AGP Executive Report

Permitting Reform: Rhode Island Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse helped finalize a bipartisan “Four Corners” permitting overhaul aimed at speeding federal reviews for energy and infrastructure, with lawmakers pitching it as a way to cut delays and lower costs. Local Infrastructure: A RIPEC report says Rhode Island’s bridge spending has improved conditions, but routine maintenance and non-interstate roads still lag, widening the gap between capital projects and upkeep. RIDOT Bridge Changes: RIDOT is removing aging bridges and reshaping traffic patterns in Warwick and Cranston instead of replacing every structure, citing rising replacement costs. Energy Transition: Audubon Society of Rhode Island broke ground on a solar carport at its Bristol nature center as part of a push toward net zero by 2030. Housing & Zoning: North Providence planning talks continued on a contentious Baird Avenue proposal for 48 micro-units, with neighbors raising environmental and legal concerns. Business & Community: Citizens Bank opened a new Warwick flagship branch at Centerville Place, and Hope & Main unveiled West End Kitchens in Providence to expand food entrepreneurship. Workforce/Industry: URI’s Metcalf Institute will take participants into the North Woods for a field-guide experience with DWELL Lab. Consumer/Health: Wyoming AG Kautz urged eligible consumers to file claims tied to a multistate generic drug antitrust settlement.

Roads & Bridges: A Rhode Island Public Expenditure Council report says the state has spent more than twice the national per-capita average on road and bridge work, but bridge-heavy spending is crowding out routine maintenance and non-interstate road upkeep. Immigration Policy: AG William Tong joined a coalition opposing a DHS rule that would fast-track many affirmative asylum cases into removal proceedings without an asylum officer interview. Energy & Utilities: Rhode Island’s commercial health insurance premiums are set for double-digit increases in 2027, while Rhode Island Energy is preparing for another nor’easter and has outlined bill-credit changes starting Oct. 1. Housing & Zoning: North Providence’s planning board continued a contentious Baird Ave. housing proposal after a long hearing, with questions ranging from septic and environmental issues to whether the project qualifies as adaptive reuse. Manufacturing: Alloy Holdings is expanding its Rhode Island manufacturing footprint through acquisitions of GSM Metals (Cranston) and Cimini & Associates (Westerly). Construction/Defense: NAVFAC MIDLANT awarded a $271.2M contract for a U.S. Coast Guard offshore patrol cutter homeport pier at Naval Station Newport, with work targeted through March 2030. Workforce/Training: URI, Rhode Island College, and CCRI are backing Question 1, a higher-ed bond aimed at healthcare and skilled-trades workforce training. Commercial Real Estate: A Greater Newport Chamber study warns of a growing shortage of industrial, flex, and light industrial space needed to capture projected job growth.

Energy & Utilities: Rhode Island Energy is rolling out monthly bill credits tied to the Oct. 1 schedule, as customers brace for another round of rate swings amid storm-response planning. Health Insurance: Rhode Island’s commercial health insurance premiums for 2027 are set for double-digit increases, with the state cutting insurers’ requested hikes by more than $86 million. Consumer Protection & Data Security: Rhode Island is part of a multistate push that secured a $15.5 million settlement with mortgage servicer Newrez over improper force-placed insurance charges. Manufacturing & M&A: Alloy Holdings says it’s expanding its Rhode Island metal and precision manufacturing footprint with acquisitions of GSM Metals (Cranston) and Cimini & Associates (Westerly). Construction & Federal Spending: NAVFAC MIDLANT awarded a $271.2 million contract for a U.S. Coast Guard offshore patrol cutter homeport pier in Newport, targeting completion by March 2030. Commercial Real Estate: A Greater Newport Chamber-backed study warns of a critical shortage of industrial, flex, and light industrial space to support expected job growth through 2035. Legal/Policy Watch: A Rhode Island-linked coalition urged FERC to reject the NextEra-Dominion merger, arguing it could harm affordability and competition. Workforce/Workplace: Rhode Island’s menopause accommodation law is now part of a broader national wave of new workplace requirements taking effect in 2027.

