Environment & climate in Rhode Island local government
What Rhode Island city councils, county boards and school districts are deciding about environment & climate — plain-English summaries written from official agendas and minutes, updated as meetings happen.
309 Rhode Island meetings since 2024 covered environment & climate. Counts are directional — coverage varies by place and platform.
Places in Rhode Island with the most environment & climate activity
- East Greenwich, RI (51)
- Lincoln, RI (28)
- Richmond, RI (25)
- South Kingstown, RI (22)
- Jamestown, RI (21)
- Foster, RI (17)
- New Shoreham, RI (16)
- Coventry, RI (13)
- Johnston, RI (12)
- Johnston, RI (12)
- Middletown, RI (11)
- Westerly, RI (9)
Latest matching meetings
Public hearing on The Residences at Pocasset major land development
The Johnston Planning Board will consider a one‑year extension request for the Putnam Pike "Gateway" project and hold public hearings on several development proposals, including a minor subdivision on Shun Pike, a senior‑focused condo project on Plainfield Pike, and a major adaptive‑reuse residential development at…
HDC to review RFP for town-wide historic survey tied to Revolution Wind
The Historic District Commission will review and discuss the RFP for a town-wide historic resources survey required under Section 106 for the Revolution Wind Project, with comments due at this meeting. They will also consider a draft Stone Wall Ordinance and potential recommendation to the Planning Board, and discuss…
Planning Board to consider one-year extension for 94-acre greenhouse project
The Exeter Planning Board will consider a request to extend the September 18, 2024 approval for the Rhode Island Grows, LLC greenhouse project by one year. The board will also elect officers, approve minutes, and schedule future meetings and a site visit.
City Council and Energy Commission hold joint workshop on Hazard Road
The Newport City Council and the Energy and Environment Commission will hold a joint workshop on August 25, 2026, at 6:30 P.M. in the City Council Chambers. The agenda lists 'Hazard Road' as the sole topic for discussion. No specific decisions, votes, or dollar amounts are detailed in the notice.
Planning Board to hear two major development proposals, consider zoning changes
The Planning Board will hold public hearings on a major land development project at 50 Enterprise Center and a proposal for 6 new single-family units off West Main Road. The board will also consider amendments to inclusionary zoning, complete streets, and subdivision regulations.
Lincoln Conservation Commission monthly meeting scheduled for August 5, 2026
The Commission will conduct a regular monthly meeting to address wetland applications and current projects. Discussion topics include the Butterfly Garden, historical cemeteries, and various grant or cleanup projects.
Zoning Board to consider use variance for second dwelling unit on Frenchtown Road
The East Greenwich Zoning Board of Review will hold public hearings on two applications: a use variance to allow a second dwelling on a lot zoned Farming, and a side setback variance for a pool cabana. A third application for a garage with an accessory dwelling unit is continued to August 25, 2026 due to a noticing…
Town Council to consider $1.8 million solar canopy project
The Town Council will discuss the implementation of Flock Safety license plate recognition cameras and vote on several contracts and appointments. The body is also considering a tax abatement and amendments to liquor license rules.
School committee to vote on five change orders for building project
The South Kingstown School Building Committee will review and take action on five proposed Authorizations to Proceed (ATPs) for changes to the ongoing school construction project. Items include adding solar-ready conduit, flat panel screens, auditorium stage framing, volleyball sleeves, and door vision lites with…
Commission reviews draft 5-year plan and Wood Pile Pier repair needs
The Jamestown Harbor Commission will review the draft 5-Year Plan and Asset Inventory, with full discussion of the asset inventory deferred to the next meeting. The body will also address an appeal regarding a new mooring location for Greg and Dorothy Murphy. Reports will cover the status of ferry leases, dock…
TRC reviews solar panel, two new homes, garage renovation
The Jamestown Technical Review Committee will review four applications: a ground-mounted solar array, two new single-family dwellings, and a garage renovation. The committee will also approve minutes from its May 20, 2026 meeting. All items are for review, discussion, and possible action.
