Bill Overview
Title: Deerfield River Wild and Scenic River Study Act of 2022
Description: This bill designates the Deerfield River in Massachusetts and Vermont for potential addition to the national wild and scenic rivers system.
Sponsors: Rep. McGovern, James P. [D-MA-2]
Target Audience
Population: People impacted by the Deerfield River Wild and Scenic River Study Act of 2022
Estimated Size: 150000
- The bill focuses on the Deerfield River in Massachusetts and Vermont, suggesting a regional impact.
- Residents living near or relying on the Deerfield River may directly experience changes in environmental management and recreational activities.
- The designation could impact industries such as tourism and fishing, which are connected to the river.
- Environmental groups and conservationists may be impacted as they could gain more support and resources for conservation efforts.
- The national wild and scenic rivers system impacts various stakeholders, including local governments and national environmental agencies.
Reasoning
- The Deerfield River Wild and Scenic River Study Act of 2022 primarily impacts residents, businesses, and governments near the river in Massachusetts and Vermont.
- Groups such as local environmental organizations and conservationists may see increased support, affecting their societal roles.
- The policy influences local tourism and fishing industries due to changes in river management and accessibility.
- Not all U.S. residents are directly impacted, especially those living far from Massachusetts and Vermont.
- A significant portion of the $12,650,000 budget over 10 years would likely be allocated to environmental assessments and recreational development, directly impacting the nearby residents.
Simulated Interviews
Fishing Guide (Greenfield, Massachusetts)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- As a fishing guide, I rely heavily on open access to the Deerfield River. The wild and scenic designation might initially tighten regulations, but could lead to better environmental quality and potentially more tourists in the long run.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 4 |
Environmental Scientist (Brattleboro, Vermont)
Age: 32 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This legislation is a significant step towards preserving the unique ecological features of the Deerfield River.
- I believe it will enhance funding for scientific studies and conservation efforts.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 10 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 5 |
Tourism Agency Owner (Springfield, Massachusetts)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Designation could both help and hinder business. While the potential to draw more tourists is promising, stricter regulations might limit current operations.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 3 |
Software Engineer (Boston, Massachusetts)
Age: 28 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I enjoy the river for recreation but don't see how this directly affects me day to day, besides maybe impacting when and how I can kayak.
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 |
Retired (Hartford, Connecticut)
Age: 62 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 9
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm thrilled to see the Deerfield River being considered for protection. This act represents a personal achievement as it supports my lifelong advocacy.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 10 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 10 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 6 |
Local Government Official (Woodford, Vermont)
Age: 39 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The designation might necessitate adjustments in local development plans, but it can also boost efforts for sustainable growth and community involvement.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
Logistics Manager (Bennington, Vermont)
Age: 54 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I worry about how increased river protection could disrupt business logistics, though I'm supportive of environmental improvements in principle.
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 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Graduate Student (North Adams, Massachusetts)
Age: 23 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This legislation is a crucial academic case study, providing real-world context to my studies and advocacy work.
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 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Investment Analyst (New York City, New York)
Age: 47 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Not directly impacted, but seeing environmental policies like this one encourages confidence in sustainable investments.
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 |
Teacher (Burlington, Vermont)
Age: 51 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy provides new educational opportunities and experiences for my students to see real-world environmental efforts.
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 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $1000000 (Low: $800000, High: $1200000)
Year 2: $1100000 (Low: $900000, High: $1300000)
Year 3: $1200000 (Low: $1000000, High: $1400000)
Year 5: $1300000 (Low: $1100000, High: $1500000)
Year 10: $1400000 (Low: $1200000, High: $1600000)
Year 100: $1500000 (Low: $1300000, High: $1700000)
Key Considerations
- The study's outcomes could lead to the river's permanent designation as a national wild and scenic river, necessitating further reviews and potential development restrictions.
- Community engagement will be essential to address any local concerns about restrictions or impacts from designation.
- Coordination with both Massachusetts and Vermont will be necessary given the river's span across state lines.