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.
H.R. 2768 was introduced in the 119th Congress by Charles Fleischmann (Republican) and is currently listed as “Passed House”. It is classified under the Public Lands and Natural Resources policy area, one of 157 bills in that area we track this Congress.
Charles Fleischmann is the sponsor of 4 bills in our database this Congress, so H.R. 2768 is part of a broader legislative agenda rather than a one-off proposal.
Senate lobbying disclosures list 15 organizations lobbying on this bill’s issue area.
Our conflict-of-interest analysis rates H.R. 2768 2/10 (low risk), higher than 76% of analyzed bills; the average in Public Lands and Natural Resources is 2/10.
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
What does H.R. 2768 do?
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…
Has H.R. 2768 received a floor vote?
No roll-call vote on H.R. 2768 is recorded in our database yet. Its current status is “Passed House”.
Does H.R. 2768 have a conflict of interest?
Our conflict-of-interest analysis rates H.R. 2768 2/10 (low risk), higher than 76% of analyzed bills; the average in Public Lands and Natural Resources is 2/10. This score reflects overlap between the sponsor’s campaign funding, lobbying activity, and the industries the bill affects. It is a transparency indicator, not an accusation.
What is the status of H.R. 2768?
H.R. 2768 is currently “Passed House” as of our last update on June 3, 2026.
Who sponsored H.R. 2768?
H.R. 2768 was sponsored by Charles Fleischmann (Republican).
