Bill Overview
Title: Coastal State Climate Preparedness Act of 2022
Description: This bill directs the Department of Commerce to establish a coastal climate change adaptation preparedness and response program. Under the program, Commerce must (1) assist coastal states with voluntarily developing coastal climate change adaptation plans, and (2) provide financial and technical assistance as well as training for coastal states to implement the adaptation plans.
Sponsors: Rep. Carbajal, Salud O. [D-CA-24]
Target Audience
Population: People living in coastal areas
Estimated Size: 148000000
- There are approximately 148 million people living in US coastal counties according to the US Census Bureau.
- Citizens living in coastal areas are directly impacted by climate change through sea level rise, increased storm intensity, and erosion.
- The bill focuses on providing assistance to these regions, directly targeting populations in coastal states.
Reasoning
- The policy specifically targets residents of coastal states, who are likely to be directly affected by climate change and thus potential beneficiaries if the policy is implemented.
- The budget constraints mean that not every coastal resident will benefit equally; priority might be given to areas most at risk or with the least resources.
- People in non-coastal states or those in higher elevation areas within coastal states may not be significantly impacted by the policy.
- Residents heavily reliant on coastal industries (e.g., tourism, fishing) might experience more significant changes in wellbeing due to better adaptation measures.
- We expect more immediate changes in well-being scores related to financial and technical support in the early years, with longer-term improvements as adaptation plans take effect.
Simulated Interviews
Fisherman (Miami, FL)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I am hopeful that this policy will protect my livelihood.
- Climate change has made fishing unpredictable and sometimes dangerous.
- Financial assistance for us would be very welcome.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 2 |
Tourist Guide (New Orleans, LA)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think this policy is necessary to protect our beautiful city.
- Tourism cannot thrive if we keep getting flooded.
- I hope the assistance reaches us quickly.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 3 |
Software Engineer (San Diego, CA)
Age: 27 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm not sure if this will impact me personally.
- I'm more concerned about rising housing costs due to policy changes.
- Still, I'm supportive if it helps the community.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Retired (Charleston, SC)
Age: 55 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I worry about my home's vulnerability to hurricanes.
- This policy could bring some peace of mind.
- Being on a fixed income, any help is appreciated.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 4 |
Hotel Owner (Galveston, TX)
Age: 62 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Our business is always on edge with the hurricane season.
- If the policy brings more stability, it would help us plan ahead.
- Financial support for infrastructure would be a game changer.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 3 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 2 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 2 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 2 |
Environmental Scientist (Seattle, WA)
Age: 40 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Policies like these are crucial for sustainable living.
- I'm optimistic about integrating new measures with our existing plans.
- Long-term resilience funding is key.
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 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 4 |
Student (Boston, MA)
Age: 30 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy gives me hope for my future career.
- I'm concerned about long-term impacts on climate change.
- I hope to see more emphasis on marine conservation.
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 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 4 |
Construction Worker (Norfolk, VA)
Age: 52 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I see firsthand the damage storms cause.
- Policy support could mean more consistent work.
- Improved infrastructure is essential.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 2 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 2 |
School Teacher (Savannah, GA)
Age: 46 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Educating our kids about climate is important.
- I'm hopeful this policy will enhance our community programs.
- Funding could improve school infrastructure.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 4 |
Retired Engineer (Lansing, MI)
Age: 60 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I support any environmental policy.
- However, this may not affect me directly.
- Long-term care for natural resources is a good idea.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $700000000 (Low: $600000000, High: $800000000)
Year 2: $650000000 (Low: $550000000, High: $750000000)
Year 3: $600000000 (Low: $500000000, High: $700000000)
Year 5: $600000000 (Low: $500000000, High: $700000000)
Year 10: $550000000 (Low: $450000000, High: $650000000)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- Coastal states vary significantly in terms of vulnerability and adaptive capacity.
- The changing climate conditions and potential acceleration of sea level rise could alter the effectiveness of adaptation plans.
- Interstate coordination and resource sharing may be necessary for maximizing outcomes.