AGP Executive Report

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.

Winter Weather Watch: NOAA says Rhode Island’s 2026-27 winter is likely warmer and wetter, with El Niño driving a 40%–50% chance of above-normal temperatures and precipitation. Flood & Hazard Research: A URI water scientist, Soni Pradhanang, is tracking Nepal’s recent glacial collapse and flooding—research she’s spent years on, from runoff and drought modeling to hazard communication. Coastal Resilience: The Coastal Resilience Committee is updating progress on the Fred Benson Town Beach pavilion and dune/marsh education, with more public-facing materials planned for late September. Storm Preparedness Funding: Rhode Island lawmakers are pushing back after FEMA again denied blizzard relief; at the same time, federal money is moving for Fox Point hurricane barrier upgrades. Local Climate Politics: A Rhode Island primary is set to shape debates over housing, short-term rentals, wastewater, and coastal access—issues that directly affect water quality and shoreline resilience. Utility Costs: Rhode Islanders face more winter utility rate hikes as regulators finalize Rhode Island Energy distribution charges. Air Permitting Pressure: Critics warn an EPA proposal could weaken public comment for data center air permits, shifting power to states and speeding approvals. RIDOT Traffic Update: A new Route 1 to Route 37 ramp opens Sept. 11 in Warwick as bridge demolition continues.

Disaster Relief Fight: Gov. Dan McKee and Rhode Island’s delegation are blasting FEMA again after the Trump administration denied the state’s $19 million blizzard relief request, with McKee calling it “a new low” and officials arguing the storm wasn’t “routine” winter weather. Coastal Resilience: A Coastal Resilience Committee update shows slow progress on a Fred Benson Town Beach pavilion exhibit and ongoing work on dunes and salt-marsh education, with more public engagement planned. Energy Costs & Climate Politics: A new report highlights Michael Greenstone’s findings that renewable portfolio standards raised retail electricity prices sharply—11% after seven years and 17% after twelve—raising the stakes in Rhode Island’s climate-and-energy debate. Winter Weather Outlook: NOAA says El Niño is likely to bring Rhode Island a warmer, wetter 2026-27 winter. Local Infrastructure: RIDOT will open a new Route 1 north to Route 37 west ramp in Warwick on Sept. 11 while closing the old looping on-ramp as bridge demolition continues. Water & Hazards: URI hydrologist Soni Pradhanang shares what Nepal’s glacial collapse and flooding means for hazard research and climate-linked risk. Utility Rate Pressure: Rhode Island regulators approved new Rhode Island Energy distribution rates, setting up more winter utility hikes for customers.

Disaster Relief Fight: Gov. Dan McKee says FEMA’s latest denial of Rhode Island’s Feb. blizzard recovery request is “a new low,” after the state and Massachusetts appealed and were rejected again—while Rhode Island’s congressional delegation argues the storm met federal thresholds and that politics is driving the outcome. Coastal Resilience: A Coastal Resilience Committee meeting found little support for replacing the Fred Benson Town Beach pavilion, with The Nature Conservancy leading dune and salt-marsh education walks and planning more public-facing materials by late September. Flood Protection Upgrade: Rhode Island senators secured $6.348 million for Fox Point hurricane barrier upgrades, even as blizzard aid was denied—showing a push to harden coastal defenses. Local Water & Health: RIDOH and DEM lifted advisories at Upper and Lower Melville Pond in Roger Williams Park, while still urging caution around contact. Clean Energy Permitting Watch: A look at BLM’s expedited approval path for new-build geothermal in Nevada highlights how faster federal reviews could reshape energy timelines—and invite legal fights. Transit & Mobility: RIPTA unveiled 50 new paratransit Frontrunner vans to expand RIde and Flex On Demand capacity. Coastal Access Roadwork: RIDOT will open a new Route 1 (Post Road) North to Route 37 West ramp in Warwick Sept. 11, with the old ramp closing as bridge demolition continues.

