Bill Overview
Title: Port Automation Improvement Act of 2022
Description: This bill eliminates a specific limitation on funding with respect to expenses necessary for the Maritime Administration to implement the Port and Intermodal Improvement Program.
Sponsors: Rep. Gibbs, Bob [R-OH-7]
Target Audience
Population: People involved in port operations and surrounding communities
Estimated Size: 300000
- Ports are critical hubs in global trade and logistics, connecting maritime and intermodal transport systems.
- Automation in ports can impact jobs related to operations, maintenance, and logistics, potentially leading to a reduction in certain labor needs but an increase in technical jobs.
- Goods and services moved through ports are crucial for importers and exporters, affecting global supply chains.
- Automation leads to changes in operational efficiency, potentially affecting costs and timelines for global shipping.
- People in communities surrounding ports may experience impacts due to changes in employment rates and local economics.
Reasoning
- The target population of 300,000 includes maritime workers, logistics staff, and nearby community residents, representing both direct and indirect impacts of automation.
- The budget constraints mean that immediate large-scale impacts are limited, particularly in the first year, but cumulative effects can become significant over the decade.
- Wellbeing impacts may vary due to economic shifts such as job displacement, opportunities in tech sectors, and changes in local economies and environments.
- Interviews will simulate different experiences, reflecting a range of socioeconomic backgrounds, professions, and locations across the United States.
- This policy's main influence will be on those in or near major ports, but further-reaching effects are possible in industries reliant on imported/exported goods.
Simulated Interviews
Dock Worker (Los Angeles, California)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm concerned about my job security. Automation could mean fewer shifts or even layoffs.
- I've heard some positions might shift to maintain tech and automation equipment, so maybe training could help.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
Logistics Coordinator (Savannah, Georgia)
Age: 33 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think automation might streamline our operations, making my job easier.
- There's a worry about reducing human oversight, but on the positive side, this could open new roles for skilled jobs.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Truck Driver (Houston, Texas)
Age: 52 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Automation might mean faster loading times at the ports, but I'm doubtful about how it'll affect my fuel costs or waiting time.
- My work depends on port efficiency, so any delay reduction is good.
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 |
Port Security Analyst (Newark, New Jersey)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Automation will help us better manage port security without increasing manpower.
- The modernization excites me; easier tracking and monitoring means better safety.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 7 |
Shipping Company Executive (Long Beach, California)
Age: 39 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Automation at ports reduces operational costs and time, but we must manage the transition for our workforce.
- This gives us a competitive edge globally.
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 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Retired Ship Captain (Miami, Florida)
Age: 60 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I see both sides; automation could change the fabric of the place I loved to work.
- Overall, this gives younger generations new kinds of opportunities.
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 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Warehouse Assistant (Queens, New York)
Age: 24 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm a bit worried about job security, but increased port efficiency might lead to more inventory flow and hours for me.
- I'm considering getting trained in tech-related skills.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Union Representative (Seattle, Washington)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm pushing for more training programs and negotiation to secure jobs for our members.
- Developing skills for automation tech roles is crucial.
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 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
IT Technician (Baltimore, Maryland)
Age: 47 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm looking forward to integrating more advanced systems, as it aligns with my expertise and could mean more projects.
- There is a chance for more innovation in port technologies.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 10 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 8 |
Environmental Scientist (Oakland, California)
Age: 35 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Automation is likely to have a positive environmental impact by reducing emissions and improving efficiency.
- Still, monitoring and compliance must be strengthened.
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 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $80000000 (Low: $70000000, High: $90000000)
Year 2: $85000000 (Low: $75000000, High: $95000000)
Year 3: $90000000 (Low: $80000000, High: $100000000)
Year 5: $95000000 (Low: $85000000, High: $105000000)
Year 10: $100000000 (Low: $90000000, High: $110000000)
Year 100: $150000000 (Low: $140000000, High: $160000000)
Key Considerations
- Short-term impacts on employment in port operations due to automation.
- Potential decrease in overall port operation costs due to increased efficiencies.
- Environmental impacts due to reduced human labor requirements and increased energy consumption by machines.