are neuroinvasive with a notable death rate. Outdoor health guidance: Another report highlights “ticks are winning” across Rhode Island and nearby areas, with rising tick populations and Lyme-carrying blacklegged ticks moving into more places. Blue economy boost: URI marked a milestone at its Narragansett Bay Campus with a new Ocean Robotics Laboratory, backed by state bond funding, aiming to strengthen ocean research and workforce training. Offshore wind workforce pipeline: Nunez Community College students toured Rhode Island and Massachusetts offshore wind farms, using a National Wildlife Federation grant to plug real-world lessons into its wind energy curriculum. Drinking water funding: EPA announced $25M+ for small and rural communities to upgrade drinking water systems and tackle PFAS and lead. Local recycling win: A mattress recycling program in Oregon diverted thousands of beds from landfills, offering a model for waste reduction. Rhode Island policy: The state became first to require staffing ratios for grocery self-checkout, keeping at least one employee for every three kiosks.

Offshore Wind Workforce: Nunez Community College sent students and instructors to Rhode Island and Massachusetts offshore wind farms (South Fork and Revolution) via a National Wildlife Federation boat tour grant, then plans to fold what they learn into its Wind Energy Technology curriculum. Blue Economy Research: URI marked a milestone at its Narragansett Bay Campus with the ribbon-cutting for the new Ocean Robotics Laboratory, including an underwater test tank and a remotely operated vehicle demo. Public Health & Wildlife: A new report highlights a sharp New England tick surge, with Rhode Island and southern Massachusetts seeing black-legged tick ratios jump and Lyme risk rising—“ticks are winning.” Water Watch: South County towns are tightening irrigation rules as drought conditions worsen, with groundwater and stream flows declining and officials urging conservation. Coastal Development: Rhode Island regulators approved phase two work for Pawtucket’s Tidewater Landing, including riverwalk paths, stormwater upgrades, and planning for a future pedestrian bridge. Local Recycling & Waste: Rhode Island’s mattress recycling efforts are expanding after a successful first year, building on broader waste-reduction momentum. State Policy: Rhode Island became the first state to require staffing ratios for grocery self-checkout, aiming to protect jobs and improve accessibility.

Drinking Water Funding: The U.S. EPA announced $25M+ in grants to help small and rural systems upgrade drinking water and tackle PFAS, lead, and other local contaminants. Ocean Research Boost: URI cut the ribbon on its new Ocean Robotics Laboratory at the Narragansett Bay Campus, backed by $145M in bond funding and aimed at strengthening Rhode Island’s blue economy. Coastal Development: CRMC approved phase-two work for Pawtucket’s Tidewater Landing, including riverwalk paths, stormwater upgrades, and a plaza tied to future pedestrian-bridge planning. Wildlife & Public Health: Rhode Island’s tick season concerns are rising as New England sees a sharp jump in tick bites and Lyme risk, with local experts pointing to expanding tick ranges. Water Shortages: Drought conditions are tightening water restrictions in parts of South County as temperatures and low rainfall strain aquifers and stream flows. Local Odor Complaints: North Kingstown residents say chemical smells—especially a rotten-egg odor—are worsening around an asphalt plant, pushing calls for stronger state action. Recycling & Waste: A Rhode Island food waste reduction and recycling network is gaining momentum, while move-out dumping remains a persistent problem. Jobs & Grocery Theft: Rhode Island became the first state to require staffing ratios for self-checkout lanes, aiming to protect workers, improve accessibility, and curb theft.

Drought Watch: Gov. Dan McKee upgraded Rhode Island to its first statewide drought watch since 2002, urging conservation as precipitation stays low and groundwater and stream flows remain under pressure. Water Safety: RIDOH and DEM lifted the harmful algae bloom advisory at Watchaug Pond, but kept an avoid-contact warning for Cunliff Lake at Roger Williams Park due to toxins risk. Climate Policy: McKee vetoed bills that would have required large building owners to track emissions, leaving a gap in Rhode Island’s path to its Act on Climate targets. Self-Checkout Staffing: Rhode Island became the first state to require a staffing ratio for grocery self-checkout—at least one employee per three kiosks—aimed at protecting jobs and improving accessibility. Odor Complaints: North Kingstown residents escalated concerns about persistent chemical smells in West Davisville, pressing the state to take action regarding the suspected source. Offshore Wind Training: Nunez Community College students toured Rhode Island and Massachusetts offshore wind farms, using a National Wildlife Federation boat tour grant to strengthen its wind energy curriculum. Oyster Work in Warren: Warren and RWU’s CEED program restarted an oyster spat-growing effort, seeding an upweller with 100,000+ spat for later cultivation. Drinking Water Funding: The EPA announced $25M+ in grants to help small and rural communities upgrade drinking water systems and address PFAS and lead. Local Business R&D: Rhode Island Commerce opened applications for Innovation Voucher grants, offering up to $75,000 for R&D partnerships with local knowledge providers.

