H.R. 2768, known as the Benton MacKaye National Scenic Trail Feasibility Study Act of 2026, mandates the Department of Agriculture to evaluate whether the Benton MacKaye Trail, which runs through Georgia, Tennessee, and North Carolina, should be designated as a national scenic trail. This study will assess the trail's potential for national recognition and the benefits that may arise from such a designation.
Supporters of the bill have praised it as a significant step towards preserving natural beauty and promoting outdoor recreation. Articles highlight the potential economic benefits from increased tourism and the importance of protecting the trail's natural resources and cultural heritage.
Critics have raised concerns about the costs associated with the feasibility study and potential future maintenance of the trail if designated as a national scenic trail. Some media outlets have questioned the necessity of the study, arguing that resources could be better allocated to existing conservation efforts.
The analysis of H.R. 2768, the Benton MacKaye National Scenic Trail Feasibility Study Act of 2026, indicates no direct industry overlaps between the sponsor, Charles Fleischmann, and his top donor industries. The lobbying activity in this bill's policy area includes several undisclosed amounts from various groups, but the only disclosed amount is $600,000 from the National Electrical Contractors Association, Inc. This suggests that while there is lobbying activity, it does not directly correlate with the bill's focus on a scenic trail feasibility study, which is primarily environmental and recreational in nature. Therefore, the risk of conflicts of interest appears low as the financial interests of the donors do not align with the objectives of the bill.
Organizations that lobbied on issues related to this bill's policy area.
| Client | Lobbying Firm | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION, INC. | NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION, INC. | $600,000 |
| BSA, THE SOFTWARE ALLIANCE | TIM YEHL, LLC | $20,000 |
| ENVISION GROUP LLC | MR. ANDREW FUTEY | undisclosed |
| GESCONTI GROUP,INC. | GESCONTI GROUP,INC. | undisclosed |
| JOHN BRIAN LEDBETTER MISSIONS CORPORATION | JOHN BRIAN LEDBETTER MISSIONS CORPORATION | undisclosed |
| KASICH COMPANY | MARKQUEST | undisclosed |
| MARKQUEST | MARKQUEST | undisclosed |
| AMERICAN FINANCIAL SERVICES ASSOCIATION | MARKQUEST | undisclosed |
| KASICH COMPANY | MARKQUEST | undisclosed |
| AMERICAN LOGISTICS ASSOCIATION | MARKQUEST | undisclosed |
| MARKQUEST | MARKQUEST | undisclosed |
| TRACKONOMY SYSTEMS, INC. | ANCHOR & ARROW LLC | undisclosed |
| HOLLY STRATEGIES INC. ON BEHALF OF 202 GROUP | ANCHOR & ARROW LLC | undisclosed |
| CITY OF ST LOUIS | BRACY TUCKER BROWN & VALANZANO DBA BROWN & ASSOCIATES | undisclosed |
| EMAD EL SAID YOUSSEF SAAD EL-GALADA THROUGH BOLT CAPITAL, LP | NEXUSONE CONSULTING | undisclosed |
Source: Senate Lobbying Disclosure Act (LDA) filings, 2026
