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Emily Conklin @emzconk.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

As @geconsumers.bsky.social said, “every new hookup increases strain on the existing system and the risk for another capacity shortfall.” Our over reliance on natural gas is not keeping us safe and secure.

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Emily Conklin @emzconk.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

This @ecorinews.bsky.social article has a good overview of the context of the conversation, as well as industry’s opposition to the ban and environmental org’s argument in favor. I am also quoted and stand by this statement.

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Emily Conklin @emzconk.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

To be clear, I am fully in favor of a moratorium on natural gas hookups and we 100% have to move away from fossil fuels. Bad actors in our community are mischaracterizing Steph’s decisions and motivations last year, and she put this out to clarify that conversation.

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Emily Conklin @emzconk.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

This part of my thread from last year holds up especially well IMO

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Emily Conklin @emzconk.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

Issues like energy are fraught and confusing. It’s the responsibility of our elected officials to share them accurately, regardless of their opinion. When we all come together to face an issue and find common understanding, we can move forward together.

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Emily Conklin @emzconk.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

That undermines public trust and does a disservice to our community. Newport residents deserve better. They deserve a public dialogue grounded in facts, transparency, and respect for their ability to make informed decisions.”

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Emily Conklin @emzconk.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

My favorite part of Councilor Smyth’s LTE isn’t about nat gas, but public trust: “Public office carries with it a responsibility to communicate truthfully with the people we serve. Unfortunately, false and misleading information has recently been presented about this issue for political advantage…

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Emily Conklin @emzconk.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

I did a thread about this when we hosted a workshop last fall. Linked below. I am very obviously in favor of transitioning away from natural gas but it’s important to understand what we are and are not talking about with a moratorium and with a just transition.

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Emily Conklin @emzconk.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

There is not now, and there was not then, a proposal at the City level to ban natural gas. The Energy Facility Siting Board asked municipalities for their opinion on exploring a moratorium of new hookups to natural gas lines to alleviate pressure on the system.

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Emily Conklin @emzconk.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

Hi so sorry for the late notice but I am away on a work retreat and therefore will NOT be live posting tonight’s meeting. #NewportRI #CityCouncil is at 6:30pm. The agenda looks light once again and I look forward to catching up!

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Emily Conklin @emzconk.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

We reconvene as BOARD OF LICENSE COMMISSIONERS and unanimously pass the consent calendar before adjourning. A short meeting, full of positivity and progress. These are the types of meetings that help me feel hopeful. Goodnight! (32/32)

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Emily Conklin @emzconk.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

The Chair of the BPAC, Tara Zambrotta is also here, joining the meeting to say that this is a step in a safer direction. They worked hard on these together and hope this passes. Passes unanimously. (31/?)

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Emily Conklin @emzconk.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

Any time a kid speaks at Council, shares their ideas for the City and aspirations for us to be better - whew, it gets me. Councilor Carlin says we "have a tall hill to climb" concerning eBikes. (30/?)

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Emily Conklin @emzconk.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

they go the same speed as traffic. Even though eBikes are faster and heavier than regular bikes, the rider is still the one more likely to be killed in an accident with a car. We need to make our roads safer so that people don't need eBikes to feel safe. Well, crying again. (29/?)

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Emily Conklin @emzconk.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

A mom and her child, probably about 8, approach the lectern and the mom says that they bike as a family and they want to move in a direction of safety for all road users. The child says that he enjoys biking with his family every weekend and that eBikes have become more popular as...(28/?)

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Emily Conklin @emzconk.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

of our ordinances that will serve as a model for other municipalities and will be used by many others. This is a start, and it is a bold and positive one. (27/?)

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Emily Conklin @emzconk.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

Says this does not address eBikes but she is in it at the state level alongside other organizations. We are not the only ones dealing with the management questions around eBikes and we will continue to work on these updates. These updates as they stand are a comprehensive modernization...(26/?)

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Emily Conklin @emzconk.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

Councilor Smyth also acknowledges the work of our BPAC commission and @bikenewportri.bsky.social. The ED of Bike Newport, Bari Freeman, comes forward to explain that this was a comprehensive update done alongside the Chief and cross referencing the current ordinances. (25/?)

