Bill Overview
Title: Energy Security and Lightering Independence Act of 2022
Description: This bill authorizes an alien crewman to obtain a permit to land in the United States for up to 180 days if, during this period, the crewman will perform ship-to-ship liquid cargo transfer operations involving a vessel engaged in foreign trade. Currently, an alien crewman may obtain a permit to land for up to 29 days.
Sponsors: Sen. Padilla, Alex [D-CA]
Target Audience
Population: Crewmen performing ship-to-ship liquid cargo transfer operations
Estimated Size: 0
- The bill allows alien crewmen to stay in the US for up to 180 days instead of 29 days for lightering operations.
- The bill specifically targets the shipping industry, particularly individuals involved in ship-to-ship liquid cargo transfer operations.
- These operations are often conducted in major ports across the world, especially ones engaged in international shipping.
- Crewmen involved in lightering operations are globally scattered wherever international shipping is active.
Reasoning
- The policy primarily affects alien crewmen engaged in ship-to-ship liquid cargo operations by extending their stay in the US, which could lead to economic benefits for ports and related businesses.
- The target population for the policy does not directly include US citizens but may indirectly impact port workers, local businesses, and community services that interact with the shipping industry.
- Given the large global estimate of eligible crewmen, most US citizens either interact minimally or not at all with these crewmen personally, so direct changes in wellbeing may be limited.
- Ports involved in international shipping are likely to see more consistent activity, potentially leading to moderate economic benefits due to increased economic activity.
- The policy budget allows for infrastructure and support services during the extended stays of alien crewmen, creating job opportunities indirectly linked to the policy.
- Policy's primary impact on US citizens is expected to be economic, such as through increased business at ports or related industries like logistics and supplies.
- Considering these factors, interviews will focus both on individuals directly working in port-related industries who might see economic benefits and average citizens who might experience minimal impact.
Simulated Interviews
Port Operations Manager (Houston, TX)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think extending the stay for crewmen will ease operations and lower costs associated with crew rotations.
- Our port might see increased activity, which is beneficial for business.
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 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Customs Officer (New Orleans, LA)
Age: 32 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 7.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The new policy might increase my workload, but it could also streamline the process over time.
- It's going to require good coordination and adjustment to handle longer permits efficiently.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Logistics Coordinator (Baltimore, MD)
Age: 28 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This might boost business as ships can transfer cargo more frequently without switching crews.
- We could see increased demand for timely logistics services.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Small Business Owner (Long Beach, CA)
Age: 40 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- If ports get busier, we might get more customers from the port for quick meals and drinks.
- I'm hopeful for more business but also cautious about potential challenges.
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 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Environmental Activist (Seattle, WA)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- More ship activity at the port could increase environmental concerns that we need to monitor closely.
- It's a trade-off between economic benefit and environmental protection.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 4 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Dock Worker (Miami, FL)
Age: 25 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 8.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Longer crew stays could mean more steady work and potentially more overtime for us.
- I expect more work opportunities and job security.
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 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Maritime Lawyer (Savannah, GA)
Age: 34 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy might increase the demand for legal services regarding permits and compliance.
- It's beneficial for business stability.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Local Government Official (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 48 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Extended stay for crewmen could require adjustments in local governance, but might also enhance economic activities.
- We need careful planning and resource allocation.
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 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Economist (New York, NY)
Age: 55 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy might have positive economic implications for coastal economies if managed well.
- Patterns in international shipping could shift slightly with this change.
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 | 7 | 6 |
HR Specialist for a Shipping Company (Jacksonville, FL)
Age: 30 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 7.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy could simplify HR processes by reducing the frequency of crew changes.
- We could reduce costs and improve employee satisfaction.
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 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $500000 (Low: $250000, High: $1000000)
Year 2: $500000 (Low: $250000, High: $1000000)
Year 3: $500000 (Low: $250000, High: $1000000)
Year 5: $500000 (Low: $250000, High: $1000000)
Year 10: $500000 (Low: $250000, High: $1000000)
Year 100: $500000 (Low: $250000, High: $1000000)
Key Considerations
- The small scale of the crew affected implies minimal direct fiscal impact, though administrative costs could arise.
- Ports may increase throughput efficiency, affecting local economies and shipping dynamics.
- Potential legal and compliance considerations may arise regarding extended permit durations.
- Indirect economic effects could include enhanced international trade operations.