Shellfish & Water Quality: Warren kicked off another oyster spat placement in its municipal upweller with 100,000 young oysters headed for DEM-designated waters off Jacob’s Point. Public Health & HABs: RIDOH/DEM lifted the Watchaug Pond advisory after a harmful algae bloom cleared, but kept a high-risk contact ban for Cunliff Lake at Roger Williams Park in Providence. Drought Watch: Gov. McKee issued Rhode Island’s first drought watch since 2002, urging conservation as precipitation, groundwater, and stream flows stay low. Climate Policy: McKee vetoed bills that would have required large buildings to benchmark and report energy use, leaving a gap in Rhode Island’s emissions-reduction path. Wildlife & Fisheries: A debate is heating up over stocking wild brook trout as climate change and habitat loss shrink native populations. Recycling & Food Waste: Rhode Island’s organics recycling push is gaining momentum, even as enforcement and infrastructure funding lag.

Harmful Algae Alerts: RIDOH and DEM lifted the advisory to avoid contact at Watchaug Pond after testing showed low blue-green algae and no toxins, but they kept a high-risk warning in place for Cunliff Lake at Roger Williams Park in Providence, where people should avoid swimming, fishing, boating, and kayaking until further notice. Climate Policy Clash: Gov. Dan McKee vetoed bills that would have required large buildings to track and report energy use, arguing the plan would create unfunded burdens—leaving Rhode Island with fewer near-term steps toward its decarbonization goals. Native Fish Debate: As wild brook trout decline, Rhode Island’s stocking practice is under renewed scrutiny, with advocates arguing hatchery fish can compete with native trout and others pushing for stocking to support anglers and conservation. Coastal Wildlife Watch: DEM tracking shows horseshoe crab numbers are mixed along Rhode Island’s shorelines, with tagging and shoreline surveys continuing as managers weigh how much protection the species still needs. Waste & Recycling Momentum: Rhode Island’s organics recycling is gaining traction, even as enforcement and infrastructure gaps remain after a weak large-generator disposal ban and limited legislative progress. Pesticide Policy Ripple: Vermont became the first state to ban paraquat, a weed killer linked by lawmakers to Parkinson’s risk—an example that could pressure other states, including in the region.

Toxic Algae Update (RI): RIDOH and DEM lifted the advisory for Slack Reservoir in Smithfield/Johnston after testing showed low blue-green algae levels and no detected toxins—though officials warn blooms can return fast and urge people to keep away if they see “green paint/pea soup” scum. Herbicide Policy (Nationwide, Vermont): Vermont became the first state to ban paraquat, citing a possible link to Parkinson’s disease, even as some farmers worry about profit impacts and the EPA continues reviewing safety. Invasive Pest Watch (Region): Washington state opened public comment on gypsy moth eradication documents and also urged residents to check holiday greenery for elongate hemlock scale—another reminder that pests hitchhike on plants. Recycling Reality Check (RI): A local recycling coordinator explains why Rhode Island’s system can feel confusing, pointing to the single residential drop-off site at RIRRC in Johnston and how sorting rules depend on what the facility can process. Coastal Science (RI): A Rhode Island ocean-currents education effort highlights how understanding where pollution and search patterns go starts with studying tides and currents. Policy & Courts (RI): Rhode Island expanded civil court access for child sexual abuse victims by creating a two-year window starting July 1, 2026.

Water Quality Update: RIDOH and DEM lifted the advisory at Slack Reservoir in Smithfield/Johnston after a blue-green algae harmful algae bloom cleared and testing found low algae levels with no toxins detected. Coastal & Climate Policy: Rhode Island joined a broader push by states challenging Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge oil and gas leasing, arguing it would harm migratory birds and worsen greenhouse-gas impacts. Local Governance & Housing: Gov. Dan McKee announced $9.5 million in Housing 2030 Public Developer Program awards, including $4.5 million for a new Newport affordable development creating 102 rental homes. Public Health & Environment: A Rhode Island weather pattern update points to warm, mostly dry conditions with rain returning later—relevant for flood and storm planning. Community & Food Security: A Rhode Island food system piece highlights rising food insecurity and the role of local farms and fisheries in strengthening resilience.