EPA Permits & Public Input: A proposed EPA rule would let data centers and other industrial projects start building before air permits are finalized, weakening or removing required public comment—an issue that could hit Rhode Island communities as the state weighs new development. Coastal Flooding Watch: Newport is holding a public workshop on flooding risks at Hazard Road, a narrow route over Gooseneck Marsh that still goes underwater during high tides and storm surges. Water Safety Updates: RIDOH and DEM lifted a no-recreation advisory for Upper and Lower Melville Pond in Portsmouth after a harmful algae bloom cleared, but they’re still warning people to avoid contact with Roosevelt Lake and Pleasure Lake at Roger Williams Park. Invasive Threat to Vineyards: Rhode Island vineyards are bracing for the spotted lanternfly, now established statewide, with growers and URI/DEM monitoring traps. Climate Action Scorecard: The Environment Council of Rhode Island says the state’s climate progress has slowed and criticizes rollbacks to renewable energy progress under the Act on Climate. Primary Care Medicaid Rates: Gov. Dan McKee is backing a $16M proposal to raise Medicaid primary care reimbursements after a review found costs outpacing payments.

Coastal Climate & Flooding: Newport held a public workshop on flooding risks at Hazard Road, a narrow one-way stretch over Gooseneck Marsh that still goes underwater during high tides and storm surges, with residents weighing whether access should change. Water Safety Updates: RIDOH and DEM lifted the advisory for Upper and Lower Melville Pond in Portsmouth after a harmful algae bloom cleared, but kept warnings in place for Roger Williams Park ponds (Roosevelt Lake and Pleasure Lake), urging people to avoid contact and not drink untreated water or eat fish. Invasive Species Watch: Rhode Island vineyards are bracing for spotted lanternfly as the invasive insect is now established in all five counties; growers and URI/DEM are checking traps and monitoring host trees. State Policy & Health Costs: Gov. McKee released a review showing Medicaid primary care reimbursements still lag costs, and he pledged a $16 million proposal to raise rates in the next budget. Local Infrastructure: Westerly secured a first $45 million low-cost loan to modernize its wastewater treatment plant, part of an $85 million upgrade aimed at long-term reliability and environmental protection. Community & Leadership: Age-Friendly Rhode Island received a $330,000 grant to expand age-friendly planning statewide, and Conexión Latina Newport won the Rhode Island Foundation’s 2026 Community Leadership Award.

Harmful Algae Update: RIDOH and DEM lifted the advisory for Upper and Lower Melville Pond in Portsmouth after a blue-green algae bloom cleared, but they’re still warning people to avoid contact with Roosevelt Lake and Pleasure Lake at Roger Williams Park in Providence, where recreation—including swimming, fishing, boating and kayaking—remains high risk until further notice. Public Health & Water Safety: Officials say HABs can produce toxins that harm people and animals, and they’re urging residents not to drink untreated water or eat fish from affected waters, with extra caution because blooms can shift around ponds and lakes. Wastewater Infrastructure: Westerly secured the first $45 million loan for upgrades to its wastewater treatment facility through the Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank, part of an $85 million modernization plan aimed at keeping the system efficient and reliable while protecting public health and the environment. Coral Research in RI: Roger Williams University researchers published lab methods to spawn, breed and culture a coral species through its full life cycle, a step researchers say could help study coral resilience as oceans warm. Climate Policy Fight: A new study reports oil industry lobbying is targeting climate “Superfund” bills in Oregon and 11 states, even as public support remains strong. Air Pollution Regulation: Rhode Island’s AG joined a multistate push against an EPA proposal that would weaken NOx pollution rules for heavy-duty vehicles, warning it could worsen air quality and health impacts, especially near roadways.