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Emily Conklin @emzconk.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

BPAC Member Jim Fry also speaks, saying that he has done as much of his business about town this summer by bike, and others want to do the same, but don't feel safe. This ordinance update is one step towards safety for all road users. (24/?)

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Emily Conklin @emzconk.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

Councilor Pinnock @queenpep43.bsky.social thanks the bike and pedestrian commission for all their work, saying this progress on safety is due in large part to them. Chair Holder echoes this, saying the BPAC was basically "dead and buried" and this chair & members have revived it. (23/?)

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Emily Conklin @emzconk.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

Councilor Ceglie asks about the step from written ordinance to enforcement. Chief Duffy says of course it's not straightforward, but they try to take an educational approach, working with schools and @bikenewportri.bsky.social, among others, to promote safer behavior. (22/?)

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Emily Conklin @emzconk.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

Councilor Napolitano expresses concern about some of the behaviors of speeding, not wearing helmets, and otherwise reckless driving on eBikes. These comments come off as negative towards these ordinance updates, but I think passing these updates moves us towards safety. (21/?)

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Emily Conklin @emzconk.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

Also mentions that Rep Lauren Carson has shared with him that she will be taking up eBike regulations at the state level for this reason in the next session. Councilor Carlin says when it comes to eBikes, our hands are tied. (20/?)

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Emily Conklin @emzconk.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

A thread in a lot of Councilor Carlin's concerns across topic areas is the lack of "home rule" where we have to follow state regulations without Newport being able to make our own choices. Solicitor Behan says this is correct and we will do a "wait and see" method. (19/?)

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Emily Conklin @emzconk.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

Councilor Carlin also asks what repercussions the City is allowed to levy for malfeasance, including kids who are too young riding eBikes or these bikes being ridden on the sidewalk. Much of this is by state law so Newport cannot impose our own fees/fines on this behavior. (18/?)

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Emily Conklin @emzconk.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

Councilor Carlin is asking whether the ordinance includes spring street in the prohibitions of riding on the sidewalk and others. Chief Duffy says that these changes are intended to be made and enforced City wide. I'm not sure what Carlin's intent is here, as a Newport law impacts all Newport.(17/?)

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Emily Conklin @emzconk.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

We pass unanimously "Authorization to Accept a $137,000.00 Federal Grant Award for an Explosive Detection Canine": cityofnewport.granicus.com/MetaViewer.p... We move on to the updated ordinances, which our bike & ped commission and @bikenewportri.bsky.social have worked tirelessly on. (16/?)

cityofnewport.granicus.com

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Emily Conklin @emzconk.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

We previously accepted a SS4A grant and now, with Portsmouth reducing their scope and Middletown not pursuing this grant for the Island, Newport now has the opportunity to pursue additional funds. Very exciting as funds are needed for sidewalk & street improvements! (15/?)

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Emily Conklin @emzconk.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

the understanding is that shovels will be in the ground in 30-45 days, as it is planting season. Passes unanimously. We pass unanimously "Authorization to Accept Additional FY-2025 FHWA Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Grant Funds": cityofnewport.granicus.com/MetaViewer.p... (14/?)

cityofnewport.granicus.com

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Emily Conklin @emzconk.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

Chair of the Tree & Open Space Commission Maureen Cronin is called up by Councilor Smyth to explain their work thus far with RIDOT, which includes the dog park and also the appropriate replacement of dead trees and more thoughtful landscaping. Says after the passage of this MOU...(13/?)

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Emily Conklin @emzconk.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

Councilor Ceglie says she knows this is discussion of improvements to the (incredibly subpar) dog park at the bridge realignment and suggests the students in the NACTC program, especially carpentry, be involved to help add structures to the area. (12/?)

