La Niña is going strong, and powder season is upon us. The OIA government affairs team is hard at work prepping to monitor legislative sessions across all 50 states and the federal government.
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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 and federal leaders participating in the event before and after their brief remarks included Sen. Lisa Murkowski; Raina Thiele, senior advisor to Interior Secretary Deb Haaland for Alaska Affairs & Strategic Priorities; and Julia Hnilicka, USDA Rural Development state director.
This year’s theme, regenerative economies, attracted leaders in outdoor; tourism; economic development; and local, state, territorial, tribal and federal land managers, as well as counterparts from the Yukon. A subgroup of attendees pledged to continue collaborating on transboundary economic development priorities. Another subgroup has already met to form the foundation of a statewide active transportation coalition.
“From the Arctic to the Tongass, there are incredible efforts literally transforming local economies and ways of connecting with the outdoors that are being guided by Indigenous wisdom and values,” said AOA Executive Director Lee Hart. “Confluence facilitated candid, passionate conversations among participants that led to a list of action steps aimed at co-creating a more regenerative future.”
Unique to many industry gatherings, Confluence was co-presented by the Chilkoot Indian Association, which hosted a salmon bake, after which participants shared stories highlighting centuries-old relationships with land, water, fish, wildlife, and ancestors. On the last stormy day of the event, the nearby Chilkat Indian Village gifted a special, personalized tour of their Jilkaat Kwaan Heritage Center, a network helping to address the pressing issue of where to put precious clan treasures and the villagers’ desire to rebuild and restore their cultural heritage.
For outdoor brands, measuring the impact of everything from technical gear and hardgoods to performance apparel can be challenging. Higg is proud to announce their partnerships with the Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) and the European Outdoor Group (EOG). These collaborations offer the industry the opportunity to align on standards of measurement, reporting, and production. With many brands already engaging with all three entities, the harmonization will enable outdoor businesses to consistently measure, benchmark, and progress using a standard measurement system.
The relationships among Higg, OIA, and EOG provide the outdoor industry the opportunity to prioritize the tools and solutions it needs most. We’re optimistic that this repository of reliable primary data and leading industry measurement and analytics tools can help spearhead more sustainable production. In addition, we look forward to expanding product and material categories with insights from industry leaders. Facilities using Higg can continue to provide valuable data to the brands they work with, while forging stronger business partnerships.
Just like the outdoor industry, sustainability measurement continues to evolve. Materials are more advanced and technical. Enthusiasts increasingly look for brands that match their environmental and social values. With Higg, smaller brands have a unified view of their supply chain and can take responsibility for their entire impact – from carbon emissions to working conditions, materials to products, and stores. With resources through OIA, EOG, and Higg, they have the expert guidance and support to make decisions based on their unique needs and product lifecycle.
For example, EOG’s grant program is furthering brands’ ability to measure and take action, providing businesses that want to make a difference free access to Higg platform. Equip Outdoor Technologies, Halti, INTERSPORT IIC, and ORTOVOX are among the companies that have already participated in the program to expand their sustainability initiatives.
“The Higg grant scheme from EOG represented a great opportunity for us at ORTOVOX to try out the Higg Index in a structured and informative approach within the wide range of its possibilities. It allowed us step by step to start working with the tool with the professional support of the Higg team. This was a stepping stone for us!” — Andreas Wolf, CSR Manager
Through OIA’s Climate Action Corps, outdoor brands are banding together and committing to be the first climate positive industry by 2030. Being climate positive means reducing your greenhouse gas emissions in line with a science-based target (SBT) that addresses all scopes, removing even more GHG from the atmosphere than you emit, and for broader systemic change. Brands in the coalition have ambitious goals, and with the right tools, they can get there.
As a founding member of the Climate Action Corps, NEMO Equipment is paving the way for broad industry progress using Higg tools.
“NEMO utilizes the Higg MSI and Product Tool during our design process. Next, we’re working to integrate Higg data in our PLM system, and integrate FEM and FSLM in our Quality Program. Along with providing great tools, Higg has a team of experts who make training and sharing best practices a priority.” — Theresa McKenney, Director of Sustainability
Today, over 150 brands and retailers from OIA and EOG’s combined member base are utilizing Higg tools and data to help them with their sustainability goals and initiatives in the outdoor industry.
