Outdoor Industry Calls on President Trump to Sign Proposal Into Law
BOULDER, Colo. – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the “Great American Outdoors Act” (GAOA) by a vote of 310-107, approving $900 million in annual funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and addressing the nearly $20 billion deferred maintenance backlog on federal public lands. Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) and its 1,300 member businesses celebrated the House’s passage of the bipartisan bill, which passed the Senate last month and is now headed to President Trump’s desk to be signed into law.
“Today’s historic vote is the culmination of years of hard work by OIA and many businesses and organizations coming together to protect and expand access to America’s outdoors,” said Lise Aangeenbrug, executive director of OIA. “This legislation has the added benefits of providing local communities a much-needed economic boost; creating thousands of jobs; and opening up access to parks, trails and waterways across the country.”
“The historic and bipartisan passage of the Great American Outdoors Act highlights the power of the outdoors to unite our country. As a nation, we need to adopt bold policies that provide recreation opportunities for those that lack them, conserve more lands and waters to meet growing demand and protect and strengthen the lands and waters that are already managed by federal agencies,” said Eric Artz, REI Co-op president and CEO. “The Great American Outdoors Act is historic legislation that will accomplish these goalsl, while connecting more people to outdoor recreation by creating more quality opportunities close to home. This legislation makes a strong commitment to increased recreation access, bridges our political divides and supports the economy.”
The bill received bipartisan support from members of Congress, stakeholders and former elected officials as it made its way through Congress. Specifically, it was sponsored by Representative Joe Cunningham, D-S.C., and cosponsored by more than 210 members of the House. GAOA also received the support of the past six former U.S. secretaries of the Interior, including Ryan Zinke and Sally Jewell.
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About the Outdoor Industry Association
Based in Boulder, Colo., with offices in Washington, D.C., Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) is the leading trade association for the outdoor industry. OIA unites and serves 1300 manufacturer, supplier, sales representative and retailer members through its focus on trade and recreation policy, sustainable business innovation and outdoor participation. For more information, visit outdoorindustry.org.
