Michael Skelly (Candidate)
713-870-5501
P.O. Box 271512
Houston, TX 77277
P.O. Box 271512
Houston, TX 77277
Biography
SKELLY, Michael, born in Ireland, 1961; University of Notre Dame; MBA, Harvard Business School; Chief Development Officer, Horizon Wind Energy.
CANDIDATE QUESTIONNAIRE
Compare Innovation & the Elections 2008 responses for TX-7.
SEA and eighteen other science organizations have come together to ask the 2008 congressional candidates seven questions on science and technology policy. See what Michael Skelly 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?
Innovation has been the cornerstone of my professional career. About ten years ago I started a wind power company that has grown into one of the biggest in the country. To succeed in what was a relatively new industry, innovation was crucial. As a Member of Congress, I will support a number of policies to ensure that America remains the world leader innovation. In education, I am a strong believer in high quality charter schools, in part because of my belief that small organizations are more flexible and better capable of innovation than large institutions. I will support increased focus on science education to make America competitive in the technology era and I will invest in research and development at places like the Texas Medical Center and NASA. Innovation can translate into economic productivity, a stronger nation, and a healthier people. It should be the priority of any Member of Congress.
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?
To confront climate change as well as our dependence on foreign oil, I favor a cap-and-trade system, increased fuel-economy and other efficiency standards, and research. I do not favor a carbon tax. I also believe we need to invest in green industries to help create green-collar jobs. As a successful wind energy businessman, I was creating green-collar jobs before the term existed.
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?
My background as a wind energy businessman makes me well-suited to confront our energy crisis in Congress. There are four prongs to my energy which will move us toward energy independence and energy security.
1. Renewable Energy: We need investment in renewable energy, especially wind and solar. With the right policy prescriptions, I believe we can have 20% of our electricity needs supported by wind power and 10% by solar in well under 20 years.
2. Confronting Carbon: We need a cap-and-trade system so that a carbon market exists that allows flexibility, but also pushes the market toward increased efficiency and technological innovation.
3. Increased Efficiency: We need to focus on increasing our energy efficiency. This can be done by setting a federal efficiency standard and by promoting increased research and development through R&D tax credits, which will ultimately save us money.
4. Greater Access to Hydrocarbons: To decrease our dependence on foreign oil, we must be open to new domestic drilling. Technological innovations have made a dramatic impact on our ability to drill safely and in a way that mitigates environmental impact
1. Renewable Energy: We need investment in renewable energy, especially wind and solar. With the right policy prescriptions, I believe we can have 20% of our electricity needs supported by wind power and 10% by solar in well under 20 years.
2. Confronting Carbon: We need a cap-and-trade system so that a carbon market exists that allows flexibility, but also pushes the market toward increased efficiency and technological innovation.
3. Increased Efficiency: We need to focus on increasing our energy efficiency. This can be done by setting a federal efficiency standard and by promoting increased research and development through R&D tax credits, which will ultimately save us money.
4. Greater Access to Hydrocarbons: To decrease our dependence on foreign oil, we must be open to new domestic drilling. Technological innovations have made a dramatic impact on our ability to drill safely and in a way that mitigates environmental impact
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 should set high educational standards, but those standards must be broad, so as to avoid teaching to the test. Standardized testing should include science subjects instead of exclusively focusing on English and Math. For the United States to remain competitive, we must give high priority to science education and provide incentives to those who enter science programs at universities.
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?
The number one use for water in the United States is agriculture. The number two is power plants. As we move toward forms of energy that don’t require as much water, we’ll be able to relieve some of the strain on water resources that we’ve seen.
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 a businessman I understand the value of a good investment. Research is undoubtedly the kind of investment that can provide a dramatic return, both in terms of economic productivity and in terms of the potential for new jobs. I consider myself a deficit-hawk and am weary of the kind of out-of-control spending that has come to define Washington. I do believe, however, that it is essential to focus our spending on wise investments. Without a doubt, research is one of those investments.
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?
Science, research, and technology are crucial to improving health and quality of life. Federal investment in science and research can contribute to, among other things, lower health care costs, new treatments for chronic illnesses, increased economic productivity, and the spawning of new industries. The Texas Medical Center, one of the finest medical and research institutions in the country, is located in my district. As a Member of Congress, I will give it my full support.
Login/Register to EditMICHAEL SKELLY ON SCIENCE
Education
Skelly believes that federal government should only provide resources for local school and not mandate how students are taught. He also supports providing more loans for higher education.
Energy
Skelly says that he understands the energy crisis well because he started his own wind energy company. He hopes to balance immediate energy needs with long term goals. Skelly wants the policy making to occur sooner rather than later, so that business can begin to invest accordingly.[1]
Environment
- Nothing posted to date
Climate Change
- Nothing posted to date
Health
According to his website, "Michael Skelly believes we need to empower patients and doctors, not insurance companies or the government, as the decision-makers in health care." Skelly wants to ensure that every child in the United States has health care.
Innovation
- Nothing posted to date
Research and Research Management
- Nothing posted to date
