Bill Overview
Title: Unleashing American Energy Act
Description: This bill requires a minimum amount of oil and gas lease sales a year on certain submerged lands of the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) and limits delays on federal oil and gas leases on such lands. Specifically, this bill requires the Department of the Interior to annually conduct a minimum of two region-wide oil and gas lease sales in each of the following regions of the OCS: (1) the Gulf of Mexico region in the Central Gulf of Mexico Planning Area and the Western Gulf of Mexico Planning Area, and (2) the Alaska region. In addition, the bill requires the President to obtain congressional approval before delaying federal oil and gas leases on the OCS.
Sponsors: Rep. Carl, Jerry L. [R-AL-1]
Target Audience
Population: People affected by increased oil and gas activities on the OCS
Estimated Size: 11000000
- Oil and gas companies that are involved in exploration and extraction will be directly affected by the mandated increase in lease sales.
- Communities in the Gulf of Mexico and Alaska regions might experience economic impacts, both positive (jobs, revenue) and negative (environmental concerns, health impacts).
- Employees working in oil and gas industries, including those in extraction, transportation, and auxiliary services, will likely be directly impacted.
- Environmentalists and advocacy groups concerned with offshore drilling will find their focus areas affected.
- States bordering the Gulf of Mexico and Alaska itself may see changes in state revenue from federal leases, which could affect public services and infrastructure.
- Indigenous communities in Alaska may be concerned about the environmental impacts and effects on their lands.
Reasoning
- The budget limits set for this policy implementation indicate that the financial resources available are significant enough to kick-start leasing activities but would need careful allocation to address all regions equally without overshooting the costs associated with administration and environmental regulation compliance.
- The policy is expected to primarily affect those directly and indirectly involved in the oil and gas sectors, which include a wide range of secondary industries. The economic benefits would likely accrue quickly in these areas unless significant environmental pushbacks delay gains.
- Given the population estimates affected, including 10 million in the Gulf Coast region and the total U.S. oil and gas employment basis, there might be strong localized economic upturns. However, environmental and indigenous group opposition might limit the overall perception of policy benefits, impacting wellbeing scores.
- The expected uplift in economic activity might not immediately equate to higher self-reported wellbeing among all stakeholders, especially those concerned with environmental degradation or cultural impacts, such as in Alaska.
Simulated Interviews
Oil Rig Engineer (Houston, Texas)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy could stabilize job availability, which is good for my family.
- However, the environmental risks worry me long-term.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
Environmental Scientist (Anchorage, Alaska)
Age: 31 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Increased drilling poses risks to wildlife and climate; it's very concerning.
- Economic benefits are less clear to me but pressing.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 4 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 4 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 3 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 3 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 3 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 2 | 5 |
Fishing Business Owner (Lafayette, Louisiana)
Age: 55 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm worried about what it means for fishing businesses.
- Positive economic impacts would need to outweigh environmental risks.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 4 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 4 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 5 |
Real Estate Agent (Gulfport, Mississippi)
Age: 39 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- There could be a short-term boost to the housing market.
- Long-term, environmental issues could deter buyers.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Indigenous Rights Activist (Kenai, Alaska)
Age: 29 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Cultural sites could be at risk; this policy challenges our land rights.
- I am deeply concerned about environmental degradation.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 3 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 3 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 2 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 2 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 2 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 2 | 4 |
Logistics Manager (Baton Rouge, Louisiana)
Age: 52 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Increased activity could make my sector busier, boosting income.
- I worry about regional stability with environmental risks.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
State Government Official (Juneau, Alaska)
Age: 46 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy might improve state revenue but needs balanced environmental considerations.
- Public opinion is divided; critical to manage expectations carefully.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
College Student (Pascagoula, Mississippi)
Age: 23 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The negative environmental impacts concern me deeply.
- Although economic benefits are touted, I worry for future generations.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 4 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 4 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 3 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 3 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 3 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 3 | 5 |
Local Politician (Mobile, Alabama)
Age: 58 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 13/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Support for the policy is vibrant among many constituents, but so are environmental concerns.
- Finding compromise is essential for future development.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Oil and Gas Equipment Technician (Beaumont, Texas)
Age: 34 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 17/20
Statement of Opinion:
- More leases could mean more work and job security for me.
- Environmental rules need to be part of the conversation too.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $50000000 (Low: $35000000, High: $70000000)
Year 2: $50000000 (Low: $35000000, High: $70000000)
Year 3: $50000000 (Low: $35000000, High: $70000000)
Year 5: $50000000 (Low: $35000000, High: $70000000)
Year 10: $50000000 (Low: $35000000, High: $70000000)
Year 100: $50000000 (Low: $35000000, High: $70000000)
Key Considerations
- The environmental costs and legal challenges associated with increased oil and gas activity could affect the economic benefits or lead to additional costs.
- Political and public opposition from environmental groups might lead to delays or modifications in lease sales.
- State revenues, particularly in Alaska and Gulf states, will depend on the share of federal revenues allocated to them.