Date posted: APRIL 18, 2023 by 4:00 P.M.  All items on this agenda are to be discussed and/or acted upon.  TOWN OF LITTLE COMPTON TOWN COUNCIL Wilbur McMahon School, Media Center 28 Commons Little Compton, RI  MEETING OF APRIL 20, 2023  Live streaming at  https/www.youtube-com/chamnel/UNOKeOBP433a133aBiqz0XH099  AGENDA 7:00P.M.  Salute toi the Flag Announcements:  Approval ofl Minutes - April 6, 2023 Department Head Reports:  1. Police Department Monthly March 2023 report  Old Business:  1. Request from Jim Lock to provide update on school solar project. 2. Request from Peg Bugara for update on short term rental regulations.  3. Letter from Victoria Talbot expressing ongoing Adamsville pedestrian safety concerns. 4. Request from Paul Clifford that the Council reconsider its opposition to offshore wind 5. Email from Paul Clifford urging boldness in advocacy for aj program to bury electric  turbines.  power and utility cables.  New Business:  1. Letter ofi request from the Police Chieft to reopen two separate application processes: one: for a police officer position and the other for a part-time public safety dispatcher 2. Request from American Legion Post 37 tol hold a Memorial Day Parade and service on 3. Letter ofinterest from Ronald S. Luccio to purchase Town owned lot 001/078.  position.  Monday, May 29,2023 at 10:00am on the Commons.    4. Letter from the LC Planning Board requesting the Council toi request the state consider removal oft the requirement that a property be deed restricted in order to count toward the 5. Letter from Martina Halsey expressing concern that the Town Solicitor also serves as the  Town's 10% affordable housing requirement.  CRMC attorney.  Board ofLicense Commissioners: none  Communications:  1. Request from The Nitro Cart, LLC to obtain a Holiday Sales and Victualing License 3. RII Resource Recovery Corporation 2022 Municipal Summary of waste disposal and 4. Letter ofrequest from Justin D. Bibee that the town consider signing a Human Rights  located at Walker's Roadside Stand at 261 West Main Road. 2. Invitation to the South Kingstown 300th Anniversary Parade.  recycling. Day proclamation.  Consent:  1. Little Compton Town Council, April 6, 2023 resolution in opposition to offshore wind 2. Little Compton Town Council April 6, 2023 resolution opposing Senate Bill S-0434, an 3. Copy of electronic communications sent to the town from Frank Haggerty regarding articles and comments on the Mayflower Wind project proposed offshore on Cape Cod. 4. Resolution from the Exeter Town Council in support ofH 5724 and S 0328- --An Act 5. Resolution from Exeter Town Council in opposition to Rhode Island 2023 gun control  turbines sited offLittle Compton. acti relating to inspection ofmotor vehicles.  relating to Health and Safety - Vital Records.  legislation. Payment of] Bills  Consent Agenda - All items listed are considered to bei routine by the Town Council and will be enacted by one motion. There will be no separate discussion oft these items unless a council member or citizen sO requests in which event the item will be withdrawn from the General Order of business  and considered int the normal sequence on the agenda.  All are welcome to any meeting at the town, which is open to the public. Individuals requiring communication assistance or any accommodation to ensure equal participation will need to contact  the Town Clerk at 635-4400 not] less than 48 hours prior to the: meeting.    Minutes ofa Town Council meeting held on April 6, 2023 A.D. 2023 at 7:00 o'clock PM heldi ini in-person format at the Wilbur McMahon School Library, 28 Commons, Little Compton, RI. Members present: Paul J. Golembeske, Andrew Iriarte-Moore, Patrick McHugh, Gary S. Mataronas and Robert L. Mushen. Also in attendance: Antonio Teixeira, Town Administrator,  Town Solicitor, Anthony DeSisto and Associate, Mark Hartman.  Council President Mushen called the meeting to order at' 7:00pm with the Pledge to the flag.  Announcements:  1. Welcome Anthony DeSisto Law Associates as Town Solicitor.  2. Expressed appreciation to Richard S. Humphrey for mâny: years ofs service as Town  Solicitor.  Motion made by Councilor. Mataronas, receiving a second by Councilor Golembeske, all ini favor (Golembeske, Iriarté-Moore, Mataronas, McHugh, Mushen): To move agenda item NB: 2, consider adoption ofar resolution opposing construction and operation ofsuch offshore wind energy facilities as those currently proposed, to the beginning of the Town Solicitor, Anthony) DeSisto and Associate, Mark Hartman recused themselves from this Mara Shore, resident of Sakonnet Point Road, Chief Safety- Officer at the Sakonnet Yacht club presented the Council with statistics and pictures from thei foréign energy company proposing to Peter Mosher, stated we are being asked toj partner with someone that is not sharing all David Osborne, resident of Wairens Point Road, echoes the information shared by Ms. Shore. This is a fishing and farming community. Adequate information has not been provided. Eric Philippi, resident of Warren's Point Road, stated his concerns of lack ofi information and Lawrence Anderson, resident of Simmons Road, stated requirement for more: information and Councilor McHugh commented. Attorney. DeSault, an environmental attorney, was hired to Chris Shore, resident of Sakonnet Point Road, stated the concern is what's driving this. Mr. Shore stated to the Council from a study oft the Bureau ofOcean) Energy Management a conclusion for Charlotte Duhamel, resident of West Main Road, stated her two concerns with environmental impact statements provided by offshore windfarms and the Good Neighbor agreements, "hush Steve Parente, resident ofLong Highway, Commercial Fisherman, noticed past 3 years has been Gary Mataronas. Jr, resident of California Road, Commercial Fisherman, this will: result in a small fishing village becoming a lot smaller. There is not enough information, adding obstacles, Corey Wheeler Forrest, third generation Trap Fisherman at Sakonnet Point, commented this will  agenda.  matter, submitting ai recusal form tot the clerk.  build a city of Wind' Turbines off our shores. information. There is no benefit tot this.  communication, resulting in a profound. impact on our lives. asked what other ability the Council has to oppose besides a resolution. mitigate the impact on Little Compton from the start.  Vineyard Wind. money".  mapping of the ocean bottom resulting in negative effects for fisherman.  resulting in accidents. affect the migration of the fish.    Liam Sullivan, Commercial Fisherman for 30 years, stated May and. June are thel best months for fishing. Currently the cable being laid is frustrating and disheartening, pushing generations of Councilor Mataronas read a statement opposing Offshore Wind Turbines sited offofLittle  fishermen out. Compton.  Motion made by Councilor Mataronas, receiving and second by Councilor Golembeske, all in favor (Golembeske, Iriarte-Moore, Mataronas, McHugh, Mushen): To  adopt the resolution as written:  AJ RESOLUTION IN OPPOSITION TO OFFSHORE WIND TURBINES  SITED OFFLITTLE COMPTON  WHEREAS, the Little Compton Town Council supports the development of clean, renewable energy, including solar power, waste to' energy, and geothermal; and WHEREAS, the Town Council recognizes the need: for renewable energy infrastructure, including wind power, and has demonstrated. support for clean energy through the implementation ofinitiatives including the installation of solar panels on municipal WHEREAS, the Town Council has the duty to protect andj promote the physical, economic, mental, and emotional well-being oft town residents, and toj protect and promote the livelihoods ofthose who work on and off our shores; and WHEREAS, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) is considering applications from private energy companies to construct offshore wind facilities in a vital marine habitat beginning 12.9miles off the. coast of Little Compton which will include over 100 wind turbines, each nearly 900 feet tall, constructed on 30-40 foot diameter WHEREAS, the construction and operation of the offshore wind facilities will hinder marine navigation, disturb fish stocks and fishermen, marine environments and habitats, pelagics, groundfish, shellfish, and marine mammals, commercial and recreational WHEREAS, the Town Council believes that the construction and operation ofthe proposed wind facilities represent a significant threat to the welfare and livelihoods ofthe NOW,THEREPORE, BEI ITI RESOLVED, that the Town Council is opposed to the construction and operation of offshore wind facilities (including the projects surrounding Coxes Ledge, Revolution Wind," "SouthCoast Wind," 97 "South Fork Wind," and "Sunrise Wind") ini the proposed location, a vital marine habitat near the coast ofLittle Compton.  buildings; and  piles driven deep into the seabed; and  boaters, and the myriad valuès provided by the ocean; and  citizens, property owners, and visitors ofLittle Compton;    AND, BEI IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies ofthis resolution be sent to the clerks ofall cities and towns in Rhode Island, and to Little Compton's members oft the RI General Assembly, The Speaker of the RI House of Representatives, President of the RI  Senate, and the Governor of the State ofRI.  Motion made by Councilor Mataronas, receiving a second by Councilor Iriarte- Moore, all ini favor (Golembeske, Iriarte-Moore, Mataronas, McHugh, Mushen): To approve, as written the Town Council meeting minutes for March 22, 2023.  Motion made by Councilor Mataronas, receiving a second by Councilor. Iriarte- Moore, all in favor (Golembeske, Iriarte-Moore, Mataronas, McHugh, Mushen): To approve, as written the Town Council meeting minutes for) March 23, 2023.  Motion made by Councilor Mataronas, receiving a second by Councilor Iriarte- Moore, all in favor (Golembeske, Iriarte-Moore; Mataronas, McHugh, Mushen): To approve, as written the' Town Council meeting minutes for March 30, 2023.  Councilor McHugh asked Deputy Town Clerk, Heather Cook to comment on the Town Clerk's monthly report, coordinating day to day) IT issues. Heather commented that each month the concerns may vary. In the month of March, twice the lack of Wi-Fi needed to be addressed with IT and Cox Business. Councilor McHugh asked how she would rate the response oft the current  IT vendor, Everlasting Designs. Heather responded; "excellent."  Motion made by Councilor Golembeské, receiving a second by Councilor Mataronas, all in favor (Golembeske, Iriarte-Moore, Mataronas, McHugh, Mushen): To  place on file the following Department Head Reports for March 2023:  1.Town Clerk 2.Tax. Assessor .Bulding/Zoning 4.Fire Department 5.Town Administrator  Bill Smith of Civil Engineering Concepts, Inc. presented drawing slides to the Council of designs Councilor Mataronas questioned the condition ofthe current. DPW building at this location. Town Administrator Teixeira responded the current DPW building is in much need of repair. Councilor Mushen stated the capital plan ist to erect a building at the Transfer Station for thel DPW workers and equipment. Councilor Iriarte-Moore questioned the anticipated time line oft thej project. The Town Administrator described a plan to first build the new structure for DPW use at the' Transfer Discussion ensued about current security features VS. future security features oft the area as well as Councilor Mataronas questioned thel historical status oft the current DPW building. Town Solicitor DeSisto asked ifLittle Compton has al historic district and does the building have a plaque? Lawrence Anderson commented thel building is not on the historical register.  for aj proposed town parking lot located on. Plat 20/Lot 8-1.  Station by December 2023, then completing the parking lot in 2024.  anticipated flow of the parking area.    Motion made by Councilor Golembeske, receiving a second by Councilor Iriarte- Moore, all in favor (Golembeske, Iriarte-Moore, Mataronas, McHugh, Mushen): To tentatively approve Option 3 design for the Town parking lot, contingent upon ai report from the school ofs safety matters for ai new traffic pattern ini regards to the basketball court and seek input Town Administrator Teixeira provided van specification options for the Memorandum of Understanding from RIPTA. The complete cost would be $120,600.00. RIPTA covers 80% of total cost, thet town isi responsible for the remaining 20%t total cost. The van will not be available for at least 161 months. Councilor Mushen stated the' Town Solicitor has reviewed the  from the Historical Society for DPW building historical impact.  Memorandum ofUnderstanding.  Motion made by Councilor Mataronas, receiving à second by Councilor. McHugh, alli in favor (Golembeske, Iriarte-Moore, Mataronas, MeHugh, Mushen): Toj proceed with  thel Memorandum ofUnderstanding from RIPTA to purchase ai town van.  Motion made by Councilor McHugh, receiving a second by Councilor Mataronas, all in favor (Golembeske, Iriarte-Moore, Mataronas, McHugh, Mushen): To change the date oft the 2023 Financial Town Meeting from 7PM on Tuesday, May 16, 2023 to 7PM on  Wednesday, May 24, 2023.  Discussion ensued of the request before the Council from John A. Almeida for tax penalty relief. Town Solicitor DeSisto advised the Council of their authority citing RIJ Law 44-5-8.1. Stating without an ordinance in plaçe the Council has no authority. to waive a. penalty. The Solicitor suggested the need to draft a town ordinance to allow such a waiver up to $500.00 per year on  late interest payments based on RI State. Law.  Motion made by Councilor Mataronas, receiving a second by Councilor Golembeske, all in favor (Golembeske, Iriarte-Moore, Mataronas, McHugh, Mushen): To draft ari ordinance, with the assistance of the Town Solicitor, granting authorization for the Couhcil's ability to waive latei interest payments for taxpayers within the guidelines ofthel RI  State Law as noted.  Lawrence Anderson, resident of Simmons Road, addressed the Council ofh his request to have a special Town meeting before the Annual Financial Town meeting regarding installation of  solar photovoltaic panels on Town owned buildings.  Motion made by Councilor McHugh, receiving a second by Councilor. Mataronas: Tol hold a special' Town meeting before the Annual Financial Town meeting on Wednesday, May 24,2023 at 7PM, for the purpose ofauthorizing the' Town solar project and appropriating Jim Lock presented the Council with an updated breakdown for the solar project.  necessary funding.  Councilor McHugh withdrew his motion.  Motion made by Councilor. Mataronas, receiving as second by Councilor Golembeske, all in favor (Golembeske, Iriarte-Moore, Mataronas, McHugh, Mushen): Tohold a special Town: meeting before the. Annual Financial Town: meeting on Wednesday, May 24, 2023 at' 7PM,    for the purpose of approving finances: for the school solar project, seeking the Solicitor's assistance forj proposed language to be presented tot the Budget Committee.  Motion made by Councilor McHugh, receiving a second by Councilor Mataronas, all in favor (Golembeske, Iriarte-Moore, Mataronas, McHugh, Mushen): For the Town Solicitor to review the current Warren solar project and discuss with Newport their similar  project.  A.Michael Steers, Chairman of the Planning Board addressed the Council with aj proposed recommendation for farm labor housing from thel Planning Board. The proposal is three year temporarylousing, no: more thant three bedrooms, nothing to do with short term rentals, an Norman "Skip" Paul, of Wishing Stone Farm commented that after COVID, farm workers have disappeared with the increasing rental costs. Skip believes iti is a great solution to: make the Ben Wolbach, of Skinny Dip Farm commented labor is the main issue in farming, and that he is Craig Hibbad and' Tina Little, of Otter Brook Farm requested consideration for year round Town Solicitor DeSisto commented he will consult with the: farmers in town as well as the  accessory toj principal building on the property.  investment for three years.  always seeking creative ways to get laborers on thé farm.  farmers.  Planning Board to draft the ordinance.  Motion made by Councilor Mataronas, receiving a second by Councilor Iriarte- Moore, all ini favor (Golembeske, Iriarte-Moore, Mataronas, McHugh, Mushen): For the Planning Board to draft aj proposed ordinance, with the Town Solicitor, to accommodate ai farm At 8:40PM the Town: Council sitting as the Board ofLicense Commissioners voted the following: Motion made by Councilor Golembeske, receiving and second by Councilor Matarônas, all in favor (Golembeske, Iriarte-Moore, Mataronas, McHugh, Mushen): To grant a Class F-1 One Day Beverage License to thel LC Game Club: for a Surf &' Turf dinner to be Councilor McHugh asked the Solicitor ofl his familiarity oft the Sakonnet Vineyard history. The Solicitor replied, he is familiar with Sakonnet Vineyards with past involvement with the LCACT. A. Michael Steers requested the Building Official be included in the review process ofthe license. Councilor. Mushen stated the appropriate advertisement of3 weeks needed tol be completed. Town Solicitor DeSisto stated he requires further information to review. Councilor  labor housing policy within the town.  held on April 22, 2023 at the. John Dyer Road facility.  McHugh asked the Solicitor's opinion oft the review when complete.  Motion made by Councilor Golembeske, receiving and second by Councilor Iriarte- Moore, all in favor (Golembeske, Iriarte-Moore, Mataronas, McHugh, Mushen): To comply with required three weeks ofadvertising and hold aj public hearing on May 4, 2023 for the Class BV application from Dionysus Acquisition, LLC dba Carolyn's Sakonnet Vineyard, 53 Winery  Road.  Councilor Mushen reviewed the current senior bus schedule, more to come as to who will receive  incoming calls.    Motion made by Councilor Mataronas, receiving and second by Councilor. Iriarte- Moore, all in favor (Golembeske, Iriarte-Moore, Mataronas, McHugh, Mushen): To place  on: file the updated senior van weekly schedule.  Councilor Triarte-Moore presented a draft resolution opposing Senate Bill S-0434, an act Relating tol Motor Vehicles and Other Vehicles- --Inspection of Motor Vehicles. Rob Camara, Owner of Rob's Auto Care, Inc. located in Westport, Ma, commented hel has always provided inspections for his customers. Rob explained stages oft the inspection process and reasoning behind the  request.  Motion made by Councilor. Iriarte-Moore, receiving and second by Councilor Mataronas, alli in favor (Golembeske, Iriarte-Moore, Matarohas, McHugh, Mushen): To  adopt the resolution as written:  RESOLUTION OPPOSING SENATE BILL S-0434  AN. ACTRELATING TO MOTOR. AND OTHER VITICIS-INSPCTION OF MOTOR WHEREAS, the' Town ofLittle Compton is ai rural community with no: facilities within our borders that WHEREAS, the closest Light Duty and Heavy Duty Rhode Island inspection station to Little Compton is WHEREAS, many ofLittle Compton's residents rely on the convenience: and reliability of acquiring an inspection sticker from al local and familiar automotive repair shop whichl happens to be over the WHEREAS, in addition, an important relationship between that shop and our public safety staffi has existed for many years, resulting inj prompt and excellent service to our public safety vehicles. NOW THEREFORE, LETI ITI BE RESOLVED that the Little Compton Town Council opposes S0434, and its House counterpart, H5034, An Actl Relating to Motor and Other Vehicles- - Inspection ofMotor Vehiclès, implementation of which would strip our local automotive shop ofits ability toi inspect Rhode AND, BE ITI FURTHER: RESOLVED that copies oft this resolution be sent to the clerks of all cities and towns in] Rhode. Island, andt tol Little. Compton'sI members of thel RI General Assembly, The Speaker ofthe RI House of] Representatives, President of thel RI Senate, and the Governor oft the State of RI.  VEHICLES  offer Light Duty or Heavy. Duty Vehicle Inspections; ard one-halfmile over thel border in Massachusetts; and  Massachusetts border; and  Island vehicles.  Motion made by Councilor. Mataronas, receiving and second by Councilor Iriarte- Moore, all ini favor (Golembeske, Iriarte-Moore, Mataronas, McHugh, Mushen): To place 1. Letter of support for Community Center grant application to the Rhode. Island State 2. Copy ofe electronic communication sent to the town from Frank Haggerty regarding articles and comments on the Mayflower Wind project proposed offshore on Cape Cod. 3. Copy of resolution from Burrillville Town Council opposition to Rhode Island 2023 Gun 4. Copy ofai resolution from Woonsocket Town Council support of] House Bill 51608 &  on file the following consent items.  Council on1 the. Arts.  Control legislation.  Senate Bill 0175, Regarding Payday Lending reform.    Motion made by Councilor Golembeske, receiving and second by Councilor Mataronas, alli ini favor (Golembeske, Iriarte-Moore, Mataronas, McHugh, Mushen):  That the bills be allowed and ordered paid as follows: $50,136.36  MH. Architect, LLC-7 Town Hall Bagle Leasing Company Town Hall Anna's Uniform Supply Firel Department FirstNet -Fire Department Enos Home Oxygen. And Medical Supply Ambulance Fund Brown Emergency Medicine Ambulance Fund Apollo Safety, Inc. Ambulance Fund Office oft the State Fire Marshall : Ambulance Fund Southcoast Hospitals Group Ambulance Fund RIJ DMV - RIMS - DPW Department RIJ DMV -F RIMS - DPW Department Dave's) Lawnmower Repair & Kelley's Grain - DPW Department South Coast Power Equipment DPW Department Aquidneck Fasteners, Inc. Highway Department Sakonnet Plumbing 32 Commons Home Depot Credit Services- - Highway Department Western Transfer Station Traffic Signs & Safety, Inc. - Highway Department Traffic Signs & Safety, Inc. - Highway Department Sakonnet' Tree, Inc. Tree Warden William H. Ferguson - Solar Panels Helger Bros. Construction and Trucking, LLC-3 Town  $852.50 $338.00 $3,777.44  $190.98 $3,586.46 $335.00 $250.00 $195.00 $3,250.00 $39.04  $4,069.04 $10.00 $20.50 $439.35 $143.92 $62.30 $1,320.42 $312.28 $250.00 $478.00 $900.00 $9,595.00 $1,900.00 $7,218.82 $380.00 $542.50 $725.00 $725.00 $1,973.50 $967.50 $984.15  Hall Galvin Law Galvin Law.  Southcoast Cleaning Public Safety Complex Southcoast Cleaning Town Hall, Grange Richard S. Humphrey Richard S. Humphrey Womble Bond Dickinson (US)] LLP Crystal Rock - Police Department West. Place. Animal Sanctuary Police Department FirstNet -Police Department FirstNet- Police Department Petro Public Safety Complex Petro- Public Safety Complex Sakonnet Tree Tree Committee Sakonnet' Tree - Tree Committee United Congregational Church Tree Committee Hachette Book Group Tree Committee Crystal Rock Town Hall Info Quick Solutions Town Clerk Effluential Technologies - Waste Water Treatment Facility Peckhams Greenhouse Cox Business - Town Hall Esquire - Zoning Board ofReview  $140.35 $458.00 $47.75 $130.55  $776.65 $398.21 $893.35 $210.00 $1,630.00 $500.00 $249.90 $296.05 $1,168.50 $1,059.98 $75.00 $105.34 $300.00    W.B.Mason- Board of Canvassers W.B.Mason- Tax Assessor W.B.Mason Town Hall W.B.Mason Town Hall W.B.Mason Tax. Assessor W.B.Mason Tax Assessor W.B.Mason - Finance Department W.B.Mason- - Finance Department, Tax. Assessor W.B.Mason- Board of Canvassers, Transfer Station EastBay Media Group - Town Clerk BastBay Media Group Town Clerk RII Energy Street Lights  $7.83 $12.41 $188.18 $53.33 $61.10 $181.45 $52.66 $107.18 $63.18 $87.50 $102.50 $136.51 $3,434.33 $50,136.36  Caseys Oil & Propane : 30, 32, 40 Commons, 60 Simmons Rd  6-Apr-23  Having no further business before the Council, the meeting was adjourned at 8:51PM.  