Mark Cohen
IndependentQ1 Scientific evidence is generated through the systematic testing and evaluation of ideas. It provides knowledge that helps us understand the world and predict the likely consequences of different choices, such as policy making related to public health, energy, agriculture, and environmental regulation. What role, if any, should scientific evidence and expert input play in your policymaking process, and how would you evaluate competing or uncertain scientific claims when making policy decisions? What role, if any, should that process play when scientific consensus and public opinion diverge?
“I served as prosecutor and took a graduate class in logic at UNL, so I believe policy makers should decide issues based on evidence. That includes scientific evidence where science can provide useful information. Consensus among disinterested experts is powerful evidence. Opinion from experts paid by organizations with an interest in the outcome is less credible. If there is true consensus among experts, that should carry more weight than public opinion. If there is a lack of consensus among disinterested experts, that’s warrants caution. If scientific consensus diverges from public opinion, scientific consensus is more powerful. History is replete with examples of science being ahead of the general populace. It was only about five hundred years ago that most people believed the sun revolved around the Earth.”
KEYWORDS: Objectivity, Credibility, Logic
Q2 The United States has a growing artificial intelligence (AI) industry, supporting cutting edge innovation and reshaping businesses, but raising concerns about education, ownership, and security. Application of AI technology has increased the demand placed on data centers, controversial for their resource use (such as water and land) and raising utility costs. What are your policy positions in regards to data centers and AI? What are your reasons for supporting these policies?
“Data centers and AI are two different, but related, topics. Data centers generate constant noise. They consume precious water and huge amounts of electricity. I believe we must free state and local governments to regulate data centers. It’s odd that many who once preached the benefits of federalism and local control now threaten local governments that dare to attempt regulating data centers or AI. AI can be a useful tool in some areas, such as in medical diagnosis, but I’m concerned about the loss of jobs and its impact on America as a nation. I am very concerned about the use of AI in building a global surveillance state. I believe every American has a right to privacy, and I will push for legislation to protect that right and to impose tough penalties on those who violate that right. Tech billionaires are tracking everything we do, putting cameras on every corner, and getting rich while the rest of us work harder for less. We can’t let them turn the United States in a nation that has a social credit system like China.”
KEYWORDS: Regulate, Caution, Privacy
Q3 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 Nebraska’s strengths such as agriculture, biotechnology, and energy; and explain their rationale.
“Here’s the truth. We can’t fund research and cut taxes for billionaires and mega corporations at the same time. For decades federal grants for research had bipartisan support because both parties understood the importance of it in industry and for job growth. We can’t rely solely on industry for research because industry research tends to focus on what will make a corporation profitable. I would work to restore and grow federal funding for research grants. I would also restore research funding for federal agencies such as the Dept. of Agriculture. If we want to compete successfully with other nations we must fund research that provides a highly competent workforce.”
KEYWORDS: Funding, Grants, Research
Q4 Federal grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and National Science Foundation (NSF) fund a substantial share of the scientific and biomedical research conducted at Nebraska’s universities, hospitals, and research institutions (approximately $205M per year according to NIH and NSF reports). NIH funding to NE institutions returns $2.50 for every $1 economic activity while supporting vital research in developing new treatments/cures for diseases. Similarly, both NIH and NSF research fill critical gaps in knowledge for advancing healthcare and other fields. What policies, if any, do you support regarding federal funding for scientific research agencies like the NIH and NSF? Why are these your priorities, and what information informed your approach?
“As stated above, we can’t cut taxes for billionaires and mega corporations at the expense of cutting vital research that serves all Americans. I would work to restore and grow federal funding for these institutions.”
KEYWORDS: Funding, Grants, Research
Q5 Agricultural practices such as cover cropping and crop and livestock diversification, under appropriate conditions, provide benefits for soil health, water quality, and long-term agricultural resilience. At the same time, the feasibility and potential benefits of these practices can vary substantially. In what ways, if any, would you develop federal agricultural policy that accounts for the practical and economic needs of farmers and ranchers while also incorporating the best available scientific evidence on environmentally and agronomically beneficial practices?
“I earned an advanced degree (LL.M.) in agricultural law. For many years the Dept. of Agriculture provided funding for programs that have proven successful for decades. It has funded valuable research. We should fully fund the Dept. of Agriculture and allow it to develop policies based on scientific evidence. We should also fund grants to universities and others best positioned to decide what works best in a particular area. A “one size fits all” policy on an issue is not always appropriate. Many regulations are burdensome on small operations, and Congress should recognize that and carve out exceptions. Farmers and ranchers should play an important role in developing policy.”
KEYWORDS: Funding, Participation
Q6 In your opinion, what is the role of the federal government in environmental protection? What policies, if any, do you support that could contribute to natural resource stewardship, environmental research, or environmental protections in Nebraska and nationally?
“My answer largely incorporates what I have written in response to other questions. The federal government must play a strong role in protecting Americans and America’s natural resources. A Republican, Theodore Roosevelt, recognized the importance of conservation. Another Republican, President Nixon, created the EPA and said, “Restoring nature to its natural state is a cause beyond party and beyond factions.” We are the stewards of this Earth. It should not be a partisan issue. I would protect funding for agencies such as NOAA and the National Center For Atmospheric Research.”
KEYWORDS: Stewardship