H.R. 10136 is a bill that requires the Secretary of Agriculture to transfer ownership of the Crossett Experimental Forest to the State of Arkansas. The bill may include provisions related to the management or use of the forest after the transfer.
Supporters of H.R. 10136 argue that transferring the Crossett Experimental Forest to the state will enhance local management and conservation efforts, allowing Arkansas to better utilize the forest for research, education, and recreational purposes, which could benefit the community economically and environmentally.
Critics of H.R. 10136 express concerns that transferring the Crossett Experimental Forest to the state could lead to mismanagement or development that prioritizes economic gain over environmental protection. There are fears that local political interests may compromise the forest's ecological integrity.
The analysis of H.R. 10136, sponsored by Bruce Westerman, reveals no direct industry overlaps between the bill's subject matter and the sponsor's top donor industries. The primary donor industries, Health Professionals and Retired individuals, contribute significant amounts, with $480 million from Health Professionals and $150 million from Retired individuals. However, these industries do not appear to have a direct stake in the conveyance of the Crossett Experimental Forest to the State of Arkansas. As such, there is minimal risk of conflicts of interest arising from this sponsorship. Voters should be aware that while large donations can raise questions about influence, in this case, the lack of overlap suggests that the bill is unlikely to be driven by donor interests.
Top industries funding Bruce Westerman, ranked by total contributions.
Source: OpenSecrets.org (Center for Responsive Politics)
