Bill Overview
Title: Offshore Energy Modernization Act of 2022
Description: This bill addresses the implementation and administration of offshore renewable energy projects, including by establishing the Offshore Power Administration to (1) construct, finance, facilitate, plan, operate, maintain, acquire, and study covered transmission infrastructure; and (2) support construction, financing, facilitation, planning, operation, maintenance, acquisition, and study of covered transmission infrastructure.
Sponsors: Rep. Tonko, Paul [D-NY-20]
Target Audience
Population: people affected by changes in offshore renewable energy policy
Estimated Size: 7000000
- The bill deals with offshore energy, which primarily pertains to regions and communities along coastlines, as well as industries involved in energy.
- Coastal communities may rely on maritime industries for economic activity and employment, and changes in offshore energy policies can directly affect these dynamics.
- Employees in the renewable energy sector are directly involved in these projects, including those in planning, construction, maintenance, and operation.
- There is a growing global demand for renewable energy solutions due to climate change, potentially impacting energy consumers and policy globally.
- The establishment of an Offshore Power Administration suggests significant administrative, operational, and regulatory activities that would impact business operations and job creation in relevant sectors.
Reasoning
- The Offshore Energy Modernization Act of 2022 targets coastal communities and professionals in the energy sector. However, due to the budget constraints, not all impacted individuals can be supported equally. The policy's effects are likely to vary based on proximity to coastal energy projects, involvement in renewable energy sectors, and local economic dependence on maritime industries. Moreover, the focus on infrastructure development and potential job creation or displacement means some people will see tangible changes while others may not feel the impact immediately.
Simulated Interviews
Offshore Wind Technician (Houston, Texas)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I believe this policy will strengthen the offshore energy sector. Increased investment in infrastructure could lead to more reliable energy sources and job security for me.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 10 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 4 |
Commercial Fisherman (Boston, Massachusetts)
Age: 49 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm worried that increased offshore energy infrastructure will interfere with fishing activities and disrupt local ecosystems.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Renewable Energy Consultant (Santa Monica, California)
Age: 40 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy aligns with our goals of expanding the renewable energy sector. It will open more business opportunities and encourage further technological advancements.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 10 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 10 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 8 |
Construction Worker (Virginia Beach, Virginia)
Age: 28 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The new projects might bring more job opportunities in construction and infrastructure. I'm hopeful for the stability this could bring.
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 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Public Policy Professor (Miami, Florida)
Age: 55 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 8.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's an interesting policy that could serve as a case study in sustainable development. However, its effectiveness can heavily depend on execution and community involvement.
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 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Retired Engineer (Portland, Oregon)
Age: 62 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- As a retiree, I see this as an opportunity for the country to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, even if it won't directly affect me.
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 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Marine Biologist (New Orleans, Louisiana)
Age: 33 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- My main concern is how these projects will be managed to mitigate environmental impact. There needs to be a balance between development and preservation of marine habitats.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Local Business Owner (Norfolk, Virginia)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm uncertain how these changes will affect local tourism and seafood supply. It could either increase or harm local businesses.
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 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
University Student (Seattle, Washington)
Age: 22 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy could open more pathways for cleaner energy that our generation values. It might also offer future job opportunities.
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 |
Environmental Activist (Galveston, Texas)
Age: 37 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I fully support this policy as it shifts focus from fossil fuels to renewables. However, vigilance is needed to ensure it truly benefits the environment.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 10 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 7 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $800000000 (Low: $700000000, High: $900000000)
Year 2: $1200000000 (Low: $1000000000, High: $1400000000)
Year 3: $1600000000 (Low: $1400000000, High: $1800000000)
Year 5: $2000000000 (Low: $1800000000, High: $2200000000)
Year 10: $2000000000 (Low: $1800000000, High: $2200000000)
Year 100: $2000000000 (Low: $1800000000, High: $2200000000)
Key Considerations
- Infrastructure projects have long setup times and require robust planning and risk management to avoid cost overruns.
- Renewable energy financing often involves complexities related to returns on investment and long-term economic viability.
- Potential environmental impacts and regulatory approvals may affect timelines and costs.
- Policy alignment with international energy goals and standards is critical in terms of both environmental benefits and trade relations.