Environmental advocates in Rhode Island are applauding what they say was an especially successful recent legislative session. New legislation is on the books banning single-use plastic bags in retail stores, increasing drinking water monitoring, and adding funding for environmental programs, among other gains.
South County Bureau
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‘This has been an issue the state has struggled with’: After promising legislative session, Rhode Island is still without a new shoreline access law
Another legislative session has come and gone, and Rhode Island is again without a law that could settle perennial disputes between beachgoers and property owners along the shore. House lawmakers unanimously passed a bill that would have clarified where people can exercise their right to access the shoreline under the state’s Constitution. But the proposal died in the Senate, where the Senate president said he was focused on other priorities.
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Gov. McKee signs legislation to expand wind energy use in Rhode Island
Gov. Dan McKee has signed legislation into law that aims to significantly expand the state’s use of newly-developed offshore wind energy.
Posted inArticle, Environment, South County Bureau
Gov. McKee signs law to reduce potentially harmful chemicals in Rhode Island drinking water
On Monday, Gov. Dan McKee signed into law a bill limiting toxic chemicals in drinking water, groundwater, and surface water. Environmental advocates are calling it a step in the right direction for protecting the safety of drinking water in Rhode Island.
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Students celebrate Juneteenth, ‘a holiday that is very special,’ with songs and poetry
This weekend, Rhode Islanders are again marking Juneteenth as a national holiday, commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. This past week, students at SouthSide Elementary Charter School in Providence recognized the occasion, performing songs and reading poetry at the Mixed Magic Theatre in Pawtucket.
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Rhode Island House Judiciary Committee passes shoreline access bill
A bill intended to clarify shoreline rights along Rhode Island’s coast is moving forward in the House.
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Former South Kingstown Superintendent taking legal action against town, claiming defamation and emotional distress
Linda Savastano, the former superintendent who resigned amid separate controversies over a political mailer and the school district’s handling of high volume public records requests, is taking legal action against the South Kingstown Town Council and School Committee.
Posted inArticle, South County Bureau
Gov. McKee directs RIPTA to keep beach bus service in operation
RIPTA express bus service to southern Rhode Island beaches will run again this summer after all. Its future had been in question earlier this week.
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Narragansett Town Council approves free town beach access for Narragansett Indian Tribe members
The Narragansett Town Council has voted to waive walk-on fees to the town’s public beach for all members of the Narragansett Indian Tribe.
Posted inArticle, South County Bureau
‘They’re doing something right’: Narragansett Town Council to consider free beach access for Narragansett tribal members
The Narragansett Town Council will take up a proposal Monday night to waive all walk-on and parking fees at the town’s beach to members of the Narragansett Indian Tribe. The ocean is a sacred spiritual place for members of the tribe, but the Narragansett do not currently have any of their own land along Rhode Island’s shore.