Robb Ryverse
DemocraticQ1 America has a growing AI industry, supporting cutting-edge innovation but raising issues of resource use, privacy, and economics. In your opinion, what are the costs and benefits of new data center construction in Arkansas and how would your policies accomplish a balance between them?
“I am pro-technology, but I am also deeply concerned about data centers. I think we need a moratorium on data centers until the environmental and human repercussions are understood and mitigated. We have a history of plowing forward with advancement without concern for the impact on people and the planet (coal mines, the railroad). We need to make sure we dont make the same mistake with data centers.”
Q2 Making the US competitive in the bioeconomy (using technology applied to renewable biological resources to produce food, energy, and industrial goods) requires innovation and investments in business, academia, and government. Please describe policies you will support, if any, that relate to workforce development in Arkansas’ strengths such as agriculture and biotechnology; and explain their rationale.
“Too often, environmental protections are thought to be the enemy of economic health. The bioeconomy proves this isn’t the case. I will work to see further federal investments in the innovations necessary to advance a job market in Arkansas that includes biotechnology and agriculture.”
Q3 What are your opinions on the current state of science literacy, and how could K-12 education standards be adapted to improve the public understanding of and relationship building in science?
“As a Congressperson, my job will be to ensure the federal Department of Education has the leadership and resources to do its job. I will work to protect quality, well-resourced public education because it is invaluable to the next generation of scientists and leaders.”