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Russ Harding
Senior Fellow in Environmental and Regulatory Policy
Russ Harding is the senior fellow in environmental and regulatory policy at the Mackinac Center for Public Policy. He previously served as senior environmental analyst and was director of the Center's Property Rights Network.
From 1995 through 2002, Harding served as director of the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, having previously held senior management posts in environmental and natural resources departments in Arizona, Alaska and Missouri. Before joining the Center, Harding was senior director for environment and energy affairs with Scofes, Kindsvatter & Associates, a consulting firm.
Tools
By Russ Harding
Hart Enterprises: A Wetland Case Study
This study analyzes a dispute between Hart Enterprises Inc., a medical device manufacturer located north of Grand Rapids, and the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality. The department alleges that Hart Enterprises’ property contains a nearly one-acre wetland — an area that lies in the way of the company’s proposed expansion of its parking lot. Because of the DEQ’s ruling, the department expects the company to request a wetland permit — request that might be denied, or that might be granted only with significant conditions attached.
Readers may view a supplemental video of Russ Harding interviewing Alan Taylor of Hart Enterprises. … more
Readers may view a supplemental video of Russ Harding interviewing Alan Taylor of Hart Enterprises. … more
Groundwater Regulation: An Assessment
In proposing the Water Legacy Act, Gov. Jennifer Granholm is attempting to
increase state regulation of groundwater use through a costly and intrusive permit regime. If enacted, this drastic change would upend longstanding water rights and further weaken Michigan’s economy. … more
