Seattle panel to focus on environment and energy from 3 perspectives

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 this country 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.

"To fight climate change, it takes the involvement of millions of people," said Michael Brune, executive director of Rainforest Action Network, who will speak at this week's event. His organization tries to pressure large corporations to change their practices to be more environmentally friendly.

Brune said he also hopes to talk about issues in his new book, "Coming Clean: Breaking America's Addiction to Oil and Coal." He suggests thinking about climate change not as a looming obligation, but rather as an opportunity to create millions of green jobs and rejuvenate local economies.

And, Brune said he's looking forward to a "lively discussion" with the Shell Oil representative.

Barbara Kornylo, Shell Oil's Western region sustainable-development manager, said she hopes attendees will understand how important it is to find a balance of energy solutions for the future. Conventional oil will remain Shell's main focus, Kornylo said, but the company has invested millions in renewables such as wind and solar.

"We don't think the end of oil is around the corner," Kornylo said. "How do we find that right balance in how we continue to meet needs to lower CO{-2} [carbon dioxide], plus deal with our population increase and needs worldwide?"

John Iani, an attorney with Van Ness Feldman and a former regional EPA administrator, will be the third speaker in Thursday's panel. From 2001 to 2004, Iani managed the EPA's programs in Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Washington.

The series will continue in February with a look at how communities can benefit from green jobs and local energy projects. It will conclude with a session in April focusing on the role of energy conservation.

Michelle Ma: 206-464-2303 or mma@seattletimes.com