Bill Overview
Title: Hermit’s Peak Fire Assistance Act
Description: This bill provides for monetary compensation to the victims of the prescribed fire burn in the Santa Fe National Forest in New Mexico that became a wildfire known as the Hermit's Peak Fire or the Hermit's Peak Fire/Calf Canyon Fire. Each victim of the Hermit's Peak Fire shall be entitled to receive monetary compensation from the United States, including for personal injury, loss of property, business loss, or financial loss. An Office of Hermit's Peak Fire Claims is established within the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to receive, process, and pay claims to victims of the fire. FEMA or the independent claims manager (which FEMA may appoint) shall, on behalf of the United States, investigate, consider, ascertain, adjust, determine, grant, deny, or settle any claim for money damages asserted by a victim of the Hermit's Peak Fire. Any claimant aggrieved by a final decision of FEMA concerning compensation may, not later than 60 days after the date on which the decision is issued, bring a civil action in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Mexico, to modify or set aside the decision.
Sponsors: Rep. Leger Fernandez, Teresa [D-NM-3]
Target Audience
Population: Victims of the Hermit's Peak Fire (Santa Fe National Forest)
Estimated Size: 24000
- The fire occurred in the Santa Fe National Forest in New Mexico, meaning those directly affected are likely residents or businesses in that area.
- The target population includes individuals who suffered personal injury, as well as businesses and property owners who experienced losses due to the fire.
- Estimations should consider the population size and density of the affected area in order to gauge who might be eligible for compensation under the bill.
- Since the fire's specific location is in the U.S., the overall impact is quite localized compared to a disaster spanning multiple states.
Reasoning
- The population directly impacted by the Hermit's Peak Fire is primarily localized around the Santa Fe National Forest in New Mexico. This includes residents, business owners, and possibly tourists who were present during the fire.
- Given the rural nature of the affected area, it isn't densely populated, resulting in a specific yet sizable target population of approximately 24,000 people who may be eligible for compensation.
- The policy is restricted by budget limitations that need to carefully allocate monetary support to maximize assistance to those most affected by personal injury, loss of property, business interruptions, and other financial hardships.
- In developing simulated interviews, we should consider a mix of individuals with varying levels of impact and demographic backgrounds to understand different perspectives on the policy's potential effects.
- Interviews can provide insights into how such a focused and time-sensitive policy might uplift the well-being of affected individuals, if the promised compensations are delivered efficiently and equitably.
Simulated Interviews
Small Business Owner (Santa Fe, NM)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The fire nearly destroyed my livelihood. Our revenue dropped significantly.
- I'm hopeful that compensation can help me cover the losses and rebuild the business.
- It's been a tough year, and financial assistance is crucial for our family.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 3 |
Retired (Santo Domingo Pueblo, NM)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I don't have the means to repair my house myself.
- Government support can make a significant difference in recovering from this unexpected event.
- I just hope the process isn't too complicated or lengthy.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 4 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 2 |
Nurse (Albuquerque, NM)
Age: 35 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Even though I wasn't personally affected, I saw the devastation firsthand.
- The compensation acts as a critical relief effort that can prevent further health issues related to stress and loss.
- Support for victims is necessary, but I hope it can be distributed quickly and fairly.
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 |
Tour Guide (Taos, NM)
Age: 28 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- My job depended on the forest tourism, which has dried up after the fire.
- Compensation could help me transition into a new field or support during job loss.
- It's crucial that these funds reach those who need them most, like seasonal workers.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 4 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 3 |
Teacher (Las Vegas, NM)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Losses from smoke damage are overwhelming, both personally and for the community.
- The policy can provide much-needed financial relief and boost collective morale.
- I'm worried about the bureaucratic process to access the funds quickly.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 3 |
Forestry Worker (Remote Area near Forest, NM)
Age: 40 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The fire directly impacted my employment and future prospects.
- Compensation can help me support my family until I find new work.
- I hope the policy's coverage includes indirect job losses like mine.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 4 | 2 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 2 |
Artist (Santa Fe, NM)
Age: 30 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Art supplies and properties were damaged, impacting my ability to work.
- This policy could offer a reprieve and allow me to resume my artistic pursuits.
- Clear communication and swift assistance are critical for ongoing recovery.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 3 |
Property Owner (Espanola, NM)
Age: 55 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Property damages and tenant relocations have been financially devastating.
- Policy compensation could help repair damages and recover lost rental income.
- I worry about the criteria and timelines to qualify and receive funds.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 3 |
University Professor (Las Vegas, NM)
Age: 48 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- While I'm not directly affected, supporting those in need affects our entire community.
- The policy is a vital response to prevent long-term socio-economic declines.
- It's imperative to see fair and timely distribution of these compensations.
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 |
Construction Worker (Santa Fe, NM)
Age: 37 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The rebuilding is a large effort, and while I have work, the damage to my own home is significant.
- Victim compensation will be crucial as we fix personal and community damages.
- Ensuring timely compensation and support is vital for continued recovery efforts.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 3 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $300000000 (Low: $250000000, High: $350000000)
Year 2: $150000000 (Low: $100000000, High: $200000000)
Year 3: $100000000 (Low: $75000000, High: $150000000)
Year 5: $50000000 (Low: $25000000, High: $100000000)
Year 10: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- Administrative costs for establishing and running the Claim Office within FEMA.
- Potential for high overhead in claim processing and legal disputes.
- Variability in individual compensation claims due to different types and severities of loss.
- Influence on local economy as compensation is spent within affected communities.