Type: OIA Press Room

BOULDER, CO [Tuesday, February 18, 2025] — OIA President Kent Ebersole today released the following statement in response to recent staffing cuts at the U.S. Forest Service and the Department of the Interior, which threaten the safety, maintenance, and overall visitor experience on America’s public lands.

“The recent workforce reductions at the U.S. Forest Service and the Department of the Interior are deeply concerning, especially as these agencies are already operating with historically low staff-to-visitor ratios,” said Kent Ebersole, OIA President. “The stewards of our national parks, forests, and public lands—park rangers, maintenance crews, and visitor service staff—are the backbone of these treasured places. They keep trails open, respond to emergencies, educate the public, and ensure that millions of visitors not only experience the outdoors safely but also feel welcomed and inspired by the landscapes they explore.

With fewer staff, we risk longer emergency response times, neglected trails and facilities, and disruptions to the experiences that make these places so special. OIA stands with these dedicated professionals and urges policymakers to prioritize sustainable staffing solutions. Our public lands and the people who care for them deserve better.”

 

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: February 4, 2025) Today, Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) President Kent Ebersole released the following statement in response to recent trade policy developments:

“Tariffs on outdoor products threaten to raise costs for businesses and consumers alike, creating new economic pressures for an industry that fuels $1.2 trillion in consumer spending and supports 5 million jobs. For businesses of all sizes, these rising costs could slow job growth, stifle innovation, and potentially force some to close their doors,” said Kent Ebersole, OIA President. “Outdoor recreation is a crucial force in the U.S. economy, and OIA remains committed to working with our members and policymakers to champion a balanced trade agenda that supports industry growth and success.”

To support the outdoor industry, OIA is providing members with timely alerts and resources on new U.S. tariff actions. Members can access these updates in the OIA Member Portal. 

Cotopaxi, L.L.Bean, New Balance, Patagonia, REI Co-op, W.L. Gore & Associates, Global Efficiency Intelligence, and OIA Collaborate to Drive Industry-Wide Emissions Reductions 

BOULDER, CO [Wednesday, January 29, 2025] — Cotopaxi, L.L. Bean, New Balance, Patagonia, REI Co-op, W.L. Gore & Associates, Global Efficiency Intelligence, and Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) proudly introduce the Textile Heating Electrification Tool, an innovative open-source resource designed to help textile mills reduce emissions by transitioning to efficient, electrified heating technologies. Developed as part of OIA’s Clean Heat Impact CoLab, this initiative underscores the outdoor industry’s commitment to decarbonizing the textile industry and driving progress toward bold climate goals. 

The Textile Heating Electrification Tool equips decision-makers with essential data and insights to replace fossil fuel-based heating systems with electric solutions. This innovation addresses the pressing need for decarbonization in the textile and apparel industry, which accounts for approximately 2% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and faces growing demand due to population increases and consumer trends. 

Key features of the Textile Heating Electrification Tool include:  

• Data management system 

• Modeling and simulation module 

• Implementation checklist 

• Manufacturer and supplier finder 

The Clean Heat CoLab builds on the findings of the 2023 Electrification of Heating in the Textile Industry study, which highlighted the potential for electric heating technologies to reduce emissions and costs for textile mills. Extending those insights, the CoLab transformed research into actionable solutions. Through beta testing with nominated facilities, the tool was refined to meet the needs of textile manufacturers worldwide. 

“At REI, we believe advancing climate solutions requires broad cooperation. While we have an ambitious goal to halve our emissions by 2030, we can’t meet it without the help of our brand and manufacturing partners,” said Andrew Dempsey, Director of Climate at REI. “Electric heat technologies are a crucial component to decarbonizing textile manufacturing. This tool provides REI and our value chain partners valuable information and analysis to accelerate decision-making about decarbonization investments.” 

Developed under OIA’s Clean Heat CoLab, the tool reflects a collaborative, pre-competitive approach to solving complex climate challenges. OIA Impact CoLabs accelerate industry progress by enabling brands and suppliers to work together, meeting company sustainability goals more efficiently and cost-effectively. Learn more about Impact CoLabs here. 

“Since 2021, Patagonia has partnered with Outdoor Industry Association, through its Clean Heat CoLab, on providing the industry with solutions to decarbonize heating emissions from textile mills,” said Kim Drenner, Head of Environmental Impact at Patagonia. “Over the years, this work has brought together several brands and suppliers funding research and now the development of a tool that supports suppliers in identifying electrified technology to replace fossil fuel-based heat systems in their facilities. This work would not be possible if it wasn’t for the collaborative environment that OIA fosters.” 

The tool is now freely available here. To ensure widespread adoption, Global Efficiency Intelligence will create comprehensive training materials, including user guides, tutorial videos, and FAQs, in five languages. Additionally, online training workshops will give suppliers an opportunity to interact with the tool and ask questions. Register here for the upcoming information session on February 13. 

“A tool that shortens the discovery and due diligence process for implementing electric manufacturing equipment can significantly accelerate decarbonization in the textile supply chain. We are really pleased with the outcome of this collaboration with leading outdoor industry brands,” said Markus Wieser, Climate Team Leader at W.L. Gore & Associates. 

