Bill Overview
Title: Modernizing Aerial Fire Fighting Support (MAFFS) for the National Guard Act
Description: This bill requires the Department of the Air Force to include the Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System mission as part of its basing criteria for C-130J aircraft for the Air National Guard.
Sponsors: Sen. Rosen, Jacky [D-NV]
Target Audience
Population: People affected by wildfires worldwide
Estimated Size: 120000000
- The bill is focused on aerial firefighting support, specifically involving the C-130J aircraft and the Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System (MAFFS).
- MAFFS is an essential tool in fighting wildfires, which are a significant issue in various regions, impacting local populations and ecosystems.
- The Air National Guard is a reserve military force composed of both Air Force and Army personnel. They often respond to emergencies, including wildfires.
- This legislation may lead to better preparedness and response times to wildfires.
- Wildfires affect a significant portion of the global population, especially in areas prone to such events due to climate conditions and geographical factors, including parts of Australia, southern Europe, the Americas, and the Mediterranean region.
Reasoning
- The policy is highly targeted at wildfire-prone areas in the U.S. such as the Western states where the Air National Guard can utilize the MAFFS to mitigate annual fire damages.
- The budget allocated is sufficient to modernize some part of the fleet, but does not cover a full nationwide implementation, thus its direct impact will be regional.
- Given the focus on the Air National Guard, the policy will affect military personnel involved in firefighting missions, state emergency responders, and communities in high-risk wildfire zones.
- This policy may indirectly benefit local economies by reducing fire damage costs, and enhancing safety in vulnerable communities.
- Simulated interviews reflect both direct impact on individuals in those regions, and indirect awareness or non-impact among people in less-affected states.
- Wildfires can lead to evacuation, property loss, and even fatalities, so people directly affected may see a significant improvement in their perceived wellbeing if the risks are mitigated.
Simulated Interviews
Firefighter (California)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- As a firefighter, having quicker and more efficient aerial support would really help us on the ground.
- This policy could improve safety for both civilians and first responders.
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 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
National Guard Pilot (Colorado)
Age: 34 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This modernization could mean safer and more effective missions.
- We could tackle fires more efficiently, minimizing risk to lives and property.
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 | 9 | 6 |
Environmental Scientist (Texas)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy could help mitigate wildfire impact on ecosystems.
- It's a step forward in addressing environmental hazards due to wildfires.
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 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Retired Military (Florida)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Modernizing firefighting equipment is crucial for disaster readiness.
- I think it would make a difference in how we handle wildfires nationally.
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 | 5 | 5 |
Insurance Adjuster (New York)
Age: 55 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Reducing fire damage means fewer claims, which is beneficial for the economy.
- I'm not directly affected, but support any policy that helps minimize damages.
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 |
Wildfire Evacuee (Arizona)
Age: 31 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I hope this means we'll have fewer evacuations to deal with.
- It's crucial to have these systems in place to protect our homes and families.
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 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 4 |
College Student (Montana)
Age: 23 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Improvements in fire fighting technology can have big-picture environmental benefits.
- This is a move towards climate resilience.
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 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Agriculture Business Owner (Oregon)
Age: 40 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Better firefighting support could save our crops and reduce losses.
- I'm hopeful this will be a game changer for those of us in agriculture.
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 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
Forest Manager (Alabama)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Modernized equipment could support healthier forests by quickly addressing fires.
- This is positive, even though it won't directly impact my local work significantly.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Tech Entrepreneur (Nevada)
Age: 37 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Anything that reduces fire risk helps protect my business infrastructure.
- Indirectly, this could mean more stability for the local economy.
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 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $200000000 (Low: $180000000, High: $220000000)
Year 2: $150000000 (Low: $130000000, High: $170000000)
Year 3: $150000000 (Low: $130000000, High: $170000000)
Year 5: $150000000 (Low: $130000000, High: $170000000)
Year 10: $100000000 (Low: $80000000, High: $120000000)
Year 100: $30000000 (Low: $20000000, High: $50000000)
Key Considerations
- Integration of MAFFS with C-130J requires careful scheduling and resource management.
- There is a balancing act between one-time capital costs and operational savings post-integration.
- External factors such as climate change may increase the future importance and utility of this modernization.