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Rob Smith

@robesmit.bsky.social
472 followers 248 following 683 posts

'Trampling underfoot wasteful freeways and needless suburbs.' Reporting on the environment for ecoRI News.

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Reposted by Rob Smith
Ian Donnis @iandonnis.bsky.social · 53m
Covered a lot of issues with @kenblockri.bsky.social & @helenabfoulkes.bsky.social during our forum at RWU Law yesterday evening (Aaron Guckian had agreed to participate, but said he had a scheduling conflict) via @jeremybernfeld.bsky.social www.oceanstatemedia.org/elections/20...
oceanstatemedia.org
They say RI is ready for change: Foulkes, Block make the case for governor
The gubernatorial forum follows a decisive win by Foulkes in the Democratic primary earlier this month. The 2026 race is Block’s third bid for the state’s top seat
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jae holzman @jael.bsky.social · 14h
My colleagues and I at @heatmap.news spent all day putting together a full explainer of the new bipartisan Senate permitting deal. Read and get up to speed! #energysky #greensky
heatmap.news
The Senate’s Big Bipartisan Permitting Deal, Explained
The Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act would remove longstanding roadblocks to expanding the power grid and developing new energy infrastructure. Here’s our guide to what’s in it.
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Philip Eil @phileil.bsky.social · 17h
I'm looking forward to moderating this panel at LitArts RI on October 24 about demystifying freelancing (building networks, securing bylines, pitching stories) and overcoming access barriers in the media industry.
eventbrite.com
Writer As Witness: Cultivating Community Journalism
A professional development panel and networking opportunity for local journalists.
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Ted Nesi @tednesi.bsky.social · 18h
Big news out of the RI delegation in DC today: @whitehouse.senate.gov and his 3 negotiating partners (Capito, Lee, Heinrich) have announced a bipartisan Senate deal on energy-permitting reform after months of negotiations that also involved the Trump White House thehill.com/policy/energ...
thehill.com
Senators announce long-awaited permitting reform deal
Democratic and Republican senators on Wednesday announced a long-sought deal on permitting reform that they say will speed the construction of the nation’s energy and infrastructure projects while …
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Congressman Gabe Amo @amo.house.gov · 30/09/2026
Trump’s reckless war of choice with Iran is driving up the price of diesel. RI’s public transit now faces millions in unexpected fuel costs to keep buses running. We need to stop the price hikes of Trump’s chaos and end the war.
rhodeislandcurrent.com
Record high diesel prices are driving Rhode Island public bus system into the red • Rhode Island Current
A favorable diesel price lock that helped the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority narrow last year’s budget gap ended three months ago. But the financial woes facing the statewide bus agency from sk...
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Rob Smith @robesmit.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
it should be illegal that I had to find out today I'm very nearly as old as Mr. Belding was when the show started, I would like to speak to the manager please
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Bruno J. Navarro @brunojnavarro.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
“These nor’easters are beach eaters.”
nj.com
‘Beach eaters’: Nor’easter devoured dunes and shoreline across New Jersey
Ocean City, Harvey Cedars and Brigantine were among the communities reporting damage.
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Ian Donnis @iandonnis.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Can @ripta.com get back on track? My full wide-ranging One on One interview with CEO Christopher Durand www.youtube.com/watch?v=caQg...
youtube.com
Can RIPTA get back on track? | One on One with Ian Donnis
YouTube video by Ocean State Media
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Celeste Headlee @celesteheadlee.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
So, Banksy bought a used yacht, repaired it and retrofitted it to serve as a rescue boat to save migrants in the central Mediterranean. The whole project cost the artist $860,000. Since 2020, the boat has saved more than 3,800 people. londondaily.com/banksy-funds...
londondaily.com
Banksy funds refugee rescue boat operating in Mediterranean - London Daily
Exclusive: UK artist finances bright pink motor yacht that set sail in secrecy to avoid being intercepted by authorities
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Sam G. Howard @samghoward.riliberator.com · 23/09/2026
For RI, one reason I've heard for why 38 seats is because 75/2 = 37.5. The old legislature was 100 House, 50 Senate; so to preserve the ratio they rounded up. For something that happened in living memory (less than 25 years ago), it's kind of amazing how much rationale is not readily available.
