Bill Overview
Title: Protect Our Waters and Expand Renewables on Our Reservoirs Act
Description: This bill requires the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Bureau of Reclamation to study the feasibility of and, if supported by the results of the study, carry out pilot programs deploying floating photovoltaic solar panels at specified projects.
Sponsors: Rep. Tonko, Paul [D-NY-20]
Target Audience
Population: People living near or dependent on US-managed reservoirs
Estimated Size: 40000000
- The bill involves the deployment of floating photovoltaic solar panels on reservoirs, which affects water management and renewable energy sectors.
- The US Army Corps of Engineers and the Bureau of Reclamation are involved, indicating a focus on US water resources, including reservoirs.
- Floating solar panels can impact local communities by potentially providing renewable energy, reducing reliance on fossil fuels, and impacting the local environment.
- The deployment of these panels might also create new economic opportunities in renewable energy jobs.
Reasoning
- The policy targets those living near or depending on US-managed reservoirs, affecting around 40 million people. However, the actual direct impact will likely be lower initially, as only pilot programs will be deployed.
- The budgetary constraints suggest that initial implementations might not cover all identified needs and will be selective, impacting some communities directly and others less so.
- Socioeconomic factors such as job creation in renewable energy sectors might offset any initial disruptions caused by the development of solar farms on reservoirs.
- Affected individuals may include those whose livelihoods depend significantly on local ecosystems, such as fishermen, as well as those who may benefit from renewable energy jobs.
- Some individuals in adjacent non-affected regions may not experience any significant change, emphasizing the targeted nature of this project.
Simulated Interviews
Engineer (Arizona)
Age: 40 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I am excited about the potential of the POWER Our Reservoirs Act because it aligns with my work and personal values in promoting sustainable energy.
- Deploying solar panels on water bodies like reservoirs is an innovative step that could set precedents for renewable energy development elsewhere.
- I hope this will create more engineering jobs and drive further innovation in Arizona.
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 |
Farmer (California)
Age: 35 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Initially, I was worried about potential disruptions to water flow from the reservoirs.
- If the panels support consistent water levels and improve local power supply, I see the potential benefits for my farm and community.
- I am cautiously optimistic but need more concrete information on any changes to water management.
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 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Recreational Fisher (Colorado)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm worried that the introduction of such panels could impact the natural habitats and my recreational fishing experience.
- If there's significant environmental disruption, I might need to reconsider my recreational activities.
- I hope there are measures in place to minimize impacts on aquatic life.
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 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Environmental Scientist (New Mexico)
Age: 28 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The POWER Our Reservoirs Act provides a forward-thinking model for integrating renewable energy, which is crucial as we address climate change.
- My main concern is ensuring the ecological impact assessments are thorough and transparent.
- This policy could set an example for balancing energy needs with environmental conservation.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
Retired (Texas)
Age: 60 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 16/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm curious as to whether this will change how the reservoir looks and whether access will be limited due to these changes.
- While the environmental benefits make sense, I'm concerned about the loss of natural beauty which I value.
- Monitoring the impact on public access to recreational areas will be crucial.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Manager (Nevada)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The promise of improved local energy supply through the POWER Our Reservoirs Act could integrate into our operations positively.
- Ensuring that water access isn't affected by new infrastructure is critical to me.
- Utilities could potentially enjoy reduced energy costs, although careful coordination will be necessary.
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 | 8 | 7 |
Energy Consultant (Montana)
Age: 55 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 13/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I believe this pilot could encourage more investments in solar technology, showing its practicality and sustainability.
- Public reception will depend on clear communication of the pilot's benefits.
- This could lead to increased consultancy opportunities.
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 | 9 | 8 |
Park Ranger (Oregon)
Age: 30 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- My excitement comes from potential office and recreational facility energy cost savings through on-site solar power generation.
- Ensuring limited environmental disruption will be my primary duty during policy implementation.
- I'm eager to see successful integration with minimal ecosystem effects.
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 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Educator (Washington)
Age: 38 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Teaching about renewable energy in real-time makes the learning experience richer for students.
- I'm hopeful this initiative provides more stable and diversified local power resources.
- An emphasis on clear, factual education about the benefits and concerns surrounding solar innovations is necessary.
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 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
College Student (Idaho)
Age: 26 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm thrilled to see practical infrastructure applications of what I'm studying.
- It could stimulate greater interest in my field, leading to more career opportunities.
- The policy's success will likely influence my future job market positively.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $16000000 (Low: $14000000, High: $20000000)
Year 2: $16000000 (Low: $14000000, High: $20000000)
Year 3: $12000000 (Low: $10000000, High: $16000000)
Year 5: $10000000 (Low: $8000000, High: $13000000)
Year 10: $6000000 (Low: $4000000, High: $8000000)
Year 100: $2000000 (Low: $1000000, High: $3000000)
Key Considerations
- Effectiveness of pilot projects will influence potential further expansion and costs.
- Technological efficacy and challenges in installing floating solar panels on different types of reservoirs.
- Potential environmental impacts on aquatic ecosystems need comprehensive study and ongoing observation.
- Interagency coordination and legal guidelines could affect the pace and scalability of the initiative.