Bill Overview
Title: Expediting Natural Gas Exports to Allies Act
Description: This bill revises the approval process for applications to export natural gas. Specifically, the bill expedites the approval process for certain U.S. allies, such as Taiwan and Ukraine. However, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission may not grant expedited approval for applications to export natural gas to any nation that is (1) subject to sanctions or trade restrictions imposed by the United States, or (2) designated by acts of Congress from such expedited approval for reasons of national security.
Sponsors: Sen. Rubio, Marco [R-FL]
Target Audience
Population: People who rely on natural gas exports and imports
Estimated Size: 20000000
- The act aims to expedite natural gas exports to US allies, such as Taiwan and Ukraine.
- By facilitating faster natural gas exports, the bill will impact both the economies of gas-producing regions in the US and those of recipient countries.
- This act has potential environmental implications, which may affect populations concerned with climate change and fossil fuel usage.
- Energy sectors and industries in allied countries may benefit from expedited access to US natural gas, potentially lowering energy costs.
- This could also affect geopolitical dynamics, as access to energy resources can influence international relations and stability.
Reasoning
- The policy targets primarily natural gas export markets, thus directly impacting individuals and industries involved in the production, export, and distribution of natural gas.
- It is crucial to consider regional impacts, as states with strong natural gas industries such as Texas, Pennsylvania, and Louisiana may experience significant changes.
- The estimated budget and program size indicate an intent to optimize the export processes without significant initial public spending.
- Economic implications include potential shifts in domestic natural gas prices, impacting not only the industry but also consumers who use gas for heating or cooking.
- Environmental concerns could arise from increased natural gas exports, affecting individuals prioritizing climate change initiatives.
Simulated Interviews
Natural Gas Extraction Worker (Houston, TX)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I believe this policy will enhance job stability and create more opportunities for workers like me.
- Increased exports to allies could lead to wage growth as demand rises.
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 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Environmental Scientist (Scranton, PA)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Concerned about increased pollution and environmental degradation from expanding exports.
- Worried about lack of investment in renewable energy alternatives.
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 | 4 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 4 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 4 |
Owner of a Natural Gas Distribution Company (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy will support economic growth and competitiveness on a global scale.
- My business will benefit significantly due to reduced bureaucracy and increased market access.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 10 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 5 |
Tech Entrepreneur (Miami, FL)
Age: 28 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy does not affect me directly, but I prefer seeing investments in clean energy.
- Natural gas should be a transitional solution, not a long-term plan.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Real Estate Developer (Dallas, TX)
Age: 40 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 12.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Natural gas developments could increase property values in some areas.
- The policy accelerates regional economic development, which works in my favor.
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 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Policy Analyst (Washington, D.C.)
Age: 52 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The geopolitical benefits of supporting our allies with energy resources are significant.
- However, we must balance this with commitments to reducing fossil fuel dependency.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Retired (Boston, MA)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 8.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Worried that increased exports could raise domestic gas prices.
- Fixed income makes me sensitive to rising energy costs.
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 | 4 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 4 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 5 |
School Teacher (Albuquerque, NM)
Age: 39 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think focusing on fossil fuel exports is a step back in addressing climate change.
- Investments should prioritize renewable energy education and technology.
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 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 6 |
Union Leader, Natural Gas Workers (Philadelphia, PA)
Age: 50 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy would likely lead to more jobs and better wages for our members.
- Concerns about job safety and long-term job sustainability remain.
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 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Financial Analyst (Chicago, IL)
Age: 33 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy could stabilize market prices and reduce risks for investors.
- Expedited approvals might increase volatility initially but offer long-term gains.
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 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $10000000 (Low: $5000000, High: $15000000)
Year 2: $10500000 (Low: $5250000, High: $15750000)
Year 3: $11000000 (Low: $5500000, High: $16500000)
Year 5: $12000000 (Low: $6000000, High: $18000000)
Year 10: $14000000 (Low: $7000000, High: $21000000)
Year 100: $20000000 (Low: $10000000, High: $30000000)
Key Considerations
- The geopolitical impact of increased energy exports to key allies such as Taiwan and Ukraine.
- Potential increase in domestic natural gas prices due to higher export volumes.
- Environmental considerations and pushback from interest groups concerned with fossil fuel dependency.
- Legal and administrative changes required to manage this accelerated approval process.
- Impact on infrastructure and logistics for scaling up natural gas exports.