Bill Overview
Title: Salton Sea Projects Improvements Act
Description: This bill provides the Bureau of Reclamation with additional project authorities for the Salton Sea research project in Southern California and reauthorizes a Department of Interior pilot program in the Colorado River Basin. Specifically, the bill authorizes Reclamation to provide grants and enter into contracts and cooperative agreements to carry out projects (e.g., construction activities and dust suppression projects) to improve air quality, fish and wildlife habitat, recreational opportunities, and water quality in the area of the Salton Sea. To carry out these projects, Reclamation may enter into partnerships with state, tribal, and local governments; water districts; joint powers authorities, including the Salton Sea Authority; nonprofit organizations; and institutions of higher education. The bill also reauthorizes Interior to fund or participate in pilot projects to increase Colorado River System water in Lake Mead and the Colorado River Storage Project reservoirs through FY2026. The bill further requires Interior to submit an updated report to Congress by the end of FY2027 on the effectiveness of the pilot projects and a recommendation on whether to continue the program.
Sponsors: Sen. Padilla, Alex [D-CA]
Target Audience
Population: Individuals affected by Salton Sea and Colorado River Basin projects
Estimated Size: 500000
- The Salton Sea is located in Southern California, which directly impacts residents living in this region.
- The legislation targets improvements in air quality, fish and wildlife habitat, recreational opportunities, and water quality, all of which affect the local population's health and quality of life.
- Regional tribes and local governments directly participating in the projects will be impacted due to their involvement and partnerships.
- The broader Colorado River Basin communities might be affected due to water management and quality improvements resulting from the pilot projects.
- Fish and wildlife that rely on the Salton Sea and Colorado River habitats will also be impacted.
Reasoning
- The Salton Sea region and surrounding communities are of particular focus due to their proximity and direct impact from improvements in air quality, habitat restoration, and recreational opportunities.
- The involvement of local tribes and governments will determine initial and ongoing partnership impacts; these communities may see communal infrastructure benefits.
- Water quality and supply improvements downstream, notably in the Colorado River Basin, will have effects reaching communities dependent on the river water, seen in possible enhancements in agricultural outputs and reduced water scarcity.
- Fish and wildlife benefits may not have immediate human societal impacts but will impact agricultural and ecological stability long-term.
- Economic considerations include potential increases in property values and tourism driven by improved recreational opportunities at the Salton Sea.
- Budget limitations may restrict the full breadth or speed of anticipated project roll-outs, especially when considering potential environmental policy overhead costs.
Simulated Interviews
Farmer (Indio, CA)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy will improve air quality, which has been affecting my crops.
- Better water management could help in reducing salinity, affecting agricultural output.
- Skeptical about seeing quick results given past inaction.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 4 |
Environmental Scientist (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 32 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy enables larger scale projects and real impact analyses to be conducted.
- I'm optimistic about the collaboration with educational institutions, enhancing research capabilities.
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 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
Travel Guide (Blythe, CA)
Age: 28 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Improvements in the Salton Sea's condition could greatly enhance local tourism.
- There's potential for new eco-tourism initiatives leveraging policy-backed projects.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 3 |
Water Resource Manager (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 55 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Projects that support water storage and management directly influence my work.
- Sustaining Lake Mead levels is crucial for maintaining water supply chains.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Retired Teacher (Salton City, CA)
Age: 68 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Air quality improvements can significantly influence our health.
- I'm looking forward to seeing better recreational spaces in our community.
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 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 4 |
Policy Analyst (Denver, CO)
Age: 40 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 16/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The success metrics defined in the policy can guide future legislative efforts.
- Cooperation with local governments will be key in achieving tangible outcomes.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Casino Manager (Las Vegas, NV)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Future of the tourism industry is linked with sustainable water levels.
- Any reduction in water costs supports economic stability.
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 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
High School Teacher (Salt Lake City, UT)
Age: 38 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Including youth in these projects through educational programs could heighten environmental awareness.
- I'm optimistic about curriculum materials that can emerge from partnerships within academia.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Wildlife Conservationist (Ehrenberg, AZ)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This bill could enhance our habitat restoration efforts.
- Long-term impacts on bird populations can indicate overall ecosystem health.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 4 |
Tribal Leader (Yuma, AZ)
Age: 47 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Engagement in these projects strengthens our position in water rights negotiations.
- Community advancement tied to the policy's success. Requires vigilant accountability and transparency.
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 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 4 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $500000000 (Low: $400000000, High: $600000000)
Year 2: $500000000 (Low: $400000000, High: $600000000)
Year 3: $500000000 (Low: $400000000, High: $600000000)
Year 5: $500000000 (Low: $400000000, High: $600000000)
Year 10: $500000000 (Low: $400000000, High: $600000000)
Year 100: $500000000 (Low: $400000000, High: $600000000)
Key Considerations
- Coordination with multiple governmental and non-governmental partners may introduce logistical challenges.
- Environmental recovery may take longer than anticipated, affecting project schedules and costs.
- Dependence on sustained federal funding and political support through FY2026.