Bill Overview
Title: Ocean-Based Climate Solutions Act of 2022
Description: This bill establishes a variety of requirements to reduce carbon emissions and protect oceans, coastal habitats, marine mammals, and fish populations from climate change and other threats.
Sponsors: Rep. Grijalva, Raúl M. [D-AZ-3]
Target Audience
Population: people who rely on oceans and coastal ecosystems for their wellbeing
Estimated Size: 100000000
- The bill addresses global issues related to oceans and climate change.
- The world's oceans are interconnected, and changes in one region can affect global marine environments.
- Ocean health impacts coastal communities globally, affecting their economies and livelihoods.
- Climate change is a global phenomenon, and action by one country can have international ramifications.
- Coastal and marine ecosystems are crucial for biodiversity, affecting food security worldwide.
Reasoning
- Given the scope of the policy, it primarily benefits those whose lives and occupations are directly tied to ocean and coastal environments, such as fishermen, coastal tourism operators, and residents of coastal regions.
- Since the budget is limited relative to the entire population that might potentially be impacted, direct benefits may not be evenly distributed to everyone within the target group.
- Indirect impacts could include improved coastal ecosystem health, potentially boosting industries like fishing and tourism over time. Longer term benefits could also enhance overall wellbeing beyond immediate fiscal constraints.
- Some individuals may not perceive immediate value, especially if they are displaced by regulations or have occupations not directly connected to coastal health.
- Others might be less impacted, such as individuals further from coastlines or those not directly economically linked to these environments.
Simulated Interviews
fisherman (Louisiana)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I understand the importance of protecting our waters, but some regulations can feel restrictive.
- If this policy helps reduce damage from hurricanes by stabilizing the environment, it might be worth the short-term adjustments.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 3 |
marine biologist (California)
Age: 32 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy will boost our research and conservation efforts.
- Long-term benefits are crucial, though immediate budget limits may restrict scope.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 5 |
Tourism operator (Maine)
Age: 60 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Healthy oceans are vital for our business, and cleaner environments attract more tourists.
- Short-term changes might require adjustments, but long-term health benefits are significant.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 3 |
student (Florida)
Age: 22 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm hopeful policies like this will preserve the coastal areas I love.
- While not financially impacted now, future opportunities could be affected if ecosystems decline.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 4 |
subsistence hunter (Alaska)
Age: 48 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The health of our waters directly impacts our community's food security.
- Protective policies are important, but they must consider our way of life.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 3 |
environmental NGO director (New York)
Age: 39 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Initiatives like this are necessary steps in mitigating ocean damage.
- Funding limitations may constrain immediate impact, but policy direction is positive.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 3 |
oil rig worker (Texas)
Age: 55 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- These policies could affect job security in industries dependent on current practices.
- Transition support is needed for those in affected industries.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 3 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 4 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 4 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 4 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 4 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
sustainable seafood promoter (Oregon)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- A policy that encourages sustainable practices is beneficial for my business model.
- The challenge will be consumer adoption and policy impact effectiveness.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
freelance writer (Hawaii)
Age: 42 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Policies like these are crucial for preserving the beauty of coastal environments.
- While I may not be directly impacted, community health stands to gain.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 4 |
coastal property owner (Maryland)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I worry about impact on property values and restrictions on my boating activities.
- However, if the policy prevents erosion or other damage, it could maintain property value.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 4 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $500000000 (Low: $400000000, High: $600000000)
Year 2: $450000000 (Low: $350000000, High: $550000000)
Year 3: $430000000 (Low: $330000000, High: $530000000)
Year 5: $400000000 (Low: $300000000, High: $500000000)
Year 10: $350000000 (Low: $250000000, High: $450000000)
Year 100: $300000000 (Low: $200000000, High: $400000000)
Key Considerations
- The bill supports environmental sustainability, which can have far-reaching benefits beyond immediate economic impacts.
- Initial costs might be substantial, but long-term savings and economic stability can outweigh early investments.
- Impact on local communities dependent on fishing and coastal tourism needs careful consideration to ensure transitional support.
- Global collaboration is crucial, given the interconnected nature of ocean ecosystems.