Wednesday, April 16 at 7 p.m. the St. Helena Public Library will host a National Issues Forum discussion on alternative energy solutions: “Energy Problem, Choices for an Uncertain Future.” America’s way of life seems threatened by unstable sources of energy, while many see growing evidence of environmental damage.  As demands for energy escalate, both in this country and in rapidly developing nations, we may soon reach a point of no return.  It is time to face the difficult choices that must be made to ensure a sustainable future. This discussion invites people to consider three approaches: reducing our dependence on foreign energy, getting out of the fossil-fuel predicament, and reducing our demand for energy. This is your opportunity to have your voice heard on a problem that has both local and global implications.

National Issues Forums (NIF) is a nonpartisan, nationwide network of locally sponsored public forums for the consideration of public policy issues. The purpose of the forums is to provide a neutral space where people can come together for deliberative public dialogue about common problems and concerns. These forums offer citizens the opportunity to join together to reflect on options and make choices with others about ways to approach difficult issues and to work toward creating reasoned public judgment.

Forums provide a way for people of diverse views and experiences to seek a shared understanding of the problem and to search for common ground for action. The forum at the Library will be led by Carole Patterson, a trained, neutral moderator who will frame the issues by presenting the overall problem and differing options for solutions. Forum participants work through the issue by considering each approach; examining what appeals to them or concerns them, and also what the costs, consequences, and trade offs may be that would be incurred in following that approach. Come be a part of the discussion and hear what others have to say. 

For more information call 963-5244.

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