Air Resources
Our Mission
DEM's Office of Air Resources (OAR) is responsible for the preservation, protection, and improvement of air quality in Rhode Island. This is accomplished, in partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, by regulating the emission of air pollutants from stationary and mobile sources.
The purpose of the Air Resources program is to carry out the policy of the State as declared in Rhode Island General Law § 23-23-2, that is:
“…to preserve, protect, and improve the air resources of the state to promote the public health, welfare, and safety, to prevent injury or detriment to human, plant, and animal life, physical property, and other resources, and to foster the comfort and convenience of the state's inhabitants.”
To learn more about the Office’s major activities, take an interactive tour via our StoryMap Collection:
Public Notices
- 1/22/26 - Notice of Public Hearing and Comment Period RE: Proposed Operating Permit Renewal for RI Department of Administration, Pastore Center. Due to the expected inclement weather, the public hearing scheduled for Monday, January 26, 2026, has been postponed. The new hearing date and time can be found in the updated public notice. If you wish to attend the hearing virtually, please send an email to Aleida Whitney at Aleida.Whitney@dem.ri.gov to request a link.
- 1/7/26 - Notice of Public Comment Period for the proposed amendments to the RGGI regulation (250-RICR-120-05-46, ‘CO2 Budget Trading Program’)
- 12/19/25 - Notice of Public Comment Period for the proposed amendments to the RGGI regulation (250-RICR-120-05-47, ‘CO2 Budget Trading Program Allowance Distribution)
