Type: OIA Press Room

Boulder, CO (June 26, 2025) — Today, Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) issued the following statement regarding the updated language introduced by Chairman Mike Lee (R-UT) to renew his fight to include the public lands selloff provision in the Republican’s reconciliation package after the Senate’s parliamentarian disqualified his earlier plan to mandate the sale of millions of acres.

“Chairman Lee’s latest proposal to sell off some of our most treasured public lands poses a renewed threat to the landscapes that are vital to local economies, small businesses, and the outdoor recreation community,” said Kent Ebersole, president of Outdoor Industry Association. “The bill would significantly shrink BLM lands across 11 states, eliminate public input, bypass the environmental review process, and mandate the disposal of lands near population centers, putting accessible outdoor recreation at risk for millions of Americans. It’s time for Congress to move past this misguided and deeply unpopular idea and instead focus on policies that grow the $1.2 trillion outdoor recreation economy and support the gateway communities that depend on it.”

Tell Congress: Hands Off Our Public Lands

Take action now through OIA’s Action Center:

About Outdoor Industry Association

Based in Boulder, Colo., with offices in Washington, D.C., Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) is a catalyst for meaningful change. A member-based collective, OIA is a passionate group of business leaders, climate experts, policy makers and outdoor enthusiasts committed to sustainable economic growth while protecting – and growing access to – the benefits of the outdoors for everyone. For more than 30 years, OIA has catalyzed a thriving outdoor industry by supporting the success of every member company across four critically aligned areas: market research, sustainability, government affairs, and inclusive participation. OIA delivers success for its members through education, events, and business services in the form of solutions and strategies, consultation, collaboration, and opportunities for collective action. For more information, visit outdoorindustry.org.

Boulder, CO (June 12, 2025) — Today, Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) issued the following statement regarding the newly introduced reconciliation bill from the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, unveiled by Chairman Mike Lee (R-UT).

“It is deeply disappointing to see the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee’s reconciliation bill once again puts our treasured public lands on the selling block,” said Kent Ebersole, OIA President. “We appreciated that the House removed a similar provision from its version of the bill and we strongly encourage the Senate to do the same. We will continue working with the bipartisan coalition in Congress that helped stop this proposal last month to protect these critical places that power the $1.2 trillion outdoor recreation economy.”

About Outdoor Industry Association

Based in Boulder, Colo., with offices in Washington, D.C., Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) is a catalyst for meaningful change. A member-based collective, OIA is a passionate group of business leaders, climate experts, policy makers and outdoor enthusiasts committed to sustainable economic growth while protecting – and growing access to – the benefits of the outdoors for everyone. For more than 30 years, OIA has catalyzed a thriving outdoor industry by supporting the success of every member company across four critically aligned areas: market research, sustainability, government affairs, and inclusive participation. OIA delivers success for its members through education, events, and business services in the form of solutions and strategies, consultation, collaboration, and opportunities for collective action. For more information, visit outdoorindustry.org.

Members of the Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) joined other industry leaders for a U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business & Entrepreneurship hearing on the outdoor recreation economy 

Boulder, CO (MAY 30, 2025) — Today, leaders in the outdoor industry testified during a field hearing held by the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business & Entrepreneurship, “Beyond the Trailhead: Supporting Outdoor Recreation in an Uncertain Economy”, sharing their perspectives on how tariffs are hurting the outdoor recreation economy.  

Travis Campbell, CEO of Outdoor Industry Member (OIA) member Eagle Creek, joined Mike Mojica, Founder of Outdoor Element, and Trent Bush, Founder and Co-CEO of ARTILECT Studio, to discuss the impact of tariffs on the outdoor recreation economy and how their business are navigating the ongoing uncertainty around trade.   

“We are the kind of small business America should be proud of: We pay our taxes. We comply fully with our duties and regulations. We strive to be a responsible employer, a committed partner to our customers, and a steward of the planet,” said Travis Campbell during the hearing. “Yet, in the wake of newly announced tariffs, it feels as though our country is systematically working against businesses like ours –raising our costs dramatically while fueling consumer anxiety that suppresses demand.”  

“Small businesses like mine cannot fix this alone. We need long-term, stable trade policies that recognize the realities of modern supply chains – not punitive tariffs and uncertainty,” Campell continued. “The outdoor industry stands ready to work with you. Our company is prepared to be part of the solution, but we need a clear plan. Because what we’re doing now isn’t working.”  