Air Pollution Fight: Rhode Island’s AG joined a multistate push urging the EPA to stop weakening rules on nitrogen-oxide pollution from heavy-duty vehicles—warning the change would worsen asthma and hit environmental justice communities hardest. Data Center Pressure: PIRG is calling for a two-year statewide pause on new data centers of 50 megawatts or more, pointing to grid costs and local permitting fights as Rhode Island Energy’s new delivery tariff takes effect. Health Care Costs: Gov. Dan McKee pledged a $16 million proposal to raise Rhode Island Medicaid primary-care reimbursement after a review found rates still lag the real cost of providing care. Coral Research: URI researchers helped publish new lab breeding methods for a coral species collected from Rhode Island waters, aiming to support studies of coral resilience as oceans warm. Coastal Wetlands Funding: URI and Louisiana State University won a $4 million NSF grant to expand wetlands science and restoration work in Rhode Island and Louisiana. Beach Season End: DEM says state beach restrooms, concessions, and lifeguards wrap up after Labor Day, with swimming unguarded starting Sept. 8. Local Water Safety: Rhode Island environmental police are seeking a boat and operator after a hit-and-run struck a swimmer near Usher Cove in Bristol. PFAS & Turf: A Superior Court ruling backed a Burrillville resident’s anti-SLAPP challenge tied to concerns that an artificial turf field could affect groundwater PFAS risks. Menhaden Harvest Hearings: Public hearings are set along the Atlantic coast on whether to cut Chesapeake Bay menhaden harvest by up to 50% to protect the food web.

Coastal Wetlands Research: URI and LSU landed a $4M NSF grant to advance wetland science and restoration planning, linking Rhode Island salt marshes with Louisiana delta wetlands through better tools, data connections, and restoration financing. Invasive Species: New England is leaning into invasive green crabs by turning them into premium food—restaurants, pet treats, even whiskey—aiming to reduce ecological damage while building a market. Ocean & Climate Tech: Composite Energy Technologies (CET) of Bristol was selected for NATO DIANA’s 2026 accelerator, advancing its autonomous undersea vehicle work that could expand undersea monitoring and missions. Local Environment & Recreation: DEM says Rhode Island state beach facilities close after Labor Day (Sept. 7), with lifeguards winding down and winterization starting Sept. 8. Community Sustainability: Planet Fitness in RI is running a sneaker recycling drive (Sept. 1–Oct. 31) with proceeds benefiting Boys & Girls Clubs. Food Security: Stop & Shop launched its School Food Pantry Campaign across RI and neighboring states, supporting hundreds of school pantries.

Wetlands Science Boost: URI and LSU just landed a $4M NSF grant to advance coastal wetland restoration, linking Louisiana delta wetlands with Rhode Island salt marshes through better planning tools, data connections, and restoration financing. Clean Energy Politics: A clean energy super PAC is targeting Gov. Dan McKee with $500,000 in attack ads, arguing his approach undermines climate goals and renewable jobs. Coastal Safety & Beach Season: DEM says Rhode Island state beach facilities close after Labor Day (Sept. 7), with lifeguards off and winterization starting Sept. 8—plus reminders to swim only where lifeguards are on duty. Local Infrastructure Disruption: RIDOT plans major Woonsocket bridge work starting Sept. 11: Wood Avenue Bridge closes about six weeks, and River Street Bridge closes through year-end, with detours for cars, pedestrians, and trucks. Research Recognition: A URI professor was honored by the UN for a sustainability-focused supply chain case competition that pairs students across countries. Urban Nature Watch: A Rhode Island-linked tree-removal fight in San Francisco highlights how local rules can speed up or slow down decisions about mature trees.

Climate Policy Watch: Rhode Island’s Environment Council says the state has slowed climate action in the past two years, with fewer of its priority bills passing and groups now “playing defense” ahead of the Sept. 9 primary. Local Food & Housing: A Rhode Island Food Policy Council questionnaire found only two gubernatorial candidates responded, while Providence voters will soon weigh another $25M housing-bond plan aimed at income-restricted units. Renewables & Land Use: A Brown University “Possibly” episode digs into what “better” for the environment really means as Rhode Island pushes toward 100% renewables by 2033—while solar development can mean cutting forests. Community & Access: URI’s Free Farmers Market returns Sept. 10 with weekly, on-campus produce for students. Air Quality & Health: California and other states join an FTC lawsuit accusing Amazon of misleading ad pricing—more about consumer harm than the environment, but it’s the week’s biggest policy/legal headline. Wildlife & Habitat: British Columbia’s proposed extension of wolf culling for declining caribou faces criticism that habitat loss, not wolves, is the real driver.

