Five candidates for Governor of Massachusetts are expected to attend a forum on environmental issues at Boston’s Faneuil Hall Friday, March 21; one big name in the race, however, isn’t expected to make an appearance.

Republican Charlie Baker, according to a press release from the Environmental League of Massachusetts, declined his invitation to the forum. The five Democratic candidates – Joe Avellone, Don Berwick, Attorney General Martha Coakley, Juliette Kayyem, and Steve Grossman – will head to 1 Faneuil Hall Square at noon Friday.

Primary election candidates will have a their first chance to make an impression on more than 500 registered attendees, expecting to hear thoughts on the future of environmental policy, after Patrick vacates the Corner Office.

“Under Gov. Patrick, the Commonwealth leads the nation in fighting the effects of climate change and we want to make sure the next occupant of the Corner Office will carry on that legacy and take bold actions that address the full array of threats facing our environment, and thus our health and well-being,” Massachusetts Director for Clean Water Action Elizabeth Saunders said in a statement.

Friday’s forum, hosted by a coalition of environmental, transportation and innovation advocates, will be moderated by Boston Globe columnist Derrick Jackson and former Secretary of Commonwealth Development Doug Foy.

“This forum is a first step in the environmental community’s effort to make sure Massachusetts voters hear from the candidates to replace Gov. Deval Patrick about the plans to protect the environment, strengthen our infrastructure and continue to grow the innovation economy,” ELM President George Bachrach said in a statement.