H.R. 9017 aims to establish that adherence to a specific biological opinion is considered sufficient for compliance with the Endangered Species Act of 1973 regarding a particular agency action. This means that if an agency follows the guidelines outlined in this biological opinion, it will not be required to meet other compliance standards set by the Endangered Species Act.
Supporters of H.R. 9017 argue that the bill streamlines regulatory processes, making it easier for agencies to take necessary actions without facing extensive legal hurdles related to endangered species protections. Proponents believe this will facilitate timely decision-making in critical areas such as infrastructure and resource management.
Critics of H.R. 9017 express concern that the bill undermines the protections established by the Endangered Species Act. They argue that it could lead to significant harm to vulnerable species by allowing agencies to bypass thorough environmental assessments, potentially prioritizing economic interests over ecological preservation.
The analysis of H.R. 9017, sponsored by Byron Donalds, reveals no direct industry overlaps between the sponsor's top donor industries and the bill's subject matter related to the Endangered Species Act. While there is significant lobbying activity in the policy area, particularly from SKYFRONT and VERDEGO AERO, the absence of direct financial ties to the bill's content suggests a low risk of conflict of interest. The total lobbying contributions from these entities amount to $300,000, but they do not appear to have a direct stake in the specific provisions of the bill, which aims to streamline compliance with environmental regulations. Voters should be aware that while lobbying exists, it does not necessarily indicate a conflict without direct financial connections to the bill's objectives.
Organizations that lobbied on issues related to this bill's policy area.
| Client | Lobbying Firm | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| VERDEGO AERO | THE JACKSON GROUP, LLC | $200,000 |
| PELION VENTURE PARTNERS | THE JACKSON GROUP, LLC | $38,000 |
| REFORMING AMERICA'S TAXES EQUITABLY (RATE) | SURROUND SOUND STRATEGIES, LLC | $30,000 |
| ANELLO PHOTONICS | THE JACKSON GROUP, LLC | $30,000 |
| SKYFRONT | THE JACKSON GROUP, LLC | $15,000 |
| 47G | THE JACKSON GROUP, LLC | $15,000 |
| GRAIN CHAIN | THE JACKSON GROUP, LLC | $5,000 |
| SKYFRONT | THE JACKSON GROUP, LLC | undisclosed |
| ADNEURIS THERAPEUTICS, INC. | MAD GLOBAL STRATEGY | undisclosed |
| ALUCHEM INC. | MAD GLOBAL STRATEGY | undisclosed |
| JOHN BRIAN LEDBETTER MISSIONS | JOHN BRIAN LEDBETTER MISSIONS CORPORATION | undisclosed |
| JOHN BRIAN LEDBETTER MISSIONS CORPORATION | JOHN BRIAN LEDBETTER MISSIONS CORPORATION | undisclosed |
| GPA MIDSTREAM ASSOCIATION | SHUMAKER ADVISORS, LLC | undisclosed |
| WESTLANDS WATER DISTRICT | DENNIS CARDOZA CONSULTING SERVICES | undisclosed |
| INDUSTRIOUS GROUP INC. | THORN RUN PARTNERS | undisclosed |
Source: Senate Lobbying Disclosure Act (LDA) filings, 2026
Top industries funding Byron Donalds, ranked by total contributions.
Source: OpenSecrets.org (Center for Responsive Politics)
