Bill Overview
Title: Complete America’s Great Trails Act
Description: This bill allows a tax credit for the fair market value of any National Scenic Trail conservation contribution. The Department of the Interior must study and report on the efficacy of the tax credit in completing, extending, and increasing the number of National Scenic Trails and the feasibility and cost of making the credit refundable and transferable.
Sponsors: Rep. Connolly, Gerald E. [D-VA-11]
Target Audience
Population: People who benefit from expansions and improvements to National Scenic Trails
Estimated Size: 8000000
- The bill is designed to provide a tax credit for contributions towards National Scenic Trails, indirectly impacting anyone who contributes to these trails.
- Individuals who are outdoor enthusiasts and use the National Scenic Trails will be affected by improvements and expansions funded by these contributions.
- The tax credit may incentivize higher income individuals or corporations who have the capacity to make large charitable contributions, thus potentially increasing trail funding.
- The general public may benefit from enhanced outdoor recreational opportunities and conservation efforts resulting from this bill.
Reasoning
- Given the budget constraints, we need to focus on individuals who are more directly involved with National Scenic Trails either as contributors or users.
- The policy will most likely impact property owners near trails, frequent trail users, conservationists, outdoor tourism businesses, and companies that might benefit from the tax deduction.
- With a general estimate of 10 million people affected by this policy, the direct impact might be less on average individuals unless they are engaged in outdoor activities or conservation efforts.
- The Cantril wellbeing scores will vary depending on whether the person directly benefits from the tax credit and the secondary benefits of enhanced trail access.
- To ensure a balance in perspectives, I've included accounts from people at different levels of impact from high donors to everyday trail users.
Simulated Interviews
Environmental Scientist (Boulder, Colorado)
Age: 42 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think the tax credit is a great initiative to motivate more people to contribute to the preservation and expansion of these trails.
- I'm hopeful that increased funding will lead to more trails being protected and maintained, which is crucial for our environment.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Marketing Manager (Portland, Oregon)
Age: 35 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy seems beneficial, but I wonder if it's enough to encourage large-scale contributions.
- Enhancing trails could make weekend hikes more enjoyable, but as an individual I probably won't see immediate changes.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Retired Business Owner (Salt Lake City, Utah)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The tax credit provides a wonderful opportunity to extend my philanthropic contributions to natural spaces.
- I'm excited to see how my donation could be maximized through this policy.
- I worry slightly about the bureaucratic efficiency though.
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 |
Accountant (New York, New York)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Outdoor initiatives are important, but this policy doesn't directly affect me living in an urban environment.
- I appreciate knowing scenic trails are protected, but I won't personally benefit from improved access or incentives.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Real Estate Developer (Atlanta, Georgia)
Age: 47 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This could be a strategic fiscal move for my property investments near trails.
- I do see potential advantages in promoting more natural spaces, but the extent of tax savings is crucial.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Software Engineer (Seattle, Washington)
Age: 53 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I feel optimistic about increased funding for trail conservation.
- The policy aligns with my values, and I'd likely use the tax credit when donating.
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 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Freelance Photographer (Austin, Texas)
Age: 37 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy could enhance my work environment, leading to better images and more business.
- However, as someone whose income depends on these trails, it’s crucial they continue being attractive and well-managed.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
College Student (Boston, Massachusetts)
Age: 22 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Good to see government incentives for conservation, though I wish I could take advantage of such a tax credit in a more direct manner.
- Hopefully, this leads to sustained improvements of trails I can use over my lifetime.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Corporate Lawyer (Chicago, Illinois)
Age: 31 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I like that this policy incentivizes donations for a good cause.
- While I support the cause, its direct effect on my day-to-day life is limited.
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 |
Small Business Owner (Reno, Nevada)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Enhancements to scenic trails could boost my business if more tourists are attracted to the area.
- I'm interested in how these credits might help local businesses beyond just recreational benefits.
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 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $50000000 (Low: $30000000, High: $70000000)
Year 2: $51000000 (Low: $30600000, High: $71400000)
Year 3: $52020000 (Low: $31212000, High: $72828000)
Year 5: $53104200 (Low: $31836240, High: $74346960)
Year 10: $55670394 (Low: $33402236, High: $77935752)
Year 100: $161939256 (Low: $97163554, High: $227459534)
Key Considerations
- Participation level in the tax credit program may significantly affect budgetary impact.
- Economic benefits from enhanced trails could be substantial, particularly in tourism and recreation.
- Potential for reduced costs associated with trail maintenance due to increased private contributions.