Marina Kats (Candidate)

Marina Kats
Candidate R-13-PA

1751 Stocton Rd.
Meadowbrook, PA 19046

Biography

KATS, Marina. No further information about this candidate is available at this time. If you have information that we can add, please email us at contact@SEforA.org.

CANDIDATE QUESTIONNAIRE

Compare Innovation & the Elections 2008 responses for PA-13.

SEA and eighteen other science organizations have come together to ask the 2008 congressional candidates seven questions on science and technology policy. See what Marina Kats has said:

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 America’s continued leadership in these vital areas. What policies would you support to ensure that America remains the world leader in innovation?

In order to continue to flourish America’s thinkers must be allowed to remain free of restrictive governmental policies. The Constitution (Article I, Section 8) specifically charged the Congress with this responsibility: “To promote the Progress of Science and useful Arts, by securing for limited Times to Authors and Investors the exclusive Right to their respective Writings and Discoveries.” Essentially, intellectual property was to be honored, and current policy should be oriented towards furthering this specific goal. Therefore, although an often unheralded process, ensuring that there is no backlog in the process of granting patents ought to be one of our highest priorities. It is also vital that Americans have their achievements scrupulously protected in all international trade agreements.

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?

America must institute policies that will ensure a cleaner domestic and global environment. Congress must make certain it establishes standards that are scientifically sound by invoking validated precedents. Mandated emission reduction targets and timetables can be set and achieved (Brazilian automobiles). A market based Cap and Trade System can be successful within a few years (Sulfur Dioxide). A Carbon Tax, however, would create an economic nightmare, particularly because countries with lax standards would be able to attract business unfairly. All policies must include mechanisms to minimize costs and to work seamlessly with other markets, thus allowing private innovation to spur the development and deployment of advanced technology. America can thus maintain its international status as a role-model that is both imaginative and realistic.

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?

Achieving energy independence is a national security priority. This country has a fine history of attaining tough technological goals. The same nation that beat President Kennedy’s deadline to the moon should be able to lead the world in finding renewable energy sources. Therefore, an Energy Independence Initiative must be instituted immediately. This would entail some auto emission standards, increased utilization of shale and clean-burning coal, and construction of nuclear power plants. Research and development of geothermal, wind-farm, and solar sources must also be supported. I also believe that the moratorium on off-shore drilling must be ended ASAP, provided that companies are able to make their development safe.

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?

Although it is vital that key standards be established and monitored, now that broad experience has been gained during the past decade, concerns about tunnel-vision education and bloated bureaucracy can be addressed. Overall, the methods and tools of education must change to meet the needs of a new century. A solid system of computer learning must become a part of primary education. The fact of the matter is more Americans must be college educated, yet secondary schooling must also experience the same quantum leap that technology has in the last decade.

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?

In general I believe that water policy is primarily a state and local issue; on the other hand, precedents exits for regional activities when a national priority exists (such as the Tennessee Valley Authority). Conservation must be encouraged. Also, encroachments on wetlands should be avoided and private property rights respected as much as possible.

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?

Government has a responsibility to set national goals and to award grant monies to the most deserving applicants. Most of our energy should be devoted to the technological revolution in energy. I am particularly pleased that the House passed the National Nanotechnology Initiative Amendment Act (H.R. 5940). This one effort alone may have the capacity to revolutionize multiple disciplines of science and engineering (including energy resources).

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?

I consider the National Institute of Health one of our finest agencies. If there is one avenue I which government can take an active role in improving health care in this country it is by contributing to innovation in that industry through the NIH.