Bill Overview
Title: Gas Prices Relief Act of 2022
Description: This bill prohibits federal agencies from finalizing any regulations that would cause (1) a decrease in domestic oil, gas, or biofuels production; (2) an increase in gasoline prices; or (3) any negative effects on domestic energy production, domestic electricity generation, transmission of fuel or electricity, infrastructure development, or transportation fuels. The prohibition may not end until the earlier of January 1, 2023, or until the average gasoline price is $2.60 per gallon or less.
Sponsors: Sen. Marshall, Roger [R-KS]
Target Audience
Population: People who rely on gasoline for daily transportation
Estimated Size: 290000000
- The bill is aimed at stabilizing or reducing gasoline prices, which directly affects individuals who use gasoline for transportation.
- In the U.S., a significant portion of the population uses vehicles that require gasoline or diesel, making them directly affected by gasoline prices.
- Gasoline prices impact the cost of goods and services indirectly, as transportation costs are a component of most goods' pricing.
- Higher gasoline prices disproportionately affect low and middle-income individuals, who spend a larger percentage of their income on transportation costs.
Reasoning
- The policy aims to prevent increases in gasoline prices and reduce the economic burden on individuals who rely heavily on gasoline for transportation, which includes a large part of the U.S. population.
- People in rural areas or with lower incomes are likely to be more affected as they spend a higher percentage of their income on transportation.
- Given the potential breadth of impact, we simulate a diverse group of individuals across different demographics to assess the policy's effects.
- We consider immediate well-being changes from potential short-term stability in gas prices, balanced against longer-term uncertainties in energy policies.
Simulated Interviews
Teacher (Austin, TX)
Age: 32 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I worry about gas prices rising because it would impact my budget significantly.
- I hope this bill would stabilize prices, allowing me to better plan family expenses.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Factory Worker (Detroit, MI)
Age: 48 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Any step towards controlling gas prices is welcome.
- I am concerned about potential impacts on energy sector jobs, including my own.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 4 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 3 |
Software Developer (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 25 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- While I don't drive daily, I recognize gas prices impact costs for goods and services.
- Any relief on energy costs should be strategic and long-term focused.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Retired (Omaha, NE)
Age: 63 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Gas prices have always been a concern since my income is fixed.
- A stable price would ease my financial planning and peace of mind.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 4 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 3 |
Real Estate Agent (Miami, FL)
Age: 40 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 7.0 years
Commonness: 13/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Controlling gas prices helps me maintain my profit margins in this competitive housing market.
- I'm cautious but hopeful about the policy's impact in the short term.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
E-commerce Business Owner (Chicago, IL)
Age: 29 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Lower gas prices would excite me as it reduces shipping costs.
- I remain skeptical about long-term effectiveness without addressing broader energy policy issues.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
Health Care Worker (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 52 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 16/20
Statement of Opinion:
- High gas prices strain my household budget.
- The policy is promising but needs careful implementation without overlooking environmental impacts.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 3 |
Electrician (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 38 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I welcome any measure to bring down gas costs; my job depends on driving.
- I'm concerned about neglecting investment in sustainable energy which is crucial long term.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 4 |
Small Business Owner (Rural Alabama)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 7.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Gas price relief would provide immediate help to my business.
- Long-term viability still requires broader support beyond temporary fixes.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 4 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 3 |
Public Transit Employee (Seattle, WA)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Gas prices don't affect me directly, but I understand its importance to the economy.
- I favor looking at a broader energy and transport policy for future resilience.
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 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $250000000 (Low: $100000000, High: $500000000)
Year 2: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 3: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 5: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 10: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- The short duration of the policy's direct impact is until January 1, 2023, unless the pricing condition is met earlier, limiting long-term fiscal implications.
- Potential costs include administrative impacts on federal agencies and delays in regulatory modifications intended to improve infrastructure, efficiency, or environmental outcomes.