Senator Jason Lewis to Host Forum on Energy and Environmental Priorities

Continuing his “Community Conversations” issue discussions, Senator Jason Lewis is excited to announce the fourth forum in the series, which will focus on exploring the future of energy policy and the environment in the Commonwealth and in our cities and towns.  “Community Conversations” are issue discussions that are being held in each community of the district over the year.  Each forum features a different topic, with ample opportunity for residents to share feedback and have their questions answered by experts on the given topic.

This upcoming event – Community Conversations: The Future of Energy Policy and the Environment in Our Communities – will take place on Thursday, October 8, at 6:00pm.  It will occur at the Jenks Center, 109 Skillings Road, Winchester.  The forum is sponsored by Senator Lewis in coordination with Winchester Town Manager Richard Howard, State Senator Patricia Jehlen, State Representative Michael Day, and Sustainable Winchester.

This forum will offer the chance to hear directly from experts on public policy priorities and on opportunities for the region’s residents regarding local energy policies and environmental stewardship.  Featured presenters will include: Matthew Beaton, the Commonwealth’s Secretary for Energy and Environmental Affairs; Ken Pruitt, Executive Director of the Environmental League of Massachusetts; and, Susan McPhee, Energy Conservation Coordinator for the Town of Winchester.  There will be ample opportunity for Q&A from audience members.

“How we power our communities and our households, and the impact that this energy consumption has on our environment, are issues of importance to many families and businesses; so, I’m very pleased that this will be the focus of our next Community Conversation,” said Senator Jason Lewis.  “The conversations I have directly with constituents across the district are the best source of information and guidance to help me do my job in the legislature.  I’m excited about the ‘Community Conversations’ series as each forum provides us with a good opportunity to engage in a substantive dialogue on a timely and important topic.”

“As Massachusetts residents, we’re fortunate to lead the country in energy and environmental policies, from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative to solar energy incentives and opportunities for energy efficiency, all while maintaining a robust economy,” noted Carolyn Starrett, President of Sustainable Winchester, a nonprofit organization founded for the purpose of educating and raising awareness about energy and environmental sustainability.  “We welcome the conversation regarding how we can build on the Commonwealth’s leadership and encourage more residents and communities to become even more engaged.”

“Community Conversations” forums held earlier this year included a lively discussion in Malden in April on what would be involved in a Boston-hosted Olympic Games and what impact it would have on our communities north of Boston, as well as an informative presentation in Melrose in May on demystifying our state budget, and an enlightening panel discussion in Wakefield in June on public transportation that featured the General Managers of the MBTA and Keolis Commuter Services.  Additional “Community Conversations” in Reading and Stoneham will be announced in the weeks ahead.