Bill Overview
Title: Home Front Energy Independence Act
Description: This bill prohibits the importation of petroleum and petroleum products from Russia until Russia recognizes the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. The bill allows a new tax credit for the sale or blending of ethanol fuels. It also extends through 2025 the income tax credit for biodiesel and renewable diesel used as fuel. The bill modifies requirements relating to the waiver of ethanol reid vapor pressure limitations and E15 labeling. The bill requires the Department of Agriculture to award grants to certain governmental entities for expanding the biofuel infrastructure and agriculture product market.
Sponsors: Rep. Feenstra, Randy [R-IA-4]
Target Audience
Population: People involved in or affected by the global petroleum and biofuel markets
Estimated Size: 120000000
- A significant number of individuals worldwide rely on petroleum and petroleum products, including those imported from Russia.
- Russia is one of the largest exporters of oil and gas, with such exports playing a significant economic role for multiple countries.
- The global shift towards ethanol, biodiesel, and renewable diesel due to incentives can affect global fuel production and consumption markets.
- Farmers and individuals involved in ethanol and biofuel production will likely see increased demand, impacting their economic well-being.
- Consumers worldwide who utilize E15 fuel or other ethanol blends could see changes in fuel prices or availability.
- Countries importing petroleum and petroleum products from Russia will have to find alternative sources, which may disrupt markets.
- The global population involved in agriculture and biofuel infrastructure will potentially benefit from new markets and infrastructure developments.
Reasoning
- The policy will have varying effects based on individuals' involvement with the petroleum and biofuel industries. Direct beneficiaries include farmers producing biofuels, workers in these sectors, and consumers using ethanol fuels.
- Those not closely tied to these sectors might experience slight increases in fuel prices initially, leading to minimal direct impact on daily life.
- The budget allocation indicates a focus on infrastructure and stimulation of biofuel markets which predominantly affects rural areas involved in agriculture and urban areas with high ethanol fuel usage.
Simulated Interviews
Corn Farmer (Iowa)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I've always been for renewable energy incentives. This policy could mean more business for farmers like me.
- Our community depends on the agriculture sector, so anything boosting biofuel helps everyone around here feel financially more secure.
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 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Petroleum Engineer (Texas)
Age: 32 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- My job security might not be directly threatened, but industry shifts can have ripple effects.
- Policies like this might push us towards diversifying energy portfolios, which creates new opportunities but also uncertainty.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Environmental Policy Analyst (New York)
Age: 29 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy seems like a step in the right direction for reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
- Policies like this can catalyze larger environmental reforms, which I'm optimistic about.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 10 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 9 |
Biofuel Company Executive (California)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This is a potential boom for our business, increasing demand for what we produce.
- We might be able to expand operations and hire more workers, which is exciting.
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 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 4 |
Auto Mechanic (Michigan)
Age: 41 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Flex-fuel vehicles might see more attention; this could keep us busy with upgrades and maintenance.
- I worry slightly about sudden fuel price changes affecting my commute and expenses.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Truck Driver (Nebraska)
Age: 37 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- If biodiesel gets cheaper or more incentivized, it could really cut my costs.
- Any changes in fuel availability impact how we plan routes.
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 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Retail Worker (Ohio)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I don't expect massive changes, but anything affecting gas prices concerns me.
- If fuel becomes less expensive over time, that would help me.
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 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 5 |
Retired (Florida)
Age: 55 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I do like to support renewable efforts for my grandchildren's future, but changing fuel costs worry me a bit.
- Fiscally, as long as it doesn't increase my cost of living, I'm neutral to supportive.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
E15 Fuel Station Owner (Illinois)
Age: 46 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The change in labeling and incentives could increase sales of E15, which is fantastic for us.
- We have to keep an eye on supplier pricing to maintain profitability.
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 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Construction Worker (Colorado)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Any infrastructure investment is good for jobs, including biofuel infrastructure.
- Fuel costs are part of life—higher biodiesel use might help stabilize things.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $500000000 (Low: $400000000, High: $600000000)
Year 2: $510000000 (Low: $410000000, High: $610000000)
Year 3: $520000000 (Low: $420000000, High: $620000000)
Year 5: $540000000 (Low: $440000000, High: $640000000)
Year 10: $600000000 (Low: $500000000, High: $700000000)
Year 100: $1000000000 (Low: $800000000, High: $1200000000)
Key Considerations
- The policy aims to reduce dependency on Russian petroleum imports at potential initial economic costs.
- Tax credits and grants are intended to boost the U.S. biofuel industry.