Matt Brouillette, President and CEO of the Commonwealth Foundation for Public Policy Alternatives, is proposing a climate change debate with Jan Jarret, President and CEO of Citizens for Pennsylvania’s Future. 
The debate would involve scientists who believe that global warming is occurring, and scientists who do not, with moderators and a state-wide audience televised from Penn State University.
Mr. Brouillette and Ms. Jarrett are already scheduled for a separate climate change debate next Tuesday on WITF’s Radio Smart Talk. The WITF radio debate is scheduled to air February 16 from 9 to 10 a.m. on WITF.
Ms. Jarrett said “What we want to focus on is understanding; hopefully that you can understand the context of the debate, what’s at stake, and where we should be going in the future with climate change policies.” She also said “I’m hoping once they evaluate the information that they hear they will be in a better position to make judgments about climate science. I‘m hoping they will hear the overview of the state of science and some of the policies to deal with global warming.”
Mr. Brouillette is still awaiting a response on a scientific debate from Ms. Jarrett regarding last week’s email, copied below. Mr. Brouillette said “The purpose of it ought to be not only the science involved but the cost-benefit of the policy ramifications based on this science. So the purpose is that it goes beyond just whether or not man has created global warming, but what should governments be doing and what are the costs and benefits of such action because that to me is the crux of the debate.”
From: "Matthew Brouillette
Date: February 5, 2010 9:15:31 PM EST
To: "Jan Jarrett"
Cc: "Lisa Powers"
Subject: A Global Warming Debate
Jan:
Let's have a debate!
You pick your two best global warming apologists and I'll pick my best two "deniers" (as you so fondly call us), and CF will co-host a debate with PennFuture at Penn State. We'll pick an agreeable moderator or co-moderators who will ask our questions of opposing sides. You up for it?
I know it's not as fun as saying absurd things like, "In their universe, hot is cold," but I thought you might possibly be interested in elevating the discussion.
Please note that I've copied Lisa Powers, Penn State's Public Information Director, who I'm sure will help out with the debate logistics given the university's commitment to seeking the truth on the pressing matters of our day.
Also, I've blind copied a number of members of the media, and a few others, who I think would be interested in covering such an event if you are willing.
I'll eagerly await your response as I dig out from these 18 inches of global warming this weekend.
Cheers!
Matt
Darwyyn Deyo can be contacted by email at darwyyn@paindependent.com
