Bill Overview
Title: SUPER Act of 2022
Description: This bill requires the Department of Energy (DOE) to establish a program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the production of iron, steel, and steel mill products. Specifically, DOE must establish a program of research, development, demonstration, and commercial application of advanced tools, technologies, and methods for low-emissions steel manufacturing. In carrying out the program and in collaboration with industry partners, institutions of higher education, and its national laboratories, DOE must support an initiative for the demonstration of low-emissions steel manufacturing.
Sponsors: Sen. Casey, Robert P., Jr. [D-PA]
Target Audience
Population: People involved in or living near steel production and affected by pollution reduction
Estimated Size: 500000
- The steel industry is a significant source of employment globally, with millions of workers employed in steel manufacturing and related industries.
- Reducing emissions in steel production will contribute to global efforts to combat climate change, which affects the entire global population.
- There are approximately 2 million people directly employed in the steel and iron sector globally, with many more in the supply chain and associated industries.
- Communities near steel plants would benefit from reduced air pollution, improving public health and quality of life.
Reasoning
- The allocated budget and target population suggest focusing on individuals directly involved in the steel industry and those in communities near steel manufacturing plants.
- The budget allows for significant investment in technology advancement for low-emission steel production, potentially benefiting workers in these plants through job sustainability and health improvements.
- Indirectly, the policy may also impact individuals in auxiliary industries such as transportation and construction, though its primary impact will be on those more directly involved with steel production.
- Given the significant industry employment numbers, the simulation should include interviews with steelworkers, managers, local community members, and those in associated supply chain roles.
- The long-term policy aims will reflect more pronounced benefits over 10 to 20-year periods, especially in terms of environmental impact and public health improvements.
Simulated Interviews
Steel Mill Supervisor (Pittsburgh, PA)
Age: 39 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy seems promising as it aims to modernize our operations.
- Reducing emissions is important, but I'm concerned about job security during the transition.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
Environmental Consultant (Gary, IN)
Age: 27 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Improving steel plant emissions will greatly enhance our community's air quality.
- I see a lot of potential for green job growth.
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 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Retired Steelworker (Youngstown, OH)
Age: 56 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I’ve seen how the industry changes can impact jobs, so I’m concerned about current workers.
- However, healthier air would be a huge benefit for everyone here.
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 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Air Quality Analyst (Bethlehem, PA)
Age: 32 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy aligns with my work goals and ambition to reduce local pollution.
- It’s going to be challenging but necessary work.
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 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 8 |
Truck Driver (Birmingham, AL)
Age: 47 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I support better environmental practices, though I'm worried about how transport regulations might change.
- I hope the new tech doesn’t reduce the need for raw materials transportation.
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 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Local Business Owner (Fairfield, AL)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 13/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Cleaner air would definitely be a plus for my customers and my business.
- I am concerned about economic dips if steel production decreases.
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 | 8 | 7 |
Steel Production Engineer (Cleveland, OH)
Age: 41 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy could spur much-needed innovation in steel production techniques.
- There is excitement, but also pressure to deliver results quickly.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 6 |
Health Inspector (St. Louis, MO)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I believe this policy is a step forward for healthier communities.
- It might be slow progress, but every reduction in pollution counts.
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 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 7 |
Supply Chain Coordinator (Chicago, IL)
Age: 30 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 16/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The technological advancements could smoothen supply operations and logistics.
- Changes could mean shifts in logistics, potentially reducing errors.
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 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
Community Health Advocate (Akron, OH)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Reducing industrial emissions should be a priority for public health.
- It's important that community voices guide how these changes are implemented.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $500000000 (Low: $400000000, High: $600000000)
Year 2: $500000000 (Low: $400000000, High: $600000000)
Year 3: $400000000 (Low: $300000000, High: $500000000)
Year 5: $300000000 (Low: $200000000, High: $400000000)
Year 10: $150000000 (Low: $100000000, High: $200000000)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- The rapid pace of technological advancement in emissions reduction could accelerate expected impacts.
- Partnership with the private sector may enhance efficiency but also complicate accountability and coordination.
- Long-term economic benefits may offset initial high expenditures through savings in healthcare and improved environmental conditions.