John Driscoll (Candidate)
406-443-2724
30 South Davis Street
Helena, MT 59601
30 South Davis Street
Helena, MT 59601
Biography
DRISCOLL, John; graduated Hamilton High School, Hamilton, MT, 1964; B.A., Political Science, Gonzaga University, Spokane, WA, 1968; M.I.A., School of International Affairs, Columbia University, New York, NY, 1970; M.P.A., Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 1979; M.B.A., Graduate School of Business, University of Montana, Missoula, MT, 1986; graduated US Army Command and General Staff College Resident Course, Ft. Leavenworth, 1989; graduated US Army War College Resident Course, 1996. Firefighter and Smokejumper, US Forest Service Worker, 1965 to 1978. Army Infantry, Armored Cavalry and Intelligence Officer in both the Active Army and the Montana National Guard 1970 to 2002. House Majority Leader, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Montana State Legislator, 1973-78; Montana Public Service Commissioner; National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners’ sub-committee dealing with Strategic Electricity Policy Issues for the United States; former Advisor, Electric Power Research Institute; Joint Education Planner, to the Joint Doctrine, Education and Planning Division, J-7, Joint Staff, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, 1999-02; National Military Command Center;
CANDIDATE QUESTIONNAIRE
Compare Innovation & the Elections 2008 responses for MT-1.
SEA and eighteen other science organizations have come together to ask the 2008 congressional candidates seven questions on science and technology policy. See what John Driscoll 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?
Substantial increases in funds for research into electricity generation, delivery, exchange and use have to be made available immediately. At risk is the primary electricity infrastructure that the entire economy relies upon for advancements in other aspects of science and technology.
Viewed through a different prism, I would say that over half of the growth in the american economy has been due to productivity associated with the diffusion of electricity based technology (See Sam Schurr: "Electricity and the American Economy"). The imperative that drives electrification is our ability to precisely control the energy form in time and space. The benefits offsetting the costs of making electricity have to be tallied (usually) after substantial cultural change. But electrification of all stationary end-uses and most mobile end-uses will continue, if not accelerate, eventhough electricity is becoming more expensive.
Science and engineering certainly need to continue finding ways to integrate electricity based end-use technologies for the full range of human needs. However, increased research, development, demonstration and accelerated investment needs to be directed at electricity generation, transmission and distribution technology. We need to establish precision control of the bulk power system to increase reliability and throughput where needed. We need to devise two-way portals for electricity for our residences, businesses, industrial sites and motor vehicles. Neighbors, neighborhoods and communities need to be able to exchange power fluidly and confidently.
We have put the era of central generation behind us, and need to provide more pieces of a decentralized energy web. The infrastructure for independently operated motor vehicles, which also generate and store electricity, needs to be integrated with the infrastructure for electricity generation and distribution, and the infrastructure for railroad transport.
Viewed through a different prism, I would say that over half of the growth in the american economy has been due to productivity associated with the diffusion of electricity based technology (See Sam Schurr: "Electricity and the American Economy"). The imperative that drives electrification is our ability to precisely control the energy form in time and space. The benefits offsetting the costs of making electricity have to be tallied (usually) after substantial cultural change. But electrification of all stationary end-uses and most mobile end-uses will continue, if not accelerate, eventhough electricity is becoming more expensive.
Science and engineering certainly need to continue finding ways to integrate electricity based end-use technologies for the full range of human needs. However, increased research, development, demonstration and accelerated investment needs to be directed at electricity generation, transmission and distribution technology. We need to establish precision control of the bulk power system to increase reliability and throughput where needed. We need to devise two-way portals for electricity for our residences, businesses, industrial sites and motor vehicles. Neighbors, neighborhoods and communities need to be able to exchange power fluidly and confidently.
We have put the era of central generation behind us, and need to provide more pieces of a decentralized energy web. The infrastructure for independently operated motor vehicles, which also generate and store electricity, needs to be integrated with the infrastructure for electricity generation and distribution, and the infrastructure for railroad transport.
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?
