Environmental advocates and residents in Rhode Island are raising concerns over proposed changes to the state Department of Environmental Management’s (DEM) odor regulations. The hearing on Sept. 10 brought together community members, researchers, and environmental groups to discuss how to improve enforcement against odors from sources like asphalt plants, which have long affected neighborhoods such as South Providence and Washington Park. DEM’s proposed amendment defines an odor nuisance as emissions that extend beyond a facility’s property line and interfere with a person’s enjoyment of life or property, considering factors like intensity and duration. However, critics argue the rules remain insufficient, particularly because enforcement is hampered when odors dissipate before inspectors arrive. Data from Brown University’s Breathe Providence project shows over half of odor complaints occur outside inspector working hours, highlighting a gap in timely responses. Researchers suggested training residents as community odor inspectors to address this, but DEM stated state law restricts such roles to municipal employees. Advocates also called for a single, clear complaint system, as multiple reporting channels have confused residents. Overall, while DEM aims for clearer enforcement, stakeholders urge stronger, more practical measures to hold polluters accountable.