To the editor:

A lot of resident concerns have been raised about the potential for data centers being built in East Providence. Because my opponent opted to not participate in a League of Women Voters debate, I did not have the opportunity to address this issue. Accordingly, I announce that I am against data centers in East Providence.

My opposition is because they consume large amounts of water and are an energy drain to our fragile utility grid. They can also be noisy in their operation. While artificial intelligence (AI) is here to stay, I support more regulation of the industry before it expands. The major AI developers, themselves, have said the same thing regarding the need to regulate their companies. There is a need for data centers in general and they would be better suited in less populated areas than communities like ours. Our next city council needs to look at legal ways to restrict these sites.

I also introduced a resolution at the Oct. 20, 2026 city council meeting which asks our general assembly legislators to repeal the recent amendment to motor vehicle registration fees. Beginning Jan. 1, 2026, Rhode Island state law required changes to certain vehicle registration and driver license fees. These updates include additional annual fees for certain electric and hybrid vehicles. Previously, Rhode Island drivers were urged to help the environment and economy by purchasing less gas-only vehicles. Now, these same motorists are being penalized for taking government advice to conserve energy and drive more ecologically friendly vehicles.

Annual electric and hybrid vehicle registration fees have risen $100 or more. The battery electric vehicle annual fee is $400 for two years. Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles are $200 for two years. Hybrid/mild hybrid annual fee for two years is $100.

These additional registration fees are another form of taxation to an already over-burdened Rhode Island economy. Our resolution is non-binding but requests state officials to consider rescinding these extra fees. My motion received unanimous council support.

Bob Rodericks
East Providence City Council President

Rodericks is running for re-election as the at-large representative on the East Providence City Council.