Dan McKay
DemocraticQ1 There are currently over 20 data centers in Louisiana, with major companies recently announcing investments of $3.6 billion to $10 billion to build data centers in the state. How, if at all, do you see data centers impacting Louisiana’s, and the wider United States’, economy, livelihoods and environment?
Data centers, like AI, are here to stay and will/already have a major impact on our living spaces, utilities, water, natural resources and all of our environment. I’m calling for a moratorium on new data centers until a comprehensive plan is thoroughly discussed and put into law. Although I support leaving as much lawmaking as possible to the states, this one has major national and international implications and may as well be considered permanent. Therefore it should be immediately put on Congress’s agenda for prompt and thorough consideration and implementation.
Q2 Louisiana has the highest rate of wetlands loss in the United States, and within the past 100 years, Louisiana’s barrier islands have decreased in area by more than 40 percent. Among other things, coastal land loss puts people and property at higher risk of being impacted by hurricanes; this was acknowledged in 2017, when the then-government declared a state of emergency for the Louisiana coast. Shoreline restoration and the management of natural buffer zones has shown promise in lessening the damage from hurricanes. What strategies, if any, would you support as a leader to protect our coastal communities?
Our approach must be to treat this issue as urgent and of the highest priority. Our top scientists should be given full leeway to set out the steps that must be taken, and then implement them. There is no time to waste. Climate change is very real and how we treat it must be guided by professional scientists and not by ideologues and politicians.
Q3 Louisiana is a state inextricably tied to its waterways, whether it be through fishing, tourism, irrigation, or the water we all need to drink. What actions, if any, will you take to ensure the health of Louisiana’s rivers and lakes?
Enforce state and federal environmental laws.Repair and reinstate what has been damaged by the Trump administration. Monitor all natural and manmade conditions and make changes to control them. Our policy should be to treat water issues as affecting and serving people first, before industry and business in general.
Q4 Do you think elected officials have a role in working with scientists to build the general public’s trust in science? How, if at all, do you envision working with scientists?
Yes, certainly elected officials have a role and should work closely with scientists. Environmentalists and scientists in general must be given positions of authority and respect. The public and our students must be shown the scientific community has the respect of government.
Q5 What role, if any, do you see community-based institutions like K–12 schools and community colleges playing a role in strengthening science and research across our state, and what policies, if any, would you support for these institutions?
Science in general should be a part of all school curricula. Where it is not the major coursework of a student, science should be nevertheless a part of their degree requirements.
Q6 Energy affordability is a significant issue among our communities, with costs rising across the state and nation. Alternative sources of energy (such as wind, solar, hydroelectric, or geothermal) may help with affordability. What role, if any, do you see alternative forms of energy playing in Louisiana’s future?
All of these must be factored into our energy planning and treated with as much respect as the fossil fuel industry receives.