Meghan Lukens
DemocraticQ1 What advisory mechanisms will you implement to ensure that evidence and scientific findings play a crucial role in your policymaking process?
“I believe policymaking should be made by listening to the people who know the issue best and looking at the evidence before making decisions. I already have worked with scientists, researchers, and educators on issues ranging from healthcare to the environment, and am committed to continuing that practice.”
Q2 Colorado farmers are facing multiple threats, amidst water scarcity and rising prices for fertilizer and other imported materials. As agriculture is our #1 export sector, in what ways do you imagine using your role to support evidence-based advancements to protect and support our farmers and natural resources in the years ahead?
“As a representative of the Western Slope, I am acutely aware of the real challenges of rising costs and drought facing our ranchers and farmers. I want to continue using my role to make sure the policies we put in place are grounded in the best available data, while also reflecting the expertise of the people who work our land every day. That means supporting water conservation and irrigation improvements, expanding agricultural workforce programs, and investing in research and technology that can help producers do more with fewer resources. I will also continue working directly with those closest to the issues: producers, agricultural researchers, water experts, and state agencies, to make sure these policies are grounded in both the best available evidence and the realities of working Colorado’s land.”
Q3 America has a growing AI industry, supporting cutting-edge innovation but raising issues of resource use, privacy, and economics. What is the right balance of costs and benefits for new data center construction in Colorado, and how would your policies accomplish that balance?
“I believe Colorado can continue supporting technological innovation without putting our communities at risk and in a position to bear the costs and consequences. Especially as a representative of the Western Slope, I know the water strain our communities are already facing. To that end, I believe each data center plan should be evaluated based on its energy use, infrastructure, and impact on surrounding communities. I also believe in working with local governments to determine what makes sense for their communities so residents have a chance to weigh in on the projects that will affect them.”
Q4 Colorado has experienced a lingering measles outbreak since March of 2025. What evidence-based policies do you support to improve community and preventive health for your constituents, for infectious diseases and other threats?
“I believe in strengthening and partnering with our state and local public health systems, which have the scientific expertise to determine the best ways to reach their communities. We should also make vaccines as accessible as possible by ensuring affordable, convenient resources are available for people who need them. I view pairing trusted local outreach with better access is essential to improving community health across Colorado.”
Q5 What are your opinions on the current state of science literacy, and how could K-12 education standards be adapted to form a better public understanding of and relationship building in science?
“As a former teacher, I believe science literacy starts with giving students the resources and teachers they need to succeed. It’s why I have fought to increase K-12 funding and make Colorado’s school funding formula more equitable, because strong science education requires investment in our schools and educators.
We should also make science standards more practical by teaching students how to evaluate evidence, explain their reasoning, and distinguish between science misconceptions and facts. We should also capitalize on living in Colorado, which offers so many hands-on science learning opportunities, from studying our water and mountains to understanding wildfires and agriculture.”