Bill Overview
Title: Las Americas Energy Security Act
Description: This bill establishes a sovereign lending program for eligible Latin American and Caribbean partner countries to support such countries' short-term energy needs and fund projects to transition to renewable or clean energy that reduces carbon emissions. The bill also directs the Department of State to prioritize and expedite U.S. government support for such countries' efforts to increase energy security, including by providing support for projects that improve Latin American and Caribbean energy markets.
Sponsors: Rep. Espaillat, Adriano [D-NY-13]
Target Audience
Population: People in Latin American and Caribbean countries transitioning to renewable energy
Estimated Size: 10000
- The bill aims to support Latin American and Caribbean partner countries in their transition to renewable or clean energy.
- There are approximately 652 million people living in the Latin America and Caribbean region as of 2023.
- The transition to clean energy and improved energy security could have significant impacts on all residents of these countries, especially in terms of economic and environmental benefits.
- While not every individual may be directly affected immediately, the long-term benefits of cleaner energy and better energy infrastructure could eventually touch most citizens in the region.
Reasoning
- The Las Americas Energy Security Act is primarily focused on supporting Latin American and Caribbean countries, and its direct impact on the U.S. populace will be minimal. However, it could influence U.S. businesses involved in the energy sector with potential economic opportunities.
- A small number of Americans working in related industries or international relations may experience indirect impacts or opportunities due to strengthened economic and energy ties with Latin America and the Caribbean.
- The wide distribution of U.S. residents from different occupations and locations, along with varying levels of awareness or engagement with international policy, will result in diverse reactions and impacts, mostly reflecting an indirect connection to the policy's implementation.
Simulated Interviews
Energy Sector Executive (Houston, TX)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I see this policy as a strategic opportunity for my company to expand our clean energy projects in Latin America.
- Our existing relationships in the region will benefit from increased support and funding, potentially leading to new projects.
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 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Policy Analyst (Washington, D.C.)
Age: 30 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This act is crucial for improving energy security in Latin America, which can have global benefits by reducing carbon emissions.
- However, I don't think it will significantly affect my daily work or personal life.
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 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Environmental NGO Worker (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 26 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 7.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Such policies help align global efforts in clean energy, enhancing our organization's efforts.
- I believe it is a step towards greater environmental justice.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Investor Relations Manager (New York, NY)
Age: 52 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This is an exciting opportunity for investors to get involved in clean energy projects abroad.
- I'm interested in seeing how this policy opens new pathways for investment in emerging markets.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
International Development Consultant (Miami, FL)
Age: 40 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 9
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy reflects a positive shift towards sustainable development in the region.
- It offers consultants like me more opportunities to contribute to meaningful projects.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 3 | 10 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 10 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
Small Business Owner (Chicago, IL)
Age: 34 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- While this doesn't directly impact my business, it's encouraging to see investments in clean energy.
- It sets a positive example for my own commitment to sustainability.
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 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
University Professor (Miami, FL)
Age: 39 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy gives my students real-world examples of international development and energy policies.
- Though it doesn't affect my personal life directly, it's a valuable teaching tool.
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 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Retired Diplomat (New Orleans, LA)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy applied during my tenure could have facilitated smoother diplomatic relations.
- I am concerned about its effectiveness given current political climates.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Government Contract Specialist (Denver, CO)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I might see a rise in contracts related to Latin American energy initiatives.
- This potentially increases my workload but also job 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 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Environmental Scientist (Seattle, WA)
Age: 48 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Policies that promote clean energy globally are great steps towards reducing climate change impacts.
- My focus is on understanding long-term effects, and I see this as a positive development.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $500000000 (Low: $400000000, High: $600000000)
Year 2: $700000000 (Low: $500000000, High: $800000000)
Year 3: $800000000 (Low: $600000000, High: $900000000)
Year 5: $1000000000 (Low: $800000000, High: $1200000000)
Year 10: $1200000000 (Low: $1000000000, High: $1400000000)
Year 100: $1500000000 (Low: $1200000000, High: $1700000000)
Key Considerations
- Funding allocation depends on the number of participating countries and the scope of their projects.
- Geopolitical stability and strategic partnerships in the region can affect the success and efficiency of the program.
- The shift to renewables is subject to technology availability and regional acceptance.