Bill Overview
Title: Climate Adaptation Plan Act
Description: This bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency to award competitive grants to Indian tribes or localities for developing climate adaptation plans (i.e., a framework for measuring, tracking, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adopting climate change adaptation measures).
Sponsors: Rep. Escobar, Veronica [D-TX-16]
Target Audience
Population: People living in localities or communities vulnerable to climate change impacts
Estimated Size: 15000000
- The bill focuses on Indian tribes or localities, specifically targeting entities within the United States.
- The primary purpose is to develop climate adaptation plans, suggesting these regions are vulnerable to climate change impacts.
- Implementation of such plans would require the involvement of local governments and communities.
- The global impact is larger since these actions, though US-focused, would contribute to global climate mitigation efforts.
Reasoning
- The policy primarily targets Indian tribes and localities vulnerable to climate change impacts, which are numerous across the US.
- Given the budget constraints, not all areas that might benefit will be able to receive funding, particularly in year 1.
- Wellbeing assessments should include both direct impacts from improved environmental resilience and indirect impacts such as enhanced community engagement.
- While some individuals may not feel an immediate impact, community leaders or those working closely with environmental and climate issues are more likely to experience significant changes.
- The policy, due to its nature and objectives, would presumably have medium to high impact over longer terms (10+ years), though short-term (1-3 years) impacts might be limited.
Simulated Interviews
Fisher (Coastal Louisiana)
Age: 32 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy sounds promising as coastal regions like ours are particularly vulnerable to climate change.
- I hope that some of the grants will help us develop better storm defences and sustainable fishing practices.
- In the first few years, I may not see much change, but over time this could improve our situation.
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 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 2 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 1 |
City Planner (Phoenix, Arizona)
Age: 52 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy aligns well with our goals for sustainable development.
- Grant funding could accelerate the implementation of green projects we've been planning.
- Immediate change might not be obvious, but the groundwork it lays is important for long-term benefits.
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 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
Community Organizer (Cherokee Nation, Oklahoma)
Age: 41 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Our tribe really needs the support to adapt to changing climate conditions.
- Funding could help us restore ecosystems that are important both culturally and environmentally.
- The benefits would grow over time, but we need immediate action too.
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 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 2 |
Software Engineer (Miami, Florida)
Age: 27 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think it's great that the government is focusing on climate adaptation, though it's not something that affects me personally.
- I hope it helps the communities that really need support.
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 | 7 | 7 |
Retired Farmer (Rural Iowa)
Age: 70 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This climate adaptation plan could be critical for our farming practices as seasons shift.
- I hope our local government applies for and gets some of these grants.
- In the long run, this could stabilize our production and ensure we have sustainable farming.
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 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 3 |
Environmental Consultant (New York, New York)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- A major shift like this could set a country-wide precedent for sustainable urban development.
- The grants could incentivize many local governments to adopt adaptive practices.
- While it may not change my personal life, I feel the professional and societal benefits.
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 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Winemaker (Yakima Valley, Washington)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Climate adaptation is key for maintaining our vineyard as climate shifts could severely impact yields.
- I am hoping for technological investments and water management strategies funded through this bill.
- Though changes might not be visible immediately, I expect long-term improvements.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 2 |
College Student (Los Angeles, California)
Age: 19 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 16/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's encouraging that grants could fund projects to improve environments heavily affected by climate change.
- I feel hopeful for future opportunities this policy might create in my field.
- The immediate impact on my day-to-day might be minimal, but I see potential for broader systemic benefits.
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 | 9 | 8 |
Elementary School Teacher (Anchorage, Alaska)
Age: 36 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Our community has been trying to deal with melting permafrost for years.
- If we can get a grant, we could fund projects to protect infrastructure and educate the youth better.
- Change might be gradual, but any step towards mitigation is welcome.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 2 |
Healthcare Worker (Boston, Massachusetts)
Age: 48 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Healthcare sees the effects of climate change firsthand through rising cases of heat-related illnesses.
- I'm hopeful this policy encourages localities to integrate health considerations into adaptation plans.
- It might take time before I see an impact in improved patient outcomes.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 4 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $1500000000 (Low: $1200000000, High: $1800000000)
Year 2: $1600000000 (Low: $1200000000, High: $2000000000)
Year 3: $1700000000 (Low: $1300000000, High: $2100000000)
Year 5: $1800000000 (Low: $1400000000, High: $2200000000)
Year 10: $1900000000 (Low: $1500000000, High: $2400000000)
Year 100: $2500000000 (Low: $2000000000, High: $3000000000)
Key Considerations
- Ensuring sufficient participation from diverse localities and Indian tribes is essential for meaningful results.
- The impact on global efforts, while positive, will rely heavily on similar actions in other regions.
- Administrative capacity and transparency in the award of grants is crucial to program success.
- Access to reliable climate data is vital for effective plan development.