Bill Overview
Title: To include certain computer-related projects in the Federal permitting program under title XLI of the FAST Act, and for other purposes.
Description: This bill expands the expedited environmental review and permitting process under Title 41 of the Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act, commonly known as FAST-41, to include certain computer-related infrastructure projects. Specifically, the bill provides for the expedited review of infrastructure projects concerning semiconductors, artificial intelligence and machine learning, high-performance computing and advanced computer hardware and software, quantum information science and technology, data storage and data management, or cybersecurity.
Sponsors: Rep. McCaul, Michael T. [R-TX-10]
Target Audience
Population: People working in technology sectors related to semiconductors, AI, computing, and cybersecurity
Estimated Size: 8000000
- The bill focuses on infrastructure projects related to advanced technology sectors which are crucial to modern technology development.
- It will impact individuals working in sectors such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence, high-performance computing, and cybersecurity.
- The technology and data-related fields are globally relevant, affecting a wide range of individuals worldwide who are involved in or dependent on such projects.
- Researchers, developers, and professionals in STEM fields and educational institutions globally would find interest and potential impact scope due to this bill, especially those focusing on cutting-edge technology development.
Reasoning
- This policy primarily impacts individuals involved in technology sectors focusing on infrastructure projects related to semiconductors, AI, computing, and cybersecurity, among others.
- Due to the highly specialized nature of the projects, the direct impact will occur mostly in technology hubs, such as Silicon Valley.
- Many people working in these sectors may experience higher Cantril well-being scores post-policy due to improved work conditions, more efficient project approvals, and potentially greater job stability.
- The policy may also affect educational and research institutions indirectly by increasing available resources and opportunities for collaboration on relevant technological projects.
- Given the focus on infrastructure, people residing in tech-savvy regions may see larger indirect community benefits, although individuals outside these professions might not notice a significant change in well-being.
Simulated Interviews
AI Researcher (Silicon Valley, CA)
Age: 34 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The FAST-41 expansion could speed up our infrastructure projects, which is exciting.
- Quicker reviews mean we might see faster advances in AI applications and possibly job growth.
- I think the bill is a step in the right direction for tech workers.
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 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Cybersecurity Analyst (Austin, TX)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 7.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The proposed policy could make my work smoother by reducing the time needed for permit approvals.
- Ultimately, this will improve the cybersecurity measures we design as they become more robust faster.
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 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Semiconductor Manufacturing Engineer (Raleigh, NC)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This bill may not drastically change my job day-to-day, but reduced red tape could lead to more projects.
- It's good to see emphasis on infrastructure that's crucial to what we do.
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 | 8 | 7 |
Data Scientist (Boston, MA)
Age: 38 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 8.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The potential for faster reviewal times could streamline our project roll-outs.
- While it may not radically change individual lives, it helps in the broader scheme of project efficiency.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Quantum Computing Researcher (Seattle, WA)
Age: 31 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 6.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The significance of this policy in the quantum computing field is promising.
- More efficient infrastructure processes might attract more funding and research opportunities.
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 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
High-Performance Computing Specialist (New York, NY)
Age: 40 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I support the bill if it can help deliver better technological solutions faster.
- Efficient infrastructure is key to keeping competitive in global markets.
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 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Tech Startup Founder (Las Vegas, NV)
Age: 27 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy might help reduce the bureaucratic hurdles we face, which can be a major barrier for startups.
- Increased focus on infrastructure can mean more opportunities for collaborations.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Network Architect (Detroit, MI)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's about time more attention was given to the backbone of our tech systems.
- While not everyone sees infrastructure updates as exciting, they're crucial for secure systems.
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 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Graduate Student in Computer Science (Pittsburgh, PA)
Age: 22 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I see potential in this bill for more research opportunities and industry partnerships.
- It's a positive step towards advancing our technical infrastructures.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Software Developer (Columbus, OH)
Age: 36 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 9.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Modernizing infrastructure reviews is likely to drive innovation and adoption of new technological solutions.
- This policy aligns with the need for quick adaptation in our fast-paced field.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $5000000 (Low: $4000000, High: $6000000)
Year 2: $4000000 (Low: $3000000, High: $5000000)
Year 3: $4000000 (Low: $3000000, High: $5000000)
Year 5: $3000000 (Low: $2000000, High: $4000000)
Year 10: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- Need for specialized staff for technological reviews might increase administrative costs initially.
- Potential delays in identifying appropriate projects for the expedited process could affect cost savings.
- Short-term administrative costs are offset by long-term economic gains through accelerated project implementation.