Bill Overview
Title: Department of Energy Clean Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 2022
Description: This bill requires the Department of Energy (DOE) to conduct a program of research, development, demonstration, and commercial application of clean hydrogen and fuel cell technologies to enable production, distribution, and use of clean hydrogen and to advance the development of related hydrogen infrastructure. Under the bill, DOE must also enter into an agreement with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to examine research pathways for hydrogen production processes with net-zero direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions.
Sponsors: Rep. Tonko, Paul [D-NY-20]
Target Audience
Population: People worldwide impacted by advancements in clean hydrogen and fuel cell technologies
Estimated Size: 331000000
- Clean hydrogen and fuel cell technologies aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, thus benefiting individuals impacted by climate change.
- Renewable energy sectors will be expanded, impacting workers and industries related to hydrogen technologies.
- The bill targets infrastructure advancements, which could lead to job creation in construction, engineering, and technology sectors.
- The bill focuses on reducing emissions, which will have broader environmental and public health impacts globally.
- Countries invested in clean energy technologies may benefit from reduced reliance on fossil fuels.
Reasoning
- The policy is focused on transforming the energy sector with clean hydrogen technologies, which will be particularly impactful for individuals working in related fields such as renewable energy, manufacturing, engineering, and infrastructure development.
- Given the significant budget constraints and target over a decade, the immediate effects might be more pronounced in areas where infrastructure projects occur or where new plants and facilities are established.
- Those not directly working in these fields may not see immediate changes in self-reported wellbeing but may benefit from indirect effects such as cleaner air, reduced emissions, and the long-term economic growth associated with environmental technology leadership.
- To capture diverse perspectives, interviews should include a mix of individuals from impacted industries, those who are environmentally conscious, and those who are less directly impacted.
- It is important to identify both the economically positive impacts (like job creation) and potential negative impacts (such as restructuring in traditional energy sectors) to give a balanced view.
Simulated Interviews
Chemical Engineer (Houston, TX)
Age: 32 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I see the bill as a stepping stone for my career because it directly aligns with my field of work.
- It gives us a boost in terms of research and development, which is crucial for advancements.
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 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 10 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 5 |
Environmental Lawyer (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy provides a critical legal framework for furthering clean technology.
- I'm hopeful for the environment and public health improvements it promises.
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 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 4 |
Automotive Worker (Detroit, MI)
Age: 52 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm concerned about transitioning to new technology.
- There could be restructuring in our sector, leading to job losses.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 4 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 2 |
Data Scientist (New York, NY)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The bill could lead to an increase in data and technology jobs.
- I'm optimistic about the positive environmental impact.
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 | 10 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 10 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 7 |
Renewable Energy Consultant (Boulder, CO)
Age: 39 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy aligns with the work I do, which is encouraging.
- It will create new opportunities in consultancy and renewable project development.
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 | 10 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
Retired Teacher (Miami, FL)
Age: 61 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I believe it's important for future generations, though I won't see changes myself.
- Policies that address climate change are vital.
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 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
University Student (Denver, CO)
Age: 24 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy is motivational for someone like me entering the workforce.
- It shows there’s government support for my field of interest.
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 | 10 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 6 |
Truck Driver (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 58 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm worried about how shifts in energy policy might impact fuel prices.
- There’s uncertainty about future job security.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 4 |
Construction Worker (Chicago, IL)
Age: 47 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Infrastructure projects from this policy could mean more jobs.
- It's an opportunity for growth in my field.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Software Developer (Seattle, WA)
Age: 26 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Encouraged by federal support for clean energy.
- This aligns with my values and my career direction.
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 | 10 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 10 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 7 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $1000000000 (Low: $800000000, High: $1200000000)
Year 2: $1100000000 (Low: $900000000, High: $1300000000)
Year 3: $1200000000 (Low: $1000000000, High: $1400000000)
Year 5: $1300000000 (Low: $1100000000, High: $1500000000)
Year 10: $1500000000 (Low: $1200000000, High: $1800000000)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- The program's success is contingent on technological advancements and collaboration between public and private sectors.
- Costs in later years could decrease as technologies become more efficient and widespread.
- Potential geopolitical benefits from decreased reliance on oil imports.