In a landmark ruling, the Rhode Island Superior Court has upheld the City of Providence’s zoning ordinance, which bans the bulk storage of liquid propane gas (LPG) within the city. This decision marks a decisive victory for environmental justice advocates, particularly those in South Providence, who have long fought against the risks associated with chemical storage and industrial expansion in their community.

The ordinance, amended in 2022, is part of Providence’s broader commitment to protecting residents from harmful chemicals and pollutants. The decision blocks the expansion of Sea 3 Providence LLC, a fossil fuel company that had planned to add six large LPG storage tanks and a new rail delivery system at its facility in the heart of South Providence. The expansion would have increased the volume of volatile and hazardous chemicals stored near densely populated neighbourhoods, raising concerns about both safety and environmental health.

“This decision is a major victory for South Providence,” said City Council Majority Leader Pedro Espinal, whose district includes the area surrounding the proposed Sea 3 facility. Espinal, a vocal advocate for the community’s environmental justice, highlighted the longstanding pollution issues faced by residents, noting the devastating health impacts of industrial activity in the area. “For generations, the community I call home has endured massive amounts of pollution and devastating health outcomes. Enough is enough. This decision makes clear to Sea 3: No more putting lives at risk to increase your profits,” Espinal added.

The legal challenge to the zoning amendment was brought by Sea 3, which argued that the ordinance was inconsistent with Providence’s 2014 Comprehensive Plan. However, the court rejected this claim, affirming the city’s right to amend its zoning laws in the interest of public health and safety. The ruling keeps the ban on bulk LPG storage in place, ensuring that future expansions of hazardous chemical facilities like Sea 3’s will not be allowed within the city’s borders.

The legal battle over Sea 3’s expansion plan, which started in 2021, is part of a larger effort by Providence officials and activists to reduce the risks posed by chemical storage facilities and industrial activity in the city. The fight has drawn attention to the dangers of storing volatile substances like LPG near residential areas. In response to growing concerns, the city has committed to stronger protections for communities near the port, emphasizing the need to safeguard public health from toxic exposure.

As part of the 2024 Comprehensive Plan, the City Council has endorsed strengthened protections for both the Port of Providence and South Side neighbourhoods. The plan prohibits the establishment of certain hazardous industries, including fossil fuel power plants and toxic chemical manufacturing in the M2 and W3 zones, areas traditionally associated with heavy industry. In addition to restricting these dangerous operations, the plan also paves the way for future zoning amendments to ban activities that threaten public health or hinder climate action goals.

The ruling and the updated Comprehensive Plan reflect a growing focus on chemical safety and environmental justice, particularly for communities that have historically borne the brunt of industrial pollution. As city officials move forward with zoning reforms, they are prioritizing the health of residents in the near-industry neighbourhoods of South Providence, with a clear goal of fostering sustainable economic development without compromising public safety.