If you're into science, there is a lot like about the american's latest budget. Science agencies will see their share increase as the government tries to spur innovation. In fact, our neighbor's new attitude toward science is a sign the community's advices are being taken seriously.
The United States will be looking into growing a market for renewable energy. Wind, solar and hydroelectric solutions should therefor be brought into prominence south of the border.
At the very least, their government will pour resources into finding cheap energy alternatives. I guess the frontrunners in that category are clean coal and nuclear energy.
By promoting clean and renewable energy, the United States are taking steps into the construction of a new economy. This will become ground for partnerships with the other countries that are taking this approach. Once markets such as China and the EU take the plunge, the rest of the world will have not choice but to follow. Of course, Canada could have been ahead of the curve had it aggressively invest in new energies. But we all know how that ended.
We need to remain cautious and temper our optimism. Basic science needs long term support to be effective. With that said, the decision to cut NASA's space exploration program is not going to sit well with everyone. The new budget is betting on smaller agencies reasoning they are more flexible, think outside the boxe and are more likely to bring their projects to term. It's a valid argument when you omit that the problem with NASA's program might have had more to do with a lack of funding in the first place.
Regardless, the budget is still exciting news for the community and sets the bar to a standard I hope Canada will try to reach.