Subcommittee weighs stormwater utility and septic inspections
The Planning Board Subcommittee discussed creating a stormwater utility to shift costs to properties with more impervious surfaces, and a wastewater management district to inspect septic systems near the bay. No decisions were made; members agreed to research costs and revisit after the election. The meeting was…
Town Council to consider water main projects and asphalt odor complaints
The Town Council will vote on several infrastructure contracts, including water main replacements and beach improvements. The body will also discuss complaints regarding asphalt smells in West Davisville and the appointment of an interim Municipal Court Judge.
Public hearing on The Residences at Pocasset major residential redevelopment
The Johnston Planning Board will hold a public hearing on a combined Preliminary and Master Plan for The Residences at Pocasset, proposing 25 market‑rate residential units on former commercial land. The board will also consider a one‑year extension request for the Master Plan Review of the Gateway project on Putnam…
Public hearing on a minor subdivision at 181 Shun Pike
The Planning Board will consider an old‑business request for a one‑year extension of the master plan review for the Putnam Pike “Gateway” project (AP 42 Lot 31). New business includes public hearings and pre‑application reviews for several development proposals, such as a minor subdivision at 181 Shun Pike (AP 43 Lot…
Foster Land Trust to discuss dam repairs and new property acquisition
The Land Trust will review a conservation project request from a local scout and a hunting cooperation agreement with RIDEM. Members will discuss safety apparel requirements and the planning of 'Land Trust Days.' The meeting includes an executive session to address litigation and repairs for Dam #526 and the…
Commission to discuss AI energy tool and workforce housing survey results
The Economic Development Commission will discuss a community energy program using an AI tool from Kilowant.com, review results of a workforce housing survey, and hear updates on the RI Main Street cohort and a recent summit. The agenda also includes items on surveying town employees, development opportunities at…
Council to vote on solar project financing and charter changes
The Barrington Town Council will discuss and act on a resolution authorizing financing for the Landfill 4 Solar Project and an agreement with Solect Energy. They will also discuss and act on Financial Town Referendum (FTR) charter changes. Additionally, the council will receive the resignation of Councilwoman Kathleen…
Town Council to consider financing for Landfill 4 Solar Project
The Barrington Town Council will discuss financing and an agreement with Solect Energy for the Landfill 4 Solar Project. The body will also consider charter changes regarding the Financial Town Referendum and a victualing license for a local business.
Planning Board visits 193 Honeyman Ave site for 4‑lot subdivision review
The Middletown Planning Board held a special site‑visit meeting to view the property at 193 Honeyman Ave, the subject of a preliminary plan application for a four‑lot minor subdivision and a new public street. Board members asked the applicant, Louis Calcagni, and engineer Chris Duhamel questions about the proposed…
Planning Board to consider solar farm, subdivision, and housing plan
The East Greenwich Planning Board will vote on master plan extensions for the South Road Solar project and the Division Road Neighborhood subdivision. They will also hold a public hearing for the Preliminary Plan of The Pastures subdivision on Division Street. Additionally, the board will review the 2025 Low and…
Exeter Council holds emergency meeting on trespassing claims
The Exeter Town Council held an emergency meeting to discuss trespassing on Estate Drive. The meeting was called after a resident raised concerns about the town's authority to enforce trespassing rules on disputed land. The council entered an executive session to discuss potential litigation and later voted to seal…
TRC reviews minor subdivision plan for The Pastures
The Technical Review Committee will discuss and make recommendations to the Planning Board on a Preliminary Plan application for a Minor Subdivision called 'The Pastures' at 741 Division Street.
Scituate Council to weigh liquor license increase, union talks, and fire station generators
The Scituate Town Council will hold its regular meeting on June 11, 2026, with several action items. They will consider a first reading of an ordinance to increase the number of beverage/victualing liquor licenses from 4 to 5, discuss a possible new collective bargaining agreement with Teamsters Local 251 in executive…
Newport Historic District Commission to decide on 10 property alteration requests
The Commission will consider five new applications, two action items (including reconsideration of a previously approved garage and pool denial), and three continued applications. Key proposals include converting a garage to an accessory dwelling unit at 77 Kay St, installing a pool and solar panels at 320 Harrison…
Commission discusses development roles and lake management updates
This organizational meeting focuses on defining the commission's role in development reviews. Members will also discuss various environmental topics including lake recreation, stormwater management at Upper Dam Pond, and forest fire safety.