Newport Harbor Violence: A stolen sailboat tied to a couple’s search ended in a shootout in Newport Harbor, where a suspect was killed and a Newport police officer was shot. Climate Accountability: Rhode Island’s Green Report Card says the state has slowed climate action, with environmental groups warning progress is slipping. Air Pollution Fight: Rhode Island residents near a Quonset asphalt plant are pushing back over months of strong odors, arguing it’s harming health and quality of life. Federal Clean-Air Pushback: California AGs and the CARB joined a multistate fight against EPA’s proposed rollback of heavy-duty vehicle pollution rules, warning of worse air quality for environmental justice communities. Marine Tech & Policy: A bipartisan fisheries bill would expand use of eDNA to modernize fish stock assessments—potentially improving how Rhode Island and the region manage harvests. Wildlife Research: URI researchers used century-old leopard seal skulls to build baselines on the species, aiming to understand how melting polar ice may affect apex predators. Public Health Watch: CDC data shows COVID-19 cases rising across many states as summer ends.

Solar for All in limbo: Rhode Island’s $49.33M low-income solar expansion grant still hasn’t been restored after the EPA terminated the program in August 2025, leaving the state in unresolved litigation and a plan that never moved past the drafting stage. Opioid care on wheels: A new study looks at CODAC’s mobile opioid treatment unit in Woonsocket, showing how a converted bus can expand access to medication for opioid use disorder while also highlighting the structural barriers that threaten long-term survival of the model. Invasive green crabs get a market push: New Englanders are increasingly turning invasive green crabs into premium food products—helping reduce ecological damage while creating new local seafood demand. Wildlife research using museum specimens: URI researchers used century-old leopard seal skulls and modern scanning to build baselines on lifespan, diet, and reproduction—aiming to better predict how climate shifts and melting polar ice may affect apex predators. Local environment-adjacent policy: Maine regulators approved a major northern Maine wind and transmission project, a fight that’s already drawing political fire over costs and benefits across the region, including Rhode Island’s share of the transmission line. Grants for community needs: Rhode Island Foundation awarded $5.4M+ to nonprofits supporting housing, food access, health care, and environmental programs, including training for police responses to behavioral-health crises.

Harmful Algae Update: RIDOH and DEM lifted the “avoid recreation” advisory for Lake Mishnock in West Greenwich after the harmful algae bloom cleared, but they’re still warning Rhode Islanders to avoid contact with Wenscott Reservoir (North Providence) and Oak Swamp Reservoir (Johnston) due to ongoing HABs—swimming, fishing, boating, and kayaking remain high risk, and people should not drink untreated water or eat fish from affected waters. Clean Energy Stalled: Rhode Island’s $49.33M low-income solar expansion plan remains in limbo after EPA terminated the Solar for All program in 2025; the money hasn’t been restored and litigation is still unresolved. Wildlife Research: URI researchers used century-old leopard seal skulls from museum collections to build life-history baselines that could help scientists track how melting polar ice and climate shifts affect apex predators. Local Water & Health: A mobile opioid treatment unit in Woonsocket is delivering medications and outreach via a converted bus, with a new study documenting both its reach and the structural barriers that threaten long-term impact. Community Outdoors: Tiverton’s FigMamma Farms Fig Festival returns Sept. 12 with greenhouse tours, rare fig varieties, and grower education.

Water Safety Update: RIDOH and DEM lifted the high-risk harmful algae bloom advisory for Lake Mishnock in West Greenwich, but kept warnings in place for Wenscott Reservoir (North Providence) and Oak Swamp Reservoir (Johnston), urging people to avoid contact and not drink untreated water or eat fish until further notice. Clean Energy Stalled: Rhode Island’s $49M low-income solar expansion plan remains in limbo after EPA terminated the Solar for All program in 2025; litigation continues and the state’s plan never moved beyond early stages. Grid & Wind Buildout (Regional): Maine regulators approved an 800-MW onshore wind project and a 111-mile transmission line to bring power into the New England grid, with Rhode Island in the shared receiving region. Public Health & Climate Context: A new report highlights “climate hushing” in Democratic campaigns, while Rhode Island’s own climate-and-health impacts keep showing up in local advisories and policy fights. Local Weather: Sunday looks mostly sunny and warm (low 80s) with a small overnight shower chance.