AGP Executive Report

Flood Watch / Flash Flood Risk: Heavy rain and thunderstorms are expected Sunday across Rhode Island and nearby areas, with a Flood Watch in effect and the biggest risk for localized street flooding from Providence into interior southeastern Massachusetts; totals of about 1–3 inches are possible, with narrow bands potentially dumping 2–4 inches in a few hours. Coastal Habitat Restoration: RIDEM, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Save the Bay have started restoring dune and marsh habitat at Ninigret Barrier Beach (East Beach) by removing invasive trees/plants and restoring tidal creeks to support wildlife like piping plovers and saltmarsh sparrows. Invasive Species / Boating Controls: A new buoy-marked boating lane near Worden Pond Boat Ramp aims to reduce hydrilla fragments being chopped up by propellers, as part of broader hydrilla management. Public Health Alert: RIDOH is investigating a potentially rabid bat incident at Roger Williams Park Zoo and is asking anyone with possible contact around Aug. 24 to call. Climate Litigation & Courts: A new report alleges a coordinated campaign to influence how judges handle climate lawsuits, raising questions about neutrality in climate-legal training. Renewable Energy: Rhode Island Energy has tentatively agreed to buy 150 MW of onshore wind power from northern Maine, shifting focus landward after offshore wind setbacks.

Flood Risk in Southern New England: A Sunday storm is bringing heavy rain and a Rhode Island flood watch, with the worst downpours expected late morning into early afternoon. Totals of about 1–3 inches are likely, and narrow bands could dump 2–4 inches in a few hours—enough for localized flash flooding and dangerous road ponding. Coastal Habitat Restoration: RIDEM, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Save the Bay are restoring Ninigret Barrier Beach (East Beach) by removing invasive trees and plants and reviving tidal creeks to rebuild habitat for shorebirds and strengthen coastal resilience. Invasive Species, On the Water: RIDEM and partners installed a buoy-marked boating lane at Worden Pond to reduce hydrilla fragments being chopped up by propellers, supporting ongoing hydrilla management. Wildlife Health Alert: RIDOH is investigating a potentially rabid bat incident at Roger Williams Park Zoo and is asking anyone with possible bat contact around Aug. 24 to call. Renewables Update: Rhode Island Energy is tentatively moving toward 150 MW of onshore wind from northern Maine, pending negotiations and state approval. Drinking Water Notice: Prudence Island Water District issued a repeat “boil your water” warning due to significant deficiencies tied to past coliform/E. coli findings.

Flood Watch & Heavy Rain: Rhode Island and southeast Massachusetts are under a flood watch for Sunday, with the biggest risk of intense downpours and localized flash flooding from late morning into mid-afternoon. Coastal Habitat Restoration: RIDEM, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Save the Bay are restoring Ninigret Barrier Beach (East Beach) by removing invasive trees and plants and reviving tidal creeks to boost wildlife habitat and coastal resilience. Invasive Species Alert: Spotted lanternflies have spread to 22 states, and residents are being urged to kill them on sight to protect vineyards and other sap-feeding plants. Public Health—Rabies Exposure: RIDOH is investigating a potentially rabid wild bat incident at Roger Williams Park Zoo (Aug. 24) and is asking anyone with possible bat contact to call. Renewable Energy Shift: Rhode Island Energy is tentatively moving toward land-based wind, seeking 150 megawatts from an onshore Maine project as offshore wind efforts stall. Local Water Safety: A repeat drinking water warning was issued for Prudence Island Water District, advising residents to boil water due to significant deficiencies. Invasive Aquatic Plant Control: A new buoy-marked boating lane at Worden Pond aims to reduce hydrilla fragments spread by boat propellers while herbicide treatments continue.

Coastal Habitat Restoration: RIDEM, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Save the Bay have started restoring Ninigret Barrier Beach (East Beach) by removing invasive trees and plants and reviving tidal creeks to rebuild habitat for beach-nesting birds and strengthen storm resilience. Invasive Species Control: A new buoy-marked boating lane at Worden Pond is meant to reduce hydrilla fragments kicked up by propellers, cutting spread while complementing ongoing herbicide treatments. Renewable Energy Push: Rhode Island Energy has tentatively agreed to buy 150 MW of onshore wind power from northern Maine, aiming to grow clean electricity while navigating federal permit uncertainty. Ocean Science for the Public: URI’s Graduate School of Oceanography is hosting free “Science Saturday” at the Narragansett Bay Campus with interactive exhibits on climate impacts, ocean acidification, and underwater sound. Public Health Alert: Prudence Island Water District issued a repeat drinking-water warning after past total coliform/E. coli exceedances, urging residents to boil water before use. Weather Watch: Flood watches are in effect for parts of Rhode Island as heavy rain moves in late Saturday night into Sunday.

