Bill Overview
Title: Gas Prices Relief Act of 2022
Description: This bill prohibits federal agencies from finalizing any regulations that would cause (1) a decrease in domestic oil, gas, or biofuels production; (2) an increase in gasoline prices; or (3) any negative effects on domestic energy production, domestic electricity generation, transmission of fuel or electricity, infrastructure development, or transportation fuels. The prohibition may not end until the earlier of January 1, 2023, or until the average gasoline price is $2.60 per gallon or less.
Sponsors: Rep. Fischbach, Michelle [R-MN-7]
Target Audience
Population: People dependent on gasoline for transportation and energy
Estimated Size: 332000000
- The bill aims to prevent any regulatory measures that would decrease domestic oil, gas, or biofuel production, or increase gasoline prices.
- By stabilizing or aiming to reduce gas prices, the bill impacts consumers who purchase gasoline for personal or business use.
- The bill potentially impacts the entire population reliant on gasoline-dependent transportation directly, as fluctuating gas prices affect travel and commuting costs.
- Businesses that base their operations on transportation and logistics will also be impacted, as fuel is a significant cost factor for them.
- In the U.S., gasoline prices directly influence inflation rates, affecting the cost of living for the whole population.
Reasoning
- The target population for this policy is broad, including anyone who relies on gasoline for transportation. This includes almost all American adults since most people use personal vehicles or live in areas where cars are necessary for commuting.
- The policy aims to stabilize or reduce gas prices, which could lead to immediate short-term financial relief for consumers who regularly purchase gas. This would particularly benefit low to middle-income consumers who spend a larger percentage of their income on transportation costs.
- The effects on wellbeing will range from minimal for those who are less dependent on driving (e.g., urban dwellers with robust public transportation options or remote workers) to significant for those in rural areas where driving is necessary for basic daily tasks.
- Businesses that rely heavily on transportation and logistics might see a decrease or a stabilization in operational costs, leading to potential increases in profit margins or the ability to maintain product pricing.
- The impacts would be indirect for individuals living in cities with good public transport, but they could still feel a positive ripple effect through cheaper goods and stable transportation costs.
Simulated Interviews
Video Game Designer (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 31 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.5 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think it's important to keep gas prices stable, even though I drive an electric car most of the time.
- For those who drive gas cars, especially those commuting long distances, this could be very helpful.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Truck Driver (Houston, TX)
Age: 42 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 1.5 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Gas prices really affect me directly. Lower prices mean I take home more money each month.
- I'm glad this policy aims to stabilize prices.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 3 |
Freelance Photographer (New York, NY)
Age: 26 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy seems more relevant to people who drive often. I rely on public transport most of the time.
- Indirectly, lower gas prices might mean cheaper deliveries and ridesharing costs.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Farmer (Des Moines, IA)
Age: 55 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Gas prices directly affect my farm's profitability.
- I'm hopeful this policy will help keep my costs down.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Retired Teacher (Portland, OR)
Age: 72 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Fixed income makes me very sensitive to price changes, including gasoline.
- Stabilizing gas prices can help me manage my budget better.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 3 |
Ride Share Driver (Chicago, IL)
Age: 36 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 2.5 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Any policy helping reduce gas prices would directly help my earnings.
- I spend a lot on gas, so lower prices mean more money for my family.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 3 |
Software Engineer (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 9
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Gas prices don't really affect me much day-to-day, but I can see how they might ripple into larger economic impacts.
- I'm fortunate to work in tech where salaries are generally higher and more stable.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Small Business Owner (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 48 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- My business is very sensitive to changes in gas prices.
- A policy like this could offer some stability, making financial forecasting easier.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 3 |
Public School Teacher (Miami, FL)
Age: 60 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 1.5 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Gas prices are a monthly concern for my budget.
- Any decrease would help me save more for other expenses.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 4 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 3 |
Hospitality Manager (Boston, MA)
Age: 39 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Fuel costs impact my work travel budget and personal budget.
- I'm hopeful this policy will reduce financial strain associated with travel costs.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 3 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $250000000 (Low: $150000000, High: $400000000)
Year 2: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 3: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 5: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 10: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- The bill does not allocate federal funds directly but affects regulatory activities that could result in indirect costs related to compliance and oversight.
- Effects on gasoline prices are contingent on market conditions and global oil prices, which might override legislative measures.
- While the stated intent is to prevent regulatory measures from increasing gasoline prices, external factors (market price fluctuations, global supply chains) could still lead to price increases.