Bill Overview
Title: Sun River Hydropower Authorization Act
Description: This bill authorizes the Bureau of Reclamation to construct, operate, and maintain facilities (e.g., dams) in the Sun River project in Montana for hydroelectric power generation.
Sponsors: Sen. Daines, Steve [R-MT]
Target Audience
Population: People living in and around the Sun River project area in Montana
Estimated Size: 75000
- Hydropower projects like the Sun River project can impact the local environment and communities around the construction site.
- Construction of new facilities may provide job opportunities for people living in the vicinity of the Sun River in Montana.
- There may be an environmental impact on those living downstream in terms of water quality and ecosystem changes.
- The hydroelectric power generation could provide a source of renewable energy impacting broader regional and even national energy grids.
- Local populations may face changes in water availability or land use patterns.
Reasoning
- The Sun River Hydropower Project primarily impacts local stakeholders, including residents and businesses near the construction area.
- Budget constraints mean that the project may proceed in phases and involve significant local hiring, leading to potential short-term economic benefits but also short-term disruptions.
- The environmental impact is a concern, with possible effects on water quality and ecosystems affecting farmers, fishers, and recreation industries downstream.
- While the project focuses on Montana, broader impacts relate to renewable energy outputs influencing the national grid, giving minor but positive impact tangentially to those outside Montana.
- The common population directly impacted includes industry workers, local communities, and environmental advocates, each having differing perspectives based on their direct involvement and stakes in the environmental and economic outcomes.
Simulated Interviews
construction worker (Great Falls, Montana)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm excited about the opportunities this project will bring. It's going to mean steady work and more money for my family.
- I understand there might be some environmental impacts, but we need jobs here. Hopefully, they find a balance.
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 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
environmental scientist (Helena, Montana)
Age: 38 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I see the potential benefits for renewable energy, but I'm concerned about the ecological disruption.
- The long-term impacts on water quality and local wildlife must be managed carefully.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
farmer (Fairfield, Montana)
Age: 60 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- My main worry is water management; too much change can harm our livelihoods.
- If they manage the river well, this could help with stable water flows.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 7 |
renewable energy consultant (Bozeman, Montana)
Age: 29 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This project is a crucial step towards sustainable energy policy.
- There are critical environmental concerns, but renewable energy benefits outweigh those if handled responsibly.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
business owner (Billings, Montana)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The project could change the dynamics of river use; this worries me for our business long-term.
- If done right, it might even boost eco-tourism which could be beneficial.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
student (Missoula, Montana)
Age: 22 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm optimistic because renewable energy is a big part of our future.
- I hope this sets a precedent for more responsibility in environmental projects.
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 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
retired (Choteau, Montana)
Age: 55 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I enjoy nature and worry about construction impacts.
- It's good to move to renewable energy, but I don't want my surroundings to be altered.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
nurse (Kalispell, Montana)
Age: 40 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm curious if the changes will affect our water supply and health.
- I think job creation is good, but it mustn't jeopardize our well-being.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
energy company employee (Spokane, Washington)
Age: 35 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Excited about potential power outputs influencing regional grids.
- This project showcases Montana's leadership in renewable energy.
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 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
retired farmer (Sun River, Montana)
Age: 65 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm concerned the construction might disrupt my peaceful retirement life.
- I hope they have measures to support those of us living closest.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 4 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $200000000 (Low: $150000000, High: $250000000)
Year 2: $250000000 (Low: $200000000, High: $300000000)
Year 3: $300000000 (Low: $250000000, High: $350000000)
Year 5: $150000000 (Low: $100000000, High: $200000000)
Year 10: $50000000 (Low: $30000000, High: $70000000)
Year 100: $10000000 (Low: $5000000, High: $15000000)
Key Considerations
- The environmental impact on local wildlife and ecosystems due to construction and water rerouting must be assessed.
- Long-term benefits in terms of renewable energy production could outweigh short-term costs and environmental disruptions.
- Job creation during the construction phase can have positive effects on the local economy.