The 2021 Act on Climate bill signed into law in April may still be the legislative version of an aspirational declaration, and there are varying levels of belief in whether the Ocean State will stick to its new environmental fitness routine, but legislators and activists focused on the global climate crisis agree Rhode Island has taken what is likely the biggest step toward shaping up the state.

A regional program to slow harmful transportation pollution suffered a blow recently as Connecticut’s governor dropped the measure from budget consideration, but Rhode Island advocates remain committed to the effort to reduce vehicle emissions 26 percent by 2032.

A new flood-protection project for the lower Woonasquatucket River watershed aims to prevent flood damage and reduce water flow during extreme weather events.

The region’s largest power utility has offered incentives to a company proposing to build a massive farm facility in rural Exeter, R.I., in exchange for access to the solar power expected to help grow millions of tomatoes in temperature-controlled greenhouses.

Dana Goodman sells and her company installs residential rooftop solar systems in both Rhode Island and Massachusetts. In the Bay State, she said it’s an easier and simpler process. She doesn’t know why Rhode Island chose to make a straightforward climate solution “mind-numbingly” complicated. She doesn’t understand why so many Ocean State trees have been axed to install solar panels.

The cities of Providence and Central Falls and the towns of South Kingstown and Barrington recently received approval from the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission to expand access to renewable energy electricity at competitive rates.

CUMBERLAND, R.I. — State environmental officials have given a green light to a planning proposal by the governor’s chief of staff to develop a small piece of suburban property located on freshwater wetlands. Town officials are strongly against the project.

BURRILLVILLE, R.I. — The Boy Scouts of America recently agreed to pay $850 million to settle a sex-abuse lawsuit brought by tens of thousands of people. Local councils, like the Boy Scouts of America Narragansett Council, are expected to contribute to the settlement fund in cash and properties.

PROVIDENCE — The future of downtown is bright — and safer, greener and more inclusive, too, according to recently revealed redesign plans.

The largest butterfly in North America has been expanding its range from the South and Midwest in the past 20 years and is now showing up in Rhode Island in increasing numbers.

Municipal officials are concerned about the threat of flooding and those who live along the banks of the Pawcatuck River are worried about their property values.

CHARLESTOWN, R.I. — Once Rhode Island’s predominant hardwood tree species, oaks have taken several major hits in recent years. Attacked by gypsy moths, weakened by drought and clear-cut for commercial solar-energy projects, the oak population has experienced a rapid decline.

PROVIDENCE — National regulations are needed to limit harmful ammonia emissions from agricultural sources and prevent knock-on soil and water degradation in sensitive estuary ecosystems, such as Narragansett Bay, according to a new study.

NEWPORT, R.I. — Waites Wharf is the subject of concern for a group of local residents who are afraid the possible development of a 150-room waterfront hotel on its polluted land could mean the release of toxic substances.

As a result of stringent permitting and long-term investments in pollution abatement infrastructure and practices, segments of upper Narragansett Bay, Mount Hope Bay, and the Blackstone River now meet water-quality standards.