Bill Overview
Title: Pueblos of Acoma and Laguna 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 Acoma, the Pueblo of Laguna, the United States, New Mexico, and others, thus satisfying claims to water rights in the Rio San Jose Stream System in New Mexico. Additionally, the bill establishes and provides funding for three trust funds.
Sponsors: Sen. Heinrich, Martin [D-NM]
Target Audience
Population: Members of the Pueblo of Acoma and Pueblo of Laguna
Estimated Size: 14000
- The bill involves the Pueblo of Acoma and the Pueblo of Laguna, impacting their legal claims to water in the Rio San Jose Stream System.
- Water rights settlements typically impact both individuals and communities who rely on the water systems for their livelihood, including access to water for domestic use, agriculture, and cultural purposes.
- The establishment of trust funds suggests financial impacts, including potential resources for infrastructure, legal, or restoration efforts, primarily benefiting members of the Pueblos.
- The general population in New Mexico and those reliant on the Rio San Jose Stream System will be impacted, as water allocation shapes the availability of resources to various groups.
Reasoning
- The main population impacted by this policy consists of members of the Pueblo of Acoma and Pueblo of Laguna, who are directly involved in the water rights settlement and will benefit from the establishment of trust funds for infrastructure and legal support.
- The policy will primarily impact those living within the region affected by the Rio San Jose Stream System in New Mexico. This includes tribal members as well as other community stakeholders who directly or indirectly depend on the water system.
- Given the policy budget constraints, the benefits to individual wellbeing may vary based on how the trust funds are allocated, the effectiveness of water rights restoration, and the community's ability to leverage these resources for broader benefits.
Simulated Interviews
School teacher (Laguna Pueblo, NM)
Age: 52 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I believe the settlement will help secure water supplies for our community.
- Funding for infrastructure improvements is essential for our long-term needs.
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 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
Farmer (Acoma Pueblo, NM)
Age: 34 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Water rights are crucial for sustaining my farm.
- I hope the funds will address water distribution issues.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 2 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 2 |
Water rights lawyer (Albuquerque, NM)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This settlement represents progress, but implementation is key.
- Water disputes are complex and require sustained attention.
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 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Small business owner (Grants, NM)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Regional water stability means business stability.
- I support efforts that ensure fair water distribution.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 4 |
Retired (Laguna Pueblo, NM)
Age: 60 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This settlement offers a chance to rectify historical injustices.
- Protecting water rights secures our future generations.
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 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 4 |
Community planner (Acoma Pueblo, NM)
Age: 41 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The settlement funds can spur necessary community projects.
- Water management is crucial for Acoma's development.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 5 |
Environmental scientist (Los Lunas, NM)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This act could improve ecosystem health in the region.
- I hope it fosters collaboration between communities.
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 |
State government official (Santa Fe, NM)
Age: 38 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Successful implementation will require strong state partnerships.
- We must balance rights with sustainability.
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 | 6 |
Elder and cultural advisor (Laguna Pueblo, NM)
Age: 65 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Water is sacred, and this settlement is a step toward healing.
- It should ensure our ways of life continue.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 5 |
Social worker (Gallup, NM)
Age: 30 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Access to water is a human right and a community effort.
- The settlement should address systemic inequities.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $2000000 (Low: $1500000, High: $2500000)
Year 2: $2000000 (Low: $1500000, High: $2500000)
Year 3: $2000000 (Low: $1500000, High: $2500000)
Year 5: $2000000 (Low: $1500000, High: $2500000)
Year 10: $2000000 (Low: $1500000, High: $2500000)
Year 100: $2000000 (Low: $1500000, High: $2500000)
Key Considerations
- The success of this settlement depends significantly on ongoing collaboration between federal, state, and local bodies, as well as the Pueblos involved.
- Past precedents of similar settlements indicate variable implementation costs based on compliance and infrastructure development needs.
- The environmental repercussions of increased water access and its management will need monitoring and potential risk mitigation.