In a recent survey, 84% of OIA members surveyed said they will be impacted by tariffs, resulting in millions of dollars in financial losses and affecting hundreds of outdoor products. The outdoor recreation industry fuels $1.2 trillion in consumer spending and supports over 5 million jobs. Outdoor recreation is a critical force in the U.S. economy, and OIA remains committed to working with the administration and policymakers to champion a balanced trade agenda that supports industry growth and success.  

You can read Travis Campbell’s full testimony here, and watch the full hearing here.    

 

About Outdoor Industry Association 

Based in Boulder, Colo., with offices in Washington, D.C., Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) is a catalyst for meaningful change. A member-based collective, OIA is a passionate group of business leaders, climate experts, policy makers and outdoor enthusiasts committed to sustainable economic growth while protecting – and growing access to – the benefits of the outdoors for everyone. For more than 30 years, OIA has catalyzed a thriving outdoor industry by supporting the success of every member company across four critically aligned areas: market research, sustainability, government affairs, and inclusive participation. OIA delivers success for its members through education, events, and business services in the form of solutions and strategies, consultation, collaboration, and opportunities for collective action. For more information, visit outdoorindustry.org. 

 

Boulder, CO (May 22, 2025) “Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) applauds Congressman Zinke, Congressman Vasquez, and their colleagues who successfully removed the harmful mandate to sell off public lands from the House reconciliation bill,” said Kent Ebersole, OIA President. “America’s public lands are the engine of the $1.2 trillion outdoor economy and should be protected so future generations can continue hiking, climbing, and recreating. This bipartisan leadership reflects a clear understanding that public lands are both a cornerstone of our economy and a shared national legacy that deserves lasting stewardship.”

About Outdoor Industry Association

Based in Boulder, Colo., with offices in Washington, D.C., Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) is a catalyst for meaningful change. A member-based collective, OIA is a passionate group of business leaders, climate experts, policy makers and outdoor enthusiasts committed to sustainable economic growth while protecting – and growing access to – the benefits of the outdoors for everyone. For more than 30 years, OIA has catalyzed a thriving outdoor industry by supporting the success of every member company across four critically aligned areas: market research, sustainability, government affairs, and inclusive participation. OIA delivers success for its members through education, events, and business services in the form of solutions and strategies, consultation, collaboration, and opportunities for collective action. For more information, visit outdoorindustry.org.

Boulder, CO (May 8, 2025) – Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) strongly urges Congress to oppose provisions added in the House Natural Resource Committee budget reconciliation package by Representatives Mark Amodei (R-NV-2) and Celeste Maloy (R-UT-2), which mandate the sale of public lands in Utah and Nevada. This proposal bypasses established public land management processes, fails to reinvest in conservation or recreation, and jeopardizes public access and outdoor recreation opportunities for local communities and visitors. 

We urge policymakers to work through existing authorities that ensure transparent decision-making, public engagement, and the protection of our shared resources. Proposals of this magnitude warrant serious deliberation and stakeholder engagement, not last-minute amendments.  

The May 7 launch of the bipartisan Congressional Public Lands Caucus underscores the importance of consensus-based approaches to land management that reflect the values of other enthusiasts, local communities, and the $1.2 trillion outdoor recreation economy. We call on Members of Congress to uphold these values by rejecting legislative efforts to privatize public lands.  

OIA remains committed to working with policymakers, businesses, and advocates to ensure that our public lands remain open, accessible, and responsibly managed for the benefit of current and future generations.  

About Outdoor Industry Association

Based in Boulder, Colo., with offices in Washington, D.C., Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) is a catalyst for meaningful change. A member-based collective, OIA is a passionate group of business leaders, climate experts, policy makers and outdoor enthusiasts committed to sustainable economic growth while protecting – and growing access to – the benefits of the outdoors for everyone. For more than 30 years, OIA has catalyzed a thriving outdoor industry by supporting the success of every member company across four critically aligned areas: market research, sustainability, government affairs, and inclusive participation. OIA delivers success for its members through education, events, and business services in the form of solutions and strategies, consultation, collaboration, and opportunities for collective action. For more information, visit outdoorindustry.org.