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2026 OIA Policy Agenda

The outdoor industry is at a pivotal moment. As part of a $1.2 trillion industry supporting 5 million American jobs, OIA is committed to standing strong on the issues that matter most to you—conservation, recreation, trade, and sustainability. As a member-driven organization, OIA is taking the path of greatest impact: engaging directly with lawmakers, advocating fiercely for our industry, and ensuring your voice is heard. No matter who holds power in Washington, we won’t compromise our values. Our focus remains on delivering meaningful progress for our industry and protecting the places and policies that enable outdoor businesses and communities to thrive.

federal priorities

Conservation and Recreation

The outdoor recreation economy relies on well-managed, accessible, and welcoming public lands and waters. The health and vitality of individuals, communities, and local economies are directly connected to the stewardship of these shared spaces.

Sustaining outdoor recreation opportunities requires policies that balance conservation with responsible access. Trails, parks, visitor facilities, campgrounds, and other recreation infrastructure need continued investment to ensure all people in the U.S. can experience the physical and mental health benefits of time spent outside.

To advance both conservation and recreation nationwide, we urge Congress and the administration to:

  • Invest in the conservation and management of public lands and waters to support outdoor recreation access and economic benefits.
  • Support and defend policies that keep public lands public.
  • Support and defend the federal workforce that stewards public lands.
  • Ensure sustainable federal investment in outdoor recreation infrastructure, including funding for trails, campgrounds, visitor centers, and access projects that support communities and businesses.
  • Create new federal funding opportunities for recreation initiatives, with a focus on state-led projects, and state Offices of Outdoor Recreation.
  • Protect core conservation laws that safeguard natural resources and maintain access for outdoor recreation.

These policies ensure that the outdoors (and the outdoor industry) can proliferate for generations to come. In partnership with members and partners, OIA will: 

  • Advocate for the development of new, sustainable mechanisms for conservation funding and the renewal and distribution of previously dedicated funds.
  • Partner with relevant national and local partners to engage in state-level advocacy for conservation and other landscape-scale protections.
  • Lead advocacy efforts to keep public lands public and maintain sustainable staffing.
  • Ad hoc ballot and legislative issues
Outdoor Access

A healthy and growing outdoor industry depends on continual outdoor access for those of all abilities, ages, and backgrounds. Policies to erode barriers to the outdoors and nature-based experiences enable more people to have reliable and sustained connections to nature. Supporting grassroots organizations and grass tops stakeholders in states and local communities that create opportunities for outdoor access is a fundamental component in providing all people a chance to experience the benefits of nature. OIA will work alongside members and other state-based allies to advocate for the following:

  • Increased funding for new recreation infrastructure and maintenance of existing recreational assets across states.
  • State advocacy to encourage governors and lawmakers to prioritize outdoor access and infrastructure improvements when considering options for surplus spending.
  • The creation and funding of state-based outdoor access funds and similar outdoor education programs.
  • Ad hoc ballot and legislative issues

State-by-state advocacy to encourage governors and lawmakers to prioritize outdoor access and infrastructure improvements when considering options for surplus spending. 

  • The creation and funding of state-based outdoor access funds and similar outdoor education programs. 
  • Ad hoc ballot and legislative issues. 
National Parks and Public Lands Legacy Restoration Fund

The 2020 Great American Outdoors Act established the National Parks and Public Lands Legacy Restoration Fund (LRF) which provided the National Park Service with up to $1.9 billion a year for five years to address extensive and long overdue maintenance and repair needs in national parks.

The fund provides crucial investments to repair or replace aging buildings, roads, trails, campgrounds, and utility and water treatment systems in national parks. It enables the National Park Service to complete large-scale projects on a level that could not be met through usual funding sources

LRF funding expired after fiscal year 2025 and requires congressional reauthorization to continue the efforts underway to address significant public lands infrastructure needs. In 2025, the bipartisan America the Beautiful Act was introduced in the Senate to extend the LRF through 2033 and increase annual funding to $2 billion per year.

We encourage Congress to reauthorize the National Parks and Public Lands Legacy Restoration Fund to ensure continued deferred maintenance funding for public lands and recreation infrastructure.

Farm Bill

The Farm Bill has historically been Congress’s primary vehicle for shaping agricultural, conservation, rural development, forestry, nutrition, and natural resource policy through comprehensive, five-year legislation. Key programs that support conservation practices, outdoor recreation access, rural economies, and land stewardship depend on Farm Bill authorities. However, the prospects for a traditional five-year Farm Bill in 2026 are increasingly uncertain.

The 2018 Farm Bill’s authorizations expired in 2023 and have been extended one year at a time ever since. Instead of relying on a single, sweeping five-year reauthorization, the Farm Bill landscape in 2026 may unfold through a mix of short-term extensions, narrower policy bills, and appropriations actions. However, even if the 2026 Farm Bill does not emerge in its traditional, comprehensive form, Congress has opportunities through program extensions and targeted policy actions to support outdoor recreation businesses, communities, and public land users.

