Candidate Responses for OH-12
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?
David Robinson
I would support policies and programs that help the U.S. to maintain and improve its status as a leader in science and technology innovation.
Increased focused needs to be placed on the following:
1. Educational opportunites and financial grants and scholarships that will encourgage students to pursue careers in fields related to science, math and technology.
2. Investment in green technology research and development. This will assit the U.S. in addressing issues related to climate change, will provide more jobs and will help to keep these economic opportunities within the U.S.
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?
David Robinson
In 2006 I was trained by The Climate Project and have spent a significant amount of time studying climate change and delivering keynotes and other educational presentations throughout central Ohio about climate change.
I was among the first 1,000 people in the U.S. to receive this training and to be given the responsibility of carrying out The Climate Project’s mission of “increasing public awareness of the climate crisis at a grassroots level”. Since this time, I have presented 25+ pro-bono keynotes and other presentations to more than 2,300 people throughout Ohio.
Addressing climate change will require monumental shifts in our current energy mindset. I would support a carbon tax or similar system that holds companies accountable for their carbon emmissions. I would also support increasing the current CAFE standards for increased fuel economy standards.
Beyond these policies, I believe we need to make significant investments in research and development of green energy and alternative fuel technologies. My complete climate change and energy independence plan can be viewed in my Apollo II video which is found at www.robinson2008.com .
Apollo II involves three significant components:
• Investment in the research, development and production of new green technologies and related jobs,
• Independence from our reliance on foreign oil, and;
• Significant reductions in CO2 emissions.
Apollo II calls for energy independence by 2030 and an 80% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2050.
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?
David Robinson
Acheiving energy independence and security is a critical issue for our country. This issue is also addressed in my Apollo II video, which I encourage you to view at www.robinson2008.com .
Long term energy independence can only happen by focusing on and investing in alternative energies, such at wind, solar, solar thermal, fuel cell and others. Funding must also be dedicated to reseach and advancement of these and other alternative energy and fuel technologies. There are alternative energy sources and technologies yet to be improved and discovered.
By investing in these alternatives we are also investing in a stronger economy, providing "green collar", good paying jobs to hard-working Americans.
We can no longer depend on oil, a limit natural resource, as our major source of energy. Nor can we continue to place our fate in the hands of the other countries that control much of the oil supply that is used by the U.S.
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?
David Robinson
No response to this question has been provided.
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?
David Robinson
No response to this question has been provided.
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?
David Robinson
No response to this question has been provided.
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?
David Robinson
No response to this question has been provided.