Bill Overview
Title: Avi Kwa Ame National Monument Establishment Act of 2022
Description: This bill establishes the Avi Kwa Ame National Monument in Nevada, consisting of approximately 445,000 acres of federal land administered by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). It is the purpose of the monument to conserve, protect, and enhance for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations the cultural, ecological, scenic, wildlife, recreational, dark sky, historical, natural, educational, and scientific resources of the monument. The Department of the Interior shall manage the monument as a component of the National Landscape Conservation System. Interior shall ensure access to the monument by members of Indian tribes for traditional cultural purposes. Interior shall develop a comprehensive plan for the long-term management of the monument. The bill withdraws federal land located in the monument from entry, appropriation, and disposal under the public land laws; location, entry, and patenting under the mining laws; and operation of the mineral leasing, mineral materials, and geothermal leasing laws. Any land or interest in land within the boundary of the monument that is acquired by the United States shall become part of the monument and be withdrawn as specified above. Interior shall establish the Avi Kwa Ame National Monument Advisory Council to advise Interior on the preparation and implementation of the management plan, including budgetary matters related to the monument. Interior shall transfer administrative jurisdiction of any Bureau of Reclamation land within the monument to the BLM.
Sponsors: Rep. Titus, Dina [D-NV-1]
Target Audience
Population: People interested in national conservation and monument designation
Estimated Size: 500000
- The Avi Kwa Ame National Monument will be established in Nevada and consist of federal land.
- This will affect those interested in the cultural, ecological, scenic, wildlife, recreational, historical, educational, and scientific resources of the area.
- The bill will specifically impact tribal members who access the land for traditional cultural purposes.
- Local communities and businesses relying on recreation and tourism in this area may be impacted.
- The withdrawal of federal land from mining, mineral leasing, and geothermal laws will impact industries related to these activities.
- The global population interested in conservation and national monuments may also be indirectly affected.
Reasoning
- The Avi Kwa Ame National Monument establishment primarily impacts local communities including Native American tribes with cultural ties to the land, local businesses involved in recreation and tourism, and companies involved in mining and geothermal activities.
- Approximately 445,000 acres are transferred from mining and other commercial activities to conservation, which could lead to economic shifts for those dependent on these industries.
- Conversely, environmental and conservation benefits might appeal to many citizens and visitors who value ecological and cultural preservation, potentially boosting recreational tourism over time.
- Understanding these varied impacts assists in evaluating the policy's success, informing adjustments, and planning other conservation efforts in the U.S.
Simulated Interviews
Tour guide (Las Vegas, NV)
Age: 35 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The creation of the monument is likely to increase tourism in the area, which will be great for business.
- I am concerned about the logistics of managing increased tourist volume to ensure environmental preservation.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Mining engineer (Denver, CO)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy limits our current projects and restricts future mining operations in significant areas.
- It could cause job losses in our industry, but I understand the need for conservation.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 7 |
Small business owner (Laughlin, NV)
Age: 42 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This could bring more tourists to the area, potentially increasing my customer base.
- I'm concerned about whether my business plans align with new regulations from the monument.
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 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Tribal member and cultural advisor (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This designation is important for preserving my cultural heritage and allows for traditional practices to continue.
- I hope that management includes ongoing input from tribal leaders.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
Retired Park Ranger (Carson City, NV)
Age: 63 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I support this policy as it protects ecological and historical values important for future generations.
- I hope the budget allows for adequate management and preservation efforts.
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 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Environmental scientist (Reno, NV)
Age: 31 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This is a victory for conservation and can enhance biodiversity in the region.
- Effective management is key to ensuring the protection of these sensitive habitats.
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 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Ecotourist (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 29 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I look forward to visiting the new monument as it aligns with my interests in natural landscapes and wildlife.
- I am curious about the conservation success in this new area.
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 | 8 |
Geothermal energy advocate (Henderson, NV)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The restrictions on geothermal leasing are a setback for renewable energy projects.
- However, the conservation of land is also essential, balancing both interests seems challenging.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Retired Educator (Flagstaff, AZ)
Age: 70 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Protecting cultural heritage is vital and should be a high priority.
- I support initiatives that allow educational opportunities in historically significant areas.
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 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Graduate Student (Salt Lake City, UT)
Age: 24 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The designation creates great opportunities for academic research and enhances learning scopes for students.
- I'm eager to study how this area evolves and contributes to science.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $1000000 (Low: $750000, High: $1500000)
Year 2: $1000000 (Low: $750000, High: $1500000)
Year 3: $1000000 (Low: $750000, High: $1500000)
Year 5: $1500000 (Low: $1000000, High: $2000000)
Year 10: $2000000 (Low: $1500000, High: $3000000)
Year 100: $2000000 (Low: $1500000, High: $3000000)
Key Considerations
- Balancing conservation objectives with local economic needs and activities is crucial.
- Coordination with tribal leaders is essential for managing access and cultural activities.
- Long-term environmental benefits may outweigh short-term economic impacts.