I favor taxation to internalize the full costs of an end use to the end user. For that reason I was heavily involved as a strong advocate for the Montana Coal Tax and Coal Tax Trust Fund in the 1970's. Large public subsidies for carbon based fuels need to be eliminated, and full costs must be internalized into the the intermediate energy form as it is derived from the primary energy form. Given a more accurate price signal, Americans will make less wasteful decisions.
I'm not convinced that monetizing pollution, or the lack of it, will address the challenges we all face. Direct regulation, using the police powers of our various nations, may be quickest and most effective. Bottom line, if the effect of a course of policy action is substantial reduction of carbon based pollution on an accelerated timeline, then I will support the initiative.
Increased fuel economy standards should have been in effect at twice their current level ten years ago. We should now be looking at fuel standards on the order of 100 mpg and more.
I'm not convinced that monetizing pollution, or the lack of it, will address the challenges we all face. Direct regulation, using the police powers of our various nations, may be quickest and most effective. Bottom line, if the effect of a course of policy action is substantial reduction of carbon based pollution on an accelerated timeline, then I will support the initiative.
Increased fuel economy standards should have been in effect at twice their current level ten years ago. We should now be looking at fuel standards on the order of 100 mpg and more.
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?
1. Transport freight and bulk electricity with less cost to the
end-user and less damage to the environment, by electrifying certain zones of the existing interstate rail system;
2. Provide safe, cheap, reliable and secure transportation by building high-speed (200 mph) and ultra-high speed (300 mph) long distance electrified passenger service along our interstate highways.
3. Design substations along the routes to supply or receive electricity from our independently operated vehicles converted into electrics and hybrids.
4. Use proven compressed air and pumped hydro electricity storage technologies to firm and schedule large blocks of wind power, and optimize the use of existing bulk electricity transmission facilities.
5. Create a passenger, freight, and electricity user-fee trust fund for the construction, maintenance and operation of the system.
6. Incorporate research, development, demonstration, manufacturing and operational advice that combines laboratory discovery with operational experience.
7. Establish a decentralized Technology Transfer capability, to quickly spread effective lessons learned to the nation.
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?
K-12 students who can meet established performance standards, regardless of native language proficiency, need to be integrated into all development programs aimed at solving national, state and local problems that the students perceive as "real."
Cultural approaches to education, based upon the industrial age, are "second best." Students today have the opportunity, using information technology, to learn using "first best" cultural approaches. It is conceivable to me that some of the answers we are looking to find, may be in the minds and efforts of our K-12. Our federal government should be open to integrating K-12 science and math learning with ongoing problem solving programs.
There is more to this view than just using distributed learning for education and training. In my mind we have to evolve away from approaches that divide our learners into those who are being "trained" and those who are being "educated."
That old formula is institution based and lags far behind where the learners already are or need to be. At the same time, our best "educated" and most "skilled," have to remain life long learners. Today, one is constantly reminded how easy it is for any member of a relatively older generation to "fall behind."
Cultural approaches to education, based upon the industrial age, are "second best." Students today have the opportunity, using information technology, to learn using "first best" cultural approaches. It is conceivable to me that some of the answers we are looking to find, may be in the minds and efforts of our K-12. Our federal government should be open to integrating K-12 science and math learning with ongoing problem solving programs.
There is more to this view than just using distributed learning for education and training. In my mind we have to evolve away from approaches that divide our learners into those who are being "trained" and those who are being "educated."
That old formula is institution based and lags far behind where the learners already are or need to be. At the same time, our best "educated" and most "skilled," have to remain life long learners. Today, one is constantly reminded how easy it is for any member of a relatively older generation to "fall behind."
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?
Require universal metering at every level of water use, including precise measurement for irrigation. Provide resources and education in support of water conservation. Discourage use of plant species that require water not available in the natural local environment.
Water conservation programs need to include lined irrigation ditches and Mountain Agricultural Research stations. Mountain Agricultural Research stations are needed to develop agri-forestry programs aimed at improving water shed as higher climate zones move north. Food trees and water pockets may be needed now to replace familiar watersheds that now appear threatened by disease.
Stiffen regulation that prevents contamination of surface and ground water around the world.
