H.R. 9248 aims to amend the Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act to expand the definition of covered projects to include certain recreation activities. This change would streamline federal permitting processes for these activities, making it easier for recreational projects to receive approval and funding.
Supporters of H.R. 9248 argue that the bill will enhance outdoor recreation opportunities and promote economic growth by facilitating the development of parks, trails, and other recreational facilities. Many outdoor advocacy groups have praised the bill for recognizing the importance of recreation in community development and public health.
Critics of H.R. 9248 express concerns that the expansion of covered projects could lead to environmental degradation and insufficient oversight of recreational developments. Some environmental organizations fear that the streamlined permitting process may compromise ecological protections and lead to overdevelopment in sensitive areas.
The analysis of H.R. 9248 reveals no direct industry overlaps between the sponsor Jeff Hurd's top donor industries and the bill's subject matter, which focuses on amending the FAST Act to include certain recreation activities for federal permitting. The top donor industries do not appear to have a vested interest in recreation activities, indicating a low risk of conflict of interest. The lobbying activity associated with this bill includes significant contributions from various organizations, such as SASOL CHEMICALS USA LLC, which contributed $260,000. However, their interests do not align with the recreational focus of the bill, further supporting the low risk assessment. Voters should be aware that while there are substantial lobbying contributions, they do not directly influence the bill's intent or the sponsor's motivations.
Organizations that lobbied on issues related to this bill's policy area.
| Client | Lobbying Firm | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| SASOL CHEMICALS USA LLC | SASOL CHEMICALS USA LLC | $260,000 |
| ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE COUNCIL FKA MASTER LIMITED PARTNERSHIP ASSOCIATION | ZIEBART CONSULTING, LLC | $60,000 |
| ORGANIC PRODUCE ASSOCIATION | THE RUSSELL GROUP, INC. | $50,000 |
| GRAVITICS | TECHNOLOGY STRATEGIES LLC | $30,000 |
| LIVINGSTON INTERNATIONAL INC | VENABLE LLP | $30,000 |
| CITY OF WILLISTON (ND) | NEXXUS CONSULTING, LLC | $30,000 |
| NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF POSTAL SUPERVISORS | NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF POSTAL SUPERVISORS | $28,000 |
| S&P GLOBAL F/K/A IHS MARITIME & TRADE | VENABLE LLP | $20,000 |
| TOWN OF TUSAYAN | NEXXUS CONSULTING, LLC | $10,000 |
| TREA SENIOR CITIZENS LEAGUE | TREA SENIOR CITIZENS LEAGUE | $5,000 |
| NATIONAL RELIGIOUS BROADCASTERS | NATIONAL RELIGIOUS BROADCASTERS | undisclosed |
| INTERNATIONAL REGISTRIES, INC. | VENABLE LLP | undisclosed |
| ARISTEIA STRATEGIC ADVISORS, LLC | ARISTEIA STRATEGIC ADVISORS, LLC | undisclosed |
| US CHEMICAL TECHNOLOGIES | ATS COMMUNICATIONS, INC. (DBA SILBEY STRATEGIES) | undisclosed |
| CX2 | ATS COMMUNICATIONS, INC. (DBA SILBEY STRATEGIES) | undisclosed |
Source: Senate Lobbying Disclosure Act (LDA) filings, 2026
Top industries funding Jeff Hurd, ranked by total contributions.
Source: OpenSecrets.org (Center for Responsive Politics)
