By George Marino, AGU Science Policy Intern

I recently received a response to an article I shared on our Twitter account about the science policy positions of the Presidential candidates from the two major U.S. political parties. The person asked where a candidate from one of the other parties stood on the issues. So after some research, I can present the facts that I could find on what “third party” candidates have been saying about geoscience policy.

The Libertarian Party: Gov. Gary Johnson

• In 2012, Gov. Johnson supported a 43% cut to government spending — the amount needed to reach a balanced budget, extending across all agencies. With regards to NASA in particular, in a 2011 Reddit AMA he stated, “I’m supportive of our space program, but we are facing an economic crisis and that involves shared sacrifice so NASA’s budget should be cut 43%.” He has supported continued expansion of private space exploration.
• Gov. Johnson has stated his belief in anthropogenic climate change and that “the free market…will dictate a cleaner and less carbon-emitting economy.” Gov. Johnson has indicated he is open to the idea of a carbon tax, however he opposed cap and trade legislation in 2012.
• Gov. Johnson has no stated positions that I could find on the topic of STEM education.
• Twitter: @GovGaryJohnson
• Website: https://www.johnsonweld.com/

The Green Party: Dr. Jill Stein

• Dr. Stein has called for an increase in federal funding of science research, coinciding with a decrease in military spending. The Green Party Platform advocates the need for space exploration and research, and calls for the “demilitarization of space.” It also supports the reduction of research and development funding into military applications, with an increased focus on environmental protection and sustainability studies.
• One of Dr. Stein’s core proposals is a “Green New Deal,” a national effort to create jobs in fields such as energy efficiency, retrofitting, mass transit, and “clean” manufacturing through actions such as “redirecting research funds from fossil fuels…toward research in wind, solar and geothermal.” It also calls for the elimination of nuclear power.
• Dr. Stein has no stated positions that I could find on the topic of STEM education.
• Twitter: @DrJillStein
• Website: http://www.jill2016.com/

Do you have more questions? Contact candidates to learn more about their views on science policy.