Bill Overview
Title: Complete America’s Great Trails Act
Description: This bill allows a tax credit for the fair market value of any National Scenic Trail conservation contribution. The Department of the Interior must study and report on the efficacy of the tax credit in completing, extending, and increasing the number of National Scenic Trails and the feasibility and cost of making the credit refundable and transferable.
Sponsors: Sen. Blumenthal, Richard [D-CT]
Target Audience
Population: People interested or invested in the National Scenic Trails
Estimated Size: 900000
- The bill affects individuals or organizations that may be contributing land or resources to the National Scenic Trails, as they can receive a tax credit for their contribution.
- Hiking enthusiasts and outdoor recreational users would potentially benefit indirectly as the trails may be improved or extended.
- Local communities through which the National Scenic Trails pass might see increased tourism and related economic benefits.
- Environmental conservationists and groups advocating for the protection of natural landscapes will be positively impacted as this legislation promotes conservation efforts.
Reasoning
- The policy primarily affects those who can contribute land or resources and thus are in a position to receive a tax credit. This group likely involves landowners near trail areas and possibly organizations related to environmental conservation.
- Individuals who enjoy outdoor activities like hiking or biking on national trails could indirectly benefit from improvements in trail conditions, though they do not receive direct financial benefits unless they also contribute resources.
- Communities near scenic trails could see economic boosts from increased tourism, which may indirectly improve the wellbeing of local residents, though this will vary based on proximity and existing infrastructure.
- Environmental groups and conservationists may see the policy as a direct benefit to the cause they support, which could improve their organizational wellbeing or public support.
Simulated Interviews
Landowner (Boulder, Colorado)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think the Complete America's Great Trails Act could incentivize more people like me to donate land for trail conservation.
- The tax credit makes the financial side of contributing land for trails more feasible.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
Hiking Enthusiast (Portland, Oregon)
Age: 32 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- While I won't directly benefit financially, better maintained and expanded trails will enhance my outdoor experiences.
- This could lead to more people appreciating and visiting trails, which is great for advocacy.
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 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Retired (Atlanta, Georgia)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The idea of tax credits for trail conservation is good, but I don't see it changing my life significantly.
- Perhaps my community will become more vibrant with increased tourists, which would be nice.
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 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Environmental Activist (San Francisco, California)
Age: 27 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy is a win for conservationists like myself, as it helps safeguard our trails.
- I'm hopeful that this will lead to more awareness and support for preserving natural landscapes.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 10 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 8 |
Small Business Owner (Charlotte, North Carolina)
Age: 38 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- If more people visit the trails due to improvements, it could indirectly benefit my business.
- The policy sounds great for conservation, which aligns with my store's values.
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 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Park Ranger (Salt Lake City, Utah)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy supports efforts that I’m already a part of in maintaining and expanding trails.
- Better funding for trails could improve my work conditions and effectiveness.
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 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Freelance Writer (Austin, Texas)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Expanded trails could provide more content for my writing and photography work.
- Although I won't see direct financial benefits, the potential cultural benefits are exciting.
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 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Retired Teacher (Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts)
Age: 65 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I hope this means increased preservation of the trails I love to walk on.
- I may not benefit directly, but the policy seems like a good direction for public lands.
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 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Local Government Official (Seattle, Washington)
Age: 40 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The economic potential with increased tourism due to better trails could benefit the community I serve.
- Tax credits for conservation align with sustainable development goals I've been advocating.
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 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Software Developer (Tampa, Florida)
Age: 31 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 18/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm happy to see support for environmental conservation tools, though it doesn't affect my daily life.
- If trails improve, I might visit more often.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $20000000 (Low: $15000000, High: $30000000)
Year 2: $22000000 (Low: $17000000, High: $33000000)
Year 3: $25000000 (Low: $20000000, High: $35000000)
Year 5: $30000000 (Low: $25000000, High: $40000000)
Year 10: $35000000 (Low: $30000000, High: $45000000)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- The tax credit incentivizes contributions to national trails which may expand and enrich the trail system.
- Potential economic benefits to local communities due to increased tourism.
- The cost to federal tax revenue due to credits granted.
- Administrative burden and effectiveness of the tax credit program must be examined.
- The study by the Department of the Interior could provide recommendations that may alter initial cost projections.