H.R. 9168 proposes to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to introduce a tax credit for individuals or organizations that make qualified conservation contributions. This specifically includes contributions related to National Scenic Trails, encouraging the preservation and maintenance of these natural resources.
Supporters of H.R. 9168 praise the bill for promoting environmental conservation and protecting National Scenic Trails, highlighting its potential to incentivize private donations and foster greater public engagement in preserving America's natural landscapes.
Critics of H.R. 9168 argue that while conservation is important, the bill may reduce federal tax revenue without guaranteeing sufficient oversight on how the funds are used. Some also express concern that it could disproportionately benefit wealthier individuals who are more likely to take advantage of tax credits.
The analysis of H.R. 9168, which aims to amend the Internal Revenue Code to allow tax credits for qualified conservation contributions, reveals no direct industry overlaps between the sponsor James Walkinshaw's top donor industries and the bill's subject matter. This suggests a lower likelihood of conflicts of interest arising from financial contributions. While there is significant lobbying activity in the policy area from various firms, the lack of direct financial ties to the bill's provisions indicates that the sponsor may not be unduly influenced by these interests. Voters should be aware that while lobbying exists, it does not directly connect to the sponsor's funding sources, which mitigates potential conflicts.
Organizations that lobbied on issues related to this bill's policy area.
| Client | Lobbying Firm | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| WELLS FARGO & COMPANY | RMP STRATEGIES, LLC | $10,000 |
| MANAGED FUNDS ASSOCIATION | RMP STRATEGIES, LLC | $10,000 |
| PUBLIC PRIVATE STRATEGIES | VALENTINE STRATEGIES | undisclosed |
| SAMSARA INC. | CORNERSTONE GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS, INC. | undisclosed |
| OTG | PAUL HASTINGS LLP | undisclosed |
| BLOCKQUAKE HOLDINGS LLC | PAUL HASTINGS LLP | undisclosed |
| PAYSAFE MERCHANT SERVICES CORPORATION | PAUL HASTINGS LLP | undisclosed |
| PROOF OF STAKE ALLIANCE | PAUL HASTINGS LLP | undisclosed |
| INTEGRAL COMMUNITIES | PAUL HASTINGS LLP | undisclosed |
| SENTILINK CORP. | PAUL HASTINGS LLP | undisclosed |
| TEMPLUM LLC (FORMERLY KNOWN AS OUISA CAPITAL LLC) | PAUL HASTINGS LLP | undisclosed |
| GLOBAL PRIMEX LLC | PAUL HASTINGS LLP | undisclosed |
| WARRIOR TRADING | PAUL HASTINGS LLP | undisclosed |
| SYNIVERSE TECHNOLOGIES LLC | PAUL HASTINGS LLP | undisclosed |
| SOUTHERN INSTITUTE OF POLICY RESEARCH | SOUTHERN INSTITUTE OF POLICY RESEARCH | undisclosed |
Source: Senate Lobbying Disclosure Act (LDA) filings, 2026
Top industries funding James Walkinshaw, ranked by total contributions.
Source: OpenSecrets.org (Center for Responsive Politics)