Bill Overview
Title: Cape Cod National Seashore Advisory Commission Reauthorization Act
Description: This bill extends the Cape Cod National Seashore Advisory Commission until September 26, 2029. The bill also repeals the prohibition barring the Department of the Interior from, without the advice of the commission, issuing a permit for commercial or industrial use of property located within the seashore or establishing a public use area for recreational activity within the seashore.
Sponsors: Sen. Markey, Edward J. [D-MA]
Target Audience
Population: People directly connected to Cape Cod National Seashore
Estimated Size: 100000
- The Cape Cod National Seashore is located in Massachusetts, USA, so the legislation primarily impacts individuals associated with this geographical area.
- Individuals residing in or near Cape Cod may be affected because changes in permits for commercial or industrial use could alter local economic and environmental conditions.
- Local businesses that operate within or near the Cape Cod National Seashore are impacted, particularly if they rely on or plan to engage in activities that require permits.
- Tourists who visit this area for recreational purposes could see changes in public use areas or amenities.
- Environmental groups and advocates concerned with conservation and land use in Cape Cod would find interest in this legislative change.
Reasoning
- The policy affects a specific geographic region, so only those with a direct connection to Cape Cod or interests in its use would be affected.
- Local residents and business operators might benefit or suffer due to changes in land use or economic opportunities.
- Tourists may notice different access or amenities over time, depending on environmental or commercial developments.
- Environmentalists could be concerned about increased commercial activities without as thorough oversight, impacting land conservation efforts.
Simulated Interviews
Hotel Manager (Orleans, MA)
Age: 53 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think having more flexibility in commercial permits could be a boon for business.
- Tourism is vital for our local economy, and anything that could make Cape Cod more attractive is a plus.
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 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
Environmental Scientist (Boston, MA)
Age: 37 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The repeal could threaten conservation efforts if not managed carefully.
- I hope the advisory commission can still have a strong voice.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 7 |
Software Engineer (Providence, RI)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- More recreational areas could be great for people like me.
- But, I'd be concerned if it impacts the natural beauty.
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 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Retail Store Owner (Boston, MA)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 8.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- If more tourists visit due to new recreational areas, it could help my business.
- I'm a bit worried about the environmental impact, though.
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 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
Retired (Chatham, MA)
Age: 62 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm very wary of commercial exploitation of the seashore.
- We need to protect our natural heritage for future generations.
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 | 4 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 4 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 3 | 7 |
Real Estate Developer (Sandwich, MA)
Age: 32 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Lifting restrictions could be good for developing projects that bring in jobs.
- It's important to balance growth with conservation, though.
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 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 4 |
Journalist (New York, NY)
Age: 26 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The change in permit regulations is significant for coastal management debates.
- I worry about how this will influence other similar policies nationally.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 7 |
Fisherman (Wellfleet, MA)
Age: 40 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy might affect the waters and ultimately my catch.
- Regulation changes should always consider environmental impacts severely.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 4 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 4 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 4 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 3 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 3 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 2 | 5 |
Local Business Owner (Hyannis, MA)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy might bring in more tourists which could help my business.
- However, increased commercial activity might detract from the charm of Cape Cod.
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 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Tourist (Brooklyn, NY)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 18/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Additional recreational areas could improve my experience.
- I hope these changes do not compromise the natural scenery.
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 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $200000 (Low: $150000, High: $250000)
Year 2: $200000 (Low: $150000, High: $250000)
Year 3: $200000 (Low: $150000, High: $250000)
Year 5: $200000 (Low: $150000, High: $250000)
Year 10: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- The primary financial impact is administrative, involving costs related to extending the commission which were budgeted previously.
- Local environmental, business, and recreational impacts could arise from changes in permit regulation.