Heather J. Cook, Deputy Town Clerk    RECEIVED APR  DHR-I  05-2023  Little Compton Police Department Town of Little Compton, Rhode Island  60 Simmons Road Office of the Police Chief MEMORANDUM  Date: To: From: Subject:  April 5, 2023  The Honorable Town Council Chief Scott N. Raynes Monthly Report for March 2023  March 2023 Patrol Activity  Totals Calls responded to Formal Complaints received Complaints closed this month Complaints closed (previous month) Motor vehicle citations issued Motor vehicle warning issued Criminal Arrest Violation ofTown Ordinances Accident investigated Burglar alarms Reported deaths Total Gallons of gasoline used Mileage Breaking & Entering Larceny Value of Stolen Property  1165 32 2 5 17 64 3 3 8 16 1 559 9,673 2 2 $25,000    Little Compton Police Department Town of Little Compton, Rhode Island  60 Simmons Road Office of the Police Chief MEMORANDUM  March 2023 Police Overtime Hours  Totals: 69 0 38 0 6.5 12 25 0 0 0 2 0 0  Sick Leave replacement Personal leave replacement Vacation replacement Training replacement Court Town Detail Private Detail Patrol Supplement Comp-time replacement Injured on duty replacement Blue Riptide/Grant Military leave replacement Investigation  March 2023 Dispatch Overtime Hours  Totals: 24 0 32 0 0 0 32  Sick leave replacement Personal leave replacement Vacation replacement Training replacement Holiday replacement Comp-time replacement Weekend replacement    Little Compton Police Department Town ofLittle Compton, Rhode Island  60 Simmons Road Office of the Police Chief MEMORANDUM  March 2023 Part-time Dispatch Hours  Totals: 32 0 0 0 0 0 0  Weekend replacement Vacation replacement Sick leave replacement Personal day Holiday replacement Training replacement Comp-time replacement  March 2023 Town fuel log  Gasoline #1 Unused #21 Fire department #Unused # 41 Maintenance #5 Highway Department 2,531.0 # 6 Senior Bus #73 Beach Commission #8 Police Department  February 76,010.0 27,791.4 4,223.5 41,528.9 5,109.3 1,410.1 10,025.3  March 76,010.0 27,959.1 4,223.5 41,683.4 2,551.1 5,146.5 1,410.1 10,597.5  Total 0 167.7 0.0 154.5 20.1 37.2 0.0 572.2  Total Gasoline: 951.7    Little Compton Police Department Town of Little Compton, Rhode Island  60 Simmons Road Office of the Police Chief MEMORANDUM  Diesel  February 43,859.7 11,043.7 5,313.2 4,617.4 362.8  March 44,112.4 11,043.7 5,313.2 4,709.2 362.8  Total 252.7 0.0 0.0 91.8 0.0  # 1Fire Department #2Unused #31 Highway Department # 4 Maintenance Department #5 Old Senior bus  Total Diesel: 344.5  Respectfully, glad dxk John Faria Lieutenant Deputy Chief    RECEIVED AMK 17 2UZJ  UP - J  Town Clerk. Little Compton  Apel 17,2023  I - would  Bke to Add An  agendA (tem to the Town Coougil  meeting of  April 20;  SolAr on School Roof:  1. OpdAtes  2.N Nesf steps  ThAnk gou.  617-823-6980  PEAL        OB-a AR12I  RECEIVED  Heather Cook From: Sent: To: Subject: fyi  Caroll Wordell Wednesday, April 12, 20231 12:50PM Heather Cook FW: Short Term Rentals  From: Peg Bugara malbohagarpetemalcon. Sent: Wednesday, April 12,202312:48PM Subject: Short" Term Rentals  To: Tony Teixeira teanelitleompomiop: Town Council pmmoumdeltsomponop Hatei tol be al bother butIs stilll have a question regarding short term rentals. Buzz is any changes have been killed for any solutions to: short term rentals. Well already we see the shortterm rentals are up: and running. However, Irequested information at the town council regarding the Plymouth Land Grant Acres restrictions and renting houses int this areai is against the restrictions. Would you please clarify for me that these Ist there any hope ofai more] positive change in short term rentals for thei future seeing  restrictions will be recognized? Dismissed? or..?  other towns in our areal have no problems making adjustments?  Thanks Peg Bugara 401.635.8860  PLYMOUTH LAND GRANT ACRES Little Compton, R.I. Restrictions  1.1 No: structure shalll be erected, altered or maintained on said premises other than one single family dwelling house and one private garage having a capacity oft not more than 2.No dwelling house including attached garage, shall be erected, altered or maintained ons said premises nearer to the front lot] line than 45 feet, nor nearer than 15: feet from any side or rear lot line; and no detached garage shall be erected, altered or maintained nearer than 801 feet from any front lot] line, 151 feet from any side: street line, side or rear lot line. Any side orrearl lotl line restriction shall, at the discretion oft the owner apply to two or more adjoining lots or portions thereofheldi in common ownership asi if originally delineated on said plan as one. lot, provided, however, that only one dwelling house and one garage is erected, altered or maintained on such lots or portions thereof 3.Nol building shalll be erected, altered, or maintained having an enclosed ground floor area, exclusive of attached garages or open porches, ofless than six hundred and forty  two automobiles.  taken together. (640) square feet.    4. No structure ofat temporary character, Quonset! huts, trailers, tent, shack, orl barn shall 5.S Single family dwellings shalll have continuous foundation of concrete or Masonry 6. No animals or livestock exclusive of domestic! household pets, shall be keptorhoused on the premises. Household pet shalll be excluded should they bel kept for commercial 7.The premises shalll be used for residential purposes only; business shall be con ducted 8. No outsidei toilets, privies or privy vaults shall bej placed orI maintained on said premises and not toilets shall be placed or maintained on said premises at any time other than inside a dwelling house and all such toilets shall be connected with underground 9.Nol building shall be erected, altered or maintained until the design, construction and location thereofhave been approved in writing by a majority ofa committee heretofore appointed by ani instrument dated September 29,1960 and recorded with the Land Evidence Records oft the' Town ofl Little Compton Book 38 Page 354 in accordance with  bej placed, erected or maintained on said premises.  blocks.  breeding purposes.  only in area delineated as' commercial".  septict tanks.  the terms and provisions thereof.    RECEIVED APR 0 7 2023  Heather Cook From: Sent: To: Subject:  OB-3  Carol Wordell Friday, April 7,20237:37AM Heather Cook FW: Adamsville Safety concerns  From: victoria talbot malo.ctabosegmalcom, Sent: Thursday, April 6,20236:37PM Teixeira teleneltecompomor Subject: Adamsville Safety concerns  To: Scott Raynes sraynes@ticr.com) sraynes@ticr.com); Robert Mushen musnen@lituecomptonr.org>Toy  Cc: Carol Wordell cwordell@lttecomptomtorp>vctonaeacoptalbot.om  Dear ChiefRaynes, Mr. Mushen & Mr. Teixeira,  I've been in communication with you since 2021 regarding pedestrian safety concerns ini the Village of Adamsville. The issue was discussed in a Town Council meeting in April 2021. Since then, aj pedestrian sign has been added and a crosswalk repainted and improved. I am thankful for these improvements, but they are, My primary concern is the obscured visibility as vehicles enter LC: from Westport. There are several trees in front of3 Main St that block the view oft the aforementioned pedestrian crossing sign, the ball field, and the intersection of Harbor Rd. Westbound motorists entering LC: may not be aware that once they cross the bridge, they are. headed into a very dense area. Trimming those trees would be a great help. I've: made several requests to Mr. Teixeira and to the RIDOT directly. Ihave pictures attached to this email that show the trees Since October we. have had two motor vehicle accidents directly on our property @ 7 Main St. (see pictures attached). Is shared these with Mr. Teixeira and ChiefRaynes back in October 2022 when the first accident occurred. At that time, a vehicle lost control in front of our property with enough velocity that it snapped several granite posts and ripped out most oft the fence. Just today, April 2023, there was another accident with an Amazon van leaving our driveway that was forced to swerve out oft the way of a vehicle coming from the east (Westport). The van took out the last standing section oft the: fence in front oft the SW corner of our Two vehicle accidents on our property in six months have raised the level of my concern. Wel have employees and clients who visit our office, a tenant upstairs, and pedestrians who walk by daily for coffee over the bridge. Iam once again asking the police and Town Council to take a serious look at safety ini the village, particularly from the incoming westbound traffic from Westport. Please take a walk from Gray's Daily Grind over the bridge and into Little Compton to see: for yourself. I would be glad to join you and  not enough.  that block visibility and ai redline suggesting where they could be trimmed.  property.  discuss the matter in person.  Thank you in advance for your serious consideration.  Victoria Talbot 7Main St. Little Compton, RI 401-226-2774 cell    adamsvlletrees V  Done    M          OB-4  APR 12,2023  Heather Cook From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Attachments:  RECEIVED  paulgclifordeyahoo.om Wednesday, April 12, 2023 10:39 AM Tony Teixeira; Carol Wordell; Heather Cook Offshore wind farm: separating facts from disinformation Sabotage Crucial Renewable Energy- ecoRI News.html;  Robert Mushen; Andrew Moore; Gary Mataronas; 'Patrick McHugh'; Paul Golembeske Brown Report Claims Anti-Wind Group Uses Deceit, Delay, Denial and Chicanery to delay_and.misinformaton.actica.nantco.ampagnsrilcaase.stuy.4-10-23  (1).pdf High  Importance:  Dear Bob, Paul, Gary, Andrew and Patrick,  There isa deep anxiety about the impact of the proposed offshore windfarm on our community and on the environment. Itoo was deeply moved by the sincere words of our commercial fishermen ati the TCr meeting last Thursday. But it isi important to address that anxiety using facts and science, not by adopting spurious talking points in Youy voted unanimously last Thursday to pass a motion proposed by Mara Shore of Green Oceans. Is should like you to review the two documents attached to my message and consider whether you may) just possibly have fallen hook line, line and sinker for her pitch. If you dot feel that, based on this evidence, there were issues with the veracity with her pitch, hope you will call Ms. Shore and Green Oceans back toi the TC1 to explain why they misled our town andi its officers. lwould also ask you to urge them to respond in detail to the very serious criticisms levelled at them by the  part taken straight from oil-industry think tanks.  scientists at Brown. Best regards Paul Paul G. Clifford 146) West Main Road Little Compton, RI 02837    RECEIVED APR12-2023  Discourses of Climate Delay in the Campaign Against Offshore Wind: A Case Study from Rhode Island  Brown Climate and Development Lab Institute at Brown for Environment and Society  April 2023  CATES DEVELOPMENT LAB  CLIMATE. JOBS    Contents  Acknowledgements Executive Summary Introduction  1 2 3 5 6 6 11 12 15 17  Overview of Frameworks: "Discourses of Climate Delay" and "FLICC"  Discourses of Climate Delay Emphasize the Downsides Redirecting Responsibility Pushing Non-Iransformatiye Solutions  Networks of Misinformation: Contextudlizing Green Oceans' Campaign  References    Acknowledgements  Brown University's Climate and Development Lab would liket tot thank Climate Jobs Rhode Island fori their collab- orative support on this project and their continued commitment to working towards ai future rootedi in economic,  environmental, racial, and social justice.  CLIMATE. JOBS  CLWIATE: : DEVELOPMENT LAR  About the Climate and Development Lab: Brown University's Climate and Development Lab (CDL) is a stu- dent-faculty think tank based at the Institute at Brown for Environment and Society, and was: founded in 2010 as an experiment in engaged learning and scholarship. The CDL seeks to produce timely, accessible, and impactful research that informs more just and effective climate change policies. We work with leading actors in govern- ment, civil society, and the media around the world int the attempt to bring about change byidentifying and flling important research gaps and generating ideas for action on climate change. The CDL fosters transformational learning experiences by equipping Brown students with the tools to effectively shape policy and explore the inter- About Climate Jobs RI: Climate Jobs Rhode Island is a broad and growing coalition oflabor, environmental, and community: partners committed to aj just transition towards an equitable, pro-worker, pro-climate green economy. The members of Climate Jobs Rhode Island agree to join forces to work toward a) Just Transition to a Green Econ- omy in Rhode Island. We commit to work together to make Rhode Island a national leaderi in the development of a 21st Century economy grounded in the principles ofe economic, environmental, racial, and social justice. How to cite this report: The Climate and Development Lab. 2023. Discourses of Climate Delay in the Campaign Against Offshore Wind: A Case Study from Rhode. Island." The Climate and. Development Lab, April, 2023. Disclaimer: This report represents an initial phase of research about climate misinformation networks and off shore wind opposition, led by a team of undergraduate students in Brown's Climate and Development Lab. The statements, views, opinions, and information contained in the report are personal to the authors and the. students, and do not necessarily: reflect those of1 Brown University. The report views renewable energy as a crucial element of mitigating the severity of climate change on natural and human ecosystems. The authors recognize that renewable energy development requires local engagement, as communities and economies take part in a just transition; this work reflects the concerns about how the evidence is being characterized. Feedback, questions, and recommenda-  sections between climate change, public policy, and global governance.  tions for how to productively advance this conversation are welcomed.    Executive Summary  Climate change threatens our oceans, coastlines,  This report is organized into four sections. The  and vulnerable communities here in New England and Introduction communicates the scientific realities across the world. In Rhode Island over the next sever- of climate change and emphasizes the urgent need to al decades, flooding will become more common and transition to locally-produced energy from renewable rainstorms will increase in intensity. Temperatures will sources. The second section provides an overview oft the rise, putting children, the elderly, laborers and disabled two peer-reviewed frameworks we use to analyze Green people at risk of! heat-related illness and death. Coastal Oceans' discourses and rhetoric: Discourses ofClimate towns and neighborhoods will be subject to rising sea Delay" (Lamb et al. 2020) and "FLICC" (Cook 2020) levels, which threaten homes, businesses, and schools. [See page 51 for definitions). The third section highlights To mitigate the effects of climate change, especially themain categories ofarguments used! by Green Oceans, those that impact our neighbors, Rhode Island needs to citing examples from their materials, and demonstrates rapidly transition to renewable energy and eliminate its how these align with the strategies employed by climate dependency on: fossil fuels. Offshore wind turbines have obstructionists. In the final section, we contextualize been proven to be the most viable renewable technolo- Green Oceans' arguments within larger national misin- gy to meet our state's energy demands, but anti-offshore formation campaigns against offshore wind.  wind groups are seeking tol block their siting.  We find that Green Oceans' arguments fall within  In this briefing, we examine Green Oceans, an the climate delay categories Emphasize the Downsides, anti-offshore wind group in Little Compton, Rhode Redirect Responsibility, and Push Non-Transforma- Island, to highlight how community groups may bor- tive Solutions outlined by Lamb et al. (2020). Drawing row arguments from national climate disinformation from Cook (2020), we identify repeated Cherry-Pick- organizations and use them in local anti-offshore wind ing of data from articles that do not corroborate Green campaigns. Fossil fuel funded think tanks, such as the Oceans claims and observe a significant reliance on Texas Public Policy Foundation (TPPF) and the Caesar Fake. Experts, spokespeople that convey thei impression Rodney Institute (CRI), are some of the major groups of expertise on a topic while possessing little to no rel- creating anti-wind rhetoric, which often disguises itself evant expertise. We also find that Green Oceans' fre- as] pro-environmental. As we will demonstrate, many of quently incorporates Logical Fallacies and Conspiracy  the arguments that Green Oceans advances echo TPPF Theories in their arguments.  and CRI'sa anti-wind campaigns and similarlyrely ont the strategies of climate delay and: misinformation. To com- bat misinformation and advance the renewable energy transition, iti isi imperative to understand the coordinat- ed networks of obstruction that seek to block climate action and maintain fossil fuels as a dominant energy To assess Green Oceans' publications, we draw from two academic frameworks that outline the com- munications strategies used in climate misinformation campaigns. Our goal for this report is twofold: first, to combat the spread of climate misinformation in Rhode Island, and second, to demonstrate how Green Oceans' claims replicate those advanced byanti-renewable orga- nizations with ties to fossil fuel interests. Through this report, we. hope to provide community members, jour- nalists, and advocates here and elsewhere with the tools toi identify climate misinformation and prevent the ob- struction ofr necessary climate action.  Over the next decade, we: must rapidly transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy, to avoid the worst impacts of climate change. Offshore wind iso one ofthe most viable renewable technology to meet Rhode Island's energy needs. We examine arguments of a new anti-offshore wind group named Green Oceans, using two peer-reviewed frameworks that outline common climate misinformation discourses and tactics. We find that the arguments madel byl local an- ti-offshore wind groups' reflect those advanced in national climate misinformation campaigns. This report aims to combat the spread of climate misinformation in Rhode Island and morel broad- lyinr response to renewable energy projects.  (and profit) source.    Introduction  resources which could reduce wholesale prices of elec- tricity in New England (Akdemir et al. 2022). Transitioning to locally-produced energy from good, family-sustainingi jobs and aj more: resilient power system. These. local renewables will eliminate the health impacts ofburning oil, gas and coal, such as asthma and  Climate change is happening more  quickly than most scientists predicted. wind and solar is also a major opportunity to create  On March 20, 2023,thel Intergovernmental. Panel on cardiovascular diseases (Buonocore et al. 2016; Vohra Climate Change (IPCC) announced that global average etal. 2021). For Rhode Island, the benefits are also eco- temperatures are expected to reach 1.5 degrees Celsius nomic: we spend over three billion dollars each year on warmingabove) pre-industrial. levels byt the 2030s (IPCC fossil fuels, all of which we have to import from out- 2023). Climate change has already had devastating im- side the state (U.S. .EIA 2020 "Table E15";U.S. .EIA2020 pacts on natural and human systems, disproportionate- "Table E9"; U.S. EIA 2020 "Table E2"; U.S. EIA 2022 vere threats due to climate change (Plumer 2023). With erating eight years ago, developing offshore wind in the 1.5 degrees Celsius of global warming, more than 350 U.S.I hasbeen slow sagmosaslae million people worldwide are expected to be exposed stakeholder input, and permitting for the larger-scale tos severe drought and food insecurity. With. 2.0 degrees installations have taken years, but global temperatures Celsius of warming, summers without sea" ice become continue to: rise as global emissions. havei increased. Sev- 10 times more. likely than in a world just a half-degree eral states inl New] England nowl havel binding targets for colder (Madge 2022). Two times more people will be steep emissions reductions, and are counting on these exposed to heat waves at] least every five years and two major offshore installations to meet their 2030 climate But it's not too late to mitigate these destabilizing Green Oceans, based in the coastal town of Little effects. Industrialized nations must act now. To pro- Compton, Rhodel Island arrived onto this critical scene. tect vulnerable communities in the United States and The organization quickly published a series of pieces around the world from the worst impacts of climate condemning offshore wind in The Sakonnet Times, in change, we must eliminate our dependency on fossil addition to a. PowerPoint, one-pager, and a white paper. fuels. Maintaining the status quo is not an option. It is Green Oceans' materials include a large number ofg gen- imperativet that wei make the switch to: renewable energy eral arguments against the installation of offshore wind technologies toj prevent furtherharm to ecosystems and turbines, specifically targeting the proposed Revolution To address emissions reductions regionally, studies Oceans' white paper alone, we identified nearly four have shown that New England needs to electrify build- dozèn arguments against offshore wind. This reflects ing, heating, and transportation systems (Murphy et the practice of the "Gish Gallop," a strategy where "a al. 2020; Veysey et al. 2019). The region is connected person uses as many arguments as possible against their through a singular electrical grid, and our best resource, opponent, without any consideration into the strength  lyimpacting the populations who are. least responsible. "Rhode Island State Energy Profle").  Ecosystems will continue to experience increasingly se-  Though the Block Island Wind turbines began op-  times more plants will seet their habitat range cut inl half goals.  (IPCC2018).  In December 2022, a nascent organization named  social systems both local and global.  Wind project off the coast of Rhode Island. In Green  close to our population centers, is offshore wind. Tech- oft the arguments," (Elsher n.d).  nical studies have shown that we could meet much of the increased need for electricity by decarbonizing our economy with a combination of sources, but offshore wind is needed to meet the steeply increasing electric- ity demand (Veysey et al. 2019). In particular, the con- tinental shelf off of Rhode Island has significant wind  1    structing action on climate change, a group of us were interested in Green Oceans as a real-time case study oft the communication strategies of anti-offshore wind groups, and how the group connects to larger networks of climate obstruction. Our hope is to provide a useful perspective from the social sciences and to document this example toi inform relevant literature on coordinat- This brief represents one case study in a broader collaborative effort between Brown University's Climate and Development Lab and Climate Jobs Rhode Island to address the necessity of a renewable transition and sustainable economic future that provides laboration, we aim to communicate the vitality ofa re- newable future through an economic and environmen- tal justice lenc, whileralco vecognizing that cbstructors of climate action are operating within a national net- This report is organized into four sections. As con- veyed above, the Introduction communicates the sci- entific realities of climate change and emphasizes the urgent need to transition to locally-produced energy from renewable sources. The next section provides an overview of the two frameworks used to analyze Green Oceans' discourses and rhetoric: Discourses ofClimate Delay" (Lamb et al. 2020) and "FLICC" (Cook 2020). We highlight the main discourses employed by Green demonstrate how these align with the strategies em-  ed climate obstruction.  BLOCK ISLAND WIND FARM MAY HAVE KILLED YOUNG HUMPBACK WHALE  for stability  Green Oceans' Wind) Presentation, Slide 28 workers in the face of climate change. Through this col-  TO.BIG WINDSHES-NOT AWHALE, SHE'S A Sacrificial Lamb  work of misinformation.  