Former Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality Mike McDaniel is now a University employee. McDaniel will serve as a “professional in residence,” assisting the Center for Energy Studies in its mission to research and analyze energy-related issues that face Louisianians. McDaniel’s focus will be on climate change and energy, especially renewable and alternative energy. “I am pleased to have the opportunity to dive into science and research on a full time basis,” McDaniel said. In his capacity as DEQ Secretary under former Gov. Kathleen Blanco, McDaniel was responsible for nearly 1,000 employees. He said he was involved in technical development and management, working to improve the agency and its customer service. During his tenure, the DEQ also faced the challenges of hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Because of his hurricane response experience, he testified before the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee and the U.S. House Committee on Homeland Security, detailing Louisiana’s response, according to the Center for Energy Studies Web site. McDaniel said he is excited about his new position at the University and looks forward to working in the less stressful world of academia. He plans to work on research, analysis and policy involving greenhouse gas control, bio-fuel and alternative energy. “Energy studies are extremely timely right now,” McDaniel said. “Louisiana is an energy state that has had some air quality problems in the past. The time is now to look at implementing greenhouse gas policy should it pass in Congress, which it looks like it may.” His position as “professional in residence” will allow him to devote his schedule to full-time research and science. He may also teach in some capacity in the future, McDaniel said. He has more than 35 years of experience in environmental investigations and regulatory compliance, according to a University news release. He served as a member of the Governor’s Task Force on Environmental Protection and Preservation, the Governor’s Mississippi River Corridor Task Force and the Amite River Basin Commission, according to the release. “Dr. McDaniel will be a great asset to the center, sharing his unique experience at this critical time in energy and environmental policy formulation and implementation nationally and in Louisiana,” CES Executive Director Allan Pulsipher said in a news release. McDaniel stepped down from his position as secretary earlier this month, according to the release.
—-Contact Jack LeBlanc at [email protected]