Bill Overview
Title: Western Water Cooperative Committee Act
Description: This bill directs the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to establish a Western Water Cooperative Committee. The committee must make recommendations to avoid or minimize conflicts between corps projects and state water rights and laws.
Sponsors: Sen. Cramer, Kevin [R-ND]
Target Audience
Population: People impacted by management of water rights in the western United States
Estimated Size: 50000000
- The bill establishes a committee to address conflicts between federal corps projects and state water laws, indicating its focus is regional, specifically in the Western United States.
- Water management is crucial in the western states of the USA due to competing water needs for agricultural, industrial, and residential purposes.
- States in the Western US often have complex water rights issues, which can impact a wide range of stakeholders, including local governments, agricultural producers, industries, and residents.
- Although the main effect of the bill is in the western regions of the USA, water management and legislative changes can indirectly affect markets and policies beyond regional boundaries.
Reasoning
- The Western Water Cooperative Committee Act primarily impacts western states where water management and rights are contentious issues.
- Target population includes individuals directly involved in agriculture, industries dependent on water usage, and residential water consumers.
- Budget limitations mean the committee's recommendations must have significant value or effect for areas heavily impacted by water rights conflicts.
- Even residents not directly involved in water-intensive industries may experience changes in living costs or resource availability, leading to indirect benefits or concerns.
- Some individuals may see no change in their daily lives, especially those outside the geographical scope or unaffected by water rights issues.
Simulated Interviews
Farmer (Fresno, CA)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy might help clarify water usage rights which directly affects my yield and livelihood.
- Conflicts have always been a worry, so having a committee to streamline issues with corps projects gives me hope for more stability.
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 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
Environmental Lawyer (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I see the committee as a necessary step to align various interests and reduce legal conflicts.
- With federal and state projects often at odds, this may harmonize priorities, saving time and resources.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Hydrologist (Reno, NV)
Age: 52 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- A federally backed cooperative approach could bring much-needed unity to disparate water policy actions.
- It could also enhance my work's impact, as clearer guidelines emerge from collaborative discussions.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Tech Startup Founder (Portland, OR)
Age: 39 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 9
Duration of Impact: 6.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- While the committee's outcomes are uncertain, a cohesive water strategy could boost demand for our solutions.
- I'm optimistic that clearer laws will foster an innovative environment for tech solutions addressing water issues.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 5 | 10 | 9 |
| Year 10 | 10 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
City Planner (Boise, ID)
Age: 55 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Dealing with corps projects often introduces layers of complexity in city planning.
- If the committee can smooth these processes, it'll make our plans more efficient, benefiting the city.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Retired (Denver, CO)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Any shifts in policy that reduce water conflicts can potentially stabilize rates.
- I hope this committee helps manage resources more effectively without increasing costs.
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 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Graduate Student (Salt Lake City, UT)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The committee could be a point where practical, ecosystem-friendly solutions are put into policy.
- I'm cautiously optimistic about its potential to integrate sustainable practices.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Tourism and Hospitality Manager (Las Vegas, NV)
Age: 40 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 8.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Our industry is always under scrutiny for water use; clarity in regulations will help us operate sustainably.
- A cooperative committee could also improve public perception of our efforts to conserve water.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Ranch Owner (Cheyenne, WY)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm hopeful but wary, as ranchers often find themselves caught in bureaucratic tussles.
- If this helps sort out water rights and reduces conflicts, it's a win for us.
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 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 4 |
Retired Teacher (Albuquerque, NM)
Age: 65 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I hope this initiative leads to more sustainable water management, though I might not see much change in my lifetime.
- It's important for future generations to have stability in water access.
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 | 6 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $5000000 (Low: $4000000, High: $6000000)
Year 2: $4500000 (Low: $3500000, High: $5500000)
Year 3: $4500000 (Low: $3500000, High: $5500000)
Year 5: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 10: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- Ensuring that the committee's recommendations are taken into account by states and federal bodies to achieve harmony in water rights and avoid future conflicts.
- Monitoring and evaluating the committee's effectiveness in resolving water rights issues over time.
- Consideration of how climate change and ongoing drought conditions in the West may affect future water availability and thus amplify the need for coordinated water rights management.