Followt thes science. Stopc offshore windi farmst tos saver right whales,  Savet the Right Whales Coalition, via @SAveNARW, /Twitter Oceans, citing examples from their materials, and While Green Oceans is a local group and their con- ployed by climate denialists, as illustrated by Lamb et cerns should inform improvements in the planning of al. (2020) and Cook (2020) in their research on climate offshore wind, the organization's arguments are: riddled delay and misinformation. In the final section, we seek with misinformation and mirror those produced by to contextualize Green Oceans' arguments within larg- wind opposition campaigns along the East Coast and er national misinformation campaigns against offshore by national organizations, some of whom are directly wind. National think tanks and other organizations that funded by the fossil fuel industry. The negative impacts are: funded by thei fossil fuel industry are targeting local presented are sensationalized and unsupported by sci- organizations to spread disinformation. lyo overemphasize the granular effects of wind turbines onsofmisydsntomaton that are seekingt to obstruct while completely obscuring and failing to contextualize the development of renewable energy as a strategy to the impacts of climate change and continued fossil fuel maintain fossil fuels as a dominant energy (and profit) Refuting each point made by Green Oceans and it is important to. have transparent, engaging conversa- like-minded organizations willl bet the work of scientific tions at the community level, and those conversations experts and dedicated observers, but it is important to must be rooted in fact-based information. Through this identify and examine the sources of anti-wind strate- report, we. hope to provide community members, jour- gies taking place in Rhode Island. As the Climate and nalists, and advocates with the tools to: identify climate Development Lab = a small student-faculty think tank misinformation and prevent the obstruction of neces-  entific consensus. Green Oceans' arguments repeated-  Itis imperative to understand the coordinated net-  combustion on. human and ecological systems.  source. As we begin to transition to renewable energy,  at Brown University - is focused on organizations ob- sary climate action.    "Discourses of Climate Delay" & "FLICC" This brief examines Green Oceans' arguments using existing peer-reviewed frameworks on climate misin- formation. We categorize several example arguments from Green Oceans' materials using Lamb et al's (2020) "Discourses of Climate Delay" framework, which outlines four overarching misinformation strategies used to delay climate action. We also apply Cooks (2020) "FLICC" framework to point out additional misinformation strategies in their claims. We use these frameworks to demonstrate (1) how Green Oceans' arguments draw from the well-documented strategies of climate disinformation groups, and (2) to illustrate how their campaign un- dermines scientific facts, misrepresents sources, and overemphasizes the negative impacts of offshore wind while obscuring the significant ecological, social, and economic costs of failing to transition to renewable energy.  Discourses of Climate Delay. (Lamb et al. 2020)  FLICC. (Cook2020)  DE Individualsm aE Someonee elses shouldtake responsibility Discourses changelsnot Disruptive Alltalk, of climate delay transformative solutions Changev aphasizet willbed the disruptiye: downsldes de R calto Palcyperfectionlsm  FA Changelsin  ptimism  sks.t  Image: Discourses ofClimatel Delay (Lambe etal.2 2020) This' Discourses of Climatel Delay" framework organizes discourses of climate delayi into four overarching categories: Emphasize the Downsides, Redirect. Responsibility, Push Non-Transformative: Solutions, and Surrender to Climate Change. In our analysis of Green Oceans' arguments, wei find the group deploys all oft the major discourse categories except Surrender to Climate Change. The discourses Green Oceans most frequently uses are defined below and italicized through-  Image:) FLICCT Taxonomy (Cook2 2020)  The FLICC" framework outlines five overarching tech- niques ofs science misinformation: Fakel Experts, Logical Falla- cies, Impossible Expectations, Cherry-Picking, and Conspiracy Theories. In our analysis of Green Oceans' publications, we observed: repeated use of these techniques across various claims. The five techniques of] FLICC are defined below and bolded  throughout thel brief: Fake. Experts Fakee experts are spokespeople that conveyt thei impression ofe expertise ona at topic whilep possessingl littiet to: nor relevant expertise. Logical Fallacies Logical fallacies occuri ina arguments wheret thep assumptions dor notl logically leadt tot the conclusion. Impossible! Expectations Impossible expectations demand unrealistic or unattainable stan- dards ofs scientific proof. Thist technique, alternatively described as the "Scientific Certainty Argumentation. Method," exploits the probabilistic nature oft thes scientific method. Cherry-Picking Cherry-picking involves selectively focusing datat thatl leads toa con- clusion different from the conclusion arising from alla available data. Conspiracy theoriesi involve the suggestion ofs secret planst toi im- plement nefarious schemes, and area common themei in climate  outt thel brief:  Emphasize the Downsides  This discourse emphasizes thec downsides of climate action, present- ingt the costs ofr mitigating climate change as greater thant the costs of  ors premises starting  inaction.  Redirect Responsibility  This discourse redirects responsibility! from the actors whol havel his- torically been thel biggest polluters to' purposefully evader responsibil- ityf for mitigating climate change." They ofteni imply that others should take thel lead before we consider action ourselves. Push. Non-Iransformative Solutions This discoursej pushes fort thet use ofe energy sources that fail to effec- tively mitigate climate change, such ast technologies thata are noty yet viable on al large-scale (hydrogen, fusion), or still require the combus-  Conspiracy Theories misinformation.  tion off fossilf fuels (natural gas).    Discourses of Climate Delay "Emphasize the Downsides"  bo Appealt to Social) Justice  Policy! Perfectionism  Green Oceans' handouts, white paper, and PowerPoint presentation, which have been circulated to public officials and community members, include many discourses of climate delay. The white paper and PowerPoint presentation include references, which we investigated. Across their arguments against offshore wind development, Green Oceans characterizes offshore wind as an existential threat to environmental, economic, and social systems. Many oft their ar- guments fall within the delay discourse. Emphasize the Downsides. Drawing from the Emphasize the Downsidestoolkit, Green Oceans often misrepresents and sensationalizes changes that will result from thel Revolution Wind offshore wind project, and completely ignores the costs of failing to adopt newi forms of renewable energy. While there is still uncer- tainty about the impacts of offshore wind that will require intense scientific monitoring to fully understand (Hogan et al. 2023), failing to make this transition will lead to ongoing dependence on fossil fuels. There is certainty that the exploration, xtraction,processing. transport, combustion and disposal off fossil fuels is devastating for local and global  social- and eco-systems, including our oceans and coastal waters (e.. IPCC2023).  knowns," relying on blowfishing to manufacture doubt about the efficacy ofrenewable energy technologies and distract from the direct ecological impacts ofi fossil fuel  "Policy Perfectionism"  In numerous arguments, Green Oceans invokes combustion. The group uses blowfishing to overempha- policy perfectionism, a rhetorical strategy within the size the scale and impact of filter feeder emissions. A Emphasize the Downsides discourse of delay category. number of studies estimate the lifecycle emissions of This strategy portrays a climate policy or technology as offshore wind facilities as roughly 6-13 pounds of CO2 an imperfect solution, thereby encouraging dispropor- per kilowatt hour (kWh). Natural gas-fueled electricity  tionate caution and discouraging necessary action. Example 1: Indirect CO2 Emissions.  generation emits roughly 500 pounds perl kWh, making wind nearly 50 times better for the climate (Thomson  Green Oceans argues that offshore wind turbines and Harrison 2015; NREL2021). Making the transition will cause indirect carbon dioxide emissions because would therefore lead to a 98 percent emissions reduc- their underwater infrastructure provides habitat for in- tion. Additionally, the indirect CO2 emissions from vasive filter feeders that "eat phytoplankton and release mining are significantly less for renewable energy tech- carbon dioxide" (Green Oceans "Green Oceans Wind nologies than for fossil fuel extraction. As journalist Presentation" 2023, Slide 37). The group also points out Michael Thomas (2023) highlights: Every year about that while the offshore wind development will "pro- 15 billion tons of fossil fuels are mined and extracted. vide a savings ofbetween 70 to 80 million metric tons That's about 535 times more mining than a clean ener- of CO2 with regard to decreasing our dependence on gy economy would require in 2040." While it is import- fossil fuels," this does NOT take into consideration of ant to acknowledge that even. low-to-no-carbon energy unknowns, such as a small percentage change in phy- solutions will have human and environmental impacts, toplankton abundance" (Green Oceans "Green Oceans transitioning away from fossil fuels is one of the most Wind Presentation" 2023, Slide 39). This argument is an effective ways to protect people and the environment.  example of policy perfectionism because it portrays off- shore wind as an impertectechnology with hidden, an- ti-green downsides. This depiction not only manufac- tures doubt and encourages inaction, but also distracts from the larger negative environmental impacts of continued fossil fuel extraction, processing, transport, combustion, and hazardous waste disposal. Green Oceans spotlights the impact of the "un-  Logical Fallacies Arguments wheret the conclusion doesn't logically followf from the premises. Alsol known asar nons sequitur. Blowfish  Focusing on ani inconsequential: aspect ofs scientific research, blowingi ito out ofp proportioni in order to distract from or cast doubt ont ther main conclusions oft ther research.    Example 2: Endangered Species.  Green Oceans cites to substantiate the claim that wind  While there is still uncertainty about offshore wind's turbinesl harm whales reference offshore wind as the cause impacts on marine life, more research is required to fully of marine mammal auditory impairment (Green Oceans understand its effects (Hogan et al. 2023). National Oce- "Green Oceans Wind Presentation" 2023, Slides 27). On anic and. Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) commits the contrary, Mann et al. (2010) suggest that exposure to to addressing potential impacts through data collection chronic noise from boating and shipping activities, PCB and recommendations as offshore wind develops (NOAA contamination, or congenital factors caused the impair- Fisheries 2022). The Audubon Society has emphasized ments they observed. Similarly, Wang et al. (2021) suggest their commitment to supporting offshore wind develop- that auditory impairment in a stranded whale was "prob- ment, while continuing to monitor the impacts on sea- ably caused by acute noise exposures, such as anthropo- birds (Haney 2023). Additionally NOAA is set to issue a genic sonar and chronic shipping noise." By failing to in- final opinion: regarding a similarwind project sitedi inl New corporate relevant research concluding that there is still Jersey, stating that it "isl likely to adversely affect, buti is not uncertainty on offshore wind impacts on whales, Green likely to jeopardize" threatened and endangered sea life, Oceans appears to engage in the cherry-picking tactic of including North Atlantic right whales (Moore 2023 "New slothful induction (Marine Mammal Commission 2023; Jersey"). These adverse effects include increased levels of Tully and Choi-Schagrin 2023; Cook 2020). The group sound leading to temporary behavioral disturbance, but also invokes the logical fallacies of misrepresentation and the agency notes: "we do not expect any right whales to assuming a single cause to reinterpret randomness in the  be exposed to increased sound levels that would result in whale deaths (Cook 2020).  injury; all effects to: right whales will bel limited toi tempo- rary behavioral disturbance" (Moore 2023 "New Jersey"). Like other groups along thel East Coast, Green Oceans argues that offshore wind farms threaten the wellbeing of marine wildlife and harm endangered species, specifical- lyv whales, including North Atlantic Right Whales (Green Green Oceans relies on fake experts and conspiracy theory techniques by citing two non-empirical, highly speculative newspaper articles to emphasize the down- sides of offshore wind (Green Oceans "Green Oceans Wind Presentation" 2023, Slides 27-28). Notably the arti- cle the group cites from Driessen (2016) was published by the Committee for a Constructive Tomorrow (CFACT), an organization that explicitly denied the existence ofan- thropogenic climate change until at least 2016 (DeSmog n.d. "CFACT"). CFACT has received substantial funding from fossil fuel corporations and counter climate groups over the years, including ExxonMobil, Peabody Energy, and the Charles Koch Foundation to name a few (Des- mogn.d. CFACT"; Gibson 2016; Brulle et. a12021; Farrell Additionally the second article that Green Oceans cites, written by Christian Winthrop of The Newport Buzz, includes numerous unsupported claims about off- shore wind's impact on marine mammals that have been debunked by scientists from the Bureau of Ocean Man- agement (BOEM) and the University of Rhode Island (Kenney and Miller 2017). In referencing both of these articles, Green Oceans relies on fake experts to support their claims against offshore wind (Cook 2020; DeSmog Furthermore, neither of the academic articles that  Fake Experts  Presenting crediblei information. ant unqualified person ori institution asas source of Proposing that a secret plan exists toi implement ar nefarious Reinterpreting Randomness Believingt that nothing occursb by accident, sot that random events are re-interpreted: asb being caused by the Carefully selecting data that appear to confirm one position while ignoring other data that contradicts that position, Slothful Induction Ignoring relevant evidence when comingt to a conclu- sion. Logical Fallacies Arguments wheret thec conclusion doesn't logically followf from the! premises. Alsol known asar non sequitur. Blowfish ther research.  Conspiracy Theory scheme such asl hidinga a truth.  Oceans WhitePaper" 2023,2).  conspiracy. Cherry-Picking  2016; Gibson, n.d.).  Focusing on ani inconsequential aspect ofs scientific research, blowingi it out ofp proportion in orderto distract. from or cast doubto ont thei main conclusions of Misrepresentation Misrepresentinga situation ora an opponents positioni in suchav way as to distort understanding. Single Cause multiple causes ort reasons.  n.d. "CFACT"; Winthrop 2019).  Assuminga a single cause ori reason when there might be    opment, 1,200 direct construction jobs in Connecticut and Rhode Island, and thousands of other indirect or induced jobs" (Revolution Wind n.d. "About Revolu-  "Appeal to Social Justice"  In their publications, Green Oceans deploys a sub- tion Wind"). Construction jobs in this industry could category of. Emphasize the Downsides, appeal to social last for years, as different wind companies ramp up justice, which moves "social impacts to the forefront of and down their deployment. Revolution Wind has al- policy discussions, framing a transition to renewable ready committed $4.5 million for training programs, energy as burdensome and costly to society" (Lamb et workforce development, and supply chain expansion in al. 2020). A just transition to renewable energy must Rhode. Island," (Revolution Windn.d. Hometown Rev- consider environmental and economic impacts, how- olution"). Orsted and Eversource are working "directly ever, appeals to social justice can become discourses of with local suppliers, including Blount Boats, Senesco climate delay when they (1) obscure other aspects of Marine, and Dimeo Construction, among others." They injustice, such as failing to act on climate change, and goont tostate, "this means that thej jobs we createa and the (2) disregard the social and economicl benefits oftransi- investments wei make stayi in Rhode. Island." (Revolution tioning to renewables. These benefits include improved Wind n.d. Hometown Revolution"). Additionally, they public health, regional economic development and em- are collaborating with the Rhode Island Building and ployment opportunities, and greater community resil- Construction Trades, the Connecticut State Building ience. Transitioning to renewables also reduces depen- Trades Council, the Eastern CT Workforce Investment dency on imported fossil fuels with volatile prices, as Board and other organizations to address workforce de- utilities sign long-term Power Purchase Agreements velopment (Revolution' Wind: n.d. Resources & FAQs"). attention only on speculative social downsides, Green nization are actively identifying the employment oppor- Oceans' appeal to social justice inaccurately portrays tunities that offshore wind and other renewable energy the social and economic impacts of adopting offshore systems will provide. In collaboration with Climate Jobs wind and obscures thel benefitso ofthese projects, includ- RI, the Worker Institute at Cornell University estimated  with wind developers (Beiter et al. 2020). By focusing  Climate Jobs Rhode Island and their national orga-  ing local job creation.  that ifl Rhode Island installs 3000 MW of offshore wind power by 2040, 33,425 direct jobs can be created from development over the next seventeen years (Skinner et  Example 1:) Jobs and Economic Development.  In their PowerPoint (2023), Green Oceans states al. 2022). This target reduces carbon emissions by more that the project will create "800-1200 direct jobs for two than 6.1 million metrict tons of carbon dioxide annually years" and "50 permanent jobs for maintenance and op- (Skinner et al. 2022). In the process of reaching 3000 erations." But in their white paper, the group omits any MW by 2040, the report states that it is necessary to reference to the 800 to 1200 direct jobs that Revolution work with BOEM to reach a clean energy future and Wind will create. Instead, they only reference the 50 ensure that wildlife and fishing communities are sup- permanent; jobs," stating: "The press inflates the number ported (Skinner et al. 2022). Climate Jobs RI is focused ofjobs that the OWF will generate. The governor's office on training programs to equip local workers with new stated the project will create 50 permanent jobs [123)" skills applicable to new: renewable technologies, align- (Green Oceans WhtePaper2035.8,Tas: argumentis ing with Revolution Wind's planned roll-out. Climate an example of the delay discourse appeal to social jus- Jobs RI recognizes the interconnected needs of transi- tice as it understates the employment opportunities of tioning to renewables and building a sustainable eco- Revolution Wind, while overemphasizing the purport- nomic future byi including Rhode Island's workforce in ed social and economic downsides of the project. It is ai future grounded in environmental, economic, social,  also an example of the climate misinformation tactic and racial justice.  slothful induction, as it misrepresents the project's job opportunities by ignoring relevant evidence. A statement in a state press release asserts that Rev- olution Wind will create 800 direct construction" jobs and hundreds more indirect jobs (Office oft the Gover- nor 2018). Orsted estimates Revolution Wind will pro- duce 460 construction jobs for the State Pier redevel-  Cherry-Picking  Carefully selecting datat that appeart toc confirm one position while ignoring other data that contradicts that position, Slothful Induction  Ignoring relevant evidence when comingt toa conclusion.    Example 2:) Fishing.  Iti isi important to: note that other existing threats to ma- rine life are evident in the status quo - such as existing fishing infrastructure and vessel usage = and offshore wind provides a strategy to mitigate the effects of global climate change on local ecosystems (Marine Mammal Green Oceans uses the misinformation tactic cher- ry-picking by carefully selecting data that appear to confirm one position on offshore wind's impacts on North American fisheries, while ignoring the fact that there is a lack of research on the topic. As identified by NOAA, there is a need for more concrete data col- lection and monitoring as offshore wind projects de- velop (NOAA Fisheries 2022; NOAA 2023). In Green Oceans' argument on fishing, the group describes how floor temperature elevations" will harm squid popula-  Impact on Fishing  DIVISION OF MARINE FISHERIES  Commission 2023; Moore 2023).  HODE BLANP  Image Source: Green Oceans Wind] Presentation, Slide 15 "sediment plumes, EMFS, underwater noise and ocean  Offshore wind development requires thorough in- tions and negatively impact the fishing industry (Green vestigation of impacts on fisheries and fishing commu- Oceans "WhitePaper" 2023, 8). The study the group nities, and informed efforts to protect livelihoods. Al- cites focuses on the impacts of construction noise on though research is still ongoing, NOAAand the Bureau squid, but does not make conclusions about sediment of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) are actively plumes, EMFs, or ocean floor temperatures (Jones et al. studying the impacts of offshore wind on ecosystems 2021D,Thismireprsents conclusions about short-term and are engaged in collaboration with industry mem- and long-term impacts on marine populations. Green bers and advocates. In their publications, Green Oceans Oceans also claims, "wind farms can increase water and fails to mention that research into thei impactofofshore air temperatures... raising ambient temperatures can wind on fisheries is still ongoing, often misrepresenting affect fish larvae" (Green Oceans WhitePaper" 2023, the status of current research. Throughout their materi- 4). Yet, the article the group cites to support this argu- als, the group focuses on specific studies without con- ment makes no: reference to offshore wind development textualizing larger efforts to understand the issue, and (Moyanoetal. 2017).Bycitinga: sourcet that doesnotlink also fails to: mention how the impacts of climate change the effects on: fishl larvae to offshore wind development, Ai failure to adopt available renewable energy proj- slothfulinduction. Furthermore, the group fails to con- ects means that the effects of global climate change on textualize offshore wind's effects on ocean temperatures fishing populations will only worsen. Climate change with those caused by global climate change.  might also adversely impact fish populations.  Green Oceans engages in the cherry-picking technique  has already resulted in 2.5 to 3 degrees Fahrenheit of warming in the Narragansett Bay estuary within the past five decades (Skinner eta al. 2022), and precipitation has increased substantially (Smith etal. 2010).Fishpop- ulations are changing rapidly as a result (Drummond 2020; Smith et al. 2010). By 2100, climate scientists pre- dict that warming willi increase water temperatures by 5 to 6 degrees Fahrenheit. Cod, bass, clams, lobsters and other fish populations will be harmed (Skinner et al. 2022). High water temperatures and ocean acidification will damage fishj populations and force them toi migrate, shifting the native ecosystems of the region and intro- ducing the potential for more: invasive species (Skinner eta al. 2022). As renewable energy development occurs, responsible data collection and monitoring is required.  Logical Fallacies & Arguments where the conclusion doesnt logically follow from thej premises. Alsol known: asa anons sequitur. Misrepresentation Misrepresentingas situation ora and opponent's position in suchav way ast to distort understanding.  Cherry-Picking  Carefully selecting datat that appear to confirm one position while ignoring other datat that contradicts that position. Slothful Induction  Ignoring relevante evidence when comingt toad conclusion.    