AGP Executive Report

Invasive Species Watch: Rhode Island DEM is stepping up efforts to contain spotted lanternflies, warning residents to remove tree-of-heaven near homes and noting the insect’s fast spread through transport hubs and its threat to orchards and vineyards. Clean Water Fight: Attorney General Jeff Jackson is leading a coalition opposing EPA rollbacks on PFAS “forever chemicals” in drinking water, arguing the changes would weaken testing, reporting, and treatment requirements. Shellfish Safety: DEM is temporarily closing about 700 acres of Prudence Island shellfishing waters due to sewage-discharge risk tied to the annual Aquapalooza boat gathering. Stormwater Costs: Barrington has paused plans for a stormwater enterprise fund that would have added a new taxpayer fee, citing concerns about public appetite amid other budget pressures. Public Health: National measles cases have surged to 2,260 across 44 states, with summer travel driving new exposure events—an urgent reminder to keep MMR vaccinations up to date. Outdoor Access: Gov. Dan McKee signed an order for Rhode Island’s 37th annual Governor’s Bay Day on July 26, with free state beach parking and license-free saltwater fishing, plus RIPTA fare waivers on the South County Express Beach Bus.

Harmful Algae Closures: RIDOH and DEM are warning Rhode Islanders to avoid all contact with Lower Melville Pond (Portsmouth) and Tiogue Lake (Coventry) after harmful blue-green algae blooms were detected, including no swimming, fishing, boating, kayaking, or drinking untreated water. Shellfish Safety: DEM is also preemptively closing about 700 acres of shellfishing grounds off Prudence Island from July 24 through sunrise July 31 due to sewage-discharge risk tied to the annual Aquapalooza boat gathering. Climate Court Fight: Rhode Island is among states suing EPA over a rule that weakens hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) phaseout deadlines—HFCs are extremely potent greenhouse gases used in refrigeration and cooling. Storm Watch: Southern New England faces another round of humid, stormy weather with a chance of severe thunderstorms and localized flooding risk, including impacts for Rhode Island.

Shellfish Closures: DEM is preemptively closing about 700 acres of shellfishing grounds off Prudence Island from July 24 through sunrise July 31 due to sewage risk tied to Aquapalooza’s dense boat gathering in Potters Cove. Water Safety Alerts: RIDOH and DEM are urging people to avoid all contact with Lower Melville Pond (Portsmouth) and Tiogue Lake (Coventry) after harmful algae blooms; don’t swim, fish, boat, or kayak, and avoid drinking untreated water or eating local fish. Climate Court Fight: Rhode Island AG Nick Brown is part of a multistate lawsuit challenging an EPA rollback that delays the hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) phaseout—HFCs can be up to 10,000 times more potent than CO₂. Coastal Wildlife Update: Conservation work at Trustom Pond National Wildlife Refuge is helping American oystercatchers rebound in Rhode Island and beyond. Storm Watch: Southern New England faces a round of heavy rain and possible localized flooding this evening, with gusty storms possible. Local Waste Changes: Barrington residents are adjusting to a new automated trash and recycling pickup program after early hiccups with cart placement.

Wildlife comeback: American oystercatchers are rebounding along U.S. coasts, with Rhode Island’s Trustom Pond National Wildlife Refuge banding chicks as part of a multi-state, roughly $10 million conservation push that helped reverse near-extinction from hunting and egg collecting. Public health: Rhode Island health and environmental officials report rabies cases are running ahead of the usual pace in 2026, with raccoons and bats driving most detections and dozens of people already receiving exposure treatment. Heat & storms: Rhode Island is heading into humid conditions with a chance of showers and thunderstorms later Tuesday, plus a broader Southern New England severe-storm risk that includes downpours, lightning, and localized flooding. Local wildlife education: Cumberland and the Audubon Society of Rhode Island are taking registrations for “Owls of Rhode Island,” a hands-on program with live owls. Energy & climate policy: Rhode Island’s offshore wind fight continues as state leaders and allies weigh legal challenges to federal actions affecting wind projects. Weather alert (region): Parts of Massachusetts face downpours and lightning potential this afternoon/evening.

Wildlife Recovery in RI: Biologists and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service staff band American oystercatchers at Trustom Pond National Wildlife Refuge, part of a $10 million, multi-state effort that’s helping the sharp-billed birds rebound after hunting and egg collecting wiped them out in New England. Climate Impacts on Daily Life: A Rhode Island heat story warns that extreme heat is becoming more routine—hotter nights, more humidity, and more strain on cooling and infrastructure. Offshore Wind Legal Fight: Rhode Island officials and allies are weighing in as legal challenges target Trump-era moves to curb offshore wind, with supporters arguing it’s key for grid reliability and emissions cuts. Onshore Wind Freeze Challenge: Attorney General Raoul co-led a coalition asking a court to stop an unlawful freeze on land-based wind project reviews. Public Health & Air: Coverage continues to track Canadian wildfire smoke and its effects on air quality across New England, with Rhode Island seeing periods of improvement. Energy Reliability in Jamestown: Rhode Island Energy says it fully repaired a submerged Newport-to-Jamestown cable line, restoring service to Conanicut Island customers.

