Bill Overview
Title: SOAR Act
Description: This bill addresses access to public lands for outdoor recreation, including through special recreation permits and annual entrance passes. The bill sets forth and revises provisions regarding special recreation permits for use by individuals and groups to engage in recreational activities on federal recreational lands and waters. The bill requires the Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture to sell online the America the Beautiful-the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass. The Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management shall (1) enhance private-sector volunteer programs; (2) actively promote private-sector volunteer opportunities; and (3) provide outreach to, and coordinate with, the private sector for such purposes.
Sponsors: Rep. Neguse, Joe [D-CO-2]
Target Audience
Population: People engaging in outdoor recreational activities on public lands
Estimated Size: 150000000
- The SOAR Act focuses on public lands managed by federal agencies, specifically for recreational purposes.
- There are about 640 million acres of federal land in the U.S., much of which is used for recreational activities.
- Millions of Americans participate in outdoor recreational activities, such as hiking, camping, and fishing, on these federal lands each year.
- The bill introduces measures such as selling annual passes online, which would affect current and potential future users of these lands by making access more convenient.
- Efforts to promote private-sector volunteer programs suggest an intent to engage with outdoor recreational users and enthusiasts to maintain and improve these lands.
Reasoning
- The target population for the SOAR Act includes individuals who engage in outdoor recreational activities on public lands. This is a sizeable demographic and it can range across various socio-economic backgrounds.
- When considering how the policy impacts individuals, it's crucial to consider who benefits from enhanced access and volunteer programs, and who might not be impacted due to location or personal circumstances.
- Given the budget constraints, the policy's primary benefits will likely be maximized in high-traffic areas and for users who are more frequent users of these lands.
- These simulated interviews cover different perspectives by including people who are directly and indirectly affected, as well as those not affected at all, which helps in understanding the breadth of policy impact.
Simulated Interviews
Software Developer (California)
Age: 32 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The SOAR Act simplifies my life. Buying passes online is a huge convenience.
- Volunteering opportunities are great; I've always wanted to give back.
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 | 8 | 6 |
Teacher (Texas)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I like the idea of online passes, though I'm not sure if I'll use it much.
- Volunteering doesn't impact me; I'm quite busy with work.
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 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 6 |
Freelance Writer (Vermont)
Age: 27 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This seems like a significant improvement for frequent visitors like me.
- I look forward to potential collaborations in educational projects.
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 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Retired (Florida)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Doesn't affect me much, as I don't visit federal lands often.
- I appreciate others having better access, though.
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 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Park Ranger (Colorado)
Age: 38 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm excited about increased volunteer programs; it should help us a lot.
- Online passes will reduce congestion and keep my job easier.
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 | 5 |
College Student (Washington)
Age: 21 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- More affordable and simpler access to parks could really help students.
- I would love to volunteer more if there are opportunities.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 4 |
Public Administrator (New York)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 13/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Likely won't use the policy myself, but see its benefit for others.
- Advances like digital passes are steps in the right direction.
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 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Tour Guide (Arizona)
Age: 35 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Streamlined access and permits are a blessing for my business.
- I hope this reduces client frustration from permit delays.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Construction Worker (Nevada)
Age: 29 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy has little appeal since I don't use federal lands much.
- Good for others, but neutral for me.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 4 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 4 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 4 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 4 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 4 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 4 |
NGO Worker (Oregon)
Age: 48 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Anything aiding in park conservation gets my support.
- The policy aligns with sustainable recreational efforts.
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 | 9 | 7 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $30000000 (Low: $25000000, High: $35000000)
Year 2: $30000000 (Low: $25000000, High: $35000000)
Year 3: $29000000 (Low: $24000000, High: $34000000)
Year 5: $28000000 (Low: $23000000, High: $33000000)
Year 10: $25000000 (Low: $20000000, High: $30000000)
Year 100: $10000000 (Low: $7000000, High: $15000000)
Key Considerations
- Initial capital outlay for the development of an online sales platform will be necessary.
- Long-term volunteer engagement could substantially defray federal maintenance costs.
- Potential increases in recreational activity could stimulate local economies, particularly those hosting public lands.