Bill Overview
Title: Don Young Veterans Advancing Conservation Act
Description: This bill requires the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to establish the Veterans Advancing Conservation Grant Program to award grants, on a competitive basis, to facilitate the training and employment of veterans for marine and coastal conservation activities (e.g., coral restoration and rehabilitation). NOAA must coordinate with the Department of the Interior and the Department of Veterans Affairs to implement the program.
Sponsors: Rep. Soto, Darren [D-FL-9]
Target Audience
Population: Military veterans
Estimated Size: 15000000
- The program targets veterans for employment and training opportunities in marine and coastal conservation activities.
- The global population of military veterans, including those from the US, is a significant demographic, with millions worldwide.
- Many veterans seek employment and opportunities post-service, and conservation work offers a viable career path for them.
- The program integrates collaboration between NOAA, the Department of the Interior, and the Department of Veterans Affairs to reach and involve veterans.
Reasoning
- The policy is specifically aimed at assisting veterans, thus it is essential to include them primarily, as well as individuals in associated fields or spouses/family of veterans who might be indirectly impacted.
- Given the budget, the program can support a limited number of veterans, likely in the thousands, over the span of 10 years.
- We expect immediate impacts might be seen in the form of training programs and initial employment, with potential longer-term benefits in job stability and career satisfaction.
- The geographic distribution of marine and coastal activities will mean that veterans living in coastal states might see more direct opportunities.
- Indirect impacts might include improved environmental health in coastal areas, affecting local communities positively but in a more diffused manner.
Simulated Interviews
former military logistician (Florida)
Age: 28 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- As a former logistician in the military, I find the transition to civilian workforce challenging. This program could provide the training I need to pursue a meaningful career in conservation.
- Opportunities in coastal conservation seem promising given my location.
- Having a steady job that contributes positively to the environment is appealing.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
marine biologist (California)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm not a veteran, but as a marine biologist, I see how this program could greatly boost efforts in conservation.
- Pairing veterans with existing conservation projects brings varied skill sets into the field.
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 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
veteran social worker (Texas)
Age: 36 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This program aligns with the goals we have for veterans seeking new career paths in Texas.
- We can see increased well-being among veterans who gain meaningful employment through conservation.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
retired navy officer (New York)
Age: 58 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The idea of continuing some form of service in a civilian context, like conservation, appeals to me.
- I feel that training tailored for veterans is much needed, especially in fields like conservation that are new to us.
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 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 6 |
fisherman (Hawaii)
Age: 47 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I've been worried about declining coral reefs and would love to be part of the solution.
- My experience in marine environments could be useful if such opportunities were available.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
environmental consultant (Virginia)
Age: 52 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I see this as a crucial step in diversifying the workforce in our conservation projects.
- Veterans bring leadership and discipline that are invaluable in conservation efforts.
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 | 7 | 8 |
seasonal ranger (Alaska)
Age: 29 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Transitioning to civilian life is daunting, and a career in conservation seems fulfilling.
- In Alaska, initiatives to protect our coastal regions can definitely benefit from this policy.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
homemaker (Maine)
Age: 41 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- My husband could greatly benefit from new employment opportunities like those proposed in this policy.
- It's wonderful to see veterans being considered for roles that impact our local environment positively.
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 | 7 | 7 |
construction worker (Louisiana)
Age: 34 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 7.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This is an opportunity to diversify my skills and maybe transition into a new career more aligned with my interests.
- Conservation activities are crucial for protecting our landscapes here in Louisiana.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
entering graduate school (Maryland)
Age: 30 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 6.0 years
Commonness: 13/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Enrolling in graduate school for environmental science, I support this initiative fully for creating more job pathways.
- Veterans often struggle to find fulfilling work post-service - this could change that.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $50000000 (Low: $40000000, High: $60000000)
Year 2: $51000000 (Low: $40800000, High: $61200000)
Year 3: $52020000 (Low: $41616000, High: $62424000)
Year 5: $53060400 (Low: $42448320, High: $63672480)
Year 10: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- The program targets a significant demographic and promotes their employment, enhancing veteran integration into civilian life.
- There is an environmental benefit to enhancing marine and coastal conservation activities.
- The joint coordination among multiple federal agencies may lead to bureaucratic challenges.
- Long-term funding and sustainability of the conservation projects remain a critical factor for success.