Bill Overview
Title: Emergency Aircraft Act of 2022
Description: This bill modifies the authority of the Department of Defense (DOD) related to the transfer of excess aircraft for wildfire emergencies, including to authorize DOD to transfer excess aircraft to a state for wildfire suppression, search and rescue, or emergency operations pertaining to wildfires.
Sponsors: Sen. Padilla, Alex [D-CA]
Target Audience
Population: People living in wildfire-prone areas
Estimated Size: 10000000
- The bill pertains to the transfer of excess military aircraft for purposes related to wildfire emergencies.
- Wildfires are a global issue, affecting various regions around the world, including but not limited to North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and South America.
- The individuals involved in fighting wildfires include firefighters, emergency response teams, and potentially affected communities.
- Communities living in wildfire-prone areas will be indirectly impacted by this legislation as it aims to enhance their safety and the capability to manage wildfires.
Reasoning
- The population affected by this policy consists of those living in wildfire-prone areas, primarily in western U.S. states such as California, Oregon, Washington, Colorado, and Arizona.
- This policy specifically impacts first responders, firefighters, and local residents whose safety and wellbeing are directly affected by wildfire emergencies.
- Given the policy's budget constraints, not all affected areas may receive sufficient resources immediately, so the wellbeing improvements may vary across different regions.
- The wellbeing of those not living in wildfire-prone regions will remain largely unaffected by this policy.
- The potential transfer of aircraft will strengthen wildfire suppression efforts, possibly reducing damages and improving safety over time for those directly impacted.
- Long-term positive effects are anticipated on community wellbeing due to increased safety measures and efficient response capabilities, though short-term challenges in execution and resource allocation may occur.
Simulated Interviews
Firefighter (California)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy could significantly improve our ability to respond to wildfires.
- Quick access to better aerial support would help us manage wildfires more effectively.
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 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Emergency Response Coordinator (Oregon)
Age: 32 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I believe this policy can streamline resource allocation during emergencies.
- Access to military aircraft can enhance our existing response strategies.
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 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
Retired (Arizona)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This seems like a step in the right direction, but it needs proper execution.
- I hope the transfer process is expedited to see immediate benefits.
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 |
Wildlife Biologist (Washington)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Increased aircraft support will help protect natural habitats during wildfires.
- I'm hopeful this will reduce the long-term ecological impact of wildfires.
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 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Insurance Agent (Colorado)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy could reduce insurance claims and damage, leading to stable premiums.
- I foresee a positive impact on the community's economic health.
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 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Elementary School Teacher (California)
Age: 40 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy might provide peace of mind knowing there's better emergency response.
- Safety during fire seasons is a huge concern for me and my students.
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 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Rancher (Arizona)
Age: 55 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Access to surplus aircraft might save my ranch and livelihood.
- I am cautiously optimistic but need to see it in action.
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 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Pilot (California)
Age: 38 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy aligns well with our ongoing training and readiness programs.
- Additional resources are always welcome to tackle the increasing frequency of wildfires.
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 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 8 |
Volunteer (Oregon)
Age: 29 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- With the right resources, community preparedness will improve.
- I'm concerned about the state's ability to effectively utilize these aircraft.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Forest Ranger (Washington)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Having military-grade support will help preserve our forests.
- If executed properly, it could make a huge difference during fire seasons.
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 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $50000000 (Low: $40000000, High: $60000000)
Year 2: $52000000 (Low: $42000000, High: $62000000)
Year 3: $53000000 (Low: $43000000, High: $63000000)
Year 5: $55000000 (Low: $45000000, High: $65000000)
Year 10: $60000000 (Low: $50000000, High: $70000000)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- The initial aircraft modifications might require significant upfront expenditure.
- The bill provides long-term benefits by reducing wildfire damages and increasing public safety.
- Coordination with states will be crucial to ensure a smooth transfer process and effective aircraft utilization.