WWU Institute for Energy Studies to Host Symposium April 18

Western Washington University’s Institute for Energy Studies will host a symposium titled “Repowering Mobility: Envisioning a New Future for Transportation Energy” from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 18 on Western’s campus.

Gov. Jay Inslee will provide the opening keynote address to the symposium.

The 2017 Energy Symposium is focused on energy transformation in the transportation sector and will examine why transportation is a critical issue for climate and energy transition, as well as why it is the toughest challenge. Discussions will provide an overview of key sectors and range of potential solutions.

“The theme of this year’s Energy Symposium reflects the region’s legacy of innovation in energy efficiency, innovative technology, and regional policy and planning, as well as future directions for leadership toward a clean, efficient energy system,” said Joel Swisher, director of the Institute for Energy Studies at Western.

The symposium will include top thought leaders from companies and organizations such as Boeing, Paccar, TOTE Services, City of Seattle, and Carbon War Room/Rocky Mountain Institute and will feature David Roberts of Vox Media as the lunch keynote.

“Western Washington University’s Institute for Energy Studies is a unique program at a unique university,” said Ross Macfarlane, founding member of the Advisory Board for the Institute.  “This year’s Energy Symposium will look at one of our toughest challenges: repowering our transportation system with clean and efficient energy. We are excited to have attracted top experts from our region’s leading companies representing a cross-section of the transportation sector.”

The cost to attend for WWU faculty, staff and students is $15; and $35 for general community members. Space is limited; registration is required.

For more information, or to register for the symposium, visit wp.wwu.edu/energysymposium.

The event's presenting sponsor is Phillips 66 Ferndale Refinery and event sponsor is Ingersoll Rand/Trane Corp. Cascade Natural Gas and PACCAR are providing additional sponsorship support.

The Institute for Energy studies at Western Washington University is a multi-college collaboration that is developing a portfolio of academic programs to meet the growing demand, from students and Washington’s growing energy economy, for interdisciplinary education related to the science, technology, policy and business aspects of human production and use of energy.