College Sports: The U.S. Senate passed the Protect College Sports Act in a 77-22 vote, setting up a House fight after the Nov. 3 midterms; the bill would give the NCAA a limited antitrust exemption and raise the revenue-sharing cap for athletes. Energy & Utilities: Rhode Island Energy says power was restored to all customers hit by the Sept. nor’easter, with crews restoring service to more than 50,000 customers in under 48 hours after wind gusts up to 55 mph. Transit Costs: Record diesel prices are pushing RIPTA deeper into the red, with diesel now far above the $2.48 per-gallon budgeted level for fiscal 2027. Clean Energy Legal Win: A federal judge revived Rhode Island-linked Solar for All funding after ruling the EPA unlawfully ended the program; an appeal is expected. Local Industry Space: A chamber-commissioned report warns Newport County and Bristol County lack enough commercial and light industrial space for expected job growth, pointing to zoning-to-build gaps. Workforce & Business: Newport Restaurant Group marked 30 years as employee-owned, saying it has paid about $33 million to employee-owners since 1996. Consumer Protection: Attorney General Alan Wilson urged consumers to file claims tied to multistate settlements over inflated generic drug prices.

Energy & Infrastructure: Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank approved $6.3M for Lincoln’s Northern Elementary School energy upgrades, including $5.62M via its Clean Energy Fund and a $700,000 0% revolving loan with $140,000 principal forgiveness, targeting new heating/ventilation controls, heat pump water heaters, lighting sensors, and an energy management system expected to cut about 78,000 kWh and 3,750 therms annually. Power Restoration: Rhode Island Energy says it restored power to all customers hit by the Sept. nor’easter—more than 50,000 outages—using 270+ crews, with wind gusts up to 55 mph and heavy tree/line damage. Local Utilities & Rates: Portsmouth Community Electricity set winter supply prices for November through May, pricing below RI Energy’s residential supply while adding 5% Rhode Island-based clean energy and pairing with state bill credits. Construction & Transportation: RIDOT will resurface Warwick’s Main Avenue (Route 113) starting Oct. 4 and make the summer road diet permanent, with milling/paving expected to take about a month. Legal & Consumer Protection: A federal judge kept the CFPB funded after a challenge led by AG Dan Rayfield, while a multistate AG settlement reached with Labcorp over a 2019 data breach includes about $2.3M in payments and stronger vendor security requirements. Food Safety: USDA recalled 4,596 pounds of ready-to-eat chicken stew products distributed in 8 states due to concerns about import inspection. Maritime & Tourism: American Cruise Lines christened its new American Ranger on the Hudson, with the ship’s godmother also tied to a sister ship launched in Newport.

Nor’easter Impact: A powerful fall nor’easter battered New England, bringing flooding, downed trees and widespread outages; Rhode Island Energy reported more than 31,000 customers affected at peak, with crews restoring power to nearly 30,000 by Saturday afternoon. Energy & Grid Readiness: Rhode Island and neighboring states urged safe generator use as carbon monoxide risk rose during outages, while Rhode Island Energy deployed hundreds of crews ahead of the storm. Solar Policy Win: A Rhode Island federal judge ordered the federal government to revive the $7 billion “Solar for All” program after ruling the EPA overstepped its authority in canceling it—Rhode Island’s share was about $49.3 million. Workforce & Logistics: Dirigo partnered with Seven Hills Rhode Island to create a new logistics support role at the Dirigo Center in Warwick, expanding meaningful employment options. Health Care Leadership: Rhode Island Medical Imaging is hiring its first CEO as it prepares for leadership transition ahead of a senior executive retirement. Public Safety & Housing: Providence voters will decide in November on a binding divestment initiative, while Rhode Island’s expanded expungement law is framed as a reentry and public safety boost. Arts & Attendance: A Rhode Island study links sustained arts education—especially music—to lower chronic absenteeism. Business Watch: Rhode Island Energy appointed Joe Curley as vice president of electric operations.

