Bill Overview
Title: Tribal Energy Investment Act of 2022
Description: This bill authorizes the Department of Energy to provide direct loans to Indian tribes and tribal energy development organizations for energy development. These direct loans shall be made through the Federal Financing Bank.
Sponsors: Rep. Leger Fernandez, Teresa [D-NM-3]
Target Audience
Population: Members of Indian tribes and associated energy development organizations
Estimated Size: 3000000
- The bill targets Indian tribes specifically for energy development initiatives, meaning members of these tribes are the primary population impacted.
- Tribal energy development organizations will also be significantly impacted, as they are explicitly mentioned as beneficiaries of the direct loans.
- Energy development in tribal lands might indirectly impact non-tribal businesses and individuals in close proximity to these lands due to economic and environmental changes.
Reasoning
- The policy targets a specific population (Indian tribes and tribal energy development organizations), so the simulated persons should largely fall within this group.
- Given the budget and target population, the policy will significantly affect a subset but not the entire population. Thus, there will be a mix of medium to high impact experiences and some individuals who report no change.
- Non-tribal individuals in close proximity to tribal lands may experience indirect effects due to increased economic activity, but their wellbeing scores are less likely to be directly influenced by the policy.
- Since tribal-related energy projects take time to develop, the initial impact on wellbeing scores might be low or medium, with an expectation of gradual increase as projects become operational.
- The impact on businesses and jobs could increase Cantril Wellbeing Scores due to economic growth, reduced utility costs, or increased energy access.
Simulated Interviews
Tribal energy project manager (Navajo Nation, Arizona)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I am excited about the opportunities this policy presents for our community.
- Access to capital will help us expand our solar projects significantly.
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 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 7 |
Environmental scientist (Pine Ridge Reservation, South Dakota)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy could lead to more research opportunities and cleaner energy on tribal lands.
- We should ensure environmental standards are maintained as projects develop.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Energy consultant (Los Angeles, California)
Age: 52 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I believe this policy will create more business opportunities for consultants like myself in the energy sector.
- The need for expertise in renewable technologies will grow.
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 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Student (Cherokee Nation, Oklahoma)
Age: 27 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy may translate into internships and job opportunities post-graduation.
- It could enable more practical, real-world experiences in my field of study.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Policy analyst (Washington D.C.)
Age: 40 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Tribal-focused policies are crucial for empowering Native communities.
- This bill could set a precedent for future energy initiatives.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Farmer (New Mexico)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I expect cleaner energy and potentially lower utility costs indirectly benefiting from projects on tribal lands.
- There's a possibility for collaboration on land use and resources.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Tribal council member (Seattle, Washington)
Age: 39 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy empowers our decision-making by providing the financial means to pursue energy independence.
- It's a step towards sustainable development for our community.
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 | 10 | 7 |
Construction worker (Phoenix, Arizona)
Age: 23 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- More projects mean more job opportunities for me and my coworkers.
- I hope the policy leads to long-term employment in the energy sector for our tribe.
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 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Retired (North Dakota)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I expect the policy could bring some local environmental improvements indirectly benefiting non-tribal residents like myself.
- Retirement investments might benefit indirectly from community growth.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 4 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Artist (Santa Fe, New Mexico)
Age: 31 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I hope this policy allows for art programs that promote awareness about sustainable energy in our schools.
- Collaboration opportunities with new projects might arise.
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 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $50000000 (Low: $40000000, High: $60000000)
Year 2: $55000000 (Low: $45000000, High: $65000000)
Year 3: $60000000 (Low: $50000000, High: $70000000)
Year 5: $70000000 (Low: $60000000, High: $80000000)
Year 10: $90000000 (Low: $70000000, High: $110000000)
Year 100: $150000000 (Low: $100000000, High: $200000000)
Key Considerations
- Implementing direct loans requires a robust infrastructure to vet and approve projects.
- Potential defaults on loans may require additional guidelines or insurance mechanisms.
- Engagement with tribal governments to ensure alignment with cultural values and local economic needs is essential.