Bill Overview
Title: Las Americas Energy Security Act
Description: This bill establishes a sovereign lending program for eligible Latin American and Caribbean partner countries to support such countries' short-term energy needs and fund projects to transition to renewable energy. The bill also directs the Department of State to prioritize and expedite U.S. government support for such countries' efforts to increase energy security, including by providing support for projects that improve Latin American and Caribbean energy markets.
Sponsors: Rep. Espaillat, Adriano [D-NY-13]
Target Audience
Population: People in Latin American and Caribbean countries
Estimated Size: 0
- The bill targets Latin American and Caribbean partner countries.
- The focus is on energy needs and renewable energy transitions in those regions.
- These regions represent a combined population of about 650 million people.
- The bill does not explicitly target any U.S. domestic population but may indirectly benefit U.S. taxpayers by focusing on energy security in the proximity of the U.S.
Reasoning
- Although the policy mainly targets Latin American and Caribbean countries, there are several potential indirect effects on U.S. residents.
- Some work in global energy markets and could see job creation or stability due to increased demand for renewables.
- There might be economic benefits for companies that supply renewable energy technologies.
- People involved in trade and energy policy might feel positive about the strengthening of energy security in nearby areas.
- U.S. taxpayers might have mixed feelings about the allocation of resources to international projects, but some may appreciate the long-term stability it could foster.
Simulated Interviews
Renewable Energy Analyst (Houston, Texas)
Age: 35 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I believe this policy will likely create new opportunities for cross-border projects in the energy sector.
- Supporting Latin America's transition to renewables could spur innovation and business for U.S. companies like mine.
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 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
International Trade Specialist (Los Angeles, California)
Age: 42 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm optimistic about the potential for improved trade relations with Latin America.
- Expanding energy markets could lead to better economic ties with these countries.
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 |
Environmental Activist (Miami, Florida)
Age: 28 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm supportive of any policy that aligns the U.S. with renewable initiatives.
- This is a step towards international cooperation on climate issues I deeply care about.
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 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 4 |
Taxpayer and Business Owner (Chicago, Illinois)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm skeptical about spending taxpayer money on overseas projects unless there's a clear benefit to the U.S.
- I find it hard to see how this impacts my business directly.
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 | 6 | 6 |
Retired Energy Consultant (Boston, Massachusetts)
Age: 62 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This initiative could enhance the U.S.'s strategic position in Latin America through energy alliances.
- I'm retired but stay informed about these developments as they impact the global energy sector.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Financial Analyst (New York, New York)
Age: 30 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- If this policy stabilizes energy markets, it could bring long-term benefits for investments.
- Given the policy's focus on renewables, there is potential for growth in green finance areas.
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 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Software Engineer (San Francisco, California)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Technology plays a crucial role in renewable energy transitions, and this policy could advance those technologies.
- I see the potential for future job markets in areas related to energy technology.
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 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Educator (Phoenix, Arizona)
Age: 39 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Educating students about such policies can highlight the importance of renewable energy.
- The policy fosters collaboration which is an important lesson for future generations.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Government Official (Washington, D.C.)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy reinforces strategic alliances and increases energy security for the U.S. through diplomatic channels.
- It's a step forward for sustainable development, which aligns with our environmental goals.
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 | 10 | 8 |
University Student (Austin, Texas)
Age: 25 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm learning about the geopolitical implications of energy policies, and this policy seems to be a strategic move.
- It's encouraging to see energy transitions being prioritized globally.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $300000000 (Low: $250000000, High: $350000000)
Year 2: $300000000 (Low: $250000000, High: $350000000)
Year 3: $300000000 (Low: $250000000, High: $350000000)
Year 5: $300000000 (Low: $250000000, High: $350000000)
Year 10: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- Lending program must balance between fiscal responsibility and achieving strategic objectives.
- Effective implementation relies heavily on partner countries' governance and commitment to energy projects.
- Coordination with international partners (e.g., other donor countries, international organizations) is essential for comprehensive impact.