Solar Policy: A Rhode Island federal judge ordered the federal government to revive the $7 billion “Solar for All” program, saying the EPA overstepped its authority when it canceled the initiative in 2025; Rhode Island’s share was about $49.3 million, but the EPA says it’s reviewing next steps. Offshore Wind Legal Fight: Rhode Island joined an eight-state lawsuit challenging Trump administration payments to cancel offshore wind leases, arguing the buyouts improperly redirect funds. Storm & Power Reliability: A slow-moving September nor’easter brought flooding, downed trees, and outages across southern New England; Rhode Island Energy reported more than 31,000 customers affected at peak, with crews restoring power and warning numbers could fluctuate. Public Safety for Outages: Massachusetts and Rhode Island urged safer generator use ahead of the storm, highlighting carbon monoxide risks. Utility Leadership: Rhode Island Energy appointed Joe Curley vice president of electric operations, leading electric distribution and reliability efforts. Tech & Privacy: A Rhode Island-linked CVS settlement could pay customers over alleged website/app data sharing with ad tech providers. Transportation Disruptions: Delta and other airlines issued weekend travel waivers as the storm triggered widespread flight cancellations, with Boston Logan hit hardest.

Storm & Power Reliability: A slow-moving September nor’easter is battering Rhode Island and New England with heavy rain, gusty winds, and flooding risk, leaving thousands without power; Rhode Island Energy reported more than 31,000 customers affected at some point, with crews restoring service but warning outage numbers could keep fluctuating as vegetation-related damage is cleared. Public Safety for Utilities: Rhode Island fire officials and neighboring states are urging generator safety ahead of outages, stressing carbon monoxide dangers from running units indoors or near open windows. Grid/Operations Leadership: Rhode Island Energy appointed Joe Curley as vice president of electric operations, tasking him with leading electric distribution and reliability efforts statewide. Energy Policy in Court: A federal judge blocked the Trump administration from clawing back $7B from the Solar for All program, a win for low-income energy consumers that Rhode Island is tied to. Offshore Wind Legal Fight: An eight-state coalition, including Rhode Island, sued over federal buyouts of offshore wind leases, arguing the payments steer money away from wind development. Workforce & Industry: A Navy official says transportation access is a make-or-break issue for staffing U.S. submarine yards, with pilots using buses and van pools to help retain workers. Tech & Privacy: Rhode Island’s CVS data privacy settlement could pay customers who used the chain’s sites or app, as regulators and courts keep scrutinizing tracking and data sharing. PFAS Packaging Push: U.S. Sen. Maggie Hassan reintroduced a bill to ban PFAS in food wrappers and packaging, reviving a fight over “forever chemicals” linked to serious health risks.

Nor’easter Recovery in Rhode Island: Rhode Island Energy reported power restored to nearly 30,000 customers after overnight outages tied to heavy rain and winds, with fewer than 1,000 still dark as of Saturday afternoon; the utility deployed 270+ crews and warned restoration could shift as repairs continue. Storm Impacts & Travel: The Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority put wind restrictions on the Newport Pell, Mount Hope and Jamestown Verrazzano bridges, and Block Island ferry service was canceled as coastal flooding and rough seas disrupted travel. Energy & Operations: Rhode Island Energy also named Joe Curley vice president of electric operations, tasking him with leading electric distribution and reliability efforts statewide. Local Fuel Watch: Kent County saw the lowest diesel prices at $5.89 per gallon for the week ending Sept. 19, while the statewide average rose to $6.24. Legal/Policy: A federal judge blocked the Trump administration from clawing back $7B from states’ Solar for All program, a win for low-income energy customers and green groups. Data Privacy: CVS customers may qualify for cash in a data privacy settlement tied to CVS.com and its app, with Rhode Island-based chain included. Offshore Wind Fight: Rhode Island joined a multistate lawsuit challenging Trump administration payments to cancel offshore wind leases, escalating a broader legal battle over billions in buyouts.

