NORWICH – New York Regional Interconnect Inc. was not invited to tonight’s power line hearing in Orange County, so the “hot seat” may be substantially cooler than the searing posterior settlements created at earlier question and answer sessions regarding the $1.6 billion project.

Senator William Larkin (R-Cornwall-on-Hudson), the hearing’s sponsor, said he set up the meeting to only allow for straightforward answers, and that NYRI was not asked to attend.

“We only want people who can tell us who, what, when, where and why,” said Senator Larkin, in a phone interview with The Evening Sun. “We’re looking for information that our people can take home, understand, and make a sound judgment on.”

Joining Larkin on the panel will be Orange County Supervisors John Ward (Wallkill), Robert Jankowski (Hamptonburgh), and George Green (New Windsor). Invited speakers include the Communities Against Regional Interconnect Chairman Christopher Cunningham, representatives from the New York state Public Service Commission, and for the first time, a representative from the Department of Environmental Conservation’s Office of Permits.

CARI and STOP NYRI CO-chair Eve Ann Shwartz said she was especially encouraged that the DEC would be providing testimony and answering questions regarding environmental impact studies in reference to the 190 mile long, 1,200 megawatt line.

“That is a good sign,” Shwartz said. “I’m interested to hear their thoughts on this project.”