Bill Overview
Title: National Windstorm Impact Reduction Program Reauthorization Act of 2022
Description: This bill reauthorizes the National Windstorm Impact Reduction Program through FY2027, directs the program to develop and implement new standards to make housing and infrastructure more resilient, and requires a study of the impacts of climate change on windstorms. Further, the bill encourages the implementation of cost-effective mitigation measures to reduce the loss of life and property from windstorms through a coordinated federal effort, in cooperation with other levels of government, academia, scientific organizations, and the private sector.
Sponsors: Rep. Foster, Bill [D-IL-11]
Target Audience
Population: People living in areas prone to windstorms worldwide
Estimated Size: 120000000
- The bill aims to develop and implement new standards to make housing and infrastructure more resilient to windstorms.
- It involves a coordinated federal effort with state and local governments, academia, scientific organizations, and the private sector, thus impacting multiple stakeholders.
- Windstorms are a global phenomenon and have the potential to impact human settlements wherever they occur.
- Climate change is expected to influence the frequency and intensity of windstorms worldwide.
- Resilient infrastructure is a global priority and can significantly affect population safety.
Reasoning
- The National Windstorm Impact Reduction Program Reauthorization Act of 2022 is designed to enhance the resiliency of housing and infrastructure against windstorms, which primarily impacts areas prone to hurricanes, tornadoes, and other severe wind-related events.
- It is assumed that the majority of the target population includes residents from regions like the Southeastern U.S., the Gulf Coast, and Tornado Alley, but also factors in coastal areas vulnerable to hurricanes.
- The simulated interviews consider a diverse range of demographics, including age, occupation, and geographic location within the U.S., reflecting how individuals with different backgrounds and socio-economic statuses might be affected by or perceive the policy.
- The budget and program size constraints limit the immediate high-impact feasibility to a portion of the 120 million Americans estimated to live in windstorm-prone areas, focusing instead on systemic changes over time.
Simulated Interviews
Construction Worker (Miami, FL)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think this program will lead to more jobs for us because we need to build stronger structures.
- Safety is a big concern here every hurricane season. Any program that helps with that is good.
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 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 3 |
retired teacher (Oklahoma City, OK)
Age: 62 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Improving resilience is crucial, especially for older people who might not be able to quickly evacuate.
- It's important that this program works with local efforts.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 3 |
City Planner (New Orleans, LA)
Age: 30 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Our city's resilience is directly tied to such policies; this is an opportunity to build better and smarter.
- It will require coordination across several sectors, but it's long overdue.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 10 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 10 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 4 |
IT Specialist (Houston, TX)
Age: 27 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Tech can play a huge role in predicting and prepping for these windstorms.
- My job is mostly safe from windstorms, but I'd like to feel safer in my home.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 3 |
Small Business Owner (Chicago, IL)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- While Chicago isn't directly hit often, our supply chains get disrupted by storms. Hope this program addresses such issues.
- I'm concerned about how much federal funding will actually benefit areas not directly hit.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 3 |
Engineer (Jackson, MS)
Age: 40 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The engineering opportunities this creates are exciting, ensuring bridges can withstand strong winds is a big deal.
- Long-term improvements in infrastructure can save millions later on.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 4 |
Research Scientist (Raleigh, NC)
Age: 33 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Research and science-backed policy are key to mitigation efforts.
- The awareness this program brings is positive, but I worry about the practical impact.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 4 |
Insurance Agent (Tampa, FL)
Age: 55 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 13/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Anything that helps mitigate damage means fewer claims and losses.
- Clients will be happier knowing steps are being taken to protect them.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 3 |
Software Developer (New York, NY)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 16/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Technology can significantly improve windstorm predictions and responses, aligning with this program.
- I'm excited about the potential apps that could come from this federally funded research.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
Retired Fisherman (Gulf Shores, AL)
Age: 70 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm tired of rebuilding after storms; this can't come fast enough.
- Elderly folks here will definitely sleep better with more secure homes.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 2 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 1 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $70000000 (Low: $50000000, High: $90000000)
Year 2: $71000000 (Low: $51000000, High: $91000000)
Year 3: $72000000 (Low: $52000000, High: $92000000)
Year 5: $74000000 (Low: $54000000, High: $94000000)
Year 10: $75000000 (Low: $55000000, High: $95000000)
Year 100: $76000000 (Low: $56000000, High: $96000000)
Key Considerations
- Funding allocation for research and development of new standards is critical.
- Building collaborations with state, local governments, academia, and the private sector may enhance program success.
- Long-term economic benefits can arise from improved resilience and mitigation strategies.