Advance water cleaning and desalination technology, and effectively transfer that technology to sectors that have not enjoyed robust research and development resources.
Remember that advanced technology is not necessarily the most appropriate technology for a given water emergency. This means that, to be effective, we need to incorporate appropriate technology values in technology transfer programs. The best way to do this will be to involve the cultures that will be effected at the front end of the technology development and technology transfer effort.
Water conservation programs need to include lined irrigation ditches and Mountain Agricultural Research stations. Mountain Agricultural Research stations are needed to develop agri-forestry programs aimed at improving water shed as higher climate zones move north. Food trees and water pockets may be needed now to replace familiar watersheds that now appear threatened by disease.
Stiffen regulation that prevents contamination of surface and ground water around the world.
Advance water cleaning and desalination technology, and effectively transfer that technology to sectors that have not enjoyed robust research and development resources.
Remember that advanced technology is not necessarily the most appropriate technology for a given water emergency. This means that, to be effective, we need to incorporate appropriate technology values in technology transfer programs. The best way to do this will be to involve the cultures that will be effected at the front end of the technology development and technology transfer effort.
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?
After education, for me, research has the next highest priority. Direct funding of major government research entities like the National Institute of Health should be increased as rapidly as competent research programs can absorb the funds.
Research is essential for constantly renewing our national economy, expanding the wealth available for our growing world population, and addressing critical challenges to humankind. Research expenditures by our nation, after removing expenditures for development and product marketing, have lagged far below where they need to be.
Exploratory research projects by collaborating non-profit industry-sponsored organizations should be encouraged by government policy. Exploratory research has to happen to compensate for profit-making tendency to emphasize short term high pay off initiatives and the expense of fruitful longer term research. Encouragement of exploratory research can be done with tax policy and matching by federal government funds.
Research is essential for constantly renewing our national economy, expanding the wealth available for our growing world population, and addressing critical challenges to humankind. Research expenditures by our nation, after removing expenditures for development and product marketing, have lagged far below where they need to be.
Exploratory research projects by collaborating non-profit industry-sponsored organizations should be encouraged by government policy. Exploratory research has to happen to compensate for profit-making tendency to emphasize short term high pay off initiatives and the expense of fruitful longer term research. Encouragement of exploratory research can be done with tax policy and matching by federal government funds.
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 general health of Americans will seriously test the capability of any health care system. There can be no substitute for a deeply held national quality of living ethic. A good related research, science and technology foundation will be essential.
Science and research based efforts should continue sorting through elements that influence our daily lives. Those include advertising, education, technology transfer, food content and availability, institutional work and play patterns, and medical and pharmaceutical interventions. One continuously improving result should build on wellness approaches to human health such as "stop smoking" and "exercise a few minutes each day."
Such are actions taken by healthy persons, but many are not able to make those kinds of decisions. Direct regulation, for example, may result of those that today advertise the sale of medications on public media.
Technology, from cooking pots to video games to MRI machines, intends to improve our lives, but the effect may at times be the reverse. The consumer of a new technology will make the final decision. Technologists should inform common learning about when their technology is or is not appropriate to an individual's circumstances. Should a person use their cell phone while driving? "Consumer protection" should include "appropriate or quality consumption."
Science and research based efforts should continue sorting through elements that influence our daily lives. Those include advertising, education, technology transfer, food content and availability, institutional work and play patterns, and medical and pharmaceutical interventions. One continuously improving result should build on wellness approaches to human health such as "stop smoking" and "exercise a few minutes each day."
Such are actions taken by healthy persons, but many are not able to make those kinds of decisions. Direct regulation, for example, may result of those that today advertise the sale of medications on public media.
Technology, from cooking pots to video games to MRI machines, intends to improve our lives, but the effect may at times be the reverse. The consumer of a new technology will make the final decision. Technologists should inform common learning about when their technology is or is not appropriate to an individual's circumstances. Should a person use their cell phone while driving? "Consumer protection" should include "appropriate or quality consumption."
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Political Positions
Climate Change
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Education
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Energy
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Environment
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Health
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Innovation
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Research and Research Management
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