Bill Overview
Title: Buffalo Tract Protection Act
Description: This bill withdraws specified Bureau of Land Management lands in Placitas, New Mexico, from (1) location, entry, and patent under the mining laws; and (2) disposition under the mineral leasing, mineral materials, and geothermal leasing laws. Any conveyance of the surface estate of such federal land shall require a reservation of the mineral estate to the United States.
Sponsors: Sen. Heinrich, Martin [D-NM]
Target Audience
Population: people whose rights or interests intersect with BLM lands in Placitas, New Mexico
Estimated Size: 10000
- The Buffalo Tract Protection Act concerns specific BLM lands in Placitas, New Mexico, focusing on the withdrawal of lands from mining and mineral leasing.
- The estimated global impacted population will include members of Native American communities, especially the nearby Pueblos, who have cultural and historical ties to these lands.
- Mining and energy companies interested in exploring or extracting minerals in these areas will also be affected.
- The local community around Placitas, New Mexico, may be impacted in terms of economic opportunities related to mining versus environmental and cultural preservation.
Reasoning
- The policy is focused on protecting specific lands from mining and material extraction, influencing local communities who might have interests in cultural preservation or economic opportunities connected to mining.
- Considering the budget and the affected population, various stakeholders from local residents to mining companies will experience different levels of impact.
- Some people will not be significantly affected if their livelihoods or cultural practices aren't directly linked to these lands.
- Native American communities, such as the nearby Pueblos, might prioritize cultural and historical preservation over economic exploitation of these lands.
- Mining companies faced with restrictions will likely express lower wellbeing scores due to anticipated economic losses.
Simulated Interviews
Retired (Placitas, New Mexico)
Age: 56 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I support the Buffalo Tract Protection Act because it preserves our cultural heritage and the environment.
- This policy will protect sacred lands from destructive mining activities.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 3 |
Environmental Scientist (Albuquerque, New Mexico)
Age: 34 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This act aligns with my work in conservation, reducing environmental impacts from mining.
- Long-term environmental benefits outweigh short-term economic gains.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Small Business Owner (Santa Fe, New Mexico)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- If the policy attracts more eco-tourism, it might benefit my business, but any downturn in local economy is concerning.
- Cultural heritage could become a tourist attraction, but with economic risks.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Mining Executive (Houston, Texas)
Age: 41 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy disrupts potential business opportunities in the region, causing financial concerns.
- Preservation should consider economic impacts on local businesses and job opportunities.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 4 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 3 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 3 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 3 | 8 |
Teacher (Rio Rancho, New Mexico)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I support the policy for its environmental protection and educational potential.
- Can use the policy in teaching about environmental and cultural preservation.
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 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Local Artist (Placitas, New Mexico)
Age: 62 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Preserving these lands supports my artistic inspiration and cultural identity.
- The physical beauty and untouched landscapes are crucial to my work.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 4 |
Federal Government Employee (Denver, Colorado)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This act ensures the protection of federal lands, aligning with conservation goals.
- Balancing economic and environmental needs is always challenging but necessary.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Construction Worker (Los Lunas, New Mexico)
Age: 38 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 7.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy might reduce job opportunities linked to mining and construction.
- While I value environmental preservation, it could impact my job security.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 4 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 4 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 3 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 3 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 3 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 3 | 5 |
Tribal Leader (Santa Ana Pueblo, New Mexico)
Age: 47 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The Protection Act is crucial for preserving sacred and cultural lands for future generations.
- Ensures lands remain undisturbed, vital for our community's heritage.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 3 |
Environmental Advocate (Los Angeles, California)
Age: 53 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I am in favor of the act for its contribution to conserving biodiverse areas.
- Protecting these lands from resource extraction is a win for environmental advocacy.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $10000000 (Low: $5000000, High: $15000000)
Year 2: $10000000 (Low: $5000000, High: $15000000)
Year 3: $10000000 (Low: $5000000, High: $15000000)
Year 5: $10000000 (Low: $5000000, High: $15000000)
Year 10: $10000000 (Low: $5000000, High: $15000000)
Year 100: $10000000 (Low: $5000000, High: $15000000)
Key Considerations
- The protection of lands supports cultural heritage and environmental preservation, providing long-term intangible benefits.
- Environmental valuation versus immediate fiscal gains from extraction plays a central role.
- Legal considerations regarding existing rights or claims on the land could influence the implementation timelines and associated fiscal impacts.