Dick
Munson is executive director of the Northeast-Midwest Institute.
He also coordinates and works with the Northeast-Midwest Congressional
and Senate Coalitions, bi-partisan groups — co-chaired
by Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Jack Reed (D-RI) and
Representatives Marty Meehan (D-MA) and Steve LaTourette (R-OH)
— that conduct policy research and draft legislation
on environmental, economic development, human resource, trade,
and energy issues.
Munson
is the author of three books, including The Cardinals
of Capitol Hill, a story about the men and women who
control government spending. Reviewers noted that the book
"should be required reading of those who want to understand
our government," and that "Munson provides real
insight into the people and processes in Congress that affect
all of our lives." Munson also wrote The Power Makers,
a book Barron's described as a "thoughtful, well-informed
assessment of the electric utility industry." The Washington
Monthly rated The Power Makers as "one
of the best political books of 1985." He also wrote
Cousteau: The Captain and His World, a biography
of the ocean explorer and filmmaker.
Until
1982, Munson was executive director of the Solar Lobby and
the Center for Renewable Resources. Previous to that, he was
co-coordinator of Sun Day, the May 1978 international event
to advance alternative energy development. Sun Day organizers
received the Department of Energy's first Award for Exceptional
Public Service. Munson also directed the Environmental Action
Foundation and taught history at the University of Michigan,
where he also managed the school's Pilot Program.
