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Idea to send: |
| Topic | Qualifications of Technologies |
| Content | The state has supported technologies and industries that have not been well qualified. As an example, Oklahoma supported the "factory" hog farms in Texas County. These farms have resulted in local air and water pollution ---and they have generally failed to produce economic advantages predicted. Surveys indicated that a majority of consumers preferred buying pork produced by humane, outdoor, organic means. Thus, the state should have supported small farmers in the development of these pork production methods. Yet, for political reasons, the "factory" farms, using confinement means often considered inhumane, were given our tax dollars. Oklahoma needs to have a technology review panel, consisting of elected and/or appointed members who are technically well qualified. This panel would conduct an advance review of any technologies the state proposes to support. A negative endorsement from this panel would prevent funding by the state. |
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