Bill Overview
Title: Chaco Cultural Heritage Area Protection Act of 2022
Description: This bill withdraws certain federal land in New Mexico and authorizes the Department of the Interior to convey the land to, or exchange the land with, an Indian tribe under a resource management plan. Nonproducing oil and gas leases on the withdrawn land are terminated.
Sponsors: Rep. Leger Fernandez, Teresa [D-NM-3]
Target Audience
Population: People with cultural, environmental, and economic ties to the Chaco area
Estimated Size: 50000
- The Chaco Cultural Heritage Area is a significant site in New Mexico, which is known for its historical and cultural importance, particularly to Native American tribes like the Hopi, Pueblo, and Navajo.
- Federal lands around Chaco Canyon are primarily involved, which are places of historical inhabitance and cultural significance for the Native tribes.
- The Act aims to protect these areas from oil and gas drilling which means people relying on these leases for economic livelihood may be impacted.
- There are about 574 federally recognized tribes in the US, but not all are directly tied to the Chaco area.
- The specific tribes with cultural ties to this region are the major stakeholders impacted.
Reasoning
- The Chaco Cultural Heritage Area Protection Act of 2022 aims to preserve a culturally significant site for Native American tribes by withdrawing land from federal oil and gas leases. This can significantly impact the Native tribes connected to this area, especially those involved in the leasing sectors; however, it positively affects cultural preservation efforts.
- Given the budget constraints, the implementation of the policy needs to prioritize areas with the most cultural significance and minimal economic disruption. The budget allows for some degree of financial adjustment for impacted individuals within the first year and a prolonged adjustment plan.
- We considered the mix of New Mexico residents, specifically Indigenous individuals, who are both directly and indirectly tied to the Chaco area culturally or economically. There is also an inclusion of individuals supporting broader cultural preservation goals from other parts of the country.
Simulated Interviews
Tribal Leader (New Mexico)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy is crucial for preserving our cultural heritage sites for future generations.
- While economic adjustments are needed for our people involved in these areas, the long-term cultural benefits outweigh the short-term economic losses.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 3 |
Rancher (New Mexico)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- While I understand the cultural significance, the termination of leases could affect our local economy significantly.
- We need some sort of economic assistance or plans to counteract this.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 4 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 4 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 4 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Environmental Activist (New York)
Age: 30 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This is a positive step towards preserving vital parts of Native American history and natural landscapes. It sets a precedent I would like to see elsewhere.
- The impact is more moral and environmental for us, less directly economic.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
Retired Teacher (Arizona)
Age: 60 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This is a crucial Act for maintaining our traditions and educating children about their history.
- It ensures that our sacred spaces are respected and protected.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 10 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 4 |
College Student (Albuquerque, NM)
Age: 25 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 12.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's encouraging to see the government taking steps to protect what is sacred and culturally important.
- I am worried about the economic implications for those relying on those leases, which could impact my community.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
Oil and Gas Worker (Texas)
Age: 35 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- My direct job isn't impacted by the policy, but I believe it could affect the industry I work in long term.
- It seems to be a setback in terms of energy production.
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 |
Artist (Santa Fe, NM)
Age: 52 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The Act is beneficial for preserving our culture and serves as inspiration for my work.
- People tied to the land culturally would appreciate it being protected.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 10 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 10 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 4 |
History Professor (California)
Age: 65 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 9
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This sort of legislative action is exactly what's needed to preserve important historical sites.
- From an academic perspective, it sets a crucial example for heritage conservation.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
Environmental Lawyer (Colorado)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The protection of Chaco Canyon is vital for both environmental and cultural reasons.
- Legal precedents like these are important for broader Indigenous rights.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
Federal Policy Analyst (Washington)
Age: 40 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This Act could serve as a benchmark for future policies concerning federal lands and cultural sites.
- The economic impact should be carefully balanced with cultural preservation.
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 |
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
- Balancing economic development with cultural and environmental preservation is a central issue.
- Engagement with Native tribes ensures that culturally significant lands are managed and protected appropriately.
- Monitoring costs and opportunity costs related to the withdrawal of oil and gas leases should be considered.