Patrick Forbes
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?
It is critical to our economy and to our national security that the U.S. keep up with or surpass the rest of the world in technological advances. They may be economically beneficial for a local community, but there are always tradeoffs. A community can’t make informed decisions about whether those trade-offs are worth it unless they have all the facts. That’s why complete transparency is necessary anytime a community is considering hosting a data center.
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?
I would support returning to reliance on scientists and engineers regarding which projects and investments are most likely to provide future benefits. In stopping the Mid-Barataria Diversion project, the current administration has used their own, underinformed judgement to override 20 years of study and debate about what will be most effective in addressing coastal land loss.
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?
I’ll fight against the current efforts in DC to roll back environmental regulations regarding clean air and water. I’ll fight to retore protection of our wetlands, which are so critical to water quality and habitat.
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, it’s important that we have a common set of facts as we make decisions and it’s everyone’s job to understand the role of science in that process.
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?
K-12 education is the foundation of a successful, thriving society. It is also basic to teaching our children the critical thinking skills necessary to go on to a career in science or any other field. Children should be exposed to the role of the sciences in our economy, culture and society so they can have a clear understanding of what a career in the sciences might look like.
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?
Louisiana is arguably the most vulnerable state in the country in the face of climate change and we should be leading the way in reducing its effects. We need to continually expand our renewable energy sources to slow the effects of carbon emissions on the climate and to ensure we have affordable energy into the future.