Coastal Habitat Restoration: RIDEM, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Save the Bay have started restoring dune and marsh habitat at Ninigret Barrier Beach (East Beach) by removing invasive trees/plants and restoring tidal creeks to rebuild wildlife habitat and coastal resilience. Invasive Species Control on the Water: RIDEM installed a new buoy-marked boating lane at Worden Pond to help boats avoid cutting hydrilla into fragments, aiming to slow the spread alongside ongoing herbicide treatments. Renewable Energy Shift: Rhode Island Energy tentatively agreed to buy 150 MW of onshore wind power from northern Maine, moving away from stalled offshore plans and pending pricing talks plus PUC approval. Drinking Water Alert: Prudence Island Water District issued a repeat “boil your water” notice after significant past microbiological deficiencies, including total coliform and E. coli findings. PFAS Watch in Tiverton: State officials say 63 homes have PFAS above Rhode Island standards, with more testing underway as residents seek answers about health impacts and next steps. Community Science: URI’s Graduate School of Oceanography will host free “Science Saturday” at the Narragansett Bay Campus with interactive exhibits on ocean exploration, climate impacts, ocean acidification, and underwater sound.

PFAS Fallout in Tiverton: State testing shows 63 homes with PFAS (“forever chemicals”) above Rhode Island’s drinking-water standard, with more wells still being checked—another reminder that past contamination can linger for years. Narrow River Dredging Moves Forward: Narragansett’s final permit for the Narrow River dredging project has been approved, but town officials now face tight scheduling rules (with work windows that narrow as the year goes on) and a rush to coordinate agencies and procurement. Endangered Species Act Fight: Rhode Island AG Nick Brown is part of a multi-state push in court to block federal rollbacks that weaken habitat protections for threatened and endangered wildlife. Quonset Business Park Expansion: Quonset’s board approved lease changes to make room for General Dynamics Electric Boat’s next phase—new manufacturing/fabrication space plus added warehousing and material-handling areas. AmeriCorps Funding Protected: A settlement with the Trump administration keeps AmeriCorps programs funded through FY 2026–2027, shielding volunteer service work that supports communities statewide.

Endangered Species Act Fight: Vermont AG Charity Clark and a coalition of 20 states sued to block Trump-era ESA rollbacks, challenging changes that narrow “harm” and weaken protections for threatened species and critical habitat. AmeriCorps Funding Shield: Rhode Island AG Nick Brown joined a multistate settlement stopping the Trump administration from dismantling AmeriCorps; the deal keeps funding flowing for FY 2026–2027, including environmental and community service placements. Water Scarcity in RI: Veolia mailed Narragansett and South Kingstown customers a “thank you” for conserving, but still won’t give a clear end date or specific benchmarks for lifting the outdoor water ban. Energy Market Watch: Constellation agreed to buy Shell’s Rhode Island State Energy Center (RISEC) in Johnston, a natural-gas power plant, for $715 million—raising questions about future grid and emissions impacts. Local Recycling/Planning: A town council agenda highlights a proposed refuse and recycling contract decision and discussion of recycling options, including Styrofoam handling.

Endangered Species Act in Court: A coalition of 20 states and Washington, D.C. sued the Trump administration over new Endangered Species Act rules that narrow what counts as “harm,” weaken protections for newly threatened species, and change how “critical habitat” is designated—moves critics say could open wildlife habitat to development, drilling, mining, and other projects. Disaster Relief Fight: Sen. Jack Reed and Gov. Dan McKee blasted Trump’s denial of Rhode Island’s FEMA disaster relief request tied to the February blizzard, saying the state met FEMA thresholds and that the refusal shifts costs onto towns and taxpayers. Local Parks & Permits: Jamestown council voted to spend $275,000 to renovate Fort Getty’s lower bathrooms, with the plan raising questions about funding limits and required approvals from Rhode Island environmental agencies. Transit & Climate Equity: Providence’s Kennedy Plaza bus hub proposal drew a public pushback rally, with riders and organizers arguing the move is about removing bus riders rather than improving transit. Clean Energy Regional Link: Maine regulators approved a major northern wind project plus a long transmission line, with Rhode Island among states sharing transmission costs—potentially affecting regional power prices and grid planning. Birds & Warming Signals: A long-running pine warbler banding story from the region highlights how shifting conditions are reshaping bird populations and migration patterns.

