This episode of Making Waves features Shana Wiseman, a Senior Regulatory Advisor at Kleinschmidt Associates, as she discusses her career path and her experience working on the Bear River Narrows project. The conversation highlights the complexities of hydroelectric licensing and the importance of collaborative, human-centered approaches in regulatory consulting.

Key Highlights

• Career Path (2:37 – 6:52): Shana details her journey from wanting to be a parks and recreation professional to working for FERC (Federal Energy Regulatory Commission) for 18 years, followed by time at the Department of Energy and her current role in consulting.
• Bear River Narrows Project (8:49 – 14:48): An overview of a challenging, original 10-megawatt unconstructed hydroelectric project in Idaho. Shana explains the complications of licensing a project where no infrastructure currently existed, involving complex stakeholder engagement with irrigation companies, tribes, and environmental agencies.
• Project Challenges (14:48 – 21:50): The discussion covers the difficulties of working with a “green” applicant unfamiliar with the lengthy licensing process, managing emotional community responses regarding drought and land use, and the necessity of keeping the regulatory process neutral.
• The Power of People (21:50 – 27:24): Shana emphasizes the importance of mentorship and the role of strong, calm leaders like Cindy Robertson from Idaho Fish and Game, who helped maintain composure and focus during contentious public meetings.
• Lessons Learned (27:24 – 31:38): A deep dive into the importance of active listening, thorough preparation, and the responsibility of consultants to provide honest, sometimes difficult, advice to clients regarding project risks.
• Why Kleinschmidt (31:38 – 34:29): Shana explains that Kleinschmidt differentiates itself by prioritizing the client’s best long-term interests, even when that means advising against pursuing a project that is unlikely to succeed.