Bill Overview
Title: SUPER Act of 2021
Description: This bill requires the Department of Energy (DOE) to establish programs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the production of iron, steel, and steel mill products. Specifically, DOE must establish a program of research, development, demonstration, and commercial application of advanced tools, technologies, and methods for low-emissions steel manufacturing. DOE, in collaboration with industry partners, institutions of higher education, and DOE's national laboratories, must also support an initiative for the demonstration of low-emissions steel manufacturing.
Sponsors: Rep. Gonzalez, Anthony [R-OH-16]
Target Audience
Population: People involved in or affected by steel manufacturing and its environmental impact
Estimated Size: 50000000
- The steel industry is a major global industry with significant operations in countries such as China, India, the United States, and several European countries.
- Steel workers, especially those involved in manufacturing, will be directly impacted by changes due to potential technological upgrades and emission reductions.
- Communities around steel manufacturing plants could see reduced pollution and improved local air quality, impacting residents' health and wellbeing.
- The broader population will benefit from overall reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to climate change mitigation efforts.
- Downstream industries, such as construction, automotive, and others relying on steel, may experience indirect effects through changes in steel production methods or costs.
Reasoning
- The steel industry is a significant component of the US economy, especially in states with concentrated manufacturing centers.
- Residents near steel plants could experience improved air quality due to reduced emissions, enhancing their health and wellbeing.
- Workers in the steel industry might face changes in job roles due to technological upgrades aimed at reducing emissions.
- The policy, given its budget, is constrained in scope and might initially affect only large steel manufacturing centers.
- The general population may see some long-term benefits through decreased greenhouse gas emissions, although these benefits might be less directly noticeable on an individual level.
Simulated Interviews
Steel mill worker (Pittsburgh, PA)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I welcome advancements for cleaner steel production but worry about job security.
- Training for new technologies will be crucial to keep industry workers employed.
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 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 3 |
Environmental scientist (Gary, IN)
Age: 38 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The SUPER Act is a great step towards improving local air quality.
- Engagement with the community and transparency about changes are essential.
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 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Construction engineer (Youngstown, OH)
Age: 30 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Potential cost increases in steel could affect project budgets.
- Sustainable practices in steel production are beneficial long-term.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Automotive supplier (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 52 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Any rise in steel prices affects our costs and pricing.
- Supportive of environmental initiatives but concerned about operational costs.
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 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Retired steel worker (Bethlehem, PA)
Age: 65 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The industry needs to embrace changes to stay relevant.
- Long-term, this could secure jobs for future generations.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Steel industry analyst (Chicago, IL)
Age: 28 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The SUPER Act positions the US steel industry towards competitive clean technology.
- Will be interesting to watch the economic impacts unfold.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Union representative (Detroit, MI)
Age: 55 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Ensuring secure jobs for workers during transition is critical.
- Support is needed from the government for upskilling workers.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Local business owner (Cleveland, OH)
Age: 42 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Reduced emissions could attract more customers and improve community health.
- I'm optimistic but hope for sufficient financial support for small businesses if needed.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Air quality consultant (Hamilton, OH)
Age: 47 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy is crucial for urban centers with heavy industrial activity.
- Collaborations with technology firms can push emission reductions forward.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Climate change activist (Portland, OR)
Age: 33 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The SUPER Act is a proactive step but more widespread measures are needed.
- Success hinges on effective implementation and monitoring.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $150000000 (Low: $120000000, High: $180000000)
Year 2: $160000000 (Low: $130000000, High: $190000000)
Year 3: $170000000 (Low: $140000000, High: $200000000)
Year 5: $200000000 (Low: $170000000, High: $230000000)
Year 10: $250000000 (Low: $220000000, High: $280000000)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- The collaboration between government and private sector is critical for the success of the initiative.
- Technological breakthroughs in reducing emissions could set a precedent for other heavy industries.
- Monitoring and adaptive management will be crucial to ensure the program stays on track and within budget.