Bill Overview
Title: Protecting Communities from Plastics Act
Description: This bill sets forth a variety of requirements and incentives to reduce the production and use of plastics and other petrochemicals, including by directing the Environmental Protection Agency to place a temporary pause on certain new permits for petrochemical facilities under the Clean Air Act and the Clean Water Act.
Sponsors: Sen. Booker, Cory A. [D-NJ]
Target Audience
Population: Global Population Affected by Plastic Regulation
Estimated Size: 331000000
- Plastic pollution is a global issue, affecting ecosystems and health worldwide.
- Human health can be impacted by plastics through pollution of air, water, and food.
- Communities near petrochemical plants are particularly at risk due to emissions and waste.
- The reduction in plastics also impacts global supply chains and industries reliant on plastics.
Reasoning
- The policy aims to reduce the use and production of plastics for environmental and health reasons, targeting communities near petrochemical plants.
- A budget of $250M in year 1 is allocated to start implementation, likely focusing on permit pauses and incentives to industry for reduction strategies.
- People in industrial regions may perceive changes in employment opportunities due to shifts in the petrochemical industry.
- Residents near such plants may see health improvements due to reductions in emissions and pollution.
- Some people in states reliant on petrochemical jobs may experience negative economic impacts without policy provision for transition and employment alternatives.
- Not all residents will be equally affected; those not living near fracking or petrochemical sites may see fewer immediate impacts.
- Considering the policy budget and size, expecting a mix of high, medium, and low impacts on Cantril scores across different demographics.
Simulated Interviews
Manufacturing Worker (Houston, TX)
Age: 40 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I am concerned about job security if new projects are halted.
- The air quality has been a problem, so if this improves, my family's health might benefit.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Environmental Activist (Oakland, CA)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's a necessary shift towards sustainability, both for the environment and public health.
- I'm hopeful about the long-term reduction of pollution in our area.
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 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 7 |
Elementary School Teacher (Baton Rouge, LA)
Age: 54 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy could help improve air quality, which is crucial for our kids' health.
- There might be local economic impacts, but health should be a priority.
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 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Supply Chain Manager (Charlotte, NC)
Age: 36 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Reducing plastics is good for the environment, but I worry about how this will affect prices and supply chains.
- We will need to adapt, but how quickly can our suppliers manage this change?
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
College Student (Columbus, OH)
Age: 23 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This bill is a great step toward reducing our plastic footprint.
- It aligns with what we're learning in school about sustainable practices.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 10 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 8 |
Retired (Philadelphia, PA)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I don't see it affecting me much personally.
- If it cleans up our rivers, that's a win since I enjoy fishing.
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 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Small Business Owner (Seattle, WA)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- We already use sustainable products, so this is a positive move for us.
- It reinforces our brand's values on sustainability.
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 | 10 | 7 |
Plastic Recycling Facility Manager (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy could change demand for recycling materials, which might impact business operations.
- Adapting could be challenging, but necessary for future sustainability.
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 |
Software Developer (Austin, TX)
Age: 33 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Legislation is needed to drive industry change, although tech has a big role too.
- Supporting this bill aligns with my values of reducing my carbon footprint.
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 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Public Health Official (New York, NY)
Age: 42 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy is a significant step toward reducing community health risks from emissions.
- It's crucial for long-term public health improvements.
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 | 9 | 8 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $250000000 (Low: $150000000, High: $350000000)
Year 2: $300000000 (Low: $200000000, High: $400000000)
Year 3: $350000000 (Low: $250000000, High: $450000000)
Year 5: $400000000 (Low: $300000000, High: $500000000)
Year 10: $500000000 (Low: $400000000, High: $600000000)
Year 100: $800000000 (Low: $700000000, High: $900000000)
Key Considerations
- The significant initial cost to industries and the government for implementing and enforcing these regulations.
- Potential backlash or lobbying from petrochemical industries against these changes.
- The balance between short-term economic impacts and long-term environmental and health benefits.
- International implications and alignment with global standards on plastic reduction.