Bill Overview
Title: Preserving the Gulf Test Range to Ensure Military Readiness Act
Description: This bill establishes a moratorium on energy development (e.g., offshore wind development) in specified areas of the Gulf of Mexico until June 30, 2032. Until that date, the Department of the Interior may not conduct certain energy development activities in any area east of the Military Mission Line in the Gulf of Mexico. The moratorium also applies to other areas of the Outer Continental Shelf—the South Atlantic Planning Area, the Straits of Florida Planning Area, or any area west of the Military Mission Line in the Gulf of Mexico—if energy exploration, leasing, or development in that area has been identified as having any adverse effect on national security, military readiness, or the Department of Defense's testing capabilities. However, Interior may issue leases in those areas for environmental conservation purposes, including the purposes of shore protection, beach nourishment and restoration, wetlands restoration, and habitat protection.
Sponsors: Rep. Waltz, Michael [R-FL-6]
Target Audience
Population: Global individuals affected by Gulf Test Range policy
Estimated Size: 1000000
- The global population could be impacted by changes in energy policy, military readiness, and environmental conservation efforts.
- The Gulf Test Range and surrounding areas are used for military training and testing, which is essential for national and international security.
- Offshore energy development can have significant environmental impacts affecting global ecosystems.
- Military readiness has implications for countries reliant on U.S. military support.
Reasoning
- The population distribution considered includes individuals directly involved in offshore energy sectors, military personnel, residents of the Gulf region, and individuals with vested environmental interests.
- Not all individuals within the Gulf region will experience high impact - especially those not directly within the energy industries or the active military training zones.
- The budget constraints limit significant, immediate economic relief or investment in alternative energy sectors, which affects projections of economic fallout for some residents.
- Long-term environmental and military readiness benefits could outweigh short-term economic impacts for some individuals.
- A diverse sample including individuals from various affected professions and demographics ensures a comprehensive understanding of potential impacts.
Simulated Interviews
Offshore engineer (New Orleans, LA)
Age: 35 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I am concerned about job stability with decreased energy development.
- This could affect our entire community's economy.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 8 |
Marine biologist (Pensacola, FL)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy is a win for marine ecosystems in the Gulf.
- Ecosystem restoration is key to combating climate change effects.
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 |
Military contractor (Houston, TX)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Maintaining the Gulf Range is critical for national security.
- Personally beneficial as my contracts rely on these operations.
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 lawyer (Mobile, AL)
Age: 52 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Positive step towards sustainable offshore policies.
- We need to prioritize long-term environmental health over temporary economic gain.
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 |
Environmentalist (Jacksonville, FL)
Age: 32 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This moratorium is essential for protecting our beaches and marine life.
- Local communities should be more involved in these decisions.
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 | 9 | 6 |
US Navy officer (Gulfport, MS)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This ensures we maintain our training capabilities which is vital for our mission success.
- Important balance between energy and defense needs.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 7 |
Wind energy consultant (Corpus Christi, TX)
Age: 38 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy might slow down renewable energy progress.
- Uncertain about future work opportunities due to restrictions.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Local business owner (Biloxi, MS)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Maintenance of military presence supports local economy.
- Concerned about future energy projects for local jobs.
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 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Graduate student (Tallahassee, FL)
Age: 26 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm optimistic as this supports my field of study and career prospects.
- Vital for education and research opportunities on coastal ecology.
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 military veteran (Naples, FL)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Preservation of these areas is vital for ongoing training and readiness.
- I support policies that bolster national security.
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 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $40000000 (Low: $30000000, High: $50000000)
Year 2: $41000000 (Low: $31000000, High: $51000000)
Year 3: $42000000 (Low: $32000000, High: $52000000)
Year 5: $44000000 (Low: $34000000, High: $54000000)
Year 10: $50000000 (Low: $40000000, High: $60000000)
Year 100: $80000000 (Low: $70000000, High: $90000000)
Key Considerations
- Military readiness and national security must be balanced with energy development.
- Environmental conservation efforts might find alignment with long-term economic goals.