Bill Overview
Title: To reauthorize funding for the Reclamation Climate Change and Water Program.
Description: This bill reauthorizes through FY2033 the Bureau of Reclamation's water cycle, drought, and climate change program, which Reclamation implements through the WaterSMART Basin Study Program. This program is authorized to coordinate with other appropriate agencies to assess global climate change with respect to water resources in the eight major reclamation river basins in the western United States. The program must also ensure watershed and aquifer system strategies are developed to address potential water shortages, conflicts, and other impacts to water.
Sponsors: Rep. Porter, Katie [D-CA-45]
Target Audience
Population: People living in the western United States reliant on the eight major reclamation river basins for water
Estimated Size: 60000000
- The bill deals with water resources, which are critical for both residential and industrial populations.
- The Western United States is specifically mentioned, which includes states like California, Arizona, Nevada etc.
- Water scarcity and management impact agricultural productivity, residential water usage, and overall economic activities.
- Water issues tend to have a broad impact on both urban and rural populations.
Reasoning
- The policy impacts individuals differently based on their reliance on the eight major reclamation river basins, and their engagement in activities such as agriculture, residential water use, and industry.
- Individuals not directly involved in water-dependent industries or regions might experience low to no impact.
- We need to include a diverse population to capture a range of responses from those directly and indirectly affected by changes in water policy, including urban, rural, industrial, and agricultural participants.
- Given the large population estimated to be affected, there's variability in the level of awareness and concern about water resource management, influencing perceived wellbeing changes.
Simulated Interviews
Farmer (Phoenix, Arizona)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The droughts have been tough on my crops, decreasing yield and increasing costs.
- I'm hopeful this policy would help manage water shortages better.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 2 |
Civil Engineer (Las Vegas, Nevada)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This program is a step in the right direction for sustainable water use in our state.
- If properly managed, it can greatly improve water availability and urban planning.
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 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Environmental Scientist (Sacramento, California)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's vital we take action now to protect our water resources from climate change.
- This policy should encourage collaboration across agencies, which I support.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 4 |
Tech Entrepreneur (Denver, Colorado)
Age: 29 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy might drive demand for our products, boosting business.
- I see it as an opportunity to collaborate with agencies working on aquifer strategies.
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 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Teacher (Boise, Idaho)
Age: 42 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Educational resources and policy awareness are key for community support.
- I support anything that can prepare us better for drought situations.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
Retired (Reno, Nevada)
Age: 65 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I've seen the rivers change over the years; it's frightening.
- I hope this effort makes a difference for future generations.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 3 |
Real Estate Agent (Salt Lake City, Utah)
Age: 38 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Policies like these impact property values and developments.
- Water management is increasingly a selling point in urban real estate.
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 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Graduate Student (Los Angeles, California)
Age: 24 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The program provides critical support for developing innovative water policies.
- I hope the measures are enough to address the growing climate threats.
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 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 2 |
Construction Manager (Tucson, Arizona)
Age: 55 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 13/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Water is central to our ability to expand housing and commercial space.
- The effectiveness of policies like these directly affects my industry.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 4 |
Water Rights Lawyer (Albuquerque, New Mexico)
Age: 60 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- My work will be influenced by changes in water policy and management.
- This initiative could help clarify rights and reduce conflicts.
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 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $7500000 (Low: $6000000, High: $9000000)
Year 2: $7500000 (Low: $6000000, High: $9000000)
Year 3: $7500000 (Low: $6000000, High: $9000000)
Year 5: $7500000 (Low: $6000000, High: $9000000)
Year 10: $7500000 (Low: $6000000, High: $9000000)
Year 100: $7500000 (Low: $6000000, High: $9000000)
Key Considerations
- Climate change effects on water resources are increasing, necessitating effective management and adaptation strategies.
- The program must work across state and federal levels, requiring coordination to maximize efficiency.
- Costs associated with climate adaptation are often offset by the long-term benefits of avoided damage and shortages.
- WaterSMART Basin Study Program already has a basic infrastructure in place, allowing for a more accurate analysis of costs.