H.R. 9454 aims to create a program under the Secretary of Transportation to promote the research, design, development, demonstration, and deployment of zero-emission vessels. It also focuses on retrofitting or replacing existing vessels with technology that reduces emissions to zero.
Supporters of H.R. 9454 praise the bill for its potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the maritime industry. They highlight its role in advancing clean technology and fostering innovation, which could lead to job creation in the green tech sector.
Critics of H.R. 9454 raise concerns about the costs associated with developing and implementing zero-emission vessel technology. Some argue that the bill may impose burdensome regulations on the shipping industry and could hinder economic growth, particularly for smaller operators who may struggle to afford retrofitting or replacement.
While there are no direct industry overlaps between the sponsor's top donor industries and the subject matter of H.R. 9454, there are significant lobbying activities in the realm of zero-emission technologies and related sectors. Notably, Ginkgo Bioworks, Inc. contributed $60,000, and Occidental Petroleum Corporation contributed $20,000, both of which could have interests in the development of zero-emission vessels. Additionally, Respond-US, with a substantial contribution of $140,000, may also have a vested interest in this area. The presence of these lobbying activities suggests a potential influence on the bill's direction, even if direct financial ties are not evident. Voters should be aware of these connections as they may indicate underlying interests that could affect the bill's implementation and focus.
Organizations that lobbied on issues related to this bill's policy area.
| Client | Lobbying Firm | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| RESPOND-US | CORNERSTONE GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS, INC. | $140,000 |
| SILVERLINING | ALPINE GROUP PARTNERS, LLC. | $80,000 |
| MEDLINE | CORNERSTONE GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS, INC. | $80,000 |
| GINKGO BIOWORKS, INC. | CORNERSTONE GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS, INC. | $60,000 |
| PEABODY ENERGY CORPORATION | CORNERSTONE GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS, INC. | $50,000 |
| LUFTHANSA GERMAN AIRLINES | CAPITOL POINT GROUP, LLC | $50,000 |
| MERIDIAM INFRASTRUCTURE | CAPITOL POINT GROUP, LLC | $40,000 |
| LEO TECHNOLOGIES | BUTLER SNOW LLP | $30,000 |
| MAXIMUS | BRICK STREET STRATEGY | $30,000 |
| JOHNSON & JOHNSON | BRICK STREET STRATEGY | $30,000 |
| OCCIDENTAL PETROLEUM CORPORATION | GTB PARTNERS | $20,000 |
| CHAMBERS COUNTY DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY | BUTLER SNOW LLP | $15,000 |
| HEARTH, PATIO & BARBECUE ASSOCIATION | HEARTH, PATIO & BARBECUE ASSOCIATION | $15,000 |
| THE UNIVERSITY OF WEST ALABAMA | BUTLER SNOW LLP | $12,000 |
| BASIS PATH | BUTLER SNOW LLP | undisclosed |
Source: Senate Lobbying Disclosure Act (LDA) filings, 2026
Top industries funding Nanette Barragán, ranked by total contributions.
Source: OpenSecrets.org (Center for Responsive Politics)
