Seattle panel to focus on environment and energy from 3 perspectives

The Seattle Times - November 04, 2008

Read Full Article: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2008347780_energyseries03m0.html

An oil-company representative, a conservationist and a former Environmental Protection Agency administrator likely have some very different perspectives on the future of energy. On Thursday, three such personalities will share their thoughts on the impact of energy policy in the U.S. and around the world.

The discussion, organized by the World Affairs Council in Seattle, is the first of a three-part series co-sponsored by The Seattle Times to address the energy crisis and how it could affect U.S. domestic- and foreign-policy decisions. "We try to be relevant and attentive to the issues that are current," said Martin Vallen, director of community programs for the World Affairs Council, a nonprofit group. "There is a tremendous amount of interest in the Pacific Northwest over these issues."

Thursday's event will include representatives from Shell Oil, the Van Ness Feldman law firm in Seattle, and San Francisco-based Rainforest Action Network. "I think it's absolutely imperative that we listen not just to those who are trying to seek alternative sources of energy, but also those of traditional backgrounds such as petroleum," Vallen said. Thursday's panel will kick off the energy series with a look at impacts of fossil-fuel-based energy policies, the role of traditional and new energy sources and the transition to clean technologies. Organizers said they hope listeners will become more informed, then choose to get engaged.