Bill Overview
Title: Restoring Offshore Wind Opportunities Act
Description: This bill authorizes the Department of the Interior to grant leases on the Outer Continental Shelf for activities that produce or support production, transportation, or transmission of energy from sources other than oil and gas (e.g., wind energy) in certain areas of the Gulf of Mexico and the South Atlantic and Straits of Florida Planning Areas. In September of 2020, presidential memorandums placed a moratorium on all energy leases in those areas for a 10-year period. This bill allows energy leases from such sources in those areas during that time.
Sponsors: Sen. Gillibrand, Kirsten E. [D-NY]
Target Audience
Population: Global population benefiting from renewable energy expansion
Estimated Size: 331000000
- Offshore wind energy is a renewable energy source that contributes to reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
- The bill primarily impacts regions where the new wind energy projects will be developed, namely, the Gulf of Mexico, South Atlantic, and Straits of Florida.
- Directly affected populations include those involved in the energy sector, from development through maintenance of the wind farms.
- Local communities may experience economic impacts, including job creation and changes in local industry health due to the development of renewable energy projects.
- Clean energy from these projects has the potential to impact air quality and public health on a broader scale, thus improving global wellbeing.
Reasoning
- We have to consider that the policy will directly impact those living in coastal areas, especially those in the energy sector. The economic benefits may translate into improved well-being for those in impacted regions.
- Some individuals may experience negligible benefits in terms of well-being if they are in sectors unrelated to energy or are living in areas distant from the implementation zones.
- A focus will be on sectors like construction, engineering, and local businesses supporting these industries.
- Costs associated with these developments, potential environmental concerns, and changes in industry dynamics (such as a decrease in oil and gas) should be considered, as these could have both positive and negative impacts.
Simulated Interviews
engineer (Houston, TX)
Age: 30 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy provides new opportunities in the renewable sector.
- Expecting job growth in my industry and more projects to work on.
- Excited about contributing to clean energy solutions.
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 |
fisherman (Charleston, SC)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Worried about potential impacts on fishing activities.
- Concerned for marine life and sustainability.
- Hoping for collaborative efforts between energy and fishing industries.
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 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
construction worker (New Orleans, LA)
Age: 28 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 7.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This could bring more jobs to the area.
- Excited about potential new projects and stable income.
- Worried about long-term job security, but this seems positive.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 3 |
environmental scientist (Miami, FL)
Age: 39 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This aligns well with environmental goals.
- Positive that renewable energy is prioritized.
- Concerned about local habitat changes.
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 | 8 | 6 |
retired military (Pensacola, FL)
Age: 52 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I believe this could strengthen our economy.
- Jobs for younger generations are important.
- Skeptical about environmental safety procedures.
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 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
graduate student (Tampa, FL)
Age: 24 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This is the right direction for energy policy.
- Great for climate initiatives.
- Concerns about pace of policy implementation.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
small business owner (Mobile, AL)
Age: 60 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Worry about the effects on tourism.
- Projects may bring business but also risks to scenic value.
- Hope for balance between development and preservation.
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 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
software developer (Atlanta, GA)
Age: 33 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy won't affect my day-to-day directly.
- Good for tech and innovation in green energy.
- Supports clean energy transition.
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 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
nurse (Austin, TX)
Age: 47 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Supports policies that improve public health.
- Clean energy is a good move for future health outcomes.
- Indirectly related to my work but impactful overall.
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 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
barista (Savannah, GA)
Age: 22 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Neutral on this policy.
- Don't see how it might change my current lifestyle.
- Potentially beneficial to society but doesn't reflect in my life now.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $20000000 (Low: $15000000, High: $30000000)
Year 2: $22000000 (Low: $17000000, High: $32000000)
Year 3: $24000000 (Low: $19000000, High: $34000000)
Year 5: $28000000 (Low: $23000000, High: $38000000)
Year 10: $35000000 (Low: $30000000, High: $45000000)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- The cost estimates include administrative oversight and environmental compliance costs.
- Savings are expected due to the reduced pollution from replacing fossil fuels with wind energy.
- There could be potential opposition from stakeholders invested in traditional energy forms which could delay implementations.
- The exact timing of economic impacts will depend on how quickly projects are approved and come online.