Bill Overview
Title: Chesapeake Bay Science, Education, and Ecosystem Enhancement Act of 2021
Description: This bill reauthorizes through FY2025 the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Chesapeake Bay Office and revises requirements concerning the office and its activities. It also authorizes the office to establish a Chesapeake Bay watershed education and training program as well as a program to support coordinated management, protection, characterization, and restoration of priority habitats and living resources.
Sponsors: Rep. Sarbanes, John P. [D-MD-3]
Target Audience
Population: people in the Chesapeake Bay watershed area
Estimated Size: 18000000
- The bill is focused on the Chesapeake Bay, which lies along the East Coast of the United States, impacting states such as Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Delaware, New York, and West Virginia.
- Approximately 18 million people live in the Chesapeake Bay watershed area.
- The health and economy of these individuals can be directly affected by activities in the Bay, such as fishing, tourism, and ecosystem services.
- The bill supports educational initiatives, which likely targets schools and educational institutions in the watershed region.
- Improved ecosystem services potentially benefit everyone in the watershed through better air and water quality, flood protection, and recreational opportunities.
Reasoning
- The target population for this policy are those living in the Chesapeake Bay watershed area, approximately 18 million people.
- Given the relatively large budget and the focus on education and ecosystem services, the policy might have a moderate long-term impact on wellbeing, particularly through environmental improvements and educational opportunities.
- Residents not directly involved in activities such as fishing or dependent on tourism may perceive lesser direct benefits.
- Those involved in education or ecological sectors might experience significant benefits due to increased funding and resources.
Simulated Interviews
Environmental Scientist (Annapolis, Maryland)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy will likely enhance our efforts in preserving the Bay.
- Increased funding for education will help spread awareness, which is crucial.
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 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
High School Teacher (Richmond, Virginia)
Age: 33 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It'll be great to receive more resources for educational programs.
- Students will directly benefit from learning about their local environment.
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 | 8 | 6 |
Fisherman (Harrisburg, Pennsylvania)
Age: 39 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy has potential to improve fish stocks through better habitat management.
- Stronger education initiatives might ensure sustainable practices.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 3 |
Graduate Student (Baltimore, Maryland)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm optimistic that the policy will support scientific research efforts.
- Educational support is crucial for building public understanding about ecosystems.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Retired (Dover, Delaware)
Age: 62 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Policy might improve conditions for recreational activities around the Bay.
- Community education programs might see growth, which is welcome.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Office Manager (Charleston, West Virginia)
Age: 52 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I might not feel much difference immediately since my work isn't connected to the Bay.
- Indirect benefits, like cleaner water, could happen in the long term.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
University Professor (State College, Pennsylvania)
Age: 40 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Funding expansion will help research and training programs, facilitating practical learning experiences for students.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Barista (Yorktown, Virginia)
Age: 24 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- If the Bay's condition improves, my recreation experiences could be better.
- Direct benefits for my job likely won't occur, but personal enjoyment matters.
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 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Restaurant Owner (Syracuse, New York)
Age: 49 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Enhanced Bay ecosystems might improve seafood supply quality.
- My business might benefit indirectly through a better supply chain.
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 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Government Employee (Vienna, Virginia)
Age: 56 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy aligns with steps needed to restore balance to the Bay.
- It could boost our team’s work on outreach and management initiatives.
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 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $35000000 (Low: $30000000, High: $50000000)
Year 2: $35000000 (Low: $30000000, High: $50000000)
Year 3: $35000000 (Low: $30000000, High: $50000000)
Year 5: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 10: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- The implementation success hinges on efficient coordination among federal, state, and local agencies as well as NGOs involved.
- Long-term ecological benefits and indirect economic benefits are anticipated but not explicitly calculable in immediate fiscal terms.
- The targeted nature of the bill suggests primary advantages and resource allocation centered in the Chesapeake Bay watershed.