A letter from OIA President Kent Ebersole Dear OIA Members,  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

The signing of the EXPLORE Act into law by President Biden on January 4, 2025 marks a monumental leap forward for public lands, outdoor recreation, and local communities nationwide. This landmark legislation reinforces America’s commitment to ensuring that everyone—regardless of ability or background—can experience the wonder of our nation’s outdoor

The 2024 election resulted in a dynamic political landscape with significant policy implications for outdoor industry businesses, particularly in overseas manufacturing and exporting. During our industry-wide webinar this December, OIA convened policy experts, government affairs representatives, and attendees to share insights and answer questions about tariffs, trade policies, and broader regulatory

  Live Date: Tuesday, May 21, 2024 Supply chain management and customs compliance policy can be daunting. Designed specifically for those new to trade policy, this final session in OIA’s Capitol Summit Series provides you with the insights and tools to successfully navigate the world of international trade, including supply chain logistics, customs regulations, and trade policy. You’ll gain a comprehensive understanding

  Live Date: May 14, 2024 Move equity in the outdoors forward and learn actionable ways to align your business strategy to inclusive growth. In this edition of OIA’s Capitol Summit Series, we dive into the challenges and solutions surrounding equitable outdoor recreation access, from policy solutions to grassroots advocacy and action. Hear

Webinar date: May 7, 2024 Watch our webinar recording and learn how to advocate for the long-term health of the outdoors, outdoor participants, and your company’s bottom line. Industry policy experts share in-depth exploration of the policy landscape, why it’s relevant to your business, and how you can drive change at

Written by Alaska Outdoor Alliance (AOA) Executive Director Lee Hart Nearly 80 outdoor industry stakeholders and allies traveled by plane and ferry and across the Canadian border to take part in Alaska Outdoor Alliance’s 7th Annual Confluence: Summit on the Outdoor Recreation Economy, held in Haines last month.  Key state

Does your company operate or sell goods in Maine? Sign our letter to request an extension on PFAS compliance laws.​​​ Hello from Washington, D.C.,Across the country, we have seen increased activity concerning the use of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) in consumer products. Traditionally, PFAS have been used throughout the outdoor industry as the compounds are

Welcome to the State & Local Dispatch, a quarterly newsletter with key state-level updates that impact our industry and communities. 

As 2022 state legislative sessions wrap up and we reflect on major policy wins across the U.S., The Great Maryland Outdoors Act is a clear standout. OIA staff connected with Daryl Anthony, executive director of the Maryland Office of Outdoor Recreation, and western region manager Christy Bright at the Maryland

On this Earth Day, we on the OIA Government Affairs team are reflecting on notable state-level policies, regulatory changes, and investments that are accelerating important progress on climate, conservation, education, and outdoor access. To celebrate, we want to share some of these significant highlights with you in hopes that it

Together, we can demand greater accessibility to the natural world for all and help more people to get outdoors — because everyone deserves a breath of fresh air.

February is Black History Month! Join us in celebrating some of the Black environmentalists, advocates and thought-leaders who have championed work to protect our public lands and increase equity and access in the outdoors.

With continued discussion of the Build Back Better plan in Congress, policymakers are responding to the outdoor industry’s call to make historic investments to combat climate change, which is a major existential threat to the outdoors, our communities, and the outdoor recreation economy. These proposed funds are committed to build

OIA’s international trade program is dedicated to promoting a stable and predictable trade environment for outdoor businesses of all sizes, from domestic manufacturers to those that utilize global value chains to bring product to market. Members of OIA’s Trade Advisory Council (OIATAC) meet regularly to provide advice and guidance on

In today’s episode, OIA government affairs director Rich Harper speaks with King and OIA Government Affairs Committee Chair and L.L.Bean Executive Chairman Shawn Gorman about why they support federal investments in national, state and local parks as means for driving sustainable economic growth, and they discuss how government and outdoor

The administration is moving forward on the America the Beautiful initiative. They have asked for our feedback.

On Dec. 23, 2021, President Biden signed into law legislation that will place additional restrictions on imports of goods made with forced labor from the Xinjian region in China.

The deadline to sign-on has been extended to Friday, December 10th! Proposed Climate and Outdoor Investments in the Build Back Better Act are Pivotal to the Future of Business, People, and the Planet   Congress will spend the next weeks finalizing the contents of a historic social spending bill. Key provisions

On Monday, I joined President Joe Biden and a group of bipartisan lawmakers and business leaders at the signing of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. I’m proud to say that OIA has been a key player every step along the way, ensuring that meaningful climate provisions and other projects important