Green Oceans also deploys cherry-picking when  Green Oceans also argues that toxic heavy metal  citing an article that claims offshore wind can impact coating of turbine towers will contaminate the ocean, ecosystems in the North Sea. The article presents a impacting marine life and fisheries (Green Oceans specific case demonstrating adverse effects on primary WhitePaper" 2023, 4). In the Revolution Wind Con- production,' butitalsoacknowledges that more: research struction and Operation Plan, Orsted does not refer- isn needed in this area and that their research "can serve encet toxich heavy metals in coatings (Lhowe 2023). In its to support the inevitable development of co-use man- plans, Orsted actively addresses many environmental agement strategies under the given conditions" (Daewel concerns, focused on mitigating potential harms with etal. 2022). Daewel et al. (2022) present scientific ev- bubble curtains, noise mitigation screens, hydro sound idence depicting adverse effects and simultaneously dampers, and suction bucket jackets during construc- discuss how this research can prompt more research tion. The companyi is funding thel New) England Aquari- around this topic to conduct responsible co-use in ma- um and Inspire Environmental to carry out research on rine development. Here, Green Oceans presents threats environmental impacts and mitigation best practices toi marine. life from one case study without acknowledg- (DeCelles et al. 2022). Additionally, BOEM compares ing the need: for more conclusive research and accepted existing thermal power plants with offshore wind in- The current status ofinformation about the impacts withdrawn, there is less thermal discharge, and conse- of offshore wind development on fishing is still being quently there will be a decrease in adverse effects on investigated by scientists. NOAA addresses this uncer- marine ecosystems (AECOM: 2017). In this case as well, tainty by committing to assessing and mitigating ef- Green Oceans misrepresents the impacts of offshore fects on marine. life toj protect biodiversity and promote wind and fails to acknowledge information published "ocean co-use" as offshore wind is developed (NOAA by developers and regulators that describes their efforts Fisheries 2022). To this end, meaningful engagement to minimize infrastructure impacts on marine ecosys-  co-use monitoring.  frastructure, stating that less cooling water needs to be  with fishing communities is required to allow for a just tems. transition rooted in cohabitation (Haggett 2020).  NOAA: A key partner in advancing offshore wind energy development  Getty images  Offshore wind home  NOAA's role in offshore wind  V Impacts to NOAA and Newsandf features  stakeholders  Responsible development of offshore wind energy is critical to U.S. efforts to mitigate climate change, grow the clean energy sector and  benefitfrom a thriving New Blue Economy.  Image Source:" NOAA: Al Keyl Partner in Advancing Offshore Wind Energy Development," n.d.  1A    Discourses of Climate Delay "Redirect Responsibility  Whataboutism  In their presentation on the Revolution Wind project, Green Oceans deploys the delay discourse Redirect Responsi- bility for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This discourse becomes a delay tactic when iti is purposefully used to evade responsibility for mitigating climate change (Lamb et al. 2020). Green Oceans' argument that] Rhodel Island does notl havea responsibility to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions becausei iti iss smaller and emits] less than other statesi isa clear example oft this discourse of delay. Not only does this claim ignore relevant evidence - fori instance, that Rhode Island emits more metrict tonnes of carbon dioxide per capita annually than most countries (we are double the global average per person) -it also downplays the advantages of adopting renewable energy and responding to climate change, such as the creation of green jobs and the ability to share clean energy among neighboring states (U.S. EIA: 2020 "Tablel E15"; Climate Watch 2020).  "Whataboutism"  bear a greater responsibility for taking action" (Lamb et al., 2020). Rhode Island is complicit in the climate crisis  Green Oceans' attempt to Redirect Responsibility in- and its size comparable to other U.S. statesi is not an excuse cludes the discourse of whataboutism, a tactic which ar- for inaction. For context, between 2009 and 2019, Rhode gues that "other countries or states produce more green- Island was responsible forj producing an average ofi rough- house gas emissions and thus bear a greater responsibility ly 10 tons of energy-related CO2 emissions per capita, for taking action." As Lamb et al. (2020) note, "actors ad- double the global average over the same period (U.S. EIA vancing this discourse often deploy statistics demonstrat- 2022 "Per capita energy-related carbon dioxide emissions ing their own small contribution to global emissions" and by state"; Climate Watch 2020). By comparing Rhode Is- point to larger emitters as the culprits that must take ac- land only to other U.S. states and removingi it from a glob-  tion first.  al context, Green Oceans attempts to portray the state's emissions as insignificant and cast its efforts to reduce emissions as irrelevant. This argument is therefore a red  Examplel:Ofhsetting: Carbon Emissions.  Intheirpresentation, Green Oceans assertst that "[Rev- herring, a logical fallacy which overemphasizes one point olution Wind] can only offset the amount of CO2 that RI (ex: Rhode Island's size and comparably "low" total emis- emits. RI emits the second least amount of CO2 of any sions) to distract from al larger, more: important issue (ex: other state," (Green Oceans "Green Oceans Wind Presen- climate change is a global issue and we need coordinated tation" 2023, Slide 7). This argument is based on fallacies climate action at the state, regional, and national-levels to offset the amount of CO2 that RI emits" is false. Rhode. Is- land's ability to meet its emissions reductions goals and land is part ofar regional grid, thel ISO-New. England trans- help neighboring states do the same, Rising to the chal- mission system, which connects it to neighboring states lenge of climate change and transitioning to renewables (Rhode Island Division of Planning 2015; RI EC4 2016). isalso an opportunity for Rhode Island to gain financially Revolution Wind: alone will provide 304 Megawatts (MW) from tax and energy export revenues, and to reduce the to Connecticuts grid and 400N MW to. Rhode: Island (Revo- billions of dollars the state spends each year on imported lution Wind n.d. "Revolution Wind"). 400MW will create natural gas, gasoline, and other fossil fuels (U.S. EIA2020 3,060 GWh of renewable energy generation on the state's "Table E15",U.S.E EIA 2020 "Table E9"; U.S. EIA 2020 "Ta- grid, which accounts for 40% oft the state's 2030 anticipat- blel E2",U.S. EIA 2022 "Rhode Island State Energy Profile").  and it is also an explicit appeal to whataboutism. For one, combat it) (Cook 2020).  the foremost assertion that [Revolution Wind] can only  The Revolution Wind project will enhance Rhode Is-  ed electricity demand (Murphy et al. 2020).  Furthermore, the implicit suggestion that Rhode Is- land does not need to transition to renewable energy because it produces less greenhouse gas emissions than other states is an explicit use of the delay discourse wha- taboutism. This discourse argues that other countries or states produce more greenhouse gas emissions and thus  * Logical Pallacies  Arguments thep premises. where Alsol the known conclusion asar nons doesn't sequitur. logically followf from  Red Herring Deliberately diverting: attention toa ani irrelevant pointt to distract from: a morei important point.  11    Discourses of Climate Delay  "Push Non-fransformatiye Solutions"  Technological Optimism  Possil Fuel Solutionism  In Green Oceans' white paper and presentation, the group suggests several alternatives to offshore wind devel- opment, including natural gas, solar, nuclear, fusion, geothermal, and taking no action (Green Oceans WhitePaper" 2023, 9-10; Green Oceans "Green Oceans Wind Presentation" 2023, Slides 59-62). Although the group positions renewable energy sources like solar and geothermal as viable alternatives, recent models have demonstrated that offshore wind energy generation is essential for meeting Rhode. Island's electricity demands (Veysey et al. 2019; Rob- erts et al. 2021). Furthermore, by presenting alternatives like, natural gas, nuclear fusion, and taking no action at all, Green Oceans deploys the delay discourse Push Non-Transformative Solutions, including technological optimism andj fossil fuel solutionism. Lamb et al. (2020) define non-transformative solutions as those that promote only incre- mental change and avoid altering existing power structures andj practices.. Arguments that push for non-transforma- tive solutions thereby "draw attention away from more substantial and effective measures." The non-transformative solutions that Green Oceans propose, including those mentioned above, are either infeasible at scalei in the medium term or require Rhode Island to remain reliant on fossil fuel combustion. As such, Green Oceans diverts attention  from effective solutions that can help reduce emissions: immediately and efficiently.  Technological Optimism" To support their push for non-transformative solu- tions, Green Oceans deploys the delay discourse tech- nological optimism, a strategy which maintains that technological progress will rapidly bring about emis- sions reductions in the future," (Lamb et al. 2020). As Lamb et al. (2020) point out, there are variations in how the discourse takes form, including promoting tech- nological myths that fail to manifest in the promised timeframe and tend tol be substituted by new ones (e.g., zero-carbon planes, fusion power and direct air capture  ofg greenhouse gases)." Example 1: Fusion.  Image Source: Damien, emison/LINL/NNSA  In their white paper, Green Oceans (2023) states: sion technologies "might take a decade or more" to and may soon make OWF obsolete [146). This might this argument relies on technological optimism to  "New nuclear fusion technology is developing quickly take a decade or more, but RW will not offset CO, un- til 2030 or later. Pausing to evaluate the environmental impact of offshore wind farms would prevent us from viable" (Green Oceans WhitePaper" 2023,10).  develop and are not yet commercially viable. In short, sition a technology that does not yet exist as superior to one that has been commercially available for years (Brunt & Spooner 1998). Scientists do not be- from the IPCC demonstrate, we do notl have decades to  po- thirty  making a grave, irremediable error and allow us toi then lieve fusion will provide a substantial source of take advantage off fusion when itl becomes commercially for several decades (Brumfiel 2022). As recent reports energy This argument includes clear language of delay and wait for fusion to become commercially viable. To: miti- relies heavily on the tactics of technological optimism. gate the worst impacts of climate change, global carbon Although it presents fusion as a viable alternative to emissions must bei reduced by 50%1 before 2030 (Plumer  offshore wind, it also explicitly acknowledges that fu-    2023). Doing sO will require the swift implementation of currently available renewable energy technologies ble alternative to offshore wind is not only an example oftechnological optimism, but also a deployment oft the misinformation tactic, wishful thinking. In addition to wishful thinking, this argument also employs the misinformation tactics of cherry-picking and slothful induction. To support the claim that "new nuclear fusion technology is developing quickly and may soon make OWF obsolete," Green Oceans cites an article from the New York Times written by Kenneth Chang (2022) (Green Oceans WhitePaper" 2023, 10). However, this article does not corroborate their claim. On the contrary, it explicitly states that despite a "ma- jor breakthrough," fusion will not be a viable source of  Revolution  (Brumfiel  Wind  2022). Therefore, presenting fusion as a via-  Will it help combat climate change? What are the environmental costs? Dothe benefits outweighthel harn?  D  Image Source: Green Oceans Wind] Presentation, Slide6 6  energy in the near future, noting that "even if scien- based only on the minimum requirements. This also tists figure out how to generate bigger bursts of fusion, positions offshore wind as a form of renewable energy immense engineering hurdles would remain" (Chang that cannot be depended on, despite it already being a 2022). By citing this source to support their claim that reliable source of energy and its expected rates of ca- fusion will make offshore wind obsolete, Green Oceans pacity to increase 15-fold by 2040 (Brunt et al. 1998; cherry-picks information from this article and ignores Cozzi et al. 2019). This discussion should incorporate relevant evidence to present a false conclusion-a text- developments in electricity storage and how wind can  book example ofslothful induction.  bej paired with dispatchable" energy sources, which can be turned on when needed (Katz 2020). The group also cites The Manhattan Institute when discussing techni- cal and economic costs of offshore wind (Green Oceans tute is a New York-based think tank that is connected to the fossil fuel industry and that published climate denial as recently as March 30th, 2023 (DeSmog n.d. misinformation strategy of fake experts by citing a cli- mate denial think tank, in addition to other unqualified sources as described in the Emphasize the Downsides  Cherry-Picking  Carefully selecting data that appeart to confirm one position while "WhitePaper"  7 & 2023, 19-20).  The Manhattan  ignoring other data that contradicts that position. Wishful Thinking  Insti-  Choosingt tob believe somethingi ist true because wer really wanti itt tob bet true, instead ofr relying on scientific evidence.  Manhattan  Green Oceans  Institute").  exemplifies the  Slothful Induction  Ignoringrelevant evidence when comingt toa conclusion. section ofthisl brief.  Logical Fallacies % Arguments where the conclusion doesn'tl logically followf from the premises. Alsol known: asar nons sequitur.  Example 2: Dismissing Current Wind Technologies. Green Oceans dismisses wind technology when describing how the electrical output of offshore wind projects, specifically Revolution Wind, will not signifi- cantly offset greenhouse gas emissions. Green Oceans claims that the Power Purchasing Agreement (PPA) "will not offset the emissions from the construction of the RWF until after 2035" as it has a minimum bi- ennial requirement of 50% energy production (Green Oceans WhitePaper" 2023, 7). Here, Green Oceans deploys the discourse ofoversimplfication by drawing conclusions about Revolution Wind's energy output  Oversimplification Simplifyinga. situation ins sucha a way ast to distort un- derstanding, leadingt to erroneous conclusions.  Fake. Experts credible information.  Presenting: an unqualified person ori institution: asas source of  12    54.2% oft the state's total carbon dioxide emissions (U.S. EIA 2022 "State Energy-Related Carbon Dioxide Emis- sions by Fuel"). Pushing: for natural gas as an alternative to offshore wind by, presentingi it: as a "cleaner" fossil: fuel  "Fossil Fuel Solutionism"  Another strategy of pushing non-transformative is a clear example of fossil fuel solutionism, a discourse solutions is fossil fuel solutionism, which claims that used to delay climate action (Lamb et al. 2020). Further, fossil fuels can bej part ofthes solution to climate change. introducing coal into the discussion of emissions re- Discourses of fossil fuel solutionism are pervasive with- ductions in Rhode Island is a red herring, deployed to ini fossil fuel industry arguments against regulation. For distract from thei issue at hand: that natural gas is nota promote cleaner' fossil fuels" as a solution to curbing tionism by arguing that natural gas is a sustainable al- rising greenhouse gas emissions (Lamb et al. 2020). An ternative solution to wind in tackling climate change abundance ofscientific evidence has shown that anthro- (Green Oceans WhitePaper" 2023, 9; Green Oceans pogenic climate change is caused by the combustion of "Green Oceans Wind Presentation" 2023, Slide 13). Nat- fossil: fuels. Even comparatively "cleaner" fossil fuels like ural gas burns more efficiently than coal, but science natural gas produce significant amounts ofcarbon diox- shows that when considering the whole lifecycle ofr nat- ide and methane. The latter has accounted for roughly ural gas, iti is not much better than coal, largely because 30 percent of global warming since pre-industrial times of methane leaks (Kusnetz 2020). Natural gas is often (U.S. EIA 2022 "Natural Gas Explained"; UNEP 2021). branded as the "bridge fuel" between fossil fuels and Ifwea aret toj prevent the worst impacts ofc climate change, renewable energy. However, research shows that this we must decarbonize our energy system and transition argument is deeply flawed because warming from car- tor renewable energy sources. Moving forward requires bon dioxide and methane emissions from natural gas us to recognize that fossil fuels are the problem, not the production, transmission, and combustion is compara-  example, the American Petroleum Institute has fun- "clean" fuel (Cook 2020).  neled tensofmillions ofdollars into advertisements that  Green Oceans falls into the trap of fossil fuel solu-  solution.  ble to that of other fossil fuels (Borunda 2020). Because our target is net zero, natural gas is a major impedi- ment to achieving that goal (Veysey et al. 2019). Green  Example: Natural Gas.  In their white paper, Green Oceans (2023) presents Oceans appeals to fossil fuel solutions that will merely transitioning from coal to natural gas as an alternative contribute to climate change, and cannot be seen as val- to offshore wind, stating: Immediately converting coal id alternatives to wind energy. The group ignores the plants in the US to natural gas would save 500,000,000 abundance of science on the harms of natural gas, and metric tons of CO2 every year, 100 times the amount thereby, applies the rhetorical strategy of cherry-pick- ofCO2 that Revolution Wind will save during its entire ing, specifically slothful induction, to support their projected 20-year lifespan [133, Figure 1)... Coal-gen- claims that natural gas is an effective alternative to off-  erated electricity emits 100% more CO2 per MW than shore wind (Cook2020).  natural gas. Although NG presents another set of envi- ronmental concerns [134), an immediate transition to NG would significantly reduce CO2and, unlike offshore wind, would combat climate change during this critical decade," (Green Oceans WhitePaper" 2023,9). Contrary to this claim, transitioning from coal to natural gas would not provide any greenhouse gas sav- ings for Rhode Island, as it is one oft the only U.S. states that does not burn coal (U.S. EIA 2022 "Rhode Island State Energy Profile"). In 2021, Rhode Island's electric- ity net generation from natural gas reached the larg- est share of any state, making up 87% of total electric generation (U.S. EIA 2022 "Rhode Island State Energy Profile"). In 2020, natural gas created 5.3 million met- ric tons of carbon dioxide emissions in Rhode Island,  Logical Fallacies X Arguments wheret the conclusion doesn'tl logically follow from the premises, Alsol knowna asar non sequitur. Red Herring Deliberately diverting attention to ani irrelevant pointt to distract from ar more important point.  Cherry-Picking  Carefully selecting data that appear to confirm one position while ignoring other data that contradicts that position. Slothful Induction  Ignoring relevante evidence when comingt toad conclusion.  14    Networks of Misinformation:  Contextudlizing Green Oceans' Campaign  Although this report focuses on Green Oceans, iti is important to note that the group's emergence is not an isolatedincident. Rather, itisoned casei in: arecent wave of local groups and national think tanks working together to block offshore wind projects and renewables siting more broadly (Peters 2023; Atkin and Thomas 2022; Simon 2022; Pang 2021). While the extent of Green Oceans' connection to other obstructionist organiza- tionsi isi not yet well understood, iti is clear that the group is part ofa very vocal international network that attacks renewable energy deployment, circulates talking points yers, lobbyists, advisors and donors (Atkin and Thomas 2022). Thej point is not to cast guilt by association--itis to contextualize Green Oceans in this web of deceit and obstruction of climate action. While direct efforts may be funded by its own members, Green Oceans' advoca- cyi isi informed by groups with aligned missions, such as other anti-wind groups in the Northeast and fossil fuel and dark money-funded think tanks in' Texas, Delaware and Illinois. That is, Green Oceans is receiving an "in- formation subsidy" from these groups. Green Oceans' arguments are not madei in isolation; the group echos strategies employed by organizations in the anti-renewable policy sphere on the national stage, such as the Texas Public Policy Foundation (TPPF), and gas industry that spreads tactics and tive and distorted information to block wind projects Green Oceans' focus on the endangered North At- lantic Right Whale is shared by' TPPFa and the Heartland Institute, an Illinois-based think tank at the center of the U.S. climate denial movement (Henneke 2022; Tay- lor et al. 2022; DeSmog n.d. "The Heartland Institute"; Worth 2018). Fox News host Tucker Carlson has aired as series of segments that highlight unproven threats to whale populations (MacDonald 2023; Walsh 2023).. Ac- cording to NOAA and the Marine Mammal Commis- sion, there is no evidence that offshore wind construc- tion leads to whale deaths (Tully and Choi-Schagrin 2023). Human-caused incidents related to whale deaths glements (Marine Mammal Commission 2023; Moore  CALLSTOSTOP OFFSHORE WIND WORK ASDEAD WHALES KEEP WASHING ASHORE TUCKER CARLSONE TONIGHT Sourcec Carlson. 2023vial Fox News and whale deaths on "Tucker Carlson' Tonight.  NEWS FOX  rooted in misinformation, and sometimes shares law- Tucker Carlsona and Meghan Lapp discuss offshore wind turbines  Souice:  a Texas-based nonprofit financed in part by the oil Members of. ACKRATS and Caesar Rodney's David Stevenson  presenting together against offshore wind in front of the Massa-  highly nega-  chusetts Statel House in 2021.  (Gelles 2022).  Spiro2023  are] primarily caused by vessel strikes and: fishing entan- The same ACKRATS member attended the most recent educa-  tional event on offshore wind in Little Compton, Rhode Island  which took place on March 20, 2023.  2023).  15    Many other Green Oceans talking points can be tanks, and media outlets create, diffuse, and amplifya an- found across the conservative media landscape and ti-wind arguments, many of which are sensationalized other anti-offshore wind groups, especially in argu- or simply untrue. Some core. members of this network ments about the environmental impact of turbine have received funding from the fossil fuel industry. construction. In 2017, Heartland indicated that there Understanding this network and what motivates their should be great concern about carbon emissions from misinformation is essential to advance the climate ini- turbine construction (Burnett 2017). The Washington, tiatives that science tells us are. needed now. A revealing D.C.-based Heritage Foundation made the same claim part of that effort should be close observation of their in 2020 (Furchtgott-Roth 2022). That year, Heartland tactics and discourses of climate misinformation and  also published a paper claiming that the metals needed delay. for turbines would contribute to unimaginable" envi- ronmental harm- nearly identical rhetoric to testimony in 2021 by Heartland, Heritage, and the Manhattan In- stitute; the last organization is a New York-based think tankl linked tot the coalindustry that continuest toj publish climate denial (Driessen 2020; Lewis et al. 2011; Green etal. 2023;Lesser 2023). Interplay between news outlets and think tanks creates a media ecosystem that allows locally-run anti-offshore wind groups to tap into a wide array ofa alarming articles, papers, andj public comments regardless ofv whether their claims are. rooted in truth. Green Oceans shares many of the same spaces as national anti-wind groups. Green Oceans' writings have immediately been republished by anti-wind groups far beyond Rhode Island. Wind Watch, an online publi- cation that circulates misinformation and conspiracy theories about wind power, republishes Green Oceans' content (Knight et al. 2023). Green Oceans is a mem- ber group of Save Right Whales, a coalition led in part by prominent climate obstructionist Michael Shellen- berger and whose membership includes Nantucket Residents Against Turbines (ACKRATS). ACKRATS: is as similar anti-offshore wind organization, which held a joint press conference at the Massachusetts statehouse in 2021 with David Stevenson, co-director oft the Dela- ware-based Caesar Rodney Institute (CRI) (Save Right Whales n.d.; DeSmog n.d. "Michael Shellenberger"; Mohl 2021). CRIisa ai fossil fuel-funded! libertarian think tank whichl has seeded offshore wind opposition up and down the East Coast. At the time, Stevenson was coor- dinatinga a fundraising effort for anti-offshore wind law- suits backed byat trio of climate denial thinkt tanks based in North Carolina, Michigan, and Virginia (Mohl 2021; OcanlegalDetense.0rg n.d. "American Coalition for Ocean Protection: Background"; Brulle et al. 2021). Green Oceans is al local organization, buti it does not exist in a vacuum. The group's arguments and strategies are informed by a nationwide effort to oppose offshore wind through obstructionist tactics and misinforma- tion. This network oflocal groups, corporations, think  16    References  AECOM (Architecture, Engineering, Construction, Operations, and Management). 