Bill Overview
Title: South Florida Clean Coastal Waters Act of 2021
Description: This bill addresses harmful algal blooms and hypoxia in the South Florida ecosystem. An algal bloom is a rapid growth of algae that may create toxic or hypoxic (severely low-oxygen) conditions that are harmful to humans, animals, aquatic ecosystems, and the economy. The Inter-Agency Task Force on Harmful Algal Blooms and Hypoxia must assess potential approaches to reduce harmful algal blooms and hypoxia in the ecosystem. The task force must also submit a plan, based on the assessment, for reducing, mitigating, and controlling harmful algal blooms and hypoxia in the region.
Sponsors: Sen. Rubio, Marco [R-FL]
Target Audience
Population: People living in or economically dependent on the South Florida ecosystem
Estimated Size: 7500000
- South Florida is a populous region with millions of residents who rely on clean water for daily use, recreation, and economic activities such as fishing and tourism.
- The environment, including both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, is significantly affected by harmful algal blooms and hypoxia, impacting biodiversity and ecosystem services.
- Tourism is a major industry in South Florida with millions of visitors annually, whose experience and health can be directly affected by water quality issues.
- Fisheries, both commercial and recreational, are directly impacted by unhealthy water conditions and fish mortality due to hypoxia or toxins released by algal blooms.
Reasoning
- The South Florida region is diverse, with populations ranging from retirees to workers in the tourism and fishing industries. Implementing the policy could have varying degrees of impact on different demographic groups, depending on their reliance on water resources and ecological health.
- The budget allocation of $15 million in the first year sets limits on how widely the policy can be applied, requiring strategic focus on regions and industries most directly impacted by algal blooms.
- While some individuals will experience significant improvements in their wellbeing due to better water quality, others might notice little change in their day-to-day lives, especially if they are not directly engaged with water-dependent activities.
- Considering the global and national importance of the tourism and fishing industries in South Florida, maintaining ecological balance is crucial not just for local populations but also for broader economic stability.
Simulated Interviews
Fisherman (Miami, FL)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The algal blooms have been a nightmare for my business, causing fish kills and making me lose income.
- I hope the new policy will actually help reduce these occurrences.
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 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 3 |
Tourism Manager (Miami Beach, FL)
Age: 30 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Tourism depends on clean beaches; the algae issue has been affecting our tourist numbers.
- The policy should attract more tourists by ensuring healthier waters.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Retired Teacher (Fort Lauderdale, FL)
Age: 65 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I've seen firsthand how these blooms can ruin a beautiful day out. Anything to improve the situation is welcome.
- I am hopeful that the efforts will lead to cleaner, safer beaches.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
Marine Biologist (Key West, FL)
Age: 22 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 9
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy is crucial for protecting the biodiversity that I've dedicated my career to studying.
- Improving water conditions will have a big impact on marine life.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 10 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 7 |
Diving Instructor (Key Largo, FL)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Algal blooms can be dangerous for divers; reducing them would be a big relief.
- Cleaner waters will help my business and ensure my students' safety.
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 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 4 |
Software Developer (Orlando, FL)
Age: 35 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 8.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I visit South Florida for its beaches, so cleaner water would enhance my vacation experience.
- Though I don't live there, it's important that natural areas are protected.
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 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Environmental Lawyer (Naples, FL)
Age: 55 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I've been advocating for policies like this for years; finally seeing action gives me hope.
- I will monitor how effectively the policy is enforced.
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 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 4 |
Real Estate Agent (Fort Myers, FL)
Age: 40 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Water quality significantly affects property values. Better water could boost the market.
- This policy might make waterfront properties more desirable.
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 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Hotel Manager (Sarasota, FL)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Past blooms have really hurt our business, leading to temporary closures.
- Hoping this policy will stabilize the situation and help us avoid future disruptions.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 3 |
Retired Cafeteria Worker (Tampa, FL)
Age: 60 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I've always valued fresh fish from local markets, but toxic blooms worry me.
- Hopefully, the policy will make seafood safer and more abundant.
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 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $15000000 (Low: $12000000, High: $18000000)
Year 2: $20000000 (Low: $17000000, High: $23000000)
Year 3: $25000000 (Low: $22000000, High: $28000000)
Year 5: $30000000 (Low: $27000000, High: $33000000)
Year 10: $35000000 (Low: $32000000, High: $38000000)
Year 100: $50000000 (Low: $47000000, High: $53000000)
Key Considerations
- The policy’s long-term success depends on sustained funding beyond initial assessment and planning phases.
- The collaboration between multiple agencies may introduce complexities and delays in implementation, affecting cost efficiency.
- Effects on biodiversity and marine life health could significantly alter South Florida's environmental policies.