“We’re proud to have led the development of the Textile Heating Electrification Tool to help textile and apparel companies decarbonize their operations and supply chain. By providing clear, data-driven pathways to electrification, this tool offers a powerful blueprint for cutting carbon emissions at scale,” said Dr. Ali Hasanbeigi, CEO and Research Director at Global Efficiency Intelligence. 

“We are thrilled with the launch of the Textile Heating Electrification Tool, a vital step in our collective effort to decarbonize the textile industry. This tool combines expertise from across the outdoor industry to provide textile mills with actionable insights to transition to cleaner, more sustainable heating technologies,” said Julie Brown, Director of Sustainable Business Innovation at Outdoor Industry Association.  

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. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, December 19, 2024

BOULDER, Colo. —  In a major step toward expanding outdoor recreation opportunities across the country, the U.S. Senate has passed the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences Act (EXPLORE) Act. This initiative, led by Senator Joe Manchin (I-W.Va.), represents a significant milestone in efforts to enhance access to public lands. Following its earlier approval in the House of Representatives, the bill now moves closer to becoming law.

Introduced by House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-AR) and Ranking Member Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ), the EXPLORE Act is a bipartisan package of recreation bills designed to modernize, preserve, and increase access to the public lands and waterways while supporting the 175.8 million Americans that participate in outdoor recreation. It also aims to address barriers to access for veterans, people with disabilities, and underserved populations, streamline permitting processes for guides and outfitters, and support the more than five million employees who help drive the outdoor industry forward.

“We are thrilled to see Congress pass the EXPLORE Act which will ensure each American has the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors in their own community, grow the recreation economy, and advance mental and physical health benefits for all,” said Kent Ebersole, president of Outdoor Industry Association. “The outdoor recreation economy continues to soar to new levels, accounting for $1.2 trillion in consumer spending and demonstrating participant growth for the eighth consecutive year. This is an important inflection point. We must modernize, preserve, and increase access to the public lands and waterways – regardless of where someone lives or works – and support more than five million employees who help drive our industry forward.”

The EXPLORE Act’s passage is the cumulation of the momentum started by Senate companion bill, S.873, America’s Outdoor Recreation Act (AORA), which passed the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee in May 2023. Together, AORA and EXPLORE represent the strong bicameral and bipartisan collaboration across chambers to advance policies supporting outdoor recreation.

“We extend our gratitude to Senate Energy and Natural Resources Chair Joe Manchin (I-WV) and Ranking Member John Barrasso (R-WY), as well as House Natural Resources Committee Chair Bruce Westerman (R-AR) and Ranking Member Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ) for their leadership on this bill,” Ebersole added.

“Today marks a pivotal moment for our nation’s outdoor legacy and path toward equitable access to nature and outdoor recreation. With the Senate’s passage of the EXPLORE Act, we are not only opening trails, we’re opening doors to endless adventures and opportunities for all Americans,” said Lesford Duncan, MPH, Executive Director, Outdoor Foundation. “This bipartisan achievement reflects our collective commitment to preserving our natural wonders and ensuring every individual has the chance to connect with the great outdoors. The Outdoor Foundation celebrates this milestone as we continue to champion an outdoors for all where we all thrive outside.”

With today’s passage in the Senate, the EXPLORE Act will soon become law poised to deliver enhanced outdoor recreation opportunities, improved public land access, and economic growth in rural communities. As the legislation heads to President Biden’s desk for final approval, bipartisan collaboration and stakeholder engagement remain critical to realizing its transformative potential for individuals, businesses, and the environment.

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, Colo.  (December 19, 2024) – Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) applauds the bipartisan reauthorization of the Economic Development Administration (EDA). The EDA, a federal agency focused on promoting economic growth and job creation in communities across the country, plays a crucial role in supporting the outdoor recreation economy.  For the first time, the just-passed reauthorization bill designates recreation as a priority for EDA funding, giving it special consideration when awarding infrastructure grants through the Public Works Program. Outdoor recreation is a vital driver of the U.S. economy, contributing 2.3% of GDP and generating $1.2 trillion in gross economic output in 2023. 

“OIA and its members are thrilled to see Congress elevate recreation as an infrastructure priority through the EDA for the first time. This funding will not only help Main Streets across the country better connect with recreation assets but also enable communities to build infrastructure that enhances residents’ quality of life,” said Kent Ebersole, President of Outdoor Industry Association. “We thank Senators Bennet and Schumer for championing this win-win approach—helping grow local businesses while improving people’s access to the outdoors. This is exactly the kind of forward-thinking support rural America needs right now.” 

The EDA will help the outdoor industry thrive by funding projects that expand recreation infrastructure, improve access to public lands, and support rural communities that depend on outdoor tourism. Previously, the EDA has invested in trail development and park restoration projects that attract visitors, create jobs, and enhance local economies. 

We extend our gratitude to Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works Chair Thomas Carper (D-DE) and Ranking Member Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), as well as House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Chair Sam Graves (R-MO) and Ranking Member Rick Larsen (D-WA), for their leadership. OIA looks forward to continuing its work with Congress to advance policies that protect public access, improve and expand recreation infrastructure, create jobs, and drive sustainability and innovation. 

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.