2017. Evaluating Benefits of Offshore Wind Energy Projects in NEPA. US. Dept. ofthe Interior, Bureau ofOcean. Energy. Management, 2017. htps/rwwboemgovaites/Acnuitnesemircmmetalstcsardanp/Enyioamemua-Slude/Renew- Akdemir, Kerem Ziya, Jordan D. Kern, and Jonathan Lamontagne. 2022. 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PBS, November: 2, 2018. htps/wwgphsorg/wbh/frontineatideinshift.ksy-dlimatedemilitgromp.eartamlinstitute-pivats-to-policy.  0013935121000487via93Dihub,  newporbuz.com/christap-vmhopnespor-buz-22143L  27    4/12/23, 10:41AM  Brown Report Claims Anti-Wind Group Uses Deceit, Delay, Deniala and  to Sabotage Crucial Renewable Energy- ecoR...  EIED  ARIB  2023  In Brief  EPA Proposes Air Permit for Construction ofRevolution Wind Project/Annual ILand, Water Summit to Bring  Together Conservation Organizations  Skip to content PLogo  Sections X Close  Visit us on YouTube  Visit us on' Twitter  Topics  AFrank Take Aquaculture & Fisheries Blab Lab Podcast Climate & Social, Justice Climate Crisis Energy. 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Make a one time donation  Makeamonthly.d donation - Become a Sponsor -  Energy  Brown Report Claims Anti-Wind Group Uses Deceit, Delay, Denial  and Chicanery to Sabotage Crucial Renewable Energy Green Oceans' persuasion methods echo those ofnational climate change deniers  By Mary Lhowe/ecoRI News contributor  April 11, 2023 Share  f  A1 new report by the Brown University Climate and Development Lab examines the disinformation used by Green Green Oceans, a Little Compton, R.I.-based citizens group that lobbies against offshore wind projects, bases its arguments on techniques of disinformation skewed and cherry-picked facts, obstruction, denial, delay, fake experts, conspiracy theories, and logical fallacies that are taken directly from the playbook oft national climate ie/iC.Userah.ookApDalaloalMieoaoawinoowafhatCacha.Comemn.0utioN22UVPDZPPBrown Report Claims Anti-Wind Group Uses Decei... 3/10  Oceans to argue against offshore wind. (istock)  change denial organizations and obstructionists funded by the fossil fuel industry.    4/12/23, 10:41AM  Brown Report Claims, Anti-Wind Group Uses Deceit, Delay, Denial and Chicanery to Sabotage Crucial Renewable Energy- ecoR...  That's the conclusion ofa 22-page report by the Climate and Development Lab at] Brown University. The Lab: released the report today under the formal title "Discourses of Climate Delay in the Campaign Against Offshore Wind: A Case Study from Rhode Island." Climate Jobs Rhode Island collaborated on the report. The report opens by restating the urgency of global warming, which threatens Rhode Island with deadly high temperatures and coastal flooding. It states, "Rhode Island needs toi rapidly transition to renewable energy and eliminate its dependency on fossil fuels," and calls offshore wind "the most viable renewable technology to meet J.3 Timmons Roberts, professor of environmental studies and of environment and society and sociology at. Brown University, said, "For) Rhode Island to do its share in: fighting climate change, offshore wind is the most viable and abundant resource we. have. There has been a decade of planning and negotiation and biological studies, and now it is time to get building because we are already behind if we want to save al livable future for our children." Itt then launches into 16j pages, followed by references, of scathing analysis about the ways Green Oceans replicates the disinformation methods used by oil industry-funded think tanks such as the Texas Public Policy Foundation and the Caesar Rodney Institute. The anti-wind rhetoric oft these groups "often disguises itselfas Green Oceans members say they fear the environmental consequences of building hundreds ofv wind turbines on the Outer Continental Shelf, but the report says the group is using arguments designed, ultimately, to keep the The report emphasizes the need "to understand the . networks ofi mis/disinformation that are seeking to obstruct. :. renewable energy, as a strategy to maintain fossil fuels as a dominant energy (and profit) resource." Green Oceans was founded last December and some ofits core: members own property in seaside Little Compton. It has promoted its anti-offshore wind views through newspaper opinion pieces, public forums, a PowerPoint presentation, and a white paper. Ithas focused its opposition on Revolution Wind, which expects to receive final permission this summer to build up to 100 wind turbines off the southeasterly coast of] Rhode Roberts said, "Iti is important for people to have their own perspective about whether they want energy infrastructure in their neighborhoods, but they don't get to make up their own facts." ecoRI News asked Green Oceans on April 11 to read the Brown University report and offer its reactions and rebuttals. Elizabeth Knight, the main spokesperson for the group, said no one would be available today to speak to ai reporter about the: report. She said, "It is too bad they are: focusing on 'technique' as opposed to addressing the actual issues about which we are concerned. That sadly diverts the conversation away from facts and the  our state's energy demands."  pro-enyironmental, the report notes.  fossil fuel industry rich.  Island.  truth and squanders the effort to actually try to do the right thing."  The Discourses of Climate Delay' framework. (Brown University)  The first framework is] Discourses ofClimate Dalay/lambetal.2020, which offers four categories of obstructionism - three of which are heavily used by Green Oceans - and includes several specific examples The first category, Emphasize the Downsides,' ," presents the costs ofmitigating climate change, such as harms tos sea life, as worse than the costs of doing nothing. "Redirect Responsibility" implies that others but not the historically biggest polluters, like the United States should take the lead in solving climate change. The third category, "Push Non-Transformative Solutions," refers to rejecting wind power in favor oft technologies that are not viable: now, such as hydrogen and fusion, and those that are: not welcome in peoples' backyards, like nuclear. le.IC/Usersh.oowApDataloa.Migpapeotwinoows/haCaeCacehaComemt0utow22UVPDZPBrown. Report Claims Anti-Wind Group Uses Decei... 4/10  that apply to Green Oceans' communications.    4/12/23, 10:41 AM  Brown Report Claims Anti-Wind Group Uses Deceit, Delay, Denial and Chicanery to Sabotage Crucial Renewable Energy- ecoR...  The second framework, named FLICC(Cook: 2020). describes five techniques of science disinformation and The five techniques are fake experts, spokespeople who convey the impression of expertise on a topic when they have none; logical fallacies, which occur in arguments where the starting assumptions do: not logically lead tot the conclusion; impossible expectations, described as unrealistic or unattainable standards of scientific proof; cherry-picking, meaning selectively choosing data that lead to a conclusion different from the conclusion from all available data; and, finally, conspiracy theories, or suggestions of secret plans to implement nefarious The Brown report gives several examples of Green Oceans' arguments against offshore wind and shows how the  gives examples ofhow these are used by Green Oceans.  schemes.  arguments track with the disinformation techniques of"Discourses" and "FLICC."  Emphasize the Downsides/Policy Perfectionism  CO2 Emissions: Green Oceans says wind turbine structures would provide habitat for invasive filter feeders that eat phytoplankton and release CO2. The Brown report says this example of policy perfectionism portrays offshore wind as imperfect technology with hidden forms ofharm, thus introducing doubt and distraction, and encouraging inaction. Here, Green Oceans is using "blowfishing" focusing on an inconsequential aspect of scientific research, blowing it out of proportion to distract or cast doubt to exaggerate the scale ofi filter-feeder emissions. The report says various studies show the life-cycle emissions of offshore wind facilities at about 61 to 13 pounds ofCO2 per kilowatt-hour (kWh), whereas natural gas-fueled electricity generation releases about 500 pounds per kWh, making wind energy nearly 50 times better for the climate. (Techniques used: logical fallacies  and blowfishing).  The FLICC' framework. (Brown University)  Endangered Species: Green Oceans claims offshore wind would threaten the North Atlantic right whale and other species, partly due to acoustic soundings on the seafloor to determine locations for turbines. The report says Green Oceans cited two "highly speculative" articles to claim dangers ofwind facilities, one oft them published by the Committee for a Constructive Tomorrow, which denied the existence ofhuman-caused climate change until 2016 and received substantial funding from ExxonMobil, Peabody Energy, and the Charles Koch Foundation. The second article included false claims about offshore wind's harms to: marine mammals that were later debunked by scientists from the federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) and oceanographers at the University of Rhode Island. The National Oceanic and. Atmospheric Administration supports wind energy while saying that continued data collection about ocean life impacts is needed and ongoing. NOAA also recently issued a final opinion that said an offshore wind project near New. Jersey was likely to adversely affect, but not jeopardize, sea life, include right whales. Also, according to NOAA: and the Marine Mammal Commission, there is no evidence that offshore wind construction leads to whale deaths. (Techniques: fake experts, conspiracy theory, cherry-picking, logical fallacies, blowfishing, and  misrepresentation). Appeal to Social Justice  Jobs and Economic Development: In its PowerPoint, Green Oceans said Revolution Wind would create 800 to 1,200 jobs for two years and 50 permanent jobs, but it dropped the mention of8 800 to 1,200 jobs from its white paper. Orsted, co-developer of Revolution Wind, said the project would create 1,660 construction jobs and thousands ofo other "indirect or induced jobs." Climate Jobs Rhode Island, working with Cornell University, has predicted tens oft thousands of new. jobs for Rhode Island ift the state installs 3,000 megawatts of wind power by 2040. Revolution Wind: is designed toj produce 700 megawatts; other offshore wind projects are in planning stages. (Techniques: cherry-picking and "slothful induction, " defined as ignoring relevant evidence when  coming to a conclusion).  e.lIC/Usem.h.cOokApDalalocalMieoeotwinoowa/NetCache-Conemni0ulow22UVPD2PPBrown Report Claims Anti-Wind Group Uses Decei... 5/10    4/12/23, 10:41A AM  Brown Report Claims Anti-Wind Group Uses! Deceit, Delay, Denial and Chicaneryt to Sabotage Crucial Renewable Energy- ecoR...  Impact on Fishing: NOAA and BOEM have strongly asserted that research on the impacts of offshore wind on ecosystems must continue, in collaboration with the fishing industry. Green Oceans, the report says, "focuses on specific studies without contextualizing larger efforts to understand the issue." Green Oceans also fails to acknowledge how warming waters and ocean acidification caused by climate change are harming fish and other sea life. Green Oceans also claims that "wind farms can increase water and airt temperatures : rising ambient temperatures can affect fish larvae." However, the report says, "the article the group cites to support this Green Oceans argues that toxic heavy metals coating turbine towers would contaminate the ocean, but the very detailed Construction and Operation Plan for Revolution Wind makes no mention ofheavy metals in coatings. Conversely Orsted, the co-developer of] Revolution Wind, presents ways to mitigate environmental harm during construction with methods like bubble curtains, noise mitigation screens, hydro sound dampers, and suction bucket jackets. Orsted is funding research on environmental impacts and best mitigation practices by New England. Aquarium and Inspire Environmental. The report says, Green Oceans ignore these efforts and "fails to acknowledge information published by developers and regulators that describes their efforts to minimize infrastructure impacts on marine ecosystems."  (Techniques: logical fallacies, misrepresentation, cherry-picking,  argument makes no reference to offshore wind development."  slothful induction).  Redirect Responsibility/whataboutism  Offsetting Carbon Emissions: Green Oceans says Rhode Island can offset only the amount of CO2 that it emits, which is the second lowest ofany state. The report says this is false. Rhode Island is part ofal New England-wide electricity grid, and the 4001 MW of6 electricity it intends tol buy from Revolution Wind would account for 40% oft the state's anticipated 2030 electricity demand. In an example of"whataboutism," Green Oceans says other countries and states produce more greenhouse gas emissions than Rhode Island, sO those have The Brown report says, "Rhode Island is complicit in the climate crisis and its size. : is not an excuse for inaction." ? Viewed globally, between 2000 and 2019, Rhode Island produced an average of1 10 tons of energy- related CO2 emissions per person, which was double the global average over the same period. Green Oceans' attempt to portray the state's emissions as insignificant is a red herring. or logical fallacy - that overemphasizes one point the state's small size - to distract from the larger issue of global climate change.  greater responsibility for the problem of global warming.  (Technique: logical fallacies, red herring).  Push Non-Transformatiye solations/tecnologca. Optimism  Fusion: Green Oceans suggests nuclear fusion as an alternative to offshore wind, even as it acknowledges that this technology is a decade or more from commercial feasibility. Technological optimism" is used here to offer ate technology that does not yet exist as superior to one offshore wind power - that has been commercially available for 30 years. Also, Green Oceans cites a 2022 New York Times article that discussed nuclear fusion, but The Times said this was not a viable option in the near: future. The Brown: report says, "Green Oceans cherry-picks information from this article and ignores relevant evidence in order to present a false conclusion -a textbook example ofs slothful induction." (Techniques: cherry-picking, wishful thinking). Dismissing Current Wind Technologies: Green Oceans says the electrical output of offshore wind projects, specifically Revolution Wind, would not significantly offset greenhouse gas emissions. "Here, Green Oceans deploys the discourse of'oversimplification' by drawing conclusions . based only on the minimum requirements," the report says. Discussing technical and economic costs of offshore wind, Green Oceans cited the Manhattan Institute, a think tank connected to the fossil fuel industry that published climate denial statements as recently as last month. (Techniques: logical fallacies, oversimplification, fake experts).  Fossil Fuel Solutionism  ie.IC/User.h.cookAppDalaloalMiepaonwindoww/NetCAchaComemni0utow22UVPDZPPBrown Report Claims. Anti-Wind Group Uses Decei... 6/10    4/12/23, 10:41AM  Brown Report Claims Anti-Wind Group Uses Deceit, Delay, Denial and Chicanery to Sabotage Crucial Renewable Energy- ecoR...  Natural Gas: Green Oceans suggests immediately converting coal plants in the U.S. to natural gas." The Brown report notes Rhode Island does not burn coal, and that natural gas accounted in 2021 for 87% oft the state's total electrical generation. In 2020, natural gas created 5.3 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions in Rhode Island, for 54% oft the state'st total CO2 emissions. Introducing coal into discussion about reducing emissions in Rhode Island is ai red herring, the report says, deployed to distract from the fact that natural gas is not a "clean" fuel. "Warming from carbon dioxide and methane emissions from natural gas production, transmission and combustion is comparable to that ofc other fossil fuels," the report states, adding that Green Oceans "ignores the abundance of science on the harms of natural gas." (Techniques: logical  fallacies, red herring, cherry-picking).  The Brown: report concludes by saying Green Oceans isi not an isolated phenomenon, but, in fact, part ofa "very vocal international network that attacks renewable energy development, circulates talking points rooted in misinformation, and sometimes shares lawyers, lobbyists advisors and donors" in a' "web of deceit and  obstruction of climate action." Categories Energy.  Join the Discussion View Comments  Recent Comments  1.  Greg Gerritt says:  April11,2023: at 4:41pm  These folks are oil company shills, bought and sold. Sell their souls for 30 shekels ofs silver. And havea very loose relationship with the truth. Their science is bogus. Exxon knew, how come they do not. Their whale adventures are fantasy. When asked for data they have none. Their experts are phony. Atrecent public hearings they were overwhelmed by real data. Government agencies and public forums have to stop letting therm stall progress, They have been heard. The data does not support their conclusions. They offer no actual solutions. Ijust had to blast their comrades on the bottler bill. Obstruction, always claiming a better way, but we all the plastic industry and all the r3elated bottle industries have offered. zero actual solutions to the the RI legislature in 40 years. 40 years of1 lies, it is time to stop listening.  Reply. Leave a Reply  Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *  Comment. Name*  ellC/Usersh.ookApDaluloalMieosatwinoowe/NeCachaComtent0utow22UVPDZPBiown Report Claims. Anti-Wind Group Uses Decei... 7/10    4/12/23, 10:41 AM Email*  Brown Report Claims Anti-Wind Group Uses Deceit, Delay, Denial and Chicanery to Sabotage Crucial Renewable Energy. ecoR...  Save my name and email in this browser for the next time I comment  Post Comment Related Stories  Energy Brown Report Claims Anti-Wind Group Uses Deceit, Delay, Denial land Chicanery to Sabotage  Crucial Renewable Energy.  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Report Claims Anti-Wind Group Uses Dec... 10/10    OB-5  RECEIVED APR 072023  Heather Cook From: Sent: To: Subject:  Carol Wordell Friday, April 7,2023 7:37 AM Heather Cook FW: Underground electricity cabling  From: paugilifordeyahoo.com malepigitoneplooe Sent: Thursday, Apri6,2023639PM To: Robert Mushen mmusnen@ittiecomptonr.org Subject: RE: Underground electricity cabling  Cc: Tony7 Teixeira taeneleompomiorp? Carol Wordell olellsompbmiop, Andrew Moore <Andrewmoorewilder@gmail.com>; GaryMataronas- <lobster2@cox.neb; Patrick McHugh' patneemchugheroxneb, Paul Golembeske ampindc@gmail.com)>  Bob,  Just back from visit to UK where wev were with ourr new grandson. So,l was unable to attend the council meetingi in Ijust wantt tos stresst thati see little prospect of this happeningi ifl Little Compton goes ita alone. Asl Isee it, we cank bea catalysti for change anda action ont this subject. Buti itv willl have to! be masterminded atal higher administrative level. watched the clean up oft thea accident on West Main Road where a car yesterday took outa a pole. First, multiple vehicles and teams from NE Energy weret therei followed by vehicles from Verizon and Cox. Therei isag great deal of To myk knowledge, the utilities regulatory model inF Rlisas standard USI model. Thel RI Public Utilities Commission approve electricity rates." To dot this the utility( NE Energy int this case) is promised al longish term' reasonable" profit. To arrive att this profitl level, NEE Energy must sharei information abouti its costs (capitali investment ando operating costs). Thisi int theory provides the Commission with some power to question org guide the NEI Energy'sk business strategy including! howi ito deals with thei investment required tor maintaini they poles system. With climate change the issues with un-buried cables are! bound tol become more acute. Ifwec can! builds some consensus att the political level in RI (Michelle McGaw and others?) andy with that put pressure ont the Commission, therer may be a way forward. IFNE Energy find it usefult tot take onl boardt the idea of burying cables, the others who uset the poles (Verizon and Cox) woulda also) jump on! board, thus defraying the costs. Therer may also be Federal money available for burying cables. Rather than taking anecdotes from Warren's Point (smalls scale, no economies ofs scale) the better path forward ist to forcel NE Energyt to dos somes serious long-term cost-benefit: analysis, sot that we dor not blindly and passivelys sit here absorbing the growing cost ofp pole maintenance, which ultimately willo come out ofc our pockets as consumers. Can we get NE Energyt to engage withl LCC Council ont thisi issue (hopefully better than what we got from National Grid!) Iny watching the video oft thet towno councilt meeting, Iwas rather disappointed att the lack ofab bolds spirit tot tacklet this question. Ves, thei trench hast tol be wider. But howi isi itt that other advanced nations chose tol buryt their cables? Perhaps our issue ist that we were early pioneers, and we are: stuck with and old mindset, andi the cost ofo catch upt to Let's think biga and! bold. Putting the poles underground not only deals witht the growing threat to our basic infrastructure inc coming decades, but also provides better road: safety (wei insisto on putting roadside metal barriers beside small ponds but not do that next to each pole): andi finally itr makes our landscape more beautiful. Does that  whichy youy very! kindlyr raised myl letter.  fixed capitali investment: and operating costs tied upi in maintaining our poles.  Moreover, burying cables willl be: a good employment creator.  boot.  not sound good? Cheers Paul  From: Paul Clifford auRalfordelahoo.om Sent: Monday, January 2, 20236 6:20AM To: Robert Mushen muhnelitisomstomar  Cc: Tony Teixeira telanelisomptomierp: Carol Wordell coalelitsomptomdo Andrew Moore        andrewmoorewilder@gmal.com>; Gary Mataronas <lobster2@coxnet>; Patrick McHugh pattemchupherosneP; Paul Golembeske ampinctc@gmal.com)  Subject: Re: Underground electricity cabling Thanksf for the response. Ishould have added that  Bob  Ifelectricity goes underground, thei fixedl linep phone ande entertainment cable would have tof followi it underground, As forf funding for a gutsyt towny wide approach (rather thana more timidp pilot) ist theret the option of raisingf funds  with their contribution tot the capexi further defraying the cost tot the end user.  througha a municipal bond (muni)? Hope we cant thinkb boldly Happy New' Year Cheers Paul  Sent from my iPhone  On Dec 26, 2022, at: 1:28 PM, Robert Mushen muhnelitieomptomare wrote:  Paul, that effort.  Thanks fory your timely email. Asy you know, wea are refitting the Town! Hall. Part oft that project involves burying the power supply fromi the Commons. We expectt tol learn a number of! lessons from  This item will bei included on ai future agenda.  Robert Mushen Town Council President 401.635.4529  From: paukelford@yahoo.om miloigiftoreratooen Sent: Saturday, December: 24,2 20226:39PM To: Robert Mushen mustmnelitisomtomar Cc: Andrew! Moore tmsttSiaNPA patrckmchugheroxner Subject: Underground electricity cabling Dear President Mushen (andf formally tot the' Town Council) Ihopey you aree enjoying a peaceful Christmas!  