Together, we are excited to further empower the outdoor industry in their impact goals, and we look forward to seeing these partnerships grow.
Ready to learn how this partnership can help you reach your goals?
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 resistant to extreme elements like heat and water. Recent science has allowed us to better understand the negative human and environmental impacts that PFAS have, leading to the increased attention on PFAS phaseout across all sectors, including outdoor, juvenile products, food packaging, and more.A law passed in Maine in 2021, An Act To Stop Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances Pollution, is considered to be one of the most sweeping in the country. Although the State of Maine’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is still moving through rulemaking and guidance for the public to better understand the law and its requirements, there are hard trigger dates for compliance that OIA manufacturers should know about.The most important date to note is January 1, 2023, when businesses throughout the state AND businesses that sell goods into the state will be expected to notify the DEP of any products for sale in the state that contain intentionally added PFAS. If a business is not in compliance with this deadline, it may face financial costs. DEP is allowing manufacturers in Maine and businesses that sell goods into the state to request an extension on this trigger date, pushing the reporting requirement back six months. OIA and our on-the-ground partner, Maine Outdoor Brands, have drafted an extension letter for our members.If you would like an extension for your company, please fill out this short form by this Friday at 5 p.m. (ET). Even if you are unsure if anything you sell contains PFAS, we encourage you to join the extension request to ensure you are in compliance, have products tested if necessary, and give DEP more time to provide guidance.This law may have measurable impacts on your business, and we want to work together to ensure that you are as prepared as possible to comply and eventually phase out intentionally added PFAS. For over a decade, our industry has been investing time and resources to develop safe, durable, innovative, and economical alternatives to PFAS, and we plan to all work together to ensure that the transition is economical, equitable, and safe.
Together we are a force.Rebecca GillisGovernment Affairs ManagerOUTDOOR INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION (OIA)
We blinked, and suddenly we are heading full speed toward midterms! The next quarter promises to be both exciting and impactful as we gear up for next year.
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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
This is the second in our series about international trade and trade policy. In this episode, our director of government affairs Rich Harper and three members of our Trade Advisory Council, discuss the recent precipitous rise in shipping costs, which, on top of punitive tariffs, trade wars and the global
OIA was shocked and saddened to learn of the sudden passing of our former Vice President of Government Affairs, Patricia Rojas-Ungar. She was a passionate and inspiring advocate for the outdoors and our members and she will be sorely missed. A long-time government affairs executive and devoted wife and mother,
Hear from OIA’s Director of Policy, Rich Harper, and members of the OIA Trade Advisory Council (OIATAC) as they discuss the council’s important policy role. In this conversation, Rich is joined by: Sara Bowersox, Sr. Manager, Global Trade Compliance, KEEN Footwear Ben Christensen, Vice President, Operations, Simms Fishing Products Jeff
Congressman Joe Neguse (CO-2nd) speaks with OIA’s Director of Policy, Rich Harper, to discuss his recently introduced Civilian Climate Corps proposal, which has been included in President Biden’s American Jobs Plan. Neguse also talks about his Parks, Jobs and Equity Act, which would invest millions of dollars into urban parks,
We urge you to express your support for a bill to create an Outdoor Equity Grant Program in Colorado: HB21-1318. If enacted, the program will connect more Colorado youth and their families to the benefits of our state’s public lands and will be funded by portions of lottery money that
Speakers: Lise Aangeenbrug – Executive Director, Outdoor Industry Association Representative Joe Neguse (D-CO-02) – Chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee’s Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands Key Takeaways: 1. For the outdoors to thrive, it must be open and accessible to all. 2. The American Jobs Plan is a
When: Wednesday, May 5 OIA Director of Government Affairs Rich Harper will lead a discussion with OIA’s outside trade counsels, Ron Sorini and Andrew Samet, on the wide range of issues that impact global supply chains of critical importance to outdoor companies. Sorini, Samet & Associates has represented OIA for
Speakers: Joseph Cooke, President and Co-founder of WPIC Marketing + Technologies; Todd Embley, Host and Executive Producer of The Negotiation podcast Is growing your brand in the world’s largest online market on your organization’s trajectory for the next year? As the world emerges from the COVID pandemic, do you see
Speakers: Dave Metz, Partner and President, FM3 Research Lori Weigel, Principal, New Bridge Strategy The 11th annual Conservation in the West survey sponsored by Colorado College’s State of the Rockies Project is the most comprehensive view of Western-state voters’ attitudes about conservation issues and challenges. In years past, the survey
