Bill Overview
Title: Renewable Energy Jobs Act
Description: This bill directs the Department of Labor to establish a pilot program to award competitive grants to certain eligible entities (i.e., renewable energy and energy efficiency employers and workforce development boards as primary entities and institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations, and labor organizations as secondary entities) to train individuals for careers in the renewable energy and energy efficiency industries.
Sponsors: Rep. Ruiz, Raul [D-CA-36]
Target Audience
Population: People entering or employed by the renewable energy and energy efficiency industries
Estimated Size: 3000000
- The global renewable energy sector is projected to employ millions of people worldwide.
- Renewable energy jobs cover a wide range of roles including engineering, installations, maintenance, systems management, and more.
- Workforce development generally involves forming a new pool of trainees and potentially increasing employment opportunities across industries related to renewable energy.
Reasoning
- The Renewable Energy Jobs Act aims to enhance training opportunities in the renewable energy sector, potentially benefiting a significant number of people entering or advancing in the industry.
- This policy will likely target regions with existing or burgeoning renewable energy infrastructure to maximize impact.
- Considering the budget and the size of the target population, the policy's effects will vary greatly among individuals depending on four factors: current involvement in the renewable energy sector, access to training programs, region-based opportunities, and individual career aspirations.
Simulated Interviews
Solar Panel Installer (California)
Age: 32 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I hope this policy will open up more advanced training opportunities.
- Currently, career growth feels limited without additional certifications.
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 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
Oil and Gas Industry Analyst (Texas)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I am interested in transitioning to the renewable sector. This policy may provide a pathway.
- I worry about the availability of programs in Texas.
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 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Graduate Student (New York)
Age: 24 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This seems like a great opportunity to enter the renewable energy workforce immediately after graduation.
- Financial support for training would be crucial.
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 | 10 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 6 |
Electrician (Michigan)
Age: 39 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 13/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think the policy should focus on creating more local job opportunities.
- I'm concerned about the longevity and the size of the funding.
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 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 4 |
Retired Engineer (Florida)
Age: 52 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I do occasional consulting, and this policy could mean more projects needing my expertise.
- Good to see investment in future generations, but not much personal impact for me.
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 | 8 |
Renewable Energy Research Analyst (Massachusetts)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm hoping for more networking opportunities through training programs.
- Access to better jobs could be huge for my career.
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 | 10 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 10 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 7 |
Construction Worker (Oregon)
Age: 34 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- More training could help me get stable, higher-paying jobs in solar and wind sectors.
- I worry about whether enough training spots will be available.
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 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
High School Teacher (Nevada)
Age: 41 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 8.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy could encourage more of my students to pursue careers in renewable energy.
- Professional development workshops for teachers could enhance our curriculum.
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 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Machinery Technician (Ohio)
Age: 53 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- There's potential here, but I am skeptical about transitioning into a new sector at my age.
- Worried about the actual reach of the program.
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 | 5 | 4 |
Software Developer (Washington)
Age: 27 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy might lead to more jobs developing software for renewable energy applications.
- I look forward to collaborating with other sectors in renewable energy innovation.
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 | 9 | 7 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $100000000 (Low: $80000000, High: $120000000)
Year 2: $95000000 (Low: $76000000, High: $114000000)
Year 3: $90000000 (Low: $72000000, High: $108000000)
Year 5: $85000000 (Low: $68000000, High: $102000000)
Year 10: $80000000 (Low: $64000000, High: $96000000)
Year 100: $80000000 (Low: $64000000, High: $96000000)
Key Considerations
- The competitiveness of the grant process could influence its effectiveness and efficiency.
- Initial costs include setting up administrative processes and potential negotiations with stakeholders.
- Long-term savings and benefits rely on the sustained growth of the renewable energy sector in the U.S.