Despite legislation and mounting pressure from Attorney General Patrick Lynch, the R.I. Airport Corporation has been resisting requirements that it monitor the air quality around T.F. Green Airport.
Apparently, the original legislation calling for the installation of a monitoring system was just vague enough to allow for such shenanigans. But it is nonetheless unconscionable. The legislative intent is clear, and the health and environmental logic is irresistible.
Finally, after name-calling and negotiations, RIAC is installing the monitors and the legislature is trying to pass a bill in clear language setting up guidelines for gathering data and turning it over to the General Assembly, the R.I. Department of Environmental Management and the R.I. Department of Health.
At the same time that this drama has been playing out, the RIAC has been lobbying to expand the airport, but has run into opposition from Warwick residents. Rather than demonstrate exactly what a good neighbor the airport can be, the RIAC has been antagonizing citizens by playing games with air quality monitoring. How about some PR 101? Throw in a refresher course on public accountability while you’re at it.