Bill Overview
Title: STREAM Act
Description: This bill allows a state to set aside up to 30% of its annual grant for abandoned mine reclamation provided under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act for the treatment and abatement of acid mine drainage, which is the release of acidic water from abandoned coal mines.
Sponsors: Rep. Cartwright, Matt [D-PA-8]
Target Audience
Population: People living near or impacted by abandoned coal mines experiencing acid mine drainage
Estimated Size: 3000000
- Abandoned mine lands are found in many countries around the world that have historically had or currently have coal mining activities. This includes major coal-producing countries such as China, India, Russia, Australia, and South Africa.
- Acid mine drainage is a major environmental issue affecting water quality and ecosystem health in regions with abandoned mines.
- Communities near abandoned coal mines are often at risk from contamination and environmental impact.
- Governments and non-governmental organizations in affected countries will be involved in the restoration efforts.
Reasoning
- We are focusing on individuals living near abandoned coal mines in the U.S., specifically states with significant coal mining histories such as Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Kentucky, and Ohio.
- The policy impacts individuals directly affected by acid mine drainage, a primary environmental issue around these abandoned mines.
- There's a necessity to include a diverse range of interviews reflecting different impact levels from highly affected to minimally affected, as well as those indirectly affected or not affected at all.
- The budget constraints and target population size indicate the policy will impact a relatively small yet concentrated group primarily located in rural or semi-rural areas.
Simulated Interviews
Coal Miner (Charleston, West Virginia)
Age: 47 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The acid drainage has severely impacted our water supply, making it difficult for us to rely on local sources.
- If the policy funds are properly utilized, it could greatly improve our living conditions by reclaiming these mines.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 2 |
Environmental Scientist (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania)
Age: 35 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy is a step in the right direction for environmental restoration efforts.
- It will require transparent management and accountability for the funds to see real change.
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 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Teacher (Somerset, Ohio)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- While the policy may improve local ecosystems, I'm concerned about the broader implications on other public services that might get less funding.
- Educating the next generation about these efforts is key, and I hope schools are included in outreach campaigns.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Retired (Beckley, West Virginia)
Age: 73 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I've seen these lands deteriorate over decades; something needs to be done before it's too late.
- I just hope this doesn't mean higher taxes or more financial burden on us.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 3 |
Local Government Officer (Harlan County, Kentucky)
Age: 52 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's crucial that the local governments work hand-in-hand with communities for this policy to be effective.
- Access to clean water has been a major concern; any help with that is welcomed.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 3 |
Environmental Policy Analyst (Austin, Texas)
Age: 40 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The STREAM Act is a vital piece of legislation for addressing long-standing environmental issues from coal mining.
- The challenge will be in ensuring proper oversight and accountability for how funds are used.
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 | 6 | 6 |
Nurse (Hazard, Kentucky)
Age: 59 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 13/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The ongoing health issues from contaminated groundwater are hard on our community.
- I am hopeful but cautious about seeing real results from this policy initiative.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 3 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 2 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 2 |
Student (Cedar City, Utah)
Age: 26 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm learning about these issues in my studies, and it's important we tackle historical pollution problems concurrently with developing technologies.
- This act can serve as a model for other environmental remediation 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 |
Social Worker (Providence, Rhode Island)
Age: 37 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy references issues I'm familiar with from my work, though I'm located outside the primary target area.
- Awareness and policy action on these environmental issues are necessary steps.
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 |
Entrepreneur (Columbus, Ohio)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I see potential commercial opportunities emerging from increased environmental remediation projects like those supported by the STREAM Act.
- There's an economic angle to this policy that could benefit other sectors indirectly.
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 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $282500000 (Low: $250000000, High: $300000000)
Year 2: $276000000 (Low: $250000000, High: $300000000)
Year 3: $269500000 (Low: $245000000, High: $295000000)
Year 5: $262000000 (Low: $240000000, High: $280000000)
Year 10: $250000000 (Low: $230000000, High: $260000000)
Year 100: $200000000 (Low: $180000000, High: $220000000)
Key Considerations
- The success of the program heavily relies on the state's ability to effectively use allocated funds for acid mine drainage treatment.
- Coordination between state governments and federal agencies is crucial for the seamless roll-out of the project.