Environment
Environmental issues and climate change
Pawtucket approves deal to pave most of Morley Field, legality remains in question
The City Council had originally agreed to sell the entirety of Morley Field for development into a parking lot, but after it was determined that the sale was illegal under state law, the sale was renegotiated and approved to sell only 60% of the greenspace. Finalizing the sale is dependent on National Parks Service approval.
Pawtucket continues plan to permanently shut down Morley Field
A developer, Blackstone Distribution Center, LLC, is in negotiation with the City of Pawtucket about buying Morley Field to convert it into a parking lot for its employees and for the fleet of delivery vans the business intends to deploy.
PUC approves record electric rate increases
After a contentious Public Utilities Commission was shut down part way through by protesters challenging the the biggest electricity rate increase in Rhode Island history, the commission voted in favor of a number of changes to rates and credits on electric customers’ bills that will take effect beginning on October 1, 2022.
Pawtucket City Council discusses Morley Field sale as legal issues are raised
Community push back and legal issues are preventing the City of Pawtucket from paving over the only greenspace in an environmental justice community, for now...
Ratepayers tell the PUC to reject RI Energy's rate increase
More needs to be done by thePUC and RI Energy to mitigate the proposed utility rate increases effect on low-income and working class Rhode Islanders, said advocates.
RI Energy is increasing utility prices. Here's what you can do
The PUC is scheduled to hear public comment, beginning at 9am on September 16 in Hearing Room A at the PUC’s office located at 89 Jefferson Boulevard in Warwick regarding multiple Rhode Island Energy electric and gas rate proposals, including the proposed increases to what the PUC calls Last Resort Service electricity rates and natural gas supply and delivery charges.
Rally to save Morley Field shows opposition to paving greenspace gaining momentum
"As a child growing up in an urban area, having access to green spaces was crucial to my development," said Reilly Shivers, recent graduate from Tollman High School in Pawtucket. "Morley Field is District 5's only recreational greenspace as well as the only access to the river..."
Rally to save Pawtucket's last green space in environmental justice neighborhood on Saturday
"Let's not pave over this valuable green space to put up a parking lot," said Jennifer Stewart, candidate for House District 59. "Instead, let’s invest in environmental justice."
Pawtucket moves to eliminate remaining green space in an environmental justice community
"We use Morley Field for Pop Warner games, we use it or exercise, we use it to just hang out, put our blankets down and chill, but we do not have that option any more because the city has neglected Morley Field for so many years..."
Candidates for governor receive open letter from 36 organizations challenging them to act on transportation policy
"Rhode Island’s next Governor will have the opportunity to address key quality of life issues, including affordability, mobility, health, climate, and housing access by addressing the problems with our transportation system...A clear vision for transportation is needed to help Rhode Island thrive."