Bill Overview
Title: Pueblos of Jemez and Zia Water Rights Settlement Act of 2022
Description: This bill authorizes, ratifies, and confirms a specified water rights settlement agreement entered into by the Pueblo of Jemez, the Pueblo of Zia, the United States, New Mexico, and others, thus satisfying claims to water rights in the Jemez River Stream System in New Mexico. Additionally, the bill establishes and provides funding for two settlement trust funds.
Sponsors: Sen. Heinrich, Martin [D-NM]
Target Audience
Population: Residents of the Pueblo of Jemez and the Pueblo of Zia
Estimated Size: 6000
- The bill primarily affects two Native American pueblos: the Pueblo of Jemez and the Pueblo of Zia.
- These pueblos are located in New Mexico, and the water rights agreement pertains specifically to the Jemez River Stream System.
- The bill impacts residents and governmental structures within these pueblos by securing water rights and establishing trust funds.
- Based on U.S. Census data and tribal reports, Native American tribes like these may have populations ranging from a few hundred to several thousand per pueblo.
Reasoning
- The policy directly impacts the residents of the Pueblo of Jemez and the Pueblo of Zia, specifically about water rights—an essential resource for any community.
- The secured water rights likely enhance the wellbeing of these communities by providing stability and security for their water resources.
- The funding associated with the policy is substantial enough to potentially improve infrastructure, which would contribute to an improved quality of life.
- This policy also indirectly impacts nearby communities, such as government workers or those dependent on the same water sources, by changing regional water management dynamics.
- By securing water rights, the future economic and social development of these pueblos is positively impacted, likely leading to more significant improvements in long-term wellbeing.
Simulated Interviews
Tribal Council Member (Pueblo of Jemez, New Mexico)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This settlement is a huge step for our community. Water is life, and having official rights means we can plan long-term sustainability.
- The policy will make it easier to attract businesses and improve our children's futures.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
Farmer (Pueblo of Zia, New Mexico)
Age: 38 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- With this settlement, I don't have to worry about losing water for my crops. Only time will tell how much it will improve our overall livelihood.
- It's a relief knowing that generations ahead are secured.
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 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 4 |
Retired Elder (Pueblo of Zia, New Mexico)
Age: 65 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Our ancestors have fought for these rights long before any paper settlements; this policy is a blessing.
- Finally, our hopes for keeping traditions alive can become more reality than dream.
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 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 3 |
Environmental Scientist (Albuquerque, New Mexico)
Age: 29 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This settlement is crucial from an environmental protection standpoint; it ensures equitable water distribution.
- My work and collaborations might see a shift in focus because of this important step.
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 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
School Teacher (Pueblo of Jemez, New Mexico)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The settlement secures our community's future and allows us to educate children with hope for progress.
- Investments in education and resources could benefit as trust funds grow.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 4 |
State Government Worker (Santa Fe, New Mexico)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy simplifies some of the challenges we face in equitable resource distribution.
- My workload might shift, but the potential improvements for pueblo residents are worth it.
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 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Small Business Owner (Pueblo of Jemez, New Mexico)
Age: 34 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Water rights are a base for all community growth; better water security could indirectly benefit tourism.
- I'm cautiously optimistic about how it will impact my business.
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 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 4 |
Healthcare Worker (Pueblo of Jemez, New Mexico)
Age: 55 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Better water rights can mean better health outcomes for our residents.
- Access to cleaner, stable water sources should help us reduce community health issues.
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 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Cultural Preservationist (Pueblo of Zia, New Mexico)
Age: 40 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The recognition of our water rights ties into cultural preservation.
- With greater security of resources, I can focus on education and cultural programs.
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 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 4 |
Water Rights Attorney (Albuquerque, New Mexico)
Age: 27 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This kind of settlement agreement is a win for indigenous water rights across the board, though it's just the beginning.
- Such policies set precedents that can help other tribes.
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 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $20000000 (Low: $18000000, High: $22000000)
Year 2: $20000000 (Low: $18000000, High: $22000000)
Year 3: $20000000 (Low: $18000000, High: $22000000)
Year 5: $20000000 (Low: $18000000, High: $22000000)
Year 10: $20000000 (Low: $18000000, High: $22000000)
Year 100: $20000000 (Low: $18000000, High: $22000000)
Key Considerations
- Effective management of settlement trust funds is crucial.
- Ensuring sustained community engagement to maximize the benefit of water rights settlement.