Steve Yurash
CenterQ1 What advisory mechanisms will you implement to ensure that evidence and scientific findings play a crucial role in your policymaking process?
“I have a Bachelor’s degree in Physics and have always thought we need more scientists in Government. I have been a member of the IEEE and thought they always have done a good job in discussing policy issues on a range of subjects from how the H1-B visa program affects science employment to renewable energy development. As a Semiconductor engineer I have been closely following the AI developments, and as a user of it myself, I find that we still need a lot more discussion on the possible great scientific and labor efficiency rewards possible, but also on the potential dangers of unconstrained AI growth. Science has so many fields of endeavor that is crucial to always find multiple sources covering all sides of the issues for seeking advice and scientific truth.”
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?
“Water resources are likely to continue to be scarce. The Ogallala aquifer is likely to shrink and cause major problems for farmers in Colorado, Nebraska, and Kansas. The Colorado river has for decades been delivering insufficient water to Lake Powell and Lake Mead. I don’t think there is a good answer to this except rationing water away from high water usage crops and reducing the amount of ethanol in our gasoline because the ethanol mandate increases water demand for growing corn without actually feeding people or livestock.”
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?
“The question is absolutely on the mark that there are concerns over AI and balancing the positive aspects with the possible negatives. In the near term we must listen to localities that might be affected by the proximity of a new data center and try to employ mitigation strategies for noise, energy and water consumption. New data centers should not be increasing energy costs for consumers, so they likely will need to provide their own power, or at least prove the energy providers are not increasing power costs on existing consumers. I believe in the positive promises of an AI driven future of increased productivity and we should make every effort to facilitate data center construction at minimal impact to existing residents.”
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?
“As a former member of the Larimer County Board of Health I am a firm believer in the efficacy of traditional vaccines like the measles vaccine. Our local board of health did a good job of giving free vaccinations for measles and other standard vaccines to lower income populations.”
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?
“I am not sure what standards need to be changed or updated, because we already have standards in basic math and reading that are achieving really poor results in our students. I do think overall better student discipline and a removal of cell phones from students during school hours would help students concentrate better on their studies. The poor standardized testing results over the last decade are a major concern to me but I don’t know all the answers on this. I do believe that college admissions need to use standardized test scores for admission qualification and end the social justice admission criteria and focus on meritocracy.”