There: are plenty oft things we couldf focus oni in 2023. Basedo on conversations with random strangers around town, would: say that there! is strongi interest in putting our electricityi infrastructure underground. There is: strong awareness that the more extreme weather we now experience, and will increasingly experience duet tos global climate change, makes this is allt the more urgent. Our utility Rhodel Island Energy Electricity invests heavilyi inl large fleets of vehicles (ands staff) not only tog get power back on aftera a weather event! but also tot triml backt trees aroundt the poles and lines. Without the prospect of underground cabling, that capital investment willl have tob be ongoing and An alternative visioni for the medium term ist underground cabling. Notj justr making our town more beautiful but also more: secure int terms ofp power supply( (quite importanti Iwoulds suggest). Ithink we needi tof focus ont the cost-benefit. To quote a recent article) Whyunderground cables area Underground cable] lines have many advantages and benefits over overhead lines and are gaining momentum for safety, reliability and cost effectiveness. Itisi interesting to  substantial. That will come out of our pockets.  better long-term choice for utilities (power-grid.com):  2        look att thet total cost of ownership: CAPEX (cost of purchasing supplies, civil works, installations) + OPEX maintenance, dissipated losses). Underground cables systems are often more expensive in CAPEX (overhead lines are bare conductors, while insulated conductors need morei rawi materials and manufacturing processes). Undergrounding: needs more civil works (trenching) whilet tower or pylons need "However, the: right of way- which depends on the local regulation - is often cheaper for underground. systems andt thei required corridor isi narrower by ai factor of aboutt ten. Underground systems need very little maintenance as the insulation is extruded plastic (aj passive component). Therei is noi fluid under pressure or potential leak. Overhead lines on the other handi need monitoring andi maintenance toj prevent from corrosion (frequent painting of the metals supports) andi require maintenance against weather hazards (lightning impact, storms, icing, sticky snow). Studies also shows that dissipated losses due tol heating by Joule effect are lower: for underground cables due to use of pure copper and aluminum, while alloys of aluminum and steel are required for  foundations and tracks for access."  mechanical strength oft the overhead bare conductors." Thei issue, ofo course, willl be whoi foots thel bill. My suggestions are:  1. Start with a piloti inl LC ands see ifwe can get people onl board. Why not part ofV West Main 2. Find co-funding which couldr mean contributions tot the capital cost from a) Feds, b)s State, c) Oure electricity utility, d) Cablef firmst thata also use the poles. e) we residents. One small wrinkle: here! 5GI mobile telephony relies onr relay stations on oure electricity poles (youd can see such5 5G signal boosters on poles just before Pardon Gray approaching from LC). That constraint on! 5G has to dov withy what band widths are available (provided) int the US. With 6G1 thatr may change.  Roadf for example  Ina any case, the! 5G provider can! handle it, finda a worka around)  Asar nexts step:  3. Your may recallt that before Covid-19, our electricity utilitys gave a presentations tot the LCt town councila andi ini it, after unrelenting pressure from multiple voices, promised to urgently provide insight into whatt they said was a longt term strategica assessment oft underground cabling. Based on whati havel heardf from Andrew, they! have engaged wells since then. BUT theyl have still not come back to ust tos share their strategic vision on underground cabling.  PLEASE could we get themt to engage ont this bigi issue.  Best wishes fora a great 2023  Paul Paul G. Clifford 146' West Main Road Little Compton RI02837 2025 5689 9532  3        NBI  LITTLE COMPTON. POLICE DEPARTMENT  E COMPIO  60 Simmons Road Little Compton, RI 02837 Phone 401-635-2311 Fax 401-635-8782  APR.1.7.2003  RECEIVED  Scott N. Raynes Chief of Police  April 17,2023  Honorable Town Council Little Compton Town Hall 40 Commons Little Compton, RI 02837  Honorable Town Council members,  Iam writing to request permission to reopen two separate application processes for the Little Compton Police Department. We had previously run an application process for both the police officer position and the part-time public safety dispatcher. Wei received only three applications on the police side and no applications for the part-time dispatcher Iwould like to run both positions for an additional 30 days beginning on Monday. April 24  position.  and concluding on Tuesday May 23, 2023.  Thank you in advance. Respectfully,  BMAPPD? Scott N. Raynes ChiefofPolice        NB-3  RECEIYED APR 122023  AMERICAN. LEGION POST: 37 POI BOX 551 LITTLE COMPTON R.I. 02837  April 6, 2023 Little Compton Town Council Town Hall Little Compton, RI02837 Dear Council,  American Legion Post 37 request permission to hold our annual Memorial Day Parade and service on  Monday May 29, 2023 10:00. AM On the Commons. Thank you for your consideration of this matter.  Sincerely.  Bkrafhz Bertrand. A Chretien Adjutant American Legion Post 37 P.O. box 551 Tel: 508-493-6198        NB-3  RECEIVED APR 10 0 2023 Ronald S. Luccio 19 West Main Road Little Compton, RI02837 (617)347-1900  ER  April 5, 2023 Town Council Town Hall 40 Commons Post Office Box 226 Little Compton, RI 02837  RE: Proposed purchase oftown-owned. Lot 001/078  Dear Councilmen:  Iam writing to inquire about purchasing the town-owned lot (identified as Lot 001/078) abutting my property at 19 West Main Road. The lot consists of approximately 5000 square feet, is overgrown, and since 2018 when Ij purchased my: property, ,Ihave never observed anyone using or tending to it. Iam regularly burdened with the need to remove from my property downed tree limbs, leaves, and other yard waste that originate from Lot 001/078. Enclosed please find a map Assuming Lot 001/078 does not have significant use for the town, I would like to purchase it for what I believe would be the current assessed value, $21,700, or a mutually agreed upon amount. IfIowned Lot 001/078 I would have the ability to improve it and minimize the constant debris migrating onto my current property. The sale would also benefit the town by generating income Thank you in advance for your consideration in this matter. Please do not hesitate to contact me  that shows the town's lot ini relation to my property.  once the lot is added to the tax register.  to discuss the situation.  Cne  Ronald S. Luccio Enclosure    Tovon Ovoned, T to want porcnase  property my  30,000  200  10093 5000 94 5000 95 5000 96 5000 400.00 £98-1 a000 00.00  81'00 La 5000 80 5000 79 5000 78 5000 77 5000 76  WAY"s 76 na    RECEIVED APR 112 2023  Mela  NB-4  Town ofLittle Compton Planning Board P.O. Box 226 Little Compton, RI02837  April 7,2023  Tot the honorable Little Compton Town Council:  At the Planning Board's April 4th meeting it reviewed the two items forwarded by the Council to the Board for comment. Both items involve housing andi land development, one from Tiverton and one from The Board's primary recommendation ist that the Council write the State and request removal of the requirement that aj property be deed restricted to the use by someone who meets the State definition for Little Compton is admonished for having the fewest qualifying Affordable units in the State. We believe this is a mischaracteriration ofL Little Compton' 's Affordable Housing. Little Compton has approximately 305 LMI cost-burdened households (220 owned, 85 rented) which far exceeds the 10% requirement. Little Compton has a large older population of people who own their homes and wish to age in place; we have accomplished these results because we: focus on our citizens. The Town organizations, Community Center, Churches, Wellness Center, Food. Bank, Stay at Home, etc. provide transportation, meals, entertainment, financial help and emotional support to over 300 families. None of these households count The planning Board would also recommend that the definition be amended to: recognize the source of funding. All properties funded by the State should be deed restricted for the life oft the property, all properties privately financed should be recognized when the household qualifies. The Town's affordable housing population should be measured annually as a rolling number, decreased by death or relocation Additionally the State's goals should take into account a' Town'si infrastructure and public transportation. Ihave attached previous correspondence and information from the Comprehensive Plan.  Hopkinton. The Council requested the Planning Board's recommendation.  Affordable Housing in order to count toward the Town's 10%1 requirement.  toward the State's 10% goal because their properties are: not deed: restricted.  and increased as people age and take up residence.  Thank you for your consideration. Mike Steers, Chairman Little Compton Planning Board    Begin forwarded message:  From: Tony Teixeira ehcindlsomponone Subject: FW: Affordable Housing deed restriction.docx Date: January 22, 2022 at 3:23:17. PMEST To: sadpimgnealatucer <sen-dipalma@rlegislature.gov> Ce: Robert Mushen musthemdliisompniat, "Mike Steers amster@gmal.com) amster@gmailcom>, Denise Cosgrove dcosgrove/Qlitlecomptonn.org  Afternoon Senator,  We are aware that Low Income and Affordable Housing is an issue being considered at different levels.  Inl Little Compton we are: strugglings somewnat as tol how to address this issue.  Bob, Town Council President, Mike Steers, Planning Board - Chair and Imet to discuss this issue and come up with some: solutions. Ihave included our Tax Assessor Denise Cosgrove in the communication  because she has been part of some discussions.  Attached are some thoughts that Mike Steers composed after the last meeting.  Please review the attachment and let us know if you wish to discuss this further either in-person or via a  teleconference.  Thank you and have a great weekend!  Tony  Autonio (Tony). A. Teixeira Towm,Administrator Toww of Little Compton ikcinsiticongtoaiae (401) 635-8373 - office 401)044-2705-0 cell  From: A Michael Steers malcansemalcen Sent: Friday,.anuary: 21, 20228:29AM Subject: Affordable Housing deed restriction.docx  To: Robert Mushen maweltsmataptwr Teixeira ttexeira@littecomptonr.org>  This is a summary of our thoughts on the subject I did after our meeting.  Mike  Sent from my iPad    Objective:  To amend the definition of affordable housing so that units provided by private funds are exempt Little Compton has 1615 year round homes yielding a target requirement of 162 affordable homes The Low and Moderate Income Housing, 45-53-2. Legislative findings and intent. "Itis further declared to be the purpose of this chapter to provide for housing opportunities for low and moderate income individuals and families in each city and town oft the state and that an equal consideration shall be given to : existing dwellings forl low and moderate income housing... and neighborhoods.  from being deed restricted.  (10%).  "..Little Compton has 220 units LMI cost-burdened households that own their home, and there are  85 LMI cost-burdened homes that are rented for a total of 305 households."  The Town clearly exceeds it's 10% target of 162 units.  However; the State ranks Little Compton as the lowest provider ofl LMI households in the State because only 9 of our units are deed restricted and therefore only 9 households qualify. Little Compton's housing objective is to: Meet the needs of the Town residents for attainable Wel have accomplished these results because we are focused on our citizens and their desire live in The Town organizations, Community Center, Churches, Wellness Center, Stay At Home Organization, etc. provide transportation, meals, entertainment, financial help and emotional support We believe the state should measure the affordable housing population annually as a rolling number. Each year the population changes. It is reduced through relocation or death and grows as  housing and reach the State's minimum 10% LMI housing requirement.  their own homes, and to age in place.  to over 300 families.  new people take up residence and age.    L a bo    NB-5  RECEIVED APR 10 2023  Martina Halsey 2 High Meadow Road Little Compton, RI 02837  April 4, 2023  Little Compton Town Council P.O. Box 226 Little Compton, RI 02837 Dear Town Council Members:  Ir read the recent commentary piece in the Providence Journal - CRMC Decision a Slap in the Face to the Rhode Island Legislature. The opinion piece calls for a full-time CRMC attorney and not a part- time, private attorney. The piece also discussed the problems with the  Champlin's Marina decision by the CRMC. serves as the CRMC attorney, it  Given the fact that the new Town Solicitor in Little Compton also  would  that conflicts will abound.  appear  How  A significant part of Little Compton falls under CRMC jurisdiction. will the new Town Solicitor give a legal opinion that will impact the CRMC,  and that will also impact Little Compton?  Is one of the hidden costs of the appointment of a new solicitor going to result in expensive referrals to conflict counsel? Please address this at  your next meeting.  Thank you,  Martina  22-13  Cc: Sakonnet Times - Letters to the Editor    AOVIDIACEJOURMALCOM I SUNDAY, APRIL: 2, 2023 I 21A :  COMMENTARY  CRMC decision the face to RI  a slap in  legislature  Your Turn Deborah Ruggiero Guest columnist  ment cases should bel heard before al since the CRMChasntalnay.be: politicalyappointed. ablet to especially convenea  andi nott the  council héaringofficer =  Rhodel Island statel law is clear that large-scale: fill- quorum, There. are postponing: anumber.ofleglslators meetings and decisions. ingprojects with: 25 or1 mores acrest fora any! lease oftidal up some of the policy. recomimendations who are taking lands, or license to use those lands" requires General CRMC Study Commission: int the form ofl legislation from the - Last December, the Coastal Resourcès Manage- ney so there's not a conflict ofi interest CRMCattor- ment Council approved the application for transmis- time private attorney; another that with a part- sionlines crucialt tothedemvalopmentafthel Revolution ernor to appoint al hearing offiéer within requires 60 the gov- Wind project, The cables will run under submerged legislationtoc change thei role ofthe councili days; and state waters to Quonset Point traveling. through over clsion-makingbody to one with an advisory fromade- role. last year as we. listened to hundreds ofl hours oftesti-- Court to construction of private residences Suprème against mony. We provided thoughtful and comprehensive; the recommendations ofthe professional staff. long-term and short-term recommendations. 'It The courcil members are should be required reading for every state legislator volunteèrs who are not required politically to have any appointed becausé it's a blueprint for reforming the politically tiseinenvironmentalorcoastalmaiters: Yet, exper- are appointed Coastal Resources Management Council. shaping the future of our state's coastal resources they The Rhode Island legislature ereated the Coastal and impacting communities. Now. Resources Management Counçil as ai résult ofthé1972 donei it. The çouncill has amendedthe: motioni they've recom- really, federal Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA). It'sa ménded byi its staffby removing any General Assem- balancing act, protecting coastal resources with eco- blyo oversight: in approving thel lease oft the seabed ca- nomic, recreational and cultural needs. Rhode. Island blei routes fort thel Revolution* Wind Project. This is the is one, of: 34 states that participate in the CZMA,. ad- public's interest, requiring transparency and over- ministration under U.S. Commerce, Fifty percent of This latest CRMC decision is a slap in the face to CRMC's. budget, $2.5 million, comes from federal the legislature and should finally awaken the The work of the CRMC has changed dramatically vated actions affecting coastal. dèvelopment have over the decades, including implementing the. Act on created plenty of appetite, for CRMC reform among Climate; regulating a growing aquaculture industryin those concerned about our coastal resources. Iti may matpmialmghrcatin, andj permittingoffshore be this affront to the General Assembly's authority The recommendations of the CRMC Study Com- achieves thosereforms; and thise mission included! hiring al hearing officèr, written into will, paradoxically, serve our state egregious well. still has not appointed. a hearing officer to; the CRMC. CamesouAtaletoum, and. chairwoman This' is important bécause permitting and. enforce- CRMC Study Commission.  Assembly approval.  including a bill that calls foraf full-time  3,600acres; well abovet the 25 acres. thatt triggers legis- The CRMC Study Commission did  There have been many flawed decisions politiçally appointed council - from the Champlin's  lative oversight.  by this  yeoman's work" Marina decision overturned by the R.I.  ministered by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Ad- sight.  CZMA grants.  ing giant. Decades of questionable, politically sleep- moti-  wind projects.  and the public's right to accountability that Deborah. Ruggiero is aj former state representative  overreach finally of the  the 2022-2023 state. budget last July. The governor    261 W main Rd LHAla Grphn,RI  Coma-I  02837  ER RECEIVED APR 13 2023  TOWN OF LITTLE COMPTON APPLICATION CHECK LIST Forl NEW, RENEWAL or' TRANSFER  NAME: Trade. Name: Street. Address: Mailing Address: Phone Number: E-mail Address:  Nitro  Corporation/Partnership/ndividual  The  Cart, LLC  The Nitro Bar Minerel  560 11 4ol  Spring Ave fvtucket, R102-860  /1 -932-  11 8440  1/  Sor @ HentrocwA.CoP  Hearing Date for all license renewals: Nevember3,2022  Other. Licenses: Victualing, V Holiday Sales V Entertainment  Video Games LigorLicemse-Clas,  Pinball Machines  Juke Boxes  PoolTables  Please provide copies ofthe following to complete your application:  Department of Health related -  D D D  Most recent water testing Most recent Sanitation inspection All State Food Service Licenses  Misc. documentation: D D D D  Certificate of Good Standing from Secretary of State's Office (corporations)  Copy ofSales, Tax Permit Town Taxes current  Copy ofLitter Control Participation Permit  Liquor License applicants also need: D. BCTauthorization  D D D  Certificate of Insurance (as per RIGL $3-7-29) Proofof Alcohol Server Training Certificate of Good Standing Division ofTaxation)  Compliance with all' Town Codes including Building, Fire and Zoning requirements and any municipal fees (other than taxes) that may be required, make sure. you contact thel Building Official and the Fire Chief for your inspections they must be kept current,  PLEASE RETURN APPLICATIONS BY Oeteber3,2022  Revised. July 2022        Comm-a APRI 17202.  RECEIVED  Heather Cook From: Sent: To: Subject: Attachments:  Joanne Esposito joanneesposito87@gmai.com> Sunday, April 16, 20233:59PM Joanne Esposito South Kingstown 300th Anniversary- Parade Invitation Liability Waiver SK 300th. Anniversary Parade.pdf; Contract for Marching Organizations to SK 300th Parade. June 17, 2023.pdf; Master SK 300th Parade Invitation Flyer.pdf; SK 300th Parade Route Master Map.pdf  You're invited! Dear RI Cities and Town,  The Town of South Kingstown is celebrating it's 300th Anniversary this year and we are planning a festive parade on Saturday, June 17th from 10AM-1 12:30PM - sponsored by the University of Rhode. Island. We would like to invite elected officials from all our Rhode. Island communities toj join us. Please share this with them and any organization in your community that you think might be interested in  performing or participating. Attached, pleasefind: 2) Parade route map - 1.3 miles  1)Parade Invitation flyer registration deadline is May 1st. Please help us spread the word!! 3)1 Liability Waiver Thej point person signs this form to: represent their organization  4) Performance Request Parade Contract - The point person signs this form to represent their organization 5) Registration Link please direct inquiries to the Town's website at uthsngsowmricomaa0o  or they can Register HERE. from 12-4PM  5) Following the parade, join us at the Saugatucket Park for the SK 300th Anniversary Post Parade Picnic  sponsored. by Advanced. Auto. Body We look forward to your participation! Please let me know ifyou have any questions.  The Northeast. Navy Rock Band and a variety of performers will be there.  Best regards from SK! Joanne Esposito 401-714-4677 401-714-4677  Chair, SK 300th Anniversary Steering Committee    N  300 1723-2023  Celebrating the Spirit of South Kingstown!  South Kingstown  300th Anniversary Parade  Invitation to Participate! Floats, Marching Bands/Performers, & More!  10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Saturday, June 17, 2023  A festive 1.3-mile parade route through Wakefield will start at the intersec- tion of School and Holley Streets, then head south on Main Street, turning We invite you to stay and continue the celebration at the SK 300th Post Parade Picnic with live music and food trucks at the Saugatucket Park, 101 To register, and/or volunteer, please visit the 300th webpage at www.southkingstownri.com/sk300 by May 1, 2023.  right on High Street, and concluding at the Town Hall.  High Street, starting after the parade.  Parade Proudly Sponsored by  THE  UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND  2H5/92 PFAPM    s      e B B & & 3    300 1723-2023 ISLI DAKS  SOUTH KINGSTOWN 300H AMMIVERSARYPARADE RETURN within ten days of receiving to: murphy@southkingstownri.com  Participation Contract  Organization Name: Mailing Address: Email Address: Date of event: Time of arrival: Location: Length of parade route: Performance Fee: Check payable to: Waiver of Liability:  Contact Person: Phone Number:  Saturday, June 17,2023 8:00am 1.3 miles  Parking & shuttle information willl be provided at a later date.  Payment willl bes sent within ten business days after the parade.  In consideration of participation in the South Kingstown 300th Anniversary Parade, on behalf of my organization, I herebywaive, release, and discharge anya and all claims for damages, death, personal injury, or property damage which lorr my organization may have, or which hereafter accrue to me or my organization members asar result of my and my organization's participation in this event. This release is intended to discharge in advance the Town of South Kingstown, the Town Council, the 300th Anniversary: Steering Committee, its officers, agents and employees from and against any and all liability arising out of or connected with participation in the Parade. It is understood by signing below I have agreed that this waiver, release and assumption of risk is to be binding on my and my organization  members' heirs, personal representatives, next of kin, spouse, and assigns.  Event Cancellation:  The Town of South Kingstown reserves the right to cancel this performance due to severe weather, or other uncontrollable acts, no less than twenty-four (24) hours prior to the start of the parade. Should this occur, a representative from the Parade Committee will notify the organization contact person noted above. If the event is cancelled, both parties (the organization and the Town) agree that the performance fee will not be paid. The signatures below indicate that the parties have understood and approved of all the conditions stipulated in this contract. The contract may only be revised in writing with unanimous agreement from both parties.  Theresa L. Murphy, Director of Leisure Services South Kingstown Parks and Recreation Organization Authorized Agent  Date  Date  SOUTH KINGSTOWN: 300th ANNIVERSARY: STEERING COMMITTEE  180 High Street, WAKEFIELD, RIC 02879 1A01) 780.0201 avt 2101    300 1723-2023 DAA  SOUTH KINGSTOW/N 3007H ANMIVERSARYPARADE  Event Participation Waiver  Organization Name: Mailing Address: Email Address: Date of event: Time of arrival: Location: Length of parade route: Waiver of Liability:  Contact Person: Phone Number:  Saturday, June 17,2023 8:00am 1.3 miles  Parking & shuttle information will be provided at a later date.  Inc consideration of participation in the South Kingstown 300th Anniversary Parade, on behalf of my organization, I hereby waive, release, and discharge anyand all claims for damages, death, personal injury, or property damage which lor my organization may have, or which hereafter accrue to me or my organization members as a result of my and my organization's participation in this event. This release is intended to discharge in advance the Town of South Kingstown, the Town Council, the 300th Anniversary: Steering Committee, its officers, agents and employees from and against any and all liability arising out of or connected with participation in the Parade. It is understood by signing below I have agreed that this waiver, release and assumption of risk is to be binding on my and my organization  members' heirs, personal representatives, next of kin, spouse, and assigns.  