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jae holzman @jael.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
At Heatmap’s Climate Week event today, Energy Secretary Chris Wright explicitly said there will not be a full-scale diesel export ban. “We will not cease exports of U.S. diesel,” Wright told attendees. Full story at the link below.
heatmap.news
Chris Wright Doesn’t Think We’ll Have a Diesel Export Ban
“We will not cease exports of U.S. diesel,” the Secretary of Energy told us at Heatmap House.
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Rob Smith @robesmit.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
well well well turns out APRA reform just isn't to make journos lives a lot easier, isn't it: rhodeislandcurrent.com/2026/09/23/h...
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The Providence Eye @thepvdeye.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
One of the agency’s longest-tenured drivers, John Tancredi, started driving for RIPTA 33 years ago and has watched children grow up on his routes. “Keep going. That’s our job,” said Tancredi. “Pick up people, drop people off. That’s it. It’s simple.”
pvdeye.org
As RIPTA Celebrates 60 Years, A Veteran Driver Reflects on 33 Years on the Roads, from Pandemics to Budget Crises
The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) is celebrating its 60th anniversary on November 7, 2026. One of the agency’s longest-tenured drivers, John Tancredi, started driving for RIPTA 33 year...
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projomike.bsky.social @projomike.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
R.I.P. Bruce, aka Rudy. You were a spirit in the night of the old pre-Renaissance Providence & its grittier nightlife — Leo’s, the Met Cafe, Lupo’s, the Living Room, late nights at Ming Garden & Joann’s Silver Top Diner.
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ecoRI News @ecorinews.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
Some have been critical that Rhode Island's 'Big Three' environmental organizations haven't fought harder against unchecked development in the state's natural areas. Our reporter spoke with the heads of the three organizations who say their role is more nuanced. bit.ly/4h26Hzl
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ecoRI News @ecorinews.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
In this weekend's newsletter: 😋 One botanist wants you to be eating the forest for the trees 🚛 What repealing the roadless rule means for the White Mountains Plus Stuff to do this weekend and a close encounter with a tiny snail inside a green pepper 🐌 bit.ly/4xvButq
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The Providence Eye @thepvdeye.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Join The Providence Eye for our second annual fundraiser event featuring live storytelling about Providence. Get your tickets today! Storied Providence: Wednesday, September 23 at 6pm. Hosted at Roger Williams Park Casino.
zeffy.com
Storied Providence at The Roger Williams Park Casino
Storied Providence, sponsored by The Providence Eye, brings together local voices to share the stories behind our city’s neighborhoods, landmarks and…
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ecoRI News @ecorinews.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Sure you can bid on gift cards to Dave's Marketplace, a private mobile sauna session, or tickets to PPAC at our online auction, but did you know you could also bid on fueling columnist @frankcarini.bsky.social? Surely he needs more than $250 to fuel his benevolent rage. buff.ly/Os4Avkx
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Rob Smith @robesmit.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Terrible year for some of our very best nature writers
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Point Source News @pointsourcenews.org · 16/09/2026
Welcome to Point Source. We’re a new outlet that aims to unearth stories about the fossil fuel industry’s power and influence. pointsourcenews.org
pointsourcenews.org
Point Source News
Tracing fossil fuel disinformation.
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sirosenbaum.bsky.social @sirosenbaum.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
buddy you just described an alt-weekly
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Philip Eil @phileil.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
It should indeed.