To ensure that Farm Bill–related policymaking continues to advance outdoor recreation and rural economic development, we encourage Congress to:

  • Protect and expand support for outdoor recreation infrastructure and rural recreation-oriented businesses within current authorities and through extensions of conservation and rural development programs.
  • Address workforce and community needs in gateway and rural areas, including housing and community development mechanisms that help sustain vibrant outdoor recreation economies.
  • Improve USDA coordination with state and local partners to help rural communities leverage outdoor recreation as an economic driver despite uncertainty in Farm Bill timing or form.
  • Preserve and strengthen conservation programs that promote responsible land management and voluntary public access to private lands for outdoor recreation, even if housed outside a unified Farm Bill.
  • Advance policies that enhance outdoor recreation on national forests and other public lands, including support for long-term planning and access improvements that can be funded through existing and extension authorities.

By prioritizing these objectives within the evolving legislative landscape, policymakers can continue to integrate outdoor recreation into the broader rural and conservation agenda.

International Trade

OIA’s trade advocacy is founded on balancing the interests of domestic producers and those utilizing a global supply chain.  Having stable and predictable trade policies is critical for all outdoor companies regardless of where it produces.

Tariff volatility prevents the ability to strategically plan and diverts attention from what we do best – make technically sophisticated, innovative products and advance sustainability practices that protect and improve comfort to embark on outdoor adventures regardless of the terrain and weather.

Restoring the industry’s ability to return to its driving forces requires government understanding and, more importantly, recognition of unique production realities for outdoor gear within trade policy actions. 

To advance these goals, OIA’s 2026 trade advocacy priorities are to:

  • Inspire realignment of punitive tariff actions with their national security, economic rebalancing and reform leveraging purpose by narrowing the scope of coverage to no longer include inputs used to domestically produce outdoor products as well as finished products that cannot be commercially produced in the United States.
  • Increase awareness and subsequent recognition of the unique sourcing challenges faced by small and medium-sized outdoor businesses, as well as product-specific sourcing limitations.
  • Recognize longstanding trade precepts governing rules of origin determination and value content.  If changes are made, ensure adequate transition time that recognizes existing sourcing capabilities on a product-by-product basis is provided before the effective date.
  • Encourage the simultaneous issuance of clear and consistent CBP implementation guidance alongside announcement of any new or amended trade actions.
  • Respect established preferential relationships with U.S. free trade agreement partner countries, and exempt qualifying product from additional punitive tariffs.
  • Retroactively renew the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) program to restore the competitiveness of sourcing in a developing or least-developed country as an alternative to China.
  • Foster expansion of global market access by pursuing trade partnerships with countries such as the Philippines and India.
  • Strongly enforce U.S. trade and customs laws to prevent bad actors from undermining legitimate trade.  Reward good actors with proven track records and operational commitments for upholding CBP approved best practices.  

State and Local Priorities

Outdoor Recreation Economy

Outdoor recreation is a growing economic force for states and communities across the country. In order to thrive and reach their optimal potential, these economies must be supported in a range of ways including technical assistance for businesses and entrepreneurialism, continued access to resources and funding to develop and maintain recreation assets, and leadership and stewardship from strong local community builders. Alongside members and state-based partners, OIA will focus on:

  • Supporting the creation of new state-based offices of outdoor recreation.
  • Developing networks and resources to strengthen preexisting offices and directors of outdoor recreation on an individual basis and through the Confluence of States.
  • Partnering with state-based and regional outdoor business alliances to represent their constituent businesses in outdoor policy advocacy and support efforts to build capacity and strengthen grassroots industry partners.
  • Ad hoc ballot and legislative issues.
Sustainability and Climate

OIA will advocate for innovative and impactful sustainability and climate policy at the state level. These policies protect public lands and encourage outdoor companies and participants to become responsible and engaged sustainability stewards. OIA will:

  • Keep members apprised of pertinent sustainability-focused regulatory legislation and policies across the U.S. (e.g., Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, green claims, extended producer responsibility, greenhouse gas reporting).
  • Provide opportunities for industry feedback and advocacy on pertinent sustainability policies.
  • Ad hoc ballot and legislative issues

OIA in Action

To accomplish the goals and priorities outlined in OIA’s policy agenda, we are engaging directly with our membership, Congress, and state legislatures, as well as federal, state, and local partners to spread awareness and promote impactful policy outcomes.
In 2026, OIA will:

  • Catalyze Advocacy Efforts:
    • Advocate for our businesses and industry at the OIA Capitol Summit in Washington, DC.
    • Connect members with policymakers through direct advocacy opportunities in Washington, DC, and state capitals.
  • Equip Members with Resources:
    • Provide actionable resources to amplify our role as the business voice of the outdoor industry.
    • Strengthen our Mobilize online platform for members to access resources, take advocacy action, and discuss critical policy issues.
    • Share monthly policy brief newsletters and hold regular town halls to keep members informed about legislative updates, industry insights, and advocacy opportunities.
  • Build Industry Connection and Collaboration
    • Bring members together through new task forces and working groups that address priority policy issues.
    • Keep members informed with monthly Trade and Recreation Advisory Council meetings on critical trade and conservation topics.
    • Host member webinars to provide real-time policy updates, facilitate collaboration, and offer opportunities for direct engagement with OIA’s advocacy team and industry peers.

take action, Become a member today

Whether it’s the uncertainty of tariff policies, threats to public lands, or the rollback of critical environmental protections, OIA’s Government Affairs team is here to help you navigate the policy issues critical to your business. We engage directly with lawmakers, advocate fiercely on your behalf, and ensure your voice is heard. 

Call 303.444.3353 to speak to a membership manager today.

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