Managing coastal development, especially in this era of climate change and increasing development pressures, is difficult work. (Frank Carini/ecoRI News)

Managing coastal development, especially in this era of climate change and increasing development pressures, is difficult work. (Frank Carini/ecoRI News)

Since its founding, Rhode Island’s Coastal Resources Management Council has been criticized by both environmentalists and developers. The state agency has several charges, but much of the animosity stems from how the agency issues permits for coastal development.

This half-sunk car ferry is among the junk that has polluted the Providence River. (Frank Carini/ecoRI News)

This half-sunk car ferry is among the junk that has polluted the Providence River. (Frank Carini/ecoRI News)

Since Smith Hill looks down on enforcement, the state agencies tasked with protecting the Ocean State’s natural resources are labeled anti-business and their resources are gutted. The environment and public health pay the price.

Environmentalists Concerned About Enforcement Transparency

The state’s most recent environmental compliance report reads more like a pitch to invest in Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management stock than a document of enforcement actions. And both the report and the agency’s growing lack of transparency has environmentalists concerned.

Some 5 million blasts will fire from seismic airguns like this one if the latest survey proposals are approved for the East Coast. (Emma Technologies)

Some 5 million blasts will fire from seismic airguns like this one if the latest survey proposals are approved for the East Coast. (Emma Technologies)

A new partnership, funded by a $300,000 grant, will bring together the existing composting efforts of Rhodeside Revival, Aquidneck Community Table, and The Compost Plant. (Joanna Detz/ecoRI News)

A new partnership, funded by a $300,000 grant, will bring together the existing composting efforts of Rhodeside Revival, Aquidneck Community Table, and The Compost Plant. (Joanna Detz/ecoRI News)

Once abundant in Rhode Island waters, winter flounder numbers have declined significantly in recent decades. (Jerry Prezioso/NOAA)

Once abundant in Rhode Island waters, winter flounder numbers have declined significantly in recent decades. (Jerry Prezioso/NOAA)

Solarized R.I. Landfill Doubles Energy Output

EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. — The Forbes Street solar array, once the largest in Rhode Island, recently doubled in size.

Upcycled R.I. Waste Sites Now Produce Solar Power

The University of Rhode Island and the towns of South Kingstown and Narragansett have created the South Kingstown Solar Consortium to develop an ambitious solar-energy project that will boost the amount of renewable energy flowing into the regional power grid.