Bill Overview
Title: Saline Lake Ecosystems in the Great Basin States Program Act of 2021
Description: This bill requires the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) to establish a Saline Lake Ecosystems in the Great Basin States Assessment and Monitoring Program. Under the program, the USGS must assess, monitor, and conserve saline lake ecosystems in the Great Basin as well as the wildlife that depend on those ecosystems.
Sponsors: Rep. Moore, Blake D. [R-UT-1]
Target Audience
Population: People residing in and around the Great Basin
Estimated Size: 4500000
- The legislation aims to conserve saline lake ecosystems which are found in the Great Basin.
- The Great Basin covers large parts of Nevada and Utah and extends into portions of Oregon and California, and small areas of Idaho and Wyoming.
- Human populations in these areas rely on the ecosystem services provided by the Great Basin, such as water resources and biodiversity.
- Biodiversity, including birds and other wildlife, depend on these saline ecosystems which provide unique habitats.
- The conservation efforts can impact the natural resources management practices and thus affect the local economies and communities relying on these resources.
Reasoning
- The policy directly affects ecosystems that are relatively unique to the Great Basin area, which means a targeted group of people will experience more direct impact compared to the rest of the population.
- Residents relying on these ecosystems for their livelihood, such as those in agriculture, tourism, and wildlife management, are expected to experience changes in wellbeing depending on the effectiveness of the policy.
- The conservation and management of saline lakes may not only support biodiversity but also enhance long-term ecosystem services that locals rely on, which could lead to improved wellbeing over time.
- Despite the focused geographic and environmental scope, some residents will not feel any direct impact because they do not rely heavily on the affected ecosystems.
- There is also potential for some economic activity to be disrupted or enhanced, such as increased tourism tied to healthier ecosystems, which can affect local businesses differently.
Simulated Interviews
Wildlife Biologist (Reno, Nevada)
Age: 52 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I believe this policy is crucial for the conservation efforts in our region.
- These lakes provide critical habitats for migratory birds and other wildlife.
- I'm optimistic that our careful monitoring will benefit both ecology and local economies.
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 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 4 |
Tourism Operator (Salt Lake City, Utah)
Age: 35 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Conserving these lakes is a good idea—it helps my business.
- If the lake levels are stable, we'll attract more tourists.
- I worry about potential restrictions, though, that could limit access for tours.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 3 |
Farmer (Carson City, Nevada)
Age: 48 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm hopeful this policy will improve water availability for agriculture.
- Stable ecosystems might secure my water resources.
- However, I'm mindful of policies that could restrict water access.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 2 |
Environmental Scientist (Bend, Oregon)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy is a significant step towards necessary environmental conservation.
- Monitoring our saline lakes assists in managing climate impacts effectively.
- I support any legislation focused on preserving ecosystems.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 3 |
Retired (Las Vegas, Nevada)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Preserving natural spaces like saline lakes is important for future generations.
- It enhances my retirement experience being able to wildlife watch.
- I fully support these initiatives as they enrich my quality of life.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
Rancher (Caliente, Nevada)
Age: 44 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm skeptical; unless the policy is managed well, it could impact my operations negatively.
- Water rights must be respected and not diminished by conservation efforts.
- Hope it achieves a balance between conservation and economic use.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 3 |
Water Resource Manager (Ely, Nevada)
Age: 39 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's crucial to properly monitor and manage these lakes.
- The policy could lead to more effective water use strategies.
- If done right, it will enhance long-term water availability.
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 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 2 |
Local Government Official (Winnemucca, Nevada)
Age: 31 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy could support regional sustainability efforts.
- It presents opportunities for community engagement and education.
- Effective implementation may position our region as an environmental leader.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 4 |
Park Ranger (West Wendover, Nevada)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Teaching visitors about the importance of saline lakes is part of my job.
- Thrilled that these natural resources are getting the attention they deserve.
- This policy helps promote the work we do in conservation education.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 4 |
Environmental Activist (Cedar City, Utah)
Age: 42 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I see the policy as a victory for environmental activism.
- Conserving these lakes is essential for the future of wildlife in the area.
- The policy aligns with our goals for sustainable environmental practices.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 10 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 3 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $2500000 (Low: $2000000, High: $3000000)
Year 2: $2500000 (Low: $2000000, High: $3000000)
Year 3: $2500000 (Low: $2000000, High: $3000000)
Year 5: $2500000 (Low: $2000000, High: $3000000)
Year 10: $2500000 (Low: $2000000, High: $3000000)
Year 100: $2500000 (Low: $2000000, High: $3000000)
Key Considerations
- Ecosystem health is critical for biodiversity which supports local and migratory species.
- The Great Basin's unique ecosystems provide specific habitat conditions that, if altered, could affect wildlife and human activities.
- Program success will depend on effective baseline data collection and consistent monitoring.