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The Mackinac Center for Public Policy is pleased to host monthly Issues & Ideas Luncheons in Lansing. These luncheons, which feature experts on a diverse array of subjects, offer a forum that enhances and broadens the policy debate to include theoretical and philosophical ideals—and suggestions for achieving them.
Legislative staff, policy specialists, and other interested friends are cordially invited to our
featuring
Russ Harding
Senior Environmental Policy Analyst, the Mackinac Center for Public Policy
Former Director of the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality
DATE:
Tuesday, February 3, 2004
TIME:
12:00 - 1:15 p.m.
LOCATION:
The Mackinac Room, 5th Floor
House Office Building
124 North Capitol, LansingCOST:
Lunch is provided at no charge,
with reservation.
Optimizing the protection of Michigan’s unique natural resources requires an accurate assessment of environmental risks. This is particularly important at present, as budget constraints limit the availability of public funds for environmental programs. Few people in Michigan know better the actual state of the state’s environment than Russ Harding, the Mackinac Center’s new senior environmental policy analyst and former director of the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).
Drawing on three decades of experience in environmental protection, Mr. Harding will delineate between environmental hype and reality in his first speech as a Mackinac Center analyst. He will present empirical data that can assist policy-makers in setting science-based environmental priorities for Michigan.
Immediately prior to joining the Mackinac Center, Harding was senior director for environment and energy affairs with Scofes, Kindsvatter & Associates, a consulting firm with offices in Lansing. He served as Michigan DEQ director from 1995 through 2002, following senior management posts in environmental and natural resources for the states of Arizona, Alaska and Missouri.
The luncheon begins promptly at 12:00 noon. Please make reservations for yourself and any guests by noon on January 30, 2004, by calling the Mackinac Center at (989) 631-0900 or send your e-mail to: rsvp@mackinac.org.
The Purpose of the Issues & Ideas Luncheon
The nature of the legislative process is such that public policy debates are often framed by specific constituencies and political pragmatism rather than sound principles. By offering a forum for wide-ranging discussion, the Mackinac Center for Public Policy hopes to broaden the debate to include theoretical and philosophical ideals—and how to achieve them. The best interests of Michigan citizens can only be served when legislation incorporates our best understanding of legal, economic, psychological, moral and scientific principles.
