OIA’s government affairs team comes together with expert to cover the state of play for key outdoor industry policy priorities in 2025.
Continue readingTRADE POLICY 101: DEMYSTIFYING SUPPLY CHAIN AND CUSTOMS COMPLIANCE
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 of key concepts including import/export procedures, tariff classifications, trade agreements, and regulatory compliance. Our panel of seasoned experts and industry reps share real-world experiences, best practices, and actionable tips to help you better understand your supply chain operations and ensure compliance with customs requirements.
EVERY VOICE COUNTS: WHAT IT TAKES TO BUILD OUTDOOR ACCESS FOR ALL
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 from leaders in the outdoor industry and community advocates to learn what outdoor equity looks like from grassroots to grasstops. Whether you’re interested in federal advocacy or motivated to act locally, you’ll leave this session with tools to come together and catalyze meaningful change.
The Essentials of Advocacy: Navigating Your Path to Impact
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 scale. From conservation and public lands management to sustainability initiatives and equitable access, we explore the key policy areas that impact our industry. Watch our webinar to feel empowered and ready to raise your voice.
Confluence Summit in Alaska Highlights Equity and Active Transportation
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.
Sign-On Letter: PFAS Reporting Requirement Extension for Outdoor Brands Selling Goods in Maine
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)
Policy News
Policy News
Policy news
State and Local Policy Dispatch: Q3 2022
July 12, 2022
Welcome to the State & Local Dispatch, a quarterly newsletter with key state-level updates that impact our industry and communities.
The Great Maryland Outdoors Act: A win for MD’s outdoors, community, and economy
July 9, 2022
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
Advocating on Earth Day: State and Local Policy Updates
April 19, 2022
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
The Outdoors Should Be for All, Regardless of ZIP Code
April 3, 2022
Together, we can demand greater accessibility to the natural world for all and help more people to get outdoors — because everyone deserves a breath
Outdoor Retailer Education Session: Ask OIA Anything On Trade
January 28, 2022
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
Audio Outdoorist: Maine Senator Angus King and L.L.Bean Executive Chairman Shawn Gorman
January 25, 2022
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
Recreation Alert: America the Beautiful Moving Forward
January 13, 2022
The administration is moving forward on the America the Beautiful initiative. They have asked for our feedback.
OIA Policy Alert: Letter to Support Priorities in Build Back Better Act
December 6, 2021
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
Greetings from the White House — Letter from OIA Executive Director Lise Aangeenbrug
November 16, 2021
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.
Advocacy
Shaping the future of outdoor policy,
TOGETHER
The outdoor economy depends on policies that increase access to the outdoors and promote a balanced trade agenda. OIA ensures you have a voice in government by advocating for legislation that fuels growth, protects public lands, and keeps the industry strong.
Shaping the future of outdoor policy,
TOGETHER
The outdoor economy depends on policies that increase access to the outdoors and promote a balanced trade agenda. OIA ensures you have a voice in government by advocating for legislation that fuels growth, protects public lands, and keeps the industry strong.
Policy isn't just politics. It's protection, and progress.
The future of outdoor recreation is shaped by public policy. OIA advocates for your voice in Washington, D.C., and state capitals across the country, advocating for legislation that reduces trade barriers, protects public lands, and increases recreation opportunities. OIA turns complexity into strategic advantage.
Policy isn't just politics. It's protection, and progress.
The future of outdoor recreation is shaped by public policy. OIA advocates for your voice in Washington, D.C., and state capitals across the country, advocating for legislation that reduces trade barriers, protects public lands, and increases recreation opportunities. OIA turns complexity into strategic advantage.
Use Your Outside Voice
To communicate with your state Senators and Represenatitives.
What We Fight For
What We Fight For
TRADE & TARIFFS
- Protect supply chains and lower costs
- Fight for fair, balanced global trade
- Help members recover and avoid tariff losses
CONSERVATION & RECREATION
- Grow economies through policy and partnership
- Protect public lands and cultural landscapes
- Secure sustainable funding for long-term conservation
STATE & LOCAL PRIORITIES
- Protect public lands and expand outdoor access
- Grow local economies with business support
- Champion climate action and sustainable policies
TRADE & TARIFFS
- Protect supply chains and lower costs
- Fight for fair, balanced global trade
- Help members recover and avoid tariff losses
CONSERVATION & RECREATION
- Grow economies through policy and partnership
- Protect public lands and cultural landscapes
- Secure sustainable funding for long-term conservation
STATE & LOCAL PRIORITIES
- Protect public lands and expand outdoor access
- Grow local economies with business support
- Champion climate action and sustainable policies
We Do the Heavy Lifting.
You Get the Strategic Advantage.
You Get the Strategic Advantage.
- Direct access to OIA’s team of federal and state policy experts
- Personalized alerts, talking points, and issue guidance
- Access to our Recreation and Trade Advisory Councils
- Monthly town halls, advocacy toolkits, and real-time updates
- Coalition-level influence without lobbying firm costs
- Templates and support to help your business take action fast
- Online community forum with 100+ industry leaders and experts
We Do the Heavy Lifting.
You Get the Strategic Advantage.
You Get the Strategic Advantage.
- Direct access to OIA’s team of federal and state policy experts
- Personalized alerts, talking points, and issue guidance
- Access to our Recreation and Trade Advisory Councils
- Monthly town halls, advocacy toolkits, and real-time updates
- Coalition-level influence without lobbying firm costs
- Templates and support to help your business take action fast
- Online community forum with 100+ industry leaders and experts
Built in Advocacy. Influence that Works
Why pay for a costly lobbying firm when Outdoor Industry Association’s policy team will advocate for you? We offer direct member support and build connections to the policymakers shaping your future.
Built in Advocacy. Influence that Works
Why pay for a costly lobbying firm when OIA’s policy team will advocate for you? We offer direct member support and build connections to policymakers shaping your future.