Bill Overview
Title: Migratory Birds of the Americas Conservation Enhancements Act of 2022
Description: This bill reauthorizes through FY2027 and otherwise modifies a grant program that supports conservation projects for neotropical migratory birds. Modifications include (1) increasing the maximum federal share of project costs from 25% to 33.3%, and (2) requiring the Department of the Interior to establish criteria for awarding the grants.
Sponsors: Sen. Cardin, Benjamin L. [D-MD]
Target Audience
Population: People impacted by enhanced conservation of neotropical migratory birds
Estimated Size: 15000000
- The bill is focused on neotropical migratory birds, which are found across the Americas, thus impacting populations in multiple countries.
- Conservation projects supported by this bill aim to protect bird habitats and ecosystems which indirectly affect people who depend on these ecosystems for their livelihoods.
- Individuals and communities involved in conservation efforts and ecological research will be directly impacted by this bill.
- The bill may lead to increased tourism in areas where migratory birds are protected and thriving, impacting local economies.
Reasoning
- The Migratory Birds of the Americas Conservation Enhancements Act of 2022 is particularly impactful for those involved in conservation and birdwatching, as it provides increased funding for projects benefiting neotropical birds, thus enhancing these activities.
- Since the policy affects ecosystems that are often part of ecotourism and local economies, those in tourism-dependent communities may see changes in economic activity.
- Given the wide reach of migratory birds, people who are recreationally or vocationally interested in nature and wildlife in various US locations might be indirectly affected.
- The policy has a pronounced impact on rural and indigenous populations living near conservation project sites, where ecological health directly influences local livelihoods.
- Although the policy targets a large potential population, direct impacts might be limited to those most closely tied to conservation programs and bird-related activities.
Simulated Interviews
Biologist (Florida)
Age: 34 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy provides much-needed support for our conservation projects.
- It will help us secure funding to expand research and preservation efforts.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Rural Farmer (Georgia)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Improving the bird habitats could boost tourism for us.
- I hope this brings more visitors and raises awareness.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
Graduate Student (Minnesota)
Age: 26 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's exciting to see more funding for such crucial research.
- This could provide more data for my thesis and career.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Retired Engineer (California)
Age: 62 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I am hopeful that increased funding will protect my favorite birdwatching areas.
- Conservation is vital for future generations of bird enthusiasts.
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 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Wildlife Conservationist (New Mexico)
Age: 43 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy can enhance our restoration efforts and partnerships.
- We are eagerly awaiting the criteria for grant applications.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 4 |
Nature Photographer (Oregon)
Age: 29 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Greater funding could mean more opportunities for my work.
- I hope this leads to increased public interest in bird conservation.
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 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Ranch Owner (Texas)
Age: 55 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm curious if this policy will impact land management strategies.
- It could offer new opportunities for sustainable practices.
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 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Environmental Consultant (Illinois)
Age: 37 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This legislation can provide a framework for more holistic wildlife management and advocacy.
- I'm hopeful it will improve project success rates.
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 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 4 |
Tour Guide (Alaska)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Increased bird populations due to better habitats mean better business.
- I hope this raises awareness of our diverse local ecosystems.
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 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Policy Analyst (Washington)
Age: 39 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I appreciate the policy's potential to make meaningful environmental impacts.
- Implementing effective criteria will be key to success.
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 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $30000000 (Low: $25000000, High: $35000000)
Year 2: $31000000 (Low: $26000000, High: $36000000)
Year 3: $32000000 (Low: $27000000, High: $37000000)
Year 5: $34000000 (Low: $29000000, High: $39000000)
Year 10: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- The bill involves reauthorization of existing programs, thus baseline costs are already established, but changes in federal share significantly impact the budget.
- This policy supports international conservation collaboration, involving multiple countries and aligning with international conservation goals and treaties.
- Financial impact on local communities might vary based on ecological outcomes and tourism uptakes.