BOULDER, Colo. – Twelve of the nation’s leading outdoor industry companies sent a letter today to the White House offering their support for President Biden’s American Jobs Plan, specifically as it relates to the plan’s climate change provisions, funding for nature-based infrastructure, investments in the energy workforce, and advancing environmental justice and equity.
The letter outlines the industry’s goal of being climate positive – not only reducing emissions, but removing more than it emits through nature-based projects – through a commitment to measure, plan, and reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and share their progress annually. Additionally, the letter applauds the administration’s infrastructure blueprint for connecting climate-smart policies to daily life, making the necessary investments to combat the impacts of a changing climate, and ensuring the long-term economic success.
“The outdoor industry has proven itself to be a resilient and powerful economic force for the nation,” the letter states. “When the outdoors thrives, our industry thrives, and through critical funding for climate-smart policies, the American Jobs Plan would give our $788 billion industry the opportunity to continue to grow and support the economy.”
The letter is signed by Big Agnes, Burton, Hydro Flask, K2 Sports, Klean Kanteen, MiiR, NEMO Equipment, Oberalp North America, The Orvis Company, Outdoor Afro, REI Co-op, and Ruffwear.
Specific elements of the plan highlighted in the letter and supported by these companies include:
- Funding for a new Civilian Climate Corps to advance economic recovery and address the on-the-ground impacts of climate change.
- Restoring nature-based infrastructure like forests, public lands, and coasts to bring climate-resiliency and protection so these spaces can continue to bring opportunity to communities.
- Providing funding for workforce development and manufacturing to alleviate hardships faced by traditional energy communities.
- Emphasizing environmental justice and equity to ensure new projects are community-driven and economically benefit historically underserved communities.
To view the letter in its entirety, click here.
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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 https://outdoorindustry.org/.
