2025 Policy Agenda
The outdoor industry is at a pivotal moment. As a core part of a $1.2 trillion industry that supports 5 million American jobs, OIA is committed to standing strong on the issues that matter most to you—conservation, recreation, trade, and sustainability. We understand the challenges our industry and your business face. Whether it’s the uncertainty of tariff policies, threats to public lands, or the rollback of critical environmental protections, this political climate requires bold advocacy and strategic engagement.
Read OIA President Kent Ebersole’s letter introducing our 2025 Policy Agenda and outlining our commitment to the outdoor industry:
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.
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 provides the National Park Service with up to $1.3 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 expires after fiscal year 2025 and requires congressional reauthorization to continue the efforts underway to address significant public lands infrastructure needs. 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
Every five years, Congress reauthorizes the Farm Bill, a critical piece of legislation that shapes natural resource conservation, forestry programs, agricultural policy, and gateway park development. Outdoor recreation benefits from policies that support land stewardship, rural economies, and improved access to public lands. With reauthorization now expected in 2025, there is an opportunity to strengthen provisions that enhance outdoor recreation infrastructure, support rural communities, and improve the management of public lands.
To ensure the Farm Bill advances outdoor recreation and rural economic development, we encourage Congress to:
- Expand support for outdoor recreation infrastructure and businesses in rural areas through existing grant and loan programs.
- Strengthen efforts to attract and retain a skilled workforce in gateway communities by addressing housing challenges and community development needs.
- Improve coordination within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to assist rural communities in leveraging outdoor recreation as an economic driver.
- Maintain and enhance conservation programs that promote responsible land management and voluntary public access to private lands for outdoor recreation.
- Advance policies that improve outdoor recreation opportunities on national forests, including long-term planning and accessibility improvements.
This Farm Bill presents an opportunity to build on past successes and further integrate outdoor recreation into USDA programs that support rural economies and public land access. We urge Congress to prioritize policies that benefit outdoor recreation businesses, communities, and public land users.
International Trade
A stable and predictable U.S. federal trade policy is essential for outdoor companies, enabling them to strategically plan, make informed sourcing decisions, remain globally competitive, manage costs, create and retain American jobs, and drive innovation in outdoor apparel, footwear, and equipment. OIA’s advocacy on trade is guided by a balanced agenda that supports policies ensuring a level playing field for both domestic manufacturers and companies that rely on global supply chains.
To advance these goals, we urge Congress and the administration to:
- Adopt a trade policy that fosters fair competition for all outdoor businesses, facilitates viable sourcing migration from China, and prevents disproportionately high and unnecessary tariffs on consumer-facing products that promote outdoor recreation but are not commercially produced in the United States.
- Retroactively renew the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) to restore duty-free access to key products for the U.S. outdoor industry and provide refunds for duties paid since January 1, 2021. Outdoor companies have paid an estimated $1.9 billion in duties on eligible products since the program’s expiration at the end of 2020.
- Reform the Competitive Needs Limitations (CNLs) under GSP, as the current thresholds—last updated in 1992—arbitrarily remove products from the program once they exceed outdated dollar or volume caps. These limits do not reflect true competitiveness and have hindered industries, such as travel goods, from shifting production out of China while also restricting beneficiary countries from building sustainable, competitive industries.
- Pass the pending Miscellaneous Tariff Bill (MTB) package to provide temporary duty relief on outdoor products not produced domestically and reauthorize the program for future cycles while maintaining eligibility for finished products. Past MTBs saved outdoor companies $40 million, which was reinvested in domestic employment, operations, and product innovation.
- Refocus tariff actions taken for national security, economic rebalancing, and other purposes to exclude outdoor products used daily by millions of American consumers. At a minimum, the administration should recognize the unique sourcing challenges faced by small and medium-sized outdoor businesses, as well as product-specific sourcing limitations, and provide permanent, targeted relief.
- Eliminate policy incentives that push e-commerce distribution operations offshore by allowing U.S. Foreign Trade Zones (FTZs) to utilize de minimis entry in whatever form it exists moving forward.
- Support domestic outdoor manufacturers while promoting fair access to foreign markets and ensuring a level playing field in the global economy.
- Advance policies that incentivize and promote sustainable outdoor products and supply chains.
- Develop new trade agreements that expand market access, uphold sustainability principles, and include robust, enforceable labor and environmental provisions aligned with international standards.
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 already-existing 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
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-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
Sustainability and Climate
OIA will advocate for innovative and impactful sustainability and climate solutions policy at the state level. These policies protect public lands and encourage outdoor companies and participants to become responsible and engaged stewards. At the state level, OIA will:
- Keep members apprised of pertinent regulatory legislation and policies across the U.S. (e.g., Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, green claims, extended producer responsibility, greenhouse gas reporting) and provide opportunities for industry feedback and advocacy on pertinent policies.
- Inform OIA members of state-by-state climate and sustainability advocacy opportunities.
- Ad hoc ballot and legislative issues
Conservation
OIA will leverage our industry voice and work with coalition partners to advance policies that promote conservation of public lands and waters, safeguard important cultural and historical antiquities, and protect biodiversity. 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
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 2025, 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.
- Expand state-level influence by relaunching our state policy program.
Equip Members with Resources:
- Provide actionable resources to amplify our role as the business voice of the outdoor industry.
- Launch a new online platform for members to access resources, take advocacy action, and discuss critical policy issues.
- Share monthly policy brief newsletters 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 monthly 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
Become an OIA member and join our passionate group of business leaders, climate experts, policy makers and outdoor enthusiasts committed to business growth and innovation while protecting—and growing access to—the benefits of the outdoors for everyone.
Call 303.444.3353 to speak to a membership manager today.