Federal and State: The National Environmental Policy Act, Executive Order 12898, and the California Environmental Quality Act stipulate that economic, social, demographic, and housing effects should be considered, particularly in minority and low-income communities. However, the California Environmental Quality Act says that the focus of environmental analysis should be on physical changes rather than economic or social effects.
Local: The Mono County Board of Supervisors oversees economic development and is involved in tourism promotion.
Total construction will require the equivalent of 180 full time jobs. 46 of these jobs would be given to residents of Mono or Inyo counties.
There will be economic growth during the construction period, particularly for rental housing, hotels, and campgrounds.
The resulting influx of workers with an average wage higher than that of workers in Mono County could raise the demand for rental housing and increase rental prices. This may affect existing tenants or those seeking accommodation.
The six new permanent jobs would produce about $600 000 per year in new job wages plus added benefits.
At the end of decommissioning, local communities will lose the same number of jobs. If the former workers were to move away, the long-term housing demand will be reduced by a maximum of six housing units in Mono County.
There may be economic effects if recreational use changes due to altered recreational conditions in the Shady Rest Area.
The ongoing economic benefits of operations would not exist under Alternative 4.
Cumulative impacts
Additional employment opportunities and revenue generation for Mono County through revenue-sharing agreements with the federal and state governments could benefit the local economy.
Mitigation
None recommended.
Residual impacts
None mentioned.
No mitigation measures were provided despite the negative socioeconomic impacts listed. For example, no consideration was given to the existing tenants or those seeking accommodation who will have difficulty with housing rentals. Additionally, there was no mention of how the negative economic effects would be addressed if recreational use changes.