AGP Executive Report

Coastal Wildlife: A new episode of Ocean State: Rhode Island’s Wild Coast explores piping plovers, ospreys and other animals — and the fragile habitats linking sky, sea and shore. Bay Health: Researchers at Roger Williams University are investigating the sharp decline in Narragansett Bay quahogs. Landings fell by more than half from 2012 to 2022, as scientists examine possible roles for disease, pollution, nitrogen and PFAS. Public Health: Rhode Island reported its first West Nile virus case of 2026 in a Washington County resident whose infection was likely acquired out of state; officials say mosquito risk is now low. Climate Resilience: A proposed $25 million Green Bond would add funding to the Resilient Rhody Infrastructure Fund. Waste Reduction: Rhode Island is turning discarded fiberglass boat hulls into cement, offering a way to keep hard-to-recycle material out of the waste stream.

Public Health: Rhode Island reported its first human West Nile case of 2026 in a Washington County resident; officials believe the infection was acquired out of state and say seasonal risk is low. Energy Costs: Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse helped negotiate a bipartisan bill requiring large AI data centers to pay for grid upgrades they need, rather than shifting costs to households. The bill’s faster permitting for energy projects has divided climate advocates. Climate Resilience: A proposed Green Bond would add $25 million to Rhode Island’s Resilient Rhody fund, while a separate $4 million restoration effort will support coastal wetlands from Rhode Island to Louisiana. Wildlife & Water: DEM and NOAA are investigating a dead sturgeon found aboard a Bristol sailboat. Rhode Island also lifted an algae advisory at Lower Melville Pond, while a bloom prompted an advisory at Johnson’s Pond. Clean Energy & Waste: Audubon has broken ground on a solar carport at its Bristol nature center, and a Rhode Island effort is recycling fiberglass boat hulls in cement kilns.

Land Conservation: Rhode Island Land Trust Days wraps up Oct. 25, with a free celebration at Pawtucket’s Guild Brewery tonight; proceeds from a special beer will support conservation work. Local Environmental Priorities: Jamestown voters can question town council candidates at an Oct. 21 forum on water quality, shoreline access and the future of Gould Island. Wildlife: DEM and NOAA are investigating a dead sturgeon found aboard a Bristol sailboat. Water Quality: A harmful algae bloom prompted an advisory for Johnson’s Pond in Coventry, while an advisory at Portsmouth’s Lower Melville Pond has been lifted. Clean Energy: Audubon has broken ground on a Bristol nature-center solar carport, part of its goal to reach net-zero emissions by 2030. Climate Lawsuits: The Supreme Court is weighing whether local and state climate cases against oil companies can proceed in state courts; Rhode Island was the first state to file such a suit.

Climate Accountability: The Supreme Court is weighing whether oil companies can move climate-damage lawsuits to federal court, a decision that could affect Rhode Island’s 2018 case—the first climate suit brought by a state. Clean Energy: Audubon Rhode Island broke ground on a Bristol solar carport expected to generate more than 360,000 kilowatt-hours a year. CCRI also secured $200,000 to develop heat-pump and HVAC training for workers supporting the state’s building-electrification goals. Water & Wildlife: Rhode Island DEM and NOAA are investigating a dead sturgeon found aboard a Bristol sailboat, while an algae bloom prompted an advisory for Johnson’s Pond in Coventry. Resilience: A proposed green bond would add $25 million to the Resilient Rhody Infrastructure Fund, and a regional restoration effort is bringing $4 million to coastal wetlands from Rhode Island to Louisiana.

Climate Lawsuits: The Supreme Court is weighing whether to block climate-damage suits against oil companies, a pivotal fight for Rhode Island’s 2018 case—the first filed by a state. Clean Energy: Audubon has broken ground on a Bristol nature-center solar carport expected to generate more than 360,000 kilowatt-hours a year, part of its goal to reach net-zero emissions by 2030. Building Electrification: CCRI and the state are investing $200,000 in heat-pump and HVAC training, with classes planned for fall 2027 to help staff Rhode Island’s shift to cleaner heating. Water Quality: A harmful algae bloom has prompted an advisory for Johnson’s Pond in Coventry. Resilience and Restoration: A proposed green bond would add $25 million to Rhode Island’s Resilient Rhody infrastructure fund, while URI’s upcoming lecture series will explore landscape restoration and climate adaptation.

