Demystifying Transmission

Join us on Thursday, July 24th for this FREE online event as we launch a series of webinars and in-person forums addressing what is On the Line for local communities in the expansion of electric transmission infrastructure. This kickoff webinar session, titled Demystifying Transmission, will help open the public conversation surrounding challenges, opportunities, and impacts of local electric transmission projects. This is intended to be an interactive and open discussion where we will not only share information & resources, but also encourage participants to share feedback and ask questions.

RENEW Northeast is building a network of community leaders across New England who are interested in ensuring that local voices and interests are part of the growing dialogue around the development of our regional electric grid. Drawing upon our resources and knowledge, we will help drive this platform for dialogue through:

• Sharing up-to-date information about transmission proposals and projects.
• Exchanging ideas and best practices for how communities can engage with energy developers.
• Building strategies for amplifying community voices and perspectives to decision makers.
• Hosting a series of informational webinars and in-person discussions.

Register now to be part of the conversation that is powering our future!

Moderator:

Heather Goldstone, Woodwell Climate Research Center

Heather leads Woodwell Climate Research Center’s Communications activities, bringing the rich stories of Woodwell Climate scientists to diverse public audiences. She draws on her extensive experience as both a scientist and a journalist, and her passion for melding data and narrative in climate change stories that build awareness and inspire action.Heather came to Woodwell Climate from WGBH, where she founded and hosted a weekly science-focused radio show, Living Lab Radio. Previously, she wrote the Climatide blog about coastal communities facing climate change. Her reporting on science and the environment has appeared in outlets ranging from Cape Cod Times and Commercial Fishery News to NPR’s Morning Edition, The Takeaway, and PBS NewsHour. In 2014, she was recognized for the breadth of her work with WGBH’s Margret and Hans Rey/Curious George Producer award.

Panelists:

Barry Sheingold, Chair of the Barnstable Infrastructure and Energy Committee

Barry Sheingold is a resident of the Town of Barnstable and serves as chair of the Town’sInfrastructure and Energy Committee. He retired in December 2022 from a 45-year career in the energy industry, having worked as a lawyer, businessperson, and consultant for or with government agencies, electric and gas utilities, power plant developers, and energy marketers. In the years before his retirement, he served as project lead for the Independent Evaluator team (selected by the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources and Attorney General's Office) that oversaw four large-scale competitive clean power procurements, including the first three Massachusetts competitive bidding processes for offshore wind energy resources.

Chris Powicki, President, Water Energy Ecology Information & Design Services, Inc.

Chris Powicki is president of Water Energy Ecology Information & Design Services, Inc., which provides research, analysis, planning, and communications services to nonprofit, government, and private sector clients. Since 2007, he has taught renewable energy courses as an adjunct professor at Cape Cod Community College. Currently serving as chair of Sierra Club’s Cape Cod & Islands Group, he has been advancing public interests as a clean energy advocate and environmental activist since 2000.

Paul Niedzwiecki, CEO, Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce

Paul Niedzwiecki is the chief executive officer of the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce. Niedzwiecki is a public policy professional and attorney with more than two decades of experience in public administration and crafting environmental and economic policy on Cape Cod. He previously served as the executive director of the Cape Cod Commission, and has also held senior positions with Southfield Redevelopment Authority, Cape Cod Healthcare, and the Town of Barnstable.