Squaw Valley Institute is sponsoring a panel discussion Jan. 16 about fracking.

California has the largest underground supply of natural gas in the country and is currently under the microscope to handle these resources responsibly.

The night will start with a background presentation followed by a moderated panel debating the potential positive and negative impact of hydraulic fracking on energy independence, environment and economy. Panelists include Catherine Reheis Boyd, president of the Western States Petroleum Association; Abrahm Lustgarten, environmental reporter with ProPublica; and David Baker, business reporter with the San Francisco Chronicle.

The cocktail reception is at 6:30pm and discussion at 7pm at PlumpJack Squaw Valley Inn. Tickets are available online.