Bill Overview
Title: Pueblos of Jemez and Zia 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 Jemez, the Pueblo of Zia, the United States, New Mexico, and others, thus satisfying claims to water rights in the Jemez River Stream System in New Mexico. Additionally, the bill establishes and provides funding for two settlement trust funds.
Sponsors: Rep. Leger Fernandez, Teresa [D-NM-3]
Target Audience
Population: Members of the Pueblo of Jemez and the Pueblo of Zia
Estimated Size: 7500
- The legislation focuses on the Pueblos of Jemez and Zia, which are Native American communities in New Mexico, USA, and seeks to resolve their water rights.
- The primary population affected includes members of the Pueblo of Jemez and the Pueblo of Zia, as the settlement directly addresses their claims to water rights.
- The legislation could indirectly affect the broader community in New Mexico that interacts with or depends on the Jemez River Stream System.
- According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there are estimated to be several thousand individuals living in the Pueblos, making this a relatively small but significant target group.
- The population of Native Americans in the United States was approximately 9.7 million in 2021, but only a fraction reside in New Mexico Pueblos.
Reasoning
- The primary affected group consists of members of the Pueblo of Jemez and Pueblo of Zia, so a significant number of interviews should focus on this group.
- We need to account for both direct impacts on water access and rights and indirect impacts on community wellbeing and cultural significance.
- Consideration should be given to indirect effects on local non-Native residents and those economically linked to the Jemez River.
- Inclusion of individuals not directly involved but possibly affected by economic or environmental shifts is important.
- The economic and cultural significance of the water rights settlement may not drastically affect non-Pueblo residents' wellbeing scores, but it provides community stability and justice.
- Budgetary constraints limit the size of infrastructure improvements but could significantly impact personal security concerning water rights.
Simulated Interviews
Community Health Worker (Jemez Pueblo, NM)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The settlement is a critical step towards securing water for our community's future.
- We have fought long for these rights, and it's a relief to see progress.
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 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
Retired (Zia Pueblo, NM)
Age: 62 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This is an affirmation of our ancestral rights. It's more than just water; it's about justice and identity.
- Future generations will benefit from these settlements.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 3 |
Environmental Scientist (Albuquerque, NM)
Age: 30 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- While not directly affected, this settlement sets a precedent in water agreements.
- Could influence future water management strategies across the state.
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 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Farmer (Santa Fe, NM)
Age: 53 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I hope the settlement won't affect my access to water negatively.
- There's a need for fair distribution among all users of the Jemez River.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Teacher (Zia Pueblo, NM)
Age: 65 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This settlement provides a curriculum for teaching about advocacy and our rights.
- Our children can learn the importance of their cultural heritage.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 4 |
Water Resource Manager (Jemez Pueblo, NM)
Age: 28 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This settlement enables critical improvements in our water systems.
- I feel empowered to implement positive changes for our community.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
Civil Engineer (Rio Rancho, NM)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Technically, this settlement can inspire technological advances in water management.
- There might be more job opportunities in related sectors.
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 | 6 | 6 |
Tourism Business Owner (Jemez Springs, NM)
Age: 40 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's crucial that the settlement doesn't affect tourism negatively.
- Dependable water resources can enhance the area's natural appeal.
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 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Artist (Zia Pueblo, NM)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The settlement inspires my work as it reconnects us with our resources.
- There's an increased sense of pride and cultural sharing.
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 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
Policy Analyst (Santa Fe, NM)
Age: 47 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Interesting case study for water rights and indigenous treaties.
- Might lead to further political discussions and ramifications in the region.
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 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $50000000 (Low: $45000000, High: $55000000)
Year 2: $2000000 (Low: $1500000, High: $2500000)
Year 3: $2000000 (Low: $1500000, High: $2500000)
Year 5: $2000000 (Low: $1500000, High: $2500000)
Year 10: $2000000 (Low: $1500000, High: $2500000)
Year 100: $2000000 (Low: $1500000, High: $2500000)
Key Considerations
- The costs entail both immediate expenses for establishing trust funds and long-term administrative costs.
- Projected savings from litigation avoidance and improved intergovernmental relations.
- The significant upfront cost in year one is primarily due to the establishment of settlement trust funds.