Bill Overview
Title: Red Listing Monterey Bay Aquarium Act
Description: This bill prohibits federal funds from being appropriated, awarded, or granted to the Monterey Bay Aquarium located in Monterey, California.
Sponsors: Rep. Golden, Jared F. [D-ME-2]
Target Audience
Population: People who rely on activities related to the Monterey Bay Aquarium
Estimated Size: 80000
- Monterey Bay Aquarium is a significant employer and economic player in Monterey, California.
- Aquariums contribute to local tourism, education, and conservation efforts.
- A withdrawal of federal funding might lead to downsizing or reduced operations, affecting staff, visitors, and conservation initiatives.
Reasoning
- The Monterey Bay Aquarium is a key institution in the Monterey area, serving as a cultural, educational, and economic hub.
- The aquarium employs a significant number of people directly and supports local businesses through tourism and associated activities.
- Federal funding may support conservation and educational programs that have far-reaching impacts on marine biology and environmental science.
- While many people in the U.S. are not directly affected by changes in funding to this specific institution, those who are directly involved or employees can face significant disruptions.
- The policy might also indirectly impact environmental conservation efforts, which could have long-term effects on the wellbeing of broader populations involved.
- Some individuals might perceive the policy as a reduction in federal support for environmental initiatives, affecting public perception and attitudes towards ecological conservation.
Simulated Interviews
Marine Biologist (Monterey, California)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The loss of federal funding could limit our ability to conduct research and host educational programs.
- We might see decline in marine conservation efforts without proper support.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 9 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 9 |
Tourism Operator (Santa Cruz, California)
Age: 46 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Reduction in federal funds might lead to a decrease in tourist interest.
- Our business relies heavily on the influx of tourists attracted by the aquarium.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 8 |
Aquarium Staff (Salinas, California)
Age: 29 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I am concerned about job security if the federal funds are cut.
- Reduced operational funds might mean job cuts.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 4 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 4 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 4 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 4 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 7 |
Environmentalist (Houston, Texas)
Age: 55 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy might signal a reduced federal commitment to conservation.
- We rely on partnerships that might be affected by such policies.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 8 |
Retired Teacher (New York City, New York)
Age: 70 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The aquarium played a crucial role in inspiring students.
- Less funding could mean less accessibility for educational visits.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 7 |
Graduate Student (Chicago, Illinois)
Age: 25 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The aquarium's loss of funding might impact the availability of research data and opportunities.
- Such cuts could affect my field of study and future career opportunities.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 8 |
Startup Entrepreneur (Miami, Florida)
Age: 39 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 9
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Federal cuts might reduce collaboration on innovative projects with the aquarium.
- However, there could be more local investment opportunities.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 9 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 9 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 9 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 9 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 9 |
Policy Analyst (Washington, D.C.)
Age: 65 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This act reflects changing priorities in federal budget allocations.
- Long-term impacts on marine environment efforts could be significant.
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 |
Small Business Owner (Monterey, California)
Age: 52 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This could drastically reduce my customer base if fewer people visit the aquarium.
- The aquarium is a vital part of our local economy.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 8 |
Parent (Los Angeles, California)
Age: 42 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Our family enjoys visiting the aquarium, and I fear a lack of funds might affect our experience.
- Educational programs are vital for my children's learning.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 7 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $2000000 (Low: $1500000, High: $2500000)
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 bill primarily withdraws funding, which contributes to federal savings rather than incurs additional costs.
- Savings estimates rely on typical federal funding levels for the aquarium, which can fluctuate.
- Impact on local economies and employment in Monterey might need to be carefully considered.