Newport City Council to consider limiting new hotel development
The City Council will review several contract awards for city infrastructure and police equipment. The body will also discuss proposals to limit hotel development, establish a housing commission, and implement a tree preservation ordinance.
Planning Board approves Saltwood Farm subdivision modification
The Middletown Planning Board voted 4‑0 to approve Saltwood Farm Development, LLC’s request to split Lot 9 into two parcels. It also opened a public hearing on The Collection on Honeyman, LLC’s 4‑lot subdivision and street‑width waiver, and continued the Kathryn Thomson minor subdivision to the July 8 meeting. Earlier…
Council to consider resolution to prohibit or limit new hotels
The Newport City Council will hold a regular meeting on June 10, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. in Council Chambers. The agenda includes a resolution to prohibit or limit additional hotel development, a proposal to establish a Housing Commission, and a presentation on solar development opportunities at school facilities. The…
Commission to discuss new Demolition by Neglect Ordinance
The Historic District Commission will review several residential and commercial renovation applications. The body will also discuss the creation of a Demolition by Neglect Ordinance and a new information brochure.
Council to consider ordinance for property tax assessment and collection
The Johnston Town Council will vote on an ordinance that sets assessment and collection of property tax on real estate and personal property. It will also consider resolutions for tree removal around retention ponds on Oak Hill Drive and for a new fire department communications tower. Additional items include zoning…
Council to authorize new fire department communications tower
The Johnston Town Council will vote on a resolution to approve a change order for a new communications tower for the fire department. Other items include a resolution for tree and vegetation removal around retention ponds, two zoning change petitions, several business license applications, and reappointments to the…
Planning Commission to review storage condos and residential project
The Planning Commission will hold public hearings on a proposal for mini-storage condominiums at 915 Ten Rod Road. The body will also review a pre-application for a 17-unit residential project at 6828 Post Road and discuss a surety bond for a solar energy system off Firwood Drive.
Waterfront Advisory Commission to discuss harbor plans and boating facility applications
The commission is reviewing updates to the Harbor Management Plan and the Boats and Waterways Ordinance. Members will discuss public right-of-way access at specific Matunuck sites and the development of an Indian Lake Management Plan. The body is also reviewing CRMC applications for residential boating facilities in…
Committee to vote on change order task force requests for SKHS project
The School Building Committee will consider recommending approval of Change Order Task Force requests for the new South Kingstown High School (SKHS) project. They will also receive updates on the SKHS project, solar readiness, and the Curtis Corner project. Continued vibratory monitoring for SKHS is up for discussion…
EDC to discuss workforce surveys, AI app, and Main Street program
The Economic Development Commission will review draft minutes, discuss workforce and innovation center surveys, and consider an AI agent power consumption app. The committee will also receive updates on the Old Tower Hill Road Form-Based Code and the RI Main Street Program.
Task force discusses Main Street RI workshops and film contest
The Richmond Investment for Commercial Health Task Force will continue discussing short- and long-term activities, review takeaways from Main Street RI training workshops on economic vitality, design, and organization, and consider new business items including a Richmond Film Contest and potential partnerships with…
Planning board meeting cancelled due to no applications
The East Greenwich Planning Board meeting scheduled for June 3, 2026 has been cancelled because there were no applications requiring review.
Lincoln Conservation Commission monthly meeting scheduled for June 3, 2026
The Commission will review previous minutes and address wetland applications. The agenda includes updates on current projects such as the Butterfly Garden, historical cemeteries, and grant projects.
Council votes on $3.2 million bond for shoreline stabilization of the town landfill
The New Shoreham Town Council will discuss collective‑bargaining negotiations with the International Brotherhood of Police Officers, Local 720 in a closed session. It will also swear in Second Warden Margaret O’Neill, hold a public hearing on an outdoor entertainment license for TMG BI Operating, LLC d/b/a OneBI Steak…