Presidential candidates Barack Obama and John McCain have answered 14 specific questions about their policies on science and technology in response to a call from a grass roots organization called Science Debate 2008.
The group is spearheaded by a growing number of scientists and concerned citizens who believe that science and technology lie at the center of a large number of policy issues that profoundly affect U.S. economic and national security.
The 14 questions address energy policy, national security, economics in a science-driven global economy, climate change, education, health care, ocean health, biosecurity, clean water, space, stem cells, scientific integrity, genetics, and research.
On climate change the candidates were asked to give their positions on a cap-and-trade system, a carbon tax, increased fuel-economy standards and research.
Obama answered, "First, the U.S. must get off the sidelines and take long-overdue action here at home to reduce our own greenhouse gas emissions. We must also take a leadership role in designing technologies that allow us to enjoy a growing, prosperous economy while reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2050."
McCain reiterates his goal of achieving at least a 60% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
Both candidates say they will institue a cap-and-trade system.f
Obama said he will create a Global Energy Forum based on the G8+5 to focus exclusively on global energy and environmental issues. He also said he will create a Technology Transfer Program for exporting climate-friendly technologies.
McCain said he would strengthen penalties for carmakers falling short of fuel effieciency standards and establish a permanent tax credit for R&D. McCain also wants to spend two billion a year for the next 15 years on "clean" coal technology.
Read each candidates full answers at the Science Debate 2008 website.
Signatories supporting Science Debate 2008 include the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), the Council on Competitiveness, the National Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Engineering, the Institute of Medicine, over 150 leading universities and associations, Nobel laureates and other leading scientists, major business leaders, presidents of universities and major associations, congresspersons of both major political parties, religious leaders, former presidential science advisors, the editors of America’s major science journals, writers, and many others.
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