Bill Overview
Title: Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2023
Description: This bill provides FY2023 appropriations for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers civil works projects, the Department of the Interior's Bureau of Reclamation, the Department of Energy (DOE), and independent agencies such as the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. The bill provides appropriations for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers civil works projects, including for Investigations, Construction, Mississippi River and Tributaries, Operation and Maintenance, the Regulatory Program, the Formerly Utilized Sites Remedial Action Program, Flood Control and Coastal Emergencies, Expenses, the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works, and the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Program. The bill provides appropriations to the Department of the Interior for the Central Utah Project and the Bureau of Reclamation. The bill provides appropriations to DOE for energy programs, including the Defense Production Act Domestic Clean Energy Accelerator; Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy; Cybersecurity, Energy Security, and Emergency Response; Electricity; Nuclear Energy; Fossil Energy and Carbon Management; Energy Projects; Naval Petroleum and Oil Shale Reserves; the Strategic Petroleum Reserve; the Northeast Home Heating Oil Reserve; the Energy Information Administration; Non-Defense Environmental Cleanup; the Uranium Enrichment Decontamination and Decommissioning Fund; Science; Nuclear Waste Disposal; Technology Transitions; Clean Energy Demonstrations; the Advanced Research Projects Agency—Energy; the Title 17 Innovative Technology Loan Guarantee Program; the Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Loan Program; the Tribal Energy Loan Guarantee Program; Indian Energy Policy and Programs; Departmental Administration; and the Office of the Inspector General. The bill also provides appropriations to DOE for Atomic Energy Defense Activities of the National Nuclear Security Administration, Environmental and Other Defense Activities, and the Power Marketing Administrations. The bill provides appropriations to several independent agencies, including the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. The bill also sets forth requirements and restrictions for using funds provided by this and other appropriations acts.
Sponsors: Sen. Feinstein, Dianne [D-CA]
Target Audience
Population: people influenced by U.S. energy policy changes and infrastructure projects
Estimated Size: 332000000
- The bill provides funding for the Department of Energy's various programs including energy efficiency and renewable energy, which can impact the general U.S. population by promoting cleaner energy and potentially lowering energy costs.
- Infrastructure projects like those conducted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Bureau of Reclamation can influence communities through flood control, improved water infrastructure, and job creation, impacting citizens residing near these projects.
- Funding for nuclear energy and waste disposal will affect those living near nuclear sites or concerned about nuclear safety.
- Appropriations impact tribal communities through the Tribal Energy Loan Guarantee Program and Indian Energy Policy and Programs.
- Allocations for cybersecurity and energy security impact individuals by providing a more secure and reliable energy grid for all U.S. residents.
Reasoning
- The policy impacts a wide range of infrastructure, energy, and community support sectors.
- Appropriations specifically support renewable energy, nuclear, and fossil energy initiatives together with cybersecurity and energy security programs.
- The policy has an indirect impact on U.S. citizens in terms of energy pricing and job creation via energy infrastructure improvements.
- Certain communities such as those near U.S. Army Corps of Engineers projects or involved with tribal energy programs see more direct effects.
- The $61.2 billion budget must be prioritized towards these projects while ensuring compliance with specified requirements and restrictions.
Simulated Interviews
Environmental Engineer (Seattle, WA)
Age: 30 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think the focus on renewable energy and infrastructure is crucial for our future, especially with climate change.
- This policy could create more job opportunities in the renewable sector.
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 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 6 |
Construction Worker (New Orleans, LA)
Age: 52 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The flood control projects will help us feel more secure.
- I hope it also means more steady work in construction.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 3 |
Farmer (Billings, MT)
Age: 44 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Improved irrigation can really bolster our farm's productivity.
- This should make water access more reliable which is crucial for farming.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 3 |
Retired Nuclear Technician (Oak Ridge, TN)
Age: 63 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Nuclear safety measures are very important, it's reassuring to see appropriations included for this.
- I worry about waste disposal, so continued funding is necessary.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 3 |
Solar Technician (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 25 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The boost in clean energy funding is likely to spur more business in solar.
- I am optimistic about job growth and technology advancements with this support.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 10 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 10 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 4 |
Cybersecurity Analyst (Reno, NV)
Age: 37 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Extra funding in cybersecurity for energy systems is essential to prevent attacks.
- This will likely strengthen energy reliability.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 3 |
Urban Planner (Albany, NY)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 8.0 years
Commonness: 13/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Investment in infrastructure is always beneficial long-term.
- This could mean better local roads and utilities.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 3 |
Physicist (Los Alamos, NM)
Age: 48 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Continued focus on nuclear waste management is crucial for environmental safety.
- I expect these projects will enhance safety procedures.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 3 |
Tribal Community Leader (Ogden, UT)
Age: 55 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The Tribal Energy Loan Guarantee Program supports our initiatives effectively.
- Increased funding can directly enhance energy sustainability for our community.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 3 |
College Professor (Chicago, IL)
Age: 29 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I appreciate the focus on advanced research and demonstrations in clean energy.
- This can drive innovation and exposure for students interested in energy careers.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $61200000000 (Low: $58000000000, High: $64000000000)
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 appropriations cover an extensive range of energy related activities including clean energy, nuclear energy, and energy security, each with differing cost structures.
- Long-term projects such as infrastructure and clean energy support may have hidden maintenance and operational costs not immediately covered.
- Potential economic multipliers through job creation and industry support from funded projects must be considered.