Endangered Species Act Fight: A coalition of 20 states and D.C. sued the Trump administration over new Endangered Species Act rules that narrow what counts as “harm” and weaken protections for threatened species’ habitat and “critical habitat” designations—moves critics say could open wildlife areas to development, mining, and drilling. Regional Energy Watch: Maine regulators approved a major northern Maine wind plan paired with a 111-mile transmission line, with cost-sharing that includes Rhode Island and projections of big lifetime savings for ratepayers. Local Climate & Flooding: Rep. Lauren Carson urged Newport’s Point residents to attend a Sept. 15 meeting on stormwater flooding and sea level rise, sharing survey results showing many households have flooded in recent years. Outdoor Safety: Rhode Island DEM reminded hunters to wear fluorescent orange during the Sept. 12 start of archery deer season through Feb. 28. Wildlife & Migration: A pine warbler named “Rizzy” returned for another season at Mass Audubon’s Wellfleet Bay, highlighting broader bird declines. Community Green: Safe Harbors of the Hudson will celebrate 10 years of Safe Harbors Green at its Sept. 17 gala, honoring native-plant stewardship.

Conservation Win in Tiverton: DEM and The Nature Conservancy conserved 27 acres of forest, linking Pocasset Ridge Conservation Area with Pardon Gray Preserve and Weetamoo Woods—adding to a 1,600-acre contiguous forest network that supports rare coastal habitat and wildlife. Clean Energy Procurement: Rhode Island Energy conditionally selected 150 MW from a proposed Maine wind project, part of a regional push for major onshore wind and transmission to the New England grid. Local Flood Resilience: Rep. Lauren Carson will share Point flooding survey results at a Sept. 15 neighborhood meeting, with residents reporting frequent flooding, rising insurance costs, and stormwater/sea-level concerns. Wildlife Safety: A Rhode Island runner was seriously injured in a raccoon attack in South Kingstown and received rabies post-exposure treatment as officials note increased positive rabies tests in 2026. Circular Waste: Rhode Island’s mattress recycling efforts get a boost as states like RI run mattress stewardship programs aimed at recovering reusable materials. Energy Use Transparency: Rhode Island Energy customers are among the first to get “Sense,” a free app that shows real-time electricity use and flags unusual activity. DEM Hunting Safety: DEM reminds hunters to wear fluorescent orange during archery deer season and other hunting periods.

Clean Energy Procurement: Rhode Island Energy conditionally selected 150 megawatts from a proposed northern Maine wind project, part of a regional push that could deliver the biggest onshore wind farm in New England. Land Conservation: DEM and The Nature Conservancy conserved 27 acres in Tiverton, linking Pocasset Ridge Conservation Area to Pardon Gray Preserve and Weetamoo Woods, using a U.S. Forest Service Forest Legacy easement plus private support. Wastewater Upgrades: The Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank closed a $45 million loan for Westerly’s first phase of wastewater treatment modernization, including odor control, clarifier rehab, aeration improvements, and wet-weather bypass work. Wildlife & Habitat: A Barrington community update says coyote sightings have dropped sharply since a February blizzard, with residents speculating whether the animals didn’t survive or moved on. Coastal Flooding Focus: Rep. Lauren Carson will present Point flooding survey results at a Sept. 15 neighborhood meeting, highlighting stormwater flooding, sea level rise, and insurance gaps. Energy Use Tools: Rhode Island Energy rolled out Sense app access for customers with advanced meters, aiming to help residents spot energy waste and cut bills.

Clean Water Funding: Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank closed a $45M loan for Westerly’s wastewater upgrades, including headworks rehab, odor control, clarifiers, aeration tanks, and pump-station improvements—aimed at protecting public health and the environment. Coastal Tech Leap: REGENT’s Viceroy, an all-electric wing-in-ground-effect craft, completed its first crewed full-scale flight over Narragansett Bay, clearing the way for final sea trials and planned 2027 deliveries. Energy Transparency: Rhode Island Energy customers with new advanced meters can now use the free Sense app for real-time home electricity tracking, alerts, and personalized tips to cut waste. Wildlife Shift: Experts say warm-water shark sightings off Cape Cod and Rhode Island are becoming more consistent as ocean temperatures rise, nudging more species north. Local Land Use Fight: Neighbors in Hopkinton are pushing back on clear-cutting tied to a state intent-to-cut for 62 acres near Arcadia Management Area. Public Health at the Shore: DEM’s Environmental Police are investigating a Bristol hit-and-run involving a boat that struck a swimmer near Usher Cove.

