Candidate Responses for CA-6
Comparing responses to Innovation & the Elections 2008 for:
Innovation
Science and technology have been responsible for half of the growth of the American economy since World War II. But several recent reports question Americas continued leadership in these vital areas. What policies would you support to ensure that America remains the world leader in innovation?
Lynn Woolsey
As a senior Member of the House Committee on Science and Technology, I was proud to work with my colleagues to pass the COMPETES Act this Congress. This bill addresses many of the issues that have led to the United States falling behind in math and science. Now that the bill has been signed into law, we must help this bill live up to its potential and make sure that it is adequately funded. In addition, I will continue to support extension of the Research and Development (R&D) tax credit, which is vital to ensure that new and dynamic innovation is happening in labs across the country that will keep the U.S. at the forefront of developing new technologies.
Climate Change
The Earth’s climate is changing and there is concern about the potentially adverse effects of these changes on life on the planet. What is your position on the following measures that have been proposed to address global climate change—a cap-and-trade system, a carbon tax, increased fuel-economy standards, and research? Are there other policies you would support?
Lynn Woolsey
Climate Change must be seriously addressed with major legislation during the 111th Congress. While a carbon tax is the most progressive approach to attaching a price to the use of carbon, a cap and trade system would also be a good start to reduce our use of carbon based energy. We also need to be smarter about how we burn fossil fuels. With increased investment in energy efficiency and higher fuel standards, we can dramatically reduce our dependency on fuel that emit greenhouse gases.
Energy
Many scientists and policymakers say energy security and sustainability are major problems facing the United States this century. What policies would you support to meet the demand for energy while ensuring an economically and environmentally sustainable future?
Lynn Woolsey
Our country needs to invest in a massive "New Apollo Project" where the goal is to create and distribute clean, renewable energy sources that will make fossil fuels obsolete, and will place the United States at the forefront of this technology. In the meantime, we need to renew the investment tax credit and production tax credit for renewable energy sources to start moving our country away from harmful carbon based fuels, and onto renewable energy sources.
Education
A comparison of 15-year-olds in 30 wealthy nations found that average science scores among U.S. students ranked 17th, while average U.S. math scores ranked 24th. What role do you think the federal government should play in preparing K-12 students for the science and technology driven 21st Century?
Lynn Woolsey
It is of great concern that the U.S. lags behind other wealthy nations in our students' knowledge of science and technology. The federal government must continue to work with states and schools to recruit and train math and science teachers and provide professional development opportunities so that our math and science teachers have the most recent information. We must also work with the higher education and business community to promote better alignment of school curriculum with the needs of our changing workforce.
Water
Thirty-nine states expect some level of water shortage over the next decade, and scientific studies suggest that a majority of our water resources are at risk. What policies would you support to meet demand for water resources?
Lynn Woolsey
As a Member from California, I am especially sensitive to water issues. Water conservation and efficiency needs to be a priority. That's why I've worked with other members of the Committee and Science and Technology to move water legislation bills to the House floor, including H.R. 3957, the Water Use and Efficiency Act, which passed the House on July 30, 2008.
Research
For many years, Congress has recognized the importance of science and engineering research to realizing our national goals. Given that the next Congress will likely face spending constraints, what priority would you give to investment in basic research in upcoming budgets?
Lynn Woolsey
Even with budget restraints, the research budget needs to be a priority. Innovation and research are economic engines that are almost unmatched, and cutting funding for these programs has a disproportionate effect on the development of our economy.
Health
Americans are increasingly concerned with the cost, quality, and availability of health care. How do you see science, research, and technology contributing to improved health and quality of life?
Lynn Woolsey
Everyone deserves access to the best quality medical care at an affordable price. We've seen great advances in Americans' health and quality of life because of great strides we have made in science, research, and technology. Patients with diseases that were once incurable are being cured and patient quality of life has improved. We must continue to invest in science, research and technology so that we can find new treatments and cures for diseases.