Bill Overview
Title: Save Oak Flat Act
Description: This bill repeals the requirement for the Department of Agriculture to convey the 2,422 acres of Forest System land located in Tonto National Forest in Pinal County, Arizona, known as Oak Flat, to Resolution Copper Mining, LLC, in exchange for various parcels of land owned by Resolution Copper. Oak Flat is withdrawn from (1) entry, appropriation, or disposal under the public land laws; (2) location, entry, and patent under the mining laws; and (3) disposition under all laws pertaining to mineral and geothermal leasing or mineral materials.
Sponsors: Rep. Grijalva, Raúl M. [D-AZ-3]
Target Audience
Population: People with cultural, environmental, or recreational interests in Oak Flat
Estimated Size: 25000
- Oak Flat is recognized as a site sacred to several Native American tribes, notably the Apache, who use it for traditional and religious purposes.
- The preservation of Oak Flat would maintain ecological diversity and protect local wildlife and plant species.
- The bill impacts mining interests, particularly affecting Resolution Copper Mining, LLC, by removing their access to the land for mining purposes.
- All people who enjoy recreational activities such as hiking and camping in the Tonto National Forest will benefit from the preservation of Oak Flat.
- Local communities near Pinal County, Arizona, may experience indirect economic impacts due to changes in mining operations and local resource management.
Reasoning
- The policy affects a diverse group of people beyond those directly involved with Resolution Copper Mining, LLC. Considering the policy budget and the target population, it's crucial to include a variety of responses, ranging from Native Americans with cultural ties to Oak Flat to outdoor enthusiasts who cherish the ecological preservation.
- The wellbeing of Native American tribes will likely improve with the policy, as Oak Flat holds spiritual significance for them. This is especially true for Apache tribes, who might see a greater positive impact due to cultural preservation.
- For recreational users and environmental advocates, the policy adds to long-term satisfaction, maintaining ecological areas they value for recreation and conservation.
- A segment of the population related to mining industries or dependent local economies around Pinal County might experience negative or negligible impacts in terms of wellbeing. This reflects in the scores where 'no policy' might offer them better direct economic opportunities.
- Given cost constraints, not everyone will see a large immediate impact. Thus, a 'medium' or 'low' impact score reflects the policy's focused benefits which may not translate into widespread individual wellbeing improvements immediately.
Simulated Interviews
Tribal Elder (Pinal County, Arizona)
Age: 48 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The preservation of Oak Flat is crucial for our traditions and spiritual practices.
- Without Oak Flat, our cultural heritage and the continuity of our rituals are at risk.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 3 |
Environmental Scientist (Phoenix, Arizona)
Age: 32 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Protecting Oak Flat preserves critical habitats and biodiversity.
- Mining would have led to environmental degradation.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 4 |
Outdoor Enthusiast (Tucson, Arizona)
Age: 29 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I am thrilled that Oak Flat remains accessible for hiking and recreation.
- This decision supports conservation over short-term economic gain.
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 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
Mine Worker (Globe, Arizona)
Age: 43 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm worried about potential job losses if the mine doesn't proceed.
- Our town's economy relies heavily on mining jobs.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Government Employee (Sierra Vista, Arizona)
Age: 55 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The decision supports sustainable land management and reflects our long-term goals.
- It may complicate immediate land use policies but benefits outweigh challenges.
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 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
Cultural Historian (San Carlos, Arizona)
Age: 60 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Preserving Oak Flat ensures the survival of our cultural stories and histories.
- It is a win for indigenous cultural rights.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 4 |
Economist (Phoenix, Arizona)
Age: 37 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 7.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy might have short-term economic downsides for mining jobs but could boost eco-tourism in the long run.
- Diversifying local economies is essential for resilience.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
College Student (Flagstaff, Arizona)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm glad the government chose conservation over commercial mining.
- This policy is a win for future generations.
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 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
Local Business Owner (Apache Junction, Arizona)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Preserving Oak Flat is likely to maintain or even boost tourism, supporting my business.
- The region’s natural beauty is a key attraction for my customers.
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 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Retired (Los Angeles, California)
Age: 68 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Every preserved area is a victory for nature and future generations.
- I’m relieved to see conservation taking precedence.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $5000000 (Low: $3000000, High: $7000000)
Year 2: $5100000 (Low: $3060000, High: $7140000)
Year 3: $5202000 (Low: $3121200, High: $7282800)
Year 5: $5408080 (Low: $3244848, High: $7571312)
Year 10: $5921076 (Low: $3552646, High: $8298466)
Year 100: $9690846 (Low: $5814508, High: $13567167)
Key Considerations
- The cultural importance of Oak Flat for Native American tribes suggests substantial social value beyond direct financial metrics.
- Ecosystem services provided by Oak Flat, such as biodiversity and natural habitat preservation, are challenging to quantify but are critical considerations.
- Potential legal costs avoided by not proceeding with the land conveyance may provide financial relief from contentious disputes.