Solar for Wildlife & Clean Power: Audubon of Rhode Island broke ground Sept. 25 on a solar carport at its Bristol Nature Center and Aquarium, aiming for net-zero by 2030 and generating 360,724 kWh annually while cutting utility costs. Clean Heating Jobs: CCRI and the Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources launched an HVAC/R and heat pump workforce training program funded with $200,000, building skills for cold-climate electrification with students starting Sept. 2027. Harmful Water Alert: Coventry’s Johnson’s Pond is under a harmful algae bloom advisory after samples exceeded thresholds; officials warn against swimming, fishing, boating, kayaking, and eating fish until further notice. Local Food Resilience: Rhode Island kicked off RI Grown Week with $16 million in funding for local farms and agriculture, plus nearly $15 million in disaster relief applications for weather-impacted producers. Coastal & Wildlife Monitoring: DEM and NOAA are assessing a dead, 5-foot sturgeon found aboard a sailboat moored off the Herreshoff Marine Museum in Bristol. Energy Policy Pressure (Regional): Massachusetts is asking the federal government to speed up review of a natural gas pipeline expansion tied to lower costs—raising the familiar climate-versus-bills debate. Weather Watch: Tuesday in Rhode Island is sunny and dry, with highs around 58 and a chilly start in the 40s.

Algae Alert in Coventry: Rhode Island health and environmental officials urged people to avoid Johnson’s Pond after a harmful blue-green algae bloom triggered an advisory threshold, warning against swimming, fishing, boating, kayaking, drinking untreated water, and eating fish. Sturgeon Check in Bristol: DEM and NOAA Fisheries are assessing a dead, 5-foot sturgeon found aboard a sailboat moored off the Herreshoff Marine Museum; officials saw no obvious trauma and don’t yet know how it ended up there. RI Green Bond Push: Ahead of the Nov. 3 vote, Rhode Island leaders kicked off the semiannual Green Bond campaign, highlighting $55 million for beaches, parks, watershed restoration, brownfields, and farmland/open space. Coastal Shellfish Update: CRMC cleared Cedar Island Oyster Company to change gear and add hundreds of floating baskets in Point Judith Pond, aiming to improve oyster survival. Clean-Air Lawsuit Wave: Attorney General Jeff Jackson joined a coalition suing to restore power-plant air pollution safeguards after EPA rolled back limits. Heat Pumps Still Winning: A new report says heat pumps held 58% of U.S. space-heating equipment shipments in early 2026 even after the federal tax credit ended. Weather: Tuesday looks sunny and dry, cooler with highs around 58–60°F.

Harmful Algae Bloom Advisory (Coventry): Rhode Island health and environmental officials are warning people to avoid Johnson’s Pond in Coventry after samples showed a harmful blue-green algae bloom, urging residents to skip swimming, fishing, boating, and kayaking until further notice. Green Bond Push (Rhode Island ballot): A $55 million semiannual Green Bond campaign is underway ahead of Question 5, with funding aimed at beaches and parks, Narragansett Bay watershed restoration, brownfield cleanup, and farmland/open space preservation. Oyster Aquaculture Update (Point Judith Pond): CRMC approved Cedar Island Oyster Company’s gear change to floating basket oyster culture in Point Judith Pond, shifting from bottom cages to improve survival rates. Coastal & Climate Litigation (EPA power-plant rollback): States and cities sued the Trump administration over EPA’s repeal of rules limiting emissions from coal and gas power plants, arguing it will worsen the climate crisis. Invasive Species Game (spotted lanternfly): A Rhode Island–area effort is spreading a “stomp” competition app that turns spotted lanternfly killing into a friendly rivalry to boost public participation. Transit/Infrastructure Disruption (I-95 Route 10 closures): RIDOT plans weekend overnight I-95 closures at the Route 10 interchange in Providence/Cranston starting Oct. 16 for demolition and a full interchange rebuild.

Green Bond Push: Rhode Island’s semiannual Green Bond campaign is back for Question 5, with a $55 million package aimed at beaches, parks, campgrounds, Narragansett Bay watershed restoration, brownfields, and farmland/open space. Coastal Aquaculture Update: CRMC approved Cedar Island Oyster Company’s “gear change” in Point Judith Pond, shifting to hundreds of floating basket cages to improve oyster survival. Invasive Species Action: A new spotted lanternfly “stomp” app turns killing into a friendly competition, with Rhode Island and neighbors encouraged to participate. Permitting Fight in Washington: A Senate permitting deal would shorten how long opponents can sue energy projects to 150 days instead of six years—raising stakes for environmental review timelines. Climate + Insurance Pressure: Public Citizen urged Texas lawmakers that climate change is destabilizing property insurance markets, a warning that echoes for Rhode Island homeowners too. Marine Tech in RI: REGENT’s electric Seaglider partnership with the Marine Corps Warfighting Lab expands with new prototype and command-and-control work after a test flight in Narragansett Bay.

