Bill Overview
Title: Tribal Coastal Resiliency Act
Description: This bill authorizes the Department of Commerce to award competitive grants to Indian tribes to further achievement of tribal coastal zone objectives. Specifically, these tribal coastal zone objectives include protecting, restoring, or preserving areas in the zone that hold important ecological, cultural, or sacred significance for the tribes or traditional, historic, and aesthetic values essential to the tribes; preparing and implementing a special area management plan and technical planning for important coastal areas; and implementing any coastal or shoreline stabilization measure for the purpose of public safety, public access, or cultural or historical preservation.
Sponsors: Rep. Kilmer, Derek [D-WA-6]
Target Audience
Population: Tribal communities in coastal zones
Estimated Size: 1200000
- The bill is directly relevant to Indian tribes located in areas with significant coastal zones.
- Tribal communities rely on coastal resources for cultural, historical, and ecological purposes.
- The bill indicates a focus on public safety, access, and preservation which affects tribes living near or relying on coastal areas.
Reasoning
- The tribal coastal policy primarily affects Native American tribes near coastal areas, emphasizing ecological, cultural preservation, and safety.
- Non-tribal individuals residing near these zones may be impacted indirectly through changes in management and preservation efforts, but this effect might be negligible.
- The budget constraints imply targeted and efficient use, focusing on areas with the most pressing needs and highest tribal significance.
- Given the estimated target of 1.2 million American tribal residents in coastal areas, the policy will primarily see concentrated impacts in states like Alaska, Washington, California, among others.
Simulated Interviews
Environmental scientist (Washington)
Age: 32 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy can significantly help in protecting our tribal lands.
- Federal support can aid in restoring critical habitats.
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 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
Tribal leader (California)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The funding could greatly assist in cultural preservation activities.
- It will improve safety and access, which are currently insufficient.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 4 |
Fisheries manager (Alaska)
Age: 51 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Ensuring the health of coastal zones is crucial for sustainable fishing.
- Protecting these areas ensures economic stability for the tribe.
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 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
Cultural anthropologist (Maine)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This aligns with long-term goals of cultural preservation.
- It will facilitate more projects focused on historical areas.
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 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Park ranger (Florida)
Age: 38 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This might improve cooperative efforts with tribal groups.
- Better funding could enhance coastal park maintenance.
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 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 4 |
Student (Alabama)
Age: 27 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Funding for tribal eco-projects is overdue.
- This initiative could provide valuable learning opportunities.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 4 |
Historian (Oregon)
Age: 55 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This is a great opportunity to preserve significant historical sites.
- Funding can aid in extensive research and protection efforts.
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 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Marine biologist (Hawaii)
Age: 33 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Preservation efforts will benefit the entire coastal ecosystem.
- This could lead to more conservation projects within tribal areas.
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 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
Tribal parks manager (Washington)
Age: 41 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy supports our ongoing sustainability projects.
- Enhancing the area’s safety and accessibility is crucial.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
Retired fisherman (Alaska)
Age: 65 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Coastal work is essential for protecting traditions.
- The younger generation will benefit if implemented well.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 4 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $50000000 (Low: $30000000, High: $70000000)
Year 2: $52000000 (Low: $31000000, High: $73000000)
Year 3: $54000000 (Low: $32000000, High: $76000000)
Year 5: $57000000 (Low: $34000000, High: $80000000)
Year 10: $65000000 (Low: $40000000, High: $90000000)
Year 100: $120000000 (Low: $70000000, High: $160000000)
Key Considerations
- The diversity and geographic spread of tribal coastlines require tailored approaches in grant allocations.
- The success of defining 'important ecological, cultural, and sacred zones' could vary and affect cost efficiency.
- Grants would need ongoing assessment to ensure funds are used effectively toward resiliency goals.