Bill Overview
Title: Eliminate, Neutralize, and Disrupt Wildlife Trafficking Reauthorization and Improvements Act of 2022
Description: This bill permanently reauthorizes the Presidential Task Force on Wildlife Trafficking, expands the responsibilities of the task force, and sets forth other provisions to eliminate wildlife poaching and illegal wildlife trade.
Sponsors: Sen. Coons, Christopher A. [D-DE]
Target Audience
Population: People impacted by global wildlife trafficking measures
Estimated Size: 330000000
- The bill aims to combat wildlife trafficking, which is a global issue affecting various species at risk of extinction due to poaching and illegal trade.
- Efforts to eliminate wildlife trafficking can impact conservation efforts by aiding in the protection of ecosystems and biodiversity.
- Wildlife trafficking often involves transnational criminal networks, and the bill targets these networks, potentially impacting international crime rates and enforcement activities.
- The restructuring and permanent reauthorization of the Presidential Task Force may affect various stakeholders involved in wildlife conservation, including government agencies, NGOs, and local communities who are aligned with or oppose the changes.
- By addressing wildlife trafficking, the bill can indirectly impact local economies that are connected to wildlife tourism or suffer from the negative impacts of poaching.
- Enhancements in legislation to curb illegal wildlife trade can affect consumer behaviors and black markets globally.
Reasoning
- The policy's global impact means it can indirectly influence US citizens involved with wildlife conservation, law enforcement, and tourism industries.
- Stakeholders such as law enforcement and NGOs could experience medium to high impact due to resource reallocation and strategic shifts, while average citizens may experience low to none.
- An increased allocation of resources towards wildlife trafficking could lead to a boost in societal awareness and potential changes in consumer behavior over the long term.
- Given budget limitations, effects on local communities tied to wildlife tourism might be more pronounced in areas directly impacted by poaching and trafficking routes.
- By embedding stronger measures against trafficking, global biodiversity efforts might improve, trickling down benefits to various sectors within the US including tourism and conservation.
Simulated Interviews
Wildlife Policy Analyst (Washington, D.C.)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy gives more teeth to existing efforts against wildlife trafficking.
- As a policy analyst, I see this as a big step forward in conservation.
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 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Tech Industry Executive (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I support any efforts that aim to protect our natural world.
- I think it's great that the US is taking a leadership role in this area.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Wildlife Photographer (Seattle, WA)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy might make my work easier by making certain areas safer for wildlife and photographers like me.
- It could also boost public interest in conservation.
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 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Game Warden (Houston, TX)
Age: 52 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I expect increased funding and resources will enhance our operations.
- This policy might finally give us the tools we need to curb trafficking.
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 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Customs Officer (Miami, FL)
Age: 40 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Any policy that empowers law enforcement is a positive step.
- The changes are much needed to realistically tackle the issues we face daily.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Environmental Science Student (Denver, CO)
Age: 31 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Great to see more governmental action in conservation; it could enhance research opportunities for students like me.
- Policies like this will encourage more young people to get involved in conservation.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Retired Safari Tour Operator (Orlando, FL)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's about time. We've seen firsthand how poaching cripples local economies and wildlife.
- Hopefully, this makes a real difference where it's needed.
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 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Fashion Industry Worker (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 23 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm curious to see how this might affect consumer tastes, especially in fashion.
- If this changes minds against wildlife products, it's a good step.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Journalist (New York, NY)
Age: 38 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This makes for an important story that could increase awareness among readers.
- I hope enforcement matches the policy's ambition.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Trader in Illegal Wildlife Products (Chicago, IL)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 3
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 1/20
Statement of Opinion:
- If this policy is enforced well, it could significantly hinder my operations.
- It's a big concern for my business's future.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 2 | 3 |
| Year 2 | 1 | 3 |
| Year 3 | 1 | 3 |
| Year 5 | 1 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 1 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 1 | 4 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $150000000 (Low: $120000000, High: $200000000)
Year 2: $155000000 (Low: $125000000, High: $205000000)
Year 3: $160000000 (Low: $130000000, High: $210000000)
Year 5: $170000000 (Low: $140000000, High: $220000000)
Year 10: $190000000 (Low: $160000000, High: $240000000)
Year 100: $250000000 (Low: $220000000, High: $300000000)
Key Considerations
- The impact of international cooperation on the effectiveness of wildlife trafficking measures.
- Potential unintended consequences on local communities and economies reliant on wildlife trade.
- The adaptability and responsiveness of the Task Force to evolving wildlife trafficking methods and technologies.
- The balance between enforcement and preventive measures in policymaking to effectively tackle wildlife trafficking.
- Long-term sustainability of funding and resources for the task force among potential shifts in political priorities.