Event Cancellation:  The Town of South Kingstown reserves the right to cancel this performance due to severe weather, or other uncontrollable acts, no less than twenty-four (24) hours prior to the start of the parade. Should this occur, a representative from the Parade Committee will notify the organization contact person noted above. The signature below indicates that the authorized representative understands and approves of the conditions  stipulated herein.  Organization Authorized Agent Signature  Date  Please RETURN within ten days of receiving to Hilding Munson: aptsnupl@verzon.net  SOUTH KINGSTOWN 300th ANNIVERSARY STEERING COMMITTEE  180 High Street, WAKEFIELD, RI 02879 1401) 789-9301 evt 2101    - -  N A: :  ;R  6 i5 Bim E   Ee "3I alul y E  N   4  N8e's - R. 1 8  58  RR896 16, 889 H; a.        35  suoL    & 2 I 00 6 H a  a e C  > A f 3  suOL    RECEIVED APR 17 7023 Comin 3  2022 HOW IS MY CITY OR TOWN DOING? MUNICIPAL RECYCLING, COMPOSTING AND WASTE DIVERSION IN RHODE ISLAND  At Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation (Resource Recovery), we use datai to help Rl's municipalities measure their program's success in at few different ways. On thei following page, you will find Rl's 39 municipalities grouped by program size and type, allowing for at fair comparison of howy your city or town is doing. Perhaps thet fairest wayt to compare your city or town's: success is against itself, year  overy year.  The' Three Categories Are As Follows:  1. Municipalities serving 10,000 households ori more through a curbside collection program. 2. Municipalities serving less than 10,000 households' through a curbside collection program.  3. Municipalities serving households through at transfer station and/or residents have the option to hire a private 1. Tons of Trash Landfilled per Household. Served in Program: This figure expresses how much trash was generated and landfilled by each household the municipality: serves. This figure is notoriously difficult to calculate inr many oft the communities that utilize at transfer station, as households served may be estimated. 2. MRFI Recycling Rate: This is our simplest measure ofr recycling, which divides thei total tons of mixed recyclables (materials placed in your bin/cart at home) sent to Resource Recovery'sMaterials Recycling Facility (MRF) by the total of these tons plus thei tons of trash delivered to Resource! Recovery for landfilling. Resource Recovery automatically collects both oft these numbers when your city ort town's trucks cross our scales. By law, Example: Ifac city brought 301 tons ofrecycling and 70 tons oft trash, then. 30/(30+70): =0 0.3 or3 30% 3. Mandatory) Recycling Rate: This measure builds on the one above, by adding the materials on the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management's (RIDEM). Mandatory Recyclables List. These materials include leaf andy yard waste composted at Resource Recovery or elsewhere as well as clothing/textiles and scrap metal reused or recycled elsewhere. We divide these tons byt theiri total plus the total tons of landfilled trash. Example: Add: 10 tons of mandatory materials to above example = 40/(40+70): = 0.36 or 36% 4. Rate ofOveral!l Material. Diversion, from Landfill: This measure expands on the previous one even more, by adding in all other materials that are diverted from the landfill for reuse or recycling such as books, bulky rigid plastics, cooking oil, electronic waste, food: scraps, (recyclable) mattresses, motor oil & filters, paint, paper shredded at special events and tires. We divide these tons by their total plus thei totali tons ofl landfilled trash. Example: Add 5 tons of other diverted materials to above example = 45/(45+70). = 0.39 or 39% 5. Pounds of Rejected. Recycling per Household. Served ini Program: This figure expresses how much rejected recycling was generated and landfilled by each household the municipality serves, in pounds. Rejected recycling is contaminatedi mixed recycling loads that do not meet minimum quality standards, are not processed in the  trash and recycling hauler.  The Chart Shows Four Different Measures of Success:  all municipal mixed recyclables and trash must be delivered to Resource Recovery.  MRF and aret then landfilled.  The State ofl RI Has Seta a' Two-part Goal forl Its 391 Municipalities:  $23-18.9-1: Beginning. July 1, 2012 every city or townt that enters into a contract with Resource Recovery to dispose of solid waste shall be required to recycle a minimum of thirty-five percent (35%) of its solid waste andi to diverta minimum of fifty percent (50%) of its solid waste. RI municipalities commonly measure these against their Mandatory Visit our website, www.rirrc.org tol learn how to recycle right in your bin/cart, reduce waste, reuse items, compost, recycle special/bulky items and properly dispose of household hazardous waste. Our website also provides information on additional free programs and services we offer to RI residents, businesses, schools and community groups.  Recycling Rate and Overall Material Diversion Rate, respectively.  How Can IHelp My City or Town Improve Its Recycling and Diversion Efforts?  Last updated: 4/14/2023; visit www.rirrc.org for most up-to-date version (published yearly on/before April 1).  [1]    2022 How is My City or Town Doing? Rhode Island Municipal Waste Management Data by Collection Program and Type  Tons ofTrash 0.94 0.87 0.83 0.87 1.66 0.59 0.88 0.97 1.30 0.86 0.97 0.98 0.96 0.83 0.80 1.21 1.05 1.19 1.24 0.61 0.87 1.03 0.79 1.31 0.77 1.06 0.98 0.30 0.81 0.61 0.90 0.64 0.64 N/A 0.61 0.55 0.43 0.56 1.17 1.38 0.72 0.97  MRF 24.6% 22.4% 23.6% 21.5% 11.6% 28.2% 19.1% 11.6% 4.9% 23.9% 21.0% 15.9% 10KL HpbselotasenveuCenisae 25.7% 24.5% 26.3% 22.0% 25.0% 19.9% 21.5% 35.6% 25.7% 22.0% 26.6% 16.2% 23.4% 16.9% 22.9% 27.0% 22.5% 25.5% 30.9% 23.5% 29.3% 9.8% 32.0% 36.2% 35.4% 33.6% 23.1% 22.5% 27.3% 19.1%  Mandatory 32.5% 34.0% 31.0% 55.2% 14.4% 39.3% 28.1% 18.3% 9.3% 49.9% 29.0% 29.4% 50.7% 40.7% 32.7% 23.4% 33.9% 20.5% 28.2% 46.1% 30.7% 24.6% 38.2% 21.9% 33.6% 26.5% 33.0% 42.4% 28.2% 30.2% 39.4% 36.5% 32.8% 21.8% 45.4% 53.9% 38.1% 43.9% 30.1% 27.8% 35.8% 31.1%  Overal 33,1% 34.3% 31.2% 55.5% 14.5% 39.8% 28.4% 18.7% 9.8% 50.2% 30.0% 29.8% 51.3% 41.1% 34.1% 23.7% 34.3% 21.3% 28.7% 46.6% 31.2% 25.3% 38.8% 23.0% 34.2% 27.0% 33.6% 44.0% 31.3% 32.4% 39.8% 38.1% 33.5% 28.7% 45.9% 551% 39.5% 45.0% 32.4% 31.7% 37.8% 31.8%  Pounds ofl Rejected  Municipality Coventry Cranston Cumberland East Providence Johnston Newport North Providence Pawtucket Providence Warwick Woonsocket 10K Curbside AVG. Barrington Bristol Burrillville Central Falls East Greenwich Foster Lincoln Middletown North Smithfield Scituate Smithfield Tiverton Warren West Warwick C <10K CurbsideAVG, Charlestown Exetere Glocestera Jamestowna Little Comptona Narragansett"a New Shoreham North Kingstowna Portsmouth Rchmons/Hopainton-" South Kingstown:sa West Greenwiche Westerly** *e Transfer Station AVG. STATE AVERAGES MRF Recycling Rate  Landfilled per) HH Recycling Rate Recycling Rate Diversion Rate Recycling per HH  10K Households Served Curbside  5 105 31 66 26 0 76 194 569 16 12 100 37 2 5 38 28 7 44 9 15 5 8 19 0 90 22 0 0 1 4 0 4 28) 6 0 4 16 3 5 124  Transfer Station Independent Curbside Collections  Trash Landfilled per HH Total Tons of Trash landfiled/Reported) Number of Households Served Mandatory Recycling Rate Total Tons of Mixed Recyclables + Composted + Clothing+ +Scrap? Metal/Above Numerator +Trash Tons Overall DiversionRate Total Tons of AlIT Materials Kept Out ofl Landfilly /Abovel Numerator +7 Trash7 Tons Rejected Recycling per HH Total Pounds ofF Rejected Recycling/ /F Reported Number of Households Served CWest Warwick nows serves under: 10,000 households andy wasr moved tot thes <1 10K HHS Served Curbside category. aleNumber ofl households: served: aincludes allh households ora allp participating households/ eis ane estimate * South! Kingstown & Narragansett: agreet upony percentage: allocations ofr residential materials from theF Rosel HillF Regional Transfer Station ** Tonnage from materials generated byh Hopkinton residents isi includedi inV Westerly'sf figuresf from: 1/1/22-6/30/22: andi Richmond'st from 7/1/22-12/31/22  Total Tons of Mixed Recyclables IA Above Numerator- +1 Trash Tons  N/A: Data ont ther number ofh households: servedi is unavallable  Last updated: 4/14/2023; visit www.rirrc.org for most up-to-date version (published yearly on/before April 1).  [2]    Heather Cook From: Sent: To: Subject: Attachments:  Coum-4  Carol Wordell Monday, April 10, 20239:23AM Heather Cook Fwd: Rhode Island Human Rights Project RIF Human Rights Day proclamation (1) (1).docx  Get Outlook fori iOS  From: Justin Bibee ustnabecemalsitedi Sent: Monday, April 10, 20238:51:58AM To: Town Council towncounci@litecomptontiorg> Subject: Rhode Island Human Rights Project  Dear Town Council,  My name is. Justin Bibee and Ia am an avid human rights advocate born and raised in Rhode Island. This year, Istarted the Rhode Island Human Rights Project, which strives to establish statewide solidarity fori the promotion and protection of human rights by having every city and town in Rhode Island sign a Human Rights Day proclamation, solidifying December 10 as Human Rights Day in your community and encouraging your community members to advocate for human rights. Attached is a draft of a Human Rights Day proclamation that you can use, Feel free to make any changes you deem necessary.  We will bet the first state in the country that has shown statewide solidarity, making history and encouraging other states to stand upi for human rights. Thus far, five RI municipalities have signed and returned Human Isincerely ask for your; support with the Rhode Island Human Rights Project by signing the Human Rights Day proclamation and sending me a copy that Twill put on our website (which is in the works). Ify you have any questions, please do not hesitatei to contact me. You can learn more about me and my  Rights Day Proclamations, with 9 more municipalities in the works!  human rights work by clicking on my website link below.  In Solidarity, Justin Bibee Justin D. Bibee, Ph.D.(c) www.ustihblbe.com  Returned Peace Corps Volunteer (Morocco 2014-2016)    RECEIVED APR 102 2023  HUMAN RIGHTS DAYPROCLAMATION 2023 Celebrating the UN Declaration ofHuman Rights  Whereas, the United Nations wasi founded: in 1945, and the anniversary oft the day on which the UN General Assemblyadopted the Universal Declaration ofHuman Rightsi in 1948 is observed each year onl December 10; Whereas, Eleanor Roosevelt chaired the UNI Human Rights Commission which was charged with draftingt the Whereas, the United Nations promotes peace and security, development, democracy, economic prosperity, global health, and human rights around the world, and is vital now: more than ever; and Whereas, the United States has a longt tradition ofinternational leadership on human rights andl has shown bipartisan commitment to advancing human rights through ratification oft the International Convention on Civil land: Political Rights; Convention. Against Torture; International Convention on the Elimination ofall forms ofRacial Discrimination; andj pursuingn membership on thel UNI Human Rights Council; and Whereas, a 2022 bipartisan poll revealed that more than eight out oft ten voters sayi iti isi important that the Whereas, the United: Nations has strived to promote the "Stand Upf for Someone's. Human Rights" campaign Whereas, the (City/Town of) is committed to educating and mobilizing our local communities tol builda stronger. network ofglobal citizens and leaders to create: a more prosperous, safe, just, and sustainable world: for Whereas, residents of(City/Town): should! participate in: all activities related tol Human Rights Day;  and  Declaration as well as championed' UNi ideals across thel United States; and  United States maintain an: active role within the UN;and  ofthe Office ofthel UNJ High Commissioner for Human Rights; and  all; and  NOW,THEREFOREI  officially proclaim December 10, 2023as  HUMAN RIGHTS DAY  In witness whereof,Ihave: set: my hand: and caused thes seal of_  tol be affixed on this  dayof  in theyear 2023.  Seal Signature    Consent  Opwn of Gittle Jompton  Joun Hall a.0. ox 326  Gittle Compton, 33 02837  RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN OFLITTLE COMPTON  ARESOLUTION: IN OPPOSITION TO OFFSHORE WIND TURBINES  SITED OFFLITTLE COMPTON  WHEREAS, the Little Compton Town Council supports the development of clean, renewable WHEREAS, the Town Council recognizes the need for: renewable energy infrastructure, including wind power, and has demonstrated support for clean energy through the implementation ofinitiatives including thei installation of solar panels on municipal buildings; WHEREAS, the Town Council has the duty to protect and promote the physical, economic, mental, and emotional well-being oft town residents, and to protect and promote the livelihoods WHEREAS, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) is considering applications from private energy companies to construct offshore wind: facilities in a vital marine habitat beginning 12.9: miles off the coast ofLittle Compton which will include over 100 wind turbines, each nearly 900: feet tall, constructed on 30-40 foot diameter piles driven deep into the seabed; WHEREAS; the construction and operation of the offshore wind facilities will hinder: marine navigation, disturb fish stocks and fishermen, marine environments and habitats, pelagics, groundfish, shellfish, and marine mammals, commercial and recreational boaters, and the myriad WHEREAS, the Town Council believes that the construction and operation oft the proposed wind facilities represent a significant threat to the welfare and livelihoods ofthe citizens, property  energy, including solar power, waste to energy, and geothermal; and  and  oft those who work on and off our shores; and  and  values provided by the ocean; and  owners, and visitors ofLittle Compton;    NOW, THEREFORE, BEI ITI RESOLVED, that the Town Council is opposed to the construction and operation of offshore wind facilities (including the projects surrounding Coxes Ledge, "Revolution Wind," "SouthCoast Wind," "South Fork Wind," and "Sunrise Wind") in the proposed location, a vital marine habitat near the coast ofLittle Compton. AND, BEITFURTHER RESOLVED that copies ofthis resolution be sent to the clerks of all cities and towns in Rhode Island, and to Little Compton's members oft the RI General Assembly, The Speaker oft the RI House ofRepresentatives, President oft the RI Senate, and the Passed as a resolution oft the Little Compton Town Council this 6th day of April, 2023.  Governor ofthe State ofRI.  AMRlE Robert L. Mushen, President Little Compton Town Council  ATTEST Saklwk  Heather. J. Cook,Deputy Town Clerk    Congunt-a  Omun of Gittle Compton  Oown Hall .0. Dnx 226  Gittle Compton, 83 03837  RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN OFI LITTLE COMPTON RESOLUTION OPPOSING SENATE BILL: S-0434  AN ACTRELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES INSPECTION OF MOTOR VEHICLES WHEREAS, the Town ofLittle Compton is ai rural community with no facilities within our WHEREAS, the closest Light Duty and Heavy Duty Rhode. Island inspection station to Little WHEREAS, many ofLittle Compton's: residents rely on1 the convenience and reliability of acquiring an inspection sticker from al local and familiar automotive repair shop which happens WHEREAS, in addition, an important relationship between that shop and our public safety staff has existed for: many years, resulting in prompt and excellent service to our public safety NOW THEREFORE, LET IT BE RESOLVED that the Little Compton Town Council opposes S0434, and its House counterpart, H5034, An Act. Relating to. Motor and Other Vehicles Inspection ofMotor Vehicles, implementation ofv which would strip our local automotive shop of AND, BE. ITI FURTHER RESOLVED that copies oft this resolution be sent to the clerks of all cities and towns in Rhode Island, and to Little Compton's members ofthe RI General Assembly, The Speaker oft the RIJ House of] Representatives, President ofthel RI Senate, and the Passed as ai resolution oft the Little Compton Town Council this 6th day of April, 2023.  borders that offer Light Duty or Heavy Duty Vehicle Inspections; and Compton is one-halfi mile over the border in Massachusetts; and  tol be over the Massachusetts border; and  vehicles.  its ability to inspect Rhode Island vehicles.  Governor oft the State ofRI.  AQwwe Robert L. Mushen, President Little Compton Town Council  ATTEST:  Gba-igea Heather. J. Cook, Depaty Town Clerk        Carol Wordell From: Sent: To:  Cosut3  inhaggerty@a0.com Sunday, April 16, 202312:12PM  acook@tiverton.n.gvrmageweeastoaymediagroup.com: eharteygeastpaymediagroup.com; aguarepotsmoutm.om: ytsaeporsmoumacom, dabbott@portsmouthncomp-ramitoneporsmoutmn.com: atmanepotsmoutmicom: alyepotmouthisom.yeyameportsmoutmi.con ngepowcengpumalom, kgregg@providencejournal.com; afarzan@providencejournal.com; manereportmoumicom, nitcheneporsmoumgon gemeseporsmoutm.om, esinseportsmoutmi.com: Town Council; Carol Wordel,wichmondonewportr.com; Gamonenewportn.com, wolfang@gannet.com,siymnenewportri.com; DdeMederos@tMverton.rigov, bunkelweronigorpadnapedwarcielwetontgow janicxoltiverton.n.gov2 RI Agencies Urge Residents To Address Offshore Wind Projects 4/24/23  Cc:  PortsmouthOPatch.om  Subject:  Portsmouth RI Town Council Meeting Tentative Monday April 24, 2023  7p.m.  Held on the second and fourth Monday of the month, unless a holiday occurs, then it is usually the    Tuesday following the holidayl April 16, 2023  htps/ww.newporthssveeikcomarcoesasenoes-upertessents-oaddiessoln-win-prolects,  Agencies Urge Residents to Address Offshore Wind Projects  By Newport This Week Staff on February 09, 2023  By James Merolla  E  The presenters wanted to speak about process. Members of the audience wanted to speak about Rhode Island Sea Grant, one of 34 programs in the National Sea Grant College Program working to enhance environmental stewardship, long-term economic development and responsible use of coastal and marine resources, held a forum about offshore wind projects and the Sakonnet River at Organizers called it a "neutral" educational event, not pointed to details of specific plans, although several in the crowd of nearly 50 people pointed. to what they called the objectionable plans" of  repercussions.  the Common Fence Point Community Center on Feb. 2.    South- Coast Wind Energy (the new name for Mayflower Wind) to bring miles of cable from Little Compton up the Sakonnet River, through Portsmouth and into Somerset, Massachusetts. Municipal and state regulators from the town of Portsmouth, the Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC), and the Rhode Island Energy Facilities Siting Board walked the group through the decision-making process for offshore wind development in state waters, particularly cable installation. Speakers highlighted when public input may take place and how the public may Jeff Willis, CRMC executive director, provided background on the regulatory process. He said the CRMC identifies and reviews areas leased by the federal government to offshore developers. The permitting process is then reviewed and a 30-day period is set for public comment. "lt's an opportunity for [the public] to say, Tve got some serious concerns about this project,' he said. "We take all comments and make the developer address those comments, then put them all in a staff "This type of project will be handled in front of a full council, which is a public hearing process. After He urged the public to monitor the CRMC website for every application that comes in, request a copy oft the application, submit timely comments and attend. hearings "to see what they are trying to do and  participate.  report that says this works or it doesn't.  all is said and done, our council will make a decision."  why they are doing it."  The SouthCoast Wind Energy project must be reviewed by CRMC by June, he said.  Emma Rodvien, who serves on the Rhode Island Energy Facility Siting Board, explained its process. She said the board is looking for "consistent decisions" and how an applicant "stacks up" against local obligations and statutes. The ocean lessor must meet energy policy goals of the state and the region, she said, ensuring that the facility will not cause irreparable harm" to the environment. She said SouthCoast Wind Energy is in "a holding pattern, due to questions being raised about its project in  Massachusetts.  Rodvien also urged the public to submit comments as often as possible.  There is. a distinction between public comment and evidence," she said. "Public comment is not evidence on the record. However, public comment moves the needle in these types of actions." A final decision by the Rhode Island Energy Facility Siting Board will be made within 60 days of any final hearing. She cited examples in past hearings when a single comment prompted a series of questions that curtailed and modified the project in question and put conditions on a license. Lea Hitchen, Portsmouth town planner, told the crowd that the town must provide its own opinion to comply with community zoning. The SouthCoast Wind Energy advisory opinion would be similar in stature to what town zoning and CRMC eventually rules, she said. She urged residents to visit the There are multiple ways for the public to participate. Just call my office," " she said. "We are more than happy to help you out with the most accurate information. There is no application [from SouthCoast  town website for updates.  Wind Energyl yet. When they do come, you will all know."  2    Panelists preferred written comments going forward.  "It gives the expert staff the opportunity to incorporate it into their formal report for the council to consider,"  said Mike Jarbeau, of Save the Bay. Sometimes, your verbal comments can get lost in the But several verbal comments made their mark on Feb. 2. When a man asked about Portsmouth having enough "expertise" on deep wind offshore projects, Hitchen said the town has a consultant advising it. Power lines were also questioned, with several people maintaining that marine life would be ruined by cables. Installing the cables under the water, "will destroy all the sea life,"another man "lt is being addressed, said Willis, the CRMC executive director, who added that cables would be Other questions centered on ownership of SouthCoast Wind Energy, its mission statement, the driving forces behind the decision makers, who it is beholden to, why it is changing its name and if the Organizers repeated that the point of the forum was how to file such questions, not to address the  noise."  said.  buried "at least six feet," a CRMC guideline designed to protect sea life.  company will be around in 20 years. particulars of any one project.  3    Carol Wordell From: Sent: To:  fnhaggertyQaol.com Saturday, April 15, 202311:26AM  cook@tverton-n.gowmagewPeastbaymediagroup.com, eharteygeastbaymediagroup.com; sguarepotsmoutm.om: y/tsaeportmoumacom: abbott@portsmouthmicom: knamiton@portsmouthri.com; atmanepotmoltmi.com, akely@portsmouthrucomjyaneportsmouthr.com gepocegpumatom, kgregg@providencejourna.com; rarzan@providencejournal.com, ranereporsmoumacom, nitcremepotsmoutirgon geamesepotsmoutmi.com, tansaepotsmoutm.om, Town Council; Carol oswCmorepetiont damon@newporti.com, wolangegannetcoms slymn@newportr.om, DeeMeteicielweronngox mburk@tivertonn.govpedwardsetvertonngovgancck@tiverton.rigov Massv DPU Rules Against Attorney General & SouthCoast Wind LLC vice.eea.comaclod.net/Fieservicervice-API/fle/FIeRoom/17170102  Cc:  Subject:  Massachusetts DPU Rules Against Attorney General & SouthCoast Wind LLC nttps/Tleservice.ce2.comacoud.nelrleservce.AP/me/FleR0om/17170102  MASSACHUSETTS: GDMFFNOR MALRA HEALEY MASACIUSTSDP/RUIS: AGAINST MASSAGINSETTATTOINEY GENERAL  MASSACHUSETTS OFFSHORE) WIND' CONTRACIS, March 13, 2023  Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities D.P.U. 22-70-A/D.P.U. 22-71-A/D.P.U. 22-72-A AND TO EXTEND THE JUDICIAL APPEAL PERIOD  ORDER ON MAYFLOWER WIND ENERGY LLC'S MOTION FOR FULL PARTICIPANT STATUS  Page 2 Notes :  Shell New Energies US LLC and Ocean Winds North America LLC own Mayflower Wind (Exh. AG-2- 1,Att. B-2). On February 1, 2023, while the motion was under review, Mayflower' Wind filed a letter in proceedings before the Massachusetts Energy Facilities Siting Board indicating that Mayflower Wind had been formally renamed SouthCoast Wind Energy LLC. Mayflower' Wind Energy LLC, EFSB2 22- 04, Letter (February 1, 2023). As Mayflower Wind has not filed a notice of the name change in the instant dockets, for this Order the Department refers to the movant as Mayflower Wind.  