Fisheries & Fuel Costs: Commercial fishermen are turning against Trump as diesel prices soar and NOAA cutbacks slow support, adding pressure to fisheries already strained by trade fights with Canada. Climate Courts in the Region: A coalition of 21 states and cities sued the Trump EPA over repealing limits on planet-warming emissions from coal and gas power plants, arguing the rollback will worsen the climate crisis. Rhode Island Solar Funding Fight: A Rhode Island judge ruled EPA acted illegally when it canceled “Solar for All,” and the DC Green Bank says it still moved forward with major financing for affordable housing solar after the cut. New England Energy Permitting: A bipartisan Senate permitting bill would speed reviews and limit how long opponents can stall whole categories of projects, with Rhode Island Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse among key backers. Local Wildlife & Water: Volunteers with the Narrow River Preservation Association taught community members what lives in the river, aiming to build support for protecting local habitat. Marine Tech in RI: Regent Craft’s electric Seaglider manufacturing facility opened in North Kingstown, with the Marine Corps Warfighting Lab adding $5M for prototype demonstrations. Weather: Providence starts cool and clear Sunday, then turns showery and foggy late, with a cooler, drier stretch Monday into midweek.

Solar Grant Fight: A Rhode Island case is tied to a court win that says the EPA acted illegally when it canceled “Solar for All,” with the ruling raising hopes that states and partners can regain promised funding for rooftop solar for lower-income households. Weather Watch: Providence starts Sunday, Oct. 4, dry and cool, then turns showery after dark with fog possible—an early-week cooldown follows. River Wildlife Education: Narrow River groups and local scientists are teaching residents what lives in the water through hands-on sampling events, aiming to build support for protecting the ecosystem. Osprey Stress Signals: New research points to weaker osprey breeding success in saltwater areas along the Atlantic coast, including waters stretching from Narragansett Bay toward Buzzards Bay. Recycling at Sea’s End: Rhode Island’s WAVES effort recycles fiberglass boat hulls by sending fiber to cement kilns, cutting landfill waste while reducing demand for new materials. Fuel & Climate Lawsuits: States and cities keep suing over Trump-era EPA rollbacks on power-plant pollution limits, arguing the changes will worsen the climate and public health. Local Water Safety: Portsmouth lifted its Lower Melville Pond algae advisory after testing found low algae and no toxins, though officials warn conditions can return fast. Seaglider Momentum: A Rhode Island startup’s electric Seaglider program is moving toward operational demonstrations, with expanded Marine Corps funding and a recent test flight over Narragansett Bay.

Marine Tech in Narragansett Bay: REGENT Craft’s electric Seaglider program got a $5M boost from the Marine Corps Warfighting Lab, bringing the partnership to $19.25M and moving toward operational demonstrations after a Sept. 2 flight over Narragansett Bay. Energy Permitting Push: A bipartisan Senate energy bill would let opponents sue within 150 days and could fine an administration that blocks an entire class of projects like solar or wind—setting up a major legal fight over how fast clean energy can be built. Climate Court Fight: States and cities sued the Trump administration over the rollback of power-plant greenhouse gas limits, arguing the EPA is dismantling key climate protections. Local Water Watch: Rhode Island lifted a harmful algae advisory at Lower Melville Pond in Portsmouth after testing showed low algae and no toxins. Wildlife & Community Learning: Narrow River volunteers and scientists hosted “What Lives in the River” to teach residents about local wildlife up close. Ospreys Under Pressure: A new study links lower osprey breeding success to salinity, with Rhode Island-area coastal systems flagged among regions with reproductive deficits.

Wildlife Education: Narrow River Preservation Association hosted “What Lives in the River” in Narragansett, letting families net and observe local species in touch tanks and microscopes—then returning most creatures to the water. Coastal Birds: A new look at ospreys finds breeding success drops in saltwater settings, with Rhode Island–area coastal waters flagged among regions with reproductive deficits. Marine Waste Solution: Rhode Island’s WAVES/RIMTA effort is recycling fiberglass boat hulls into cement-kiln fuel, cutting landfill waste and raw-material demand while scaling with NOAA support. Energy & Climate Policy: States and cities sued the Trump administration over EPA rollbacks of power-plant greenhouse gas limits, arguing the changes will worsen the climate crisis. Local Energy Infrastructure: Gov. Healey urged the Trump administration to speed review of a gas pipeline capacity expansion affecting Massachusetts and Rhode Island, citing potential consumer savings. Transit & Air Quality Angle: RIDOT began traffic pattern changes for the I-95/Route 10 interchange reconstruction in Providence/Cranston, affecting daily commutes.

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.