Moderator: Rich Harper; Outdoor Industry Association Presenters: Sara Bowersox, Senior Manager of Global Trade Compliance, OIATAC Vice Chair, Keen; Ben Christensen, VP of Operations, OIATAC Chair, Simms Fishing Products; Brent Meriam, COO, NEMO Equipment; Loren VandenBerghe, Director Global Logistics, REI; Emily Vedaa, Senior Manager, Global Customs & Trade, Columbia Sportswear Description: Over the
Outdoor recreation is a cornerstone of American life that relies on the health and wellbeing of the environment. Widespread access to public lands and waters is critical to maintaining and expanding the many benefits of outdoor recreation. As more and more Americans find refuge outdoors during the COVID-19 pandemic, recreation
The following provisions are related to small businesses and access to Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) second draw loans. For additional information on obtaining PPP loans, view OIA’s webinar from March 2020 with Small Business Administration. Additional expenses are now allowable and forgivable with PPP funds: Covered worker protection expenditure. PPE
The Trump administration announced last week that it would ban all inbound shipments containing cotton or any cotton products – including textiles and apparel – originating from the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps (XPCC) due to forced labor and human rights concerns. The XPCC is a paramilitary organization that is
Outdoor Recreation Is an Economic Force; Accounts for Over 2 Percent of U.S. Gross Domestic Product November 20, 2020 How is the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) study different from the OIA economic study? The featured BEA measures include gross output, a measure of outdoor recreation goods and services produced
This article was published Thursday, Nov. 5. For updates as of Nov. 10 and a deeper dive into these insights, watch our Post-Election Analysis webinar. At the time of publication, the Associated Press has declared a presidential victor in all but a handful of states, leaving pivotal Georgia, Nevada, North
Washington, D.C. – Today, OIA Executive Director Lise Aangeenbrug made the following statement after the Department of the Interior (DOI) failed to provide a list to Congress detailing which Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) projects should be funded under the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA): “We are deeply concerned by the agency’s failure to
Welcome to the State & Local Dispatch, a quarterly newsletter with key state-level updates that impact our industry and communities.
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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 Park Service, to learn more about the positive impacts this bill will have on Maryland’s outdoors, its citizens, and the state’s outdoor economy.
Like many other states, Maryland’s park system saw a marked increase in traffic across its 77 units throughout the pandemic. Much of the increase in visitation was experienced in regions most accessible to nearby major metropolitan areas and in neighboring states. Alongside increased traffic came escalated stress on the resources of the Maryland Park Service. Equity and access concerns for underserved communities also became a greater priority. These conditions sparked discussion on how to address these new challenges. The result? The Great Maryland Outdoors Act.
This act is an instructional example of collaboration between bipartisan lawmakers, state institutions, and other stakeholders working together to understand the needs of the Maryland Park Service, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and their employees. According to Executive Director Anthony, the Great Maryland Outdoors Act is “geared toward advancing operations and capability of the Maryland Park Service.” These targeted investments will address specific resource shortages and will enhance the capacity of the DNR and its departments.
Here are some of the components of the act:
These sizable investments will result in a triple-bottom-line return for the state by imparting direct positive impacts on the health and wellness of the state’s citizens and the health of the environment, and they will enable further development of an outdoor recreation economy that already provides Maryland $5.5 billion in value-added to the state’s economy annually while supplying approximately 69,337 jobs for residents. Executive Director Anthony noted that the act reflected a host of favorable conditions developing in the right place at the right time, including a partnership with the state’s executive branch. “Governor Hogan recognizes the value of outdoor recreation and the need to have this opportunity available for the citizens of Maryland for their overall quality of life,” said Anthony.
After this significant policy victory, what’s next? Both Executive Director Anthony and Western Region Manager Bright say there are other needs and opportunities they will be focused on: growing public and private investment in green technologies to improve access, updating recreation amenities like campgrounds, and further improving the user experience. Finally, Bright points out that the vitality of the outdoor economy and Marylanders themselves rely on the health of the natural assets across the state. Traditional conservation efforts are still front-of-mind for the DNR, including a continued focus on the protection of the Chesapeake Bay.
