Bill Overview
Title: CREST Act of 2022
Description: This bill expands the current research and development programs of the Department of Energy (DOE) for capturing and storing carbon dioxide to include methods that harness natural processes, such as the removal of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and its storage in geological, biobased, or ocean reservoirs. In addition, the bill establishes a five-year pilot program under which DOE must purchase from certain facilities carbon dioxide removed from the atmosphere or upper hydrosphere.
Sponsors: Rep. Peters, Scott H. [D-CA-52]
Target Audience
Population: People worldwide affected by climate change and related environmental policies
Estimated Size: 330000000
- The bill targets carbon removal and emissions storage, which is part of combating climate change.
- Climate change has global impacts, affecting every person on the planet through factors like weather changes, sea-level rise, and food security.
- Carbon dioxide removal and storage are key to reducing greenhouse gas levels, essential for long-term climate stability.
- The development and deployment of carbon removal technologies can affect industries, workers in energy sectors, and relevant scientific communities globally.
Reasoning
- This policy affects a wide range of citizens due to its focus on mitigating climate change, which impacts all Americans through environmental changes.
- The carbon capture and storage technologies primarily target energy sectors and related industries but also have wider implications for communities dealing with climate change impacts.
- The distribution of interviews includes individuals from different regions and professions, reflecting the diverse impacts climate policies may have on both directly involved and peripheral groups.
Simulated Interviews
Coal Miner (West Virginia)
Age: 55 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm worried about jobs in our industry. We need new opportunities if coal is phased out.
- We need investment in local projects to ensure job security.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 2 |
Environmental Scientist (California)
Age: 32 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The act will provide much-needed funding for our research and help tackle climate change more effectively.
- Collaboration with DOE can accelerate innovation in carbon storage solutions.
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 |
Software Engineer (New York)
Age: 27 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I support initiatives like these because they align with my values on sustainability.
- Indirect effects can include increased green energy software projects.
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 |
Oil and Gas Industry Consultant (Texas)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Uncertain about how existing infrastructure will adapt.
- There could be new business opportunities in carbon capture projects.
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 | 8 | 5 |
Farmer (Georgia)
Age: 40 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Incorporating carbon storage in agriculture could benefit us.
- We need policies that support farmers directly.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 4 |
Retiree (Florida)
Age: 61 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm afraid for future generations and hope this policy will curb some effects of climate change.
- Policies need to target ocean storage effectively.
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 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 3 |
College Student (Massachusetts)
Age: 22 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 9
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This act represents a progressive step towards a sustainable future.
- I hope to find career opportunities in these emerging sectors.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
Independent Renewable Energy Contractor (Nebraska)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Increased DOE projects can boost business.
- We should integrate new storage solutions into local initiatives.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
Automobile Factory Worker (Ohio)
Age: 37 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Policies like these could support greener manufacturing practices.
- I'm worried about job stability during transitions.
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 | 4 |
Non-Profit Worker (Oregon)
Age: 29 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The CREST Act aligns perfectly with our mission.
- We hope to see fast adoption and implementation.
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 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $1200000000 (Low: $1000000000, High: $1400000000)
Year 2: $1300000000 (Low: $1100000000, High: $1500000000)
Year 3: $1400000000 (Low: $1200000000, High: $1600000000)
Year 5: $1600000000 (Low: $1300000000, High: $1800000000)
Year 10: $1800000000 (Low: $1400000000, High: $2000000000)
Year 100: $2000000000 (Low: $1500000000, High: $2200000000)
Key Considerations
- Scaling up carbon capture technology is crucial yet expensive.
- R&D investments often carry uncertainties regarding successful technological breakthroughs.
- The need for skilled labor may increase educational and training requirements in related sectors.
- Coordination with international carbon markets and standards will be necessary.
- Environmental benefits materialize over extended periods, requiring sustained investment.