Bill Overview
Title: Pueblos of Acoma and Laguna Water Rights Settlement Act of 2022
Description: This bill authorizes, ratifies, and confirms a specified water rights settlement agreement entered into by the Pueblo of Acoma, the Pueblo of Laguna, the United States, New Mexico, and others, thus satisfying claims to water rights in the Rio San Jose Stream System in New Mexico. Additionally, the bill establishes and provides funding for three trust funds.
Sponsors: Rep. Leger Fernandez, Teresa [D-NM-3]
Target Audience
Population: Individuals living on or near Pueblo of Acoma and Pueblo of Laguna
Estimated Size: 15000
- The Pueblos of Acoma and Laguna are directly impacted as they are parties to the water rights settlement.
- Individuals living on or near the lands of the Pueblos of Acoma and Laguna will be affected, as these water rights are central to community use, cultural practices, and economic activities.
- New Mexico residents who rely on the Rio San Jose Stream System may experience impacts due to changes in water allocations or enhancements from the settlement.
- Any relevant governmental departments or agencies engaged in water management, infrastructure, or provision connected to this settlement will be operationally impacted.
Reasoning
- The investment is specifically targeted to benefit the water rights and infrastructure needs of the Pueblo of Acoma and Pueblo of Laguna.
- This policy is likely to have pronounced effects mostly within those immediate communities and surrounding residents who intersect with these water systems.
- Many New Mexico residents outside these Pueblos may feel no direct impact and thus remain unchanged in their wellbeing assessments.
Simulated Interviews
Cultural Preservation Specialist (Pueblo of Acoma, New Mexico)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy will positively impact our cultural practices by ensuring water access for sustainable cultural activities.
- Our community has fought long for this settlement; it feels like a significant victory.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 3 |
Farmer (Laguna Pueblo, New Mexico)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I hope this policy allows for more consistent water for my crops, improving yields and reducing stress.
- The past unpredictability in water rights was a significant concern.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 2 |
Environmental Scientist (Albuquerque, New Mexico)
Age: 28 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- While this doesn't affect me directly, any advancement in water rights will have positive long-term environmental impacts.
- It's crucial for sustainability in the region.
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 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
School Teacher (Pueblo of Laguna, New Mexico)
Age: 53 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy helps preserve our heritage and provides educational opportunities for the younger generation.
- I feel it's a step towards justice for historical water rights issues.
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 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
Water Rights Attorney (Santa Fe, New Mexico)
Age: 40 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's a huge win for the Pueblos and a necessary precedent.
- I hope this can ease long-standing conflicts over water rights in the region.
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 | 6 |
Retired (Los Lunas, New Mexico)
Age: 65 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Water rights settlements are essential for peace and fair access.
- I'm glad for the Pueblos; we all benefit from fairer systems in the long run.
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 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Small Business Owner (Grants, New Mexico)
Age: 30 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Any improvement in water reliability can benefit our business indirectly, more stability could follow.
- I've seen how uncertainty in water policy stresses the community; this settlement may change that.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
College Student (Pueblo of Acoma, New Mexico)
Age: 22 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm optimistic about this policy; it gives us tools to protect our resources.
- It feels empowering that our cultural needs and legal claims are being honored.
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 | 10 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
Craftsman (Zuni Pueblo, New Mexico)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I benefit indirectly through collaborations with Acoma artists. Positive changes there often ripple out to us.
- I recognize the importance of maintaining traditional practices through rightful access to resources.
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 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 4 |
County Water Resources Manager (Cibola County, New Mexico)
Age: 36 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This settlement is crucial; it shapes how we manage regional water strategies long-term.
- Balancing multiple community needs was hard; the settlement is a key piece moving forward.
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 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $100000000 (Low: $90000000, High: $110000000)
Year 2: $50000000 (Low: $45000000, High: $55000000)
Year 3: $30000000 (Low: $27000000, High: $33000000)
Year 5: $20000000 (Low: $18000000, High: $22000000)
Year 10: $15000000 (Low: $13000000, High: $17000000)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- Effective management of the trust funds will be crucial to ensuring that the funds are utilized appropriately for the purposes intended.
- Coordination among various governmental agencies will be necessary to implement the water settlement effectively.
- Possible environmental impacts and regulatory compliance costs should be monitored closely.
- Proper engagement and consultation with the affected Pueblos and surrounding communities are necessary for successful implementation.