Nor’easter Disrupts Rhode Island: Wind restrictions hit the Newport Pell, Mount Hope and Jamestown Verrazzano bridges early Saturday, with ferry cancellations and major travel chaos expected as the storm brings heavy rain, gusts and coastal flooding risk. Power & Safety Prep: Rhode Island officials urged residents to charge devices, avoid flooded roads, and expect downed trees and outages as crews inspect drainage and stage response equipment. Energy Leadership: Rhode Island Energy named Joe Curley vice president of Electric Operations, overseeing electric distribution and reliability statewide. Solar Program Blocked From Clawbacks: A federal judge sided with green groups, blocking the Trump administration from clawing back $7B tied to the Solar for All program—an outcome that also affects Rhode Island’s broader clean-energy landscape. Offshore Wind Legal Fight: Rhode Island joined an eight-state lawsuit challenging Trump administration payments to cancel offshore wind leases. Privacy Settlement: CVS customers may qualify for cash in a data privacy settlement tied to website/app tracking. AI Skills Pipeline: Film schools are increasingly training AI-native talent, with Rhode Island’s RISD among institutions using AI filmmaking tools.

Nor’easter Readiness: Rhode Island officials are gearing up for an early-season nor’easter with heavy rain, strong winds, coastal flooding risk, and possible power outages; RIDOT is inspecting roads and catch basins, RIEMA is coordinating with local emergency managers, and Rhode Island Energy has about 250 crews staged for outages. Manufacturing & Jobs: A proposed $150 million drone plant is being pitched as a major Rhode Island opportunity, with reporting highlighting six-figure roles and how age-based 401(k) catch-up rules could affect hiring timing. Trade & Supply Chains: At Bryant University’s 40th Global Trade Summit, speakers focused on using AI to boost resiliency and reshoring, plus “friend shoring” to reduce single-point supply chain shocks. Consumer & Data Protection: Multistate actions led by state attorneys general include a settlement with Labcorp over a patient data breach and a separate settlement involving subprime auto lender Credit Acceptance, both emphasizing stronger safeguards and consumer protections. AI Oversight Push: Multiple state AGs are urging Congress to set federal safety rules for AI, citing incidents involving unsafe or unauthorized AI behavior. Local Planning Watch: Block Island’s planning and enforcement issues remain in focus, including zoning disputes and concerns about public drug-surveillance data going forward.

Nor’easter Readiness: Rhode Island and nearby coastal towns are bracing for a rare fall Nor’easter with heavy rain, coastal flooding, and damaging wind gusts, with officials urging residents to stay put and mariners to secure vessels. Energy Bills Watch: Rhode Island Energy’s seasonal electricity pricing is set to rise starting Oct. 1, but winter electric bill credits approved by the R.I. Public Utilities Commission should soften the hit for hundreds of thousands of customers. Clean Power Procurement: Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island selected a combined 102.4 MW of new solar projects through a multistate competitive process aimed at boosting reliability and lowering regional energy costs. Offshore Wind Policy: Rhode Island is among states challenging the Trump administration’s offshore wind lease buyback approach, arguing it derails clean-energy plans. Workforce & Life Sciences: Rhode Island’s workforce and life sciences ecosystem got a spotlight, including Courage Builder’s career pathways and RI Bio’s role connecting the state’s life sciences industry. Finance & Banking: Santander won Federal Reserve approval to acquire Webster Financial, with Webster’s Northeast footprint including Rhode Island. Consumer/Health Legal Action: Multistate attorneys general pushed claims tied to alleged generic drug price inflation, urging eligible consumers to file for compensation. Storm-Safety Local Note: Richmond’s emergency management team urged residents to prepare now and report outages and downed lines promptly.

Energy Bills: Rhode Island Energy’s winter electricity bill relief is kicking in: the Public Utilities Commission approved $28 million in winter electric bill credits for 450,000+ residential customers, with a $20.45 credit appearing on January bills and continuing in February and March 2027. Power & Industry: Constellation Energy is buying Shell’s Rhode Island State Energy Center (RISEC) for $715 million, a 609-megawatt gas-fired plant that could reshape regional power supply in ISO New England. Clean Energy Pipeline: Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island jointly selected 102.4 MW of new solar projects through a multistate competitive procurement, aiming to boost reliability and lower regional supply costs. Local Development Fight: Portsmouth plans to sue in Providence County Superior Court over recent state zoning changes, arguing they undermine home rule and shift decisions toward developers. Construction & Jobs: A national report says construction employment rose in 35 states (including D.C.) from August 2025 to August 2026, while warning data center moratoriums and shifting tariffs could slow momentum. Tech Policy: Rhode Island’s attorney general actions are part of a broader push by AGs to regulate AI at the federal level, warning unchecked systems could threaten infrastructure and national security. Sports Business: The United Football League is expanding to Rhode Island for 2027, with games at Centreville Bank Stadium in Pawtucket.

