Bill Overview
Title: Blue Energy Innovation Act of 2022
Description: This bill requires the Department of Energy to establish and implement the Integrated Blue Economy and Blue Energy Technologies Program to provide funding for research and development of blue energy technologies for specified purposes (e.g., developing new blue energy market opportunities). Blue energy technologies are technologies that (1) derive or generate energy from a renewable energy resource or capture, remove, and sequester greenhouse gases; and (2) are located in an aquatic environment.
Sponsors: Rep. Kilmer, Derek [D-WA-6]
Target Audience
Population: Individuals in coastal communities and stakeholders in the blue energy sector worldwide
Estimated Size: 30000000
- The bill focuses on blue energy technologies, which are primarily relevant to populations in coastal and marine regions as these technologies are located in aquatic environments.
- The legislation aims to foster innovation in renewable energy derived from aquatic sources, thus impacting sectors connected to marine and freshwater bodies.
- It will influence industries and individuals involved in research, development, and implementation of marine and hydrokinetic energy technologies, including wave, tidal, and current energy sectors.
- Communities living in coastal areas may experience economic and environmental benefits from the growth in blue energy solutions.
- Countries with significant coastal regions are more likely to develop and adopt blue energy technologies.
Reasoning
- The population affected by this policy is mainly in coastal areas due to the focus on blue energy technologies, which are aquatic-based.
- We need to cover a range of perspectives: researchers, community members, and businesses involved in blue energy technologies.
- The policy budget suggests a moderate impact, especially in research and innovation sectors.
- Wellbeing scores will reflect both economic opportunities and environmental benefits anticipated from the policy.
- A mixture of stakeholders, including those directly involved and those indirectly benefiting, will provide a comprehensive view.
Simulated Interviews
Marine Biologist (San Diego, CA)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy could boost research opportunities and funding for projects I've wanted to explore.
- Increasing interest in blue energy innovations may lead to better career prospects.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 6 |
Energy Sector Executive (Houston, TX)
Age: 46 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy is a great step towards diversifying our energy portfolio.
- Investment in blue energy can open new revenue streams.
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 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Environmental Scientist (Miami, FL)
Age: 52 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I hope the funding helps us understand and mitigate impacts on local ecosystems.
- We need to ensure sustainable practices as we develop these technologies.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Software Developer (Seattle, WA)
Age: 29 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's interesting, but I don't see a direct connection to my work.
- I hope it leads to broader environmental benefits in the aquatic ecosystem.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Local Govt. Official (New Orleans, LA)
Age: 39 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Our community could benefit from new jobs and energy solutions.
- I'm hopeful that this policy sparks local interest and investment.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Retired Fisherman (Cape Cod, MA)
Age: 62 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I worry about how this might affect the fishing industry.
- If done right, it could help maintain our waters' health.
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 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Graduate Student (Portland, OR)
Age: 27 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 8.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy aligns with what I'm learning and inspires my thesis work.
- I'm keen to see how these technologies evolve over the next few years.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
Renewable Energy Consultant (Anchorage, AK)
Age: 44 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 12.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The initiative could enhance opportunities in Alaska's coastal regions.
- We have untapped resources that could be valuable for blue energy.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 4 |
Small Business Owner (Charleston, SC)
Age: 31 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- With this policy, my business could diversify into blue energy services.
- I see potential market growth that aligns with this act.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Environmental Advocate (Boston, MA)
Age: 55 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The Blue Energy Innovation Act aligns well with our goals for sustainable energy development.
- I hope this policy pushes forward more community-focused initiatives.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $300000000 (Low: $200000000, High: $400000000)
Year 2: $300000000 (Low: $200000000, High: $400000000)
Year 3: $300000000 (Low: $200000000, High: $400000000)
Year 5: $250000000 (Low: $150000000, High: $350000000)
Year 10: $150000000 (Low: $100000000, High: $200000000)
Year 100: $100000000 (Low: $50000000, High: $150000000)
Key Considerations
- The initial cost estimate includes significant research and development costs front-loaded in the first few years, reflecting the setup and early operational phases of the program.
- Potential savings are estimated based on the energy transition that the program aims to support, which would lead to long-term cost reductions.
- The bill's emphasis on renewable energy aligns with broader climate and environmental goals, potentially enhancing its appeal among stakeholders.