Bill Overview
Title: Protecting Critical Ecosystems and Military Readiness in Florida Act
Description: This bill prohibits the Department of the Air Force from entering into an agreement that would provide for or permit the joint use of Homestead Air Reserve Base in Homestead, Florida, by the Air Force and civil aircraft.
Sponsors: Sen. Rubio, Marco [R-FL]
Target Audience
Population: Individuals impacted by use restrictions at Homestead Air Reserve Base
Estimated Size: 250000
- The bill prohibits an agreement for joint use of the Homestead Air Reserve Base by the Air Force and civil aircraft.
- This decision impacts civil aviation operations that might have otherwise sought access to this shared use facility.
- Local communities that would benefit economically from increased air traffic or business might be affected.
- Military personnel and associated logistical operations at the Homestead Air Reserve Base, since they would continue with the current operational modalities without influx of civil aviation collaboration.
- The environmental concerns that could arise from increased air traffic (if joint use were allowed) will be less likely since the agreement prohibits civilian aircraft, aiding those interested in preserving local critical ecosystems.
Reasoning
- The policy primarily affects civil aviation operations and local businesses that may have been part of supporting or benefiting from increased air traffic at Homestead Air Reserve Base.
- Military personnel at the base will not see much change in their wellbeing as they will continue operations as usual without civil aviation interference.
- Environmental groups and residents in the area concerned about ecosystem impacts from air traffic will likely perceive the policy positively.
- Given the budget constraints, these impacts will predominantly manifest through local economic and ecological changes, but the reach is limited by the cost and scale of the policy implementation.
Simulated Interviews
Local business owner (Miami, FL)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I was hoping the base might bring in more customers if civilians were allowed, but I get that it might disrupt military operations.
- This policy might keep traffic and noise down here, but it sure won't help my business.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 6 |
Air Force personnel (Homestead, FL)
Age: 30 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I prefer keeping civilian operations separate. It makes it easier to focus on military duties.
- Environmental impacts are something we all need to think about more, so it’s good they considered it too.
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 |
Environmental activist (Key Biscayne, FL)
Age: 55 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm relieved they are keeping civilian aircraft out—it’s a victory for local ecosystems.
- This kind of consideration for the environment doesn't happen often enough.
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 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
City planner (Homestead, FL)
Age: 40 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- We lose some potential economic opportunity, but being strategically aligned with military priorities is important.
- This decision might protect the character of Homestead by limiting air traffic.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 6 |
Aspiring civil airline pilot (Fort Lauderdale, FL)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Every opportunity to expand civil aviation is important, but I understand the military needs.
- It's a bit disappointing, but there are still plenty of other opportunities around Florida.
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 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 6 |
Logistics manager at the base (Coral Gables, FL)
Age: 35 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's better for operational clarity—we don’t have to juggle between civilian and military operations.
- It will help us stay focused during shifts without additional civil air traffic.
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 (Homestead, FL)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I’m glad they won’t let more planes come in. The noise is already enough around here.
- It helps that they're thinking long-term about how air traffic affects us.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
School teacher (Homestead, FL)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The noise levels at school would have been unbearable if civilian aircraft was allowed.
- I’m supportive of policies that consider community wellbeing and environmental health.
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 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Local commuter (Homestead, FL)
Age: 38 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The traffic is more than enough as is. Adding planes would have made my commute worse.
- I’m relieved that they’re not adding civilian flights to the mix.
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 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 6 |
Retired environmental scientist (Miami, FL)
Age: 70 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I applaud them for prioritizing environmental health over potential economic gains.
- Decisions like these rarely happen; it sets a good precedent.
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 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $1000000 (Low: $750000, High: $1250000)
Year 2: $500000 (Low: $250000, High: $750000)
Year 3: $500000 (Low: $250000, High: $750000)
Year 5: $500000 (Low: $250000, High: $750000)
Year 10: $500000 (Low: $250000, High: $750000)
Year 100: $500000 (Low: $250000, High: $750000)
Key Considerations
- The policy primarily addresses military strategic priorities over economic incentives.
- Environmental conservation efforts are indirectly supported due to limitations on civil aircraft use.
- Local businesses might not see immediate growth opportunities through increased civil-military relations.