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ecoRI News @ecorinews.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Learn how to reduce the carbon on your plate at our next Low Carbon Academy workshop with @dadekian.bsky.social and @robesmit.bsky.social. Register for free at bit.ly/4AfFRLL
bit.ly
Low Carbon Academy: Eat It
A workshop series to help you reduce your carbon footprint, live lighter on the planet, and create positive change
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Andy Scollick @andyscollick.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Microplastics act like a “Trojan horse” delivering pollutants, pesticides and bacteria through the soil, a five-year multinational research project has found. (Guardian)
theguardian.com
Microplastics in soil pose global threat by acting like ‘Trojan horse’ to deliver toxins
Exclusive: Plastic surfaces form hotspots for interaction between plastics, microbes and agrochemicals
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Zahra Hirji @zhirji.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
New: President Donald Trump's broad rollbacks of federal greenhouse gas rules since January 2025 have altered the trajectory of US energy use and helped set back cuts to planet-warming pollution by about a decade. Gift link @bloomberg.com: www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
bloomberg.com
Trump's Climate Rollbacks Will Keep US Emissions Higher for Longer
Combined with earlier EPA deregulatory moves, this week’s repeal of power plant rules is set to alter the nation’s emissions trajectory.
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ryan cooper @ryanlcooper.com · 11/09/2026
whoo boy heatmap.news/energy/new-e...
heatmap.news
New Englanders Will Pay Through the Nose to Stay Warm This Winter
Even the hardiest are shivering at the price of heating oil.
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sirosenbaum.bsky.social @sirosenbaum.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
In 1938 they still got the edition out the next day in the hurricane when the Journal building (which had the presses on the first floor) flooded
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Philip Eil @phileil.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
The Journal isn't printed locally anymore. Which means earlier deadlines for the print edition. Which means we don't see a traditional Day-After-the-Election front page until two days after the election. This is today's paper. (The website has been constantly updated & coverage has been great.)
The front page of the Providence Journal, with the banner headline "CHANGE WINS," reporting the results of Wednesday's primary elections in the governor's race and Providence mayoral race.
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Philip Eil @phileil.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
PSA: quality journalism is not free to produce. It costs quite a bit of money, mainly for the time and labor of the folks producing it (reporting, writing, editing, photographing, etc.). The internet has given many folks the false impression journalism has no cost bc it is often free to access.
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Your Internet Friend Tom Tomorrow @tomtomorrow.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
I bought this sign a few years later at the going out of business sale of a locally owned restaurant in, I think, North Haven CT.
metal sign with stick-on lettering reading NO FRENCH PRODUCTS SOLD HERE/"GOD BLESS AMERICA"
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John Kostyack @kostyack.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
New poll shows that most Americans don't believe that renewable energy drives down their electricity costs. BUT on who to blame for rising costs, just 31% of voters blame renewables, whereas 58% blame new data centers, 55% blame oil and gas, and 48% blame rising electricity demand.
heatmap.news
Why ‘Clean Is Cheap, Cheap Is Clean’ Isn’t Breaking Through
New polling by Heatmap and Embold Research shows where one of climate advocates’ favorite arguments for renewables is falling short.
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John Marion @johnmarion.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
If the Democratic nominees for all the statewide races prevail in November, would this be the first time in RI history that three of the five statewide offices are held by women?
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Christian Roselund @roselund.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Some relatively good news from the United States. We installed 11.4 GW of #solar in Q2 2026, bringing the H1 total to ~19.4 GW. Solar is still being installed, 18 months into Trump 2.0. But market growth has stalled around this level since 2024. /1 seia.org/research-res...
seia.org
Solar Market Insight Report Q3 2026 – SEIA
The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) is leading the transformation to a clean energy economy. Learn more at seia.org
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Michelle R. Smith @bymichellersmith.com · 10/09/2026
A related issue is an over reliance by news outlets to get their info from paid official spokespeople rather than talking to real people and community groups for their perspectives
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PM2.5 Kills ~9 Million People Each Year Worldwide @tkovach.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
"The Environmental Protection Agency is considering a rule that could treat some temporary gas turbines as mobile equipment rather than stationary pollution sources, potentially making them easier to permit."
axios.com
Trump moves to ease environmental rules for data centers
The moves risk inflaming an already fierce and bipartisan backlash to data centers, the backbone of the AI boom.
