Seven states have so-called 'bag-ban preemption laws' that prohibit municipal bag bans. (istock)
Clean Water Action says the statewide ban is really a device for undoing the three existing municipal bans and prevent cities and towns from creating new ones. “It was written by the plastic packaging industry, for the plastic packaging industry."
General Assembly Boosts Rhode Island's Ascending Solar-Energy Sector
Rhode Island has some 1,700 solar jobs, up 16 percent in 2016. (istock)
In a recent report from the Office of Energy Resources, renewable-energy jobs, led by solar energy, has increased 66 percent in two years. In fact, Rhode Island ranks second in the country for green-energy jobs as a percentage of the workforce.
Popular Pond Dosed with Aluminum Sulfate to Control Algae
HALIFAX, Mass. — For more than a decade, blue-green algae blooms in West Monponsett Pond have often ended summer fun early and rendered the boat ramp useless. Local residents are regularly cautioned about using the pond, because of harmful health effects linked to cyanobacteria.
Atlantic Marine Monument Protects Economy and Environment
New England’s ocean economy supports more than 230,000 jobs. It brings in $16 billion to the region — much of it from tourism and recreation. Whale watching in New England is big business, with nearly 1 million watchers in 2008. Seabird watching is also popular. Recreational fishermen visit the closer canyons for marlin, tuna and other game fish.
Ospreys now nest in 28 cities and towns in Rhode Island, including every coastal community except one. (Ed Hughes)
Providence resident David Fox says manmade climate change has put humanity in uncharted territory. (Courtesy photo)
A late campaign by environmental groups to return 'scooped' funds failed to motivate any member of the House. (ecoRI News)
Senate Committee Scheduled to Hear Raw-Milk Bill
PROVIDENCE — The Senate Committee on the Environment and Agriculture is scheduled to hear a bill June 28 that sets standards for the sale and handling of raw milk.
Court Issues Proposed Gas Power Plant a Setback
The court challenge had been filed by Invenergy, developer of the proposed Clear River Energy Center. The company was attempting to halt a lawsuit that seeks to nullify the agreement that allows it to buy water from the town of Johnston.
