Bill Overview
Title: SHIELD Act
Description: This bill provides for the Department of Defense (DOD) to direct the commander of each large military installation to analyze and report on (1) how the heat island effect (i.e., the heating effect in an area with a high concentration of structures that absorb and re-emit the sun's heat) exacerbates summer heat conditions and necessitates the increased use of air conditioning on the installation, and (2) the percentage of tree cover and plant shade trees on the property of the installation. DOD must review the reports, identify any installation that is a significant heat island, and direct the commander of any identified installation to increase the tree coverage by 10% to 30% by September 30, 2025.
Sponsors: Rep. Neguse, Joe [D-CO-2]
Target Audience
Population: People living and working on large US military installations
Estimated Size: 3000000
- The SHIELD Act focuses on military installations, specifically those that are considered large divisions.
- The United States has over 420 military installations scattered across the country and abroad.
- According to the Department of Defense, there are about 1.3 million active duty personnel, many of whom live on these installations with their families.
- Military installations also employ a substantial number of civilians who may work on site or in nearby communities.
- Tree planting initiatives and studies of the heat island effect impact those who live and work in these areas.
Reasoning
- The SHIELD Act specifically targets large military installations, where a substantial community including both military and civilian personnel reside.
- The policy will likely have varying levels of impact across different segments of this community, based on factors like residency, occupation, and personal preferences for environmental changes.
- A $10 million year 1 budget implies moderate interventions on several major installations, potentially impacting tree cover and shading initiatives quickly.
- Given the specific context of military installations, the policy impacts broader aspects such as energy consumption, environmental comfort, and could indirectly affect community satisfaction.
- We include individuals from different geographic locations and roles associated with various installations to ensure coverage of diverse perspectives. Some individuals might not experience a direct impact, while others like those living on base or working outside may feel more change.
Simulated Interviews
Active Duty Military (Fort Bragg, NC)
Age: 38 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy seems like a good idea. Summers get really hot, and we could use more shade around here.
- I hope they plant more trees near residential areas because it will help keep our homes cool.
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 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Civilian Contractor (San Diego, CA)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I work outside most days, and the heat can be exhausting.
- Extra tree coverage could make my job a lot more comfortable.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Military Spouse (Fort Hood, TX)
Age: 43 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm more concerned about the immediate welfare of my family.
- Tree coverage might improve air quality and heat levels, so that's a good thing.
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 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Civilian Employee (Norfolk, VA)
Age: 53 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I support environmental efforts, but I live off base, so I probably won't notice much change personally.
- Improving conditions on base could be beneficial for those working directly in harsh weather.
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 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Naval Officer (Pearl Harbor, HI)
Age: 31 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It gets sweltering during maintenance duty. More shade sounds perfect.
- A 10% to 30% increase in tree cover should markedly reduce heat stress while working.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Cybersecurity Analyst (Fort Meade, MD)
Age: 36 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 13/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I guess it helps the environment, so I'm for it, though I'm inside most of the day.
- The park areas on base could use more trees for the kids.
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 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Retired Military (Fort Campbell, KY)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Adding more trees will make the base even more enjoyable and great for the environment.
- Nature's amenities like more trees always add beauty and decrease utility bills.
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 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Active Duty Military (Fort Bliss, TX)
Age: 27 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I appreciate this initiative as it can mitigate some of the extreme heat effects we face.
- Even the small steps towards more green spaces are appreciated.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Military Spouse (Camp Lejeune, NC)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It could make the base more family-friendly, which is nice.
- I hope they also consider other community-friendly developments while doing this.
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 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Air Force Personnel (Eglin Air Force Base, FL)
Age: 33 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Increasing tree coverage might make trainings less grueling in the heat.
- I'm curious to see how this will be executed and maintained.
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 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $10000000 (Low: $8000000, High: $12000000)
Year 2: $10000000 (Low: $8000000, High: $12000000)
Year 3: $10000000 (Low: $8000000, High: $12000000)
Year 5: $5000000 (Low: $4000000, High: $6000000)
Year 10: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- The DOD must navigate environmental policies while pursuing strategic goals.
- Tree planting on installations can serve broader environmental goals and military quality-of-life enhancements.
- Coordination across numerous installations will require comprehensive planning and resources.
- The policy offers sustainability benefits alongside potential short-term budgetary challenges.