Gov. Paul R. LePage will participate in Power Dialog, a nationwide, nonpartisan educational event organized in Maine by Unity College, the University of Maine, and Maine Conservation Alliance.

Aimed at bringing students face-to-face with officials in 30 states, “Power Dialog: Maine’s Energy Future” will engage students, faculty, and staff at high schools, colleges, and universities throughout Maine
in a weeklong discussion with officials about the state’s energy and climate policy.

“Unity College is proud to once again sponsor an event that delvesinto pressing environmental issues that attract leaders at the highest levels of government,” Unity College President Dr. Melik Peter Khoury said. “That Governor LePage has requested time at this event shows we are successfully engaging all parties and persuasions in the discussion of Maine’s energy future.

“At Unity College, we believe lasting change requires creative partnerships among government, education, and industry,” Khoury said. “Each must be at the table.”

As profiled in The New York Times, Power Dialog focuses on what states can do to help meet the U.S. Paris Climate commitment. It is not an advocacy or lobbying project. There is no legislative agenda. The goal is to “educate thousands of young people about the emerging new rules for climate protection, and to give them a chance to talk face-to-face with the state regulators who are shaping their future.”

Khoury said the event aligns with Unity College’s sustainability science curriculum, which is about “making informed decisions about things like energy policy, and to engage in debate based on facts and science, without prejudice or fear.”

“The days of looking at sustainability issues only through an environmental lens are over,” Khoury said. “The next generation of problem solvers must be prepared to see issues more completely, through the lenses of economy, society, and environment. So we welcome the governor and look forward to vigorous discussion about Maine’s energy future this week, during Earth Week, and every week. It’s a great opportunity for all students to engage elected officials whose policies will directly affect their future.”

The event takes place 2:30 to 4:30 p.m., Wednesday, April 6, in Wells Conference Center, Room 1, University of Maine, Orono. It is free and open to college and high school students. Space is limited. To register, click here today. Or contact Jennifer deHart at (207) 509-7295 or JdeHart@unity.edu.

For more about Unity College’s involvement in Power Dialog, click here.