Wildfire Smoke Watch (RI): A Canadian wildfire plume has been easing in Rhode Island, with forecasts calling for mostly sunny skies and improved air quality Monday—though the region should still expect smoky skies again later in summer if fires continue. Air Quality Alerts: National Weather Service warnings recently covered much of the Northeast, including Rhode Island, as smoke and haze pushed in and out with storms. Endangered Species Act Fight: Rhode Island AG Brown co-led a challenge to EPA actions tied to clean-energy funding, while separate reporting warns Trump-era changes to the Endangered Species Act could narrow what counts as “harm,” potentially putting habitat at risk. Pollinators in the Spotlight (RI): Tiverton library hosts a free talk on saving pollinators July 25, encouraging native plants and reduced pesticide use. Local Conservation/Planning: Narragansett begins its comprehensive plan update process, with residents weighing in on housing, transportation, and conservation priorities. Coastal Ecology: Researchers report reproducing Manila clam populations establishing along parts of the Atlantic coast, raising concerns for native shellfish.

Oil & Gas Windfall Politics: Renewed U.S.-Iran fighting is pushing gas prices up again, while the world’s biggest oil companies are raking in about $30 million per hour in excess profits—fueling fresh calls in Washington for windfall taxes, including proposals backed by Rhode Island Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse. Wildfire Smoke & Heat Impacts: After a stretch of Canadian wildfire haze, Rhode Island is seeing a brief air-quality breather with mostly sunny, low-humidity conditions Monday, but smoke and unhealthy air for sensitive groups are still part of the week’s forecast. Endangered Species Act Rollback: A new Trump administration rule would narrow what counts as “harm” under the Endangered Species Act, raising alarms that habitat damage could slip through—an issue with major stakes for wildlife recovery. Pollinators in the Spotlight: Tiverton’s library is hosting a free talk on saving pollinators, with practical steps like planting native habitat and cutting pesticide use. Water Infrastructure Momentum: The Senate EPW Committee unanimously advanced the 2026 Water Resources Development Act, a bipartisan package aimed at safer drinking water, wastewater, flood risk management, and ecosystem restoration—good news for Rhode Island’s resilience. PFAS Testing Update (Tiverton): Tiverton says DEM testing found PFAS in some private wells near Crandall Road and Bolduc Lane, with filtration support and free testing available for affected residents. Invasive Species Watch: Researchers report reproducing Manila clam populations establishing along the northwestern Atlantic coast, a reminder that warming seas and shipping can accelerate new invasions.

Climate & Extreme Weather: A new poll finds 61% of U.S. voters link extreme weather to the climate crisis, including majorities of Democrats, independents, and nearly half of Republicans—fueling calls for less “climate-hushing.” Endangered Species Act: The Trump administration published a rule that would narrow the ESA definition of “harm,” potentially weakening protections for endangered species and habitat. Wildfire Smoke & Storms in RI: Rhode Island is again under air-quality pressure from Canadian wildfire smoke, with DEM warning of unhealthy conditions for sensitive groups Saturday, alongside a separate severe-weather risk with heavy rain and damaging winds. Water Safety: RIDOH/DEM lifted the Wenscott Reservoir recreation advisory after a harmful algae bloom cleared, but kept advisories for Edgewood Lake and Tiogue Lake due to cyanobacteria. Local Conservation: Tiverton’s library hosts a free talk on saving pollinators, focusing on native plants and cutting pesticide use. PFAS Testing: Tiverton says DEM found PFAS above acceptable limits in some private wells near Crandall Road and Bolduc Lane and is offering free testing and filtration for affected residents. Federal Water Funding: Senators Whitehouse and Capito tout unanimous WRDA 2026 passage, aimed at boosting drinking water, wastewater, flood risk management, and ecosystem restoration.

