James Esch (Candidate)
402-991-3050
P.O. Box 241117
Omaha, NE 68124
P.O. Box 241117
Omaha, NE 68124
Biography
ESCH, James; attended Creighton University; received J.D. from Creighton University in 2000; worked at the Steier Group, a consulting and fund raising firm for non-profits; directed the Greater Omaha Economic Development Partnership.
CANDIDATE QUESTIONNAIRE
Compare Innovation & the Elections 2008 responses for NE-2.
SEA and eighteen other science organizations have come together to ask the 2008 congressional candidates seven questions on science and technology policy. See what James Esch 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?
I would support legislation that invests in education and our higher institutions. I support a national energy policy that would harness and direct the economic, scientific and technological prowess of the United States toward a comprehensive, forward-thinking energy program. I propose an energy program with a full commitment to achieve American preeminence in clean, renewable energy.
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?
Research- I support
Fuel-economy standards- I support
Carbon tax/ cap-and-trade-
Any efforts to reduce carbon emissions, whether it be a cap-and-trade system or a carbon tax, will significantly raise the cost of energy and energy-intensive products, as coal is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions and also the largest source of domestic energy. The increased costs will fall hardest on low- to moderate-income Americans, as these households spend the greatest proportion of their income on energy costs. While I do support a carbon reduction program, the effort must be carefully designed so as not to completely stifle economic growth and further exacerbate economic inequality.
Fuel-economy standards- I support
Carbon tax/ cap-and-trade-
Any efforts to reduce carbon emissions, whether it be a cap-and-trade system or a carbon tax, will significantly raise the cost of energy and energy-intensive products, as coal is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions and also the largest source of domestic energy. The increased costs will fall hardest on low- to moderate-income Americans, as these households spend the greatest proportion of their income on energy costs. While I do support a carbon reduction program, the effort must be carefully designed so as not to completely stifle economic growth and further exacerbate economic inequality.
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?
Our economic progress, environmental future, and national security hang in the balance as our government fails to fully commit itself to a comprehensive innovation strategy. I believe that all options are on the table as we meet our country’s energy crisis head on. We need to be researching, and developing long term solutions in order to ensure an economically and environmentally sustainable future. In doing so, we cannot overlook the need for short term strategies to help us deal with the crisis at hand.
I will support policies that focus on energy efficient technologies in the near-term to lessen demand, and policies that fully commit government resources to alternative energy development and implementation to make the U.S. more energy independent in the long-term.
I will support policies that focus on energy efficient technologies in the near-term to lessen demand, and policies that fully commit government resources to alternative energy development and implementation to make the U.S. more energy independent in the long-term.
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?
The federal government needs to play a large role in preparing K-12 students for the science and technology driven 21st Century. I would support policies that ensure equal opportunities for all students to obtain a quality education with curricula firmly grounded in science and mathematics. I am also a firm advocate of early childgood education, in recognition of the fact that a small investment made at such an early age can pay huge dividends in future productivity. This country’s science and technological future will soon lie in the hands of our current youth. The federal government needs to do everything it can to develop our future workforce through quality education systems beginning in early childhood in order ensure this country will emerge as a leader for the 21st Century.
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?
I would support policies that reward and incentivize water conservation and the development of water conservation technologies. I would support an integrated national water management policy that will ensure an adequate water supply to the population, while also managing conflict where it may arise and coordinating efforts in times of shortage.
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?
I would rate basic scientific research at the top of my budget priority list along with education, medical research, and transportation and highway infrastructure. The next Congress will face spending constraints. I believe that we should continue to adequately fund our research programs in order to ensure that our country is a leader in engineering and scientific innovation.
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?
The cost, quality, and availability of health care are huge concerns for most Americans and science, research, and technology will play an important role in addressing these concerns. We cannot ignore the benefits that science, research, and technology have brought to our quality of life in the country. We must continue to support research and technology development to continue to reap those benefits in the future
Our current health care system addresses the acute needs of Americans but it does very little to address preventative health care. Science, research, and technology will be big players in expanding our current preventative health care system.
If Americans have the ability to take preventative measures to stay healthy, then the demand for acute care will decrease. Thus health care cost will decrease, quality will increase and health care availability will be greater.
Our current health care system addresses the acute needs of Americans but it does very little to address preventative health care. Science, research, and technology will be big players in expanding our current preventative health care system.
If Americans have the ability to take preventative measures to stay healthy, then the demand for acute care will decrease. Thus health care cost will decrease, quality will increase and health care availability will be greater.
Login/Register to EditJAMES ESCH'S RECORD ON SCIENCE
Climate Change
- Nothing posted to date
Education
- Nothing posted to date
Energy
- Nothing posted to date
Environment
- Nothing posted to date
Health
- Nothing posted to date
Innovation
- Nothing posted to date
Research and Research Management
- Nothing posted to date