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Emily Conklin @emzconk.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

We pass the Scott's Wharf License agreement and award a fencing contract for the Cliff Walk unanimously and move to an MOU with RIDOT about the "Dog Park Amenities; Construction & Maintenance Agreement – Pell Bridge Ramps Landscaping": cityofnewport.granicus.com/MetaViewer.p... (11/?)

cityofnewport.granicus.com

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Emily Conklin @emzconk.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

We withdraw the "Collective Bargaining Agreement between the City of Newport and Rhode Island Council 94, AFSCME, AFL-CIO" item, which City Solicitor Behan explains is at the request of the vice president of the union. Withdrawn unanimously. (10/?)

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Emily Conklin @emzconk.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

We reappoint David Galvin to the trust commission, with Councilor Carlin acknowledging this individual as a "well deserving" member of the third ward for this reappointment. This and the other appointment to the waterfront commission pass unanimously. (9/?)

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Emily Conklin @emzconk.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

High energy way to start the meeting and we move on to the consent calendar. Passes unanimously in its entirely and then we move to 2 entertainment licenses for Tavern on Broadway- annual and daily. Both pass unanimously. (8/?)

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Emily Conklin @emzconk.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

Liz gets a well deserved standing ovation. That's what it's all about, folks. Service. (7/?)

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Emily Conklin @emzconk.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

Says Liz has paid this ten times over. Especially for our communities of color, service and volunteer work often goes overlooked and under appreciated. It's so good to see Liz's advocacy, compassion, care work, on and on, recognized. (6/?)

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Emily Conklin @emzconk.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

Well, now I'm crying. Councilor Pinnock @queenpep43.bsky.social reads the proclamation from the City while Liz stands at the lectern. She thanks Ms. Liz, saying she's known Liz her whole life, and quotes Shirley Chisholm, who said service is the price you pay for being on Earth. (5/?)

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Emily Conklin @emzconk.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

"You're the real deal when it comes to service", Hakim says of Liz. Liz says she doesn't do what she does "for money, fame, or anything else...I do it for the people. It's not what you get, it's what you put out." Please watch this intro and take Liz's message to heart. It's about service. (4/?)

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Emily Conklin @emzconk.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

I doubt I'll get anywhere close to the most famous person in this room right now! But she feels the love, certainly.

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Emily Conklin @emzconk.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

Our agenda is here: cityofnewport.granicus.com/GeneratedAge... There is no one for the citizens' forum, so we move first to the proclamation in Liz Davis' honor. Hakim Coggins, ED and founder of Newport Bridge, gets up to explain their work and introduce Liz. (3/?)

cityofnewport.granicus.com

Newport City Council Regular Meeting - September 16, 2026

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Emily Conklin @emzconk.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

@bikenewportri.bsky.social shared about this: www.facebook.com/BikeNewportR... Very exciting that she is getting her due this evening. (2/?)

facebook.com

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Emily Conklin @emzconk.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

I am in Council Chambers and all Councilors except Dave Carlin are seated. There are many folks in the gallery this evening because, in addition to our regular agenda, we are honoring an amazing community member and volunteer, Liz Davis. (1/?)

facebook.com

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Emily Conklin @emzconk.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

TONIGHT: see you in chambers!

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Emily Conklin @emzconk.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

Lots of city and campaign events this week 👇👇👇

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Emily Conklin @emzconk.bsky.social · 13/09/2026

THURSDAY 9/17 at 6:30pm is the first of 2 forums hosted by @lwv.org in RI. School Committee in Newport is this Thursday and all City Council is next Thursday. Both events at Rogers. Mark your calendars and I hope to see you at some events this week!

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Emily Conklin @emzconk.bsky.social · 13/09/2026

This is a suspiciously light agenda but includes big items such as the acceptance of a Safe Streets for All grant, updated bike ordinances, and some others. If you, like me, missed joining the housing workshop in person, I recommend watching the recording: cityofnewport.granicus.com/player/clip/...

cityofnewport.granicus.com

Newport City Council Workshop Short Term Rentals- Follow up from March 11, 2026 Council Meeting

Live and Recorded Public meetings of Newport City Council Workshop Short Term Rentals- Follow up from March 11, 2026 Council Meeting for City of Newport, RI

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