Page 13  1    Further, the Department declines to adopt the Attorney General's recommendation to interpret Mayflower Wind's motion to extend the judicial appeal period as a motion to extend the deadline for  post-order motions. Page 14  ORDERED: That Mayflower Wind Energy LLC's motion for full participant status and to extend the judicial appeal period in NSTAR Electric Company, D.P.U.22-70; Massachusetts Electric Company/antucket Electric Company, D.P.U. 22-71; and Fitchburg Gas and Electric Light Company,DPU.22-72 is DENIED; and iti is FURTHER ORDERED: That Mayflower Wind Energy  LLCs shall comply with all other directives contained in this Order.  2    Caysed-3 RECEIVED APR 1722  Carol Wordell From: Sent: To:  inhaggerty@a0.com Friday, April 14, 202311:54AM  dcook@ltiverton.tigovjmagawPeastbaymedlagroup.com; ehartueygeastpaymediagroup.com, aguarepotsmoutimicom, y/tsaepotmoumracom: abbottepotsmoutimacom: amltoneportmoummicom atmanepotsmoutmicom, akely@portsmouth.com.jyaneportsmouthr.com ngepocencgpumatom, kgregg@providencejournal.com; tarzan@provdenceoumalcomranereportsmoutnri.com, htchen@portsmouthngowgeameeportsmouthr.com, temsepotsmoutm.com, Town Council; Carol' Wordell; wrchmondenewporn.om: damon@newportr.com: wolrang@gannetu.comslymnenewportri.com; DeeMetelcielwetonngoa mburk@tvertonrigovjpedwardsetivertoningovgancckOtiverton.rigov  Cc:  Subject:  SouthCoast Wind to Begin Geotechnical Survey  SouthCoast Wind to Begin Geotechnical Survey in Wind Lease Area  By Michael Bates -April 13, 20230  Members of the SouthCoast Wind team toured the Fugro Explorer before it set off. Pictured left to right are: Julia Jackson, Offshore Permitting Analyst, Francis Slingsby, CEO, Daniel Cushman, HSSE Lead, Heather Cousson, G&G Lead, Dugan Becker, Community Liaison SouthCoast Wind says it will initiate a geotechnical site survey this month and a geophysical site investigation later this spring at its offshore lease area (OCS-A 0521), located in the The project's wind turbines, inter-array cables and offshore electric substation(s) will be located in the lease area, the developer says. The survey work will study seabed conditions and provide details on the soil conditions for the wind turbine and offshore substation platform foundations. Borehole samples will be collected utilizing technology that helps to ittps:/nawindpower.com/soutncoast-wind-o-Degin-geotechnic-survey-n-win-wind-lease-area  Officer.  Atlantic outer continental shelf.  minimize disturbances to the seabed.  1    Carol Wordell From: Sent: To:  fnhaggerty@aol.com Thursday, April 13, 20238:00AM  dcook@tivertonrigoy, mogaw@eastbaymediagroup.com; harteyeastbaymediagroup.com, aguareporsmoutmn.om: yintusaeporimoumracom: abbotteportsmoutmicom, amitoneprsmoutricom atmamnepotsmoutmicom, elyepotmouticomuyeepetomoutmicon ngepowdencpunaton kgregg@providencejournal.com; farzan@providencejoulcom,rainereportsmouthri.com, hitchen@portsmouthigorgeameseportsmouthn.com, ansepotsmoutm.om, Town Council; Carol Wordell; wrchmondenewpornicom: damon@newportricom: wolrangegannet.com, slynn@newporrn.com, DeMedelcselveronngor mburk@tiverton.rigjpedwardsetiverton.r.gov, gjanickotverton-ngow Massachusetts Offshore Wind' Walking Out Of Contracts  Cc:  Subject:  Subject: Massachusetts Offshore Wind Walking Out Of Contracts  Massachusetts Offshore Wind Walking Out Of Contracts mvs/owasindaskoreesanbpinsathueaimbsakinegutfatnets  April 13, 2023  Falmouth Massachusetts Ocean Wind Major. Issues A. Onshore Cable Landings & Massive Electric Substations  Falmouth Massachusetts' Town Meeting was asked this week to support testing on town) land for) possible cable landing sites. The) proposed cables are 800 megawatts buried through residential neighborhoods to puti it in perspective the old Cape nuclear plant generated 680 megawatts. The onshore electric substation is six acres located in thet town aquifer. The construction done Falmouth is a famous residential, boating, beach, and vacation destination with al large retirement community. Town Meeting members voted against playing host to offshore wind turbine developments that could lead to consequences. "Goy. Maura. Healey, saidl Monday, talking in guarded terms about a sector where project costs and energy, prices are. major Massachusetts offshore wind companies are now seeking to terminate contracts they previously bid for and won. Thel Mass Department of] Public Utilities determined the contracts "arei in the public interest" and approved. Offshore wind companies want to instead re-bid the projects at a higher price when Massachusetts seeks more proposals for offshore wind projects this  in the offseason could take up to three years.  B. Massachusetts offshore wind is no longer viable.  considerations. " Quote from Massachusetts Statel House News Service 4/10/23  spring.  Massachusetts has a goal of procuring 5,6001 MW of offshore wind no later than June: 30, 2027.  The state in order to reach its goals could bypass thel MassDPU established procurement process and reward the wind companies to back out oft their commitments: and allow rebidding oft their projects in the Spring. As a result of allowing rebidding Massachusetts electric ratepayers have to foot al larger bill. Simply put the procurement process would lack robust  competition and fairness.  Massachusetts electric ratepayers more than likely will not get the) promised rates.    MASSACHUSNTTS OFFSHORE CONTTACTOAA-ALINCOUT OF APPROVE! DCONTACTS  PROTECIS NOT VIABLE FAMOUTHE MASSACHUSEIS:  2    RECEIVED APR 112023  Heather Cook From: Sent: To: Subject:  Carol Wordell Tuesday, April 11,20238 8:34AM Heather Cook  FW:F Falmouth TMI Rejects Wind Article1 15 -After Very Expensive Presentation  From:f fnhaggerty@aol.com, malipinagenygaolcom, Sent: Tuesday, April 11, 20237:48AM asgemamnenatontelacom Askis0@iso-ne.com  To: dpuefling@massgove puaamnatatomemaisspg wncinemasgoyamdralitenstoneMiom: Cc: amcbride@isone.com;: phnonesomecomppanveleelsonecom, vchadalnvada@liomecom: a2267ecolumbiaedu; pbrandlen@lso.ne.com; elosyesonecom,miaoneeforecastelsonecom; Subject: Falmouth" TMI Rejects' Wind/ Article 15- After Very Expensive Presentation Subject: Falmouth TM Rejects WindA Article 15- After Very Expensive Presentation  Massachusetts April 11, 2023  htps/mipesolwordpesem/2020AImeelneting-reedi:artde-1s Falmouth Town Meeting Rejects Article 15 The citizen's article asked Town Meeting tos support soil testing on town! land for possible cable landing sites associated with the cable landing necessary fort the SouthCoast offshore wind energy project south Town Meeting members signaled their opposition to playing host to a major offshore wind farm development that could lead to unforeseen and unwanted consequences. The developer of the proposed offshore windi farm, according to Select Board Chair Nancy' Taylor and Select Board member Doug Brown, SouthCoast Wind has not been good partners in working with the The floor discussion included many references tos similarities between this project and Falmouth's Town Meeting member Jed Goldstone urged Town Meeting to support the article stating thati this article was only about collecting' "al little more data". But Member Judy Fenwick captured it best telling Town Meeting that only a few more: soil samples was "the. snout under the tent". A metaphor fora as situation where the permitting of as small, seemingly innocuous act will open the doorf for larger, clearly  of Martha's Vineyard.  town.  previous land-based wind energy folly.  undesirable actions.  Well done Town! Meeting! People can, & do learn from earlier mistakes!        RECEIVED APR112023  TOWN OF EXETER, RI  Coaont -4  TOWN COUNCIL Daniel W. Patterson, President MichaelA.Letebvre, Vicel President Diane Bampton. Allen Olivia DeFrancesco Calvin A. Ellis  675 Ten Rod Road Exeter, R,I.02822 Ph: (401)294-3891 Fax: (401)295-1248 clerk@exeterri.gov  STATE OF RHODE ISLAND TOWN OF EXETER RESOLUTION NO. 2023-04  RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN OF EXETER IN SUPPORT OF 2023-H 5724. AND 2023-S 0328 - AN ACT) RELATING TO HEALTH. AND SAFETY - VITAL RECORDS  WHEREAS, vital records (births, deaths, and marriages) tell the story of the people of Rhode  Island and their families; but, they also tell the stories of the cities and towns in  which they lived and the State ofl Rhode Island as a whole; and  WHEREAS, easy access to those records is essential for the people who need them in their  everyday lives, and also to ensure that thel histories of those families, our cities and  towns, and the State are not lost to posterity; and  WHEREAS, over the years, access. has been provided by the State, in conjunction with the cities WHEREAS, newt technology being implemented to make access easier, may have the unintended  and towns; and  consequence in one sense to make access more difficult by preventing cities and towns: from issuing certified copies ofhistorici records (death: records over 50 years; birth and marriage records over 100 years) and any amended reçords in the years  toc come; and  WHEREAS, reducing access would be a disservice to our residents and al hindrance to our ability WHEREAS, legislation has been introduced in the general assembly, 2023-H 5724 and 2023-  tor maintain the history of our cities and towns; and  S0328, both entitled "An Act Relating to Health And Safety - Vital Records," which requires that the Division of Vital Records to ensure that vital records are accessible to the local registrars, grant local registrars the authority to issue certified copies of certificates and records prior to the records being transferred to the state  archives; and  Town of Exeter Resolution No. 2023-04  Page 1of2    WHEREAS, the Town Council ofthe Town of Exeter believes that this legislation is in the best NOW, THEREFORE, BE. ITI RESOLVED, that thel Exeter Town Council, does hereby support 2023-H 5724 and 2023-S 0328, both entitled "An Act Relating to Health and Safety Vital Records," and urges the Exeter delegation to the General Assembly to work diligently for its Approved by vote of the Exeter Town Council on this 3Canyo of April, 2023.  interest oft the Town of] Exeter.  passage.  /  Daniel W. Patterson A Town Council President Michael A. Lefebvre TownCouncil Vice Presidept Elue  TIh  Calin) A. Ellis Town Council Member Olivia DeFrancesco Town Council Member Diane Bampton Allen Town Council Member  OuVIA DEIPONCEO  Aliari Beyph ails  Inwitness hereof, Ihereby set my hand and the official seal ofthe' Town of Exeter this  3RD day of April, 2023.  3L6  Hawkins, CME  Town Clerk  aphs  Introduced by: Daniel W. Patterson, Town Council President, April 3, 2023.  Approved by: Exeter Town Council, April 3,2023  Town of Exeter Resolution No. 2023-04  Page 2of2    2023--H5724  LC001258  STATE OF RHODE ISLAND  IN GENERAL. ASSEMBLX JANUAIYSIESON,ADPS AN ACT  RELATINGTO HEALTH. AND: SAFETY-- VITALI RECORDS Introduced By: Representative Terri-Denise Cortvriend Datel Introduced: February 17, 2023 Referred' To: House State Government &1 Elections  Itis enacted by the General. Assembly as follows: 2 "Vital Reçords" arel hereby amendedt tor read asf follows:  SECTION: 1. Sections 23-3-5.1 and 23-3-24 oft the GeneralLawsi in Chapter 23-3 entitled  3 4  23-3-5.1. Transfero ofpublic historical documents.  Att the end of eacho calendar year, records ofb births andmarriages which! have occurredone 5 hundred (100) yearso or more from the date oft transfer and deaths which have occurred fifty (50) years or more from the date of transfer, shall be permanently transferredby the state registrar of 7 vital records tot the custody of the state archives under control of the secretaryofs state who may promulgate rules and regulations pertaining to these public historical documents. Prior_to transferring the records to the state archives, the division of vital records shall ensure that the 10 records are accessible tot thel local registrars for fhe purpose ofi issuance of accurater records tot the  11 public as authorized byl law.  12 13 14  23-3-24. Copies of data from vital records.  Ina accordance with $2 23-3-23 andt the regulations adopted pursuant tot that section: (1) The state registrar of vital records shall upon request issue a certified copy of any 15 certificate or recordin his orl her custody ora aj parit thereof. Each copyi issued shall show the date of 16 registration; ando coples issued from: records marked "delayed," "amended," or "court order" shall 17 bes similarly marked and show the effective date. Any copies issued ofa "certificate of foreign  18 birth" shalli indicate this fact and: show the actual place of birth.  19  (2) The r----. local registrars shall upon request issue a    certified copy ofany certificate or recordi in his or her custody or to which he or she has access only  2 inai form that shall be prescribed by the state director ofhealth.  3  (3) A certified copy of a certificate or any part thereof, issued in açcordance with  4 subdivision (1) or (2) of this section, shall be considered: for all purposes the same as the original, 5 and shall bej prima facie evidence oft the facts stated in the çertificate, provided that the evidentiary value ofa a certificate or record filed: more than one year after the event, or at record which has been 7 amended, or a' "certifiçate of foreign birth," shall be determined by thej judicial or administrative  8 body or official before whom the certificate is offered as evidence.  9  (4) The National Office of Vital Statistics may be furnished copies or data that it may  10 require for national statistics; provided, that the states shall be reimbursed fort the cost of furnishing 11 the data; and provided further, that the data shall not be used for other than statistical purposes by 12 the National Office of Vital Records unless sO authorized by the state registrar of vitalr records.  13  (5) Federal, state, local, and other public or private agencies may, upon request, be  14 furnished copies or data fors statistical purposes upon terms or conditions thati may bej prescribed by  15 the state director of1 health.  16  (6) Nopersons shall prepareori issue any certificate which purports tol bea an original certified  17 copy, or copy ofa certificate of birth, death, or fetal death, except as authorized in this chapter ror  18 regulations adopted under this chapter.  19  SECTION 2. This act shalli take effect upon passage.  LC001258    EXPLANATION BY THEJ LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL  OF AN ACT  RELATINGTO HBALTH AND SAFETY - VITAL RECORDS  ***  1  This act would require the division ofvital records to ensure that the records are accessible  2 to the local registrars and grant local registrars the authority to issue certified copies of certificates  3 and records, 4  This act would take effect upon passage.  LC001258        RECEIVED  APR112M2 Congent-5  TOWN  OF EXETER, RI  TOWN COUNCIL Daniel W. Patterson, President Michael A. Lefebvre, Vice President Diane Bampton Allen Olivia DeFrancesco Calvin. A. Ellis  675 Ten Rod Road Exeter, R.I.02822 Ph: (401),294-3891 Fax: (401)295-1248 clerk@exeterri.gov  STATE OF RHODE ISLAND TOWN OF EXETER RESOLUTIONN NO. 2023-03  RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN OF EXETER OPPOSITION TO RHODE ISLAND 2023 GUN CONTROL LEGISLATION  WHEREAS, the Town Council of the Town of Exeter, pursuant to Rhode Island statute and the  Town of Exeter Town Charter, is vested with the authority of administering the  affairs oft the Town of Exeter, Rhode Island; and  WHEREAS, the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution, ratified on December 15,  1791, as part ofthe Bill of Rights, protects the inalienable and individual right of  the people to keep and bear arms; and  WHEREAS, the United States Supreme Court in District ofColumbia V. Heller, 554 U.S.570  (2008), affirmed ani individual's right toj possess firearms, unconnected with service ina militia, for traditionally lawful purposes, such as self-defense within the home;  and  WHEREAS, the United States Supreme Court in McDonaldi V, Chicago, 561 U.S. 742 (2010),  affirmed that the right of an individual to "keep and bear arms," " as protected under the Second Amendment, is incorporated by the Due Process Clause oft the  Fourteenth Amendment and is applicable to the states; and  WHEREAS, the United States Supreme Court in United States V. Miller, 307 U.S. 174 (1939),  opined that firearms that are part of ordinary military equipment, or with use that could contribute to the common defense, are protected by the  Second Amendment; and  WHEREAS, Article I, Section 22, ofthe Rhode Island Constitution, adopted in 1842, provides  that "The right ofthe people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.' " and  Town of Exeter Resolution No. 2023-03  Page 1of4    WHEREAS, Article I, Section 6, of the Rhode Island Constitution, provides that "The rightof  the people to be: secure in their persons, papers, and possessions, against unreasonable searches and. seizures, shall not be violated; and no warrant shall issue, but on complaint in writing, upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation and describing as nearly as many as may be, the place to be searched  and the persons or fhings to be seized.", and  WHEREAS, as ai matter of general principle, and in recognition of over 230 years oflawmaking  under the guidance oft the Constitution for the United States of America having properly established numerous laws regarding criminal use ofi firearms that are wholly adequate when judiciously enforced such that additional laws are unneeded, any law which upon passage renders al life-long. law-abiding citizen ai felon through no action oft their own, is an unjustified law and should be unconstitutional under  multiple amendments in the Bill ofI Rights; and  WHEREAS, itis the desire oft the Town Council oft the Town ofl Exeter to declare its support of  the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution and to the provisions of the Rhode Island Constitution, which protect the citizens oft the State of Rhode Island'si inalienable and individual right to keep and bear arms; and  WHEREAS, the Exeter Town Council members each took an oath to support and defend the  United States Constitution, the Rhode Island Constitution, and the laws oft the State ofRhode Island, which are not deemed unconstitutional by a court of competent jurisdiction, and the Town Charter of the Town ofl Exeter; and  WHEREAS, the Exeter Town Council members give great weight to and adhere to the beliefof  James Madison, Jr., the fourth President ofthese great United States, that: "Oppressors can tyrannize only when they achieve a standing army, an enslaved  press, and a disarmed populace"; and  WHEREAS, the Exeter Town Council desires to protect the rights oflaw-abiding citizens;  individuals who have committed crimes with firearms should be: fully prosecuted  with existing laws on the books; and  WHEREAS, many oft the bills being considered by the General Assembly would require the  confiscation and storage of otherwise lawfully-owned firearms, and make the Towns and Cities of Rhode Island responsible for these costs; and  WHEREAS, the Rhode Island General Assembly, ini its 2023 legislative session, has pending  before it numerous bills regulating and restricting the rights afforded the citizens ofthe State of] Rhode Island through the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution and the Constitution ofthe State of Rhode Island, including, but not  limited to:  Town of Exeter Resolution No. 2023-03  Page 2of4    House Bill 5300 and Senate Bill 0379, the Rhode Island. Assault Weapons Ban Act of2023, would prohibit the possession of "assault weapons," " defined as any shotgun that holds more than six (6) rounds or a rifle that holds more than ten (10) rounds. In order to be exempt, the weapon. must, within twelve (12) months ofthe bill's passage, be registered, be rendered inoperable, be surrendered to ai registered firearm dealer or police department or be transferred to a person in another jurisdiction where such firearms are allowed, It would also require any heirs ofa decedent to surrender or transfer the firearm. Ifregistered, the lawful owner would ber required to submit fingerprints and pay a fee for registering the firearm; House Bill 5893 and Senate Bill 0645, notwithstanding the purchaser's background check and eight-day waiting period, would prohibit the purchase ofmore than one firearm in a 30-day period. This act not only penalizes law-abiding citizens from exercising their Constitutional right for owning a firearm, but it also damages federally licensed firearms dealers, who are Rhode Island business owners. The House Bill 5434 and Senate Bill 0321 would require all firearms within al home to be kept in al locked container or equipped with a tamper resistant or mechanical House Bill 5892 and Senate Bill 0325, would require trigger guards be issued for rifles and shotguns at time of purchase, furtherincreasing the cost of doing  act would artificially restrict their sales and livelihood;  lock, and creates ai new felony for noncompliance;  business for federally licensed firearm dealers;  NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Town Council oft the Town of Exeter on March 8, 2021, declared itself a Second Amendment Sanctuary Town, and now reaffirms that declaration, and hereby takes the following position on state legislation that potentially abridges our Second Amendment rights. We find and declare that these gun restriction bills, if enacted by the Rhode Island General Assembly, infringe upon the rights oft the People ofthe Town of] Exeter and the People of the State of Rhode Island to keep and bear arms, We are collectively opposed AND BE IT FURTHER REOLVED that we urge the General Assembly to repeal 2022 House Bill 6614 and Senate Bill 2653, which criminalized previously lawful ownership by making it a felony, without merit, for an individual to possess any semi-automatic firearm magazine capable ofholding more than ten (10): rounds of ammunition. This law has created hardship, uncertainty, and fear amongst law-abiding gun owners, while arguably doing nothing in the past year to reduce AND BE ITI FURTHER REOLVED that we urge the General Assembly to repeal Rhode Island AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that these bills impose unfunded mandates upon local governments, and that the Town Council of the Town of Exeter will not appropriate funds for  tot the infringement oft these rights established by our Founding Fathers.  gun-related criminal activity in Rhode Island.  General Law $11-47-60, Possession offirearms on, school grounds.  Town of Exeter Resolution No. 2023-03  Page 30 of4    capital construction of building space and/or the purchase of storage systems to store weapons seized, pursuant to any requirements set forth in the legislation ife enacted by the General Assembly fort thej purpose ofe enforcing any law that unconstitutionally infringes upon the rights ofthe People AND FINALLY, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be forwarded toe every Rhode Island Municipality, State Senators, State Representatives, and the Governor and the Lieutenant Governor ofthe State ofRhode Island, respectfully requesting their support.  oft the Town of Exeter tol keep and bear arms,  Approved by vote of the Exeter Town Council on this  Daniel' W. Patterson- Town Council President Michael A. Lefebvre Town Gouncil Vice President  pE  17K-h  Calvin A. Ellis Town Council Member Olivia DeFrancesco Town Council Member Diane Bampton Allen Town Council Member  ApQus  In witness hereof, I hereby set my hand and the official seal of the' Town of] Exeter this  3E5 day of April, 2023.  Jynn Hawkins, CMP Town Clerk  A3L u) he  Ekhs  Introduced by: Daniel W.T  rown Council President, April 3, 2023.  Approved by: Exeter Town Council, April 3, 2023  Town of Exeter Resolution No. 2023-03  Page 4 of4