Bill Overview
Title: Sun River Hydropower Authorization Act
Description: This bill authorizes the Bureau of Reclamation to construct, operate, and maintain facilities (e.g., dams) in the Sun River project in Montana for hydroelectric power generation.
Sponsors: Rep. Rosendale Sr., Matthew M. [R-MT-At Large]
Target Audience
Population: People impacted by the Sun River Hydropower Project in Montana
Estimated Size: 150000
- The Sun River Hydropower project is a specific infrastructure project localized in the state of Montana, within the United States.
- Hydropower projects impact local residents through potential relocation, changes in land use, and environmental effects like altered water flow and ecosystems.
- People living in areas relying on the Sun River for irrigation or other uses may see changes due to the presence of new hydropower facilities.
- Hydropower facilities generally contribute to the local and possibly broader electricity grid, potentially affecting all individuals who consume electricity derived from this energy source.
Reasoning
- The Sun River Hydropower project will predominantly affect the population in Montana, particularly those living near the Sun River and involved in agriculture or environmental activities.
- Direct impacts might include changes in land use and displacement, while indirect impacts pertain to electricity consumers benefiting from renewable energy in the grid.
- The budget constraints suggest the project will initially focus on construction and operational costs, potentially limiting broader economic development initially.
- The policy is a long-term infrastructure project, suggesting that immediate impacts may be minimal, but growth in renewable energy will be more significant over time.
Simulated Interviews
farmer (Great Falls, Montana)
Age: 52 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The project might affect water availability for my farm.
- I hope there are no drastic changes to the water ecosystem.
- Renewable energy is important, but family livelihood matters too.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 4 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 4 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
environmental scientist (Helena, Montana)
Age: 35 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Hydropower is better than fossil fuels, but we need to monitor ecological impacts closely.
- I hope the implementation will include comprehensive environmental studies.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
software engineer (Bozeman, Montana)
Age: 28 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm excited about the renewable energy potential.
- Hydropower could boost clean energy initiatives in Montana.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
electrician (Billings, Montana)
Age: 47 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Hydropower projects can provide job opportunities in the field.
- I anticipate positive economic impacts from increased energy infrastructure.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
retired park ranger (Missoula, Montana)
Age: 66 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I worry about the nature near Sun River.
- Hydropower must balance energy and environmental conservation.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
financial analyst (Chicago, Illinois)
Age: 40 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy offers an interesting investment opportunity.
- I'm excited to see more renewable energy developments across states.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
environmental lawyer (Boston, Massachusetts)
Age: 60 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Every step towards renewable energy is a victory.
- Legal frameworks must account for environmental impacts.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
college student (Browning, Montana)
Age: 22 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The project could be great for Montana's green initiatives.
- I hope to get involved in these projects after graduation.
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 | 6 |
energy consultant (Seattle, Washington)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Hydropower has potential but requires rigorous planning and execution.
- We must ensure equitable energy distribution across regions.
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 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
journalist (Los Angeles, California)
Age: 31 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Looking forward to reporting on new renewable projects like Sun River.
- I hope this leads to larger federal investments in renewable energy.
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 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $1000000000 (Low: $900000000, High: $1100000000)
Year 2: $600000000 (Low: $500000000, High: $700000000)
Year 3: $500000000 (Low: $450000000, High: $550000000)
Year 5: $300000000 (Low: $250000000, High: $350000000)
Year 10: $150000000 (Low: $100000000, High: $200000000)
Year 100: $50000000 (Low: $35000000, High: $65000000)
Key Considerations
- Environmental assessments will be crucial in evaluating the feasibility and extent of the project's impacts.
- Local community consultations and potential relocations need addressing to minimize socioeconomic disruptions.
- Long-term policy alignment with federal and state renewable energy goals.
- Technical challenges associated with building and maintaining large-scale hydropower infrastructure.