Solar & Clean Energy Courts: A U.S. judge in Rhode Island ruled the EPA unlawfully terminated the $7B Solar for All program, setting up renewed funding flow for low- and moderate-income solar projects that had been paused. Offshore Wind: Rhode Island is among states challenging Trump administration offshore wind deal cancellations, arguing the moves improperly redirect or unwind projects and jobs. Workforce & Education: URI’s College of Engineering launched a new Bachelor of Science in environmental engineering, aiming to meet growing demand for air and water quality solutions. Local Construction & Housing: South County Habitat for Humanity completed two Westerly homes via a new duplex build, adding energy-efficient housing options. Tech & Data Security: DriveWealth, the broker behind Revolut’s U.S. trading, disclosed a breach that exposed some Revolut customer personal data. Consumer Safety: Wakefern recalled select jars of Wholesome Pantry organic unsweetened applesauce after FDA testing found elevated patulin mold toxin levels. Marine Industry: Fair Wind Fasteners released rose head silicon bronze ring shank nails for boatbuilders and historic home restorations. Sports Business: The United Football League announced Rhode Island’s Pawtucket market for 2027, bringing spring pro football to Centreville Bank Stadium.

Solar & Clean Energy Legal Win: A Rhode Island judge ordered the EPA to reinstate the $7B Solar for All program, saying the Trump administration overstepped authority when it ended the low- and moderate-income solar grants. Local Energy Incentives: Rhode Island also launched a $32M federal rebate program to help income-eligible multifamily properties install heat pumps. Ports & Defense Infrastructure: U.S. Sen. Jack Reed announced a $271.2M contract for Pier 1 phase 2 at NAVSTA Newport, advancing Coast Guard modernization. Offshore Wind Momentum: Revolution Wind moved closer to full operation with installation of its final turbine(s), underscoring ongoing New England offshore wind buildout. Transportation & Construction: RIDOT set traffic pattern changes starting Oct. 2 for the I-95/Route 10 interchange reconstruction in Providence and Cranston. Workforce & Community Sports: Warren’s Veterans Field lighting project nears completion, funded through a state outdoor recreation grant. Consumer/Business Watch: A USDA recall flagged 167,639 pounds of beef, goat and pork products distributed nationwide due to missing federal inspection marks. Food Security: New data shows Rhode Island SNAP participation dropped, even as Congress debates further cuts. Industry & Innovation: REGENT, a Rhode Island startup, completed the first crewed flight of its Viceroy Seaglider, aiming to commercialize a faster boat-aircraft hybrid. Sports Business: The UFL announced Rhode Island will host a team in 2027 at Centreville Bank Stadium in Pawtucket.

Pro Football in Pawtucket: The UFL says Rhode Island will join for the 2027 season, playing home games at Centreville Bank Stadium with an April 2 opener on FOX UFL Friday; the team’s name and branding will be unveiled Oct. 18. Road Construction: RIDOT will shift traffic patterns for the I-95/Route 10 interchange in Providence and Cranston starting Oct. 2, including a temporary ramp closure Oct. 2–5 that could add travel time. Offshore Wind Legal Fight: Rhode Island is part of a multistate push to block Trump administration offshore wind lease buybacks, arguing taxpayer payouts are being redirected to fossil fuel and geothermal projects. Marine Training Boost: Narragansett High School is partnering with Yamaha to expand hands-on marine career training and credentials for students. Workforce & Retail Jobs: Wakefern is holding walk-in job fairs Sept. 26 at ShopRite stores across multiple states, including Rhode Island, with roles from clerks to management. Food Safety Recall: Wakefern is recalling Wholesome Pantry organic unsweetened apple sauce after FDA testing found excessive patulin mold toxin levels. CDL Driver Privacy: A court order blocks a federal push to demand a database of sensitive CDL driver records, after a coalition including Michigan AGs challenged the plan.