Wildfire Smoke & Storms: Rhode Island is under another air quality alert Saturday, July 18, as Canadian wildfire smoke recirculates back into the region. DEM warns sensitive groups face “unhealthy” fine particles, with reduced visibility and a smoky smell; residents with asthma, lung, or heart conditions are urged to stay indoors, use N95s outdoors, and run air systems on recirculate. Severe Weather Watch: The same day brings two rounds of showers and thunderstorms across Southern New England, with heavy rain, damaging winds, and a slight tornado risk later. Water Safety Updates: RIDOH and DEM lifted the avoid-recreation advisory at Wenscott Reservoir in North Providence after a harmful algae bloom cleared, but they still warn people to avoid contact with Edgewood Lake (Providence) and a section of Tiogue Lake (Coventry) due to cyanobacteria. PFAS Testing in Tiverton: The town says DEM found PFAS levels above acceptable limits in some private wells near Crandall Road and Bolduc Lane, with filtration support and free testing available. Offshore Wind Fight: Rhode Island is among states joining a legal challenge to Trump administration payoffs tied to stopping offshore wind projects. Local Planning: Narragansett and New Shoreham both kicked off comprehensive plan updates, setting the stage for future housing, transportation, conservation, and development decisions.

Offshore Wind vs. National Security: Trump’s administration is stopping offshore wind projects, citing national security risks tied to radar and military operations—an issue Rhode Island will feel as clean energy plans stall. Water Infrastructure Push: The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee unanimously advanced the bipartisan Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2026, setting up more funding for drinking water, wastewater, flood risk management, and ecosystem restoration. Wildfire Smoke Health Alert: Rhode Island is under another air quality alert Saturday, with “unhealthy for sensitive groups” conditions from recirculating Canadian wildfire smoke; sensitive residents are urged to limit outdoor time and use N95s/HEPA filtration. Algae Closures Update: RIDOH and DEM lifted the Wenscott Reservoir no-contact advisory after a harmful algae bloom cleared, while keeping advisories in place for Edgewood Lake and parts of Tiogue Lake. PFAS Testing in Tiverton: DEM testing found PFAS in some private wells near Crandall Road/Bolduc Lane; residents are being offered free well tests and filtration support. Local Wildlife Concern: A Coventry man is recovering after a black bear attack in his backyard, underscoring how wildlife encounters are rising in suburban areas.

Water Safety Update: RIDOH and DEM lifted the advisory at Wenscott Reservoir in North Providence after a harmful algae bloom cleared, but they still warn people to avoid contact with Edgewood Lake (Roger Williams Park) and a section of Tiogue Lake (Coventry) due to cyanobacteria—no swimming, fishing, boating, or kayaking, and don’t drink untreated water or eat fish from affected areas. Air Quality Alert: Wildfire smoke is expected to push Rhode Island back into unhealthy conditions for sensitive groups Saturday (July 18), with reduced visibility and a smoky smell; DEM urges staying indoors, using HEPA filtration, and wearing a fitted N95 if you must go out. Ticks on Block Island: Block Island Residents Association and Block Island Health Center host a public forum Tuesday, July 21 on tick-borne disease and prevention as Lone Star ticks expand. PFAS Testing in Tiverton: DEM found PFAS above acceptable limits in some private wells near Crandall Road/Bolduc Lane; the town is asking affected residents to schedule free water tests and DEM continues follow-up and filtration support. Clean Energy/Permitting: The Pentagon’s drone concerns are cited in a freeze affecting at least 155 new wind projects across 24 states, raising uncertainty for future development.

Wildfire Smoke & Air Quality: RIDEM issued a statewide Air Quality Alert through midnight July 16 as Canadian wildfire smoke pushed fine particles into “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups,” with patchy haze and poor visibility lingering into Friday morning. Public Health: Health guidance urges people with asthma, heart, or lung conditions to limit outdoor exertion, seal indoor spaces, use HEPA filtration, recirculate car air, and consider a properly fitted N95 outdoors. Clean Energy Fight: Rhode Island’s AG Peter Neronha joined a coalition challenging the DoD’s freeze on land-based wind project reviews, arguing it unlawfully blocks clean energy and raises costs. Resilience Funding: Richmond approved a one-year extension for a Climate Resilience Fund grant to replace a Carolina Nooseneck Road culvert, aiming to improve fish and wildlife passage and reduce flooding risk. Food Safety: URI’s Nicole Richard shared tips as a Cyclospora outbreak linked to Taco Bell shredded iceberg lettuce expands, with FDA reporting dozens of hospitalizations and urging careful produce handling. Shark Safety: A new federal “Lulu’s Law” would add shark attacks to wireless emergency alerts—rare in RI, but experts say it could still help.

