Bill Overview
Title: Department of Energy Science for the Future Act of 2022
Description: This bill supports specified research and development activities of the Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science. The bill establishes various programs, including a basic energy sciences research and development program; a Carbon Oxide Sequestration Research and Geologic Computing Initiative; a biological systems science and climate and environmental science research and development program; earth and environmental systems science research; a coastal zone research initiative; a Quantum User Expansion for Science and Technology program or QUEST program; a research program on the fundamental constituents of matter and energy and the nature of space and time; research activities on the nature of the primary contents of the universe, including the nature of dark energy and dark matter; a research program to discover and understand various forms of nuclear matter; a high intensity laser research initiative; and an Emerging Biological Threat Preparedness Research Initiative. The DOE Office of Science shall continue to leverage U.S. participation in the Large Hadron Collider and prioritize expanding international partnerships and investments in the Long-Baseline Neutrino Facility and Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment. DOE shall broaden its recruitment pool to increase participation from underrepresented institutions of higher education, including historically Black colleges and universities. DOE may not carry out certain gain-of-function research.
Sponsors: Sen. Manchin, Joe, III [D-WV]
Target Audience
Population: Global population benefiting from DOE scientific research advancements and initiatives
Estimated Size: 330000000
- The bill aims to fund research and development activities of the DOE Office of Science, impacting scientists and researchers globally.
- Programs initiated by this bill could influence energy policy and climate science actions worldwide.
- The bill includes initiatives in quantum technology, which have international implications for technology development.
- The emerging biological threat preparedness initiatives have global health relevance.
Reasoning
- The policy will primarily impact scientists, researchers, and students involved in relevant fields such as energy science, quantum technology, and environmental science.
- There will also be indirect benefits to broader populations as these initiatives could lead to advancements in technology and improvements in environmental conditions.
- Underrepresented groups in science may feel the impact of increased funding for recruitment and inclusion efforts.
- Individuals outside of scientific fields may have limited direct impacts; however, long-term effects could alter societal technology usage and environmental policy.
- In terms of budget, the program is focused on research and infrastructure rather than direct public welfare, meaning most visible changes will surface over longer periods.
Simulated Interviews
Quantum Physicist (Palo Alto, CA)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy seems promising, especially with the emphasis on quantum research.
- I think it will increase collaboration and resource availability, significantly boosting our work efficiency.
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 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
Environmental Scientist (Baton Rouge, LA)
Age: 30 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It highlights crucial areas like coastal research that desperately need more funding.
- I'm hopeful about the long-term environmental impacts of such initiatives.
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 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Nuclear Physicist (New York, NY)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Access to cutting-edge research tools and collaboration globally can certainly enhance our national standing in science.
- It will likely improve the efficiency and scope of my work, although tangible results from new projects take time.
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 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 10 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 6 |
College Professor (Boston, MA)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The increased participation from underrepresented institutions is a step forward for diversity in science.
- Students will benefit from more resources and research opportunities, potentially boosting their career prospects.
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 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 4 |
Energy Policy Analyst (Seattle, WA)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The emphasis on basic energy sciences and carbon sequestration aligns well with sustainable development goals.
- Policy effects will largely depend on implementation efficiency and industry adaptation.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Geologist (Houston, TX)
Age: 55 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Geological computing and carbon oxide sequestration are critical for energy future; glad to see emphasis here.
- Expect more collaboration and perhaps new discoveries that can redirect energy strategies.
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 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Retired Teacher (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 62 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- While I no longer actively work, knowing science gets a boost gives me hope for future generations facing climate challenges.
- I think the readiness for emerging biological threats is crucial post-pandemic.
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 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Entrepreneur (Dallas, TX)
Age: 40 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy may open new markets and opportunities for startups in tech and clean energy spaces.
- Gaining from such fundamental research could quicken innovation cycles in energy sectors.
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 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Public Health Official (Chicago, IL)
Age: 42 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- There seems to be a necessary focus on preparing for biological threats, which is vital after recent global events.
- The added scientific support might help fast-track solutions in health crises.
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 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Graduate Student (Ann Arbor, MI)
Age: 27 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Increased funding for studying the primary universe constituents is thrilling and could shape the future of astrophysics.
- This funding could provide more research working opportunities during and after my studies.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $1250000000 (Low: $1000000000, High: $1500000000)
Year 2: $1275000000 (Low: $1025000000, High: $1525000000)
Year 3: $1300000000 (Low: $1050000000, High: $1550000000)
Year 5: $1350000000 (Low: $1100000000, High: $1600000000)
Year 10: $1450000000 (Low: $1200000000, High: $1700000000)
Year 100: $1500000000 (Low: $1250000000, High: $1750000000)
Key Considerations
- The scientific areas targeted by the bill are strategically vital for future energy solutions and environmental conservation.
- Financial commitments include maintaining long-term partnerships and international projects while fostering domestic innovation.
- Managing complex research initiatives require adaptability to technology advances and unexpected research challenges.
- The bill promotes diversity in scientific fields by reaching out to underrepresented educational institutions.