BOULDER, Colo. – Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) and 29 member companies today sent a letter of support to congressional leadership for significant climate provisions in the proposed budget reconciliation legislation, including funding for a Civilian Climate Corps, the Growing Climate Solutions Act, and Every Kid Outdoors.
“The reconciliation bill being debated offers a historic chance to pass legislation significant enough to tackle these climate issues head on and make progress on many of the policies key to the outdoor industry’s continued success. These priorities include programs to promote natural climate solutions and resilience, increase access to parks and outdoor spaces for underserved communities, and accelerate the transition to renewable energy,” the letter states. “This is a moment when individual, business, and federal government action matters – and we are proud to take this stand.”
The letter encourages Congress to use the budget reconciliation process to advance significant climate legislation to prevent the worst effects of climate change and set America up to lead in the 21st century economy. Investments in infrastructure and climate solutions today will help ensure a continued strong economy and create outdoor industry jobs in the long-term. The letter also notes that a majority of Americans believe businesses, corporations, and the federal government are doing too little to reduce the effects of climate change, and now is the time to embrace climate action and show the American people that we hear them.
The specific climate provisions highlighted in the letter and supported by these companies include:
- The creation and funding for a Civilian Climate Corps to bring jobs to local communities and advance implementation of the Great American Outdoors Act;
- The Growing Climate Solutions Act, which will promote natural climate solutions and resilience within agriculture;
- The Clean Electricity Performance Program and funding for electric vehicles and electric bicycle infrastructure, along with funding for workforce transition programs to support the transition to renewable energy; and
- The Urban Parks/Outdoor Recreation Legacy Parks Program and Every Kid Outdoors to increase access to outdoor spaces in traditionally underserved communities.
The letter is signed by 22 Designs, BioLite, Burton, Carhartt, Eddie Bauer, evo, Hydro Flask, K2 Sports, Klean Kanteen, L.L. Bean, MiiR, NEMO Equipment, New Balance, Nite Ize, Oberalp North America, Osprey, Outdoor Afro, Orvis, PacWesty, Patagonia, PeopleForBikes, Public Lands, REI, Ruffwear, Simms Fishing Products, Snow Peak, Specialized Bicycle Components, SRAM, and Toad&Co.
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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 1,200 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.
