Bill Overview
Title: Great Salt Lake Recovery Act
Description: This bill authorizes the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to study the hydrology of saline lake ecosystems in the Great Basin, including the Great Salt Lake, Utah, as well as to investigate the feasibility of a project for ecosystem restoration and drought solutions in the Great Salt Lake.
Sponsors: Rep. Stewart, Chris [R-UT-2]
Target Audience
Population: People dependent or interested in the ecosystem or resources of Great Salt Lake
Estimated Size: 3000000
- The Great Salt Lake is located in Utah, which impacts the regional population, particularly those involved in industries such as mineral extraction, tourism, and wildlife-dependent businesses.
- Salt lakes offer critical habitats for endemic and migratory species, so wildlife and conservation communities are attentive to such preservation efforts.
- Saline lake ecosystems are vital for biodiversity and ecological balance, meaning their health impacts a global audience interested in environmental preservation.
- Projects authorized by this bill could indirectly impact anyone relying on ecological or environmental services provided by healthy saline ecosystems globally.
Reasoning
- The policy primarily affects individuals and communities directly interacting with or impacted by the Great Salt Lake, such as local residents, business owners, and those involved in relevant industries.
- We need to include perspectives from people who are directly impacted by changes in the lake’s ecosystem, as well as those whose livelihoods depend on the lake (e.g., tourism, mineral extraction).
- The policy's budget is limited, necessitating a focus on immediate study and feasibility analysis with foreseeable long-term benefits rather than immediate large-scale ecosystem changes.
- Indirect implications may arise for international and regional conservationists or scientists who monitor saline lake health globally.
Simulated Interviews
Miner (Salt Lake City, Utah)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I've seen the lake levels drop and worry about my job security if the minerals become less accessible.
- Any measures to maintain the ecosystem are beneficial to my work and the community.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 3 |
Tourism operator (Provo, Utah)
Age: 33 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Business has suffered as the lake levels dropped.
- A restoration program gives me hope to attract more tourists and create new jobs.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 4 |
Environmental Scientist (Ogden, Utah)
Age: 40 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy is critical for addressing the ecological challenges we face.
- It will also help gather important data to advocate for more funding.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 10 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 4 |
Conservation volunteer (West Valley City, Utah)
Age: 28 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Finally seeing some government action is great, but I hope they include community voices.
- I'm eager to volunteer and help wherever possible.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 4 |
Environmental Policy Analyst (Sacramento, California)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The initiative is a promising step for scaling similar efforts nationwide.
- It's important for the federal government to set precedents in ecosystem health.
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 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Farmer (Logan, Utah)
Age: 37 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Our water source has become more unreliable over the years.
- If the lake is restored, it might stabilize our irrigation needs.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 2 |
Graduate Student in Ecology (Denver, Colorado)
Age: 26 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 8.0 years
Commonness: 20/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm hopeful this act will enhance research opportunities and data collection.
- It’s vital to protect these unique ecosystems for future studies.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Wildlife Photographer (Reno, Nevada)
Age: 55 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 12.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The beauty of the Great Salt Lake is unparalleled, but it's changing rapidly.
- This act could preserve not just views, but wildlife habitats I love capturing.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
Activist and Ecologist (Seattle, Washington)
Age: 30 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The act is a solid move toward substantive policy action that we need more in this climate era.
- I'd love to see more inclusive participation from local stakeholders.
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 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Investor in Environmental Tech (Chicago, Illinois)
Age: 47 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 9
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 20/20
Statement of Opinion:
- A project like this opens doors to innovative, ecologically focused business opportunities.
- The stewardship of natural resources is crucial for not just environmentalists but also investors like me.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 9 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $10000000 (Low: $8000000, High: $12000000)
Year 2: $8000000 (Low: $6000000, High: $10000000)
Year 3: $8000000 (Low: $6000000, High: $10000000)
Year 5: $5000000 (Low: $4000000, High: $7000000)
Year 10: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- Environmental concerns are paramount, ensuring minimal disruption to natural habitats during study and restoration efforts.
- Engaging local stakeholders and communities is crucial for gaining support and ensuring project success.
- Adapting to new scientific data and incorporating advanced technologies can increase efficiency and results.
- Future sustainability plans need to be integrated from the beginning to maximize long-term benefits.