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Zahra Hirji @zhirji.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
EXCLUSIVE: The Environmental Protection Agency has quietly removed multiple online resources for companies on how to measure the carbon footprint of their supply chains, called Scope 3 emissions. Gift link @bloomberg.com: www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
bloomberg.com
EPA Removes Online Scope 3 Emissions Guidance for Companies
As the Trump administration rolls back environmental rules, it’s also taking down resources that help corporations understand their environmental risk.
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Rob Smith @robesmit.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
damn grebian lost too? that's crazy
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Ted Nesi @tednesi.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
BREAKING: Adam Greenman has won the Democratic primary for Pawtucket mayor, @wpri12.bsky.social projects - Grebien has conceded www.wpri.com/news/electio...
wpri.com
LIVE: Polls close in RI, track all the primary races here
Watch our special coverage for live results and analysis of local races.
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Rob Smith @robesmit.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
is the only incumbent hanging on really going to be Sabina Matos?
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Ted Nesi @tednesi.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
BREAKING: David Morales has won the Democratic primary for Providence mayor, defeating incumbent Brett Smiley www.wpri.com/news/electio...
wpri.com
LIVE: Polls close in RI, track all the primary races here
Watch our special coverage for live results and analysis of local races.
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Timmons Roberts @timmonsroberts.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
“The Brown study actually was fairly accurate about writing down all the people involved. … I was probably the common denominator for those groups,” Stevenson told me. ecori.org/the-man-behi...
ecori.org
The Man Behind the Fall of Offshore Wind - ecoRI News
David Stevenson has dedicated the better part of a decade to obstructing a source of renewable energy that can help replace the fossil fuels that are baking the planet.
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Rob Smith @robesmit.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
well NBC did in fact call the governor's race before pats kickoff
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Rob Smith @robesmit.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Kornacki talking about 150 votes in Burrillville... that's the stuff that was made for me
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Steve Ahlquist @steveahlquist.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
The Kennedy Plaza Resilience Coalition protests against moving the bus hub next to the mall “They are pushing the hub out of Kennedy Plaza without even pretending to check whether that’s a good idea. They’re doing it to keep these building owners happy.” steveahlquist.substack.com/p/the-kenned...
steveahlquist.substack.com
The Kennedy Plaza Resilience Coalition protests Against moving the bus hub next to the mall
“They are pushing the hub out of Kennedy Plaza without even pretending to check whether that’s a good idea. They’re doing it to keep these building owners happy.”
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Rob Smith @robesmit.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
did they redo the election results website? looks nice
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Sam G. Howard @samghoward.riliberator.com · 09/09/2026
We did crack 50,000! Question is whether we’ll get to 51K or 52K as the mail comes in! ri-voter-turnout-tracker-ridos.hub.arcgis.com
Early primary day voting, showing 61,488 people have voted, 11,023 of those in the first two hours of voting 7 AM to 9 AM.

Early vote of 37,487 plus mail returns of 12, 978 is equal to 50,465.
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Rob Smith @robesmit.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
was voter #209 when I went to vote just before lunchtime today... dunno what that means for metrics, its one of two polling places open in town today
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ecoRI News @ecorinews.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
⏰️ Time is ticking on Zero-Trash Bash tickets! At the Bash, ecoRI News columnist Frank Carini will trade his reporter’s notebook for the hot seat, and Terry Grey, DEM director, will take the interviewer’s chair and put Frank on the record. No topic is off limits! buff.ly/ApWZq4Cis
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Rob Smith @robesmit.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
extremely hyped that someone else at my work has done a rat map again
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ecoRI News @ecorinews.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
In this week's newsletter: 🌲 Mysterious clear-cutting in Hopkinton 💰️ Higher utility rates on the horizon for most, credits for some 🐀 Rising rodent complaints in West Warwick ⚡️ Newport park becomes a flashpoint bit.ly/4zUNgjk
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