Hal Bidlack (Candidate)
(719) 474-9792
724 S. Cascade Ave.
Colorado Springs, CO 80903-4004
724 S. Cascade Ave.
Colorado Springs, CO 80903-4004
Biography
BIDLACK, Hal; born 1958. BA, Political Science, University of Michigan, 1980; MA Political Science, 1987; Ph.D., Political Science, American Government. Lt. Colonel, United States Air Force, 1981-2006. Professor, Air Force Academy.
Election Update
Lt. Col. Hal Bidlack lost the 2008 election, and will not serve in the 111th Congress.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY POLICY QUESTIONNAIRE
SEA and eighteen other science organizations came together to ask the 2008 congressional candidates and winners seven questions on science and technology policy. See what Hal Bidlack 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?
One thing that must happen immediately with the next administration is a clear separation of politics from science. The past 8 years have shown us, again and again, the danger when political goals are allowed to muddle and modify scientific data. In addition, we must return to an understanding that basic and applied research in the sciences and engineering generates the seed corn of a society. We as a nation are enriched by a robust and widespread climate of scientific study. In the field of energy independence, I fully support a Manhattan Project-style program to work toward sustainable energy policies, considering a broad range of engineering solutions.
Simply put, science and engineering are at the very core of what makes the United States a world leader. We must recreate a climate of openness, in which scientific scholarship can flourish.
Simply put, science and engineering are at the very core of what makes the United States a world leader. We must recreate a climate of openness, in which scientific scholarship can flourish.
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?
My doctorate (U of Michigan 1996) focused on environmental security issues. While working on the NSC Staff at the White House in 1997 and 1998, I focused much of my attention on global climate change issues. My answers below stem from that experience as well as other readings and educational opportunities.
Cap and Trade: I think this is a reasonable step, as it may be politically possible. I find it a solution that is not nearly as effective as we need, but may be about as much as we can realistically achieve in the current world political climate.
Carbon Tax: I would not support such a direct tax, as I do not believe it to be politically achievable. I do support regulation of major carbon sources, as well as rewarding those who engage in carbon sequestration.
Increased CAFE: I support a reasonable increase in mileage standards to encourage the production of vehicles with greater and greater fuel efficiency.
Research: as noted above, I believe a strong scientific and engineering research community is a top priority.
Cap and Trade: I think this is a reasonable step, as it may be politically possible. I find it a solution that is not nearly as effective as we need, but may be about as much as we can realistically achieve in the current world political climate.
Carbon Tax: I would not support such a direct tax, as I do not believe it to be politically achievable. I do support regulation of major carbon sources, as well as rewarding those who engage in carbon sequestration.
Increased CAFE: I support a reasonable increase in mileage standards to encourage the production of vehicles with greater and greater fuel efficiency.
Research: as noted above, I believe a strong scientific and engineering research community is a top priority.
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?
Energy policy must include two critical areas: reduction in demand, and moving to sustainable energy production.
The simplest and quickest way to reduce our dependency on imported oil is to reduce demand. The government should help educate and motivate the public to engage in smart energy consumption. For example, the compact fluorescent bulbs I bought in the late 1980s cost $20 and had to be ordered through the mail. Today, most grocery stores carry such bulbs at a fraction of the cost. Thus, we can reduce energy consumption by smarter purchasing.
The transition to sustainable energy sources must, I believe, include a mix of technologies. While solar may be a good fit for Arizona, it may be a poor fit in cloudy Michigan. Therefore, we must pursue a mixed source policy. I believe that as we move toward greater and greater reliance on wind, solar, and geothermal, we will, in the short term, also need to continue burning more traditional fuels. We will burn oil and gas, and coal. I also support continued smart use of nuclear power. Clearly each technology has pluses and minuses, and the use of each must be tailored to the particular situation.
The simplest and quickest way to reduce our dependency on imported oil is to reduce demand. The government should help educate and motivate the public to engage in smart energy consumption. For example, the compact fluorescent bulbs I bought in the late 1980s cost $20 and had to be ordered through the mail. Today, most grocery stores carry such bulbs at a fraction of the cost. Thus, we can reduce energy consumption by smarter purchasing.
The transition to sustainable energy sources must, I believe, include a mix of technologies. While solar may be a good fit for Arizona, it may be a poor fit in cloudy Michigan. Therefore, we must pursue a mixed source policy. I believe that as we move toward greater and greater reliance on wind, solar, and geothermal, we will, in the short term, also need to continue burning more traditional fuels. We will burn oil and gas, and coal. I also support continued smart use of nuclear power. Clearly each technology has pluses and minuses, and the use of each must be tailored to the particular situation.
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?
I believe educational issues are best handled at lower levels of governments. States and cities are the traditional center of most educational policy, and I believe that should continue. The role of the federal government will, I suspect, be largely limited to funding programs, and helping to create an opportunity for any young person with the skills and disciple to attend college. I would also like to see a greater focus on science and engineering, as we saw in the heady post-Sputnik day, in our schools.
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?
As with energy, conservation is an important factor in dealing with water issues. We need to rethink how we use water in much of the West. The role of the federal government may include such things as tax credits for xeriscaping, for example.
Water use in the West is largely an issue under the control of the states. Agreements exist between states on water use and flow. I believe the federal government's role in this area can be to push toward compromise and to help stakeholders coordinate and negotiate.
Water use in the West is largely an issue under the control of the states. Agreements exist between states on water use and flow. I believe the federal government's role in this area can be to push toward compromise and to help stakeholders coordinate and negotiate.
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?
As the question notes, the next Congress will face very tough choices, as there simply is not enough money to fund every worthwhile project. I cannot comment on any particular program, but my overall view is that basic research in science and engineering is, as noted above, the seed corn of a society. We must think of such spending as an investment in our common futures. As we know, Dr. Fleming did not start out to discover Penicillin, but was engaged in basic research. We must be smarter as a nation, and realize that investment in basic research will, in the long run, make us safer, healthier, and richer.
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?
As we all know, health care is a key issue in this election. I know that basic and applied research in medical science and engineering will continue to yield benefits that improve the human condition. A robust research climate is critically important to improving human health. One needs merely to glance at the history of medicine to see the value of such research. Great advances have extended lives, reduced suffering, and allowed many to live happy, productive lives when in earlier eras they would have been marginalized or dead. It is an unwise country indeed that does not encourage vigorous research.
HAL BIDLACK'S RECORD ON SCIENCE
Contents |
[edit] Climate Change
- Nothing posted to date
[edit] Education
- Nothing posted to date
[edit] Energy
- Nothing posted to date
[edit] Environment
- Nothing posted to date
[edit] Health
- Nothing posted to date
[edit] Innovation
- Nothing posted to date
[edit] Research and Research Management
- Nothing posted to date