Coastal Safety: Rhode Island DEM’s Environmental Police are asking for the public’s help after a hit-and-run boat crash near Usher Cove in Bristol injured a swimmer; witnesses described a white bowrider and a middle-aged male operator who left toward Portsmouth. Forest Watch: Neighbors in Hopkinton say commercial loggers have been clear-cutting around 130 Dye Hill Road despite an intent-to-cut filed for 62 acres, raising concerns about impacts near the Arcadia Management Area. Climate Politics: Nationally, Democrats are “going quiet” on climate messaging after the Biden-era regulatory push, as campaigns shift toward affordability and cost-of-living. Marine Life & Warming Waters: Experts say more warm-water shark species are showing up in New England—including off Rhode Island—consistent with a warming-driven northward shift. Weather: Labor Day in Rhode Island looks dry and sunny with highs around the upper 70s and low rain chances. Community & Food Access: BankNewport Charitable Foundation awarded $26,000 for youth programs, including tutoring, healthy meals tied to local food systems, and literacy/arts support.

Coastal Resilience & Storm Prep: Rhode Island lawmakers secured $6.348 million in federal funding for upgrades to the Fox Point hurricane barrier after FEMA denied the state’s blizzard relief request—again—framing it as “politics” and a dangerous precedent. Climate Impacts on Wildlife: Warm-water sharks are showing up more consistently off Cape Cod, the Islands, and Rhode Island, with experts pointing to warming ocean temperatures as the driver. Water & Hazards: A URI water scientist shared how her Nepal research and training connect to recent glacial collapse and flooding back home, underscoring the real-world stakes of flood and hazard modeling. Land Use & Forest Loss: Neighbors in Hopkinton say commercial loggers have been clear-cutting near Arcadia Management Area after an intent-to-cut was filed for 62 acres, raising concerns about impacts to a core forest area. Weather: Labor Day weekend looks mostly sunny and dry, with comfortable temperatures and low rain chances.

Shark Migration & Climate Change: Warm-water sharks are showing up more consistently off Cape Cod, the Islands, and Rhode Island, with experts pointing to rising ocean temperatures as the driver. Forest Cutting Backlash: In Hopkinton, residents and officials are alarmed by clear-cutting tied to an intent-to-cut for 62 acres near Arcadia Management Area, raising concerns about habitat loss and impacts on a quiet forest corridor. Winter Weather Outlook: NOAA says El Niño is likely to bring Rhode Island a warmer, wetter winter (Dec–Feb), with above-normal temperature and precipitation odds. Coastal Resilience Planning: The Coastal Resilience Committee is updating work on the future of the Fred Benson Town Beach pavilion, including dune and marsh education efforts. Local Infrastructure & Environment: RIDOT plans a new Route 1 to Route 37 ramp in Warwick while continuing bridge demolition, and Pawtucket is moving ahead with major park and recreation upgrades, including new trees and a splash pad. Energy Costs: Rhode Island regulators approved distribution rate changes that could raise winter utility bills for both electric and gas customers.

Shark Migration: Warming waters are driving more shark species into New England, with experts pointing to repeat sightings off Cape Cod and Rhode Island as a climate-linked seasonal pattern. Coastal Resilience & Local Parks: Pawtucket is moving ahead with major park upgrades, including a new John Street Park and a reconstructed Veterans Park Pool with splash pad and pavilion plans. Weather Watch: Rhode Island’s Sept. 6 forecast calls for a cool, mostly dry day—high around 70–72°F—plus a sunnier, warmer Labor Day Monday. Winter Outlook: NOAA says El Niño is likely to bring Rhode Island a warmer, wetter 2026–27 winter. Disaster Funding Fight: Rhode Island lawmakers and Gov. Dan McKee are pushing back after FEMA again denied blizzard relief, while the state secured $6.348 million for Fox Point hurricane barrier upgrades. Energy Costs: Rhode Islanders should expect more utility rate hikes this winter as regulators finalize Rhode Island Energy distribution charges. Elections & Environment: Next week’s primaries include races where housing, wastewater, and coastal access are front-and-center.