The Washington and Jefferson College in Washington, near Pittsburgh, announced Friday that all of the GOP (Grand Olde Party) presidential candidates had been invited to an Energy Policy Forum set for Sunday, April 22 to share their respective energy policy positions and visions for US energy policy. That is just two days before the state’s primary Republican ticket elections.

The event is linked to the unveiling of the institution’s Center for Energy Policy and Management.

“The goal of the CEPM is to provide a forum for the exchange of ideas and information about energy use and policy,” college president Dr Tori Haring-Smith said.

“The college sits within the Marcellus Shale, the hub of the natural gas industry in the east, and in a region historically known for coal production. This location provides us with a unique perspective on issues related to energy and makes the CEPM the ideal spot for a discussion on energy policy.”

While the college has not yet received confirmations of attendance from the campaigns, it believes the debate will provide the candidates with an “important and timely opportunity” to discuss the issues, which are critical to their political platforms given their far-reaching economical and educational implications.

The event will begin at 7pm local time at W&J’s Rossin Campus Center. Among the scheduled topics are national and international energy policy, the use of renewable energy sources and the environment.