Everyone has lobbyists

Even the makers of canoe paddles and sandals grease the wheels in Washington. The Outdoor Industry Association employs a seasoned lobbyist named Laura Pemberton, who got her start working for Mississippi senator Trent Lott. This year, according to a news release O.I.A. focused their lobbying efforts on four issues: increased funding ($125 million) for the Land & Water Conservation Fund; support for a proposed $258 million increase in funds for the National Park Service; a request for $69 million in funds for BLM lands; plus reductions in trade barriers for outdoor products.

So basically, they want the government to spend more to protect the environment, while at the same time making it easier for companies to do business with countries that don't do much to protect the environment. Ahh, consumer culture.