Bill Overview
Title: Multinational Species Conservation Funds Semipostal Stamp Reauthorization Act of 2021
Description: This bill directs the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) to sell each copy of the Multinational Species Conservation Fund Semipostal Stamp and notify Congress when all copies have been sold. If the USPS destroys one or more such stamps before this bill's enactment, it shall print and sell the same number of such stamps.
Sponsors: Sen. Portman, Rob [R-OH]
Target Audience
Population: Individuals living in areas where multinational species conservation efforts are active
Estimated Size: 50000
- The legislation involves the sale of a semipostal stamp by the U.S. Postal Service.
- Such stamps typically fund conservation efforts for endangered and threatened species, impacting those who benefit from or rely upon biodiversity and healthy ecosystems.
- These funds could help protect species such as elephants, tigers, rhinos, marine turtles, and great apes, and indirectly support communities that depend on their conservation.
Reasoning
- The policy directly targets individuals who are passionate about conservation or have hobbies related to stamp collecting.
- Although the overall impact on a wide population might be low, the effect on specific enthusiasts or conservationists could be more significant.
- Economic benefits are primarily indirect, such as for individuals in conservation-related jobs or communities supported by conservation efforts.
- The direct beneficiaries are likely those who directly engage in or follow multinational conservation projects.
- The typical U.S. citizen might not experience a tangible change in everyday life due to this policy, hence limited direct impact.
Simulated Interviews
wildlife biologist (Colorado)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I believe in the importance of raising funds for conservation.
- This policy will increase awareness about different species needing protection.
- The impact on my work increases with more funding availability.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 10 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 7 |
postal service worker (Virginia)
Age: 34 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Semipostal stamps are a great idea to involve the public in conservation.
- I personally enjoy collecting these stamps and support their cause.
- However, my job or life is not greatly affected by them.
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 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
conservation NGO worker (California)
Age: 29 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Such policies provide crucial support for our fundraising efforts.
- It increases the visibility of the species we work to protect.
- I anticipate positive outcomes from additional funding.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 10 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 10 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
investment banker (New York)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Such stamps are interesting but don't affect my day-to-day life.
- I might buy them for aesthetic purposes, but not for conservation reasons.
- I don't see a significant impact from this policy.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
university student (Florida)
Age: 26 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Every opportunity to fund conservation is essential.
- I actively purchase these stamps when available.
- As someone who will work in this field, I'm optimistic about what these funds can accomplish.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 10 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 10 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 8 |
retired (Illinois)
Age: 60 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Supporting biodiversity is crucial for future generations.
- These stamps are not just collectibles; they're tools for change.
- I’ll continue to purchase them to support these efforts.
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 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
software engineer (Texas)
Age: 38 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I occasionally look for special stamps but not because of conservation.
- My lifestyle is not really impacted by these stamps.
- Still, I'm glad they support a good cause.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
teacher (Oregon)
Age: 55 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's vital for students to understand conservation.
- The funding helps provide practical examples for education.
- I hope to see more students participate in such efforts.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 10 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 8 |
policy advisor (Washington)
Age: 40 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Such legislation is critical to maintaining global biodiversity.
- It sets an example for others to follow.
- I believe firmly in the benefits derived from increased funding.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 10 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 10 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 10 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 8 |
graphic designer (Georgia)
Age: 31 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Visual tools like stamps can draw significant attention to causes.
- I'm slightly impacted as my work benefits indirectly from increased awareness.
- Overall, it's a positive encouragement.
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 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $5000000 (Low: $4000000, High: $6000000)
Year 2: $5000000 (Low: $4000000, High: $6000000)
Year 3: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 5: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 10: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- The USPS already has infrastructure for handling semipostal stamps; thus operational changes are minimal.
- The funds raised could substitute part of federal funding dedicated to species conservation, creating budgetary room elsewhere.
- Stamps might attract additional sales due to both intrinsic value to philatelists and exterior philanthropic interests.
- While an indirect economic stimulus, conservation actions can have far-reaching environmental and social benefits.