We at OIA are big fans of the Great Maryland Outdoors Act. State parks across the country are chronically underfunded even while seeing notable traffic increases. Our industry can utilize our collective voice to address this issue over the coming years.
Ready to learn how you can advocate on behalf of increased investment in parks, green infrastructure, and recreation amenities? Contact Rebecca Gillis, OIA’s State and Local Government Affairs Manager, to learn more about the tools OIA offers to our members to step up and call on elected officials to strengthen the outdoors and outdoor economy.
Watch on-demand: California Outdoor Recreation Partnership and Outdoor Industry Association’s 5th Sacramento Summit!
The California Outdoor Recreation Partnership, with support from Outdoor Industry Association, was pleased to host the 5th Sacramento Summit for outdoor recreation policy. From May 23-25, hundreds of outdoor recreation enthusiasts participated in our Sacramento Summit. Businesses and organizations met for a virtual advocacy day to hear from state policymakers, legislators, and decision-makers. Summit participants engaged in and drove conversation to protect public lands and advocate for equitable access, environmental justice, climate resilience including the 30×30 initiative, and outdoor recreation infrastructure.
Summit Objectives
Advocacy Day Program: 8 am – 12 pm on Monday, May 23, 2022
Lobby Meetings: Monday, May 23 – Wednesday, May 25, 2022
Advocacy Day Activities:
Special thanks to The North Face and REI for their support of our work at California Outdoor Recreation Partnership.
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 inspires our members and fellow outdoorists to continue advocating for impactful policy on our planet’s behalf.
MICHIGAN
In late March of 2022, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer celebrated the Building Michigan Together Plan. The $5 billion bipartisan plan is a blueprint for major investments to improve and modernize the state’s infrastructure.
The plan will have major implications throughout the state. We were excited to see that the governor outlined a planned $450 million investment in state parks. Of the total, $250 million will be allocated to state parks, including the development of a new state park in Flint, MI. An additional $200 million will go toward improving and developing local park systems throughout the state. Governor Whitmer’s administration noted that these investments will benefit the state’s outdoor recreation industry and will attract increased tourism to Michigan. Click here to learn more about these important investments.
CALIFORNIA
Late last year, California Governor Gavin Newsom’s administration made some exciting announcements to kick off 2022. Alongside California Secretary for Natural Resources Wade Crowfoot, the governor outlined $548.3 million in state grant funding to develop new parks in more than 100 communities throughout California. The press conference was part of a kick-off for the California “Outdoors for All” initiative, which will be led by Katherine Toy, the new and first-ever Deputy Secretary for Access at CNRA. US Secretary of the Department of the Interior, Deb Haaland, joined attendees for the launch of the initiative.
Learn more about the California Outdoors for All initiative and the catalytic investments here.
MARYLAND
In March 2022, the Maryland General Assembly passed the Great Maryland Outdoors Act (MD SB541). The bill was written partially in response to increasing visitor use seen throughout the pandemic, as well as growing need for resources to address deferred maintenance throughout the state. The legislation will provide increased funding for the state’s park system, the creation of new parks, and better access to existing parks.
The Great Maryland Outdoors Act will play a major role in, “addressing infrastructure, capacity, and accessibility needs within the Maryland Park Service and State parks,” and “increasing the number of Maryland Park Service full-time employees,” and finally, requiring the state’s Department of Natural Resources to make considerations “relating to the accessibility, inclusivity, safety, and location of State parks.” The law also establishes the Great Maryland Outdoors Fund to provide funding related to outdoor recreation in the state.
Read the final version of the bipartisan bill here.
WASHINGTON
Washington recently saw the creation of a statewide outdoor school program via a bipartisan bill, Establishing the outdoor school for all program (WA HB 2078). Ten million dollars in funding allocated from the state’s general fund will be used to administer an outdoor learning grant program supporting outdoor educational experiences throughout the state’s public schools. Washington youth in the fifth and sixth grades will be able to attend outdoor school starting as soon as the 2022-2023 academic year.
The program will be administered by the state’s Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction. The office will allocate grants to eligible school districts and outdoor school providers, and will also partner with other relevant state agencies to carry out implementation.
Governor Jay Inslee said, “This is an important opportunity for our kids to experience quality instructional time outdoors, and it may even inspire them to pursue exciting careers in earth science and land management, which will help prepare our state for the challenges of climate change.”
Interested in learning more about our government affairs work on the state and local level? Read more here.