Wildfire Smoke & Health Alerts: Thick Canadian wildfire smoke pushed into the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, triggering air quality alerts across states including Rhode Island, with officials warning about unhealthy fine particles and urging residents to limit outdoor exertion and keep windows closed. Severe Weather Watch: A severe thunderstorm warning was issued for parts of southern New Hampshire, with scattered storms possible as the smoke haze shifts. Clean Energy Legal Fight: Rhode Island AG Peter Neronha joined a coalition challenging the federal DoD freeze on routine reviews for land-based wind projects, arguing it unlawfully blocks clean energy development and raises costs. Offshore Wind Policy: Separate coverage highlights the Trump administration’s continued push to stop offshore wind on national security grounds, while critics say turbines can be managed with radar upgrades and planning. Local Air Guidance: RIDOH and DEM reiterated statewide rabies prevention steps as rabid animal counts rise, reminding people not to touch wild animals and to seek prompt medical care after any exposure. Construction Update: RIDOT scheduled major overnight traffic pattern changes on I-295 bridges in Cumberland and Smithfield as bridge work ramps up. Research & Resilience: UMaine researchers are partnering across New England—including Rhode Island—to boost sustainable seafood using low-cost water quality sensors and new tech.

Wildfire Smoke Health Alert (RI): Rhode Island DEM says Canadian wildfire smoke will keep air quality UNHEALTHY for sensitive groups through Thursday and into Friday, with fine particles, reduced visibility, and a smoky smell. The state urges people with asthma, lung, or heart conditions to stay indoors with windows closed, limit outdoor activity, and use a properly fitted N95; drivers should set cars to recirculate and homes can add HEPA filtration or a “clean air room.” Coastal/Water Ecology: URI researchers found a rare freshwater mussel community in the Moosup River, the first documented record in over three decades, with sensitive native species and support from Rhode Island Sea Grant and state partners. Coastal Regulation Fight: CRMC staff are pushing back on Newport-area plans to shore up a private cliff overlook with stone riprap, recommending the council not approve that specific work and instead resubmit public-pathway repairs. Fossil-Fuel Politics: Rhode Island Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse’s push to tax oil windfall profits is gaining attention as oil companies report massive excess earnings tied to higher prices. Space Science (Regional): A meteorite that hit a New Jersey home may contain “salty” chemistry that could help explain building blocks of life, with observers across RI and the region.

Wildfire Smoke Health Alerts: Rhode Island DEM is warning that fine-particle air quality will stay UNHEALTHY for sensitive groups on Thursday, July 16, with smoke bands from northern Minnesota and Ontario continuing into Friday; officials urge people with asthma, lung, or heart conditions to stay indoors with windows closed, limit outdoor exertion, and use a properly fitted N95 plus HEPA filtration. Regional Smoke Outlook: National forecasts say the Canadian wildfire plume could spread haze and poor air quality across much of the Northeast, including Rhode Island, through midweek. Coastal Protection Fight: Rhode Island coastal regulators are reportedly reluctant to approve shoring up the entire Newport Cliff Walk, highlighting ongoing tension between private shoreline interests and public coastal protections. Heat + Cooling Support: As heat and smoky conditions hit, Providence-area cooling options include Emmanuel House opening as a daytime cooling center through at least July 16. Science in the Sky: A meteorite that streaked near the Statue of Liberty and later crashed into a New Jersey home is now tied to “salty” fluids that may help explain ancient water and life-building chemistry.

Wildfire Smoke & Heat Safety: Canadian wildfire smoke is pushing hazy, smoky skies into Rhode Island, with heat index near or above 100°F and air quality concerns for sensitive groups; officials urge limiting outdoor time, keeping windows closed, and using AC or air purifiers. Coastal Hazards: Rhode Island’s Cliff Walk repair plan is stuck in coastal-regulator review, with CRMC staff questioning proposed stone stabilization work tied to a private overlook—approval could shape how quickly public access returns. Drought Watch: Despite recent rain, Rhode Island remains in drought watch as groundwater and stream flow stay below average, with the state’s drought steering committee saying it’s likely no change this month. Energy & Environment Policy: House Speaker Rebecca Kislak and others are weighing whether to override Gov. McKee’s veto of a climate/building carbon measurement bill, arguing it targets large buildings without adding costs. Seafood & Fisheries Innovation: A new NSF “Seafood Engine” award brings $15M to New England—including Rhode Island—to help modernize fisheries and aquaculture with tech and workforce partnerships. Solar Controversy: A contentious 4-megawatt ground-mounted solar project is starting in North Kingstown, as neighbors complain about tree clearing, noise, and impacts near an aquifer. Marine Invasives: Scientists confirmed Atlantic Manila clam reproduction along the Massachusetts coast, raising questions about spread and effects on native shellfish. Water Infrastructure Funding: Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse says the Senate is moving toward WRDA 2026 markup, a key step for reauthorizing drinking water and wastewater funding that supports Rhode Island revolving loan programs.